‘Going to have a look. It’s on the Rhone, just south of Vienna, so I can go with this lot. Big place, mind you… big place. I’ll probably have a bit of a look round and then come back to Vesontio. Don’t like to leave the lads alone too long. They go soft, like fruit.’
Fronto pointed over toward the rest of the camp.
‘Don’t rush back. Crassus’ll probably have you all over Gaul in search of glory over winter. Unless Labienus stops him, of course.’
Balventius grinned.
‘I’ve had a word with my juniors. I’d like to see any bastard get them moving without my say so, let alone that pompous prat. What about yours? Don’t you worry about the Tenth?’
Fronto returned the defiant smile.
‘I’ve left Priscus, Tetricus and Velius in charge. Can you imagine them doing anything they disagree with?’
‘I suppose not. Well, I’d best get back. I’ve only got a quarter of an hour and I need to find that idiot stable master.’
Fronto frowned as Balventius left, and turned to Balbus.
‘What’s he doing with the stable master?’
‘He bought a horse.’
‘Why didn’t he speak to Varus and borrow one?’
Balbus grinned.
‘He doesn’t trust ones that have been used in combat. Reckons they’ll keep charging into trouble. He’s a great primus pilus, but he’s not exactly a confident horseman. I take it you haven’t heard about Varus, then?’
‘No. What?’
The grin on Balbus’ face increased to a wide beam.
‘After the meeting, when I brought you and Crispus back, Varus and Sabinus went back into town. Sabinus got into a bit of a ‘thing’ with one of the local girls. It all went a touch wrong and Sabinus ended up getting punched in the face. It might have broken his nose.’
‘And Varus?’
‘He didn’t come back last night. We were about to send out a duty unit to looks for him, but Sabinus stopped us. When we asked why, he just kept laughing and saying ‘he’ll be fine.’’
Fronto smiled.
‘Ah. Fraternising with the locals, I suppose.’
‘I believe so.’
Tightening the last of the ropes, Fronto patted the horse on the flank.
‘Well, that’s it. We’re ready for the off. We’ll be heading for Narbo first on the way to Spain. The Aedui have offered to give us a small cavalry escort until we’re back in the empire’s borders. I guess we’ll see you next spring. Unless you get bored of Massilia and fancy Tarraco for a while. We shouldn’t be too hard to find.’
Balbus smiled.
‘I think Corvinia’ll want to go to Rome not long after I get back, and then out to the countryside. Anyway, I’d best keep my harpy daughters away from you. They were practically drooling over you at Geneva. I’m too young still to have you for a son, Marcus!’
Fronto frowned and then looked around to see the bemused question on Crispus’ face.
‘I’ll tell you later.’
Balbus clasped hands with Fronto and then, shrugging, the two embraced before Fronto climbed onto his horse. Balbus grasped the reins for a moment.
‘Take care of yourself. I’d hate to think how dull and straightforward next year would be without you.’
Smiling, Fronto looked round at Crispus and nodded. The younger man checked the securing of the cart reins to his own and then returned the nod.
‘Ready.’
Fronto looked down at Balbus.
‘I’ll be fine. Same as always. Send my love to Corvinia and we’ll see you next year.’
With a slapping of the reins, the two set off amid the buzzing of bees, the whistling of the wind and the song of avian life to the duty of delivering Longinus to his family, for the relaxation of the winter months, and for the delights of Imperial Spain.
END
Book 1 Author's Note
It has long been a belief of mine that history is one of the most important subjects a human being can study. It is not only the story of where we came from and what created our modern world - and therefore essentially the story of us - but it is also an ongoing and deep parable from which we can, and should, learn.
It is also, however, one of the most difficult subjects to teach or to expound upon without boring the socks off the lay person. I had the privilege in my school days of having two history tutors who managed to bring life and personality to every nuance of their lessons, and that left me with a great conviction that the only way this fabulous, important and fascinating subject would ever ingrain itself into the non-fanatic was by being INTERESTING.
The Marius' Mules series began back in 2003 as an experiment on two counts:
Firstly, to see whether my storytelling was up to a full length novel. I had written a number of short stories, many of which are too geeky to expand upon now, but I was not sure whether I had the stamina to try a full length. Turns out, to my infinite pleasure, that I did!
Secondly, I was interested to see whether a dry historical account could be made exciting to the lay reader. At the time I was planning a holiday and it had led me through arcane channels of research to working through Julius Caesar's account of the Gallic Wars. I had the same problem with it as I have with many historical accounts in that the subject is fascinating and engrossing, but the text is difficult or dry.
Could I rework Caesar's own words and turn it into an exciting adventure/war story? In the process of attempting to do so, I discovered many things.
The genre's appellation 'Historical Fiction' is called just that for a reason. It is not simply history, as to write straight history with no imagination involved is to write a text book. There is the great need to make leaps and connections that are either vaguely alluded to or not there at all in the source. There is sometimes the need to slightly bend or shuffle events in minute ways in order to make history exciting. Historical fiction is not the retelling of history, but the telling of a story based on history.
Sources are not to be trusted. It became very obvious from early on reading Caesar's diary that the man was a gifted self-promoter. We know that Caesar was ruthless and ambitious, but I determined with Marius' Mules to try not to fall into the traditional portrayal of an all-round genius who has all the good ideas himself, while being ambitious to the end. To me it seems unlikely that Caesar did not rely on the experience and abilities of the men around him, some of whom had great experience in the field in different campaigns.
Then there is the matter of the vagueness of the late Republican world. We have a good knowledge of the Roman army of the Republic to the time of Marius and after, given his changes to the system, and we have an excellent understanding of the Principate army after Augustus' alterations to the system. The period from around 58 to 31 BCE, however, is a time of flux and change. The army after Caesar's death is very different from the one he takes command of in 58. I find it interesting trying to account for a few of those changes in this text as being the work of Caesar or his officers. A prime example of this is the legates of the various legions, who had always been temporary assignments, often for a single action, while later they are a term of office and a standard step in a noble's career. I see this as an opportunity to have Caesar be the one to begin assigning long-term commands.
Incidentally: one last comment. I have had it pointed out a number of times that since this book is called 'Marius' Mules', people have expected it to be about the great Gaius Marius. The title is based on a colloquial term for the men of the legions that was in use at the time of the Gallic Wars, since this is very much a book about them. To such comments I would ask whether you would expect the characters in 'The Green Berets' to be green?
Facetious. But that's me. I like a mix of violent, brutal action, exciting adventure, and irreverent humour. So, in conclusion:
I hope that everyone who reads this book enjoys it. If you did, please do drop me a line (details on my website www.sjaturney.co.uk) and feel free to leave a review for me to feed up
on. If you didn't enjoy it you probably haven't got this far, but feel free to drop me a line and discuss why.
Simon Turney - November 2012
Marius’ Mules II: The Belgae
by S. J. A. Turn
2nd Edition
‘Marius’ Mules: nickname acquired by the legions after the general Marius made it standard practice for the soldier to carry all of his kit about his person.’
For my parents Tony & Jenny, who have supported
my family and I through good times and bad with
grace and kindness.
Also for Rupert and Charlene, best of
friends and Godparents extraordinaire to our son Marcus.
I would like to thank those people instrumental in bringing Marius' Mules 2 to fruition and making it the success it has been, and those who have contributed to the production of the Second Edition, in particular Leni, Jules, Barry, Robin, Kate, Alun, Nick, two Daves, a Garry and a Paul. Also a special thanks to Ben Kane and Anthony Riches, who have greatly encouraged me toward the improvements in this edition.
Cover photos courtesy of Paul and Garry of the Deva Victrix Legio XX. Visit http://www.romantoursuk.com/ to see their excellent work.
Cover design by Dave Slaney.
Many thanks to all three for their skill and generosity.
All internal maps are copyright the author of this work.
Published in this format 2013 by Victrix Books
Copyright - S.J.A.Turney
Second Edition
The author asserts the moral right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means without the prior consent of the author, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
Book 2 Dramatis personae
The Staff:
Gaius Julius Caesar: Politician, general, governor of two provinces and conqueror of Gaul.
Aulus Ingenuus: Commander of Caesar’s Praetorian Cohort.
Cita: Chief quartermaster of the army.
Decimus Brutus: Staff officer and favourite of Caesar’s family.
Gaius Valerius Procillus: Staff officer and ambassador for Caesar.
Marcus Mettius: Staff officer and ambassador for Caesar.
Paetus: Camp Prefect, in command of all temporary camp functions.
Pedius: Staff Officer.
Plancus: Staff Officer.
Quintus Atius Varus: Commander of the Cavalry.
Quintus Titurius Sabinus: Senior staff officer and lieutenant of Caesar.
Quintus Tullius Cicero: Staff officer and brother of the great orator.
Titus Atius Labienus: Senior staff officer and lieutenant of Caesar.
Seventh Legion:
Crassus: Commander of the Seventh and high ranking statesman.
Eighth Legion:
Quintus Balbus: Ageing commander of the Eighth Legion.
Titus Balventius: Chief centurion of the Eighth Legion, veteran having served several terms of service.
Titus Decius Quadratus: Prefect of one of the Eighth’s auxiliary detachments.
Septimius: Romanised Aedui nobleman serving as a prefect in command of the Eighth’s cavalry wing.
Ninth Legion:
Publius Sulpicius Rufus: Young commander of the Ninth.
Grattius: Chief centurion of the Ninth, previously in sole command for some time.
Salonius: Tribune of the Ninth accused of sowing rebellion among the army at Vesontio the previous year; now fled to Rome.
Casco: Cavalry prefect.
Tenth Legion:
Marcus Falerius Fronto: Commander of the Tenth Legion, Veteran of the Spanish Wars, confidante of Caesar and native of Puteoli in Italy.
Gaius Tetricus: Military Tribune attached to the Tenth Legion and expert in military defences and earthworks.
Gnaeus Vinicius Priscus: Chief centurion, or ‘Primus Pilus’, of the Tenth Legion.
Petrosidius: Chief Signifer of the First Cohort.
Lucius Velius: Senior centurion training officer of the Tenth Legion.
Lucretius: Chief centurion of the Sixth Cohort.
Gaius Pomponius: Chief engineer of the Tenth and lesser centurion.
Lucilius: Prefect of the Tenth’s cavalry wing.
Florus: Capsarius in the Tenth Legion.
Eleventh Legion:
Aulus Crispus: Commander of the Eleventh Legion, ex. Civil servant in Rome.
Felix: Primus Pilus, or chief centurion of the Eleventh.
Galeo: Auxiliary prefect attached to the Eleventh.
Twelfth Legion:
Servius Galba: Commander of the Twelfth Legion
Publius Sextius Baculus: Primus pilus of the Twelfth. Long-serving and distinguished veteran.
Vibius Pansa: Auxiliary prefect attached to the Twelfth.
The maps of Marius’ Mules II
PART ONE: THE GATHERING STORM
Chapter 1
(Roman military installation outside Vesontio)
‘Quadriga: a chariot drawn by four horses, such as seen at the great races in the circus of Rome.’
‘Foederati: non-Roman states who held treaties with Rome and gained some rights under Roman law.’
‘Where the hell have you been?’
Gnaeus Vinicius Priscus gestured angrily with his vine staff from his position on top of a supply wagon as he ground his teeth irritably.
Fronto looked up at his ‘subordinate’, though the word hardly seemed appropriate. A quick glance around confirmed no one was listening within earshot.
The legate of the Tenth Legion looked tired and haggard. Dark circles beneath his eyes spoke of late nights and long days. Behind him, Aulus Crispus, legate of the Eleventh shook his head, a faint smile lurking somewhere beneath the dust of travel. Fronto growled gently.
‘And hello to you too, Priscus. We’ve come as fast as we could.’
To illustrate, he gestured up and down himself, bringing attention to the dust and wear. There was a low muttering behind him.
‘What was that?’ he barked, rounding on his younger companion.
Crispus laughed lightly.
‘I said: ‘via every bar between the Pyrenees and Vesontio…’’
He took one look at Fronto’s face and wisely turned away to tighten a strap on his horse. Fronto continued to glare at him for a moment and then turned back to the primus pilus of the Tenth.
‘I’d say we’ve done well, myself. We didn’t even get the message ‘til a fortnight ago in Tarraco. All that way in less than two weeks? And with the horses laden with all our gear? Just be bloody grateful we left the cart behind!’
Crispus smiled benignly.
‘Good afternoon, centurion. Forgive my companion. We made the most of our last night of freedom yesterday at a Gaulish tavern in a village around twenty miles from here. My head is troubling me a little, and I suspect Fronto’s is a great deal worse.’
Fronto grumbled again.
‘The wine they serve in some of these local places tastes like feet and feels like being hit over the head with a brick!’
‘You should try their beer, Marcus. They may make poor wine, my friend, but they excel at the brewing process’ Crispus smiled.
Fronto shot his companion another grim glance and then turned back to his subordinate.
‘What’s all this about, Priscus? We weren’t due to return for almost a month, and here we are, back in camp on the kalends of Aprilis?’
‘Let’s talk as we walk.’
The primus pilus dropped lightly from the wagon to land on the springy turf, his hob-nailed boots leaving a deep impression. He gestured toward the fortifications, and the three men walked onward, Fronto and Crispus wearily leading their horses.
The camp had changed
since Fronto was last here. During the previous season, the legions had spent a while encamped at Vesontio and had fortified their position with a palisade and ditch, their tents raised in orderly rows. Some time early in the autumn, Labienus, who had been assigned to command the six legions and their auxiliary support in the off-season, had decided that a more permanent installation was required.
Three large forts had been constructed of timber in an arc around the city, on the far bank of the river. The leather campaigning tents had been packed away for next season, and the army had settled to ride out the winter in relative comfort. With a large Roman army on the doorstep, Fronto could imagine how well the entertainment industry in Vesontio had done.
‘How are the legions disposed?’ young Crispus enquired. ‘There is insufficient room here for the full army.’
Priscus nodded.
‘Yessir. Yours and ours are here, along with the Eighth. The Seventh, Ninth and Twelfth are spread out, one entrenched toward the Rhine, one about twenty miles north and the other off to the west. Commander Labienus thought we ought to maintain a presence in the surroundings just in case. The legions have been rotating through the picket camps on a two-weekly basis. It’s all worked quite well, I’d say; Labienus has kept his headquarters in Vesontio, and Crassus has been moving between the three camps keeping the men on their toes and irritable.’
Fronto nodded.
‘I can quite believe that; so, why the early muster?’
‘Wish I could answer that, but I’m in the dark myself. Caesar sent a courier to Vesontio about a month ago, telling Labienus that the legates would be returning during Martius and that the general himself would be here at the start of Aprilis. Looks like you’ve beaten him here, but only just.’
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