[ WP ] A roman generals thoughts/mindset after he fled the field of battle and left his men to die

How can I return home after this? A deserter they'll call me. Not just any deserter either. A 5-star coward. 
 
 I know what they do to cowards. 
 
 I had anticipated the ambush in the forest ahead. They teach you that in the first week of training. Child's play. But a traitor in my ranks? Never would I have imagined such treachery. 
 
 My right hand man took his and stabbed me in my left. We had cavalry protecting the western ridge. They were wiped out in mere minutes. They were just as surprised as I. That was all it took for the flood gates to open. We lost the battle before it even started. 
 
 I should have stayed. That would have been the honorable thing to do. Honor. A trifling thing when your men are being slaughtered by their own. Still, I should have stayed. 
 
 Have I betrayed my men? I wonder if any of them saw me sneak away. Their last thoughts being of me and my cowardice. First deceived by their lieutenant, then left to die by their general. 
 
 No man deserves such a fate. 
 
 How can I repay them? There is only one way. It is inevitable. Here or in the streets of Rome. 
 
 A few will wonder why I arrived a bit late. I hope they accept me in their ranks. 
 
 
 

