Chapter 197 - Chapter 134 Validosi

Maximus nodded, then turned to look at the ranks of his troops: The soldiers wore loosened armor, carrying large square shields on their backs. In their left hands, they leaned on wooden staves made from tree branches, while in their right hands they gripped the tail ends of Forka Wood Sticks. The Forka Wood Sticks rested on their right shoulders, with the horizontal rods at the end carrying swollen bags. These bags held not only their everyday necessities but also sacks filled with wheat. Helmets hung from their left shoulders. Their belted tunics were torn to shreds by branches and thorns, and their leather sandals were slashed by the jagged mountain rocks. Their hair was tangled, their skin dark and grimy, and their expressions were weary... Some had blood-soaked bandages wrapped around their heads, arms, or legs.