NYMPHAEUM PASS, ILLYRICUM.

Telemachus Gyros had been in full command of the Illyrian cavalry for less than three minutes when he found himself faced with the decision which would seal the fate of the Illyrian rebellion.

He had watched helplessly as he saw Souvlakios pitch unexpectedly from his saddle, his horror growing as he saw his commander twitching helplessly in the dust. A horse-drawn litter was taking Souvlakios to the rear for treatment, but it was doubtful that he would live much beyond the battle's end...however that turned out.

"COMMANDER!" yelled a cavalry trooper. "ROMANS EMERGING FROM THE PASS! LOOKS LIKE THEIR MAIN BODY!" Regaining his mount, Telemachus tried to assess the situation, but the dust was obscuring everything. What should he do? Charge this new force in hopes of disrupting them long enough for the King to finish off the lead element of Romans, who had been thoroughly mauled in the first two cavalry charges? Withdraw to support the King, should he decide to retreat? Or continue with the last orders Souvlakios had given him, to charge the rear of the Roman advance force, pinning them in place so the phalanxes could wipe them out?

Time was draining away from him, from the Illyrian cause itself, as he tried desperately to think. Why, oh gods on Olympus, have you given this decision to me!? "Commander, your orders?"

Almost before he could realize he was doing it, Telemachus Gyros issued the orders, "Continue our charge to the rear of the lead enemy element!" Was this his voice saying these things with such confidence?

"Commander, no!" hissed his new second in command. Your orders will trap us between them and these fresh Romans coming up on us even now! We will be TRAPPED, don't you see? We shan't be able to escape!"

Completely calm now, with a purposeful serenity overwashing him, Telemachus simply shook his head. "Those were the last orders Souvlakios gave us before he fell. Those orders stand. Now...ADVANCE!"

===============================

Arbiter's Comments: The decision by Catulus to abandon his artillery in favor of throwing his legions into the battle to rescue Merula will shortly tip the balance in the favor of the Romans. In the meantime, however, Merula will face the Illyrian cavalry yet again in one final, devastating charge..!