Byzantium Infected Box Set

by James Mullins

  Constan began crying, “My fair Amata had stayed true to me those eight years! Nias told me that she had continued to stay true to me for several more. She waited for me for three more years in the hopes that I would return to her. Finally, after her mother passed, she left Constantinople, her hopes dashed. Nias did not know where she was going specifically, just east. Because I did not trust, and because I did not pay attention to what I was seeing, I lost my beloved Amata.”

  Athos and the rest of the Kentarchia stood in silence pondering Constan’s story. The moon climbed higher into the sky and lost its red tinge. The silvery light shone down onto the hill. Off to their left, they could see the light glittering off the waters of the Jordan River. The moonlight also revealed the outline of the Imperial Tagmata off in the distance in front of them. The sound of the distant fighting drowned out the normal sounds of the night.

  Athos was jerked out of his quiet contemplation by a scream coming from behind him. Turning, he saw two creatures had wandered up on their left flank and were trying to bite two soldiers. They were both struggling to keep the dead at bay without the benefit of weapon or shield. Both soldiers were gripping the shoulders of the creatures, trying to hold them back while the undead were trying to get their arms around the soldiers and pull them close so that they could bite them.

  Athos and Baltazar broke formation and ran to their beleaguered comrade’s aid. Other soldiers tried to help. They were pulling on the interlopers and trying to smash the creatures with their helmets or rocks but to no avail. Athos yelled to the would-be rescuers, “Stand away.” The creature, focused on biting the man in front of him, was completely oblivious to the danger Athos represented. Athos drew his blade and shoved the point of his Spatha into the back of the creature’s skull, and it flopped to the ground.

  Baltazar tried a similar tactic but wasn’t as lucky. His creature whirled around and lunged under his Spatha thrust. The man grabbed his arms and tried to sink its teeth into his throat. Athos, seeing the danger, swung his Spatha in a wide arc aimed at the thing’s neck. The Spatha easily cleaved through the neck sending the head up in the air. A purple spray erupted from the creature’s body where the head had been attached to the neck. The head began its decent, jaws still trying to clamp onto Baltazar as it fell to the ground. The head struck the ground and came to rest by Jirair’s right foot. Jirair brought his foot down onto the head and smashed it. Purple sludge and brain matter covered his sandaled foot.

  Nikas walked up to the group, kneeled down, and began examining the corpses. “Something is not right about these two. Take a look at their clothing. The bastards we have been killing all day wore either the flowing robes common amongst Arabs, or Palestinia Provincial affair made from local materials. These two are wearing a thin robe and broad-brimmed hats with several fishing hooks embedded in the material for safe keeping.”

  Nikas pointed to the headless body. “Look at that necklace on his neck. Those are fish teeth being held together by a string. Remember as we marched past the Sea of Galilee? There fishermen dress as these men. There aren’t just creatures in front of us fighting the Imperial Tagmata. There are creatures behind us now as well!”

  Athos and Baltazar both had a sinking feeling in their stomachs as they realized the gravity of Nikas’ words. Athos, wanting to confirm his fear, spoke his thoughts out loud. “If there are creatures behind us and in front of us, we are basically surrounded. The creatures that destroyed our Thema, and even now fight the Imperial Tagmata, are far from the only undead out there. Some of them had to have slipped by us and bit these fishermen.”

  “Correct,” replied Nikas. “It’s good to see you figuring out how to use your head Athos.”

  Athos blurted out, “We need to get back to Damascus!”

  Nikas put a hand on Athos’ shoulder and looked into his eyes. “Yes, we do, but first we must do our duty here.” They heard the sounds of several wagons rolling over the stony landscape and turned toward the noise. Nikas exclaimed, “God be praised, weapons and shields! Arm up you louts, it’s time we got back into the fight!”

  The men of the 2nd Kentarchia responded in unison, “Yes Sir!”

  The first driver brought his wagon to a halt, looked down at Nikas, and broke into a smile. Several of his teeth were missing, and it was obvious that his nose had been broken at least a half dozen times. “Sir, I have weapons and shields for the 5th Parthica is that you?”

  “Yes, indeed friend, I’m Nikas the lone surviving Kentarches.”

  “You’ve lost nearly your entire Tourma?” The man said in shock.

  “Yes, nearly the whole of the Syrian Thema has fallen on this field. My men still have some fight left in them, so if we can get to work re-arming, we can get back into the fight,” Nikas replied.

  “Aye, sir! Peter is my name, but my mates just call me Iron Nose.”

  “Well-met Iron Nose.” Nikas turned to the 5th Parthica. “Take what you need men. Make sure everyone has a shield and at least one weapon.” The men of the 5th Parthica gathered around the wagons and began handing weapons and shields to those behind them. In a very short time, everyone had at least one weapon and a shield.

  Nikas bellowed, “Form up you bastards! You louts were just too hard headed to die with the rest of Syria today. That bastard among bastards, Satan, sent his foul smelling and pox-ridden minions to end you but you are still here! Even if his minions end you, let’s make that demonic fucker tremble when he hears the shout of each and every Ironman coming to stick his ass personally in that foul pit he calls home! 5th Parthica Forward!” The men of the 5th Parthica let out a tremendous whoop and began marching forward.

  They marched for about a third of a mile before Nikas called a halt. In front of them was the command group of the Imperial Tagmata. General Vahan was surrounded by several officers, all were on horseback. Off to the right, Droungarios Simon’s Kataphractoi mounted on their horses stood in formation waiting patiently for a call to action. Riders, on horseback, continuously thundered up to the General giving situation reports for their sections of the line. Nikas had brought them up close enough that Athos could actually hear the exchanges between the General, his staff, and the riders giving reports.

  Nikas walked up to the command group and waited patiently to be recognized and given a chance to speak. Finally, in a moment between riders giving situation reports, a member of the General’s staff drew the General’s attention to Nikas. With a sharp salute, Nikas began speaking. “Sir, the 5th Parthica is reporting for orders.”

  General Vahan returned the salute, “Very good. What is your fighting strength?”

  “Sir, we have eighty effectives remaining.”

  General Vahan sighed in dismay, “So few…”

  “Yes sir, if not for the gallantry of Droungarios Simon and his Kataphractoi the 5th Parthica would be no more,” replied Nikas.

  “I saw your predicament and ordered Droungarios Simon to intervene. Such gallantry and resolve should not have been allowed to fall on this day. Kentarches what is your name?”

  “Nikas, sir.”

  “Very good Kentarches Nikas. At present, there remain about twenty thousand effectives of the Imperial Tagmata. We redeployed to the top of this hill to give ourselves a height advantage over the enemy. As the creatures tried to move around our edges and flank us, I have extended the line by thinning the ranks.”

  General Vahan took a deep breath and continued speaking, “At present, we are slowly withdrawing in the face of the enemy. This prevents them from using the bodies of fallen creatures as cliffs from which to hurl themselves into our rear ranks,” The General paused.

  “Sensible sir, a fighting withdrawal was the only way we kept ourselves alive down in the valley this afternoon.”

  “Indeed, your tactics were observed and quickly duplicated by the Tagmata.”

  “General, one thing you should be aware of. While waiting to be rearmed, we were attacked by two of the creatures from our left flank.”

/>   “Perhaps a few strays from the horde in front of us?”

  “Alas, I wish it were so, but no. They were dressed in the garb of Galilean Fishermen.”

  A momentary look of shock flashed across the General’s face before he was able to regain his composure, “This changes things. Somehow they have gotten behind us.”

  “Yes sir,” replied Nikas.

  “Maintain your present position Kentarches. For now, I need you in reserve.”

  “Yes, sir!” Nikas saluted General Vahan and returned to the 5th Parthica. Athos and the rest of the 5th Parthica stood in position as the rectangle the Imperial Tagmata had formed slowly backed up toward them. The sounds of the fighting grew louder. Athos was now able to pick out individual strikes and screams. For the next hour, mounted soldiers came and went giving the General constant status reports.

  Being in close proximity to the command group, Athos learned that the Imperial Tagmata was deployed in a rectangle formation. The long sides of the rectangle corresponded to the edges of the hill. Only at the narrow head of the rectangle were the Tagmata forced to fight the undead without the height advantage the hillside presented.

  The opposite side of the rectangle is where the command group, the Kataphractoi, and the remains of the 5th Parthica were currently standing. If one were to imagine looking down at a rectangle from above then the right side would be drawn across the hill, the two long sides would correspond to the edge of the hill, and the far left side would be open.

  Athos managed to overhear several of the reports despite the tremendous racket being created by the battle. The news was not good. It sounded like the line was close to breaking at the head of the rectangle. The sides of the rectangle were having an easier time of it as the creatures had to come at them uphill from below.

  From the head of the rectangle, the creatures approached them already on the hilltop. As a result, just like in the valley where the 5th Parthica had fought, without the height advantage afforded by the side of the hill, the creatures were much harder to deal with. Athos sensed that they would be called into action soon.

  As the moon reached its zenith and began to descend the 5th Parthica was forced to dispatch a few of the undead that had come up behind them. “I wonder how the creatures know we are here,” Athos asked to no one in particular.

  “I have no idea,” replied Baltazar.

  “Sound travels far at night lads. Even though these creatures seem to be the result of some horrible affliction, or just down right dead, they still have possession of their senses,” Constan said.

  Nikas joined the conversation, “An interesting observation Constan. That would explain why the creatures all seem to be attracted to this spot. If they are drawn by sound, then the noise of the battle must be drawing them from twenty to thirty miles away. Especially from atop this hill at night when sound travels further. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they could hear this racket in Caesarea on the coast.”

  Athos gasped in horror as realization struck him, “So that means that every creature within a thirty-mile radius is heading toward us?”

  Nikas placed his hand on Athos’ shoulder, “Yes that is exactly what it means Athos. I am really proud of you today. To be frank, when I first met you, I thought you were nothing but an idiot kid that couldn’t be bothered with his one task in life, learning to be a soldier of the Empire. I was wrong. The way you fought today was very impressive. You fought with equal measures of courage and respect for the enemy. You were aware of your surroundings and reacted accordingly. You and Baltazar fought, as shield mates should fight, as one. You have made me proud to be your commander on this most horrible of days.”

  Athos snapped to attention and saluted Nikas, "Thank you, sir!”

  Nikas returned the salute crisply despite the fatigue in his eyes, “At ease Athos. Carry on gentlemen I fear our rest will be coming to an end soon.”

  Athos and the others stood in loose formation awaiting the inevitable call. Several more minutes passed as everyone tried to fend off the nervousness. Some were more successful than others. Athos observed Constan’s relaxed stance and serene expression, a look of awe on his face, and asked, “How do you remain so calm in the face of so much fighting?”

  “Lad, I have cheated death many times. Whilst I do enjoy life on this earth and drinking until I am so drunk there be at least three of ye in front of me, not just the single ugly lad I gaze upon now, I realize I am living on borrowed time. Eight times I should have been slain. Many of those times I suffered grievous injury but survived. I’m standing here in front of ye because the Good Lord has decided that my time has not yet come. Will I live another five minutes? Ten? I do not know, but I am at peace knowing each breath could be my last. I’ve had a good span. If I leave this earth today, I’m content to do so. You need to tell yourself you are already dead. If you survive until retirement, then you are alive once more.”

  Constan meant to continue, but the commotion in front of them diverted his attention. What seemed like the thousandth rider since they had been standing there approached the command staff. This one looked different. The look of desperation on his face betrayed a great tragedy that has unfolded.

  The rider drew up hard on his horse’s reins in front of the officers. His horse reared up in response and then settled back down to the earth. He forgot to give his salute, but instead just blurted it out. “General, the head of the rectangle has been breached! The creatures are engulfing the two sides. We need help now, or all is lost!”

  General Vahan turned in the direction of the Kataphractoi and yelled, “Droungarios Simon!”

  Droungarios Simon trotted over to the General, he was mounted on his horse, “Yes sir?”

  “I need you to form up your Kataphractoi and charge right down the middle of our rectangle. You need to push the creatures out so that we can reform the head of the rectangle. Do not stop as it will be certain death amongst the dead. Keep charging until you clear the bastards then circle back around them and report to me for further orders.”

  Droungarios Simon saluted and shouted, “Yes sir!”

  Simon galloped over to his men and gave the order. Within seconds they were trotting into formation. Once they formed up and stretched out across the interior width of the rectangle Droungarios Simon screamed, “Charge!” As one the three hundred Kataphractoi galloped forward at the order and quickly disappeared from sight.

  Chapter 20

  Early Morning, August 10th 636 Yarmouk Valley, Palestinia Province, Byzantium

  Once more unto the breach.

  General Vahan turned in his saddle and looked back at Nikas. “Kentarches. I need you to march your men forward at the double and re-establish the head of the rectangle. If you fail to reform this line, our entire army will be rolled up and surrounded by the creatures. Do you understand your orders?”

  Nikas took a deep breath and responded, “Yes sir!”

  “Good, see to it,” directed the General.

  Nikas turned and faced his men. “5th Parthica forward at the double!” Athos, Baltazar, Constan, and the rest of the 5th Parthica began trotting in formation. The lane was laid out clearly in front of them. To either side, Imperial Tagmata fought the undead. Athos, noticing that they looked close to complete exhaustion said, “No wonder the head of the rectangle fell. These fellows look like they are going to fall asleep where they stand and they’ve had an easier time of it than the men that broke.”

  Nikas bellowed, “Athos save your breath for running!” As they passed unit after unit, many of them began to breathe heavily due to the extra weight of their gear. Athos now understood why they had to do so much running to prepare for war. They began to see more fallen soldiers and crushed bodies oozing purple ichor as they moved forward.

  They tried to steel themselves as best they could against the horrors they were treading upon. It took great mental fortitude to simply keep moving forward knowing what lay in wait for them. Their sandals drove the remains of the many cre
atures, felled by the Kataphractoi, into ground made muddy from blood and ichor.

  When they reached the edge of the line, Nikas screamed, “Halt! Fill in the line and then hold it!” Athos looked out in front of him in pure amazement. The top of the hill was covered in the smashed remains of creatures. Some, their head’s still intact, struggled to crawl toward them.

  Athos asked, “The Kataphractoi did this?”

  Constan nodded, “Aye lad. Charging heavy cavalry is a terror to behold. Especially if you are on the receiving end.”

  Athos remembered what it felt like when the Kataphractoi were charging them, the fear he felt as the ground itself shook from the pounding hooves, and the feeling of complete dread when you looked upon a single rider and knew that his lance was aimed at your head. Athos shivered at the thought, I’m sure glad they are on our side.

  Athos stood silently for a span of heartbeats and looked out at the scene before him. The continuing fighting of the Imperial Tagmata against the undead created such a racket that he could not hear sounds from the enemy before him. Slowly at first, and then in larger numbers, they emerged from the darkness. They seemed to be drawn to the noise of the fighting. “How many of these creatures are there?” He asked to no one in particular.

  Nikas answered the question, “From what we have seen when they bite someone that person dies and rises as one of them. It has to be death because I have seen many of these things with wounds beyond belief still functioning. If this phenomenon has swept through Palestinia, we could be facing everyone.”

  “What do you mean by everyone?” asked Baltazar.

  “The entire population of the Palestinia province in addition to however many wandered out of the Arabian Desert,” replied Nikas.