Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 04] Roman Retreat (14 page)

The two officers laughed. “Well you have come to the right place then.  We will teach you real games.”

As they walked back to camp the sapling between the Tribune and Livius, the aide reflected that he was no longer tired and also he marvelled that the most senior officer did the menial work while Macro walked behind.  He now knew why. Macro had the better ears, eyes and was the better shot; in this ala the best man did the job not the most senior.

When the fort was finished Marcus called together the officers. “Julius and I have spent many hours devising a new way of operating. Gaius will remember how we operated in this way with Ulpius Felix after we rescued the Queen.” Gaius nodded. “We will divide into three vexillations. The prefect will lead four turmae, Gaius another four and Macro with the last four. Each party will have a different sector to patrol. We are trying to find the camp of this Ryan. The fact that there are one hundred troopers in each patrol means that you should be able to deal with anything other than the main warband.  Regard each Votadini as an enemy.”

Livius held up his hand, “Sir what about the fort.  Will we leave it empty?”

The other decurions all laughed and Marcus held up his hand for silence. “No Livius the Quartermaster and Sergeant Cato will remain with one trooper from each turma. The troopers are rotated on a daily basis. Good question though Livius, it shows you are beginning to think.  We will make a cavalryman of you yet. I will ride with Gaius and you Livius will go with Decurion Macro for he has the other recruits with him.”

Whilst the Prefect headed north and Gaius south, Macro and his vexillation headed west. “There is a fort guarding the main north south road.  I intend to get there today and then circle back south east.”

Decurion Cilo nodded, “We had some trouble south east of that fort the last time we were in this area.  They are sneaky bastards.”

Macro had ordered Livius to ride at the rear with Decurion Cilo and he had wondered why. As they rode he found out why. “The Decurion thinks you have the potential to become a good officer.” Livius beamed at the compliment. “I am your test because I can sniff out a bad officer. Decurion Galeo and I suffered at the hands of an arrogant patrician, Decurion Demetrius.” He saw Livius start and shook his head.  “Not the Prefect but the little shit who was his brother. I am not saying you will be the same but I will tell you when I think you are going down that road.  Right? Plain enough for you?”

Livius smiled a wry smile.  “I am learning that men in this ala speak their minds whether you want or no.”

Cilo laughed and slapped the young man’s shoulder. “Good you are learning.”

The first part of the day was uneventful and then, just before noon Macro held up his hand and the vexillation halted.  A trooper rode back. “Decurion Macro has spotted something ahead.  He wants you to take your turma south west and then head north.”

Without a word Cilo led the turma at a canter across the trackless moor land. Livius turned to the trooper next to him. “What are we looking for?”

“The enemy.”

“But where?”

“If Decurion Macro says they are ahead then believe me that is where they will be.  I would loosen you shield because when we go into battle you will have no time and loosen your sword in its scabbard.  It was a cold night you don’t want it sticking.”

Livius heed the advice and suddenly they stopped and the Decurion wheeled them into line. Livius still couldn’t see an enemy but he noticed, high in the air crows and magpies circling.. The Decurion drew his sword and Livius followed when he saw the other thirty troopers do so. When they moved forward they did so at a steady pace, gradually increasing their speed. Suddenly Livius could see the enemy. A small detachment of auxiliaries were fighting desperately against a Votadini horde. The Decurion lowered his sword and the line leapt forward, silently.  The Roman auxiliaries could see the wave of death approaching their enemies and hope entered their hearts but the Votadini were too intent on finishing off this detachment.  Out of the corner of his eye Livius could see Macro and another turma approaching from the east, he assumed the last turma was heading south. Almost in an instant he saw a Votadini turn in shock and he remembered his hunting lesson, he sliced down on the bare flesh of the man’s throat. The blade slid through flesh and the man’s throat erupted with blood; withdrawing his blade he looked for his next opponent.  He saw a warrior holding a spear in two hands attacking the unprotected side of the trooper who had given him advice. Livius headed his horse towards the man and just bowled him over. The trooper looked in alarm as he heard the dying warrior’s scream and nodded his thanks to Livius who halted to look for another enemy.  There were none. The surprise had been complete and the remaining eight auxiliaries were grateful that the turmae had turned up when they did.

The remaining Optio reported to Macro.  “The First Spear sent us to investigate the fort at Alavna.  They hadn’t been heard of in a few weeks. He thought a half century would do it.  We were ambushed and were trying to get back to the fort when you arrived.  Thank you.”

“The bad news is that the fort and its garrison have been destroyed but Marcus’ Horse is there now.  The other news is that the Votadini are rebelling.”

“That is bad news but I am glad that Marcus’ Horse is here.”

“Well we will escort you back to your fort and I will have a talk with your First Spear.”

The fort had a good position with clear lines of fire.  Macro nodded in appreciation as they entered the Porta Praetorium. The Centurion who greeted them was an enormous soldier, almost as big as Macro. The two men went inside while the troopers watered and fed their horses.  The trooper whose life had been saved by Livius wandered over. “Annius Salvus is my name and I am in your debt. “ He clasped Livius’ forearm and the aide saw the rest of the turma nod their thanks.  He had been accepted.  He was now a member of the turma and nothing he had received so far in his life, riches, position meant as much and he felt himself swell with pride.

Macro emerged from the headquarters and spoke to the vexillation. “It seems the Votadini have not been as far west as this so we will head south east and make our way back to the fort.  Well done for today.”

Over the next month the ala scoured the land seeking out and destroying the rebellious bands of Votadini.  Not all of the Votadini had revolted and Livius learned another valuable lesson about handling tribes who could become disaffected with the wrong approach.  All of the officers from the Tribune down seemed to know when to be firm and when to make concessions.  His fighting skills improved and he knew he had been accepted when the turma began to banter with him.

Finally the campaign came to an end and Ryan was captured and brought in chains to the fort and brought before Marcus. “Why King, did you rebel? When we came to your land we promised you all the benefits of Rome; the education, the buildings and the security.”

“Yes Roman you did but when the Caledonii came south to raid our cattle where were you?  When the raiders came across the sea from the north where were you?  Where are the buildings?  Where is the education?  All that my people saw were Roman soldiers strutting along their new roads and taking animals to feed themselves.  When my people went hungry I chose to take back what was ours.  Now enough talk. Kill me.”

Marcus shook he his head.  “No for this is not the old tribal ways.  This is the Roman way and, despite what you think, Rome is fair and just.  You have suffered injustice and I understand why you did what you did.  It is our fault that there was no one to whom you could address your complaints. I will remedy that.  Free him!” The only two who were surprised by Marcus’ action were Livius and Ryan himself. “Go back to your people.  I will instruct the soldiers to protect you and I will punish any soldier who takes goods or services without payment.  But that in itself is not enough for we are both old enough, king, to know that there are always people in your tribe and mine who will not walk the straight way. If you have complaints then take them to the fort at Coriosopitum and I promise you that they will be dealt with.”

He held his arm out and Ryan clasped it.  “I will trust you Roman for I see no lie in your eye and your warriors are brave and honourable.  I feel no shame in our defeat.”

One night, when the handover of the rebuilt fort to the auxiliaries was nearly complete and the summer days were lengthening the Tribune asked Livius to walk him by the sea and the sand dunes.  “Over there Livius is Rome and here, although we are part of Rome that water makes us separate.  We are the only part of Rome that cannot be visited on foot alone.  That will be the downfall, perhaps, of this province, for we are the only chance that Rome has of sustaining a presence in Britannia and you, Livius, and other native born Britons are the only chance the province has to survive the day that Rome leaves.”

“But will Rome leave?”

Marcus shook his head. Not in my lifetime but one day it may. Alexander’s Empire did not last a generation past his death.  The Pharaohs ruled their land for hundreds of years.  Empires come and go. History will judge the success of the Roman Empire, not us. You have done well Livius. Do you see why I wanted you to spend time with the ala?”

“Yes Tribune and believe me I have learned.”

“Good, for your apprenticeship is over and you will now have to leave the ala and become my aide and emissary.  You know the way I think and you know how we operate.  That must become part of you for you will be giving, commands, orders and suggestions to soldiers who are older than you.  Can you handle that?”

“Yes Tribune.  I am ready.”

“Good.”

Chapter 10

Morwenna sought out Ailis after they had put the child to bed.  Ailis was about to birth herself and welcomed the chance just to sit and chat. “Yes Morwenna what is it?”

“My moons have passed without bleeding.”

Ailis smiled.  “I sensed it my love. You are with child.” Ailis threw her arms around the child. She liked the young girl and felt that she was part of the family already.

“I feel it inside.”

“Good, for Macro needs a son as Gaius needed his son. They are returning to Morbium soon.  We can make preparations for the wedding.”

“Will it be allowed?”

“Gaius wrote that the Prefect has given permission.  You will be wed by midsummer.”

Morwenna’s smile was spontaneous and real but the thoughts hidden in her head were dark, sinister and evil. She would be able to do what her mother had never managed to do she would be able to do her work from the heart of the enemy and the enemy would help to raise her child; the viper in the bosom.

The sentry at the gates of Eboracum watched as the caravan headed ponderously along the newly built road. “Who in Hades is this?”

The Centurion peered at the finely dressed figure with the embossed cuirass, flanked by the column of heavily armed warriors. “That my son, is Decius Lucullus’ the Governor’s nephew and he is rapidly becoming a powerful man.  He is still a little arrogant shit but now a rich and powerful one.  You see the mules he has behind him?” The newly arrived sentry nodded. “Well they are laden with gold, copper and tin. Our Governor is becoming a rich man.”

“Does it not go to Rome?”

The Centurion laughed, “Of course it does.” He glanced down at the naïve young legionary. “But not as much as is dug out of the ground.”

The Governor and his wife were watching from the solar of the palace. “Decius has done well husband.”

Sallustius said sourly, “He could be a little more subtle. He arrives in broad daylight with shiny armour and mules so heavily laden that they can barely walk.  It will not take long for Rome to realise that her profits are not as great as they should be.”

“But that is why we base ourselves here in this northern hell hole, far away from spying eyes.”

“We are a port and there are clerks and officials here who would as soon inform as breathe.”

“A little longer my love, just a little longer and we will be safe here from any attack, form any quarter.” She began stroking his brow with here soft manicured hand and he closed his eyes in pleasure. “Have you given thought to the soldiers in your province?”

“I have promoted the leaders is that not enough?”

“It is a start but you need to win over the men. You could lead the army to a great victory over the barbarians and become a hero.”

“If my able and competent commanders in the north cannot do so then I doubt that I will be able to manage to do so.”

“In that case then you should increase their pay.”

“Above that of the rest of the Empire?  It would not be sanctioned.”

“Call it a frontier bonus and let it be known that you pay it from your personal coffers.  I believe Julius Caesar did so.”

“I know and look what happened to him.”

“We must take chances to achieve greatness. If you increase the pay by a little then more men will join, why you may even find soldiers coming from the mainland for the greater pay.”

“I will consider that.”

Just then there was a knock on the door and the sentry entered, “Decius Lucullus to see the Governor.”

Sallustius would just as happily have continued the conversation with his shrewd and cunning consort for she had ideas which meant greater power and profit for them all but he knew he would have to meet with his nephew some time. As the door closed Aula embraced Decius, “Good to see you nephew. Your laden mules tell us that your endeavours were successful.”

“They were and the miners found another rich seam as I left.”

The Governor looked shrewdly at the impeccably dressed and armoured young man. “I hope that I am seeing all the profits.  I would hate to think that someone was creaming a little off before I saw it.”

Decius hand went to his sword, “Are you impugning my name?”

Aula came between them but the Governor lowered his voice and said threateningly. “Nephew remember this, I rule here and you work for me.  I took you from your little village where you strutted around the farm yard like a cockerel and gave you this opportunity. Do not throw it away in such a cavalier fashion.”