The Antonine Romans and The Gladiators

By Andrew Boyce

A Gladiator Fight at the Trimontium Amphitheatre, Scottish Borders, holds the fate of Tribune Lacitus and his family. His brother - Centurion Antallius has his own battles to overcome with the attack on Balmuildy Fort. The exciting fifth Novella in The Antonine Romans Series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrew Boyce
• Release date: Jan 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005257569

Andrew Boyce

Growing up in the Glasgow area of West Central Scotland, the remains of the Roman Antonine Wall were around me. I would see unusual ditches, man-made hills and stretches of straight roads, even the remains of a Roman bathhouse. All harked back to a time when the Romans came to Scotland.In museums such as Glasgow's Hunterian Museum, I would see Roman coins discovered near where I lived, models of Roman life and stone carved distance slabs. Reading great Roman Fiction Authors such as Harry Sidebottom, Simon Scarrow, Ben Kane and Anthony Riches, to name but a few, I hoped one day to write my own humble offerings and thankfully, I have.I write The Antonine Romans Novellas and as well as publishing them individually, I group three each together as compilations, in The Antonine Series. All Novellas and Compilations are available as Ebooks and Paperbacks.Thank you very much for reading/ buying my work, which I very much hope you enjoy, in which case please leave a nice review! Best wishes, Andrew Boyce.

Book preview

A Gladiator Fight at the Trimontium Amphitheatre, Scottish Borders, holds the fate of Tribune Lacitus and his family. His brother - Centurion Antallius has his own battles to overcome with the attack on Balmuildy Fort. The exciting fifth Novella in The Antonine Romans Series. All the Novellas are standalone.

The Antonine Romans and The Gladiators

By

Andrew Boyce

To my family

The Antonine Romans and The Gladiators

By

Andrew Boyce

Chapter 1.

Centurion Antallius put on his sword belt and took a few deep breaths. Balmuildy Roman Fort was under attack and this may be his last moments of calm before stepping out of his quarters, to the scene outside.

After a final deep breath, Antallius opened the door and stepped out. The cold and dark contrasted with the warmth and light from the buildings on fire from the fire arrows of the attackers. But this was no time to think of contrasts, thought Andronicus.

Are the front gates and ramparts holding, Optio Scrivinus?

Yes, Sir! It appears they are here in large numbers. By all accounts, this is a serious attack. Their fire arrows are causing widespread damage and our front gates and ramparts are in danger.

Very well, Optio. Let's make our way to the front. Antallius wanted to exude an air of calm and control. The last thing the men would want to see was a young officer frantically running around out of his depth. Even in the midst of battle, the men would have an eye on him, looking for orders, structure and support.

Truth was, however that Centurion Antallius was stepping largely into the unknown and he needed now, more than anything else in his life, the experience of his older Optio Scrivinus and the men. Passing by the hospital building, Antallius noted that it was on fire.

Are the doctor and patient accounted for, Optio?

Optio Scrivinus thought for a moment. No. They have not been seen.

Antallius stopped one of the soldiers who were carrying water buckets to the front. One moment, soldier. I require these two water buckets.

Yes, Sir! The soldier put down the two buckets, saluted and started his run back to the river to receive more buckets.

Antallius turned to Scrivinus. I am going in. If I do not survive, make sure you protect the front gates and ramparts.

But..

That's an order, Scrivinus.

Antallius tipped the water over himself and went through the doorway. The building was thick with smoke and he tried to cover his mouth with his cloak as he moved through the building. Reaching the room,