Antioch Burns by Daniel Ottalini

saying, praefectus , that the governor has already tried to place a new general in command of the legion?” Regillus nodded, sensing an opportunity.
    “What does it matter, Councilman Ioannes? As long as the gold continues to flow through our ports, why does it matter who is in charge of the legion?” the governor retorted brusquely.
    “It matters because I would rather be alive to count my gold than buried with it!” Ioannes shouted back, several other members of the council raising their voices in support.
    “I move to confirm Marius Quinctius Regillus promotion to legate general of the Syrian IV, and be charged with the defense of the city.”
    “Seconded!”
    “All those in favor?” Two, three, four, five hands raised on the council.
    “Those opposed?” Three hands shot into the air.
    “You cannot do this! I am the governor!” Leftaro interrupted indignantly, his face turning blotchy. “My word is law!”
    “No, your lordship, it is law as recommended and approved by the council . And the council has approved this by a majority vote. Besides, your honor, do you really think you control anything outside this room at this moment? The Syrian and civic legions hold the city, while the Mongols surround us. No one will answer your orders, and you don’t have the muscle to back up your demands. Take this gracefully and flee the city.”
    The governor stood angrily.
    “Guards!”
    Regillus finally interceded.
    “No guards will be necessary. I have requisitioned them all. By now every guard outside of this room is on their way to the walls to assist in defending the citizens of Antioch. We would welcome the help of any of your personal guards. Both legions need all the manpower they can get.”
    “I will be the first to volunteer my personal bucerelli , my bodyguards,” Ioannes stated, jotting down a note to his servant, who raced out of the chamber.
    The governor laughed at him.
    “I never thought you for an honorable man, Ioannes. I figured you and your cowardly merchant friends would be the first to turn tail.”
    “Actually, Octavian, you are the one I thought would flee first. You always were one to hide behind your friends in a fight.” The governor slammed back his chair and stood.
    “You will regret saying that.”
    Ioannes smiled at him.
    “No, I will not. You are too cowardly to attack me directly, and anything you could do will not beat the Mongols to the punch. Leave here, my lord .” He filled the last word with scorn.
    The governor glowered angrily, mouth opening and closing like a dying fish.
    “Kretarus!” the governor ordered, cocking his finger as though summoning a dog. The air admiral slunk after him, studiously avoiding looking at the new legate general.
    With the departure of the governor, almost three fourths of the courtiers left as well, scrambling out of the main doors or down side passages. Many of the remained had the grizzled look of veteran soldiers. The rest were young and eager looking, as though relishing the fighting to come.
    “Very well, Legate General Regillus. What do you need from us?”

Day Four: Unto the Breach
    The pounding booms ceaselessly assaulted Regillus’ ears. It seems the Mongols have learned something in the last few years, besides those anti-airship missiles . The squat tubes of metal sat beyond bowshot, even beyond range of their strongest repeaters and scorpions, and threw balls of heavy metal or rock into the curtain wall. The few remaining Roman engineers were desperately studying the Mongol weapons from afar, but were unable to learn much. The Mongols had hidden each weapon behind wicker screens to confuddle their Roman opponents.
    I suppose we could sally against them, but we would be cut to pieces by that massed archery of theirs before we could even get within range . Another blast sent a shower of shattered masonry into the air about a hundred feet away. Regillus involuntarily ducked. He cursed.
    “Are you sure we do not have anything that