A Roman Odyssey

Chapter 8 – Under Attack

As a result of the previous night’s activities it was with some trepidation that Adam left with Albius and their escort next morning on the return leg of their journey.  Needless to say the troops were watchful and on edge but Adam suspected that they were also hoping something might happen so they could get their own back on the enemy warriors.  They had just past the tower at Blackhill and were approaching the boat bridge over the Isla when the attack occurred. 

The Celts had been hiding in the undergrowth at the side of the forest to the north of the bridge and the first they knew of them was a flight of spears falling among the party.  Adam saw at least two of the escort go down with spears in them.  He stood transfixed not knowing what to do when Albius shouted and brought his heels into his pony’s flank it jumped ahead and his pack pony followed dragging Adam behind it with the leading rein.  He was dragged over and hit the ground face-first and let the rein go. 

Adam was dazed by the fall and by the time he recovered his wits Albius and the ponies were over the bridge and away heading for the fort at Cargill to raise help.  Adam raised himself onto his knees just in time to see the main group of tribesmen fling themselves at the escort who had drawn themselves into a defensive circle with their shields linked together. 

This was fine for them Adam thought but here he was stuck midway between the bridge and the escort with some of his ancestors already between the bridge and himself.  “Don’t panic!” he thought.  They won’t harm an unarmed civilian!  Perhaps he should give them the sign of peace and shout “How!” he thought.  Looking at their fierce expressions and long broad-bladed swords they were swinging about Adam somehow thought that they might not feel inclined to wait for any explanations he might give.  Even now Adam felt he had left it too late as one of their number came haring towards him.  Adam was like a rabbit caught in the headlights he just knelt there saying his prayers and hoping for salvation but he could hear that the escort behind him were fully engaged in saving their lives and the man heading for Adam did not look friendly. 

As the warrior drew closer and raised his sword to strike Adam’s flight or fight mechanism automatically kicked in and he threw a handful of soil into the man's face and broke to the right heading for the river.  The man gave a scream of rage and Adam could soon hear sounds of pursuit without looking back he raced thought the low bushes feeling them tearing his tunic and his legs but now was not the time to think about that he thought.  “I must survive!” he thought dodging and weaving through the bushes. It sounded as if his assailant was catching up with him.  Adam’s breath was coming in rasps now and his legs were screaming out in cramp but he kept pounding away.  The warrior was definitely getting closer!  Suddenly Adam broke through the bushes and found himself treading on thin air before falling cartoon like into the river or rivers he should say for he had hit the bank at the junction between the two.