"And invade the Gothic territories—"
"Of Pannonia and Noricum."
Padway cleared his throat and began his reply, pausing for translation. This method had its advantages, he found. It gave him time to think.
"My master, Thiudahad, King of the Goths and Italians—"
"Authorizes me to say—"
"That he has better use for his money—"
"Than to bribe people not to attack him—"
"And that if the Kutrigurs think—"
"That they can invade our territory—"
"They are welcome to try—"