But, Alerio didn’t pay attention. He was bent over with his right shoulder tucked into his shield. Behind the shield, he held the painful shoulder in his left hand. Sergeant Horus saw the agony displayed on the Recruit’s face and walked over.
“Can you do that left handed?” he asked.
“Yes Sergeant,” Alerio replied. “I believe I can.”
“Do it,” Horus ordered.
With the shield on his right arm and the javelin in his left, Recruit Sisera dropped the next two javelins on either end of the fourth straw bale. Sargent Horus strolled away as if he wasn’t impressed.
Chapter 36 - Every Recruit Has a Weakness
After a week of gladii and javelin practice with the shields. Running until the distance became twenty miles and weekly swimming, the recruits returned from the mess hall.
The range had been adjusted. Stacks of straw bales were staggered downrange and armorers stood by a wagon.
“Recruits with archery experience step out,” a Sergeant ordered. “The rest of you break into squads.”
Every Legionary was trained on the bow. However, it was a specialty and, only those with true talent would be assigned to a Bowmen Century. Recruit Sisera stayed with the non-archers.
The experienced archers gathered at the armorer’s wagon and selected bows. After stringing them, they tested the pull. Many returned the original bow and selected another. Once they held bows that met their personal preference, they marched to the range.
Sergeant Horus pointed to Recruit Sisera and waved him over.
“What? No left handed archery?” asked the Sergeant.
“The bow has never been my friend,” Alerio admitted.
The future archers pulled and soon every target bristled with arrows. As they notched and fired, the inexperienced Recruits were instructed on the finer points of archery.
Over the next several weeks, all the Recruits became proficient with the bow. While they could earn full rations some of the time, the experienced archers earned double rations. The Legion valued and rewarded their specialists.
Chapter 37 - Recruit Guard Duty
Along with the running, swimming and weapons practice, the Recruits were instructed in proper military procedures. After learning ranks and the rules governing military orders, the Recruits were assigned guard duty.
Around the clock, two recruits were assigned to walk circuits around the recruit camp. The Century had been issued their metal gladii, bows, and iron tipped javelins. Besides the weapons, their armor had been changed out for new issues. So guarding was more than an exercise, it was necessary to protect the valuable equipment.
While training continued, the Recruits began to work more and more in specialized groups. Archers practiced with their bows, and future infantrymen with shields, javelins and gladii. They all joined in for marching and tactical maneuvering.
As the training progressed, five of the Sergeants and Corporal Thornernus discussed the merits of each Recruit. Thornernus expressed his interest in Sisera and asked the others to pass on the Recruit. They had begun the selection process and one Recruit wouldn’t make a difference. All the instructors expressed interest in groups of Recruits, except for Sergeant Horus. He kept his own counsel.
Recruit Sisera and a Recruit from another tent had the overnight guard duty. As the sun rose, their relief marched up and the two guards retired to their tents. They would be allowed to sleep in before joining the day’s training.
Corporal Thornernus didn’t have to teach a class until later in the day so he lounged in the instructor’s tent. Growing bored with the inactivity, he decided to check on the progress of some Recruits who were lagging in their swordsmanship. The NCO tossed aside the tent flap and noticed a Recruit sneaking between the tents.
The Recruit was bent over to keep a low profile. Thornernus observed him vanishing from sight before reappearing on the other side of a tent. A Recruit avoiding training wasn’t unusual but this one had a knife in his hand. When the man ducked into a specific tent, Thornernus ran over to question the Recruit.
Recruit Sisera was sleeping in his bedroll at the back of his tent. He’d pulled the blanket over his head in an attempt to ignore the fact it was late in the morning. When the knifeman entered, he was temporarily blind. Once the tent flap fell his eyes began to adjust to the dark interior.
He located the sleeping Recruit and was two steps towards his target when the tent flap opened.
Corporal Thornernus stepped in and demanded, “What’s going on here?”
The Corporal was also partially blinded in the dim light, but he was an experienced fighter. When the knife swung in his direction, he read the body language and leaned back. Unfortunately, his hand came up in a defensive reflex and the knife edge sliced his palm open.
Alerio heard the Corporal’s question and grunt from being slashed. Still wrapped in his blanket, he sat up to explain why he was in bed while his squad was out training. Suddenly, a shape hurled itself across the tent. Alerio swung his legs up, caught the attacking knifeman in the midsection, and vaulted the man up and over. The taunt side of the tent gave way from the man’s weight, a little, before rebounding.
The knifeman bounced off the goatskin leather side and landed partially tangled in Alerio’s blanket. That’s when Alerio noticed the knife. From under the crumpled blanket, the blade jabbed out. Alerio rolled away and his hand landed on his pearl handed knife. Drawing the long curved blade, he stabbed at the moving blanket trying to defend himself from the knifeman.
A man rose, tossed off the blanket, and stooped in a fighting stance. Before he could attack, a big fist connected with his head. He crumpled to the floor of the tent. Corporal Thornernus added a swift kick to be sure the man would stay down.
“The cūlus cut me,” he complained, “Recruit Sisera drag, this piece of merda outside and let’s have a talk with him.”
Chapter 38 - Five, No Seven Republic Golds
The man woke to bright sunlight and four men standing over him. He attempted to move an arm but it was stretched out. As was the other arm and both of his legs. He realized he was staked out, spread eagle on the hot sand.
“Do you recognize him?” Sergeant Horus asked.
“He was one of the late arriving recruits,” replied Corporal Thornernus. His left hand was wrapped in a bloody bandage, “From the Western provinces, I believe.”
“Recruit Sisera. You’re from the West. Do you know him?” another Sergeant inquired.
“No Sergeant. I’ve seen him during training but we’ve never exchanged words,” Alerio reported.
“Sergeant. Corporal. I have to ask you to leave the area,” Sergeant Horus said as he pulled a curved knife from his hip. The knife was the same shape as Alerio’s pearl inlaid weapon except it was sans any fancy decorations. Horus added as Alerio began to leave with the NCOs, “Sisera, you stay.”
The Legion Raider knelt beside the staked out man and asked a simple question, “Why?”
“Why what?” the man replied definitely.
“In spite of the training you’re still a civilian at heart,” Horus explained. “Let me enlighten you about military field justice. I am a Sergeant and I asked a question. Why?”
The man spit at the Sergeant. Without a word, Horus nicked the side of the bridge of the man’s nose. Drops of blood began running into the eye on that side.
“If I had my gang here you wouldn’t be able to lay a hand on me,” the man blustered, but the effect was diminished by his attempt to dump the pooling blood from his eye socket. “Back home I’m important.”
“Why?” asked the Sergeant.
“There’s a seven Republic Gold reward on him, dead or alive,” the man stated.
“The bounty has gone up. It was five gold,” Alerio said. Horus looked at Alerio and tilted his head as if listening for more, “It was in a pub and I got mixed up in a knife fight with some members of the Cruor gang.”
“I understand revenge and a bounty,” Horus replied
. “but just how many of the gang?”
“Seven or eight, I can’t remember,” admitted Alerio.
“You butchered them all,” the man screamed. “The Cruor want you dead.”
An evil grin crept over Horus’ face before he started laughing. The laughter was so out character for the drab Sergeant, that Alerio pulled back a few steps.
“Seven or eight,” the Raider Sergeant mumbled as he cut the straps from the man’s arms and legs.
He helped the man to his feet and took a cloth from a pouch and dabbed away the blood from the side of the man’s nose. Then, he offered the man a drink from his water bag. A gentle shove and the Sergeant guided the man towards the practice field. Alerio followed.
Chapter 39 - Graduation Day
Corporal Thornernus saw the three men approaching and noticed the Sergeant’s hand on the knifeman’s shoulder. They walked towards the sword practice area. The Corporal called the other Recruits over and had them form a semicircle so they could watch.
The would be assassin was handed a gladius and Horus drew his.
“I’m not going to fight you, Sergeant,” the man announced.
“This is a gladius,” Horus said as if delivering a lecture. He walked around the knifeman as he spoke to the assembled Recruits, “We teach you to hack and chop because in a shield wall things get messy.”
He strolled back and forth, with his back to the assassin, as he lectured.
“In truth, the gladius is an elegant weapon,” he said finally stopping and standing still. “The blade is perfect for…”
The knifeman charged at Horus’ unprotected back. His blade swung level with the Sergeant’s head to deliver a killing blow.
Alerio was too far away to help. He watched, horrified, expecting to see the Raider NCO die.
Horus dropped to a knee. The blade of his gladius extended backwards from under his arm. It skewed the surprised knifeman. A man could recover from a puncture wound if treated quickly. But, as Alerio observed, when the gladius is twisted in a man’s gut, his intestines get wrapped around the blade and are pulled out when the sword is removed.
The knifeman sank to his knees. His hands attempting to hold in his intestines.
“The gladius is an elegant weapon,” Horus explained as he stood up. “The blade is perfect for stabbing. As such, one must be aware and try to prevent training accidents.”
“You. Run and fetch a Medic,” Corporal Thornernus ordered. He had selected a notoriously slow Recruit for the task.
Chapter 40 - The Selection Process
Corporal Thornernus stood in front of his Sergeant’s desk. Beside him were Sergeant Horus and Recruit Sisera.
“I agree, Sisera can’t be stationed at the Transfer Post,” the Sergeant stated. “It’s too much temptation for gang assassins and bounty hunters. Has he completed training? Should he? Or should we discharge him for the good of the Legion?”
“As one of his instructors, I’d graduate him today,” Thornernus offered. “But I don’t know of any unit that wants to be saddled with a wanted man.”
Horus who had been silent, spoke up, “The Raiders will take him.”
The Post Transfer Sergeant spun a piece of parchment around and shoved it across his desk.
“Recruit Sisera sign here,” he ordered while pointing to the bottom of the form.
Alerio leaned down and jotted his name on the paper. Next, the Corporal Thornernus and the Sergeant Horus, as his instructors, signed off on the Recruit’s fitness. The Post’s Sergeant studied the signatures. After checking to be sure it was signed properly, he stood and offered his hand to Alerio.
“Private Sisera,” he said while gripping Alerio’s wrist. “Let me be the first to congratulate you. Welcome to the Legion.”
Corporal Thornernus and Sergeant Horus both added their congratulations while Alerio thanked them for the hours of instruction. Finally, the Post’s Sergeant had enough.
“Out, get out of my office,” he said with a smile. “I have real work to do. Not babysitting a bunch of glad handing Legionaries.”
Outside of the Sergeant’s office, Horus turned to the Corporal, “Thornernus, I need Sisera’s gear brought to my quarters.”
“I’ll arrange it,” the Corporal replied. “When do you leave?”
“Tonight after dark,” the Raider explained.
“You know most people like to travel during the day,” offered Thornernus.
A rare smile crossed the Raider NCO’s face. “Most people don’t have a price on their head,” Horus replied.
Private Sisera opened his mouth, but Horus spoke first, “Not on you Private. The bounty is on me. The Rebels are offering ten Republic Golds for me, dead or alive.”
Chapter 41 - Traveling Raider Style
Shortly after dark, two figures marched out of the Transfer Post. They headed straight down the Republic road. The guard and Corporal Thornernus watched them until the men vanished into the night.
“Dangerous for only two men to travel at night,” the Private observed.
“Not if they’re Raiders,” the Corporal replied as he stepped back. “Secure the gate.”
“Securing the gate, Corporal,” the guard stated as he swung the doors closed.
In the black of night, Horus angled off the road and looped back towards the harbor. Alerio followed silently in the footsteps of his Sergeant. They wandered back and forth as if lost until the Sergeant stopped.
“Over there,” he whispered.
Placing a hand on Alerio’s shoulder, he guided them to a small shrub tree. The Sergeant dropped to his knees and began to dig. Soon his hands touched a leather bag and he changed from digging down to digging around. Finally, with a grunt he pulled the bag free.
From the bag he pulled two sets of rough woolen clothing and two hooded robes.
“Take off your uniform and stow it and your armor in here,” Horus directed as he shoved the workmen’s clothing into Alerio’s arms. “Keep your gladius but hide it under the cloak.”
Once dressed, the Legionaries each grabbed a side of the bag and continued walking towards the lights of the harbor town. A half hour later, they stopped at the rear of a single story warehouse. Horus dropped his side of the bag and jumped for the edge of the roof. With a powerful pull, he disappeared over the edge.
Seconds later, he leaned over the roof.
“Hand me the equipment bag,” he whispered.
Alerio jerked the bag to his chest and pressed it overhead. The weight lifted and the bag vanished. Seconds later, Horus dropped from the roof.
“Let’s go see about a ride,” the Sergeant suggested. “And, I could use a drink after all the military stuff.”
They took an alleyway and emerged at the wide boulevard facing the harbor. Horus flipped the hood up and stooped so he appeared shorter and less threatening. Alerio flipped up his hood and stooped as well.
As far as anyone could tell, the two nondescript workmen entering the pub, were there for a drink after a hard day’s work. They took seats in the back and the thin one ordered two ales. The ale arrived and the two sat drinking quietly.
“Are we looking for a ride?” Alerio asked as he took another sip of the malty brew.
“We’re gathering information,” explained Horus. “That group in the corner are local thugs. They’re planning a robbery. Not our concern.”
“How do you know that?” Alerio inquired. “I’ve been sitting on the bench for as long as you. All I know about the pub’s patrons is a guy near the door likes the waitress a little too much.”
“Listen and watch their body language,” Horus instructed. “Most people say important things three or more times. Mostly to impress themselves. But also to be sure everyone understands the issue. So when one person leans forward again and again and says the same thing over and over, you can collect a little of the story with each telling. Soon, you’ll know the complete tale.”
“If not for law enforcement, why are we gathering information?” Aler
io asked.
The pub door opened and two men entered. They examined the room before one stuck his head outside. Four more men came in and while three stood, three sat and huddled together.
“Them,” replied the Raider Sergeant. “Watch and tell me later what you learn.”
Of the three, one was fat and animated. He would lean in and speak softly. The two other men were very attentive and never took their eyes off the speaker. Four times he engaged one, but only once did he single out the other man. After a round of wine, the three stood and the six men left the pub.
“It was a scolding,” Alerio reported. “Both men messed up, but one really bad. The other not badly enough for a chewing out, but not good enough to be praised. The three standing were bodyguards. I noticed the swords and long knives. Care to tell me who they are?”
“The fat one is Speckled Pheasant, a Capitan with the Rebels,” Horus related. “The other two are his Lieutenants. I don’t know what they did but I agree with your analysis. Their mission didn’t go as planned. Time to go home.”
They set down their mugs, dropped a few coins on the table, and left the pub. Horus guided them along the boulevard passed the big piers where the merchant vessels lay tied to the docks.
“Sergeant. If they’re Rebels,” asked Alerio as they walked. “Why don’t you bring them in?”
“Rebels in name only here in the Crotone,” Horus replied. “Until they do or say something rebellious, we can’t. Out at the Legion Forts, they cause trouble. Here, it’s mostly a protection racket. They extract funds from merchants to support the Cause. When the merchants get fed up, they’ll call for the Legion. In the meanwhile, we keep an eye on the Rebels.”
Further down, fishing boats were anchored in the shallows. The two Legionaries stepped off the walkway and onto a rocky beach.
A camp fire glowed in the distance and they angled up the beach towards the glow. As they approached, Alerio could see a man sitting and tending the fire.
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