While retreating, one soldier turned with a spear, aiming toward a younger gladiator who had followed too closely. Kael reached for another javelin and threw before the man could release his weapon. It pierced his shoulder and drove into the wooden barrier behind him, pinning him in place.
The soldier screamed and dropped the spear. He was alive, which was good enough for Kael, and the young gladiator hurried out of his reach. Farther along the retreat, another man began raising a bow.
Kael threw again, driving a javelin into the ground between the archer's feet. The man froze, looked down at the shaft, then slowly lowered his hands. His bow fell into the dirt.
"SURRENDER OR DIE!""
Kael steered toward the remaining cluster of soldiers. The approaching chariot persuaded them to move far more effectively than another shouted order could have, and whatever remained of their formation scattered. Nobody wanted to stand in front of the horses with Kael holding the reins.
