Marcus placed a marker on the map, “It appears the beast horde are using our kidnapped people as forced labour to gather construction materials as well as metals I assume for making into weapons. If it pleases you I would ask the Queen to speak further.”
Falco turned to Ailis who had sat quietly listening to Marcus.
She stood up softly, passing Frangean who sat beside her a handful of markers from the tray placed beside her, “The labour camp we liberated is one of many.”
Frangean began to place the markers around the mountains and hills.
“I have lead a small force and liberated 3 so far but we know of at least 8 more and we suspect more are scattered further to the east.”
Ailis picked up a larger marker from the tray and held it in her hand, “It is not these labour camps that concerns me the most though.”
Deep in the mountains to the north on the map she lowered the marker herself, “This appears to be their main encampment.”
Several of the men around the table leaned out of their seat to pin point its location.
“That is where they are constructing their stone circle.”
A murmur rumbled around the table from the Britons.
“I apologise for my ignorance Queen Ailis but what is the significance of this circle? We have witnessed many throughout Britannia.” Falco asked.
Ailis signalled for Frangean to hand her something, “You are forgiven Governor, many of the stone circles you will have witnessed are built by men similar in purpose to your temples.”
Frangean produced a scroll which Ailis began to unroll.
“The Druids used them to perform rituals and different circles represented different rituals.” She said as she placed the scroll on the table displaying a drawing on it.
A strange swirling shape formed by circles connected to one another, “This is for a completely different type of ritual.”
The nobleman nearest to the scroll rose sharply from his chair, “This is not possible. No one has ever built such a circle let alone attempted to use it.”
The other Britons looked at the scroll and echoed the noble’s opinion.
“It is not men that we are dealing with, sir.” Marcus said, causing the Britons to settle back in their seats and allow Ailis to continue.
“The elders are in agreement. This circle is an ancient one used to open passageway to the underworld.”
The table sat in silence.
“Surely this is nothing more than a myth? This stone circle cannot actually open a passageway?” The Legate asked.
“It is not known, there are stories of Druids who crossed from this world to the other using smaller, single man passageways, so as to communicate with the Gods but none would risk opening a passageway as large as this.” A noble replied.
“I spoke to a Druid we captured from the enemy who spoke of Remus, the leader of the beast horde, and he said that he was currently bringing the horde across in small numbers to avert the attention of the Gods. Surely if this passageway was opened then it would do just that?” Marcus asked.
“That is not entirely correct I’m afraid. Crossing the boundaries of the worlds through conventional means passes you before the eyes of the Gods, this passageway is more direct and would bypass the Gods vision.” An older noble replied.
“Conventional means?” Falco asked.
“Death is the usual method of entry to the underworld, but the legends speak of men entering the underworld to retrieve loved ones or seek out lost knowledge. The conventional method is to sail out to sea and perform a ritual to bring you to the shore of river that encircles the underworld. This region is watched by the Gods to ensure that someone does not come back out with half the underworld at their back.”
Falco nodded his thanks.
“How many could exit the underworld at a time elder?” Marcus asked.
“The largest number of people leaving the underworld without hinderance I have ever heard of is 12, it is possible though that the God of the underworld could mask the movement of more if we are to assume that they are in collusion with this Remus.”
The table murmured amongst each other.
“So, this stone circle will bypass the God’s vision and allow Remus to move the beast horde into Britannia with unlimited number?” Falco asked the elder, who nodded his head in agreement.
“How long do we believe it will take them to finish its construction?” Marcus asked.
“We have kept it delayed with our raids on their camps but there are too many camps opening and the beasts have increased security on their routes back to the circle, we estimate it will be completed by the time of the new moon.” Ailis replied causing the table to erupt with discussion.
“The new moon is just 9 days away.” A noble cried.
“We cannot amass all our forces to stop them before that and we still have no idea of how many beasts are in those mountains.” Another noble said as he stood and waved for silence.
“We can actually.” Falco said, sat loosely in his chair, “The 20th Legion is 2 days march away by now and will be fit to march further. The 9th, although weakened is still in fighting form. Together we will amass some 8500 men. I will also inform you that a further 4000 infantry can be amassed from auxiliary units stationed in the area. I have also sent the 9th’s own cavalry commander to gather the Ala Petriana in the north. A 1000 cavalrymen strong force that brings the total Roman might in this attack to 13,500 men.”
There was a look of surprise and worry among the noblemen as they began to discuss among themselves their own capabilities.
After a few minutes they settled on their numbers and returned their focus to Falco who had sat patiently.
“Once my people arrive at Eboracum I can muster 300 warriors from across the hills to join us.” Ailis started.
Falco signalled for a scribe to begin writing the numbers down as the various tribes began listing their immediate troop counts and how many they could have following a few days behind. Calls of a few hundred repeated itself and Falco looked across to the scribe who tallied up the numbers.
“2000 Briton warriors and 400 Briton cavalry Governor.”
Falco nodded, “So our initial attack will contain just under 15,000 men, a reasonable number to open a battle with. Have your reinforcements come direct to the battle and we should be able to overwhelm the enemy before this stone circle is opened.”
A chorus of agreement echoed around the table and Falco signalled for all the cups of wine to be filled before rising from his chair.
“To unity and victory.”
A cheer followed by the swift drinking of the wine before each of the delegations began to leave and be escorted back to their horses leaving only the Roman officers sat at the table.
“Governor, Gaius will not return with the Ala Petriana until the day of the new moon.”
Falco put his cup down, “I am aware of that Legate.” He said unfazed, refilling his cup.
“Then we have lied to our new allies?” Marcus said causing Falco to smile.
“Marcus at least 4 of those tribes were in open rebellion 2 weeks ago and 1 of them has yet to be engaged in any major battle. Do you honestly believe that they only have 400 warriors available for this battle?”
Marcus thought about this for a moment.
“I suppose not but what possible reason do they have to not send their full strength?” The Legate asked looking at Falco.
“It’s a simple game of politics and numbers. They believe the beast horde is of almost equal strength to us so if they allow us to lead the attack then we will suffer large casualties in our fight before the bulk of their force arrive and finish the enemy off.”
Marcus seemed shocked, “That is outrageous, do they not realise the threat that we all face?”
Falco shook his head. “Much of the raiding by the beast horde has occurred in the east where our forces are most present so many of the western tribes are not under as much attack from the horde. You forge
t that they see us as much as an enemy as they do the beast horde.”
Marcus sat back in his chair in disbelief.
“I want the ala Petriana to arrive so late as a deterrent to the Briton reinforcements to not attack our diminished force.”
“But what of our attack against the beast horde? If we are undermanned, then we will surely lose.”
Falco turned to the Auxiliary commanders, “How many auxiliaries are you able to bring with us?” Falco asked.
“8000 Governor.”
“You see Marcus we are playing the game as well as they are.” “Very well Governor.”
Marcus rose from the table and gave the necessary salutes to the officers and Governor before leaving the headquarters and sitting on the bench outside. The meeting had only lasted just under 2 hours and Marcus was troubled with the politics of the whole thing.
“I understand your discomfort Marcus.” The Legate appeared out of the headquarters, “I am not comfortable with it myself, but the Governor believes he knows best and it is our duty to obey his commands.”
Marcus sighed, “We face a threat far larger than the politics of a few Briton tribes.”
The Legate sat next to him, “You’re right but we must trust in our commander, and besides there is little point in vanquishing the beast horde if we then get slaughtered by the Britons.”
Marcus nodded, “Tiberius will be unhappy, the poor man has barely had a days rest since the attack and he will only have an afternoon to prepare for the march north.”
The Legate sighed, “he’s a good soldier, he will manage. However, if you wish to aid him then you could take the necessary preparations with his cohort’s attendants as well as your own.”
Marcus stood up, “Gladly Legate, we will need to give our cohorts as much rest as they can when they return.”
Marcus saluted and set off into the fort.
Marcus sat just inside of Eboracum next to the gate he expected Tiberius to be coming through. He had removed his armour for the last two days, allowing it to be fully refitted and prepared for the stress of a 2 week campaign. It has been a busy two days at the fort with Marcus having barracks of his own cohort and that of Tiberius’s sorted and arranged so that nothing would be required of the men when they returned. The tribal delegations had returned to their tribes and were now trickling back with troops as well as allies from other tribes who had not attended to meeting. Detailed battle plans had been drawn up and a route devised and learnt by all of the officers.
As the sun rose to its zenith one of the Legionaries cried down to Marcus from the wall, “Cohorts approaching!”
Marcus relaxed a bit, happy in the knowledge that they had returned on time. As the gates opened Tiberius marched in front of the column looking proud and with the air of the victorious around him as he signalled for the people of Eboracum to enter their town. Efforts had been made by the auxiliary forces who had temporarily settled in the town to restore some of the town so that life could resume for the people when they returned. Housing across 2 areas had been restored and the main street repaired and set up for shops to reopen, although it was not clear what they would have to sell as much of the contents had been damaged or stolen.
“Welcome back Tiberius.” Marcus said walking over to Tiberius who watched as his troops continued the march up the road to the fort, “I’ve made all the preparations needed for your men to receive a hot meal and be well rested for tomorrow.”
Tiberius looked at Marcus, “You have my thanks but what do you mean for tomorrow?”
Marcus sighed and looked at the troops who saluted him as they went past, returning the gesture, “We know the location of the enemies main camp. Tomorrow a combined force of the 9th and 20th Legions along with many of the auxiliary cohorts and local tribes will march out of Eboracum on the 3 day march to face the enemy and prevent them from becoming any stronger.”
Tiberius looked at the men, “There is no end to all this is there Marcus.”
Marcus shook his head slowly, “The Gods have chosen the game, we are but the pieces.”
Chapter 10
Marcus waited patiently alongside his cohort along with the rest of the Legion outside Eboracum as the Legate inspected them. Governor Falco was stood on a quickly assembled podium overlooking the coalition forces of Romans and Britons, waiting for each of the respective commanders to declare their content for their respective troops. As the Legate rode past he gave Marcus a slight nod, showing his satisfaction of Marcus’s cohort, before riding up to the podium and speaking to the Governor.
A soldier stepped from the podium to make an announcement. “Titus Considius Sentius, Primus of the 9th Legion, and Marcus Aurelius Sisenna, Praefectus of the 2nd cohort 9th Legion, step forward to the podium!”
Marcus seemed surprised, much of the planning had been dealt with by higher ranking officers and his involvement had been only that of information from his experience against the beast horde.
Marcus stood alongside the Primus who smiled warmly at him. The Primus was the ambition of every officer, in charge of the 1st cohort he was often considered second in command of the Legion. Primus Titus had served with the 9th for as long as Marcus could remember and was highly respected.
“Primus Titus to follow on from our conversation the other day I would present Praefectus Marcus of the 2nd cohort as our choice to replace you on this campaign.”
Marcus stood in shock as the Legate spoke.
“I accept the replacement sir.” Titus replied.
“Praefectus Marcus, we ask you now. Do you accept the position of Primus?”
Marcus was still shocked. “Yes sir, thank you sir.”
Titus patted Marcus on the shoulder before departing back towards Eboracum.
“Wait, what will you be doing sir?”
Titus turned around, “It was decided that someone must stay behind to defend Eboracum and direct reinforcements as well as be aware of more local threats. I have served for a long time and know how to fight barbarians, not beasts. I will stay and defend Eboracum.” He smiled.
“Which meant we needed a replacement as Primus and the Governor and myself, as well as all the officers of the 1st cohort were in agreement there was no one better to take up this position.” The Legate finished.
“I am honoured sirs.” Marcus replied.
“Then show us your thanks with your command in the field.” Falco cried down the back of the podium, stepping to the front as he did.
“Men of Rome and her province! Beasts have invaded your homes, stolen your families and murdered your brothers. This shall not stand! We march for their main camp where they plan to amass an army and burn their way through the empire all the way to Rome. This shall not stand! We will not allow this to happen. All I ask of you is hold your sword tight and keep your shield up strong and we will prevail. To victory! For the Emperor! For Rome! For Britannia!”
Falco was met with a cheer from across the combined forces who echoed his war cries.
With the speech completed Falco signalled for the army to march and the various officers mounted their horses and led their troops off into the column stretching away from Eboracum. Marcus rode up front with the Legate and Governor and was explained the plan.
“We need to locate the enemy camp with speed and without being detected if possible. Our initial contact with the beasts shows they can be strong when they have the element of surprise and have time plan, it’s time to show them what we are capable of.” Falco said.
“Marcus, we want you to lead the 1st cohort alongside skirmishers as a vanguard force, eliminating any threats that are before us or might come across the army.”
Marcus nodded, “it will be done Governor.”
“Take your men and the skirmishers ahead of us now and get a day’s march in front if possible, you will be the head of the spear.” Legate Cornelius encouraged.
Marcus turned his horse and rode to his new cohort who were already leading the column. Salinus and his sk
irmishers were marching alongside the cohort in a narrow line either side of them.
“I’m told you know the plan Primus Marcus?”
Marcus nodded, “I do. We are to leave the column and march ahead by as much distance as we can cover eliminating any potential threats or obstacles before the rest of the force follows. The Governor and Legate want the army to arrive for the battle with as little disruption on the route as possible.”
Salinus looked behind at the sprawling column, “Shouldn’t be too hard for us to get a good lead on them, we can march quicker without the carts.”
Marcus nodded in agreement, “let’s get the men moving at full pace then and get some distance in front now while the column is still setting off.”
Salinus saluted before running down the line, shouting the necessary orders to the Centurions in the cohort and his own skirmishers.
Within minutes the cohort and skirmishers had increased their pace and were quickly leaving the column behind them. Marcus rode alongside them, using his horse to move between the various officers among the cohort to discuss the plan and learn more about the men he was leading. Each of them was highly professional and eager to have Marcus leading them and to get into the fighting. Marcus was learning as much as he could from them, after all these were the best Centurions in the Legion and Marcus needed to learn the best way to command such a large number of men. Marcus had only ever commanded his own cohort of 400 men, the 1st cohort was double strength and along with the 160 skirmishers Marcus was now leading some 960 men, a challenge he relished. It was soon settled that Salinus would command the skirmishers himself, using his own initiative unless Marcus saw fit to command otherwise. The Centurions leading each of the double centuries would then work closely under Marcus whose own double century would be commanded by the Optio, freeing Marcus to focus on the cohort as a whole.
As they pushed further and further ahead of the main column Marcus was sure to keep looking behind to monitor the main columns progress, a few miles behind but large enough to still be spotted from a hill.
Remus Rising Page 10