CHAPTER 50

CHAPTER 50

Anthony watched the lone horse disappear into the rocks. He was almost sure Mikelle, whose back was face that direction, hadn’t noticed. Anthony knew he should have mentioned the incident, but something held him back.

“Divide the men,” Mikelle ordered, once they were back in camp. “We will ride in two different directions and surround the rebel army.”

“They’ll have sentries posted in the rocks.”

“They won’t by the time we get ready to ride.”Anthony grinned. “I know just the man to pick them off.”

Mikelle nodded. “Take care of it. I’ve got some unfinished business to attend.”

Mikelle rode off in the direction he had just come, leaving Anthony to wonder if he’d seen the two-rider horse after all.


Nicadea was awake by the time they reached the outskirts of the rebel camp. She looked around in wonder. Twenty to thirty tents covered the grassy plain—although a good many people were bedded down on the open ground. Smoke rose from dozens of fires dotting the landscape.“Aren’t they afraid the Romans will see the smoke?”

Evian pulled back on the reins, slowing the animal down to a walk. “I think that’s the idea. They want to wage battle here in their stronghold in the shadow of the mountain. The rebels have men stationed throughout the hillside armed with spears and swords. Once the Romans are below the mountain, engaged in battle, the rebels will start picking them off.”

By now their arrival had been noticed and was causing a small stir. Nicadea shrunk back as several people stood to let them pass.“Where are the warriors?” she asked, staring over the rag-tail group. Their clothing was worn and tattered, providing a sharp contrast to the well-groomed Romans. Some wore blue paint over their faces. She was surprised to see that the women outnumbered the men.Evian stopped the horse as a group of people approached, led by a tall woman carrying a torch.

“Welcome. You have come to join us?”

Nicadea described what had happened to her village, leaving out her encounter in the cave. The rebels were sympathetic, assuring her she would be safe with them. She took the knife they offered, twisting and turning it in her hand. “I don’t know if I will be much help. I’ve never used a knife for fighting.”

Evian closed his hand over hers. “I will work with you. There are several simple moves I can show you.”

Her face mirrored her doubt. “When I talked about joining the rebels, I didn’t consider having to kill someone. I mean, I wanted to fight, I just didn’t think it through.”

“It’s not easy to kill another man, but you will be a fine fighter. You will fight to protect yourself.”

She nodded as he raised her hand to show her the first move.

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