Raising Steam

by Peter Rhodan

  He paused to concentrate as they crossed the rickety bridge. Having a good stone bridge would have to improve trade and communications! Once on the other side he resumed his explanation. “Bear in mind it is going to work differently to what you are used to. People will receive notification of what they owe in tax and will have a month to query it or find the money, or the equivalent in raw metal. The taxes are not going to be onerous so people should not find it too difficult.”

  Dileen nodded, appearing somewhat mollified. They were interrupted by Theodorus riding up to the small group having seen them crossing the river from where he was supervising work on the rail road bridge.

  “Primarius.” He said, dismounting where they had stopped to wait for him.

  “Master Engineer.” Arturo responded which got a smile from Theodorus.

  “I have several things I need to discuss with you, Primarius. When would you be free?” As usual when he didn’t think about it, his tone was brusquer than many would chosen to use with the most powerful an in the local area.

  Arturo looked at Dileen for a second who nodded slightly. “Do you need my presence somewhere or can we discuss this over dinner?”

  Theodorus seemed to miss the reference. “Oh, there is no rush nor is there any need for you to go anywhere in particular. I just need some direction from you regarding certain matters.”

  “Good. Why don’t you join us at dinner then. I am sure Dileen can accommodate an extra mouth. Dileen?”

  “That will be no problem at all Arturo. You are most welcome join us for dinner Theodorus.”

  Theodorus seemed a little surprised at this but nodded in acceptance. “I will come over once my crews finish for day. Thank you.” He replied and rode back to his men.

  If he was uncomfortable eating at Dileen's table it did not show in the manner he packed the food away although he politely waited till after the main meal had been finished before turning the conversation from general discussion to matters of business. “I have a couple of issues that I need instruction on Primarius if I may discuss them with you now?” He asked after the main dishes were removed by Dileen’s house servant and wife.

  “Certainly Theodorus. I am sure Dileen will be interested to hear and may even have advice to offer, He does know the local area very well after all.” Arturo smiled at Dileen who smirked back, at the same time slightly bowing his head.

  “Well. The bridge is coming along nicely, as is the dock. Both should be finished by the spring, perhaps a bit before depending on the weather.” Theodorus stated and then waited a moment till Arturo nodded for him to continue. One always had to consider the weather in this sometimes pretty but often dreary area. “My surveyor has already laid out the line heading south and also a branch to where there is coal bed a local landowner wishes to develop. I have also learned there is coal just north of here along the shore. It is a fair way below the surface, but I have thought up an idea of how to access it using one of those new steam engines your iron master has come up with.”

  He paused but Arturo said nothing, merely waved his hand for Theodorus to continue. “I was thinking it could be used to power a lifting device. Up and down vertically. I am not sure of the details entirely yet, there is a diagram in Vitruvius that could be modified which I am certain it would work, but I need one of those steam engines to try it out.”

  “Ah.” Arturo nodded finally by way of reply. “So, you want me to buy you one those steam engines so you can experiment with it?”

  Theodorus visibly swallowed, obviously unsure from Arturo’s tone whether his idea was to be rewarded or denied. “They really are marvellous devices, although I cannot understand why no one has thought of them before. Regardless of that, Primarius, my idea would mean being able to mine underground much more easily. Also, I have the thought that they could be used to pump water out of underground mines. That will obviously take some experimenting with that as well but there are many mines, particularly in the land of the Dumnoni, where such pumping would allow old mines that have flooded to be re-opened.” He wound down looking at Arturo expectantly.

  “Yes. I have already thought of water pumping in mines as one of their uses.” Arturo commented. He smiled. "You may order a steam engine or two Master Engineer. On one proviso.” He finished holding up a finger.

  Theodorus looked over at him with suspicion in his eyes. “Yes lord?”

  “I want you to start training at least two apprentices. We are going to need more engineers in near future and you are the obvious person to do the teaching. I will pay you something extra for each apprentice.”

  Theodorus considered this offer then smiled. “That is generous of you sir. Actually, I have one chap in mind already which I have been giving some of the basics to. He can read and write to an extent and shows a good understanding of engineering principles.”

  “Good. Make him an apprentice immediately. Also, if you have a person you think would be suitable, but they lack education, the school is starting in Dervent very shortly. There they can learn to read and write one or two days a week as part of their training.”

  Theodorus nodded. “Oh. Yes. That would work out well. Why are you going to need so many engineers Primarius?” He asked.

  “Well. There is the line south, and any bridges needed there. Then there's the line to Lugowalion which I want work started on immediately the line to Wern is finished. I also want a branch to Alauna. And there are those iron mines down south a ways that will need to be added to the network plus all the buildings I want to build. Did I tell you I was working on cement?”

  “You did mention you intended looking into it. Have you succeeded producing it then?” Theodorus looked very interested in the idea of having cement available.

  “Not yet but we are close. That will make a lot of things easier. In the meantime, I need you to divide your survey party up. I want your senior man working on the line to Lugowalion. His junior can continue with the line south and the lines to the various mines.”

  “I am not sure young Tallyyn is ready to survey on his own.” He glanced at the expression on Arturo’s face before continuing. “But I guess there is no better time to find out.”

  “Good. You can check on him occasionally if that makes you feel better. The responsibility will be good for him. In the meantime, your senior man can take on an apprentice or two as well as we are going to need more surveyors with all the extra lines. On top of that with Arcadius doing his Censor thing we will need surveyors to mark out property boundaries and such like as well. And then there will be mapping.”

  “Mapping Primarius?” Theodorus asked, clearly not sure what Arturo was talking about.

  “I want to start making maps of this whole area. Proper maps that show height and distance correctly. I will show whoever it is how to draw them correctly, but I need experienced surveyors to do it properly hence the need to train some more. Also, sometime in the next couple of days call in on Owyn the tanner and ask him to show you the telescope he has there. Tell him I said so. I want you to see what application it has for survey work or perhaps a modified version of it.”

  Theodorus looked puzzled by this but nodded acquiescence. “Certainly Primarius.”

  “Good. And another thing. Have you ever heard of lode stone?”

  “Lode stone?” The man was genuinely puzzled.

  “Yes. It is a type of rock that attracts metal. Have you ever heard of any?”

  Theodorus smiled. “Oh, magnes. Certainly, although I don’t own any myself.”

  Arturo nodded. At least he knew what to ask for now. Obviously the word magnet went back a long way.

  “I have a piece.” Dileen said after a moment.

  All three men turned to look at him. Two with surprised expressions and one who was merely curious. “You do?” Theodorus said, sounding very surprised.

  “Well yes.” Dileen answered, sounding defensive. “Some Scotti traded it to me years ago. One moment and I will get it.”

  He returned p
resently with a dark, metallic looking piece of stone which attracted metal as he soon showed with his knife. “May I?” Arturo enquired and held out his hand. After a moment's hesitation, Dileen put the magnes in his palm. He held the rock closely, studying it. It was surprisingly light and he immediately knew what he wanted to do. “May I chip a piece off?” He asked quietly, looking at Dileen.

  Dileen looked surprised. “Chip a piece off?”

  “Yes. Not a large piece, just a little sliver.”

  “Why. What will you use it for?”

  Arturo studied the rock again. “In my land we have a thing called a compass which is very useful for travellers and especially ship captains. My people have a way of making them that I am not too sure I can replicate, at least not any time soon. However, this magnes, as you call it, was used back in the old days for making these compasses, before my people learned to make something that worked better. At least so I believe. If I could chip off a sliver I would soon see.”

  “I have had that magnes for years.” Dileen said after considering Arturo’s words. “It is a sort of good luck charm to me.” He offered by way of an explanation for his reluctance to proceed with chipping a piece off.

  Arturo nodded and waved his hand. “That is fine my friend. It should not take long to acquire a piece for myself now that I know what to ask for.” And so saying he handed the rock back to the worried looking Mair, who clutched it to his chest as if it was the most precious thing he had ever seen.

  “You don’t mind?” Dileen asked after a moment.

  Arturo smiled and shook his head. “It was nothing important my friend.” He said and turned the conversation to learning more about what lay south of this part of Britannia. And there was no point in upsetting one of his key people over a bit of rock!

  Chapter 6

  Of matters Imperial

  Marcus Claudius Victorinus returned to his room in the huge government basilica in Ravenna after the morning meeting with his superior, the Praefectus Vehiculorum, Lucius Macronius. As he was the Cornicularius to the Praefect, all the main reports from their agents in the Occident came to his desk first. There was a second Praefectus Vehiculorum in Constantinopolis who dealt with the eastern half of the Empire. They even managed to maintain a cordial relationship and the agents in the middle areas knew to forward important matters to both officers.

  Many of the things that flowed across his desk were simple matters to do with the upkeep of the main highways and messenger stations. These he offloaded as much as possible to his staff to be dealt with as needed. The really important reports, mostly those from the Agentes En Rebus, he vetted first and then presented the important ones to Macronius. These were the reports sent in by the men specifically charged with seeing to the welfare of the Empire. Any threats to Imperial security, of revolt against the Emperor or other treasonous matters were considered and acted upon by Macronius and to a lesser extent himself.

  The position of Praefectus Vehiculorum was one of the most powerful in the Empire. Its agents were feared by all, governors and generals alike and the sense of power this engendered was something Marcus rather liked. Getting himself promoted to the position was his current aim, although he was taking his time and being cautious. Macronius was a long time friend of the Officium and was well liked by the Emperor himself. In fact, the best hope for his own advancement was probably Macronius being promoted to the position of Officium, which would then hopefully be followed by his own elevation to replace him in the post of Praefectus Vehiculorum.

  In the meantime, he had the two reports on his desk that he had not taken in to show Macronius. Ever since the Emperor Honorius had told the magistrates in Britannia to look to their own defence Macronius had shown no interest in seeing the reports from the two Agentes still in position there. Marcus however felt that keeping a track of everything that one could impact the Empire was a good idea. Even on an island the Emperor had basically abandoned but which had spawned numerous usurpers in past centuries. So he kept two of his agents there watching what was happening, at least for the moment.

  The first report was from Apollodorus, who besides being an Agentes was also now the Vicarius of the Britannia. His report was the usual mixture at complaints about being abandoned by the Emperor and updates on the situation, especially the doings of Rutellius, the Comes Littoris Saxoni and Combrosius, the latest Comes Britannia. The Comes Littoris Saxoni was now based in Bononia, in Gallia, but much of his command was along the southern coasts of Britannia so it was important that a watch be kept on him. The current holder of the title was an uninspiring man who owed his position more to Imperial favour than competence. He had never struck Marcus as being a threat and nothing in this report suggested any change in that assessment was needed.

  In fact, reading further, there was little of interest in the report at all. The Comes Britannium was trying to rebuild his small field army, a task he had been trying to achieve for some time. He and the Comes Littoris Saxoni did not get on well, especially as he kept trying to pinch the shore defence garrisons of the Comes Littoris Saxoni that were still operating in Britannia.

  Apollodorus obviously had more contact with Rutellius than with Combrosius and his reports seemed to be slanted against that worthy. Was there some connection between the two or were the raids by the Saxoni and others so serious that he was favouring Rutellius in subconscious response. He would have to study this matter further. With that thought he turned to the report from Licinius his Agentes in the army of Combrosius.

  This report was short, to the point and far more concise than the rather rambling epistle from the Vicarius Apollodorus. Combrosius was working hard to enlarge his small army and secure the necessary supplies. Apparently he had nearly come to blows with the Dux Britannium up on the wall over something. Ah, that was a new Dux, one Maximus, who had apparently ousted the previous man. How the barbarians had not yet managed to overrun the whole island Marcus could not understand given the constant distrust and petty politics that infested the place.

  Oh, I see, he thought to himself, reading further. This Maximus had been overthrown in turn by some person previously unknown, one Arturo. Strange name. He had raised some sort of army to oppose Maximus and taken over the role of Dux. Huh. Combrosius had managed to find the means to hire a cohort of Saxons to add to his regulars. Why? Licinius was not sure. Apparently there was some talk of marching north and getting rid of this latest Dux, who was not even a Roman by all accounts. But Licinius was not high enough in the command structure of Combrosius to know the thoughts of Comes and his cronies so he would just have to wait and see what transpired. Maybe one day the empire would have the resources to reclaim the island.

  Marcus re-read both reports and decided there was nothing much to concern the Empire in either. The tiny troop numbers that were involved meant they were negligible forces and if Honorius did decide to regain the island at some point the Praefect of Gallia would have no real problems in carrying out such an operation. The army in Britannia was not the same now as it had been before Constantinus the Third had rebelled and crossed to Gallia. Only a few depot troops and Limitani had been left behind and very few of the regulars from the island had returned after the defeat of Constantinus and his successor. Marcus seriously doubted Combrosius would have time to rebuild his small force into a decent army before a wave of barbarians rolled over the wall and headed south.

  He considered ordering Licinius back to Gallia but decided to leave him there over the winter. Having been born in Bononia himself, Marcus knew only too well how unattractive it was to try and cross the German Ocean in winter. He considered his decision to keep following events in the island. His master, Macronius, would not be amused if he knew Marcus was still keeping track of things in far off Britannia. But then Marcus was far more methodical than his superior and would make a far better Praefectus Vehiculorum, once he could arrange getting Macronius removed from that position. He smiled in anticipation of that event, something he was diligentl
y working at making happen.

  Chapter 7

  All aboard

  The day dawned fine and clear although the air was sharp and there was still snow on the ground, particularly in areas sheltered from the sun. The troops allocated to crowd control were already positioning temporary barriers into place on the cleared ground that would become Dervent Station, their breath visible in the morning air as they laboured away at their task. The barriers were simply made of two planks nailed together in a cross, turned at an angle, then dug into the ground slightly to keep them upright about three paces apart. Long beams were then positioned, resting on the centre of the x thus formed and in the process forming a simple fence. They would do nothing to stop any concerted surge by the crowd, but Arturo was not really concerned with that happening, not as yet anyway.

  A side track had been laid next to the main line upon which rested six wagons specially modified for the day. They had been carefully cleaned out to remove any traces of their normal load of coal and then wooden benches had been secured inside for people to sit on. On the ground next to the door in the side of each wagon was a wooden mounting block for people to use to enter the wagons. There were similar blocks already in place at the site of the other station outside the fort at Wern as well, plus there was a century of troops down there setting up similar temporary fencing.

  At the head of the six wagons stood the first and currently the only passenger carriage in existence on the planet. It was not all that exciting, Arturo had thought, looking at the finished article two days before. In form it was one of the normal flat wagons used around the works for carrying bulky items, onto the deck of which had been transplanted two travelling horse drawn carriage bodies of the type used by the wealthy to get around in. Arturo had wanted to design a special passenger carriage from scratch but Oween had deterred him pointing out that the rail roads were revolutionary enough for the moment. Using a familiar thing like a horse drawn carriage body would help make the train look less threatening. Arturo had thought about that for a while, had decided he wasn’t really convinced by that argument, but in the end had acquiesced. It did make producing the passenger carriage easier and quicker.