by Griff Hosker
The stone in question had been brought from Morbium to give a head start to the building program. The local quarries were closer but quarrying was difficult as the workers had to be protected from the constant attacks of the tribes. While the attacks themselves did not cause many casualties the delay was slowing down the building work dramatically. The Legate knew that the only way to catch up, after the autumn rains, was to bring more stone the forty miles from Morbium and the Dunum valley. “We will have to send to Morbium for more stone. At least there we can quarry in peace.”
The Emperor was not convinced. In Dacia he had used a whole legion to protect his builders and stone workers and succeeded in a much more ambitious building programme. The problem in Britannia was that he was building the limes with but three cohorts rather than one legion for the rest of the province was not yet totally subjugated. The south and east were largely pacified but the west and the north needed a whole legion each just to hold on to what they had. “How long will it take to bring the stone up here?” He could not understand why they could not use the local quarries.
“The problem, sir, is that it is now coming on to the winter and the roads, good as they are, will become difficult to negotiate as the autumn and winter approach. We need to bring as much as we can before the next moon. We will need to commandeer every wagon and draught vehicle and keep a constant line of wagons travelling up and down the road.”
“Then see to it Governor.”
Falco’s face fell at the size of the task. Julius smiled. It was as though because the Emperor had ordered it then it would be so. Julius knew that the Governor would have a difficult task ahead of him. “I think we need to use some of the cavalry to patrol the road. Although Morbium is safer than the Stanegate, we know from the rising earlier in the year that there are raiders, renegades and bandits as well as potential rebels in the area. Perhaps a couple of turmae of cavalry might deter any would be thieves.”
Hadrian frowned. He knew from his discussions with the two Legates and the Centurion of the vexillation of the Sixth that the Second Sallustian Ala was vital to protect the legions working on the wall. In the weeks since he had arrived, the Emperor had seen at first hand how they were able to successfully keep a screen of horseman between the workers and the barbarians. The tribesmen seemed to outnumber the horsemen considerably. It confirmed Julius Demetrius’ view that the barbarians respected and feared the cavalry. If almost a fifth of their complement were taken away would they be stretched too thinly? On the other hand they needed the stone. He realised that this short visit to Britannia would have to be extended. He would only leave when there was a visible mark of his work on the landscape. “Very well Julius but only two turmae.”
“Don’t worry sir. Two will more than suffice and they can also patrol as far as the coast.”
“In the name of the gods why? Surely the land to the east is pacified? I have seen no evidence of anything untoward yet.” Was this another problem for the Emperor? In Rome Britannia was regarded as a conquered province- patently it was not so.
Julius nodded at Pompeius Falco. “As the Governor here will attest, we have had increasing raids from the lands adjacent to Germania. Now that the tribes have been subjugated there then the displaced tribes are seeking plunder in the adjacent territory. There are tribes there who are raiding the east coast of Britannia for slaves and plunder. The previous Governor knew about it but did nothing. It is not raids as the Irish were, necessitating a cohort but it is having a debilitating effect on those who live on the coast. The Classis Britannica is at full stretch in other parts of the province and we need more help. If one turma goes to the coast and then returns to Morbium it will reassure the people and, hopefully deter the barbarians.”
“I have ordered the building of a series of signal stations around the coast but, until they are built…” The Governor knew that the building programme was secondary to the wall and would not be completed this year.
The Emperor Hadrian held up his hands. “Enough! I know there are more problems here than Rome realises but we have to start somewhere. I intend to build a port south of this river close to its mouth. The wall can then be anchored to that fort which, should, be almost impossible to take. I will then order the building of some local ships to patrol the coast.” He looked at each of them in turn. “Does that satisfy you?”
Grinning Julius said, “It does indeed sir but we will still need the turmae...”
“I give up. Will you two join me in the bath house? I feel the need to have a hot bath and massage.”
“Yes sir but first I will send a message to the Prefect of the Second Sallustian to warn him of our requirements.”
******
Livius looked up at Julius Longinus, the ala clerk, “Have the sentry bring me Decurions Marcus and Decius.” Grumbling that he was too old to be a messenger boy the inky fingered clerk walked the few paces to pass the terse message on. “Just think Julius, when we make a stone fort you will have warmth and a hot bath.”
“And when is that likely to be eh?” They both knew that their camp at Rocky Point was but temporary and a new stone one was planned but that was dependent upon the completion of the wall for their fort would be built on the wall and so far the legions were not making the progress they had hoped.”
“It is early days Julius. By the spring we will be ready to lay the foundations.”
“If we are still here. The barbarians are becoming even more cunning with their raids.”
Livius had to agree. Even though they had cleared the sides of the roads and the camps for thirty and sometimes even forty paces the barbarians were still causing casualties. The previous week a despatch rider had been discovered not one hundred paces from the camp with his tongue and genitalia severed and his entrails hanging out of a sliced stomach bleeding his life from him. It had necessitated using half turma to protect the despatch riders which increased the load on the already overworked ala. “When will the new recruits and remounts arrive?”
Julius went to his lists and consulted them. “There should be some due to reach Morbium in the next few days and as for the horses, they are ready now.”
“Good then when our two decurions arrive we shall kill two birds with one stone.”
Longinus sniffed. “Huh. I suppose that means that the only decurion who can fill Septimus’ pot adequately with decent meat will be leaving and that means porridge and bread for the winter.”
“Cheer up Julius, you know what a magician Septimus is; he will make it taste palatable.” Septimus had been a trooper until his skills as a cook had meant his promotion. Livius knew that good food made the men happier and happier troopers performed better.
The old man was spared any further discussion by the arrival of Decurions Marcus and Decius. As they stood before him Prefect Livius could not help but reflect on the changes wrought in the decurion he had known since birth. In the last two years Decurion Marcus had held his dying step brother in his arms and had to bury his father. It was no wonder that, young man though he was, he was not yet thirty, his hair was showing flecks of grey and his face had a more careworn aspect than it had the previous year. Perhaps it was the weight of the sword which hung from his baldric. The Sword of Cartimandua was a powerful weapon but it exerted a huge influence on all around it. There was an aura about the blade which affected the bearer and his protectors. More men had died defending the blade than was comfortable for the Prefect and yet, at crucial times, it had been the difference between victory and defeat. Indeed the Irish raiders led by Prince Faolan had one of their avowed objectives as the acquisition of the sword and that had nearly cost Marcus his life. Had the sword not been used then it might have resulted in an Irish victory.
Julius coughed discreetly and Livius smiled as he realised that the two young decurions had been awaiting his orders. “Sorry gentlemen. It must be being in old Julius’ company which makes me act like an old man as well.”
“Old man indeed!” The clerk began writ
ing out the orders which he knew would be needed in a few moments.
“As you know we require stone for the building of the wall and I am afraid that the local quarries are suffering too many attacks. The Legate has decided that we will begin a non stop wagon train from Morbium to build up a supply of stone and cement to carry us through the winter. Your two turmae will be the escorts as you have more men. In addition the Legate wants the north bank of the Dunum patrolling to try to stop these raiders from the sea. That means that one of you will travel back up the road to Coriosopitum with the stone while the other rides to the coast and back. You will then exchange roles.” He spread his arms apologetically. “I am trying to make the task less onerous and dull for you.”
Marcus smiled. It was typical of his old friend that he would think about the orders he was giving. Having been a decurion himself Livius knew that the troopers needed variety or they would see what they expected to see. For himself, Marcus did not mind the mission for he would be able to see more of his family who lived close to the fort at Morbium and the Dunum. With Macro, his brother, and Gaius his father killed in the last twelve months he now wanted to see his mother, his brother and his brother’s family as often as possible. Poor Metellus would be green with envy for Marcus would be able to visit Nanna, Metellus new Brigante wife, at the horse farm close to Morbium. This would not be a duty he shirked; no Marcus would enjoy the respite from the non stop fighting on the frontier.
“You will also bring back the remounts and the new recruits who are waiting in Morbium.” He paused and looked at the two of them. “Any questions?” It was noticeable that Decius, one of the younger decurions, bit his lip as he pondered a question but then glanced at Marcus nervously.
Marcus looked at the map. “How long is the assignment?”
“You have until the new moon for by then the days will be becoming shorter and the roads less easy for wagons. If we cannot garner the stone we require in thirty days then the Emperor’s wall will not be built.”
“Good. Right sir we will be off then.”
“Not without your orders you won’t!” The clerks’ authoritative voice made Decius start in surprise while Marcus and Livius just smiled.
“Anything you want bringing back from Morbium oh revered sage!”
Snorting at the sarcasm Julius handed over the two copies of orders. “Some more spices for Septimus would not come amiss and perhaps some more game.”
Marcus marvelled that the pile of skin and bones that made up the clerk could consume so much food and yet not have an ounce of flesh on him. “I will bring you back some venison. There should still be a haunch hanging at the farm, it will easier for your old teeth to chew.”
“Cheeky young…” Livius saw the twinkle in Julius’ eyes. The old man had, as they all had, been inordinately fond of the two brothers and with Macro dead, all that affection had been given to Marcus.
Chapter 2
When the two turmae arrived at Morbium they could see the effect the Emperor’s presence was having. There was much more activity and auxiliaries were improving the defences of the fort. The ditch was being deepened and the fire zone from the walls increased. The rebellion the previous year had shown the vulnerability of this vital river crossing. It was the only place the Dunum had been bridged.
Prefect Marius Arvina was looking harassed as Marcus entered the Principia. “Good to see you Decurion. You will have to excuse the confusion. With the Governor up at Coriosopitum it is left to me to organise the distribution of the new auxiliary cohorts who are arriving daily. “He leaned back and smiled at the warrior who had helped to save his region from devastation by Irish raiders. The Batavians in the fort held the Second Sallustian Ala in the highest esteem. “What can I do for you?”
Decius handed over their orders and Marcus walked to the map on the wall. “There are problems with the construction wall and the Emperor needs more stone. “ Prefect Arvina was a friend and Marcus felt he deserved a better explanation for he would have to organise his men to get the stone from the nearby quarries. Already over worked it would add considerably to their work load. ”The barbarians are attacking the men who are quarrying and the builders.” He pointed at the flooded fields just beyond the gates. “The recent rains have made work slower. We have been ordered to take all that you can provide for us and spend a month escorting wagons back and forth to the wall. In addition the Legate wants us to deter the pirates and raiders.”
The Prefect put down the orders. “It would strike me that ships would be more effective.”
Marcus nodded his agreement. “And so would I but, apparently, we have to wait for next year for the ships to be built and until then my thirty men riding along the banks of the Dunum will have to suffice.”
“I had hoped that the Emperor would have seen our dilemma, having lived at close hand and experienced life on the frontier.” The Prefect quickly looked up at the two young men wondering if he had said too much and was relieved when they both smiled.
“Oh the Emperor knows the situation. Having nearly been caught in an ambush by the Votadini he is acutely aware of the issues but, as Julius Demetrius told us, it is the money men in Rome who cause the problems. They believe that Britannia is conquered and want a return on Rome’s investment. When the Emperor returns to Rome then expect more supplies, ships and men but until then, we will become the land borne Classis Britannica!”
“It will be good to have a mobile force close to us. I worry that my static little fort cannot react quickly enough to incursions. By the time we get there then the raiders have departed.” He waved his arm at the flooded land which could be seen from the gates.” With the extra rain it means they can get as far as us if they choose. The winter is the dangerous time for the rain from the hills makes the valley like a lake than a river. Even here the river nearly topped the bridge.”
“I think Prefect that your bolt throwers would tear them to shreds if they ventured this far.”
The Prefect chuckled, “Yes it would be nice to see the look on their faces as Greek Fire poured on to them. “ They both knew the magic of both Greek Fire and bolt throwers when facing barbarians. They thought it dishonourable to fight from a distance. It was an edge the Romans did not want to lose. “Give my regards to your family. My patrols check in on them regularly. I think they see it as an outpost of this one.,”
“After the last raid and the death of my father my brother increased the defences. He learned that we need stone walls and a double gate. By spring the walls should be stone for the whole of its circumference and the ditches make it look like a smaller version of Morbium.”
The ride from the fort to the farm was a short one. The farm was south east of the fort and far enough away not to be affected by the flood plain. There was a stream on his brother’s land which afforded protection for three quarters of the perimeter and the last quarter had a formidable wall and gate. Much of the forest had been cleared to make grazing land for cattle while pigs were kept in large enclosures close to the main buildings. It was a prosperous farm, as Marcus told Decius whilst they rode down the muddy trail, “It is more a collection of farms than one enterprise but my brother manages it all.”
“Are you not envious of your brother’s riches?”
Marcus shook his head, “My brother does it because he loves it and it is for the family. Any riches we have are for the whole family and that includes those who work with us to till and harvest the land.” He could see that Decius was having problems with the concept. “My mother is Brigante as are the people who work the land. She sees it as looking after the land. My mother adheres to the worship of the Mother.”
Decius looked aghast. “No, not the corrupted and warped form of Morwenna and her cult, but the true Brigante version which works in harmony with the land, not using it as an evil power.”
Ailis and Decius were delighted by the bonus of a visit from their warrior. They had all become far closer since the deaths of Macro and Gaius. The five orphans wer
e also a welcome delight and distraction for the grandmother as they played with and entertained Decius’ young son. Ailis noticed Marcus’ look and smiled. “The Allfather works in strange ways. He took away two and gives us six.”
“I would that he had left us the two as well.”
Ailis shook her head. “Your father was marked for death. The harsh winter would have taken him and he would have died in a bed coughing out his life. Better to die with a blade in his had as he lived. As for your brother, we all know that his mother marked him for death the day that he was born. At least he had more years to live the life he wanted and you know, son, that he always regarded you as his true brother. He had the times with you and I know they were special to him.” She looked up in the sky, seeking the hawk that had begun to soar above the farm, “Which is why he watches over you still.”
A cloud passed over Marcus’ face. His brother was not with the Allfather and he had sworn an oath to protect his brother until he had redeemed himself. Whenever Marcus heard a hawk he knew that his brother was close at hand. He would rather his brother were with the Allfather, his father and Gaelwyn. He shivered for he did not like the supernatural and he changed the subject. “How is Nanna? We have to visit her to collect some remounts.”
Decius laughed. “It is like having a female Cato. She works harder than any man I know and her workers always look exhausted and yet they love her. As for the horses, she is Cato’s equal that is all I will say.”
“That is good to know and Metellus will be pleased.” Marcus had been privy to the courtship of his friend and the Brigante that had rescued. Marcus felt a certain ownership when it came to nana for he had been instrumental in saving her a second time when her wagon had been attacked by the Selgovae. “I will be visiting frequently for we are travelling in the valley of the Dunum for the next month.”