by Griff Hosker
Marcus did not like the look of the staff officer but he did not know what to do. He thought of returning to the bar but what could Maeve do and then he saw, at the end of the vicus the Decurion. He was watching the rapidly diminishing queue outside the whores. Marcus ran up to him. “Yes Marcus what is it? Off back to the barracks?” He looked behind Marcus. “Don’t tell me young Lucius has gone to the whores?”
Marcus’ face showed real concern as he blurted out, “Sir a staff officer insisted that Lucius looked at his horse. We tried to tell him I was the horse warrior but he insisted and… well I…” He tailed off, not knowing how to tell the Decurion what he feared. He had seen men do things to each other in the stables and the staff officer had that sort of look on his face.
“This officer was a a little podgy looking?”
“Yes sir!”
“Cresens. Come with me.”
They raced down the vicus and the men in the queue stared and wondered why. The tavern and stable was at the end of the vicus on the road north. When they entered the stables they saw that Lucius was lying unconscious on the floor and his buttocks were bare, Cresens stood above him and his intention was obvious. Wolf did not hesitate, he ran up to him and, swinging his leg as far back as he could he kicked him as hard as he could. The heavy caligae connected and the fat officer fell as though struck with a poleaxe. “Get Lucius outside.”
As Marcus poured water on the boy’s face Ulpius Felix took out his dagger and placed it next to Cresens’ ear. “Listen you fat pervert. If you ever touch one of my boys again I will castrate you and then feed you your own balls. You are only alive now because you did not have your way. Do you understand me?”
The staff officer tried to struggle to his feet. “How dare you! I am on the Legate’s staff!”
“Listen to me, you sickeningly depraved piece of shit, I don’t give a fuck if you are the Emperor’s cousin. No-one touches my boys. This will be a reminder of what can happen if you ignore me.” In one swift motion he sliced off the lower lobe of his right ear. The blood flowed and he screamed.
Wolf felt an arm on his shoulder; he looked up to see Cava above him. “Marcus told me.” He leaned over to speak in the officer’s whole ear. “Whatever my friend threatened it goes double for me and I would not visit this vicus again or you will not leave whole. And we will make it quite clear to everyone just what you were trying to do if you mention to anyone. I am sure that your promising career would end here in Britannia if it came to be known that, not only were you a bum boy but a rapist too.” He then pulled his arm back and smashed it into the face of Gaius Cresens. They left the unconscious officer face down in a pool of his own blood.
Chapter 11
The Legate’s party was visible for many miles as it rode up the Via Nero. He was escorted by the Tribune and his turma of cavalry. It had been some weeks since the incident with his aide and Wolf and Cava had wondered when he would make return visit. They had told the other officers, but no the troopers, of the attempted rape and their treatment of Gaius Cresens was seen as mild by all of them. Flavius told Marius who was not surprised. “It may be against the law but that does not mean that half the senators do not engage in it on a regular basis but Wolf and Cava did the right thing.”
“What if he makes a complaint?”
“Then I will deal with it. Of course he had no reason to be in the vicus. The troopers had permission; he did not.”
The turma rotated in pairs and on the day that the Legate returned to Cataractonium it happened to be Wolf and his friend Kadarcs on patrol. Marius was at the Porta Praetorium to greet the Legate and he noticed that Cresens was present and his face and ear still showed signs of his beating..
The Tribune and the Legate entered the office and the Legate dismissed the clerk so that they could talk privately. “Is your Decurion Princeps still at Derventio Prefect.”
“Yes we alternate the duty. It stops us getting stale. Variety you know sir.”
“Quite. Well the new fortress at Eboracum is coming on well. The First Cohort will be based there and I want the second one based here while they extend the Via Nero as far as the Dunum.”
“There is no bridge there sir.”
“There will be when the Ninth build it. Oh not a stone structure you understand, just a wooden affair so that we can extend our influence.”
“It risks the barbarians using it as a way in to the Province.”
“From what I understand the river is not wide and if they chose they could get across easily enough.”
Marius nodded, “You are probably right sir. You want my ala to be based at Derventio then?”
“No I want you based here, all of you. Derventio is not as important now that we have the fort at Eboracum and I want the Ninth protected from any raids by Venutius. He may just resent this new road across his land.”
“It will be a little crowded sir.”
“Oh the Ninth can throw up their own camp I daresay. But, and this is the reason I made this visit my self, when my aide was up here he was attacked in the vicus.”
“He didn’t say anything to my men.”
“Oh I didn’t know that. Probably embarrassed. What I need to know is how safe is the vicus? Are there troublemakers here? Do we need to make an example of them?”
“No they are loyal. Their livelihood depends on us being here.” He paused and noticed the lightest of smiles on Gnaeus’ lips. “If you don’t mind me saying so Legate, your aide has the ability to annoy people. His manner you know? He could have upset some of the locals with a throwaway comment. They still see themselves as independent of Rome.”
“Which of course they aren’t whether they like it or not. I suppose you are right.” He leaned forwards, “Between us three I am doing a favour for an old friend. However I want you Prefect to ensure that the vicus is safe. I don’t want to put the men building the new road at risk eh?”
“I will initiate patrols sir.”
“How is the rest of the Province then sir?”
“The Silures and Deceangli are being stirred up again by the druids so that the Governor is having to organise a campaign. It means that we have to patrol as far south as the land of the Iceni now. When you have finished on the road we will have to move some of the ala further south.”
“But I thought the Iceni were allies?”
“Oh they are but Prasutagus is not well and his wife, she is a real bitch let me tell you, is not so enamoured of Rome, in fact the rumour is she wishes we were back in Gaul. Of course she doesn’t say that to our face. The annoying part is that the Province to the east and south is peaceful and even here, in the north, there is little trouble. Anyway I will be leaving with the Tribune to inspect the land to the Dunum. Could you supply us with a couple of turmae as scouts?”
“Of course sir. I’ll go and sort one out.”
“Good. Tribune go with him and meet our liaison and then if you could send in your clerk and my aide with some wine?”
“Of course sir.”
As he sent the two men in Marius glanced at Wolf’s handiwork. He had carved well and, until you saw the other ear you could not tell that half of it was missing.”
As they walked to the barracks the Tribune said quietly, “That ear looks like a pugeo did some serious damage.” Marius quickly looked at Gnaeus. “Do not worry Marius your secret is safe with me. Half of my men have wanted to gut that creepy little fat man. What was it? A young boy or a girl?”
“One of my troopers. He does this often then?”
“Whenever he can. Fortunately never with any of the Legion. He would have his balls around his ears if he tried that but they have seen him with the civilians and they don’t like it. Ah well Spurius has made some money then.”
“How do you mean made some money?”
“We had a book on who did it. He took one of your officers.” He looked questioningly at Marius who nodded, “And if I am any guess I would say either young Wolf or Cava?”
“You k
now my men well and yet you have barely fought with them.”
“I know Pannonia and I saw in the battle at Carl Wark, the mettle of your men. Any of them could join the regulars and not be out of place.”
No-one was unhappy that Derventio was to be abandoned. It was peaceful over in the east but the troopers stationed there missed the comradeship of their fellows. The vicus and Maeve in particular were delighted at the arrival of even more men with money to spend on ale. Flavius, in particular preferred being back with the others and he enjoyed the new activity for they had to escort the carts from Eboracum containing the cement and then patrol along the periphery of the construction site. It kept the whole ala busy. What impressed Wolf was the speed with which they built the road. He and his turma were selected to perform the close watch which meant they could see the legionaries actually building the road. The spears, shields and armour were neatly stacked in tent groups which, as the Centurion told them , was only possible because of the turma. Otherwise they had to keep half the men armed in case of attack. The ditch was dug and the section to be built levelled. Then they added a layer of small stones which the legionaries tamped down. This was followed by bigger pieces of rock. They were fortunate that there were many rocks close by which the Ninth collected whilst the ala watched. Next they mixed fine concrete with small rocks and overlaid that with larger blocks of cut stone, Finally they put a raised footway and edge stone. The whole turma was impressed by the skills of the legionaries and each day the road crept further north.
One of the legionaries saw their keen attention. “Hey optio how about asking these horse shaggers if they want to have a go at working for a change and not sitting on their arses like they normally do.”
The young optio picked up a piece of concrete and threw it to catch the noisy soldier on the back of the head. “Shut up and get on with it, you horrible little man.”
“Could have hurt me that could. Besides, why don’t the cavalry ever get to build the roads. Their horses cover them in shit anyway?”
“You are a stupid man Donkey don’t you know that? The cavalry are the ones we stick out in front of us in a battle so that the hairy arsed barbarians whip their bollocks off and not ours. Mind you we could put you out in front and there would be no harm done.” The grumbling Donkey set back to work grumbling.
Wolf rode up to the grinning optio. “Donkey?”
“Yeah , got the brains of a mule and once he is sat on his arse you can’t get him moving.”
Osgar mooched up having run a circuit around the building work. “There is no-one nearby Decurion.”
Just then they heard the creak of carts as the fifth turma arrived with more concrete. The soldiers all groaned and there were murmured complaints. The Centurion who had been busy at the front of the road strode into sight. “Come on you moaning bastards I am going to show you how good I am to you. Instead of making you tamp down the stones I am going to let you off for a while.” A small cheer went up. “Instead you can unload those carts! Get a move on.” He winked at Wolf as he came by. “What’s life without a little joke?”
Panyvadi joined Wolf. “I have been ordered to relieve you. You are to take Osgar and head for Stanwyck. The Queen is visiting Eboracum and she reported strangers north of the stronghold.” He turned back and shouted, “Gaelwyn, join the Decurion.”
The newest scout, Gaelwyn who was Osgar’s nephew, jogged forwards. “Don’t you need him?”
“I think I can find my way back down this road to the camp besides Flavius asked if he could hunt some pig, Aulus was moaning on about porridge for every meal.”
Wolf waved his arm in a flourish. “They are all yours old friend. Osgar, take your nephew and lead us to Stanwyck.”
They left the partially built road and followed the small stream north west of them. The land rose and fell in undulations which could hide any number of enemies. Although they were close to the Queen’s capital they were also just a river away from the land of the Carvetii and Venutius. It did not pay to take chances. “Gaius, take Drusus and Lentulus and trail us by eight hundred paces. We might as well give them some practice. We can’t keep giving all the hard jobs to the more experienced troopers and send Marcus and Lucius up here. I’ll give them some training too.”
The two young troopers rode just behind him. “Come up here, one on each side. There is no road and the land will serve.” He glanced at them and contrasted their riding styles. Lucius was a competent rider but he gripped his reins with both hands. Marcus was far more natural and kept one hand on the pommel of his sword. “Lucius, look at Marcus’ hands. He has one on his sword and I would bet a beaker of Maeve’s ale that if I asked him to he could ride without using his hands. Isn’t that right Marcus?”
Marcus grinned, “Yes sir.”
“Well go on then, show him.”Marcus dropped his left hand and his horse continued walking in a straight line. “And I bet he could trot too.” Marcus looked at the Decurion and Wolf nodded impatiently, “Go on, stop being shy.” Marcus kicked his heels and the horse trotted forwards.”Right then trooper back here in the same position.” To Lucius’ amazement Marcus leaned slightly to one side and the horse came around in a loop and was back next to Wolf in no time. “Well done son now stop being a smart arse and get hold of your reins.” Marcus grinned and did so.
“How does he do it sir?”
“He uses his knees and his body weight. You have learned much Lucius but you haven’t fought yet from the back of a horse. You have thrown your javelins at targets and engaged in mock combats but you have never had a warrior coming at your blind side, “he grinned, “which in my case is something of a problem. Sometimes, in fact, most times you have to fight with two hands and not fall off your horse. When you can then practise those skills.”
Marcus looked across at Wolf, trying to pluck up the courage to ask the question which was in his head. “Come on son. If you have a question then ask it. The worst I can do is shout at you and I may even answer it.”
“Decurion Felix how do you avoid hitting your horse with your sword when you are fighting.”
“Worst thing you can do that, kill your own horse. It is simple.“ He took out his own sword, “This is a slashing weapon.” He swung the sword on a horizontal plane at his own head height. “This blow will make another cavalryman duck. If he ducks he can’t see where he is going so you smash him in the head with your shield. Now if it is a foot soldier then the best movement is this.” He swung the sword vertically down the side of his horse’s head. “Those are the two blows you use.”
“And why do you have a gladius in your belt as well as your spatha?”
“The spatha is good from a horse, it outreaches the weapons of most barbarians but on the ground if is too clumsy. You need a stabbing weapon. When I was aquilifer I learned to fight with two swords at once. I was fairly shite with my left hand but it was better than nothing.”
“Decurion!”
Gaelwyn the scout appeared from the bushes to their left. “Yes scout what is it?”
“Uncle, er Osgar has found tracks. Carvetii.”
“Close up. You two behind. “Trot.” The Decurion trotted after the lithe Brigante boy who seemed to float across the grass.
They found Osgar in a clearing. “Twelve Carvetii camped here last night. They were heading for Stanwyck.”
“Then these can’t be the ones the Queen mentioned can they? There are two bands.|” He turned to the turma. Tighten belts, check your shields and prepare your javelins. There could be two small warbands up ahead and I want them surprised not us. Listen to what Osgar says. If he warns you of Carvetii then trust me they are there.” He nodded at Osgar who waved Gaelwyn to his left. Marcus noticed that both scouts now carried bows with arrows already notched and he made sure that his two spare javelins were in his shield hand, with his reins whilst he held the javelin loosely across his horse’s mane.
They went forward and the two scouts disappeared into the scrubby bushes which lined th
e shallow valley. It was more intimidating now, especially for the young recruits. They were now closer to the barbarians than they had ever been and their first action could soon follow. The soft grass hid any noise their horses might have made and the slight bridge favoured them as it was below in their faces. Lucius tried to hold the javelin the way he saw Marcus do but it felt clumsy. Marcus saw him struggle and was desperate to tell him how to do it but he did not wish to risk the wrath of Ulpius Felix. After what seemed an age and, with a wooded glade coming up, Osgar suddenly appeared. He pointed to the trail which went into the wood. He held up both hands twice and pointed to his left and then both hands once and pointed to his right.
Wolf waved his acknowledgement. He turned and said, “There is an ambush ahead. We will sweep around to our right and take the twenty warriors on that side. Do not stop to finish any off but keep going and we will then take the ten on the left. Marcus on my right, Lucius on my left.” Marcus looked over his shoulder at the rest of the turma. “Don’t worry son they know what to do and Gaius will look after the other new lads.”
Decurion Lupus Ulpius Felix kicked Blackie’s flanks and held his javelin above his shoulder; he hoped the new troopers would try to copy his action. This was a harchs and dangerous place to learn. Marcus noticed that as soon as they began to ride the rest of the turma spread out on either side with Drusus riding next to Gaius, the chosen man, alongside Lentulus whilst Tiberius, the aquilifer, was with the other new ones. They rode around the wood and then swung in so that Gaius on the right had to kick his horse and gallop to maintain the line. Wolf smiled as he saw the new troopers struggling to keep up. Suddenly they were in the woods and the sudden darkness took moments for their eyes to adjust. The dead leaves slightly muffled their approach but the Carvetii must have been aware of their approach if not the actual direction. Wolf saw them and kicked hard on Blackie’s flanks. Speed was now of the essence. He saw two men fall to the arrows of the scouts and then he threw his javelin at the warrior with the torc, who looked lie a chief. He wriggled like an insect as he was pinned to the elm tree. The Decurion drew his spatha, aware of other Carvetii falling to javelins and then there was daylight as they crossed the path. The rest of the warband had realised that their ruse had been rumbled and were fleeing south, towards the stream. Rather than wasting time sheathing his sword and taking another javelin Wolf galloped after the nearest barbarian. He saw the white face turn as Blackie’s breath and hooves seemed to be directly behind him. He began to turn his head but Wolf sliced down and split his skull. Out of nowhere a Carvetii leapt at him with a war axe. Ulpius Felix desperately tried to bring his word around but he knew that he would not make it. Suddenly the warrior was thrown to the ground by a javelin and Wolf waved his thanks to Marcus.