Caesar’s War In Gaul #23

Novelisation Of Caesar’s Commentaries

Click here for the previous part

Indutiomarus’s Head

Labienus’s sudden cavalry charge from two gates on adjoining camp walls to catch the enemy in a pincer movement with cavalry that the enemy didn’t know he had, had been preceded by a specific command.

His instruction had been that when the enemy was predictably stunned and fleeing, they should all charge towards Indutiomarus and nobody should attack anybody else until they had seen Indutiomarus killed.

Labienus didn’t want him escaping in the confusion that would be caused if his cavalry pursued everybody. He offered great rewards for those who killed Indutiomarus.

He sent his cohorts to reinforce the cavalry and his prediction came true. The enemy couldn’t comprehend how the Romans suddenly had cavalry in their camp.

They instinctively retreated, not knowing what other surprises the Romans might have in store for them.

Labienus’s scheme was validated by its success. Since everybody charged towards Indutiomarus, it was just a matter of time before he was killed.

He was overtaken at the ford of the river before he could cross it. He was killed and his head was carried to…