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Chapter 5
Chapter 5
After the battle of Artaxata and the loss of his vast army Tiridates and his men were held in a loss siege of the city. Because of the rough terrain the legions could only place a wall around 3/4 of the city. The rest of the area the dirt was not deep enough for a trench to make a rampart. To keep a guard in this area the Auxillia and 5 Cohorts of Legionaries were in several camps spread through the area which were surrounded by a wall of pikes.
Tiridates had held the walls 2 days after the siege began as the romans tried to assualt the city. Left with less than 2000 men and the citizens of the city becoming alarmed at what the end of the siege would bring them were becoming restless. Tiridates had a plan of action. His men would all mount horses leaving anything other than 7 days rations, shields armor and weapons and break out of the siege.
The night of the break out was fortunately cloudy for the Armenians. His men formed up in a column on the most eastern gate where the rough terrain prevented the romans wall. Tiridates at the nodded to the man at the gates. They waited for his wave, and slowly pulled the gate open. His men slowly moved out carefully, watching for any sign of being caught by the romans. As they crossee between two camps Tiridates sighed in relieve it seemed they were safe. Then the moon came out for only breife moments. But it was enough. Roman horns sounded, and several ballista shots arced into the column tearing through several men. It wouldnt be long before the roman cavalry arrived on scene.
"Ride men ride!" Instantly every man kicked thier horse into a gallop the column fleeing in the same direction. Those whose horses fell were trampled and those who fell behind were left to their own. Tiridates looked behind him and through the dust he could see the torches of the roman cavalry in the distance.
By the time sun was up. Every man was tired but new to survive they needed to continue. They had traveled roughly 25 miles. As they slowed their horses to a trot so the horses could take a break from the heavy run. Tiridates looked back and thankfully couldnt see a sign of the romans.
Vespasian arrived back at Artaxata at the same time. He had lead the cavalry in the chase but the distance had been to great to start of with and he didnt want to battle without no reinforcements and both sides exhausted it wouldve been mutual slaughter with no benifit.
Britannicus and Corbulo watched as Vespasian and his men arrived. With the lack of signs of battle Corbulo looked to Britannicus. "So what is your decision?"
Britannicus sighed. As soon as the Armenian king had left the city council had thrown open the gates and surrendered. A legion had secured the city without plundering it. Corbulo wanted to burn the city but Britannicus didnt think that the wisest decision.
"I think we should invest Tigranes with the throne here in Artaxata. It would provide a suitable throne for our client king, feom here he would rule northern Armenia without a problem."
Corbulo looked upon his one protege and Princeps of Rome. "His power would be based in the north, would it stay that way."
Britannicus smiled knowing that Corbulo had caught on with him. "I would think so yes. After all southern Armenia would provide us with a solid route to our new provinces once this war is over."
Corbulo laughed. Britannicus seemed to have a knack for war. "I see. Well then let Tigranes rule the north. Since its the end of campaign season i would say we should leave 3 legions here which can launch an attack from the north into southern Armenia next spring."
Britannicus nodded. "I agree. Since you have lead to this remarkable success i think you should stay in command of the Armenian front. Your loyal III VI and X legions should do the trick."
Corbulo was shocked at this. "I thought Vespasian could continue in Armenia while we attacked from the west into Parthias heartland."
Britannicus smiled at this. "Yes i thought about that at first. But the campaign through Armenia should not take long the only major city left is Tigranocerta. Just imagine the Armenian treasury which is hosted thier. Plus after the end of Armenia you would join us in Parthia." Corbulo's eyes were lit up with the thought of the Armenian treasury. He knew Britannicus was playing him. But by this point he didnt care.
"I am your loyal servant Princeps." Britannicus could only nod. For only being 17 he was sure bringing Rome much needed success.