by Griff Hosker
That convinced Catuvolcus, it seemed eminently plausible and he led the fifteen man patrol as they followed the scout. He was now a cautious Gaul and the Decurion had his men ride all the way around the hut to ensure that it was isolated. Leaving five men to guard the horses and keep watch the others approached the hut. The latent heat from the hut warmed them even as they approached and hardened their resolve. They would take whatever these people had, including the women.
Inside the hut were the woodcutter, his wife and his two daughters. His son, Aed, was away with the king, training to be a warrior and the two girls had had to take on much of the work of their older brother. The result was that all four were sound asleep as the Gauls slipped in through the wattle entrance. They had not seen the old dog which slept by the fire and as they crept in, it growled. Alert in an instant, the wood cutter leapt to his feet. A powerful man he took up his axe and, seeing figures in the hut hacked at them. The first trooper looked down at his entrails as they oozed on to the floor and he dropped, silently dead. A second Gaul saw the blow coming which split his skull open like a melon but could not react. Catuvolcus ended the brave woodcutter’s defence with a sword to the throat. The women did not scream, or cry or flee, they were hard Votadini women and they would fight for their land. They fell upon the remaining troopers, biting and scratching, kicking and gouging. The younger girl pulled a knife from beneath her pallet and slashed at the face of the Gaul who was trying to subdue her. With a mighty punch he rendered her unconscious. The remaining two women were overpowered by the remaining Gauls who looked at the three helpless women. Without a word the Gallic troopers spread the legs of the victims and ruthlessly raped them, including the young girl who lay unconscious. With their lust satisfied Catuvolcus nodded and the throats of the three of them were cut.
“Get whatever food there is and then we get out.” He nodded to the scout who had found the hut. “When we are out, burn it.” The man looked at him with an uncomprehending expression. “We leave no evidence!”
As dawn was breaking they rode away from the burning hut, a glow in the dark and dim forest. They were leading the two mounts of the dead troopers whose bodies now burned with their victims. Catuvolcus turned to his men. “Remember we were attacked by a large band of barbarians. But we fought bravely and escaped with our lives.” The Gauls nodded. “We go back to our picket line and then return to our fort when the sun rises. No-one will know of this.”
Someone did know for Aed arrived soon after dawn. His warband was camped close by and he wanted the opportunity to see his family and show them his new sword and shield. When he saw the thick pall of smoke he began to worry and as he closed he began to fear. Finally he ran as hard as he could to the home which was now a charred shell. He quickly found the bodies of his family and then started when he saw the other two bodies. The uniforms were still recognisable, Romans.
******
When the column of wagons finally reached Rocky Point the troopers were at the point of exhaustion. Their mounts would need a long period of rest and recuperation to be back to their fighting best. As Livius sat, with Vibius and Julius at his side, watching the weary troopers trudge in to the fort he just hoped that the barbarians would give them a breathing space over the winter. They needed time to enlist both men and horses.
He turned to the Legate. “Well sir at least we know that we have sent King Tole home with his tail between his legs.”
“As long as King Lugubelenus and the Votadini are quiet then I shan’t complain. Did you say that the Sixth were here already?”
“Yes sir, I met their Centurion. He seems sound. They have begun their camp and we are hoping to start the limes in the next few days.”
“That should give us time to send the women and children back to Morbium and use the wagons to return with some stone. I know that it is a hard question to ask but can you escort the wagons?”
Looking at the troopers and their horses he was not sure. “If the frontier is quiet then we may get away with two turma, perhaps Macro and…”
“Metellus!”
The Legate was so quick with his suggestion that Livius looked at him askance. “Why Metellus, if you don’t mind me asking?”
Julius had a cheeky smile playing about the corners of his mouth. “Let us just say that romance may be in the air.”He nodded to the wagon containing Nanna which had just entered the fort, Metellus was helping her down and, even at thirty paces distance Livius could see the flirting. “I have learned, as I get older, to keep quiet and to watch. You learn much more that way.” He looked as Marcus came into the fort, saluting them. “I agree with you about Marcus, he will need to see his mother and brother and then they can grieve properly.”
Vibius had noticed the warrior and his sword. “He is a game ‘un though isn’t he? I am glad he is on our side and those men of his. How does he get them all so fired up?”
“You see that sword? They all swore a blood oath to it.”
Vibius’ eyes opened at that. “I haven’t heard of a blood oath since…”
Julius finished it for him, “Since you left Gaul and joined up.”
“Yes sir. It is good to know that the traditions haven’t died out. That explains a great deal.”
“And as for being a game warrior. If you had known his brother Macro then you would have seen someone who could outdo Marcus.”
“Is he the one your lads were talking about? The one who was killed…”
“By his sister, just after he had killed their mother? Yes.”
“Interesting people you meet up here on the frontier. I can see that my life will become far less dull in the future. And if you will excuse me sir I would like to get my lads back to the camp, it is nearly finished, but not quite. I would hate to get caught out if the Votadini start anything.”
While the stocky Gaul stomped off, relieved to be off his horse Julius dismounted. “What is he like?”
“He is the opposite of his mounted counterpart. He’ll be fine. Let us put it this way, I think he will be reliable and sound. You can ask for little more.”
“The next thing we need here Livius is a bath house.”
“You could always ride down to Coriosopitum, sir?”
“The last thing I want is to see the back of a horse for a while. No a little food and a good sleep and then a few days to organise the limes and then I will see about riding again.”
As the gates slammed shut Livius was glad that they had emerged from the latest trauma so well. Little did he know that an even bigger disaster was about to unfold as the Votadini came south, south for revenge.
Chapter 21
The wagons were streaming down the Stanegate with the two turmae of Marcus and Metellus as escorts. As Marcus had a double turma, having incorporated Macro’s men, they were a formidable looking force. Metellus was not taking any chances and he had procured as many bows and arrows as he could for the defence of the caravan. It might only take them a long day to reach Morbium but their experiences in the west had taught them all to take nothing for granted.
“Remember to get as much stone as you can from the quarries near Morbium and, while it is being readied try to get arrows from the Prefect. Oh and horses you had better call in and see…” The words froze on his mouth as he recalled that Sergeant Cato would be supplying no more mounts.
Marcus put his arm on Livius’ arm, we will get the horses, sir and do not worry, and we will be back as soon as we can. Perhaps when we return these women to their homes we may find more recruits for we shall need them.”
“Sir a message from Centurion Vibius.” The despatch rider had been patiently waiting for the prefect to say his goodbyes. “He says to tell you he has finished the fort and he is taking half the cohort to relieve the decurion.”
“Tell the Centurion I thank him for his prompt action.” He was not looking forward to meeting the Decurion again but he would have to. He needed to garrison the forts with the ala, however depleted it was. “Cassius. I kno
w it is cruel of me but we had better distribute the turmae once again to their allocated forts. We will rearrange the ala into eight turmae. There is no point my having one. Julius has the new rosters. You Marcus, Metellus and Decius will garrison the three to the west. The Gauls the two either side of here.”
“To keep an eye on them?” Cassius raised an eyebrow.
“When you have met them then you can judge. Let us put it this way, I am glad we have Vibius and his men. Calgus, Lucius, Drusus, Rufius and Antoninus can garrison the two forts closest to the Sixth. I think they will be busiest. When we get more recruits I will send them your way.”
“Right sir. I’ll get the western turmae sorted.”
“And I will get the Legate; he is leaving us to bunk with the Sixth.”
Julius Frontinus sighed as the last of the horses left the fort and he was alone once more with the century of guards and the cooks. This posting was certainly livelier and more interesting than his job in Eboracum, checking invoices of goods which arrived and left. The trouble was, when the young warriors weren’t there he missed their banter and their humour. He even enjoyed the gentle ribbing he received but now many of those young men would no longer be there to mock him, Spurius, Graccus, Cicero and , of course, Macro. He was not a superstitious man but there had always been something about that likeable young man which smelled of death. He rubbed his hands to take away the chill and he went back to the Principia to write out the requests for more men, horses, arrows, javelins and spears. He and the Quartermaster would have a long morning’s work and then the requisitions would have to be taken to Coriosopitum to be sent to Eboracum; it was not easy getting supplied on the frontier.
Livius felt something was wrong when he rode up to the fort occupied by Catuvolcus. Firstly he was not ignored and secondly he noticed fewer men in the fort and many men sporting wounds to their faces. He introduced the Legate and smiled when the complaints Catuvolcus had promised did not materialise. “You and your turmae will occupy the two forts either side of Rocky Point. That should make life easier.”
“Thank you for that sir.”
“If you send a rider back to Rocky Point and tell my clerk what supplies you require he will deal with that. Have you had some trouble decurion?”
“We ran into some Votadini last night. We ran them off but we lost two men.”
Livius looked at him sharply. “Make sure you write a report and send that to my clerk. Were you on the picket line when it happened?”
Livius couldn’t tell if the hesitation was a sign of guilt or indifference but the Gaul replied. “Yes sir but they didn’t get through to the Sixth.”
“Good. Well I will call and see you later. We need to push on to the building work.”
Leaving Calgus and Lucius to settle in to their fort Livius and Julius led the last two turmae to the Sixth’s camp. “I have to agree with you Livius about that man, I didn’t like the look of him.”
“I know Legate. Neither did I when I first met him and I am afraid that he does not grow on you. Perhaps we might change him.”
Julius looked dubious, “But you don’t think so.”
“I don’t think so.” The newly built fort of the Gauls was close by and Julius was pleased to see that it had double ditches and towers on each gate. “Your centurion friend has worked well.”
“As I said earlier; he is the opposite of Catuvolcus and for that I am grateful.” When they neared the fort of Rufius and Antoninus only Antoninus took his turma inside. “We will keep you with us Rufius. This close to the Votadini it would not do to lose a Legate.”
Julius laughed,” After what Rufius and I have been through lately, this is easy.”
The half empty legionary fort also looked formidable and the two officers began to breathe easier. As they crested the rise above the river they could see both the Gauls and the legionaries busily digging the vallum. The two centurions, Quintus and Vibius had taken their helmets off to get on with the work and were labouring alongside their men.
“You have done well. “ Julius looked admiringly at the progress and then he glanced at the horizon. “But you have guards out I assume?”
“Yes sir I have two centuries on the picket line north of the river. We will have advanced warning, believe me.”
“Rufius, just take your turma north and scout the edge of the forest.” In the distance the first of the great northern forest stood like a sentinel to the northern badlands, it loomed some way beyond the red crested sentries of the Gauls. Rufius led his men, glad to be back, once more, in familiar country and familiar enemies.
Quintus came up the bank to survey the scene with Julius and Livius. “We will build the vallum first for that will give us waste with which to build the wall. Tomorrow we will begin to dig the defensive ditch and that will allow us more spoil for the top.” He looked searchingly at the Legate. “And the stone?”
“I have sent the wagons to Morbium. I would estimate perhaps four days for the first consignment.”
“Good. There is some stone close by we can use but we will need bigger ones soon.”
“You are closely following the Emperor’s plans?”
Quintus quickly glanced to see if there was an implied criticism from the Legate, but seeing none he nodded, “Yes sir. It will be four paces wide and six paces high. As soon as we have the first section in place then we can begin construction of the first fortlet. I assume our Gallic friends will be the garrison.”
Vibius looked up grinning. “Well if it gets us out of work then we will rough it in a nice stone fort with a bath house and a hypocaust.”
Quintus laughed, “Who said we were giving you a hypocaust. You Gauls are supposed to be tough aren’t you?”
The banter was ended when the sound of thundering hooves could be heard from across the river and Rufius and his turma came hurtling over the northern bank. They heard him shout something and, as he and the turma reined in and turned, the two centuries of auxiliaries came racing down the bank towards the wooden bridge.
Vibius and Quintus both quickly donned their helmets. Vibius ran to the bank while Quintus shouted, “Stand to! Prepare for an attack!”
The legionaries calmly laid down their trenching tools and began to put on their armour. The pickets were climbing up the bank as Rufius thundered across the bridge the hooves of the turma shaking the temporary structure as though it would shatter with the vibration.
Livius, Quintus and Julius waited patiently for Rufius to arrive and report. He slid from his horse. “Votadini sir, hundreds of them and they are armed and bloody angry.”
They all looked at each other and then back at Rufius. Julius said, “Why?”
Rufius had a wry smile, “I didn’t stop to ask sir. They were screaming that they wanted my bollocks as a war trophy so I knew they weren’t friends.”
“Sorry Rufius it’s just that they have been quiet for a while.”
“Perhaps the wall?”
“Perhaps. Time to worry about that later. For now we need a defence. Vibius, form a skirmish line this side of the bridge, try to slow them down. Quintus, form your men at the top of the ridge. When Vibius falls back we will have six ranks of javelins to face them. Let’s see if we can discourage them. Rufius, send a rider to fetch Antoninus. A few more horsemen would not go amiss. Then place your turma on the ridge to the right of Vibius, your men are fair shots I believe.” He looked up at the sun to estimate the time. “Well it took half a day! Slightly quicker than I thought.”
“Half a day for what sir?”
“For the shit to hit the ceiling Livius.”
Rufius led his men along the ridge. “Well Centurion we have a good day for it.”
“It’s always a good day to be slaughtering half arse barbarians who just charge at you.”
Rufius dismounted. “Don’t expect these to be so obliging. They are sneaky. They will charge if they have to and they will do it regardless of danger but their king is a canny young bird and he likes to make the e
nemy bleed where he can. He doesn’t know you nor does he know the Sixth so expect him to do something to test you.”
Vibius was intrigued. “Like what?”
“If I knew that Centurion then I would be teaching at the military schools in Rome and not sitting up here at the wrong end of the Empire trying to save my manhood.”
A silence fell over the battlefield and some of the auxiliaries glanced over their shoulders at Rufius wondering if he had made a mistake. Rufius saw their looks and said, sotto voce, to Vibius. “See, he holds his men in check making yours worry and fret about what he will do.”
Suddenly there was a roar and, almost magically, a long line of Votadini stood along the other ridge just out of arrow range. Julius turned to Quintus. “Perhaps a few bolt throwers along the wall might deter them.”
“My thoughts exactly sir. Sorry I should have thought of it.”
“No we are all learning as we go along. It is early days yet.”
The line of barbarians parted and two warriors astride hill ponies rode forwards dragging something. When they reached the end of the bridge two more warriors ran down the gentle slope and lifted up the object. It was one of Vibius’ auxiliaries. The Gallic Centurion said to Rufius without turning his head. “Drusus, a twenty year man. He was already planning his retirement.” The words were spoken in a matter of fact tone as though the man was already dead.
The unfortunate Drusus was brought to the end of the bridge where his arms and legs were tightly tied to the bridge stanchions. Rufius noticed that the man was naked. Even from that distance they could see that he had been wounded and marked; he bore the marks of many punches and blows with cudgels and sticks. One of the warriors took a knife and, in one motion, removed his genitalia. As Drusus opened his mouth to scream the second man took his tongue and sliced it off. The genitalia were shoved into his bleeding mouth. The soldier could not fall for he was tied and some of the auxiliaries began to murmur.
“Silence!” Vibius’ voice roared out and then he added, quieter, “He can see us and he knows we watch. Let him die with dignity and do not let these bastards win.” He looked up at Rufius. “I am told that you are an accurate and skilful archer.” He pointed at the bow.