Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 08] The Last Frontie

by Griff Hosker

  Furax, of course, had wanted to join Livius and Julius had to be very firm at the end. “You can go when you are no longer a child and have learned all the lessons given to you by Atticus.” That had silenced him and Julius and Livius had said their emotional farewells.

  When Livius returned to the stern even Hercules was impressed. Clad in his armour he looked every uncia the leader he was. “Well Livius I’ll be in Eboracum for a week or so. The Master wanted me to bring some trade goods back to distract attention from you; make it look as though you were just a passenger who paid for a voyage. It also means it you need a message going back I will still be here. If you need me you know where I am. Do you know of any good inns?”

  “The best one I know is The Saddle in the vicus. An old comrade of mine is the landlord, you’ll get on well, and, by the way, he’s called Horse. Just use my name.”

  Wondering at the name he said, “I will and I hope the gods are with you.”

  It was closing towards dusk as the old ship edged its way in to the quayside of Eboracum. Although the port sometimes received strange nautical visitors, the particular lines and rigging caused more than a few stares from the idlers who frequented the waterways. It was the sort of attention which Livius did not require and he went below to return with a cloak. He tucked his helmet under his arm and then shook hands with Hercules. “I’ll report to the Prefect and send for my belongings when I can.”

  Hercules nodded edging the ship to gently touch the stone quay. “Tie her off.”

  Winking at Hercules he said, “Thank you for the voyage Captain. It has been most illuminating.”

  Once down the gang plank he merged quickly with the throng of people who attempted to get to the ship; there were those who wanted employment to offload the ship, others required passage whilst there were a handful of stranded sailors who wished to go to sea again. Hercules chuckled to himself. He might have sailed half way around the world to the very edge of the Empire but sailors and ports never changed. “Back off there. We have no cargo and we don’t need any sailors. When I do need any help I’ll ask.”

  Julius and Livius had not been sure where the Governor might be. Marcus Appius Bradua had been recently sent by the Emperor Trajan to Britannia but the new Emperor Hadrian had not been happy about his Governor. If Livius found him at Eboracum then it would mean he was a worthy Governor who was addressing the problems of the unrest. If he were in Londinium or somewhere in the safe hinterland then Julius and Livius were of the opinion he was not worth his salt. As he strode towards the gate he placed his helmet on his head and self consciously tapped the pouch at his waist. The sentries came to attention when they saw his approach.

  “Sir. Please state your business.”

  As it was getting close to dusk and the closing of the gates the sentries were even more vigilant than during the hours of daylight.”Decurion Princeps Livius Sallustius of the First Sallustian ala of Pannonians. Is the Governor in residence?”

  “No sir, he is in Aquae Sulis.”

  “Very well then my business is with the Prefect.”

  “He is in the Praetorium sir.”

  One of the sentries looked as though he was going to question the stranger’s right to enter when the other sentry suddenly recognised Livius. “Sir weren’t you with Marcus’ Horse and then the Explorates?”

  “Yes I was soldier.”

  The man grinned and turned to his companion. “I would have had my bollocks on a Brigante spear if it wasn’t for this man and his men. Good to have you back sir.”

  Smiling at the memory Livius strode towards the office, “Thank you soldier and I hope you have kept your balls safe ever since.”

  “Oh yes sir!”

  The Prefect looked up when he heard his visitor announced. When Livius entered he sat back in his seat. “I don’t believe I have heard of your ala Decurion Princeps.”

  “That is because it doesn’t exist yet. I come from the Emperor Hadrian.”

  The Prefect went pale and almost fell off his chair. Livius cursed himself. They had left Rome so swiftly that they had out run the news of the change of Emperor. “The Emperor Trajan?”

  “Died, natural causes, “he added quickly. It was an amusing feeling to be completely in the know. The ordinary people, even the leaders, just heard the major events, but he knew the story behind the major events and had even had a hand in them.

  Relieved the Prefect gestured for Livius to take a seat. “Good good. How may I help you then?”

  “I have been commissioned to take charge of the Pannonian Ala based here and build their strength up. My orders are then to scout the northern lands.”

  “You will need the Allfather’s help then for the north is becoming more of a problem. My Explorates brought me news of Selgovae travelling across the land of the lakes to visit with the Druids on Manavia.”

  Livius smiled to himself. The Prefect had been appointed after Livius departure two years ago for Aquitania; he did not know that he was the leader of the Explorates. “That gives me even more urgency to train my men.”

  The Prefect leaned forward. “I fear you will have trouble from the only officer, Spartianus. He expected to be given command. Between you and me he is an unpleasant customer.” He stood and poured them both a beaker of wine. “He is not what I would call an officer. He and some of his men limped back into the fort today injured after a brawl in the vicus. I think they had been throwing their weight around as usual. I would have reprimanded the man but they are the only cavalry I have. And they are under strength.”

  Livius nodded and took out his orders. “Here are my orders from the Emperor.”

  “You have met the new Emperor?” Livius smiled and inclined his head. The Prefect waved away the papers. “No you don’t need to show them to me.”

  “I insist Prefect. I want them to be quite clear.” As he pushed them over he made sure that his frumentari credentials were also visible on the table. He did not want to be a bully but he needed the complete cooperation of the fat man across the table and he knew he had to employ any means that were possible.

  “That is satisfactory. Now as to your quarters…”

  Livius stood and returned the letters to the pouch. He waved away the implied offer from the Prefect. “Tonight I will stay in the vicus and I would appreciate it if you did not mention my arrival to the Decurion.”

  “Of course, of course.”

  “Once I take command, I will be moving the ala out of Eboracum and station them further north. They need to learn that they are a fighting force and not a garrison. I will expect supplies for my new recruits. You do not need to worry about horses I will deal with that but I will be sending all bills to you. I assume you have a clerk who will deal with that?”

  The Prefect suddenly realised that his income would be halved. Had the order come from Decurion Spartianus he would have ignored it but he could not ignore an order from the Emperor and delivered by a frumentari. “Of course.”

  “I will let you know where the ala will be based as soon as I do. I expect you will let Governor Bradua know the news I bring?”

  Livius was in no doubt that the Prefect would waste no time in passing on all the information he had given from his role through to the death of Trajan. “Of course of course.”

  Chapter 7

  The gates had closed by the time Livius was finished but, as the Prefect had accompanied him to the gate, he had no difficulty in getting out. He decided he would stay at The Saddle. He knew he would get a good room and he enjoyed the food. As he approached the building he could hear a lot of noise from inside. The door was ajar and, pulling his cloak over his lower face he took off his helmet and slipped inside. He was unnoticed, for all were intent on an arm wrestling contest between Hercules and Macro. There were half a dozen sailors, the Explorates and four or five other drinkers. Livius smiled to himself as he watched the old man and young warrior struggling. It was not obvious who would win.

  “Come on Macro, he’s an o
ld man!” Marcus’ strident voice rang out and Livius smiled at the filthy look Hercules threw his way. He caught Horse’s eye and shook his head. Horse tapped his nose; he would not give Livius away. Livius saw him disappear into the kitchen.

  “Put your weight behind it!” Rufius’ comment did not help Macro who glared at his idol.

  Both men were sweating heavily. Livius was confident that the younger, fitter, Macro would win but would he begin to doubt himself and then the ancient Hercules would snatch it at the death? Horse appeared with a beaker of ale.

  “A room for the night?”

  “Certainly. You are waiting for the outcome no doubt decurion?”

  “Yes Horse. I know both men and believe me Macro will win but not easily. How long has it been going on?”

  “Long enough for the boys to have five beakers each.”

  “Ah. Is there money involved?”

  “You know the lads, of course, but not enough to cause a fight.”

  “That’s what I hoped.”

  Both men were now desperately seeking an honourable way out of the encounter. Livius provided it. He threw the contents of the beaker over the two men’s locked arms. As soon as he did they both broke and turned to tear apart the man who had broken the rules. As soon as they saw him they both shouted, “Livius!” and then looked at each other.

  “You know him?”

  “I just brought him half way around the world! And you?”

  “I grew up with him and his comrades.”

  “So a draw I think.” Livius judged.

  Everyone burst out laughing and slapped each other on the back. Hercules and Macro embraced each other, both praising the other’s skill. By the time they had settled down there was a silence and they all looked expectantly at Livius. “Horse. I appear to have spilled my drink!”

  His beaker refilled they made a space for him and he sat in the middle. He held his beaker up and said, “I give you a toast, the new Emperor Hadrian and the finest ala in the Roman Empire, the First Sallustian ala of Pannonians.”

  Everyone cheered Hadrian and then there was an embarrassed silence. Marcus spoke for them all when he said, “Surely you mean Macro’s Horse.”

  Hercules sat chuckling to himself and Macro stared at him. What did the old man know that he did not? “My new command, I am Decurion Princeps of the new Pannonian ala. I am looking for decurions. I wonder where I can find some.” There was a roar and Livius was surrounded by his colleagues who were slapping on the back. “Is this any way to treat your new senior officer?”

  Horse brought in more drinks and Livius, with the aid of a beaming Hercules, told them of Livius’ exploits over the past months. “Hobnobbing with the Emperor! I can see how mundane our lives have been.”

  “No Metellus. The interlude with the Emperor merely showed me how much I missed those comrades who fought with me against impossible odds and, gentlemen,” his voice became more serious, “I think those odds became longer.”

  They relaxed into conversation about the events of the past couple of years, Rufius and Metellus chipping in about the adventure in Aquitania and Cassius giving them accounts of the heroic stand of the Ninth. Metellus could see Macro and Marcus itching to ask a question but in such august company felt intimidated.

  “Before our two young comrades and eagle bearers burst I will ask the question which is on their lips and in their heart. Livius are you looking for volunteers?”

  Livius hid his smile behind his beaker as the two young men blushed and fidgeted with their ale. “I am looking for some decurions, say three to start with? How about it would you three like to rejoin the auxilia?”

  The pause was so brief that it really didn’t exist at all. “We thought you would never ask,” voiced Cassius. “The problem is that piece of shit who is the only decurion.”

  “Don’t worry about him. Before you joined Marcus’ Horse we had characters like that. He will either change or go.”

  In a wee small voice Marcus ventured, “And us? Can we volunteer?”

  “I don’t think I can offer you the post of Decurion yet.”

  Metellus burst out laughing spraying Hercules with his ale. “Waste of good beer,” was all the old man said as he wiped away the suds.

  “Sorry.”

  “No we just want to join.” Macro added eagerly.

  Livius turned to Cassius, winking. “You have seen these lads more than I have. What are their skills?”

  “Well they are both excellent trackers and superb archers.”

  “Good but that means they should stay with the Explorates really. I would hate to deprive the new legion of two such superb scouts.”

  “Macro is the best swordsman I have seen since his father and the only men better with horses are Marcus and Cato.” Livius drank some of his ale and sat back in his seat. Macro and Marcus were on the edge of their seats.

  Metellus shook his head, “Come on Livius fun is fun but these lads will burst soon.”

  “It needs thought Metellus, a new ala doesn’t just happen. I am building something new. Marcus’ Horse grew out of a great ala. We have not that luxury.” He put his ale down and leaned forward. “Here it is lads. I would like you Marcus to be the horse master. You will be a trooper at first but once we are fully trained and all things being equal I will promote you to sergeant. How does that sound?”

  Macro slapped him on the back and an embarrassed Marcus nodded his acceptance. “Macro yours is a more difficult role. I want you to be a weapons trainer like your father and like Marcus you will have to start as a trooper however I suspect that some of the members of the ala may need some convincing so that part will not be announced.” He looked around at the circle. “That will be our secret.” They all nodded. “Marcus I want you to go to Cato tonight and arrange to purchase two hundred horses from the stud. Return by noon tomorrow with the best horses which the sergeant possesses. I doubt they will all be ready but then again we have no new troopers yet but it is good to be prepared. The rest of you come to the fortress tomorrow after noon and go to the Prefect say you wish to join. We must do all of this properly. Do you understand? There is more at stake here than the creation of a new ala. The security of the frontier is the prize for which we are fighting.” Livius smiled as Marcus left almost as soon as he had finished his sentence. Keen was an understatement.

  Livius took Hercules to one side. “This may be the last time we meet old friend for I know that Julius will keep his word and give you back ‘The Swan’. I would like to thank you for all that you did for both Julius and me. Were it not for you this venture would have ended before it began.”

  “For myself I thank the gods each day for the moment you and the Senator walked into Ostia docks. My life had become dull and now… for one thing I had never met an Emperor before and now I am on nodding terms with one. As for my ship; whenever you or the Senator need me, for whatever purpose I will be there. It has been an honour to serve with you. “He leaned forward and spoke quietly, his good arm waving around the room. “You learn much about a man by what his friends say. Before you entered the inn tonight the only conversation concerned you and the praise would have made you blush. These men would follow you to the jaws of Hades and beyond. You cannot buy such loyalty. I knew the measure of you before they spoke to me, this merely confirmed it. As your men would say, May the Allfather be with you.”

  “And with you and, may you always have a wind at your back.”

  * * * * * *

  Horse gave Livius a good breakfast and then had his slave burnish his armour until it shone. When Livius protested Horse waved them away. “I want to see the little prick when you stand before him and tell him you are his commander.”

  “I am not sure I am the man I once was Horse. My legs were badly injured.”

  Horse laughed. “Look at me with one arm and it doesn’t stop me. Besides didn’t I hear that Ulpius Felix, the finest warrior in the ala only had one eye? What are a couple of gimpy legs? Besides I have seen you
move sir and they don’t appear to slow you up.”

  “You may be right Horse. Thank you for your hospitality. How much do I owe you?”

  “Owe me? Nothing. You are a comrade.”

  “And I am a comrade who wishes to come again and not receive charity. Besides I am sure you didn’t charge the decurions and the lads enough. Here.” He tossed a gold aureus on the table.

  “This is far too much.”

  “It was payment from the new Emperor. Let us just say I am spreading his generosity.”

  “In that case sir… thank you!”

  The sentries at the gate were expecting Livius and they snapped to attention. He had arrived early enough to have ensured that none of his new ala was up and about. He intended to start as he would go on. He nodded to the sentry. “Prefect in?”

  “Yes Decurion. He said to go straight in.” He leaned over and said shyly. “Good to have you back sir. I fought with you against… against..” his voice tailed off.

  “My brother.”

  “Yes sir. I didn’t like to say. I know what families can be.”

  “Well in my case I killed him so there is no disgrace now.”

  The sentry looked seriously at Livius. “None of the lads ever thought there was any disgrace sir. You can’t help your family can you?”

  The Prefect looked up and clasped Livius’ arm. He was pleased, now that he had had time to reflect, that the new Emperor had sent this man to his fort. It boded well. The reputation of Marcus’ Horse and all its men and officers was still spoken of around camp fires and feasts. If this new ala could only be half as good as their predecessor then the barbarian incursions might be halted. “How are you going to play it then?”

  “Straight sir, or,” he grinned impishly, “as straight as someone who was an Explorate for a few years can manage.”

  The Prefect smiled, “Go on you intrigue me.”

  “Today you will receive four volunteers, technically five ,but I have sent one to acquire some horses so we will need to enter his name in the books. Three of them are Decurions; you know, them Cassius, Metellus and Rufius.”