Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 04] Roman Retreat (15 page)

Aula’s eyes pleaded with the boy to back off and Decius registered the word rule not govern. “I am sorry sir that you doubt me but all that is yours you receive.”

“Then who pays for your fine armour and increasingly numerous bodyguards?”

“The armour and the bodyguards are needed uncle for the land through which we travel is wild.”

Mollified the Governor waved his nephew to a seat. “I am glad that Tribune Maximunius is coming today for I would have his advice about these wild parts of Britannia.”

“Is my cousin still his aide?” Decius was not over fond of his cousin. Where Decius needed to bully and buy friends, Livius managed to make all like him.  Decius also knew that Livius was a better warrior, and he resented it.

“Yes they have been busy putting down an insurrection in the north.”

“There is always an insurrection in the north.”

“Yes my dear but I believe the last letter from the Tribune suggested he had a solution to that particular problem.  If he can solve that one then we can really begin to make the southern half of the province as prosperous as we would hope.”

“Well Livius we will see today if your uncle has found the gold to pay for the troops he promised us.”

“To be truthful sir I do not know my uncle well.  He lived in Rome whilst I was growing up but I do know that he wants the best for Britannia. He believes that the province can be great.”

“Good for I have come to love Britannia and its peoples too.”

“Sir, can I ask you a question?”

“Ask away Livius and I will give as honest an answer as I can.”

“Why did you let the rebel king live?”

“A good question; had he rebelled against Rome’s rule he would have died but he did not; he rebelled because we, I, that failed him.  I gave the tribes my word. Rome promised safety and prosperity and delivered neither. If I had executed him, as was my right, then the Votadini would have been an ulcer for years. They may become one yet but I have bought Rome time until we can bring to the Votadini what the legions brought to your people.”

Sallustius greeted Marcus like a long lost friend.  “How good to see you.  I see from the reports that you have managed to quell a rebellion. I feel that your appointment was a timely one. And my nephew is he learning?”

Livius felt himself blushing.  His uncle was talking about him as though he were not there.  He felt a surge of pleasure when the Tribune put his arm around his shoulder. “I would like to thank the Governor for appointing such an intelligent, hard working and resourceful young man as my aide.  My task has been made much easier.”

“Good good. Now then what are we to do about the Caledonii?”

“Sir, Livius and I have a map and if we could find a quiet place we will explain the strategy we propose.”

Livius could not help but notice the contrast between his uncle and the cavalry commander.  One included whilst one excluded. The irony was that it was his family who was excluding him.  He thought back to the way the officers of the ala had been with each and he saw that his first family was now the ala. When they put the map on the table Livius took the pointer while Marcus strode around the table explaining.

“The rebellions of the Votadini and the problems we have had in the past with the Brigante have convinced me that we need to make the land either side of Dunum into Rome in every sense of the word.  Just as it is south of the Dunum.  The people need roads, schools and education so that they feel Roman. The land between the Dunum and the Tine and Ituna rivers should be the next area we civilise. To do so we need two barriers one along the line of the Bodotria and Clota and the second along the Ituna, Tine border. North of the Bodotria should be abandoned.”

The Governor sat up in his seat his eyes boring into Marcus’. “That would be tantamount to telling the world that we have failed.”

“No Governor. Between the landing of Claudius and the defeat of Venutius almost forty years elapsed.  We only crossed the Bodotria less than ten years ago.  We are not withdrawing we are consolidating. Besides we have not the manpower to defeat the Caledonii.  The land is almost as bog as the rest of Britannia and we have a handful of auxiliary cohorts. We need a barrier.“

“What do you mean by a barrier?”

“A series of self supporting forts; the Northern one garrisoned by the Batavians under the two tribunes and the Southern one garrison by the new mixed cohorts.  The two sets of forts were built in Agricola’s time and were only temporary wooden structures. We can better defensive features and more stone to make them both substantial and defensible. The land between the two lines suits cavalry whilst the land north of the Bodotria can only be conquered by the legions.”

“And where would you place your old ala, Marcus’ Horse?”

“Veluniate on the shores of the Bodotria.”

“Interesting.  Why there?”

“They can move south and west easily and, if needs be could be moved by sea further distances.  The auxiliary’s role would be to stop the raids and incursions. But no matter how well they patrol, determined warriors can still evade a static fort and the ala would be in a good position to pursue and catch a warband.  The watchtowers we are building would enable signals to be sent to the Cohortes Equitatae and they could move up for the south. The cavalry would be able to ensure that the trade routes stayed open while the infantry could make sure the roads were well built.”

The Governor pondered for a while and then darted a question at Livius. “And you, nephew?  What is your view?”

“I have seen the land north of the Tine.  It does suit cavalry but we must make it Roman.  The Tribune’s plan is a good one.”

“I know and I applaud it. It also suits my larger plan.  The other four auxiliary forces could be based here at Eboracum ready to support the legions retake Caledonia in the future.” Livius and Marcus exchanged looks but did not say anything. “And now Tribune I have something to show you.” He opened the door and a soldier came in holding a long object in sackcloth. “Put it on the table and leave.”

When the man had gone Sallustius opened it up to reveal a lance.  Marcus looked at it and the Governor inclined his head to show that Marcus could touch it. He held it in his hand, raised it up, felt the weight and then tossed it from hand to hand. “I have not seen this design before.”

Beaming widely Sallustius said, “It is of my own design. I call it a Lucullus.  Notice how it has a tapered guard to protect the hand and can be tucked beneath the arm. I wanted to show it to you before I ordered some to be made for you ala.  Could they learn to use it?”

Marcus picked it up again and then Livius grinned, “I bet Macro would love to have a go with this.”

Marcus laughed, “The problem would be to stop him throwing it.”

“No no it is not for throwing.”

“I know Governor but the Decurion we are talking about is so strong he would believe he could throw it. Yes I can see how it could be useful.  I will certainly talk to Prefect Demetrius about it.”

As they rode North Livius said, “I thought the extra cohorts were to be for north of the Dunum?”

“They will be.  At the moment they are still being trained at Derventio and Cataractonium.  I will see they are deployed where necessary when they are trained.  We will after all station ourselves at Morbium. And that is closer to the training camps than Eboracum. I suspect your uncle is playing a game and he has not told us the rules.”

Lucius Antoninus Saturninus was the Governor of Germania Superior. Like his counterpart in Britannia he was becoming increasingly alarmed by the removal of forces from his province.  Like Sallustius, he too was contemplating moves to make his own position much more secure, however he had gone one stage further; he was planning to leave the Empire and set up his own country. “So tell me Rufius would this Governor of Britannia join us in our endeavour?”

The furtive looking man peered over his shoulder, even though they were alone and then said, “I have spoken with his nephew and the man is lining his pockets at the Empire’s expense.  If he would not do so willingly we could coerce him.”

Lucius shook his head.  “No I need whole hearted support, not grudging subservience. What else.”

“My spies tell me that his wife is ambitious and he is building auxiliary units loyal only to him. He recently gave all his troops a pay rise.”

“Now that sounds like a good idea. How could he afford that?”

“He has gold mines in the west.”

“This sounds like just the man for us then.”

“Why, sir, do we need him?”

“Britannia is an island and, as such, more secure than we are.  If our endeavour failed here we would have a bolt hole especially if your information about the gold is true.  In addition it would make it more difficult for Domitian to attack if he had two enemies raising forces. Go to this man and gauge how he might react to such an offer but do not use my name and do not give him any details, just the concept.”

The ala reached Morbium just as Marcus was briefing the Governor.  Marcus and Gaius were obviously keen to leave for the villa but they were both professional enough to build the camp and await permission from the prefect.  Julius Demetrius appeared, to Gaius and those who knew him well, to have become older suddenly. He no longer looked like the little boy in a uniform two sizes to big and he had a demeanour which commanded respect.  Only Macro knew of the hours the prefect had spent with the weapon’s trainer building up his body and exercising to the point of exhaustion just to fill out his frame.  This was one of the many reasons why the prefect could not deny Marco’s request.  As for Gaius, even though Julius had served a shorter period, Gaius had shown no resentment at having a junior officer promoted above home.  In fact Gaius had gone out of the way to make life easier for his superior and to support him at every turn.  Therefore when they both arrived at the headquarters’ building with their request for a two day furlough the prefect handed over the tablet already signed and sealed giving them a five day furlough. “The Tribune won’t be back for five days and this gives the other decurions time to assess the new recruits who are waiting for us.  It just means Decurion that you will have a shorter time to train them as we head back north.”

“Don’t worry sir it will be worth it to see Morwenna and to marry her.”

“Go on then be off with you.”

Riding through the familiar country in high summer was a delight for the two officers.  Both wanted to gallop as though it were a race but rode gently along sharing their hopes and dreams for the future. It was Gaelwyn who greeted them.  “About time you two reprobates showed up.  When I was a scout we defeated our enemies quicker than now.”

Waving an acknowledgment the two men leapt from their horses and raced to the brick built farm. Gaius enfolded both his son and his wife and new baby in both his arms while Macro literally swept Morwenna off her feet. “You had best be careful Gaius.”

“Why is that Ailis? I am just so happy to see the woman who is to be my wife.”

“Which is good but do be careful with your unborn child.”

Macro almost dropped Morwenna and Gaius’ jaw dropped. “You wasted no time did you Gaius?”

Ailis nudged Gaius in the ribs, “Gaius, outside, let them alone.”

As he was dragged outside he protested, “But what did I do?”

Macro held the diminutive Morwenna at arm’s length. “How long have you known?  When is ..”

Morwenna held her hand to Marco’s lips. “I have known for three weeks and the child will be born in six months just after the Yule festival.”

“Enfolding her in his bear like arms he said, “Then we shall be married at once.”

Ailis had correctly predicted Macro’s reaction and a pig had already been slaughtered.  There was beer and mead and the farm looked as clean as when it was built.  There were few guests but that, in itself, made it a more memorable occasion. 

Gaelwyn and Gaius sat off to one side as Ailis put the children to bed. “She is a pretty girl.”

“She is that but do not be fooled she works hard and she is a great help to Ailis. Your wife cannot have her husband and she needs the company of women.  A gruff old uncle who can only talk of war and hunting is no compensation.”

“I am sorry uncle but I am pleased the Morwenna has come.” He took a draught from the jug of spirit which Gaelwyn had produced. “She reminds me of someone or I have seen her before.”

“That was my thought but I cannot think who.  Perhaps she looks like every pretty woman we ever saw.  Not that we saw many.”

“No, the Caledonii women could only be separated from the men by the shortness of their beards.” They both fell to the floor laughing at the own childish image.

Macro nestled Morwenna’s head on his shoulder. “I am happy that you get on so well with Ailis and Gaelwyn.  They are good people.”

“They are lovely. Gaelwyn can be a bit gruff but he is so helpful and Ailis is the kindest person in the world.”

“Good for I fear that this break will be too short and soon I will return North.”

“To Morbium?”

“No Alavna in the land of the Caledonii, at least that is my guess but if not there then Coriosopitum.”

“I wish to be with you.”

Shaking his head he said vehemently, “It is no place for a young mother with a child.”

“Ailis could look after my child until he is older and as we are married I could live near the fort.”

“It is a wild land Morwenna and we hold on to it by our very fingertips.  We could have to move very quickly and I would not be able to look after you.”

Sensing his weakening resolve she pursued her point.  “I travelled her alone Macro. I can look after myself. I could travel up to the fort with supplies.  I would be safer.”

Relenting he said, “We’ll see., but first we need my son to be born!”

The smile which erupted on her face made Macro’s heart melt. Inside Morwenna sensed victory.  She would become ensconced in the heart of the ala, in the perfect place to poison men’s minds and bodies and finally eradicate the curse that had destroyed her mother.