Chapter 18. Bartatua

Axia’s party, slowed down by the Scythian treasure wagons, have attracted a lot of unwanted attention passing through the farthest reaches of the Empire after leaving Baku. They are warned by the commander of the cohort guarding the Gates of Alexander, the last outpost of civilization, but do not heed his advice. The party presses on, but many of the Scythian horsemen have melted away, leaving the Queen’s party and her treasure waggons guarded only by the dubious Thraxsus and his gladiators. Scarus senses the coming confrontation. Preparations are made. Now isolated out on the steppes, the Queen and her party are abandoned and then ambushed by Thraxsus and his men.  Thraxsus  has plans for the treasure and cruel designs on the Queen. In the ensuing struggle,  an unexpected hero comes forth and turns the tables on Thraxsus.

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