"In the name of the fatherly Augustus, I protest." The prince, still dragging his foe, answered with insulting threats.
The young commander leaped from his horse and ran to the side of Antipater.

The latter released his captive and drew sword.

Swiftly Vergilius approached him and the two met with a clash of steel.
Now the first battle in that war of the spirit, which was to shake the world with fury had begun.
Back and forth across the court of Herod they fought their way--the son of light and the son of darkness.

Sparks of fire flew from their weapons while a murmur in the cohort grew to a loud roar and the old king and his women stood with hands uplifted shrieking like fiends of hell.

Hand and foot grew weary; their speed slackened.