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The ride to Tomis had been a frantic one. Delgado had managed to stop long enough to have his wound looked at, grab a canteen, a loaf of bread and some cheese, before he swung into the saddle, riding hard for town.  The road seemed strangely empty of marching soldiers and it took him some time to remember that his unit had been deployed as scouts, the Byzantine high command had no idea how close the Romans were.

He had galloped hard through the countryside, the sun warm on his face as he cut through fields and even streams to shorten the distance. Twice he had been challenged by Provosts who ranged about the roadway looking for deserters or looters. In both cases they had stopped him long enough to stare at his blood stained uniform and listen to a story that grew shorter with each telling before waving him on his way. As he passed out of sight they had turned to look worriedly to the north as if expecting to see Roman troops swarming over the countryside at any moment.

Delgado had clattered into Tomis exhausted beyond reason. Both his horses were lathered with sweat and once the adrenaline had worn off, he could feel the aches and pains throughout his body. The wound on his arm was aching fiercely and he could feel the muscles in his back screaming from the jarring motion of the saddle. He was to tired to ride properly and his body was making him regret it.

He had been forced to stop once he reached the town to dunk his head in a cold fountain to bring some awareness back. The cool water had felt glorious and he had drank it down as greedily as his mount, the two side by side. The townsfolk had recoiled at the site of the blood on the two and hurried past. Delgado caught sight of his reflection in a window and couldn’t help but stare in shock. The young happy face was blackened with powder smoke, his uniform was torn and bloodied, and blood had coated the neck of his horse. He looked more like a grizzled veteran now than a recruit.

The more exhausted of his mounts he left with the garrison stables, along with the promissory note that proved he had taken enemy mounts and should be paid out for them. Cavalry mounts did not come cheaply and the Emperor was always glad to pay his men for captured enemy horses.

He swung into the saddle and rode out of the stable just in time to see Karras trot into the square on his big dark-grey horse. He steered his own mount toward him and threw a quick salute.

“Sir. Trooper Delgado reporting.” Delgado blinked slowly, the picture of exhaustion. He was cradling his injured arm without even noticing. “With the Cornet’s compliments, my patrol encountered a combined force of Roman Lancers and Infantry. I am the only survivor of my squad, sir. Cornet advises we will need reinforcements to hold the bridge.”