The Island of Sodor, AD43
Preparations were fraught for the oncoming storm. Men hurried about, forming defences and placing stakes into the ground. Swords were sharpened. Bows were readied. Soldiers were drilled upon the hill.
A figure in a brown cloak stopped, and then entered a tent before lowering his hood.
A man, dressed in furs and robes, looked up from the table. "What news, Machan?" he asked.
"Godred, they have arrived," Machan said. "Shane Dooiney brought word. The Romans have docked their ships and their Legions now march toward us."
Godred indicated to a man next to him. "Go to Culdee, and instruct him to pull his line back to us. We will need all the men we can get."
"Can we really hold them off?" Machan asked.
"We have no choice," Godred said, as he rose from his chair. "Sodor is our home, and I'll be damned if I see it fall to an invader."
He stepped outside the tent to address all who were assembled. "Grave news, my fellows. The Romans have arrived and yet march on our location. But have faith! We have chosen our positions well, and shall demonstrate to them that our spirit cannot easily be broken! If we win or lose we shall forge an example for all who seek self determination!
"And if we die this day, we shall die in glory. They shall sing our names forever in the halls of honour, and remember us for eternity. The Romans may want to make slaves of us, but they shall not. We shall not live as slaves! Even if we die, we shall die free men!"
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THOMAS AND FRIENDS: SECRETS OF SODOR
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