"We shall drive the enemy back to the camp, take it, and force them into that shining brook just behind. Those who still remain, Totila and Teja, you will drive over the plain to Rome."
"Yes, when we have won the pass in those wood-crowned hills just beyond the river," said Teja, pointing with his sword as he spoke.
"It appears to be unoccupied; you must reach it before the fugitives," said Witichis.
Just then the standard-bearer. Earl Wisand of Vulsinii, rode up to the King.
"King, thou hast promised to grant me a request."
"Yes, because at Solona, thou overthrewest the magister militum for Illyrium, Mundus, and his son."
"I have a grudge against all magistri militum. I should like to try the same spear on Belisarius. Relieve me of my banner to-day, and allow me to seek the magister militum. He has a celebrated charger, Phalion or Balion, and my horse is getting stiff. And thou knowest the ancient right of a Gothic horseman. 'Throw the rider and take his horse.'"
"A good old Gothic right," cried old Hildebrand.
"I cannot refuse thy request," said Witichis, taking the flag from the hand of Wisand, who at once galloped away.
"Guntharis is not here. Totila, thou shalt bear the banner to-day."