Read Legio XVII: Battle of the Danube for Free Online

been told that you have 100,000 warriors and that you said you could use them to stop us at your border.  Let me be clear, I do not like to be threatened.  If you want to fight, we will fight, but know this, regardless of the outcome, both our armies will suffer huge losses that will take years to recover.  You don’t want that and neither do I, so let’s stop the threats and get down to business.  Is anyone going to offer me a place to sit?”
    This unexpected show of bravado and directness by Timur unsettled his audience. Timur sat down and said, “I understand the hardships that this large host will impose on your people and lands and I am prepared to compensate you.  I can’t give you silver or gold, but I can improve your roads and bridges.  My Army will lay down wooden roads where required and build sturdy bridges over your streams.  Your people will be able to move their products to market and travel much faster and with less inconvenience.  These improvements will reflect well on your leadership and enable you to move your Army across your land that much more quickly.  We can move 10-12 miles (19 to 19km) a day and should be out of your area in six days.  That is my proposal.”
    The Semnones Chief was interested in Timur’s proposal, but felt he had lost face and been disrespected by Timur’s directness.  It appeared that Timur was in charge and not him.  He also felt insulted that Timur did not bring any gifts specifically for him.  Not a single cow or copper item.  His anger grew.  “Timur,” he said, as he rose slowly from his chair “My warriors could easily defeat your Army and slaughter your people.  We know the land and my warriors have been hardened by constant warfare against our neighbors to the east.  I think we should fight your Army and claim your wagons as spoil.  My men will enjoy your women and your children will make good servants.”
    Timur stood and spoke slowly in a lowered tone.  “I am tired of this!  Let’s settle this man to man, you and I; if you kill me my wagons will detour around your area, if I win, we will drive straight through your land and pillage the countryside as we go.”  Timur continued while raising his voice; “We will burn your settlements and take your livestock and women.”  Then Timur spoke with an intensity that even Donar had never heard. “Let’s settle this right now.  Draw your sword!”
    The Semnones’ bluff had been called and he knew Timur meant it.  He stared at Timur, his face turning an angry red.  He put his hand on his sword’s hilt, but something deep inside told him not to draw it.  He realized that he feared Timur.  Timur saw the hesitation and fear in the Semnones’ eyes and quickly offered him a way out.  “Look, let’s share a cup of wine and talk about this.  Surely two brave men can reach an agreement.”
    The Chief grabbed at the life line and said, “Two cups of wine, now!”  The talk went well and Timur was given permission to travel through the land and make the promised improvements.  Timur brought up the status of the hostage and was told that he would be returned when the convoy was completely out of Semnones’ territory.
    On the ride back to the camp, Timur recognized that he had been willing to fight and die if need be for the sake of his people. He felt proud of that.  He felt stronger and more confident than ever.  He turned to Donar and said, “I do not trust that Semnones.  I think he will attack one or more of our columns.  I also doubt our hostage is still alive.”
    Despite Donar’s loyalty to Timur, he felt he had to speak up.  “Timur, listen to me.  I speak as a friend.  No one doubts your leadership ability or bravery.  You are a good leader and respected by your people.  I want to caution you though that your pride is obscuring your good sense.  You provoked and insulted that Semnones.  We neglected to bring him gifts and your directness with him was uncalled for.