Soldier of Rome: The Centurion (The Artorian Chronicles)

by James Mace

  Soldier of Rome:

  The Centurion

  Book Four of the Artorian Chronicles

  James Mace

  Legionary Books

  www.legionarybooks.net

  Electronic Edition Copyright © 2012 by James Mace

  All rights reserved as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior permission of the publisher.

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are based on actual events, but are used fictitiously.

  Legionary Books

  Meridian, Idaho 83642

  http://www.legionarybooks.net

  First Edition: 2011

  Revised and Reedited Edition: 2012

  Published in the United States of America

  Legionary Books

  And though our hearts are broken

  We have to wipe the tears away

  In vain they did not suffer

  Ten thousand strong will seize the day

  - Iced Earth, Ten Thousand Strong

  Dedicated in memory of

  Ian Edward LaMott

  1992 – 2008

  The Works of James Mace

  The Artorian Chronicles

  Soldier of Rome: The Legionary

  Soldier of Rome: The Sacrovir Revolt

  Soldier of Rome: Heir to Rebellion

  Soldier of Rome: The Centurion

  Soldier of Rome: Journey to Judea

  Soldier of Rome: The Last Campaign

  Artorian Novellas

  Centurion Valens and the Empress of Death

  Empire Betrayed: The Fall of Sejanus

  The Great Jewish Revolt

  Kingdom of the Damned: Rebellion in Judea

  Kingdom of the Damned: Vespasian’s Fury

  Napoleonic Works

  Forlorn Hope: The Storming of Badajoz

  I Stood With Wellington

  Courage, Marshal Ney

  Preface

  In the year 28 A.D. the people of Frisia, a previously loyal province, were suffering under the oppression of the Roman magistrate, a former Centurion named Olennius. So blinded by greed had he become, that he taxed the populous well beyond their means to produce. Now impoverished and risking starvation, the Frisians did the unspeakable and sought open rebellion as their only means of survival.

  The Emperor Tiberius, now living in self-imposed isolation on the isle of Capri, is deeply troubled upon hearing that such a staunchly loyal province would seek to throw off the rule of Rome. Nevertheless, he orders the mobilization of the Army of the Rhine to suppress the Frisians back into docile submission, never knowing the real reason as to the origin of the rebellion.

  As the Twentieth Legion marches north into Frisia on its first major campaign in eight years, Centurion Artorius finds himself facing his first major battle since taking over his Century. Years of relative peace, combined with the mass discharges of many of his veteran soldiers, have left the ranks filled with a number of young and inexperienced legionaries. For over a third of his men this will be their first action. The Frisians, in their desperation, know that they face death either by starvation in peace or slaughter on the battlefield. For Artorius and his legionaries the crucible of war will end in heartbreak; for only after the devastation of battle does the truth arise.

  Cast of Characters

  Soldiers:

  Titus Artorius Justus – Centurion of the Third Cohort’s Second Century

  Magnus Flavianus – Artorius’ best friend and the Century’s Chief Weapons Instructor

  Gaius Praxus – Optio of the Second Century

  Rufio – Signifier of the Second Century

  Platorius Macro – Centurion Primus Ordo in the First Cohort

  Valerius Proculus – Centurion Primus Ordo in the First Cohort

  Marcus Vitruvius – Centurion of the Third Cohort’s Third Century

  Statorius – Optio of the Third Century

  Calvinus – Centurion Primus Pilus of the Twentieth Legion

  Lucius Apronius – Governor General of Germania Inferior

  Gaius Longinus – Legionary recruit, he is the son of Artorius’ friend, Justus Longinus

  Felix, Decimus, Valens, Carbo, Gavius – Legionaries

  Noble Romans:

  Tiberius Caesar – Emperor of Rome

  Livia Augusta – Mother of Tiberius and widow of Emperor Augustus Caesar

  Claudius – Nephew of Tiberius and Grandson of Livia / suffers from lameness and speech impediment

  Livilla – Niece of Tiberius and Granddaughter of Livia / widow of Drusus Julius Caesar

  Antonia – Mother of Livilla, Claudius, and Germanicus (deceased) / daughter of Marc Antony and widow of Tiberius’ brother Drusus Nero

  Agrippina – Widow of Germanicus and half-sister of Tiberius’ late ex-wife, Vipsania, she mistrusts and despises the Emperor

  Lucius Aelius Sejanus – Commanding Prefect of the Praetorian Guard, he is Tiberius’ most trusted advisor

  Claudia Procula – Betrothed to Pontius Pilate, she is also a distant cousin of Centurion

  Proculus

  Diana Procula – Claudia’s older sister and domina of the Proculus family’s Gallic estate

  Frisians:

  Dibbald Segon – King of Frisia

  Femke – Queen of Frisia

  Klaes – son of Dibbald and Femke

  Amke – Niece of Dibbald, leader of the all-female regiment, The Daughters of Freyja

  Tabbo – Tribal war chief and leader of the Frisian army

  Edeline – Wife of Tabbo

  Lourens, Sjoerd, Eitel, Olbert - Warriors

  Roman Military Ranks

  Legionary – Every citizen of the plebian class who enlisted in the legions started off as a legionary. Duration of service during the early empire was twenty years. Barring any promotions that would dictate otherwise, this normally consisted of sixteen years in the ranks, with another four either on lighter duties or as part of the First Cohort. Legionaries served not only as the heart of the legion’s fighting force, they were also used for many building and construction projects.

  Decanus – Also referred to interchangeably as a Sergeant in the series, Decanus was the first rank of authority that a legionary could be promoted to. Much like a modern-day Sergeant, the Decanus was the first-line leader of legionaries. He supervised training, as well as enforced personal hygiene and maintenance of equipment. On campaign he was in charge of getting the section’s tent erected, along with the fortifications of the camp.

  Tesserarius – The first of the Principal ranks, the Tesserarius primarily oversaw the fatigue and guard duties for the Century. He maintained the duty roster and was also keeper of the watch word. On a normal day he could be found supervising work details or checking on the guard posts.

  Signifier – He was the treasurer for the Century and was in charge of all pay issues, so was much-loved on pay days. On campaign he carried the Century’s standard (Signum) into battle. This was used not only as a rallying point, but also as a visual means of communication. Traditionally he wore a bear’s hide over his helmet, draped around the shoulders of his armor. (A Signifier wearing a wolf skin is a Hollywood invention). Because of his high level of responsibility, the Signifier is third-in-command of the Century.

  Optio – The term Optio literally means ‘chosen one’ for he was personally chosen by the Centurion to serve as his deputy. He would oversee all training within the Century, to include that of new recruits. In battle the Optio would either sta
nd behind the formation, keeping troops on line and in formation, or else he would stand on the extreme left, able to coordinate with adjacent units.

  Aquilifer – This man was a senior Signifier bearing the Eagle Standard of a Legion. (Aquila means eagle). This standard was the most important possession of the Legion – losing it brought shame and humiliation to the entire Legion. This position carried great honor, though it is debatable whether or not he wore any headdress or animal skin. It is known that he carried a small, circular shield called a parma instead of the legionary scutum.

  Centurion – In addition to being its commander, the Centurion was known to be the bravest and most tactically sound man within the Century. While a stern disciplinarian, and at times harsh, it is borne of a genuine compassion for his men. The Centurion knew that only through hard discipline and sound training could his men survive in battle. He was always on the extreme right of the front rank in battle; thereby placing himself in the most precarious position on the line. Mortality rates were high amongst Centurions because they would sacrifice their own safety for that of their men.

  Centurion Pilus Prior – Commander of a cohort of six centuries, the Centurion Pilus Prior was a man of considerable influence and responsibility. He not only had to be able to command a century on a line of battle, but he had to be able to maneuver his cohort as a single unit. Such men were often given independent commands over small garrisons or on low-level conflicts. A Centurion Pilus Prior could also be tasked with diplomatic duties; such was the respect foreign princes held for them. At this level, a soldier had to focus not just on his abilities as a leader of fighting men, but on his skills at diplomacy and politics.

  Centurion Primus Ordo – The elite First Cohort’s centuries were commanded by the Centurions Primus Ordo. Though the number of soldiers under their direct command was fewer, these men were senior in rank to the Centurions Pilus Prior. Men were often selected for these positions based on vast experience and for being the best tacticians in the legion. As such part of the duty of a Centurion Primus Ordo was acting as a strategic and tactical advisor to the commanding general. Generals such as Caesar, Marius, Tiberius, and Agrippa were successful in part because they had a strong circle of First Cohort Centurions advising them.

  Centurion Primus Pilus – Also referred to as the Chief or Master Centurion, this is the pinnacle of the career of a Roman soldier. Though socially subordinate to the Tribunes, the Centurion Primus Pilus possessed more power and influence than any, and was in fact third-in-command of the entire legion. He was also the commander of the elite First Cohort in battle. Upon retirement, a Centurion Primus Pilus (and possibly Centurions of lesser ranks as well) was elevated into the Patrician Class of society. He could then stand for public office, and his sons would be eligible for appointments as Tribunes. Even while still serving in the ranks, a Centurion Primus Pilus was allowed to wear the narrow purple stripe of a Patrician on his toga; such was the respect Roman society held for them.

  Tribune – Tribunes came from the Patrician class, often serving only six month tours with the legions. Though there were exceptions, many Tribunes stayed on the line only long enough to complete their tour of duty before going on to a better assignment. Primarily serving as staff officers for the commanding Legate, a Tribune would sometimes be given command of auxiliary troops if he proved himself a capable leader. Most were looking for a career in politics, though they knew they had to get as much experience as they could out of their time in the legions. In Soldier of Rome, Pontius Pilate is an example of a Tribune who elects to stay with the legions for as long as he is able, preferring the life of a soldier to the soft comforts of a political magistrate.

  Laticlavian Tribune – Most commonly referred to as the Chief Tribune, he was a young man of the Senatorial class starting off his career. Second-in-command of the legion, his responsibility was incredible, though he was often aided by the Master Centurion, who would act as a mentor. A soldier’s performance as Chief Tribune would determine whether or not he would be fit to command a legion of his own someday. Given the importance of military success to the future senator’s career, he would no doubt make every effort to prove himself competent and valiant in battle.

  Legate – The Legate was a senator who had already spent time in the legions as a Laticlavian Tribune and had proven himself worthy of command. Of all the possible offices that a nobleman could hold, none was dearer to a Roman than command of her armies.

  Legion Infantry Strength (estimated)

  Legionaries – 3,780

  First Cohort Legionaries – 700

  Decanii – 610

  Tesserarii – 59

  Signifiers – 59

  Options – 59

  Aquilifer - 1

  Centurions – 45 (approximately 80 men to a Century)

  Centurions Pilus Prior – 9

  Centurions Primus Ordo – 4

  Centurion Primus Pilus – 1

  Tribunes – 6

  Chief Tribune – 1

  Legate – 1

  Chapter I: Gods and Emperors

  The Imperial Palace, Rome

  March, 25 A.D.

  ***

  It was a dreary day despite the bright morning sun. Then again, every day was gloomy to the Emperor Tiberius Claudius Nero Caesar. Since the death of his son, Drusus, two years before, there had been no joy in his life. No amount of leisure, concubines, or political and military triumphs for Rome could ease the pain in his heart. His ever gloomy nature had alienated him from subjects. Indeed, many had forgotten that Tiberius had once led the legions to great victories. He had been the greatest military leader in a generation, never once suffering the ignominy of defeat. But that was so long ago. The man who had once been Rome’s greatest champion, who had succeeded the divine Augustus to the imperial throne, was now little more than a broken soul.

  Tiberius stood in the archway leading out to the second story balcony that was connected to the office where he spent most of his days. He placed a hand on the pillar and hung his head, feeling too tired to care about anything. In his other hand was a pair of medallions on silver chains. One bore the image of his deceased former wife, Vipsania; the other was of his son. He clutched both tightly, to the point where the images were embedded into his hand.

  “You cannot dwell on the past forever.” The voice of his mother, the Empress Livia, cut into him like a sharp knife.

  “When one has lost all which one loves, what else can he do but dwell on it?” His response sounded full of self-pity, and he loathed himself for it. Tiberius had taken pride his entire life on his physical and mental strength. It was that very strength that the divine Augustus had called upon countless times when Tiberius served him as a soldier and statesman. Now he felt enfeebled, and it sickened him.

  “I always thought a boy loved his mother,” Livia replied, though her voice had noticeably softened from its usual harsh tone.

  “Do not think that I don’t love you, Mother,” the Emperor replied sullenly. “It’s just different between us, that’s all. Vipsania was the only woman whom I ever loved, and she was the only person who ever truly accepted me for who I am. And Drusus…”

  “Love is not something one marries for,” Livia said as she walked towards him. “Vipsania was a good woman, but aside from giving you your son, she was useless to us. I can sympathize with your loss of Drusus, though. He was my grandson, and remember that I, too, know what it is like to bury a child.” Tiberius winced at the sudden memory. How many years had it been since his beloved brother, whom he had named his son after, had died?

  “It’s ironic, isn’t it?” Tiberius conjectured. “Here I stand, ruler of an Empire of seventy million souls, and yet I have always failed those closest to me. I was the elder brother and should have been able to protect Drusus. And whatever your disposition may have been towards Vipsania, she was still my wife! You know I never forgave Augustus for taking her from me. As for my son…his debaucheries and lifestyle were his undoing. Of
all that I have lost in my life, he was the one I could have saved! My own son needed me, and I failed him.”

  “You cannot forget the other seventy million within the Empire who still need their Emperor,” Livia chided gently. She knew Tiberius was inconsolable when it came to the loss of those close to him, regardless of whether or not he was to blame for their demise.

  “I am reminded of it every day,” the Emperor acknowledged. “For eleven years now I have borne the mantle of Caesar.”

  “And do you still love Rome, as you once did?”

  “Love…and hate her,” Tiberius answered. “I won’t lie to you; there are days I wish I could wake up and find the city below vanished in an instant. Cast it all down into oblivion! But no, the city is eternal, and the Empire that she spawned will continue long after I am gone.”

  “It is about when you are gone that I wish to speak with you,” Livia said, causing Tiberius to throw his hands up in the air and storm back into his office.

  “Oh, Mother, not you too!” he barked. “A day never passes that I am not constantly chastised over the issue of the succession. I would just rather Rome became a republic once more after I am gone; a true republic, not the farce that we have now.” His last remark caused Livia to glare at him. Even at his age her stern gaze unnerved him.

  “You don’t believe that any more than I do!” she snapped. “You may be a lot of things, but a republican is not one of them, so don’t play stupid with me! Your brother was infatuated with the Republic, but you, I always thought were the more sensible of the two when it came to that.” Tiberius let out a resigned sigh as he sat down behind his desk.