Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 04] Roman Retreat (8 page)

“I will, I promise.”

“And swear that you will be revenged upon them. Swear now and on my bones when I am dead.”

“I will swear.”

“And Morwenna, you will need a charm when I am gone.  You will take the fingers from my dead body and some of my hair.  Put them in a bag and keep them with you at all times.  That way my spirit will be there to aid you.” When Morwenna looked dubious the old woman waved a bony finger at her.  “It they had not burned your mother’s body after they crucified her we would have had her bones and then you would have been the most powerful witch.”

Terrified of having to despoil the body of the woman that she loved but terrified of failing her, the young woman nodded and said, “I swear mother that I will do as you wish.”

“Now then prefects, excuse me, Tribunes.” Sallustius laughed at his own joke and the four men smiled mirthlessly. “Which officers should we consider?”

Marcus shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “Will not Rome wish to make the appointment?”

Shaking his head he replied, “A legion yes but an auxiliary ala, albeit as famous as Marcus’ Horse, I think not. It is part of my role and responsibilities.”

“There are then, in my view, three men who could be prefect. The three decurions, Gaius Metellus Aurelius, Macro Annius Barba and Julius Salvius Demetrius.”

Cominius sat up. “Julius Demetrius, a fine young man but is not a little young?”

The Governor sat back, his hands together beneath his chin as though at prayer.  He would allow these three to debate and in that way he would be able to gauge their character.  If he were to halt the barbarian invasion he needed to know his leaders.

Decius smiled to himself and waited for his friend’s assessment. “That criticism could be aimed at all of them but think what they have achieved in these past few years; the campaigns in the land of the Carvetii, the battles in Mona and the wars under Agricola.  They may be young in years but in experience they are ancient.”

Strabo nodded. “Let us assess them all individually. Macro?”

Cominius grinned, “The bravest warrior I have ever seen and the best with any weapon.”

“He is that,” agreed Decius, “and the men adore him. They believe he is a good luck charm.”

There was a pause and all eyes swung towards Marcus.  Sighing he said, “And yet impetuous.  He would lead the ala into a death or glory charge believing he could win. I am not sure that, out of the three, he has the best strategic mind.”

“Gaius? I know he is your foster son.”Marcus glanced at Decius who shrugged. “Would he be your choice?”

“Probably Cominius but not because I am so fond of him. He is the most experienced of the three of them. He is the eldest and, as with Macro, the men adore him.”

“Which brings us back to Julius.  It seems to me that Gaius would be the sensible and logical choice.” Decius, once more sat smiling.  In his mind he knew whom both he and Marcus wanted.

“He is young and he is the least experienced and in his first few months all I wanted to do was throw him out of the ala.  But then a wiser head took him under his wing and made him the soldier he is.” He smiled at Decius who nodded and took the compliment gracefully. “He has a sound strategic mind. His knowledge of military history is astounding.  In addition he comes from a patrician family and his father is a senator. “The Governor suddenly sat bolt upright. “And I know that it matters not here but it might make the appointment more palatable in Rome if we were to appoint a patrician as prefect.”

There was a silence as the two Tribunes and the Governor considered the import of Marcus’ assessment. Furius looked over at Decius. “And you Decius what is your opinion?”

“Simple.  I only had one name and that was Decurion Demetrius.  And that takes nothing away from the other two who I love like sons.  If you want someone to lead the ala as well as Marcus here then there is only one choice.”

“Well that is settled then Decurion Demetrius will be promoted to prefect and the Decurion Princeps?”

“Bleeding obvious isn’t it? Gaius.”

“Blunt as ever Decius.  Could I apologise for my friend’s lack of diplomacy Governor.”

The Governor smiled. “It is refreshing to hear honesty after the subterfuge of Rome. I will have my clerk write out the orders.  Will you deliver them Marcus?”

“If I could have a few days at my villa Governor then I will gladly do so.”

“A few days will not cause a problem. Well gentlemen you all have new roles. I trust you will keep me informed?”

They all nodded and saluted. “Where will you be based Governor?”

“Good point Cominius. I will be at Viroconium with the Twentieth for the rest of the year.  I want to ensure that the gold trains are working at maximum capacity for that will determine how many auxiliary forces we can raise and then I shall return to Verulanium and my wife unless there are problems in the north when I will return to Eboracum.”

Marcus felt strange as he rode across the bridge at Morbium. It was so familiar and yet so strange.  He had seen the place as a rough little fort and bridge and now it was a powerful fort and thriving settlement.  It would make his villa more secure.  He had only seen the villa once and that was before he had had the buildings put up.  It had been three years since he had set his slaves to building it and he looked forward to seeing it.  As he emerged through the trees a couple of miles from the fort he caught his first glimpse of the small one storied villa Annius and his men had built.  Although small it looked quite substantial. Someone must have been keeping watch for, by the time he rode up to the imposing doors ,the ten men and women who made up his household were stood at attention, smiles covering their faces.

Whilst one of the boys held his horse Annius, now older and greyer than when he had worked at Glanibanta, bowed.  “It is good to see you master. Will you be home for long?”

“Just a week this time Annius but I am home for good soon.”

“Excellent.  Could I apologise for the bath house is not yet finished.”

Hiding his disappointment Marcus shrugged the apology away.  “You have done well old friend to do as much as you have.”

The old man looked up.  “We did have encouragement from Gaelwyn, your friend.”

Marcus laughed.  He should have known that his old scout, Gaelwyn would have had something to do with this. “I hope he was not too obtrusive?”

“No sir.  Fortunately his visits were brief, but memorable. I suspect he will be calling today for he seems to know instinctively what is going on here.”

Marcus remembered the uncanny sixth senses possessed by the fearsome Brigante who had sworn such allegiance to Marcus’ Horse and was now the guardian and protector of his niece, Ailis. “Well in that case we have better prepare food and drink.

Marcus had barely had time to wash and change when he was greeted by, not only Gaelwyn but Ailis and her small child, Decius. “Good to see you prefect.  You should have warned us you were coming.”

“You disappoint me old friend. I thought you had second sight and, Ailis, your husband sends his love and felicitations and asked me to do this.” He leant forward and kissed her on the forehead.

“Thank you lord and how is my husband?”

“He misses you but then most of the decurions miss you. They envy your husband. Let us adjourn to my solar for Annius has prepared some refreshments.”

Marcus spent the next hour explaining his new role and his plans for the villa. “I hope to visit with you both often; if only to placate Gaius who worries.”

Gaelwyn snorted.  “He is a warrior.  He is where he should be.”

Ailis glanced down at the bump that would soon be a child and catching her eye Marcus inclined his head in sympathy. “How many local warriors remain Gaelwyn?”

“Local warriors?”

“Men who could fight to defend the land of the Brigante.”

“Ah. We have ten at Stanwyck.  They work the farm and train with me. There are a few at Morbium but they need training. Why do you ask?”

“It is no secret that the legions have departed south.  The only army which faces the Caledonii is that commanded by Strabo and Sura. You travelled that land.  Do you believe they can stop all the raids and attacks?”

Gaelwyn shook his head. “Then we will spend the winter making our farms stronger.”

“Begin with yours Gaelwyn. I will instruct Annius to bring over my workers for I want Gaius to be happy now that he is to be Decurion Princeps.”

Gaelwyn grinned, obviously pleased with the decision. “That is good for it means more pay.”

Marcus laughed.  “Not a great deal of pay.” The decurions of Marcus’ horse had done well, not from Roman pay, but from the booty they had looted from defeated foes. One torque alone had paid for Marcus’ farm and all the decurions had buried their hordes in the safety of the grounds of Marcus’ new villa. “I will be staying a few days and then I will return north to give your husband the news of his promotion.  By the end of the month I will be here with my family, permanently.”

By the time Marcus reached Alavna he could see the work which had already been completed.  There was now a double ditch surrounding the fort as well as two extra towers on the valley sides. The lower palisades had been faced with stone and the towers inside the fort strengthened.  The ala fort was the largest Marcus had seen except for the huge legionary ones at Deva and Eboracum, and he nodded in approval as he rode up to the porta Decumana. He was pleased when the sentry, whom he recognised shouted down.  “Halt! Identify yourself and your business.”

“Tribune Marcus Aurelius Maximunius here to speak with the senior officer.”

Hiding his surprise at the title the trooper shouted, “Open the gates you may enter.”

As a trooper took his horse Marcus was pleased to see an old friend limping towards him.  Agrippa had been a weapon trainer and decurion before he was badly wounded in the battles against the Caledonii; as the quartermaster of Marcus’ Horse he could still do a good job and yet remain with his old friends and comrades.

“Good to see you sir. Did I hear correctly?  You are a Tribune now?”

“In a manner of speaking yes but it is purely honorary. Is the ala on patrol?”

The grim look on Agrippa’s face told a story without the need for words. “Aye it takes all the turmae just to keep the road open between here and the north.  I fear that the losses may make that impossible soon.”

“We have been losing men?”

“Not a great number but every patrol results in injured or dead troopers.  We were already under strength and now… But let us not stand here. Come in and I will give you refreshments while I give you the whole story.” Agrippa was half way through his report when Tribune Sura entered. “I am sure the Tribune can carry on with the news sir.  If you will excuse me I will arrange your accommodation and have your things put away.”

“Thank you Agrippa.”

When they were alone Sura shook his head.  “It has only been a few weeks Marcus but things are getting much worse.”

“Agrippa was telling me.”

“I am not sure how long we can hold on to the northern forts.  We are losing too many men and they are indefensible. Until we get more replacements…”

“I know. There is no sign of the Governor’s promised troops.”

The Tribune shrugged. “It takes time.  We have no facilities to train them here.  That will be, I am afraid, your job and Decius of course.”

“I suspect it will be more Decius’ role than mine.”

“How is he coping with his new post?”

“Loving it.  He knows every trick that soldiers have tried, mainly because he has tried them himself at some time.  Before Ulpius Felix took him in hand he was the biggest villain in the ala.  The fort is so well run, it is frightening.  I never realised how house proud he is.”

They both laughed.  “I take it you are here to make the promotions?”

“Yes.  How has it worked out with Gaius as Decurion Princeps?”

“Very well. It suits him. Macro still races off into danger whenever possible so your decision not to appoint him has been vindicated and I have been watching young Demetrius.  The assessment you and Decius made of him was accurate in every way.  I am very impressed.  He could be a First Spear for me any time. He will make a good prefect.  It just depends how the others take it.”

“If Decius and I have read the situation aright then they should all be happy.” He shrugged.  “We will fight out later.  Will you join us?”

“I would love to.  Do you mind if I bring over a couple of my Centurions.  I would like them to see how well your officers work together. My lads are good soldiers but, and it galls me to say this, not as good as yours.”

“Bring as many as you like.  I will let Agrippa know. At least he doesn’t carp as much about using his precious stores as other quartermasters I have known.”

When the patrols returned there was none of the usual banter and, even without seeing his troopers, Marcus knew the patrols had not gone well. He remained in his quarters to allow his officers to begin to work their frustrations out in whichever way it suited.  He knew that Macro would hit the exercise yard and begin to work with weights and arms whilst Cato would groom his horse until it shone. Julius would probably sit with Gaius and discuss what went wrong and what went right; probably a good thing bearing in mind the relationship they would need to develop. Galeo and Cilo, old friends that they were would probably open a jug of something alcoholic to take the sour taste of the day. Within an hour or so they would be less like angry bears awoken from a winter sleep and the more easy going men he knew and loved.  He had no doubt that Agrippa would have told them of his arrival and the plans for dinner.  He also knew that no matter how much they wanted to come and speak with him they would respect the closed door.

He had changed his uniform not for vain reason but he respected Marcus’ Horse too much to gain glory by association.  He was now a Tribune and he had to let all know that he was no longer a prefect of just cavalry. For the first time in his life he was moving beyond the back of a horse. Himli had come a long way since he was captured in a massacred Cantabrian village.