EPISODE 10: THE BATTLE OF EBORACUM ## CHAPTER 1: EVE OF BATTLE The night before battle was always the longest. Marcus walked through the camp, observing warriors from a dozen peoples preparing for what might be their last dawn. Picts sharpened their blades with ritual precision. Romans checked their equipment with professional thoroughness. Brigantes sang songs of their ancestors. Saxons sat in silent meditation. Different customs. One purpose. "Can't sleep?" Lucia fell into step beside him. "Never could, before battle." "How many battles have you fought?" "More than I can count. But this one..." He stopped, looking out at the darkness where Hengist's army waited. "This one matters most." "Because we might lose?" "Because losing would end everything we've built." Marcus turned to face his daughter. "The wall, the alliance, Dormund—all of it. If Hengist wins, he doesn't just take territory. He takes our future." "Then we won't lose." He smiled despite everything. "You sound like me, thirty years ago." "I'll take that as a compliment." "It was meant as one." Marcus put a hand on her shoulder. "Stay close to Quintus tomorrow. Don't try to be a hero." "I'm a healer, Father. My place is with the wounded." "And too many heroes become wounded. Remember that." They walked together through the camp, father and daughter, taking comfort in...