War Raven: Barbarian of Rome Chronicles Volume One (39 page)

The dreadful landscape stretching away before him, he gripped his reins more tightly and focused his gaze straight ahead.

Through tired eyes he noticed the bird, its dark wing feathers smudged with grey, eyes glinting white like pearls. It was perched on an upright lance – a war-raven. His father would say that it was a true sign from the Gods; a sign that they were pleased with the work of one of their sons.

Yes, Varus’s army was destroyed, but Guntram knew that Rome had many armies and that more would come.

The old bird fluttered up and away into the trees, and Guntram’s attention moved nervously to scan the mass of celebrating tribesmen. There was a gnawing ache in his stomach, and his hunter eyes anxiously sought out their target.

Through a gap in the throng he saw her. Wilda was watching him and he didn’t look away. She smiled and waved and he waved back. Then she lost in the jostling crowd.

In those flashing moments of recognition Guntram knew how much he cared for her, knowing also that today was his and that Rome and all the gods would have to settle for tomorrow . . .

Glossary of Terms

Hercules

Latin name for the mythical Greek hero Heracles, son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmena. The Romans adopted the Etruscan hero-figure of famed strength and courage, who remained a popular cult figure in the legions and gladiator schools.

Imperial School of Gladiators

By the first century A.D. the Roman government had succeeded in fully monopolizing the hugely popular munera, and the imperial schools were to become the only authorized training facilities for arena fighters.

Lanista (pl. lanistae)

A professional who supplied gladiators to the games; an occupation that was both disgraceful and renowned. Paradoxically, the owning of gladiators was regarded as a legitimate business.

Mars Ultor

Mars was the Roman god of war and agriculture. Ultor was the new title given to the god under the Emperor Augustus in recognition of his victory over Julius Caesar’s assassins – Mars the avenger.

Procurator

Official of notable rank who managed one or more of the imperial gladiator schools.

Quadran

A bronze Roman coin of very little worth.

Rudis

A wooden sword that was the symbol of freedom given to successful gladiators on retirement from the arena. Not to be mistaken for the lusoria arna – the wooden training sword used by gladiators.

Tiwaz

Germanic god of war, thought to have been symbolized by a goat’s head.

Woden

Chief god of the Germanic tribes, identified with the Scandinavian god Odin.

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