The Isaurians were horrified.
But Cethegus quickly gave the word of command.
"Lower your spears! Follow me! Charge!"
And the Isaurians now obeyed him. Another moment, and a fight would have commenced in the city itself.
But just then, from the west, in the direction of the Aurelian Gate, was heard a terrible, all-overpowering cry.
"Woe! woe! all is lost! The Goths are upon us! The city is taken!"
Cethegus turned pale, and looked behind him.
Kallistratos galloped up, blood flowing from his face and neck.
"Cethegus," he cried, "all is over! The barbarians are in Rome! The wall is forced!"
"Where?" asked the Prefect, in a hollow voice.