Sargon
Great timing. Just making a last check before turning in.
Good story although feinting a flight with relatively poorly trained troops, especially against armies with a lot of cavalry is very risky. Especially if they have to break from combat. Especially at that time most casualties in battles occurred when a force turned its back to flee. Not a tactic in those circumstances I would have been brave enough to go for.
Might also have been a bit generous to the defeated. With their forces in disorder and in a relatively limited valley with the Romans attacking behind them I would probably have expected at least one wing of the Berbers to be virtually destroyed. Unless the force actually broke out through Rodric's reassembled troops, which it sounds like to a degree.
Love the line "what could only be described as highly prejudiced intent "
Julian has got himself into a hell of a mess and also I thing the avalanche is just about unstoppable now in terms of avoiding a big war. With Roman forces fighting Muslims in Iberia, a much larger attack coming up and a Roman fortress surrendered by treachery there is going to be mayhem. Even with modern communications to avoid confusion I find it difficult for the Caliph to pull back his forces now without losing a lot of face and support while Justinian's temper is likely go really blow.
Great to see this back.
Steve
Yes, that was the risk. Roderic knew the Romans were very valuable since his troops are not top notch, yet with the Romans nearby in ambush, their morale was much higher and with his intensive drilling since his previous defeat they have improved a little in terms of cohesion. They did lose a fair number as they retreated, which I think is mentioned there, and that is to be expected because of their quality. Remember though, at their core is the Visigothic cavalry, experienced, made up of nobles and cohesive enough to make a difference.
Julian and Tariq's force have suffered considerable casualties, although a large part has escaped. The Berber troops by themselves outnumber the Romans, and remember that the Romans do not have nearly as much cavalry as they do. it was basically a shock attack mounted with the element of surprise. The Roman Infantry could have pursued, but with all those horsemen already fleeing, they wouldn't be able to catch up, and the Roman cavalry by itself could find themselves in their own trap further down the valley. With the higher quality of the Berber troops, they were able to fight through Roderic's less skilled militia, yet Stephen felt that it was enough of a victory without needless losses to himself. He only has these 6,000 soldiers, and although well equipped, skilled and generously provisioned, he cannot be sure when he will receive more reinforcements. He and George are not going to be too eager to chase down people in a valley that has ravines leading off it. Could be more Berbers lurking there in wait. As for Roderic, he knows he's lucky to have a victory and doesn't want to push it too far.
Yep, there will be more than a measure of mayhem. The Caliph is going to be in a sticky position, and Justinian, well, let's just say he's in no mood to mess about.
Not simple for those involved, I mean where would the fun be for us if it was?
As long as it is reasonably plausible and accurate which I strive hard to pay attention to, we should take all the opportunities this period of history and this TL give us.
Once again, glad you are enjoying this.
Sargon
