Free The Dragon's Banner by Jay Allan Page A

and
better made.
    The shorter man spoke with Orestes, and
though Uther was too far away to hear what was said, it was clear
the discussion was heated. Finally, the standing man calmed
somewhat, as if Orestes had said something to sooth his concerns.
He pressed his arm across his chest and then extended it in a Roman
salute before he strode away.
    He walked right past Uther, and the two
exchanged intense stares. As he looked into the stranger's eyes,
Uther could feel the man was trying to communicate something to
him. There was more to the goings on in this camp than what was
apparent at first glance. Uther's pondering was cut short, however,
for they were bade to approach Orestes and state their
business.
    The great commander looked angry, though
whether that was directed at them or a remnant of the
just-concluded argument they knew not. They approached slowly and
stood before Orestes.
    "Greetings to you, Uther Pendragon.” The
Roman commander spoke in sharp, clipped tones. "And to you
Leodegrance. Long have you journeyed, and therefore bitter shall be
that which I must say to you, for you have come all this way for
naught. Britannia, so many leagues distant, is of little concern to
the empire. It has been a life of man since that land saw the
imperial banners fly over its ancient strongholds and crumbing
cities. I have given you an audience because you have come so far,
but you shall not travel the road to Ravenna, for the emperor has
scant interest as to the disposition of Britannia. Go then, and may
God watch over you on your long journey home."
    Uther was silent, for he had hoped, at least,
that they would be given leave to present their case to the
emperor. He looked briefly at Leodegrance and then back at their
host. "Lord Orestes, I pray thee at least to hear our entreaties,
for you may find that we offer strength as much as need. For
Britannia, if united, could field a mighty force and return all of
Gaul to the imperial fold. My house has served the empire in past
generations, and may do so..."
    Orestes interrupted Uther. "Ah yes, Uther
Pendragon. Speak you of your grandsire, weakling who lost the
throne, or your father, who fought so bravely in the imperial ranks
at Chalons? Yes, Arquellus has told me all. I know of your lineage.
Know you that I too fought at Chalons? Indeed, at the side of the
great king of kings I battled all that long and bloody day. And
what deed was truly done that day? For Valentinian was a weak and
feckless emperor, while Attila was strong like the iron of the
Earth. Had not your confederation of enemies joined together for
one day, Attila would have marched to Italia and wed the princess
Honoria, for she had consented to the marriage, and indeed she
besought Attila's succor that he march to Ravenna and rescue her.
See you not the strength such an emperor would have brought,
instead of the weak parade of fools that followed? For Aetius was
the only man of strength left to Rome, and his sovereign rewarded
victory with treachery and murder. So seek not to impress me, Lord
Pendragon, with the exploits of your father, for it shall avail you
but little."
    Uther and Leodegrance were silent, for it was
clear they had no friend in Orestes and could expect no help. These
were bitter words after so many arduous travels, and they were
greatly grieved. Uther felt his anger rising at the insults, but
this was neither the time nor place for that.
    Orestes looked upon them silently for a
moment. "Though we are not allies, I am not so uncouth as to refuse
hospitality to tired travelers. Go back to your camp, for you shall
be fed and re-provisioned for your trip home. On the morrow, my men
shall give you escort back north so that you might make the passes
while the weather is fair. Good bye to you, Uther Pendragon, and to
you Leodegrance. Fair thee well."
    With that Orestes turned and began to speak
to one of the men to his side. Uther and Leodegrance knew they had
been dismissed, and they turned to follow the