Byzantium Infected Box Set

by James Mullins

  Those of you who haven’t done so well up to this point, take heart. Your ability to wield these weapons will weigh heavily in my consideration for your promotion, so you may yet make the cut. In addition, I am looking for other behaviors that I will not reveal to you as I want to see them come out of you naturally.”

  Athos then went on to explain the proper way to hold a Spatha, “You must grasp the hilt like you are shaking a man’s hand. The cross guard should be pointed up at the sky and the ground.”

  Both Athos and Damon walked through and helped the men hold the Spatha correctly. When he was satisfied that everyone was holding the Spathas correctly, he spoke again, “Now, when I tell you to go to your posts, you will swing your Spatha at it like this.”

  Athos delivered a perfect sideways chop. As his Spatha impacted the pole, a small chunk of wood went flying. He yanked the blade free, “Now watch again. I shall swing it one more time from the other side.” This time Athos’ swing came from the left and struck the pole. Instead of knocking a chunk of the pole out, the blade stuck fast. He grinned and gave it a hard yank. The blade popped loose from the pole.

  “Now each of you pick a pole and start swinging. Myself and Dekanos Damon will be watching. When we are satisfied you can swing a blade without skewering yourself, we will take you into the next area and set you up for one on one combat. This is another area you will, unfortunately, have to grow up a little faster than I did. Now find a pole and kill it!”

  The men spread out, and each picked out their pole. They swung away at the pole as Athos and Damon walked amongst the men giving tips and showing them how to improve their swing with the Spatha. Athos took note of who the best performers were and also who were amongst the worse.

  Athos allowed this to continue for most of an hour before he finally called a halt, “Now, let’s see which one of you is the best.” Athos pointed to the fighting squares in the next training area, “Now line up, and I will assign you to a fighting square. Each square is numbered and equipped with wooden Spathas. Each man will take a Spatha and fight. The first man to touch his opponent with a Spatha scores a point. The first man to score three points wins. If you win, I want you to stand behind me. If you lose, go stand behind Damon.”

  Athos assigned each man a number one through forty-five. Those that cannot read the numbers on the fighting pits were assisted by Damon and the literate members of the Kentarchia. Once a pair of men enter a fighting pit, they begin their competition. Athos paid particular attention to Hadad as he faced off against Wayra. The older man, giving a good account of himself, scored the first point but the smaller Hadad was wearing him down. Hadad scored the next two points as Wayra’s breathing grew more and more labored.

  For the final point, Hadad began by immediately ducking low and swinging at Wayra’s knee. Wayra was surprised but wisely took a step back and blocked downward to foil Hadad’s attack. The two wooden swords met each other with a loud crack. Hadad immediately spun to his left as he began swinging his sword to the right. Surprised, Wayra started to turn and bring his sword up to block the unexpected move, but it was too late. With a loud Offh! Hadad’s sword struck Wayra in the back.

  Hadad said, “Great effort. You almost had me.”

  Wayra, between labored breaths, replied, “Thanks.”

  Athos took note of the fact that Wayra didn’t come close to being competitive on that last point and thought to himself, Interesting. He’s a good winner as well as a decent swordsman. Well, outstanding swordsman compared to most in this lot.

  Athos and Damon observed the fights as winners and losers were produced. Hadad won his next match three points to two. Another man Otis also defeated each of his opponents in turn and was finally matched up against Hadad.

  “You two men represent the finest swordsman in the 2nd Kentarchia; however, you are not the best. Whichever one of you wins this match will face me. If you can defeat me, then you can claim to be the best swordsman. You both already know the rules, but I am going to state them to make sure you both are clear on them. Each man starts on their line. When I say begin, you may attack each other. The first competitor to touch your opponent with your wooden Spatha wins the point. The first person to three points wins the match. Understood?”

  Otis and Hadad both snap to attention and yelled in unison, “Yes, sir!”

  “Excellent. Take your lines. Now begin!”

  Otis came right at Hadad with a sudden and unexpected thrust. Hadad brought his Spatha up just in time to deflect the blow. Hadad then tried to spin to his right. As he did so, Otis took a step back and slashed to his left. Hadad moved into striking position at the same time that Otis’ Spatha struck him in the arm.

  Athos yelled, “Point Otis! Return to your lines. Good, now begin!”

  This time Otis and Hadad slowly circled each other looking for an opening. Once again Otis saw an opportunity and attacked first. He tried to come in low and strike Hadad’s left knee. Instead of blocking the blow Hadad jumped into the air. Otis’ wooden blade passed just beneath his feet. Seeing his chance, Hadad brought his Spatha down on Otis’ exposed back. Hadad grinned as the blade moved through the air in a downward arc, sure to hit Otis’ undefended back. With incredible speed, Otis charged forward and grabbed Hadad’s feet, turned and pushed him straight into the ground.

  Hadad dropped his wooden Spatha as his chest impacted with the ground. He turned over and spotted his sword just as Otis’ lightly taped him between the eyes.

  “Very well played!”

  Otis ignored the compliment and returned to his line. Hadad frowned and then followed suit.

  As soon as they were set on their lines, Athos yelled, “Attack!”

  Otis, now over confident, charged forward with his blade extended in front of him. Hadad brought his Spatha up and blocked Otis’ thrust. Hadad then stepped to the side of Otis and delivered a kick to the back of his knees. This caused Otis to grimace and fall onto one knee. Taking advantage, Hadad tapped Otis on the top of the head.

  Athos yelled, “Point Hadad!”

  Hadad helped Otis back to his feet and said, “Nice moves, you almost had me.”

  Otis did not reply. This caused Hadad to frown deeply. When the two men reached their lines and took their fighting stances, Athos started the match again. The score was two points for Otis and one point for Hadad. The two opponents once again circled each other slowly looking for an opening. Both saw one at the same time, and their Spathas struck each other with a loud crack.

  Otis then began probing Hadad’s defenses in a rapid series of thrusts and swings. Each time Otis hit, Hadad’s blade was there to meet the attack. Otis then saw a large opening and swung his wooden Spatha as hard as he could at Hadad’s head, but Hadad had disappeared. Otis then felt a tap on his inner thigh and looked down. Hadad, laying on the ground, grinned up at him.

  “Well played Hadad! The score is now two to two. The next man to score a point wins the match. Take your lines,” Athos paused for a few moments waiting for the two men to get to their lines and settle into their fighting stance, “Now begin!”

  This time Hadad came out swinging at Otis with a quick succession of blows. Otis was driven back several steps as Hadad’s onslaught gave him no opportunity to counterattack. Finally seeing an opportunity, Otis blocked an attack, then jumped to his left and finally dove for Hadad’s right leg while swinging at it. Hadad saw the danger and brought his Spatha down to block the surprise attack. The two blades came together with a loud thwack.

  Hadad then leaped over Otis and whirled around in an attempt to strike his exposed back. Otis rolled over and blocked the blow. Before Hadad could get his legs out of the way, Otis’ blade hit just above his left ankle. Defeated, Hadad took a step back and bowed to his opponent.

  Otis replied to the courtesy by saying, “Remember who the best is.”

  Hadad scowled and said, “On this day that would be you. Tomorrow is another day, so do not bask in your glory for too long.”

 
Athos grinned, “Good work, Otis, but you still are not the best. If you want to claim that honor, you have to defeat me first.” Athos took Hadad’s wooden sword from him, “Take your line, Otis.”

  Looking nervous Otis took his line, “Ready, sir.”

  Without a word, Athos took three steps forward and thrust his Spatha straight at Otis’ head. Otis managed to get his Spatha up and block the blow. The two men struggled as they put all of their strength into their blades as they pressed up against each other. Athos then placed his right foot behind Otis’ left and pulled hard. Surprised, Otis lost his balance and fell backward onto his back. Athos loomed over him and tapped him on his forehead with his Spatha.

  Athos helped Otis back to his feet. Wordlessly Otis returned to his line and dropped into his fighting stance. Athos’ face betrayed his irritation at not being thanked for helping him up. The young Kentarches took his line and twirled his blade through a complicated set of maneuvers, grinned at Otis, and with his left hand motioned him to attack. With a scream, Otis charged Athos and attacked with an overhand thrust. A loud crack issued forth as Athos’ blade broke in half at the strength of Otis’ attack.

  Otis then swung his blade from left to right as Athos jumped back to narrowly avoid being struck. As Otis pulled his Spatha back for another hard strike, Athos leaped forward and tried to thrust the remains of his broken blade into Otis’ chest. Otis saw the danger and crouched down as Athos’ Spatha whistled by just above his head. From his crouching position, Otis swung his blade at Athos’ legs. Athos recovering from his own swing saw the attack and jumped up. Otis’ blade passed harmlessly underneath him.

  As Athos’ feet landed, he immediately flung himself on the ground and swept his right leg into Otis’ legs. The impact caused Otis to lose his balance and fall forward. Otis thrust his blade forward and struck Athos in the stomach just before he landed on top of Athos and was struck in turn by Athos’ blade.

  “Impressive improvisation Otis,” Athos turned to the rest of his men and said, “Learn from what Otis just did. Instead of moving to prevent injury from the fall he used the one second he had to kill his enemy. Remember if you are ever faced with a series of choices kill the enemy. Do not waste an opportunity which could go by in an instant of indecision. I guarantee you the enemy won’t make the same mistake.” Athos then grinned and asked, “Can I have someone’s blade?”

  Wayra stepped forward, “Here you are, sir.”

  “Thanks,” The two men returned to their lines and Athos said, “Begin.”

  Both men took a step forward and then began circling each other looking for potential openings. Athos gave Otis what appeared to be an opening on his left side. As Otis thrust his blade forward, Athos moved out of his reach and struck him in the left arm.

  “Always be aware of the possibility of deceit from your enemy. If an opening looks too good to be true, do not over commit to the attack. If the enemy is feinting this will open you up to a counterattack. Take your line.”

  The two men returned to their lines, and Athos said, “Match point Otis, begin.”

  Both men took a step forward and crouched low looking for an opening. Athos decided to see if Otis had learned his lesson and left a hole in his defenses. This time on his right side. At the same moment, Athos noticed an opening in Otis’ left side, as Otis focused on the vulnerability on Athos’ right side. Athos decided to strike first. As he swung his blade from right to left in an attempt to hit Otis’ left arm, Otis brought his blade quickly to his left and blocked Athos’ swing. The two blades came together with a loud crack.

  What followed was a dizzying array of swings, blocks, and thrusts, as the two men launched attack after attack on each other. The two men, unable to score a point backed up and took a moment to catch their breath. Before Otis could recover, Athos launched another series of attacks. This time Otis was pushed back and his reaction time to each subsequent attack grew worse as Athos’ superior endurance began to tell.

  Athos had many opportunities to score the final point but chose to slow up just enough so Otis could block his attacks. Otis’ arms became leaden with fatigue. Athos decided that Otis needed a lesson in humility, so he wrapped up Otis’ Spatha and disarmed him. He then grabbed the blade out of the air with his left hand and swung both blades at Otis' neck as hard as he could. An instant before the blades smashed into Otis’ neck Athos slowed his attack to a touch. Otis’ neck was caught between both blades.

  “I win.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Tossing his blade back to Hadad, Athos barked, “Put your Spathas back in the racks and form up!”

  The men of the 2nd Kentarchia complied with Athos’ order. When they were back in formation and standing at attention, Athos handed out chits to all but the twenty men who came in last during the laps. The chits will be given to the kitchen slaves in exchange for a wine ration.

  Athos said, “You’ve all done well today. Tomorrow and each subsequent day will be more of the same until you master soldiering. Each day we will try to introduce you to a new concept or increase the difficulty. For fitness and endurance that means eleven laps instead of ten. It also means an hour and five minutes swinging at the posts with your Spatha to build endurance instead of an hour. Finally, you will be taught the rudimentary use of the ax. Dismissed!”

  The men broke up and headed in ones and twos towards the kitchens.

  Athos smiled at Damon, “The old man is expecting us at his villa tonight for another update.”

  Damon’s stomach grumbled audibly as he smiled, “Hope he has a good spread laid out for us. I’m famished.”

  Bonus Chapter

  August 17th, 636 Arabia Province, St. Catherine’s Monastery, Byzantium

  Nasir awoke. He gasped as the full force of the throbbing pain in his abdomen struck him like a tidal wave crashing down upon him. Beyond the pain, he noticed that he was laying on a soft mattress. A bed. How did I get here? The last thing I remember was looking for Maarika in the sand storm. His eyes fluttered open and he beheld the blurry face of an angel. No wait, it wasn’t an angel it was, “Maarika?”

  “Thank Bismillah, you’ve come back to us.” Maarika replied.

  Nasir’s vision swam as he fought down the urge to vomit. He squeezed his eyes shut trying to resist the nausea that threatened to overwhelm him. Succeeding, he took a deep breath and opened his eyes again, “You stabbed me!”

  “I’m so sorry love, it was an accident, I thought you were another damned.” Maarika replied sheepishly.

  Nasir closed his eyes again as his mind filled with rage. His cheeks turned red and his nostrils flared as his adrenaline surged. Taking another deep breath, he put his feelings of anger aside, She was frightened and scared. Let it go. Nasir smiled faintly at Maarika, “Woman, if that’s what you do to your lovers, I would hate to see what you do to those that vex you. Remind me to never get on your bad side.”

  Maarika smiled broadly, leaned over his bed, and wrapped her arms around him in a hug, “Offh! Careful girl, that hurts.”

  Maarika began to uncoil her arms from around his shoulders and pull away. Before she could finish, Nasir reached up with his right hand and pulled her back into the hug, “Where do you think you are going?”

  “I didn’t want to hurt you any further.” Maarika replied.

  “Non-sense. It brings me joy to feel those soft breasts of yours pressing up against me.” Nasir replied.

  Maarika slapped him lightly on the chest, “Nasir! We are in a monastery.”

  “A monastery! How did we get here?” He replied.

  “Yes, you know, one of those places you told me about where priests sit around and disagree with each other all day about what God said in that book you talked so reverently about. The name eludes me right now. I think it started with a bib sound.”

  “The Bible?” Nasir asked.

  Maarika shook her head enthusiastically, “Yes that one.”

  “What’s the name of the monastery? Perhaps I’m famil
iar with it.” Nasir asked.

  “It’s called St. Catherine’s.” Maarika replied.

  “St. Catherine’s. Why that’s at the base of Mount Sinai. How the hell did we end up here?” Nasir replied.

  Before Maarika could reply the couple was interrupted by the sound of a male clearing his through from somewhere behind Maarika, “I see that my patient is awake. I trust he will refrain from any further outbursts of an inappropriate nature in God’s house.” Said a man dressed in the faded brown robes of the monastic order.

  “My apologies. Father?” Nasir replied.

  “Father Quibilah my son. I’ve been seeing to your recovery. It’s good to see that you are awake.”

  “I’m thirsty Father Quibilah, can I have some water?” Nasir asked.

  “Of course, you have a cup and pitcher right next to you. Perhaps the young lady can help?”

  Maarika blushed deeply, “Of course, I’m so sorry love.”

  As Maarika picked up the pitcher and began pouring the water into the cup Nasir said, “For heaven’s sake girl, will you stop apologizing for everything.”

  Father Quibilah once again cleared his throat loudly, “Apologies for my blasphemy Father. I shall ask the Lord our God for forgiveness in my prayers.” Nasir said.

  Maarika finished pouring the cup of water and held it up to his lips. As she slowly tipped the cup, the water poured into his mouth. Nasir drank greedily. He finished in a few large gulps and said, “Can I have another?”

  Maarika glanced up at Father Quibilah imploringly with her eyes, “Let the first cup settle for a short time. He’s probably feeling nauseous. If you give him too much too fast, he may spit it back up.”

  Nasir’s eyes narrowed and his nostrils flared as the color came back into his cheeks, “I’m not a child Father.”

  “Of course, you aren’t a child, but you’ve been stabbed. As a result of your injury, just like a child, you are very weak right now.” Father Quibilah snapped back.