Charge For Constantinople

"Your Majesty… Your Majesty!"

A distant shout echoed, growing louder as the messenger approached, a piece of paper waving urgently in his hand.

"Message from Constantinople! Message from Constantinople!"

The soldier's voice wavered with his final breaths before he collapsed from his horse, crashing into the rocks. Only now did Antonius see an arrow protruding from the messenger's back. Blood stained his armour, and sheer determination had kept him in the saddle.

"Tend to his wounds, give him some wine, go easy on him" Antonius commanded with his eyebrows tightly squeezed together, dismounting swiftly hopping down his horse. "Give me the message."

"Wait! Your Majesty!" The soldier mustered his strength, his vision blurred by blood and grime. "I am fine, but my comrades at the Golden Gate await my news. Please!"

"The Golden Gate?" Antonius inquired, aghast on the news. "What can possible happen with the Golden gates?"