Ariovistus’ be defeated.
Bethica tasked Nasua to begin identifying eligible men and then to initiate the draft in September 209. She knew this size force was still too small to chase the Teutons back across the Danube, but she had another idea for that.
As soon as she heard of the Teutons crossing of the Danube, she dispatched couriers across the Alps to the Rhaetians at Trento and Cenomani at Brixia to arrange for her to meet with them in early October. She wanted to discuss the implications of the Teuton/Cimbri invasion.
But now, she wanted to talk to the Chief of the Cimbri/Teuton Tribe, a man named Timur, whom she had met last October by Karlsruhe. She knew he had lied to her. She had sensed it.
She was all action, fearless, and constantly thinking ahead. In early August, she left Innsbruck with Davenhardt and five body guards to ride the 185 miles (297.7) to Regensburg. She knew the dangers of riding through an occupied territory with a small force, but felt compelled to talk face to face with Timur. It was rash and foolish, but she wanted to learn firsthand what Timur intended to do. The Council was reluctant to let her go, but realized they couldn’t stop her. After she left, they made preparation to select the next Chief, thinking she would never return.
Bethica’s party rode fast the entire time and only stopped to sleep. They made the trip in 11 days. The horses were worn out, but speed was essential to avoid capture by Teuton cavalry who swarmed the area. Munich was especially dangerous, but they evaded capture by a risky nighttime ride.
Bethica was not sure that she would actually arrive safely at Regensburg much less get to talk to Timur, but she felt she had to try. When he smiled at her in October as he was riding away, she detected something she liked in his personality. She felt she could talk to him and that he would respond kindly. She needed to know if Timur intended to attack Innsbruck. That was her major concern. Should she evacuate the settlement and move somewhere else? If yes, where would they migrate?
At the outskirts of Regensburg, they were accosted by 20 mounted Teuton cavalry, who drew their swords and were prepared to charge them. Bethica raised her hand and called out, “We are not here to fight. I am the leader of Suevi Tribe and want to talk to Timur. The Teuton cavalry rode closer and surrounded the six Suevi. The leader looked at Bethica and scornfully said, “A woman leads them? Follow me.”
He led them through a military camp bustling with activity. Most stopped their work to look at the new arrivals. More than one shouted out some ribald comment directed at Bethica, which she bore in silence. Eventually, they arrived at a large leather tent set up on a slight rise overlooking the river. Bethica knew the area well. She remained mounted while a man went inside to tell Timur. Moments later, he stepped out of the tent, stopped and stared at the group of riders. Then he recognized Bethica from their brief encounter 10 months earlier. He smiled at her as he walked towards her. She dismounted. As he drew near, she said to him, “You have chosen your tent site well. This is where I often put my tent.” He smiled again.
“Tell your men to dismount and you follow me.”
She followed him with Davenhardt on her heels. Timur looked hard at Davenhardt and Bethica quickly said, “My advisor.” Timur nodded. Mugs were offered and everyone sat down. Timur was in a good mood and asked Bethica where she had come from and why. He also asked how she managed to evade 40,000 of his men. “Luck,” she replied. He laughed out loud at that. She continued, “I have just come 180 miles (289.6km) from Innsbruck, but I understand that 180 miles is nothing compared to the distance your people just travelled in your migration from Jutland.” Now, Timur was definitely intrigued and asked how she knew that.
She
Bethica tasked Nasua to begin identifying eligible men and then to initiate the draft in September 209. She knew this size force was still too small to chase the Teutons back across the Danube, but she had another idea for that.
As soon as she heard of the Teutons crossing of the Danube, she dispatched couriers across the Alps to the Rhaetians at Trento and Cenomani at Brixia to arrange for her to meet with them in early October. She wanted to discuss the implications of the Teuton/Cimbri invasion.
But now, she wanted to talk to the Chief of the Cimbri/Teuton Tribe, a man named Timur, whom she had met last October by Karlsruhe. She knew he had lied to her. She had sensed it.
She was all action, fearless, and constantly thinking ahead. In early August, she left Innsbruck with Davenhardt and five body guards to ride the 185 miles (297.7) to Regensburg. She knew the dangers of riding through an occupied territory with a small force, but felt compelled to talk face to face with Timur. It was rash and foolish, but she wanted to learn firsthand what Timur intended to do. The Council was reluctant to let her go, but realized they couldn’t stop her. After she left, they made preparation to select the next Chief, thinking she would never return.
Bethica’s party rode fast the entire time and only stopped to sleep. They made the trip in 11 days. The horses were worn out, but speed was essential to avoid capture by Teuton cavalry who swarmed the area. Munich was especially dangerous, but they evaded capture by a risky nighttime ride.
Bethica was not sure that she would actually arrive safely at Regensburg much less get to talk to Timur, but she felt she had to try. When he smiled at her in October as he was riding away, she detected something she liked in his personality. She felt she could talk to him and that he would respond kindly. She needed to know if Timur intended to attack Innsbruck. That was her major concern. Should she evacuate the settlement and move somewhere else? If yes, where would they migrate?
At the outskirts of Regensburg, they were accosted by 20 mounted Teuton cavalry, who drew their swords and were prepared to charge them. Bethica raised her hand and called out, “We are not here to fight. I am the leader of Suevi Tribe and want to talk to Timur. The Teuton cavalry rode closer and surrounded the six Suevi. The leader looked at Bethica and scornfully said, “A woman leads them? Follow me.”
He led them through a military camp bustling with activity. Most stopped their work to look at the new arrivals. More than one shouted out some ribald comment directed at Bethica, which she bore in silence. Eventually, they arrived at a large leather tent set up on a slight rise overlooking the river. Bethica knew the area well. She remained mounted while a man went inside to tell Timur. Moments later, he stepped out of the tent, stopped and stared at the group of riders. Then he recognized Bethica from their brief encounter 10 months earlier. He smiled at her as he walked towards her. She dismounted. As he drew near, she said to him, “You have chosen your tent site well. This is where I often put my tent.” He smiled again.
“Tell your men to dismount and you follow me.”
She followed him with Davenhardt on her heels. Timur looked hard at Davenhardt and Bethica quickly said, “My advisor.” Timur nodded. Mugs were offered and everyone sat down. Timur was in a good mood and asked Bethica where she had come from and why. He also asked how she managed to evade 40,000 of his men. “Luck,” she replied. He laughed out loud at that. She continued, “I have just come 180 miles (289.6km) from Innsbruck, but I understand that 180 miles is nothing compared to the distance your people just travelled in your migration from Jutland.” Now, Timur was definitely intrigued and asked how she knew that.
She
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