Copper Centurion (The Steam Empire Chronicles)

by Ottalini, Daniel

  Travins stood thoughtfully, digesting this information. “And sir, what will we do if we arrive and find the primus imperio alive?”

  Alexandros grinned. “Then we get to rescue him, be declared saviors of the realm, retire in style, and see it shoved into Minnicus’ face in person.”

  Travins laughed out loud at that, then took his leave. Alexandros continued to watch the storm billow outside the windows, feeling like a leaf lost in a hurricane.

  In fact, Alexandros’ guess was correct. Less than two hours later, the airship broke through the last band of wind and snow into bright sunlight. The ground below them stretched white for as far as the eye could see. Before them loomed the largest mountain that Alexandros had ever set eyes upon.

  “That must be Midgard,” he told the crew. “If we’re right, the missing legions should be around here somewhere. Order all observations ports manned with fresh eyes.”

  Crewmen raced to their posts, replacing the weary, storm-blinded men who tottered back to their warm bunks. Reports started to flood in from the various lookouts. Alexandros himself scanned the ground with his borrowed pair of binoculars, twisting the dial to increase the magnification ability of his new gear.

  “Sir, portside lookout reports a Roman castrum, still intact,” the communications officer called.

  “I’ve got destroyed mechaniphants and mecha-wolves on the starboard side.”

  “Topside lookout reports that there appears to be a siege caterpillar against the curtain walls; looks like it’s still active.”

  “Wireless operator, begin sending messages,” Alexandros barked. “If that fails, get out the signal flags. There must be someone alive down there.”

  Several tense seconds followed, the suddenly quiet cabin disturbed only by the beeps and clicks from the wireless room.

  “Take us down to five hundred feet,” Alexandros ordered. The airship lost height as it vented gas and its tailwings forced the ship lower. Peering out the window, he saw figures moving within the Roman camp and between the camp and the fortress. But are they friend or foe?

  The ringing of a bell announced the arrival of a wireless message. Again silence on the bridge as the crew turned as one to watch the operator scribble down the message, fold it, and hand it to the first officer, who walked it over to the captain. He read it once, then again, tears coming to his eyes. He read it aloud: “To: H.M.A.S. Scioparto. Stop. Message received loud and clear. Stop. Primus imperio alive and well. Stop. What in Mercury’s name took you so long? Stop. End Message.”

  The bridge crew erupted into cheers. Alexandros sank into his chair, relief washing over him. Men slapped him on the back and congratulated him.

  “Well done, sir!” Travins said, tears rolling down his cheeks.

  Well done, indeed.

  About Daniel Ottalini

  To learn more about Daniel Ottalini, follow him on Twitter or on Facebook or on his blog at danielottalini.com.

  To see exclusive illustrations, comments and author insight into the Steam Empire Chronicles, check out brasslegionnaire.com for more details.

  Terminology

  Castrum—a Roman fort, built in a standard pattern that has been used since early in the Roman Republic’s history. Many Roman cities were originally based on this plan, as buildings replaced tents and temporary structures. More recent additions include a double wall defense system and inclusion of a small landing pad in the largest castrum.

  Cohort—a company of Roman legionnaires. Cohorts from different legions tend to vary in size, with newly formed legions having the most consistent cohort size. In each legion there could be as many as thirty cohorts, with the first, or Prime, cohort being the most veteran, most talented, and also containing the most dangerous fighters in the entire legion. The XIII Legio Germania is a newly formed legion, and most of its cohorts number roughly one hundred men.

  Demi-Cohort—a partial cohort, consisting of anywhere between fifty to a hundred men.

  Denarius (denarii, plural)—the base unit of Roman money, roughly equivalent to a dollar.

  Galea—a Type L Imperial Italic Roman steel helmet with side cheek pieces, banded forehead piece, neck protector, and chinstrap. Generally mass-produced, it is rugged and can withstand several years of hard campaigning with minimum upkeep. It has been continuously updated since the early Imperial era, and additional technology, such as the high altitude goggles, has been added as necessary to match new technologies.

  Igniculum—a half gunpowder, half phosphorous grenade. Very temperamental and still experimental in design, they are first deployed in the Nortland expedition because the cold weather is thought to be beneficial to their transport and use. Very damaging and causes short-term blindness in those not directly injured by the explosion.

  Lorica—the segmented steel armored chest piece worn by legionnaires. The bands of overlapping steel provide solid protection for the chest, stomach, and shoulders. Can be worn in combination with chain mail.

  Mecha-wolf—a lupine mechanical contraption resembling a wolf, used by the Nortlanders in battle. Generally equipped with razor-sharp claws and teeth, the vehicle does not seem to utilize any long-range weaponry.

  Plumbata—a Roman throwing dart with a weighted metal tip. The average soldier carries several of them in the hollow of his shield. Some are tipped with an explosive warhead instead, creating more of a grenade-esque weapon. Similar to a pilum (spear).

  Primus caesar, primus imperio—the First Caesar, or the first heir to throne of Imperial Rome. The Emperor designates an heir, known as the primus caesar, who is placed above all other sons in the line of succession. Generally assigned by age, it has been moved during the reign of some emperors due to scandal, treachery, assassination, or simple favoritism.

  Scutum (plural scuta)—a Roman shield with central metal boss and rounded rectangular shape. The shield is slightly concave to better protect the bearer from missiles and blows.

  Spatha—the next advancement of the original gladius sword adapted from the Iberian tribes. Similar in design, but two feet longer, the spatha provides greater reach and heavier hitting power for modern-day legionnaires.