Summary

The next war is a battle for life or death. The entire frontier had gone up in flames. The Scots had broken through and sent the British back. There is a fear that Ambrosius’s kingdom will be cut in two. Ambrosius has summoned all the forces that he could. Flavian wants to fight the Saxons; he will be fifteen – fighting age – next month and wants to ride in Artos’s wing. But Aquila refuses to grant him permission. He will march in Aquila’s squadron instead.

Just before dawn, there is movement in the Saxon camp. Aquila observes the gathering enemy. He turns to look at Flavian who avoids eye contact. A Saxon warhorn blast is followed by the bright notes of Roman trumpets. Though they are outnumbered, the enemy consists mainly of foot soldiers as opposed to their great cavalry. Arrows...