by Griff Hosker
Suddenly a youth leapt up to face him with a pugeo held in his hand. The sword in the Decurion’s hand sliced down and only stopped when the Roman saw that the youth was standing before five crying girls. “What the… Put the dagger down sonny or you’ll be dead.”
Relief flooded his face. “You are Roman.!” He picked the girls up. “We are saved. He is Roman.”
Hooves thundered behind as the Tribune rode up. “So it seems there are survivors. Who are you?”
“I am Gaius Metellus Aurelius and I lived in Londinium with my parents. When the Iceni came they killed my father and my mother. I was not in when they were killed but when I returned and saw they were dead I tried to flee. I found these girls hiding close to the river and I helped them to escape. We headed north for the bridge was burned and I thought to get to Camulodunum.”
The Tribune shook his head. “Camulodunum, Verulamium, all are destroyed and you,” he waved his arm to include them all, “are the only survivors.”
The youth sank to his haunches. “Then Rome is finished?”
“No son it will take more than this little setback to destroy Rome.” The Tribune looked down at his Decurion. “Escort them to the Governor; he will know what to do with them.”
The boy stood defiantly with his dagger in his hand. “I want to fight! Let me join your men for I can ride.”
They all smiled at his courage. “Sorry Gaius, we legionary cavalry and you are too young.”
He shook his head, “After what I have seen no one is too young.”
Gaius rode double with Spurius while the girls all rode with a trooper. “You are a brave’ un I’ll give you that. Did you think you could kill me with that dagger?”
“I have killed three warriors in the last few days. I learned to attack first and ask questions later.”
Spurius was impressed. The youth might look fragile but he had a courage about him that many legionaries would have admired. “If you want to fight and you want to ride I might be able to help you.”
“But the Tribune said…”
“No he is quite right. You can’t join the Ninth but the Pannonians, they lost many men in the rebellion and they are looking for recruits. You seem to me that you might be just the sort they are looking for. I am not promising mind, and they are based in the north. Would you leave your home?”
“What home,” he said bitterly, “my home, my family and my world went up in flames. The north sounds good.”
Decurion Princeps Gaius Cresens might have been riding alongside Prefect Bellatoris but he felt like a leper as no one spoke to him. He listened to the easy banter of the ala and their officers as the headed up the Via Claudia but he was excluded. It was as though he wasn’t there. His turma also felt the same. They had not taken part in the first battle and they, and their leader had been reluctant warriors at Boudicca’s end. Flavius too was thinking of the strained atmosphere. When they reached the fort he would have to speak with Cresens, much as it pained him to do so. He had the ala to think about. The road north gave Ulpius Felix the opportunity to think and reflect on the change the few last months had brought. He had gone from being close to good friends to become an isolated leader. The lonely and empty land through they travelled serves as a reminder of his loneliness.
Behind him Marcus rode next to Chosen Man Gaius. “The Decurion says little Gaius. Is he troubled?”
“He is and he has much to think on. His friends, especially Gerjen, have all died and it troubles him. And he is losing me.”
“Losing you? Why?”
“I am to be promoted to Decurion. He will be seeking another Chosen Man. Those are many changes in a short time.”
“Who will he choose?”
“If he goes on age then it will be Tiberius for he is the most experienced of the men but Chosen man needs to be able to command. Tiberius likes to be popular and that does not always work. No I think our Decurion will wait and choose his deputy carefully.” He leaned over to Marcus and lowered his voice. “He is a deep one. The name he gave up, Wolf, suited him for you never knew what he was thinking or what he would do. The turma will need to work hard to read his mind and anticipate his wishes.”
It was at that moment that Marcus decided that he would do all he could to become the best warrior possible. Some time in the future he would become the Chosen Man and he would become Decurion Ulpius’ Felix’s right hand man.
Eboracum had a deserted look about it when they rode through the gates. A single century of the Ninth had been left as guards and they were eager for news of their comrades. The Camp Prefect summoned Flavius as soon as he arrived. “I have read the reports but they do not tell the whole story for they only give figures. The reports said the whole of the First Cohort died.”
“They did.”
“Centurion Maro, I thought he was indestructible.”
“There were so many Iceni that I am still surprised that five hundred of us survived but the threat is over and they will be returning north soon. We are the garrison until then.”
“And you are needed. We have had many raids from across the frontier. Despite the bridge being torn down they seem emboldened. Queen Cartimandua has demanded that we do something about it. Between you and me she fears that her ex-husband will take advantage of the disorder and invade again. Holding his family as hostages is working but I suspect he will attack sooner rather than later.”
“I will get my men settled and then have a meeting with my officers. If you clerk could make a list of places that have been raided I will organise some patrols to begin tomorrow. I suspect I will have to station half of the ala at Cataractonium.”
“There is just your Quartermaster, the clerk and a tent party. They are the very edge of the Roman Empire. Ten men stand between the barbarians and the rest of the Province.”
“So we will need to get straight back to work. I will remain here with the Decurion Princeps.” Flavius noticed the relief on the faces of those who would be leaving. He would use their time together to make a few things clear to him. Decurion Felix will take eight turmae to Cataractonium and patrol the Dunum. They are crossing at will. We need to discourage the. As soon as the Ninth arrive and the recruits then we will join you.”
“Sir?”
“Yes Wol, er Ulpius?”
“Don’t forget that Decurion Cava is looking for an inn and we did say the ala would help him out.”
“I had not forgotten but thank you for reminding me.” Decurion Ulpius Felix was a bad enemy, as Cresens had discovered but there was not a more loyal friend and comrade anywhere.”
The other officers, including the newly promoted Gaius automatically followed Decurion Felix. All those who were senior to him were now dead or discharged. To all intents and purposes he was Decurion Princeps but he did not receive the pay or the title. He did not care. The campaign against Boudicca had bee a wake up call. Life was too brief and perilous to be squandered. After speaking with Sextus and explaining the deaths he took Turmae two and three immediately on patrol. The Via Nero had had little traffic and he headed for the destroyed bridge. He had heard that Osgar and Gaelwyn had travelled north to find the boy’s family and it they returned south they would cross there.
“Marcus let us see how good you are as a scout. Take Lucius and ride to the river. Look for sign of Osgar. We will sweep around the land to the south of the river and look for sign of the raiders. Gaius, take your turma and ride east but keep a mile south of me. We will ride for five miles and then head up to the river.”
Gaius looked at his former leader curiously. “Do you know something?”
“Stanwyck is over there. He pointed to the south east. The Queen complained to the Prefect about raiders. It seems politic to make sure there are none hereabouts first eh?” Gaius nodded. “And Decurion Atellus, next time just do it. I hate explaining!” Gaius led his men, grinning. The Decurion never changed.
“Drusus, ride half a mile in front of us. Watch for sign.”
The Iceni
trotted off eager to impress the Decurion. He rode with his head next to his horse’s and was rewarded by finding a piece of cloth caught on a blackberry bush. He rode back to the Decurion. “Found this sir, just ahead.”
“You know what this is Drusus?” The trooper shook his head. “Cloth from a Votadini. There are raiders.” He turned in his saddle, “Skirmish line, weapons at the ready. There are Votadini ahead.”
The Votadini had been to the south of Stanwyck and killed a herder before taking his family and his animals north. They were confident that they were unseen and had avoided detection. Since the Romans had left the Brigante were like sheep deserted by their sheepdog. The ten of them were well armed for they knew that the Brigante were good warriors who defended their land. They had chosen their target well and now, as they drove their booty towards the river they were in a joyous mood. That mood ended as Ulpius Felix appeared from the side of the trail his spatha cutting deeply into the stomach of the lead warrior. Before the others had time to react the troopers of the Second Turma fell upon them; their blades sharply bright. They had learned when fighting the Iceni that you had to make sure a warrior was dead and that he died quickly. They did their job so well that the terrified farmer’s family barely had time to catch their breath. Gaius had heard the fighting and raced with his turma. He halted before the Decurion. “Couldn’t wait for us eh?”
“There were only ten of them, Decurion. Not enough to bother you. Escort the civilians and their animals home and we will meet Marcus and Lucius.”
The Third Turma left and Drusus asked, “What do we do with the bodies sir?”
“Take any weapons, jewellery and torcs. They look piss poor but they may have things of value.”
“And then what sir.”
He sighed, “Then Drusus we sell it and share out the money. There, enough of an explanation?”
“Yes sir but what I really meant was the bodies?”
“Leave ’em. I can’t be bothered to put their heads on spears so let the pigs have them. They will serve some purpose at least. Then we had better ride. The daylight is going and I want to be back at the road before it is too dark.”
They found Marcus and Lucius at the destroyed bridge, remnants of which were still visible. “No sing sir. We scouted the banks on both sides. We found tracks in the mud, footsteps heading south.”
“Well done son. That was the Votadini we just killed.” Marcus beamed. “Right let’s head south.”
“Found some footsteps but he couldn’t see us watching from the bank.” Ulpius Felix smiled as Osgar and Gaelwyn stepped out, not ten paces from a shocked Marcus. “It is a good thing you have Brigante scouts or you would find nothing.”
The Decurion dismounted and clasped Osgar’s arm. “Good to see you old friend.”
“And you Decurion.” He stepped back. “I see the wolf has gone.”
“All of my wolf brothers died and the standard was broken. I gave it to Gerjen to watch over him.”
“Good, for you need neither the sign nor the name for you are the Wolf,” he tapped the Decurion’s chest, “in here.”
“Did you find your family?”
“No we found the ones who took them.” He pointed across the river where a grim row of heads peered across the dark water. “But they had sold them on. They are now in the land of the Caledonii. We will find them some day.”
“And I will help you.”
At Eboracum Prefect Flavius Bellatoris had Decurion Princeps Gaius Cresens in his office. The sentry had been sent away as had the clerk. Flavius wanted none to eavesdrop. “You do not wish to be in the ala; am I right?”
“Yes sir.”
“Good for we do not want you. The problem is the Legate. He has made it clear to me that you have to stay here in the north and be a part of the ala. You see my dilemma? You have obviously upset the Legate so, until he is no longer in Britannia you will have to serve. You will be paid as Decurion Princeps but that is it. You have no authority over the other officers, that is my decision. In addition you will make that bunch of criminals you command become soldiers. When we fight I expect you to fight and not hide in the rear. We can have no passengers here.” Cresens continued to look sullenly at the ground. “This is no open for negotiation Cresens. Until we are fully staffed again I have to put up with you but I warn you there will be no second chances. Your first mistake will be your last.”
An unpleasant silence descended on the office. Gaius Cresens chewed his lip nervously. He was over a barrel. Until he could get some serious money he was stuck here. This was probably the safest place for him for the south had been dangerous and at least the Pannonians knew how to take care of themselves. He would have to make the best of it and toe the line. He was too clever for this dullard of a Prefect and he would find some way to make a profit. “Yes sir I will turn my men around and I will not be a problem sir. You have my word.”
Flavius Bellatoris was no fool; he did not believe him for a moment but he had made the consequences clear. The rest was in the lap of the gods.
By the time the Tribune returned it was the winter solstice and the ala’s wounds had almost healed. He rode into the fortress at the head of the newly reinforced Ninth. With him were some wagons. There was a burgeoning vicus and one wagon headed in that direction. Decurion Ulpius Felix was at the gate to greet the Tribune and he yelled as he saw the men next to the driver of the wagon. “Horse! You finally made it.”
Cava was surprisingly agile for a one armed man and he put his good arm around Ulpius. “Good to see you. The Prefect told me that the ala had paid for a hut to be built for me so here I am, the new landlord of ‘The Saddle’. I just need to get brewing.”
“As soon as you are open let me know. I want to be the first one to drink there.”
“That is a promise.”
The Tribune dismounted. “How are things down south sir?”
“Better Decurion, much better. Once the bodies were buried and the buildings cleaned up settlers drifted back. Many people had fled at the first sing of trouble. Some of the lads from the Ninth and the Twentieth who were pensioned off have settled there.” He saw the puzzled expression on Felix’s face. “They got prime land and they are a philosophical bunch they don’t think lightning will strike twice in the same place. We also got many recruits. A lot of the young men in the south were worried that it might happen again so they joined. We have some here. I am afraid the Tungrians and the Batavians grabbed some of the better ones but Decurion Ocella kept some hidden.”
“Where is the Governor now?”
“Heading back to Mona. The Twentieth are going to be based at Deva and Poenius Postumus, the Prefect of the Second Augusta, couldn’t stand the shame and fell on his sword.”
“Stupid bugger should have obeyed orders.”
“You would have made a good legionary Felix. It is just a shame you aren’t a Roman citizen eh?”
“Don’t worry sir. I am happy just being an auxiliary.”
Gnaeus pointed to Decurion Ocella who was heading their way with a column of men. “Here is the Decurion with the recruits he saved for you.”
The veteran dismounted and approached Ulpius. “I let the Tungrians and Batavians think they had got the best recruits but they didn’t. These ten are the best riders. They are all good lads. Trust me. I can smell a good soldier.”
Decurion Ulpius Felix looked at them and then pointed at the one behind Ocella. “He looks to be little more than a boy. “
“You mean like you were when you joined up? This is Gaius Metellus Aurelius and there is more to him than meets the eye. He escaped Boudicca and rescued some children. He killed three Iceni with his dagger. Trust me Decurion, he will do.”
Decurion Ulpius Felix also felt that way. He could not explain it but he nodded. “I do, Spurius. Well Gaius welcome to the Second Turma of the First Pannonian Ala. I am Decurion Ulpius Felix and for the next twenty five years you are mine. We will make this turma and the ala a force that the barbarians
will fear. Boudicca and her Iceni have shown us how barbaric they are. Let us show them that we are masters of this island. ”
The beaming smile told the Decurion that he had another young trooper. If this went on he would be called the baby minder. He didn’t mind. He would build another turma filled with the new Gerjen, Kadarcs. Panyvadi and Darvas and they would live on in these new young troopers. The deaths of his friends had hardened his heart and made him the complete leader. The happy young recruit was gone. He was now Ulpius Felix, a true warrior of Rome.
The End
Historical Background
Carl Wark is an Iron Age hill fort about seven miles south of Sheffield. It is as described and would have been impregnable in the Iron Age before the Romans invaded. However in the age of Rome, as Caesar proved at Alesia and Vespasian at Masada, there was no obstacle too big for the legions.
This period marked a change in the Roman policy of recruiting auxiliaries. In the time of Caesar and Pompey auxiliaries were hired to fight in a campaign. They used their own arms and armour. In the time of Augustus, with the rapid expansion of the Empire this needed to be formalised and although the auxiliaries were recruited in tribal areas they were despatched top fight in other parts of the Empire. When casualties occurred they used local recruiting to fill the gaps in their numbers. Once the auxiliaries took Roman names and attire they began to become Roman. There were still problems such as the Batavi uprising of the mid 60’s and the desertion of the Usipi during Agricola’s campaign but, generally, the troops were as loyal as the legions and died for Rome in the same numbers.