Free The Dragon's Banner by Jay Allan Page B

guards back to their
camp. Orestes was good to his word at least, for they were brought
a midday meal and mules laden with provisions for the trail.
    They ate sparingly and in silence, dispirited
as they were by the reception they had received. The afternoon they
spent readying themselves to depart the next day, and in the
evening more food was brought, and they supped together before
retiring early. Uther was roused from dark dreams by a hand on his
shoulder, and he leapt off the bed and reached for his sword. In
the flickering torchlight he saw Antonius Arquellus and the man
he'd seen arguing with Orestes.
    "Fear not, Uther." Arquellus spoke softly.
"We are not assassins come in the dark, though indeed such men were
sent to your camp this very night by Orestes. My men have slain
your intended murderers and are now guarding your tents. Lord
Odoacer has come and would speak with you."
    The smaller man moved forward and nodded to
Uther. "Lord Pendragon, it is my honor to bid you welcome. As
Arquellus has said, my name is Odoacer. I am gratified that my men
were able to put an end to the insidious plot against you and your
party. Orestes is a usurper who deposed the emperor to instill his
own son on the throne. He has brought the army to the edge of
rebellion, and that cannot be allowed. This unhappy empire stands
now on the precipice of cataclysm, for another decade of civil war
and man shall lose the light of civilization, as your own wounded
land has already in great part. For tell me true, that the great
Roman cities of Britannia stand as abandoned ruins and the all the
lands are ruled by warlords and petty kings who war with each other
while pestilence ravages all."
    Odoacer looked up briefly as Leodegrance
entered the tent. "Welcome Leodegrance, prince of Cameliard.
Greetings and good health to you.” He paused, moving his eyes
between Leodegrance and Uther. “My lords, Orestes shall not live to
the morrow, and I shall assume command of the army. I pray thee
forget Orestes and his anger, for though a Roman citizen, he joined
the Hunnish king of kings many years ago and sought power at the
side of an invader. He is bitter and without wisdom."
    As he spoke, Odoacer glanced back and forth
between Uther and Leodegrance, not wanting to show disrespect to
either. "I will treat with you after the deed is done, for though
we have no strength to offer Britannia, I would share words with
you before you depart, and if you will indulge me, perhaps ask your
help."
    With that, Odoacer took his leave with
Arquellus following, for it was to be a busy night for them.
Arquellus was true to his word, and fifty of his warriors guarded
the camp of the Britons. Uther and Leodegrance sat up, speaking
softly in Uther's tent, for it was in neither of their natures to
rest while great matters were decided. But this was not their land,
and they did as they were bidden. They guessed it was just after
midnight when they heard the sounds of fighting within the main
camp, which lasted but a few moments and was done.
    At dawn they were called to come to the main
camp, and they broke their fast with Odoacer and Arquellus at a
long table erected in front of Orestes tent. As he bade them take
their seats, Odoacer spoke. "The usurper, Orestes, is dead, slain
as he attempted to flee. I command the army now."
    They spoke as they ate. "Please accept our
regards, Lord Odoacer, and our wishes that your future be filled
with glorious victories." Uther’s voice was genuine, for Orestes
had proven himself a deceiver and assassin, and Odoacer had treated
openly and honestly with them.
    Odoacer looked up at Uther. "Thank you, Lord
Pendragon. I would speak with you, for though I have no strength to
spare I would offer you counsel if you will accept it." Uther
nodded silently.
    Odoacer looked at Leodegrance, then at Uther.
"I have seen the empire in the west descend to the brink of
savagery. Many years has it been since any but usurpers and thieves
donned the purple.