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Graeme Canty
Homosapien
United Kingdom
2286 Posts |
 Posted - 17 March 2008 : 7:05:54 PM
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Here is the compilation of the 6 Word story up to Chapter 16, Gladius has Chapters 17-19, so I am sure his piece will be up soon after this. For what I can tell, everything is ok, hopefully there are not too many errors. I tried to read it as I compiled...
Chapter 1
I have split it into sections for reading ease..
C1-5
One rainy morning the town awoke to the sound of crashing drums. Many a bleary eye glared out at the approaching noise but the local
tavern saw an opportunity and opened the windows fully, while to the approaching army the village appeared to buzz with activity.
The Legate ordered a halt to inspect a bright smart-alec who had decided to park his mule and cart right in the middle of the
main gate while he sampled a flagon of the local red. Centurion Cantius promptly kicked his peasant ar*e into the nearby ditch and
ordered "get your elder here right away or I'll have your guts for garters!" Straining himself to get off the floor he propelled
himself as fast as he could to the elder, while the Centurion watched the retreating peasant with disdain.
Legate Simonius strode forward to speak to Cantius, who had formed a working party to remove the obstruction and confiscate the offensive vintage weapons being brandished by the unwashed village farmers. These farmers must, once and for all, be taught the lesson of proper behaviour in front of a Roman officer so that all would appreciate the true power of Rome.
While the Legate was berating the town leader, the Legionaries surrounded the village and awaited orders to crush all resistance
to Roman power. The villagers began to suspect something was wrong when they suddenly saw shields being readied and swords unsheathed; they began to worry that the Legionaries would set upon the helpless farmers and their frail huts. The Legate decided that he didn't want blood on this occasion, but he was going to ensure the peasants never stepped out of line again by posting a detachment of men to the village. Centurion Cantius was not happy; he deployed the 3rd Century to round up some troublesome youths, placing Optio Ankron in command of the detachment.
Optio Ankron was eager to impress her Centurion and, taking the order strictly, began marching the troublesome youths off and started a house to house search of the entire village for illicit booze. The youths exposed their parents’ hoards of moonshine, which was promptly confiscated and those who resisted, cut down with great ferocity! Centurion Canty was an extremely bloodthirsty but able Legionary who demanded the best from his Optio, troops and wine cellar - which was quickly topped up with the illicit hooch taken from the village.
Legate Simonius arrived back from a reconnaissance to find his Legion looting and wrecking the town, with total disregard for-the villagers. This was not what he originally had in mind, and he sent a runner for First Centurion Parmenion to help bring the troops back under control. Stomachus Grossus, the village priest, was calling for the gods to intervene and throw these barbaric heathens back to Rome with thunderbolts and plague. Ankron strode quickly towards Stomachus to shut him up. "Jupiter is thunderbolt-thrower, and the sky is clear, so get your god-be-damned arse out of my way and shut-up!” Ankron called over a Legionary and ordered "get this stupid priest out of my sight, before Parmenion guts the loudmouth."
The blubbering wreck was dragged over to the rear of the nearest wall. Satisfied that things where getting resolved correctly, Parmenion marched over to Cantius to coordinate the final clearing of the village. Meanwhile a detachment was formed to inspect a nearby
copse; there was a track leading away from the village and straight into the centre of that copse. The track seemed quite pacific
except for the strange markings along its verges, these markings spiralled & swirled and were strangely mesmerising and intoxicating; Viriatus, who led the detachment, felt the invisible presence of evil amongst the dark trees that surrounded them, yet still he felt
compelled to fully investigate a strange twisted oak. Viriatus jumped at a hand on his shoulder. "What by the snake’s horns are
you doing with that goat?" he asked.
Suddenly swarms of small green coloured bottle flies rose up from the grass and encircled the Romans, who gagged at the putrid stench coming from behind the Oak tree. There from the depths of the copse shone a strange light. It flickered and twisted as if animated by a green dancing ghost and disappeared. This had to be investigated, so like willo the wisp, a fleet-footed Viriatus deLegated the task to a Legionnaire. The Legionnaire saluted and marched off, and for a while, nothing happened. Then came a scream that sounded of immense pain and suffering. Viriatus, startled into action by the sound, gathered his troops and plunged into the copse, swords drawn and shields held high. Branches splintered as they charged hell for leather at the screaming still emanating from the trees.
Viriatus ordered his men to halt and advance in an orderly fashion up to the front of a huge rock outcrop surrounded with green ooze. The viscid liquid came from a large pond in the centre of the rocks, where dozens of bodies lay at bizarre angles. Viriatus paused at the sight of them, bloated and putrefying in the hot, muggy air. Armed men began to pour out of the trees charging straight for the small line of Romans in complete silence. Viriatus backed his men against the rocks and prepared to die. Suddenly the silent men stopped still and began to vanish like mist, leaving nothing but a memory imprinted on the Roman's minds with horror. Ghosts? Spirits of the land? Who or what were these 'things'?
Ankron appeared almost as frightened as Viriatus, who stammered "What in Hades are you up to? Let that goat go, and get the troops back. First section on me, let’s clean up those bodies." "What bodies", asked the nearest Legionnaire. The dark pool was empty and clear, and there was no sign of the carnage they had seen. The Legionaries rubbed their eyes. Fear grabbed their superstitious hearts and murmuring in the ranks turned into outright dissent. Parmenion appeared and took charge, He returned to the oak tree and had the men form up in a column, then marched them out, back into the clear air - suddenly everyone felt weak. Was there something poisonous in the air there? "Someone get the saw-bones over here" shouted Ankhron, turning back toward the person whom he trusted above all, Centurion Cantius, "I've seen this before”.
"Here comes that bloody Greek physician Jillialis at last,” he said. She was reeking of the unguents and potions with which she conducted her trade. "What have you got wrong this time?" she growled insolently.”My head and eyes ache, and it feels like someone is using my head as a punching bag,” moaned a Legionnaire. Centurion Cantius was fuming at the physician already - the Legionnaire was due on sentry duty soon, and replacing sentry rolls was a chore he didn't need with a possible promotion in the works. Grumbling, he left the doctor to it and wandered to the colour party, where he hoped that some one had an inkling of proper Legion discipline.
Meanwhile Legate Simonius was smarting at the delay in consolidating his control over the village. The men were revolting after hearing rumours from the Century that the village was haunted, and he worried about a breakdown in discipline so summoned his senior officers to a quick conference in the village hall. Cantius left Ankron to deal with the men, knowing that having them drill would exhaust them and take their minds off this disturbing experience, and hurried to the hall. This impressive roundhouse, with huge walls and thatched roof, stood in the centre of the village and dwarfed the other buildings by at least 50 feet.
Cantius looked for Parmenion, feeling that they needed to discuss the weird events in the grove. He finally caught up with Parmenion who had just finished discussing the finer points of Celt-bashing with his Optio. "We need to figure out these visions," Cantius urged. Parmenion rubbed his chin, deep in thought. While the cogs were turning Jillialis was completing her work with the dazed troops and sniffing a few of the strange-looking mushrooms that infested the pool. She recognized the pungent aroma and went off to compare this variety with a hallucinogenic compound in her tent.
Centurion Cantius followed her but was stopped by Parmenion's shout "The Legate wants us to get the Legion formed up right away! We are leaving this ****hole, so get a move on!" As the Legion gathered with extreme haste, Senatorial Tribune Alexius was talking in low whispers with Legate Simonius. “We cannot afford to linger, the mission has strict time lines that need to be followed. This poxy village is only causing us to fall behind on our schedule." Simonius nodded and replied "as soon as Jillilias releases them, I want a double march away from here, chop chop!"
As the Legion departed, the locals gathered around their priest. "How did you manage this?" village elder Jehanus demanded. "I don’t know, but we are still alive - it's all that we can ask for with Romans” They then noticed a Century remaining behind and marching to the hilltop next to the village with spades ready. The Legionaries swiftly began building a small fort, with a defensive ditch studded with stakes surrounding its stockade. "Looks like we spoke too soon,” said Jehanus, "Stomachus can't have scared all but those”. And he added “Those mushrooms were a brilliant idea, but we've run out of them." They walked silently to the main square and stood talking about the implications of the Legion's stay and what it would take to make them go away permanently.
"What if we took one at a time? Maybe they would give up and leave, or we could finish the frightening with something worse if needed." A chorus of agreeing mumbles followed this suggestion. "OK, it was your idea” said Jehanus, "tell us how we can put your plan into action?”
Chapter 2
12 miles away the Legion was trudging its way through a vast open plain. To its left was a wooded mountain, and to the right the
plains stretched as far as the eye could see. Simonius was concerned: those plains could hide a thousand lethal traps for his Legion to walk into. Scouts had been sent out in front and reported nothing but scattered huts in various locations, but the long grass could hide an army of thousands. Who knew what traps the barbarian inhabitants of this distant piece of land might have in store?
Parmenion dried the sweat running from his brow and wondered what had happened to the rest of his scouts. He squinted into the horizon then, just as his eyes started to tear, he thought he saw the grass moving nearby on the plain. He blinked and stared again. There was a reflection, if only for seconds, like a fugitive spark, and then it was gone. His perplexed look changed into a worried frown as he ordered "draw swords!” Simonius reined in his horse in surprise. "Standard Bearer with me," he called as his eyes scanned the expanse.
“Centurion Cantius, javelins readied!” he ordered. The Legion snapped into action, like the well oiled machine it was, and wheeled toward
the plain. Suddenly, from behind them, a storm of arrows flew overhead peppering the entire rear-rank; their shields saved all but a few unfortunate Legionaries. The order went out to form square to defend the rear ranks. Some Legionaries who had been struck down
were moved to the centre, to be to be treated by Jillialis. Legate Simonius was fuming at the delay, "Parmenion, wipe these barbarian
scum off this earth, I have to get this Legion moving - we have to be at our destination by the end of tomorrow!"
Parmenion ordered "Legion, skirmishing formation." Immediately the Legionaries spaced themselves apart to allow swinging swords to be deflected with shields and to allow more mobility over the rough ground. The gaps also allowed javelins from the hidden attackers to slip through. At Parmenion’s sword movement, the Century trod steadily towards the attackers - or whoever they were - there was something orchestrated about the ragged positions of the files of advancing Legionaries. Something that the barbarians wouldn't understand. Parmenion suddenly ordered a halt to the Legion’s momentum, ordering "shields lock, javelins ready in the rear ranks"
The barbarian attackers, suddenly realising the danger they were in, faltered. Immediately Parmenion called "release" ranks 3 to 6 sent a
shower of javelins that clouded the sky. The barbarians went down like mown wheat; they could avoid the deadly iron only by cowering behind their small shields which provided little protection against the heavy projectiles: true to design they bent on impact, puncturing and weighing down a shield leaving the enemy unable to use it further.
Immediately, the first rank clove into the mass of bemused barbarians cutting great swathes out of their lines. The battle was over quickly and bloodily, leaving the once beautiful grassy plain looking as if a herd of elephants had been driven to the slaughterhouse. Cantius despatched his Cohort to collect the weapons and armour from the corpses and any fallen Roman Legionarys. Ankron was not convinced they had won anything decisive, it was too easy and too small a party to cause a Legion this size any serious damage. What dark intentions lay behind the schemes of these barbarians?
Ankron assigned sentries and their reliefs before heading back to report all clear and secure. Meanwhile, some miles away, a man was smiling to himself, in sharp contrast to the gloomy and grim scene he had witnessed. So he had lost a few fool men - but he was learning
Roman tactics first hand, and now he had seen a perfect example of a strategy he could adapt.
The Romans would pay for this lesson tenfold, he decided, and their next meeting would have a very different outcome. Now that the clear-up was complete Simonius ordered the Legion forward, and tried to calculate just how far they still were from the planned rendezvous at the confluence of the Oise, still many weeks march away. The Legate recalled the brief given to him by the Emperor, supposedly a small task with huge rewards: recover his son, who vanished while on a secret diplomatic mission several months ago, The Emperor disliked his son and thought perhaps this mission might bring him shame-faced back to Rome, but it had gone horribly wrong.
Simonius was concerned by this mission; he had a delicate line to follow and must not fail or he would incur the Emperor's wrath, and dishonourable death was the least of his problems.
The lengthening shadows made him think of the conspiracies forever present and lurking around every corner. Supporters of the Emperor’s son were everywhere, as spies in the Legion they must have infiltrated his officers and he had to be careful he must follow his orders, but watch our for his own interests. One day the man would be Emperor, and he would not forget Simonius' behaviour here. At a small rivulet the Legion halted and Simonius called his officers together. When the farthest of them arrived they set the men to finishing up the legendary overnight fortification for which the Roman army was famous; any enemy attacking this structure had little chance of overrunning it, the high banks were lined with the soil dug out from the ditches and held a palisade of sharpened stakes, forming an enclosure completed with a vallum that only an idiot would attack. The rivulet near by supplied clear clean water for the men, and the forest that covered the hills housed many an animal that fell to the hunters who kept the men fed well and staved off the grumblings that empty stomachs would produce.
That night, as the Legion slept, the Legate held a private meeting with senior members of his staff. He needed to formulate a plan of action both for weeding out spies for the forthcoming weeks, and to sound out his men and their loyalties. This was an extremely sensitive issue and had to be broached carefully, he could quite easily make a mistake and alienate some of his best men.
First was how to broach the subject. "Men, we have a hard mission ahead. It's not as straightforward as it seems - we not only have to bring the Emperor’s son home, but we have to ensure that we don’t incite the whole area to rebellion. This operation calls for tact and diplomacy, only if that fails do we resort to enforcing our will.”
The assembled officers looked around, each wondering whether any of the others could be really trusted, since all had their own private agendas to get ahead and also might be allied to a different contender for advancement!
The choice rested upon them now, but it was irrelevant if they did not rescue the Emperor's son. But how to achieve this without risk to his reputation and men was a problem. Later, after much discussion, he called Parmenion aside and said "I have a thorny problem, my old friend. I don't know whom I can trust apart from you and your men, and we may have traitors among us. I'll give you a very sensitive assignment: watch everybody and report on to me alone.”
“Your cover will be that you are on a scouting mission, looking for undeclared copper mining and with a free hand to question the locals and accept their claims to the mines. What I need you to do under that cover is to listen for any information about the Emperor’s son, find out what circumstances he is held under, and report back only to me. You can pick your team from the whole Legion but take no more than 160 men.” Parmenion nodded slowly, taking in the information.
Parmenion peered for a second, then carefully folding his orders and the maps Simonius had given him, he turned his brain rapidly compiling the names of the men he would take. He needed the best, so he would take Viriatus, and Cantius and Ankron; he would need a good doctor so Jillialis too.
Parmenion decided to consult his chosen leaders about the men they wanted to look after - only those they trusted most and who could be relied upon to be utterly loyal, brave, and trustworthy. While the list was prepared, Cantius was worrying about logistics: "How do we supply 160 men while miles separate us from the Legion?" Parmenion decided that hunters would also need to be included in the 160 man strong fighting force; although this would swell their numbers and increase the logistical issues, it would simplify them too.
But who would know the area well enough to find enough additional food without resorting to raiding the villagers' stores and alienating any more villages? With the issue of who might be behind the disappearance of the Emperor's son, finding a good guide
was a major concern. Cantius went to meet Parmenion when he returned from organising the men who would accompany them. He had been concerned that leaving the command structure stripped of its senior officers would leave the main Legion open to assault, but as usual Parmenion had organised things efficiently.
He promoted to temporary Centurion several junior officers to fill the positions, who deserved the opportunity to prove they had learned their responsibilities and duties and could command the men and gain their respect. Parmenion was a good judge of character, but chose with care the man to stand in for himself! Parmenion chose a young Centurion named Jacobus, a Roman citizen from the Eastern Provinces, very experienced in battle and an officer respected by the troops. Deciding to place him as First Centurion was a calculated risk for Parmenion, because he was not eligible for the position jumping over older, longer-serving men.
Parmenion turned to Simonius for his support in this appointment. "This man has all the makings of a great Legionary, Sir" Parmenion
explained to Simonius. "He is a natural leader and fearless in battle," he stated emphatically. Simonius pondered this; he had no
problems with Parmenion's suggestion and instructed his clerk to write up the new "temporary" Legion roster. Satisfied, Parmenion marched off to give Jacobus his orders and introduce him to his new command staff. Jacobus ran an expert eye along his men. Impressed by what he saw, Jacobus felt a wave of relief sweep through his body and, feeling the grudging approval of his officers, he decided to make a statement. "OK, you've got me for the moment and I know we'll get along. You'll find me not an unreasonable man, just listen to my orders and we'll get along just fine."
The officers looked relieved, he was not the type to run roughshod over them and undermine the respect they felt they had earned under
Parmenion. Then he continued "of course, anyone who decides to disregard my direct orders will cross the Styx unless he has a good reason! And by Mithras it had better be a good one! Dismissed!" he roared. The other officers sprang immediately to attention, saluted, and returned to their posts, leaving Jacobus to himself. Cantius watched this from a distance, smiling to himself at the encounter. Jacobus was starting off right, making his presence felt amongst his fellow officers with a firm but fair hand.
Chapter 3
Back in the village, the Legionaries were conscripting a work party to strengthen their fortifications and clear trees away to give an open killing ground around it. The villagers were furious; their village landscape was being desecrated and they were forced to give up their farming land that their ancestors had tilled for generations. There was muttering when the Romans requisitioned part of the village herds for food, and even more muttering about the way the village women eyed up the more handsome specimens. The whole thing was intolerable, so Jehanus decided to call a meeting of the village elders; they needed agreement on how to deal with the intolerable presence of the Roman's who had taken over their village. Stomachus was quite incandescent about the way the way the villagers had adopted a 'c'est la vie' attitude - he was descended from warriors and wanted to fight!
Jehanus counselled that a fight would result in the utter destruction of the village. Single disappearances would be far more productive and safer, because the bodies could be hidden just as well as they hid their valuables and their weapons.It was agreed by everyone present to support that plan. Moving swiftly on that plan they decided to abduct the Legion's standard-bearer, a Spaniard from Seguntum, which is located about 100 miles south of the Ebro river. He always went for a walk just after dusk; his routine had been watched closely for a number of nights and tonight was the night he would walk the furthest away and so be most vulnerable to attack out of sight of the fort, The plan was to abduct him and squeeze him for information on the Roman plans for the area before killing him and concealing him. Whoever did this would need to be quick, silent and deadly.
There was one person who immediately sprang to mind - a former Legionary, an auxiliary with Legio II who had won Roman citizenship but became bitter after being dishonoured when his scouting unit failed to detect an obvious enemy column and run back to warn their Legate, who after a summary tribunal gave them the choice: Death or Dishonour. He chose exile in a weak moment and had ever since had a bitter attitude towards the Romans who caused his disgrace.
As a consummate warrior he had kept up his fitness, and was now eager for revenge. He had trained another two villagers in the Roman art of war and how to combine it with the Celtic ferocity for which they were feared. Tonight would be their baptism in blood; after this night they would be hunted men, needing to flee the area as fast as possible or try to hide amongst their own people and hope not to be detected. With luck they would make a clean get away and be able to pick off a few more Romans later on.
The trio lay in wait for a long time, almost invisible in the tall grass as night drew in; they were smeared from head to toe in soot, and to stop any chance reflection from their weapons they had carefully blackened those too. As their quarry neared the ambush site they checked all weapons and buckles to make certain that they remained blackened and were protected against rattling.
Creeping stealthy through the bushes in pursuit of their quarry, they suddenly made their move and grabbed him from behind, silencing him with a blow to the back of his head. After tying him carefully and gagging him they carried him westwards into the woods to a quiet, secluded spot for interrogation.
At the back of Dagda's mind was the thought that this could backfire, there could be major reprisals for this disappearance - unless they could make the death appear natural, a fall or another accident. But first, his information would need extracting with the minimum of visible damage. Dagda remembered the mushrooms that had worked so well against the Romans and wondered whether they would help.
Perhaps they could loosen this Roman scum’s tongue into revealing the information they required. Dagda crushed the mushrooms with two stones to extract their juice, and by holding the nose of the Legionary forced him to drink it.
Soon the Standard Bearer's eyes were black and he began to babble answers incoherently. Dagda needed to get him to give clear replies to their questions, and needed to get him to hurry, Suddenly the standard-bearer started to convulse, foam began forming around his lips and his eyes rolled back over into his skull, "****, someone get Stomachus, now!" cried Dagda, "he will die too soon if we don’t get the antidote into him!".
Mesofix ran back to the village as fast as he could to find Stomachus and get him to come and try to save the Roman, a task he thought somewhat ironic given that they would be killing him very soon. Stomachus saw Mesofix running towards his hut and realised that something had gone wrong, so grabbed his medicine bag, and stuffed a few vials and other vile smelling concoctions into it before following Mesofix back up towards the dark copse. The standard-bearer was still and grey by the time they arrived but Stomachus wasn't worried. "He's only travelling in the void, he will not die before we have answers, I assure you - and we will get some answers! But first we must get him through this."
"Quiet" called Dagda, "there is someone coming, keep him quiet will you!" Peering into the gloom they tried to see who was out on the track that led to the fort. It was quiet and they could see nothing, even the sentries were nowhere in sight.
"It must have been change of guard" said Dagda. “But that was not due for hours yet" replied Mesofix, who was straining his ears for any sign of more movement while Stomachus worked hard at keeping the captive quiet and, more importantly, alive.
Suddenly there was a rush of hoof beats coming towards them from the fort, like a roll of thunder. Everyone threw themselves onto the ground apart from Dagda, who stepped behind a bush that had overgrown onto the track; this would allow him to see who approached. Another noise came from the fort - a trumpet call and shouted orders. "Something has gone wrong" Dagda raged "some one has betrayed us!"
Stomachus nodded towards the standard-bearer “Shall I kill him?" The standard-bearer, who unknown to them had partially regained his wits, ducked and ran hard towards the troops, catching the villagers almost unaware.
Swearing, Stomachus pulled out a dagger and threw it at the retreating Roman’s back, Dagda grabbed the knife from the air with the sure hand of a proven warrior, then turned on Stomachus saying "you fool, it’s too late for that."
At that precise moment a mounted Roman scout appeared. Dagda stabbed upwards and then grabbed the reins of the scout’s horse in one hand and Stomachus in the other. The pair vaulted onto the horse’s back, quickly breaking into a gallop.
The horse crashed through the bushes. Dagda knew this would draw attention to them, so he rode toward the fort shouting "Help!" in the hope of drawing the Romans away from the others in the woods. He unceremoniously dumped Stomachus in a nearby bush where he could remain hidden, if he had the brains to stay still.
What lay behind the closed doors of the fort was the biggest surprise. As he rode onwards, a head popped over the palisade and sounded the alarm,
Dagda pulled up hard and shouted "we are being attacked!" in the hope that it would confuse the situation.
The remaining horsemen behind him were rounding the bend of the track and started pulling up short as they saw dozens of helmeted heads lining the wall. Their quarry had nowhere to go, but those faces were not Roman! Crafty Jehanus had seized the fort. The villagers had taken advantage of a small side gate left open by a new recruit that had rushed to the cookhouse for breakfast, neglecting his duties.
The villagers had quickly spread the news to Jehanus, who had led them into a surprisingly easy takeover; the Romans were trapped in the cookhouse and unprepared for the villagers’ attack, so had slammed and barred the door to what became their own prison.
Dagda had no way of knowing what had happened until Jehanus appeared at the palisade and whistled down. Dagda now had two choices: he could get some men from the fort and hunt down the remaining cavalry, or enter the fort and wait for the reinforcements these Romans were sure to bring as soon as they got back to the nearest outpost and word returned to Rome. They were sure to bring another Legion.
Deciding was not a problem; to stay was suicide, and to catch the remaining Romans was impossible, so he opted for a third choice. They could not hope to hold against the might that Rome would bring crashing down on anyone found within 10 miles of this fort.
Dagda also had another problem: he knew he had to stall the villagers. He needed to speak to Savra, the prefect of the fort, a strange thing for the leader of the village warriors to do but only Savra knew that he was a spy and had been in the pay of the Romans for months.
Suddenly he heard a sound, like a whisper in the night, and ducked as a spear flew over his head and thudded into the stockade wall inches from where he had stood just moments ago.
Dagda carefully peered over the wall to see a familiar face from the fort, Savra the prefect ....... he didn't finish his thought, another javelin came humming out of the darkness and pinned Savra to the floor. He swore loudly, his leg was twitching spasmodically and the javelin held him fast to the ground. He tried to pry it from his foot but it was stuck fast, so he pulled and pulled, his life depended on removing it and escaping from the villagers.
Suddenly he felt a hand grasp him as someone pulled the javelin out and reversed the point towards his throat.
"Get him bound, we need answers!" Dagda said as he came running over, "leave him to me."
"No, I will take him." responded Stomachus, who had extracted himself from his hiding place. Dagda and Stomachus had an uneasy relationship, both high up in the village council, both vying for election as leader of the council.
“A moment please, young Dervil!” Dervil was a young man from the village who aspired to be a warrior and had trained under Dagda, so glanced to his mentor for guidance. Dagda led Dervil aside to have a word, and as he did so Stomachus pulled Savra away toward the woods.
He wanted some time to work on Savra and wanted to ensure Dagda was not around to disturb him or take credit for extracting anything useful. He sat on a fallen tree and threw Savra to the floor, then extracted a phial of the ground mushrooms in preparation for the interrogation, when suddenly a snap made him jump. It was Dagda, who started to say "you thought you……. "
“Go away!” screamed Stomachus, “This is dangerous, if you want the information let me work on him." "NO, he is more useful to me as he is," Dagda replied.
Dagda wrenched Savra away from Stomachus's grasp, and the pair mounted a horse and quickly rode away, with Dervil who was also mounted guarding their rear. Stomachus stormed back to the fort. There was no way to stop Dagda now but Stomachus knew his ultimate destination, or at least he thought he did.
A side door that was hidden from Stomachus' view hid a figure lurking who dragged him inside. "Stomachus, come quickly but keep quiet. Hurry!" whispered the man. Stomachus followed the shadowy figure through the hallways, keeping his head down so no-one would recognise him and raise the alarm. It was a strange thing to be sneaking through a fort controlled by your own men, but at the same time thrilling.
He whispered softly "Where are we going?" but the shadowy figure just placed a finger to his lips.
They continued furtively through the fort until they came to a hut. Stomachus, now being completely lost by all eyes, was pulled into the hut and immediately fell over a dark form stretched across the doorway. "Woof!" A dog looked up lazily, and then went to sniff Stomachus. "Gerroff!" he cried, before a hand pulled the dog away. Sitting up, Stomachus looked around and his eyes began to adjust to the poor light; looking around he noticed spears in the shadows, and a sea of faces. "The.... OH!" he gasped. "What are you going to do?"
He stopped and looked for a leader among the faces. He recognised one immediately - it was Marcus, Savra's number 2, who had led him right into a trap! Stomachus had been duped, he thought, a villager had betrayed him. A heavy blow to his head made him see that he was in trouble, then more blows rained upon him until he lost consciousness. A bucket of cold water brought him round again, and he was hauled onto a chair by the two closest men, by whose hands he was held there. "Where are your friends? Talk or die!"
Stomachus couldn't focus, and shook his head to try and think - but his mind was numbed by pain. A knife slid across his hand and he yelped with pain. "There's something you want to get off your chest", a voice whispered in his ear. "NOTHING!" he spat. The fish he'd been chewing on earlier in the day made his breath reek and his interrogator reeled back with disgust, then someone hit him again. "YOU stinking worm, your breath is fouler than a slave’s armpit in summer time!" The beating started again, and Stomachus felt as if it would never stop, but eventually it did. "Well, are you ready to talk yet?", "NO! You'll have to kill me first" A face came close and snarled, "Not until you tell us what we want to know!" as he was struck again and again.
The pain was unbearable, and he lost consciousness again. "You will tell us, how much you suffer is up to you" he heard. A sharp pain went through his shoulder as he fell down again, then he was pulled him up and sat down hard on a stool where a bucket of cold water was thrown over him. "No more!” he begged, "OK, spill, where is Savra? Who ... are you hiding? And where is the camp where your rebel scum are hiding?" Stomachus could not bear to take any more punishment and couldn't get the information out fast enough. His captors looked at each other knowingly, murmuring "the hunt begins."
Chapter 4
Parmenion rubbed his eyes. The dust from the long ride was irritating but at least they had water, so looking up he poured the cool liquid over them. Viewing the sunset, he signalled for Cantius to join him. Cantius stretched his legs as he dismounted, saying "by Jupiter, that was a long ride. The men won't enjoy… " "I don't care what they like!" Parmenion interrupted. "The camp must be fortified as quickly as possible! I want a quick but secure camp, and I'm sorry for snapping - it's been a long ride"
The men grumbled as they worked, which was expected of recruits but nevertheless got them shouted at by Cantius and Parmenion, these were experienced leaders - but a flung shovel-full still caused both leaders to lose it. "Keep that dirt away from me! And stop acting like raw recruits, you’re now all going to have to do latrine duty. Graeminicus, front and centre." Why do I get the filthy duty?" “Because you need to learn.”
Angered, Graeminicus raised his shovel and swung at Cantius. Parmenion dropped Graeminicus with one punch, launching him headfirst into the latrine. "That was a big mistake, Graeminicus. Grassus, give him 50 lashes at dawn! All are to attend and witness punishment!”
"A RIDER!" came a shout, and all of the men turned to face where the sentry was pointing; a horseman crested the rise followed by dust flying behind him. Parmenion wondered who was chasing his scout. "Stand to arms," he roared. With some crashing about the men formed ranks as Minicus rode up and fell from his horse. He collapsed in a heap on the ground and a deep wound could be seen to run down his side. His blood was running freely and pooling on the ground, but the wound looked worse than it was. The barbarians fired a few arrows as they drew up, deciding whether to fight or flee. They hesitated too long and were met with a barrage of javelins; their own javelin-armed troops pulled up and hurled their javelins into the Roman line. Most of the missiles rattled off the Roman shields, but one struck Parmenion who fell, apparently mortally wounded, to the ground. At least, that was what was originally thought until he stood up again. His breastplate had absorbed the impact; the damage was nothing more than a flesh wound.
The Barbarians were still hesitating. Cantius pulled the javelin from Parmenion, who sighed with relief that it hadn't killed him though it had incapacitated his left arm. His recovery would be long. Cantius hurled the javelin back and spitted a Gaul! Cheers erupted from the Roman ranks, until Cantius turned and roared "Quiet! They are not defeated yet, we must not lower our guard. Advance slowly, maintaining order. I will have to take over command, so you had better fight like real warriors." He turned and ordered the men to advance.
The Barbarians had meanwhile regrouped for a further assault on the Roman line. Cantius, seeing this, ordered "Javelins ready! Prepare to throw – throw!” Javelins soared through the air, battering the barbarian warriors; dead bodies and mortally wounded covered the ground, but the survivors came on regardless. Now outnumbered, they soon fled as the Romans drew their swords and continued advancing. They hacked and maimed without mercy, the ground becoming slick with blood as the victorious Romans marched on. Cantius ordered a halt as the dust of battle settled. He looked at the dead, relieved at the low casualty rate for the Romans but worried about Parmenion. He ordered immediate aid to be taken to him and the other wounded Romans.
“Gauls, Pah! They cannot put me down" shouted Parmenion, "This is nothing but a minor flesh wound. Now, let’s get this lot sorted. Graeminicus see to the Gaulish wounded quickly but leave their dead for vermin to eat. I want all our wounded returned to the Legion - Cantius, detail a guard of 10 men to take them back. I want a full head count within 30 minutes, and the next one of you who tries to take over my command will answer to me." Parmenion grasped the pommel of his sword to emphasis exactly what he meant but, having overtaxed his strength, he then fainted.
Cantius was unsure whether to send the wounded away as Parmenion had ordered; he couldn't spare more men to safely return them to the Legion. "Graeminicus, detail some men to salvage any re-useable javelins and others to get the wounded sorted out, and set up a litter for Parmenion. The rest of you, fall out and tidy yourselves up, we move in 30 minutes so be ready in 15!" Graeminicus immediately obeyed his orders and moved off.
"Minicus, to me!" roared Cantius. Minicus, nursing his earlier wound, approached Cantius running quickly and snapped to attention.
"Why were they chasing you?" asked Cantius.
"I stumbled into them. It appeared that they were laying in wait for the column to pass by." Cantius was not entirely convinced by this and looked suspiciously at Minicus, he was wondering why the Gauls had not fled as soon as the Romans had come into view, or been more discreet with their ambush tactics.
Chapter 5
Legate Simonius and Tribune Alexius were in deep conversation about their mission. "Where do we send the men now? The Emperor will be getting impatient if we don't act soon." "I know, but there's a delegation waiting outside to see me." Simonius went outside to speak to the deLegates. They were unhappy at recent events that had taken place which destabilised their positions as friendly. He went very quiet as the deLegates explained that the attack on the Legion had made them unhappy at marching in case of a further attack by these unknown enemies. They wanted more backup, a few were wounded in the last engagement and they wanted urgent assistance immediately.
Simonius said "Stop whinging, you slackers! Roman Legionarys are supposed to be warriors, and without some serious improvements in your abilities there'll be hell to pay!" Glaring round at them he added "We don’t degrade ourselves by acting like civilians, we are fighting men! This is the best fighting Legion in the empire, and I aim to keep it that way!" The deLegates flushed and shuffled their feet nervously under Simonius' stern gaze. They could not resist his challenge so they returned to their comrades and told them to get ready to march! Two hours later the vanguard was marching across the rough terrain keeping a watchful eye. The rest of the Legion was waiting anxiously for the order to move off, far behind them and wondering where their marching orders would take them.
It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.”
Charles Darwin
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Graeme Canty
Homosapien
United Kingdom
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Posted - 17 March 2008 : 7:06:45 PM
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Chapter 6
East, west, north, south? Their commander Simonius was keeping his plans close to his chest and saying nothing, so as to not endanger the planned rescue of the Emperor's son. This caused much rancour among his junior Tribunes, not to mention with Alexius who felt excluded. The more senior members of his command group were beginning to wonder what exactly was going on, and Alexius particularly was smarting over being kept in the dark over the proceedings.
Simonius issued the order to march and the men shouldered their yokes, embarking on the dangerous journey towards their unknown goal. Simonius led them in line; they marched silently as they wondered where he would lead them. Alexius trotted his horse up beside Simonius and asked "Where are you leading us Simonius? Please tell me." Simonius' heart was troubled. He couldn't divulge their destination yet, but must ensure that his senior Tribune stayed loyal. So they all marched on like the obedient men they were, along a wide river valley leading eastward towards distant blue mountains capped with ice.
After hours of travel Simonius spotted an Allobroge standard, through whose land they were passing. Simonius ordered the men to halt and, along with Alexius, rode forward to meet the Allobroges. "Greetings" said Simonius. "Do you have word for me from my Centurion?"
The lead Allobroge's face betrayed nothing. "I have information that they are moving soon into Areniacus on the Oise. My spies do not know why, or how they plan to achieve their secret plan - whatever it may be."
Simonius turned to Alexius. "Areniacus? That's just a toilet of a village, why would they go to that hole?" Alexius did not immediately reply.
Simonius pondered their next move. "We need to make contact with them", he ordered, "Send a scout to carry a message to Parmenion, quickly!" Alexius called forward a scout named Amador, a Hispanic from Triana who was a fast skilled rider with knowledge of the Gallic province and language. Amador was immediately sent on this mission.
The Allobroge, a "friend of Rome", led Simonius and Alexius back to his camp while the Legion settled down for a deserved rest. The
men built their standard fortified camp. Some were keen to keep moving as they didn't trust the Allobroges, and watched them suspiciously. They kept a constant watch on the warriors who were equally suspicious of the Romans, so it was a tense situation and one that needed resolving quickly.
In the Allobroges’ camp Alexius walked warily up to his opposite number, a blonde shaven-headed giant named Winstonix. He was a rippling mountain of muscle, as hard and as wild as a mountain lion and twice as muscular. Alexius said "You and I must get together for a discussion. We have heard rumours that need to be discussed and our positions clarified.”
He clapped Winstonix on the shoulder and said "but we need a drink first. Come and share some wine with me.” Winstonix didn't need much convincing and happily went with Alexius to his tent.
The next morning two very hung-over figures staggered out complaining of headaches, as their aides rushed to offer cold water, Simonius strode up saying that he hoped the two of them would learn from this experience.
"Now go and tell the men what friends you are, and that they are friends too except when they go and do anything silly like challenging each other to drinking to the death. And put on clean tunics, you look like you've spent the night in a muddy wallow with the pigs!" The two men, looking rather sheepish, went to wash and find clean uniforms.
Meanwhile Simonius, grinning to himself, strolled over to talk to Chief Trigaranus, who was having his blonde locks groomed by his busty young servant. Simonius looked up and down admiring the young lady. It occurred to him that he had rather neglected his own busty young servant recently, his mind being occupied with weightier matters. However, he would have some R&R this evening - if nothing happened that needed his attention. He sighed. Sometimes command was a heavy burden - though the advantages far outweighed any lack of peace and quiet for personal enjoyment.
The sound of running boots thudding across the turf dismayed him. A scout skidded to a stop, panting as he tried to report. "Sir, we have sighted a large body of men coming this way."
"Sound the alarm," Simonius barked, "and form up inside the camp gates! Bring Alexius to me, dressed preferably! Throw a bucket of water over the cornicens and get them blowing! And where is my armour-bearer?"
Chapter 7
The Camp bustled in a hurried but disciplined way to form up and face the oncoming threat. Simonius ordered his men into a line, and then ordered the advance. They would march out to meet the approaching enemy, spears and swords at the ready. The indomitable Roman Legionaries knew that blood would be shed, but also knew what was expected of them without need for conscious thought; years of training had hardened them for all eventualities. Simonius watched from the ramparts as the line advanced, but wondered if any would return.
It was time to get moving, so he called for a quick gathering of all the men and runners of his command staff. "I want scouts far out to both sides, and watching each others’ backs. I need a cavalry screen behind us, but hold your positions; I don't want you running in without first knowing what the enemy is up to! Alexius will take the right flank while I take the left. Remember: who keeps his eyes skinned, avoids surprises!"
Simonius advanced towards the enemy using the utmost caution, he could see a battle formation in his mind and signalled to his troops, "arms at the ready, javelins ready, on my command... horn formation, steady in the centre!" A dark moving shadow began to appear around the edge of the woods as the warriors came into view.
Simonius grinned. He had planned for this and was prepared to give the barbarians a taste of Roman steel. If he could pin them against the woods, the men he sent behind could sweep in and slaughter them! He ordered Alexius to form up at half depth to allow double width to conceal his intentions. The build-up looked as though he was massing his men all on one flank, when he had several Cohorts lying waiting in ambush and a reserve hidden in the fort.
At a thousand paces, the Aedui warriors stopped. Meanwhile the Allobroges were quietly manoeuvring to the rear of the attackers.
"The Aedui again", Trigaranus spat angrily. "We will send this scum back to their own land with their tails between their legs and their guts trailing behind them.” He led his men up an old river bed in a wide arc behind the wood to avoid being spotted by the Aedui. They covered the two miles in time to be well hidden before the two armies finally faced each other.
The Aedui seemed to have paused. Simonius had a niggling thought that they might have had training in Roman military manoeuvres, and gripped his sword hilt nervously. Stopping at a thousand paces, the Romans waited for the enemy. This was just too far for a Roman charge, so Simonius waited for the enemy to come on.
Suddenly the enemy leader’s arm dropped and a hail of missiles flew out of the woods straight into the Aedui host, who reeled in shock under the impact of this barrage having expected it to hit the Roman front ranks. The reversal of fortune made them waver and those at the back started to flee the field. Simonius signaled to the Legion and it moved against the Aedui with a steady, menacing tramp.
Soon the area was a sea of clashing swords as the Allobroges joined in the battle, trapping the Aedui between themselves and the Legion. A massacre ensued as the trapped Aedui milled around, unable to flee or to move forward.
In the midst of all this a deep growling came as many war-dogs leapt from the tree line. Alexius’ men were thrown into confusion as the war-dogs began to attack the Legionaries. Their teeth ripped into the bellies of the cavalry horses, throwing blood and intestines onto the ground. Riders were thrown from their mounts while desperately trying to hang on to their bridles as the attack surged into them, the dogs tearing into any exposed flesh.
Strangely, the dogs seemed to be avoiding the Allobroges and concentrating on Roman Legionarys, and were clearly on the ascendant. Alexius was on the verge of ordering a retreat when suddenly a horn was heard from the rear of the fort, and the fighting stopped as the dogs slunk away. From behind the fort came more of the Allobroges under Winstonix, pushing captured dog-handlers towards the Romans.
Now the tide of battle began to turn, the enemy realising that there was no way out and no retreat as Alexius charged. The Aedui front ranks crumbled, the enemy Legionarys either maimed or running for their lives, discarding shields, swords and anything they could to get away more quickly. But there was no mercy for them and no escape from the Allobroges, who took their revenge for years of tribal bloodletting. Not a man was left standing as they maimed and gutted their way through the entire attacking force.
As the last Aedui fell to his knees and spewed his lifeblood onto the earth Simonius turned to Alexius and said "We have victory this time, but at a heavy cost. One more attack may finish us off unless we can complete our mission quickly. Someone is training the barbarians in the Roman style of fighting. If we don’t keep on guard, and find out soon who this traitor might be, there could be a massacre with us as the losers. Work harder, we need to know the enemy’s strength and plans."
Chapter 8
Cantius turned to Parmenion, who was up and about again. "Sir,
do you have any further orders?” "GET OUT THERE! FIND THE SPY! We are getting hit too often and it's no coincidence!"
Cantius replied "Don't you think I know that?" Parmenion said “I need to know who is loyal .. we need that spy. WHAT?" he growled as Ankron cleared his throat, then turned to find a courier waiting to speak with him. The courier held out a scroll bearing the imperial seal.
Parmenion snatched the scroll and turned away to read it. The Emperor’s son had to be found and this scroll showed how? Too coincidental, thought Parmenion. "No, it must be chance", claimed Ankron. "Anything easily won is suspect", replied Parmenion. "I'm beginning to get suspicious, something is not right here. Don’t we have the Legate’s Clerk to verify the source of this?” Parmenion sent a runner to fetch the Clerk, who took one look at the seal and shook her head. “This is good but it’s a fake. Someone has taken a mould.”
"Thank you Legionary." Parmenion turned to Ankron, ordering "Hold that courier for interrogation". The courier was quickly seized and the Legate's Clerk dismissed with instructions to check all recent orders for authenticity. Parmenion was certainly not going to take anything on trust again. The time had come for him to pull all his men together and make his own plans, he couldn’t trust anyone else's plans or messages now. What about his officers' loyalties? Parmenion had known most of them for many years, but was now sceptical The only person he felt he could trust completely was Cantius, but how could the group function with a lack of trust amongst them? The first thing to do was to interrogate that courier. Where did he get taken to? “Ankron? Ankron you were holding that courier for me, where the hell is he now?”
The Clerk came running in calling "Sir, we’ve got another despatch - with a genuine seal! And I also know who is training the barbarians." A movement catching his eye, Parmenion looked up and saw a javelin flying through the air – and a rider approaching them at speed, his body slung low over the horse. Pulling up sharply, he fell from the horse’s back and Ankron rushed to his aid. The Javelin missed its target, but had everyone on edge.
The Clerk watched intently, seeing the courier making his escape on the sly she nudged Parmenion, giving him the chance to shout "Get him back!" Passing Parmenion a parchment, the Clerk went back to work. "Cantius, it looks like we should get moving, something tells me this position is not safe." With a swift order, the scout was bound and gagged. "We will interrogate this scout, but first we must find somewhere to hole up". Cantius pointed towards some woodland far off; the woods were hilly, with a thick blanket of undergrowth, perfect
to hide their men.
"Break camp," ordered Parmenion, and he and Cantius rounded up the command group which consisted of himself, Cantius, Ankron, Minicus and Viriatus; these were men he could trust. They mounted their horses and rode off. The Clerk picked the javelin and inspected it, trying to work out while he rode just who had thrown it and who it was aimed at. He looked at its shaft and saw a name. Etched in the wood, someone had scraped a name with a knife, L*--c-*s.
"Damn" he said, "we have a traitor, but we have four men whose names could look like this. The Centurion in charge of the horses is one of them, the other three belong to the auxiliaries. But there is no way to tell which one! I will be keeping a sharp eye on all four, but for now i must tell Parmenion my discovery and warn him to be on guard against all four of the possible suspects. But the writing may be fake - or the javelin belonged to another person.”
He glanced around suspiciously, but saw no-one. Leaping onto his horse he galloped after Parmenion, keeping a good hold on the javelin. They had a good start, so the Clerk had to ride hard to catch up. At last he saw Parmenion up ahead "Master!" the Clerk called, “I must
speak to you urgently.” Parmenion turned and called the command group to carry on while he waited for the Clerk to report and explain himself.
Suddenly, the Clerks eyes widened as another javelin flew past him burying itself in Parmenion’s stallion. The horse screamed and reared, throwing Parmenion to the ground. He grunted as he landed on his shoulder with a large billowing cloud of dust, but luckily suffered nothing worse than a sprained ankle.
Cantius bellowed to he others "Cover him with shields! Someone find who threw that javelin! And where's the Clerk, is he keeping an eye on this?" Cantius turned back to look but the Clerk had ridden in the direction that the javelin had come from, having seen somebody in the tall grass running away to hide.
The Clerk stopped and dismounted, taking stock of the landscape before him. Tall grass, some bushes - much movement! As the wind blew the foliage, figures were visible creeping forward.
"Alarm! Form up on me!” yelled the Clerk as the command staff milled around Parmenion and held up shields for his protection. A squad of eight men ran to the Clerk to protect him, but were too late - he had taken a javelin in the chest and was fading fast. Cantius was at his side while he tried desperately to speak, pointing a bloody hand towards the bushes. “Tthey...are hiding..I saw... ...him...Corsica....".
The Clerk's eyes glassed over, and he said no more. The attackers had silently melted away into the woods. Cantius stood silently fuming. At last a clue, but an ambiguous one. First they needed to look again at the javelin. Cantius lifted it up and inspected the shaft. It was clean, without any marks to give a clue, just standard Legionary issue. Cantius shook his head.
Parmenion's shout woke him from his thoughts. "Cantius, what's happened? Report immediately to me!" Cantius ran back to find Parmenion, taking the javelin with him. Parmenion asked "Where's the one the Clerk carried?" "He was carrying it when he went into the bushes, and must have dropped it there" replied Cantius. He beckoned a Legionary "Go and find that javelin - don't come back until you have found it." The Legionary trotted off to search for the javelin. He noticed something lying half-hidden under a bush. It appeared to be the scabbard of a Legionary gladius. He picked it up carefully, no Roman Legionary would abandon his scabbard so what was the significance of this? He found that some of the workmanship was unusual, a Celtic design with swirls and druidic writing, There was something famililer about the writing, he thought he had seen it before in the village of Jehanus. But who there used a gladius? The Legionary looked round for Parmenion and took it over to him, "Sir, do you recognize this scabbard? I found it over there where the enemy came from, very near where the Clerk fell."
"Over there?"
"Yes, Sir."
"I have never seen it before. Who else might use a Roman-style scabbard? Auxiliaries? Or someone trying to look like a Roman?" He mused to himself. "Cantius, have the men set camp here ", he ordered. "We must search for more clues and try to understand this. We may need to interrogate everyone nearby for witness statements."
Being the Legions best, the men quickly ditched and palisaded the camp, with no wasted oversight by Cantius. The tents were aligned in rows and the men, working on autopilot, soon completed the work and posted sentries. This left Parmenion and Cantius free to plan their next move, and ponder just what or who was behind the killing. Cantius scratched his chin. "I’m sure this is the sword scabbard I saw someone with back at the village, wasn’t it worn by that chap Dagda? Maybe we
should send out some covert nighttime scouting missions to find him. If Dagda is in the area we need to catch him quickly, before he kills anyone else, but we must not forget our primary mission."
"Cantius, this must be tied in with finding the Emperor's son." Said Parmenion. "Given how many times they have tried to sabotage our plans, there must be some deeper conspiracy here."
He sighed deeply and sat down. "This is all beyond a simple little trouble with the tribes. There is someone actively stirring up revolt." "Shouldn’t we ask for new orders from Alexius, as a mole probably exists within the Legion?"
"No, Simonius is the only one we can be sure of. But also we cannot just sit here. Send a courier to Simonius at once! Now pass me that map, we need to check out the likely places for a base and where the enemy might be hiding!"
"Here, Sir", said Cantius pointing to the map he was unrolling on the camp table. Parmenion turned to check the terrain in the direction Cantius pointed, and bringing the oil lamp nearer they proceeded to discuss the possibilities until the pale dawn came.
Chapter 9
As dawn touched the camp anyone still asleep was rudely awakened by a kick from Cantius. The camp stood to arms as usual, but without the normal grumblings of less motivated troops. Everyone was aware of the importance of their mission and their role in its success. Parmenion walked among the troops quietly passing orders. Their objective was to head towards a cave system in the hills where they could both hide and easily defend themselves against surprise attacks.
Parmenion mounted his horse and ordered his men to move out after dismantling the camp fortifications. They crept quietly through the woods, scouts out in front and to the sides. There was no-way Parmenion and Cantius were going to be ambushed again!
"Sir, I’m going to guard our rear" Cantius said, turning his horse around and galloping off with 10 other men to check their back trail. Suddenly he came galloping back. "Sir, there are men behind us!", he called. Several Greek slave traders were trekking along the path to the south, and it was only a matter of time before they saw signs of the Romans ahead of them.
"It won't be long before they see us, Do we capture them or just kill them?" Cantius asked. Parmenion shook his head. "We can't hide, so capture them. They may have some useful information about our quarry, or even about what’s going on in this neck of the woods."
Cantius saluted and cantered off to deal with the slavers. Meanwhile Parmenion urged his men forwards towards the safety of the caves. They were having to move carefully to avoid leaving a trail, but the wooded surroundings allowed the rear ranks to brush away their tracks. Nevertheless they could not help but feel they were being watched. An uneasy prickling of the hairs on the backs of their necks kept the men alert and ready for anything. Suddenly one of the scouts appeared at Parmenion's side.
"Sir, those basta…, sorry, men that have been attacking us appear to be camped out in the caves. There are two sentries at the entrance, and even they look battered." Parmenion beckoned Ankron forward. “Take half of your men and check that we can get close enough to attack.”
"Grassus, Graeminicus, come with me" Ankron ordered, "and keep low and quiet." Ankron and his men crept slowly and quietly through the trees till they could see the entrance to the caves and the half-asleep sentries. "Go to the right, Grassus, and Graeminicus go left, and report to me what you see." As the men crept into position Grassus saw someone he recognised from that village - with no sword scabbard! The man’s sword was stuck through his belt, which was of a similar style to the dropped scabbard. The man had now turned his back but Grassus had his name on the tip of his tongue if he could just remember when and with whom... the exact place? Aha! It’s Dagda so are the others with him? And why the hell did they attack us? Anyway, time to report back to the Optio and get new orders.
Grassus signalled to the other two; Ankron waved for him and Graeminicus to return, and the three crawled back out of sight from the caves and swiftly made their way back to report. "Sir, the man who dropped that scabbard is Dagda, from that Gaul village we encamped at earlier this month."
"Why him?" Parmenion pondered to himself. "Why here? There is something very wrong with all this.”
"Sir, we found a way to approach unseen." "Then let’s go and surprise these assholes, I want to get some answers from them! Ankron, take six men and make sure you seal off any escape route. I want that Dagda alive and any others you can catch - especially the ringleaders."
Ankron went off to round up his men and assault the caves. If they could scale the rockface at the rear of the caves unseen, then they could drop down on the rebels and take them unawares. The 6 men left with a 40 minute start over the rest, who were quietly creeping to the ridge line.
Ankron moved his men as fast as possible out of sight. It was a difficult task but they managed to climb up the craggy cliff face. From their vantage point they saw the sleepy sentries leaning against the the sleepy sentries leaning against the entrance to the cave, and on the ridgeline another sentry sitting against a tree.
"Damn, we missed one. Grassus, get round behind him and silence him! And be quick, the guys are coming in a few more minutes so we haven't got time to mess around. While you take care of him, we'll deal with the other two."
Grassus crept up behind the man on the ridge, his dagger quickly slicing the man's throat while his hand silenced the gurgling scream. As the sentry dropped the others also silenced the two men at the mouth of the cave and dragged them into some nearby scrub. At Ankhron’s signal the main party came forward like a silent deadly storm and swept into the cave mouth. Ankhron already had Dagda hogtied behind the bushes and signalled quietly to the others: "go in quietly and use caution, there could be anyone in there. We think there are 50 but there could be more. Try and take the ones dressed like him alive and kill the rest." The Legionaries swept on noiselessly, dispatching the enemy mercilessly, most of them too surprised to cry out.
About half way through the cave, Ankron noticed a figure slipping silently away. Suddenly one of the prisoners yelled "You traitor!", lunging toward his captor. The noise woke the others and all hell broke loose. In the confined space of the cave it was hard to tell who was who, and the Romans’ superior training gave them no advantage. Ankron was hard pressed with two men trying to corner him. He was backed up against the cave wall, any second expecting to die, when his attackers suddenly dropped. Behind them stood Graeminicus holding a large axe. "I found this and thought it might come in handy." "Good man", said Ankhron, "now go help kill the rest of these pricks."
Ankron leant back onto a pillar - it had been a long morning ....next thing, he was falling backwards as the pillar swivelled back into a large room that had been concealed behind a rock face. Ankron was so surprised that he did nothing but stare around in disbelief at the scene. Torches lit the room giving a fiery red hue to a table spread with scrolls, abandoned - and recently! Quickly recovering himself he went
around the room looking for another way out, but after two steps he stopped as he noticed a familiar iten on the table. "By Mithras," he gasped, "it's an Imperial seal! I must get this to Parmenion immediately."
As he seized the seal a sudden movement caught his eye, something in the shadows. Someone was standing there, trying to hide. Ankron pretended not to notice, and gripped his sword ready for any attack. He was sure the attacker would want him to keep going out of the doorway before he made his own move. With a quick flick of his wrist Ankhron unsheathed his sword and swung around. The blade deflected hard on a ledge at hip height knocking him sideways just as a blade hissed where his neck would have been. He riposted and felt his sword glance from armour that was hidden under a cloak.
Thrusting again, he felt the sword penetrate the attacker’s body under the sword arm and grate against bone. The sound of his scream alerted others to the fight, and Legionaries poured into the small hidden room; by then the rest of the Gauls had either been subdued or killed. The man Ankhron had injured lay slumped on the floor. Ankron lifted the man’s head to hear what he was trying to say and received a faceful of spittle and blood.
"He will kill you, Roman scum!" Ankron stomped his face. Just then Parmenion strode into the room with a cry of "Who have you got there?" Ankhron turned and snapped to attention. "Not yet identified,
this one Sir, insolent bugger though!" Parmenion strode over and pulled the man up by his earlobe, "lets have a look at you. Oh Jupiter! Those metal studs make a nasty mess don’t they!”
“Is there anything that identifies him?" Parmenion asked Ankron. "He's wearing a ring, sir, look!" Ankron grabbed the man's left hand and held it up. "It looks like the signet used by the Aedui royalty, Sir. I'd recognize it anywhere." "Get that man Dagda over here. I want some answers."
Dagda was reluctant to talk, but knew this wasn't to be a problem.
Chapter 10
Jehanus was worried: Dagda had taken the best young men with him with no word of their destination. He absentmindedly scratched an itch in his armpit as he wondered where they were and what was going on. But he was unable even to guess. He decided that the best strategy was to assume the worst - Dagda had gone to make mischief elsewhere and was probably enjoying it. That man was always in the thick of any fighting.
The first thing to do was to make sure Dagda got blamed for this 'minor' hiccup in relations with the Romans and their fort. Then try and ingratiate himself with the new Romans in charge, and so perhaps keep his villagers out of trouble. They needed to provide a 'gift', something the Romans would think good. Some thing that would take their mind away from the recent rebellion. Jehanus stalked off to find the village Druid to ask his advice.
Stomachus was as usual mixing some nauseating potion that filled his hut with a pungent yellow cloud. Jehanus coughed violently and his eyes stung. "Put it outside you old quack, before you kill me", croaked Jehanus, reeling.
"You wont be moaning when this saves you and the rest of us from
some dirty Roman sword or spear." "What is it, then, poison gas?" "No, but it will blind and confuse them" responded Stomachus, carefully sealing the vial. "Now, what do you want? I’m a busy man." Jehanus just looked at him.
Stomachus was a small skinny balding man with bad breath. Jehanus' 6 1/2 feet tall towered over him, but he feared him for his link to the gods. “Stomachus, I need your advice on how we can convince the Romans that we are not a threat. If we don’t manage it our goose is cooked." "Then we must give them what they expect to see from 'good' behaviour: respect and, most of all, cooperation. We must make sure to keep on the right side of the Romans, so call the villagers together, its time we had a meeting to get everyone organised.” Jehanus nodded agreement and the two men set off to round up every man, woman and child – all would need to be involved if this ploy was to be successful.
In the fort the new Prefect, Gaius Mucius, was pacing up and down worrying. He had to get this area back under his control and quiet, before the Emperor’s representative came from Rome. How could he make peace with the locals and still keep the Emperor happy? Maybe it was time for him to meet the local leader - Jehanus, was it? And maybe that old druid they revere so much though Jupiter alone knows why. Gaius called for his clerk Andius who was asleep as usual. "Get off your lazy arse and get into uniform - where are your boots?" He kicked Andius up the ass as he stumbled to something approaching "attention". "Errrr, sorry sir, but I only nodded off for a moment." "A likely story! Go round up some men and tidy this place up, it looks like a army of drunks have been sleeping here." "Err, Sir - " “Yes?" snapped Gaius.
"Can I get a bite to eat first, Sir?" "No you bloody well cannot, get
on with your work as ordered!" Andius sped off without even picking up his sword. "Get back here you imbecile, the locals have just finished attacking and you go without your sword?" Andius returned to his desk shamefaced and buckled his sword in place. "Now get a shift on!"
Face flaming, Andius immediately got a move on before he found himself in any more trouble, but turned in the doorway. "What was it you wanted me to do, Sir?"
Gaius Mucius couldn't believe this idiot. All the competent men had recently been taken by Simonius, but surely there must be better than this. He scratched his chin and thought, then called "Centurion! To me, please!"
Centurion Bacus was a large surly bear of a man, with a reputation for either turning men into mincemeat or excellent Legionaries. Bacus saluted and snapped to attention. “Ah, Bacus, can you give me your recommendations? I want that fool Andius replaced." Bacus scratched his armpit, making Gaius wince at the crudity of the man.
"Hmmmmm" rumbled Bacus. "I've a few ideas but to be honest, Sir, Andius isn't bad, he's just not right for the army, which is why we thought he could be your clerk." "Well he is bloody feckless, give me someone who stays awake and put that fool on latrine duty." "Must he be able to read and write?" "Must he...Wha!!, he is going to be recording orders and dealing with records - of course he must!" Bacus managed to blush, which looked peculiar on such a craggy face. "Well, Sir," he said, "most of us can, and we must be able to write after a fashion otherwise how else are we supposed to produce our reports?" Gaius Mucius snarled "most of them are barely able to talk straight let alone produce reports, so now get organised. Find me someone who can write, amaze me and see if they are capable of staying awake too." Suitably chastised Bacus went in search of men, who are fit for the work that Gaius Mucius required. After a while he remembered one, but Gaius would not like it, he wondered how to tell him. He decided that the best way was to quietly introduce the man into the office routine and let him become indispensable, before Giaus Mucius formed a quick opinion of him. If he wore Legion uniform Gaius Mucius would not be able to tell the difference between a slave and a legionary. The Plan set into action, Lurcio was pushed into the role by a combination of misdirection and genuine competancy, he appeared to be rather good at administration but his high voice detracted from from the more mundane drone which was cultivated by most clerks. He flitted round the office with such energy that Gaius became tired watching - and returned to his planning. Meanwhile Bacus felt relieved; Gaius suspected nothing! Bacus returned to his rounds happy, until he saw what Andius was doing. The fool was sleeping on the job - again - instead of cleaning the latrines, "oi you orrible excuse for a soldier, get that mop and get cleaning before i shove it where the sun doesn't shine!" Andius woke up as he fell face first into the latrine bucket Bacus having kicked his mop from under his arm, Andius glared after Bacus' retreating back, now wide awake and covered in excrement, he got up and headed for the showers he already hated Bacus, he had hated him ever since that day had begun, losing his cushy post in the office and being dropped in the sh*t by Bacus. He contemplated a fine revenge, a smirk crossed his face, he would get even with Bacus and Gaius, they would pay for his humiliation, he - suddenly a voice broke into his train of thought "andius what are you doing, you lazy idiot? You want to have Bacus find you walking around in a dream? He will skin you alive the next
he catches you goofing off!" Sod off falco, and if you not see straight for a month." Falco recoiled at such aggression. He had never seen the mild mannered Andius in such a state. "What's got into you? I was only warning you to be careful, Andius!" "Look im sorry Falco but I have had it up to here with the legion, bullies like Bacus and that pompous prat Gaius Mucius!" "SSSHHhhh Bacus is only over there " whispered Falco. "I don't care," replied Andius, "how much worse can it get" ? "I heard Bacus killed a man just for spitting at his feet", Andius took another look over to Bacus and snarled "he thinks he's beaten me, well we will see . _I_ will be watching _him_ - and Lurcio!" Falco left him to his plotting , not wanting to get into Bacus' bad books and risk latrine duty. Andius resolved to watch Gaius and Bacus, if he did some digging he just might find some information that could be of a great use to him, and ultimatly get him back into that cushy office.
The elders were finally arriving, it took a long time to round up everyone and then slow to get them to agree to talk to the Romans about co-operation. They weren't sure the Roman would be willing to believe that the village had nothing to do with the earlier attack on the fort. Jehanus had to both threaten and plead to get them to agree to his plan of action. "What you need to do is approach Gaius" "but what do we say to him ?" Jehanus thought for a moment, then said "Look apalled. Say this was an attempt by enemies of the village to usurp the headman's power or get the romans to wipe them out. None of this lot know what happened, they are totally in the dark so we can convince them it was none of our doing.” Once in agreement, the villagers trooped out of the meeting hall, and
made their way towards the fort . When they reached the gate, sentries blocked their way and called for Bacus, who was not pleased at being interrupted from his massage "Gods damn these peasants, what do they want now?" he muttered as he lifted himslef from the massage table and pulled his tunic on. "Where is my cloak? Double the guards then let them come to me."
Bacus sat waiting, pondering if he should alert Gaius. "No," he decided i can handle a few barbarians. ". By the time Bacus arrived at the gate the villagers were inside. and their leader did not look happy. Bacus glared at them. "Well, what have you got to say?" Bacus enquired with a scowl. "We need to speak to the prefect, please will you take us to him?" NO! you will deal with me! " thundered Bacus. "But we must see the Prefect. It is of the utmost importance and for his ears only!" Bacus turned his back on them
and stalked away in a fury. In the prefects office all was peaceful. Gaius was relaxing in his armchair, one of the few luxuries he had managed to bring with him on this posting, a prize possession from his house in Rome. As he was enjoying some peace and quiet, a fuming Bacus stormed into his office, "How dare you? How did you get past the clerk?"
"sorry sir but the village vermin are outside demanding to see you, and they would not speak to me. What are your orders?”
"Well, for a start, knock when you next enter" Gaius snapped, "and
now calm down. Why shouldn't they ask to see me? I'm in charge, its not your place to speak for me unless I tell you"
"Sorry Sir, i thought you wouldn't want to be bothered with petty matters", muttered Bacus.
“Take them to the courtyard i don’t want to get my sandals dirty so I'll meet them on the atrium steps…And, Bacus...”
"Yes, Sir?"
"Close the door quietly behind you."
When Bacus opened the door he stepped through and closed it gently.
Meanwhile, the populace roared outside the fort. Word had spread among villagers That their leaders wanted peace with the Roman and many came out to support peace while others objected to their 'surrender'. Bacus feared a riot. Jehanus turned back and bellowed at the crowd "QUIET!"
"Are you so keen on getting the Romans mad, if they feel threatened they will wipe us all out!" Then suddenly the unmistakable sound of nailed boots on cobbles echoed behind him. Jehanus turned back again to see Bacus leading the guards out to control the crowd. "Now will you lot quiet down and use your heads, before i chop them off and feed you lot to the vultures." As bad omen, the shadow of a lammergeier passed over them and the far cry propelled the crowd to instant flight back to the village. Meanwhile, at the fort hall, the two Gauls and Gaius got down to business. "Legate," began Jehanus, "Thank you for receiving us. It is Roman courteousy at its best, when such a busy and dilligent man makes time to meet us. First, we should present you a couple of skins of our vineyard's best wine. At this introduction, the prefect's face lit up. He had heard of a strident blaring from a trumpet this wine but never tasted it. Gaius sent his servant to fetch the wine from the gates where the Gauls had left it, and and to bring some cups so they could drink it and enjoy its refined taste. When it arrived he noticed a smaller volume standing beside it. "That's our distilled wine," said Jehanus "water of life, but very strong so be careful when you taste it, and never ever slug it back like cheap wine."
Believing they now got the Perfect softened up, Jehanus and Stomachus began to explain how the village had been unable to stop the rebels "let me stop you there, what were you doing to try?" asked Mucius, now in a less amiable mood. He had inherited a fort that was damaged, and a rebellious crowd standing just beyond the gates, so what had these two done were they part of the problem?
At the Prefect’s worrying expression, Centurion Bacus chipped in, "And what did you lot do while the others were revolting? Just stand by and watch them kill roman citizens? Or were you helping them?"
"How dare you, we come here in the interest of peace and you accuse us of conspiring against Rome! This is not the way loyal subje.."**Crash** Bacus Slammed his fist into Jehannus' face, splitting cartilege and shattering teeth.
"Centurion! what in hades are you doing?!" screamed Gaius Mucius. "get out of here now before I reduce you to plain Legionary!"
"Lurcio...fetch the doctor, Jehanus i'm apalled at my Officer's behaviour. He will be punished severely, what can I do to assure you of my sincere regret and good faith?"
" I want freedom of movement for my people, we must pasture our cattle in the high fields, so please let us move freely, and no sanctions on the vilage"
"That sounds reasonable," said Gaius, "but Rome demands answers, I know that we have to provide a report and i know you can give me some information." Jehanus Paused for a moment, he said "I can tell you who led the attack, he is not from around here but a discharged Roman called Dagda"
On hearing the name Gaius went pale. "Dagda? He was a member of the Praetorian guard dismissed in disgrace for missing an assasination attempt on the emperor, Some thought he had been executed, but his body was never found, and you tell me he was here?" All we know is that he arrived one day and settled here",
Gaius held his breath a moment there, had been rumours that someone from inside the imperial household had been involved in his escape, but it had to be someone high enough that wondering out loud would be dangerous.
He turned to Jehanus and asked "Did he have accomplices?" Jehanus nodded. "A couple of hotheads, but they went with him when he left along with a number of the younger members of the village - whom we were glad to see the back of, We want to make sure that Dagda won't come back again - he's trouble!" did they head off?" asked Gaius. Jehannus shrugged. "Our scouts followed him along the trail left by the horses but gave up when they found arrows whistling round their ears."
"Gentlmen i think we can come to an understanding," said Gaius Mucius. Jehanus tried his best not to show his elation - this was perfect! This roman was pliable, just the kind to let them fool him. Jehanus decided to test how far Mucius would bend over to be friendly to the village. "Can we train with your legion, then we could assist you in times of trouble, as auxiliaries. Some of us have extensive fighting experience and would be an asset to the empire"
Gaius was surprised at this offer, this was supposed to be a tribe traditionally unfriendly to Rome and now they wanted to help! It could be a trap.
Gaius decided to be careful.
“Jehanus, i will allow one century of your villagers to train with us. But they will be led by Romans."
"Agreed!" said Jehanus, rejoicing internally. "We will have our men picked and "no", Mucius interrupted, "we will pick the men, my centurions are trained to spot fighting potential in men."
"B-b-but," stammered Jehanus, "I need to be seen to have some control"
"and you have, you will have an appointment as auxiliary Centurion – to learn along side your men"
Jehanus went white.
"Not to busy to serve Rome, if you are loyal," said Gaius. Jehanus had been outsmarted, all he could do was proclaim his loyalty. Still, Jehanus thought, there could still be some small victory in this. They would be _his_ men and he would make sure their loyalty belonged with their tribe, not Rome. Meanwhile, Mucius thoughts went much the usefulness of these new recruits for Roman purposes - they could be used to defend rome, and also to act as police in the area.
CHAPTER 11
Parmenion looked at Dagda, the broken wreck. "Well," he said, "start talking." Dagda's bowed head dripped blood onto the floor of the cave, he could only mumble as his jaw was shattered and dislocated. "MMMmmm" The imperceptible mumbling were getting them nowhere, Parmenion was getting increasingly agitated as Dagda failed to answer his questions, someone needed to get a medic and fast, i want answers and we are wasting time, get him cleaned up and start him talking!"
Ankhron tried hard to bring Dagda around, but he was getting delirious, and his words were mumbled around a very swollen face. The interrogation had been a bit of a handful with his disjointed approach to patriotism, Dagda had suffered considerably before starting to mumble incoherently. Parmenion and Ankron were at a loss as to what to do next. Ankhron was not a trained medic, so he decided that the best thing was to set the broken limbs and strap the jaw. Talking would be out of the question, but perhaps the man could write. Ankron had splinted his broken finger and thought that might do the trick. The writing was not going to be very easy to read, but at least they would have answers.
"Give him a stylus and board," ordered Parmenion, "and call me when you have some answers from him."
While the interogation proceeded Parmenion went back to the cave mouth to see what Viriatus might have found, Viriatus had been tasked with cataloging the documents found in the secret chamber.
"So what have you found, Vitiatus?" Parmenion asked his Optio. "Anything that gives us a clue to whatever Dagda was planning?"
"Not directly," said Viriatus, "but this may be be easily desiferarble, but with patience we go there. I remember to see him with a girl and at the time something seemed innocent, but her name appears several times along with several large payments. "Who is the girl?" asked Parmenion.
“she was flirting with Graeminicus i will ask him" replied Viriatus. Parmenion nodded and left Viriatus to his work.
Dagda was really cracking wide open by the time Parmenion returned, "What has he revealed so far?"
Ankron who was concentrating on the latest scrawled notes by Dagda, didn't hear.
"I ASKED YOU A BLOODY QUESTION" roared Parmenion, "so answer it, you graeculus"!
Ankron was insulted by this "But Sir i was concentrating on the scrolls. You will not believe the names he wrote, let alone the scale of the treachery, i think it goes right to the top!"
"Ok give me a run down of the people involved," said Parmenion.
“This is going to shock you but the Emperor's son is implicated!
"Antonius!......... surely not?"
Parmenion sat down stunned at the news. This changed everything! Antonius was well known to Parmenion, who had spent time at the palace to oversee training of the young lads from the Imperial household, "he was always a selfish little brat, trying to rule the games and use his position instead of his intelligence. Looks like he's graduated to treason. "Sir it gets worse, he is trying to organise his father's murder!"
Ankron passed Parmenion a summary of what the prisioner had written so far.
If Dagda was to be believed, the northern and western Gaulish tribes were to revolt, together with the Cantabrian celtiberians, disrupting cereal and ...well all comerce, this could destroy stability in Rome herself! But Hispania greece and northern africa did not join in and the plotters believed that britain will also rise up. Parmenion stroked his chin, thinking. “How the hell do i deal with this situation, I must speak to Simonius, this is way above my pay level.
"We must rendezvous with the legion, there are not enough of us to deal with this - and anyway this is something that needs to be passed to the Legate for action!"
CHAPTER 12
"Sir Scouts report that Parmenions and Cantius' scouting detachment is in sight!"
"have them brought to my tent as fast as possible," replied Simonius.
The two weary men entered a large tent, decorated with the finest
dull legion olive, Simonius hated pretentious ornamentation and fancy furniture. Anyway, it was a moot point as the camp would be on it's way again once this meeting was over. Simonius was pleased to see his two best officers, however tired and bedraggled they were.
The 2 men snapped to attention and saluted.
"Sir," said Parmenion, "we have some urgent news, i think the situation has become much worse,”
Parmenion and Cantius proceeded to layout What they had discovered. "it seems Sir that our beloved Emperors Son has recruited the help of the northern and western Gaulish tribes in
an attempt to overthrow his father! Britain is also ready to revolt and it is very likely that the revolt will be widespread!"
Having heard the report, Simonius decided to call an emergency meeting of all his officers. It was time for them to make some plans, this situation would either make or break all of them. He sent his Clerk to summon the Tribune and a messenger, he had to get this news back to the Emperor , while he could fight a holding battle, massive reinforcements would be necessary to to defeat a horde the size of the massed tribes.
"Any good ideas gentlemen, would be useful about now!”
"I have an idea, sir" said Cantius. "let's take some hostages and send a message to the chief of each tribe, The lives of the hostages depend on their good behaviour, Also we should recall at least two Legions from Germania and also the reserve from Spain".
Simonius pondered the consequences of these orders. He thought it very unwise to strip the other Provinces of their Legions, but Spain had Legions to spare and was not under threat - so.....
"so lets call recall the IX legion as a start," said Simonius. “Clerk,” "Sir"
Simoniuss' Clerk snapped to attention.
"Draft a despatch to the Ninth tell them i want them to meet us here, with all their special Seige engines, I intend to build siege towers of our own to carry with us, there will be towns to be assaulted and forts to capture, they need to be portable and ready for action in the quickest possible time".
Simonius Unrolled his copy of Vegetius. "Here are plans that i want the engineers to follow". Chief Engineer Salsus spoke up "Sir, we will need some of the materials from the fort at the village,"
"Cantius i want a detachment sent back with instructions from Salsus to Prefect Gaius Mucius, hand deliver it to him only whle he's alone."
Cantius swiftly saluted before leaving the tent to muster the detachment. He had only gone a few paces when Simonius called him back. "Cantius, I want you to make sure ONLY the prefect see's those orders. Not even his clerk should see them, we cannot trust anyone, I'm relying on you so make sure only he see's them, not that daft clerk what'sisname."
"Andius Sir, a terrible Clerk and bone idle to boot," he said.
"and for all you know a Spy" , replied Simonius, "so keep him in the dark"
Cantius saluted again and left hurriedly before he was stopped again. Simonius watched him leave and then turned back to the rest. "Right," he said, "now we need to figure out how and where to hide the force when it's assembled."
"I want to catch this horde unsuspecting, so we need to be near this point on the map"
Everyone leant forward to see where he was pointing on the map.
"Sir that's in Ruterii territory. Is that the sort of Terrain your looking for - mountains, rocks and deep valleys?" Simonius took a long look at the officer in question. Marcus was one Officer he was not too well associated with, he was new to his command and to Simonius, and didn't even look old enough to shave, Simonius was suddenly suspicious, Marcus seemed to know a lot about the terrain, he could be good or.....another spy? Could he trust any of the men around the table? Simonius suddenly felt very alone. He forcfully reminded himself that Parmenion and Cantius could always be relied upon. They had been with him for 15 years and had gained his complete trust. He had never been one for conpiracies but he couldn't rule it out. He hated Politics, he was a man of the legions. "Marcus, I want you to go check the men on watch duty. Make sure that They dont have time to wonder what's going on. Then report to The quartermaster i need someone to inform him of our plans." Marcus Saluted and left, but with a suspicious frown etched on his face. He was not a happy man. Neither was Simonius, who still didn't Have a plan.
"Right men back to the map," he said. "We need some where better than young Marcus' idea - too much risk of flank attack along this ridge, What about this place?" Everyone wondered where the point indicated was and why Marcus had been sent away. Was There any need for him to be kept out of the picture? "Sir, I have a question." Said Quintus, " Sorry Sir but is there a reason for all gathering there?"
"Is something happening that we should know about, before we all go wandering into hostile territory without any idea of what lies ahead?" Simonius looked at the veteran, who was not going to be easily browbeaten, "We're facing a horde led by Scarrovix, who is now chieftain of the combined Nothern Gauls, The war leader who needs a victory Unfortunately he has Roman Help in his ambitions - traitors are involved and The Emperors son is at the centre of it all. Perhaps he got tired of waiting for his father to die who can tell, BUT he may be an innocent dupe!"
“What ever the story is we must be watchful for a traitor dont trust anything sensitive to anyone and be aware that an attack can come from anywhere, even here."
The officers began to look unhappy. they were not used to dealing with this kind of uncertainty, and they knew they were also under pressure from Simonius to do well. "Sir" Parmenion spoke loudly to break the worried air of the meeting, "you can count on us sir, i trust that you understand that. We will never let you down, these men are professionals, all loyal Romans."
Parmenions matter of fact tone helped to calm things down, the officers relaxed and inwardly Simonius breathed a sigh of relief. They were going to get through this, and suspicion wouldn't hamper their belief in each other.
"Right here, this is where we are heading." Simonius continued, pointing at a point about 100 miles north of the Spanish border. "Why there, Sir?" replied Lucius Gracus Centurion of the second century, first cohort. "Because they have to go through this pass in order to get to the rich farmland they will need to support if they wish to survive the journey to Rome that horde will take days to organise, giving us time to fortify the pass and surprise Them, if we can hold until Winter they will either starve or be forced to turn back". The men around the table began mentally picturing the massed Gaulish tribes that were coming, where they would deploy,
how much cavalry they'll have, and how they might provision so many Simonius began to issue orders.
"Parmenion, I want your Special group together to gather more intelligence on the horde so prepare to leave in the hour".
"yes sir." saluted Parmenion, "Right the rest of you, i want the entire camp ready to leave within the week, in the meantime I want every legionary drilled until they move as a perfect unit. I want all-" Simonius was cut short by the sudden arrival of a messenger, "I ordered no interruptions!" he roared.
"Sir this is direct from Rome," replied the messenger, "and I was ordered to bring it to you directly and immediately, for your eyes only sir, direct from the emperor."
Simonius scowled around the tent. "Well," he said, "the rest of you out, NOW!"
Simonius took the scroll and checked the seal. The Emperor's! seal, stood proud on the scroll. but was it genuine? " Simonus told the courier.
Simonius rummaged through his despatch box for his orders, orders he had got direct from the hand of the Emperor. The seals matched, he waved away the messenger and began to read.
"Simonius my friend, by now you have discovered that my son is involved with an uprising in Gaul and seeks to overthrow me. You are about the only person I can trust to deal with him, I am recalling 3 legions from Spain and putting them under your direct command, Please try and recover control of the provinces that are doubtful in loyalty without decimation, but you have the authority to do whatever is necessary - including my son.”
Simonius was shocked, this was a complete turnaround from his original instructions! and a major step-up in his career to command all four Legions – he could not help but smile at this promotion. And the extra pay!
It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.”
Charles Darwin
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Graeme Canty
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CHAPTER 13
Parmenion had his men reprovisioned and ready to march, so reported to Simonius for his marching orders, he knew this was going to be a a tough assignment thats why he had to be extra sure of His orders, His men were the finest soldiers in the legion, but they still needed a firm leader with solid backing from the top. He
Approached the tent, and from the corner of his eye saw a skulking figure coming out of the rear of the compound. Had someone been spying? Parmenion immediately recognised the significance of this, he watched the figure move from the compound over to the horse lines and decided to follow them. The figure approached the horses and surreptitiously began to saddle one. Parmenion knew he had to move he wanted this man followed, not stopped, so he quickly alerted Stentorius an old friend and optio of the 6th Century whom he trusted with his life.
"Follow him, but keep out of sight. I want to know where he's heading to and who he meets. Take care!" Stentorius was the best tracker Parmenion knew, able to follow a trail days old and even over rocky ground where no-one else could see a damn thing.
The next thing was to get his own group moving. He sent a runner to advise Simonius that he was ready to depart and about the intruder, the two things seeming connected because the intruder although dressed as a roman had local sandals instead of Roman boots. Who ever it was had dressed hastily and forgotten their proper footwear – or they had possibly killed someone to get the uniform but forgot the footwear. An amatuerish mistake, which could be just the break they needed. So they needed to find a missing soldier or one minus his clothes. But that Paremnion would leave to the others, he was off he joined his men who were standing in column waiting for him. He ordered them to mount up, he took his place at the head and signaled his men to move out. Heading along the rocky valley, they moved slowly with the hoofs of their horses echoing from the rocks. They were set on their target each man a veteran, trained by Parmenion to his own exacting standards. looking down the line of men his eye fell on a gap. "Where is Joneus, Troop Halt"
Parmenion cantered down the line to Joneus' tent-mates.
"where the hell is Joneus? ..... well answer me you dozy bunch, someone must know where that useless fool is? "
Everyone looked round but no-one replied. normally Parmenion would expect some excuse from someone covering up for his lack of duty and of care.
"Do you want permanent latrine duty? Find him now"
"Sorry sir he wasn't in the tent when we got there and no one has seen him since last night".
Parmenion began to think of turning back, his mission could be in danger if the enemy got their hands on Joneus and interrogated him for the mission that he and the men were about to perform. He turned in his saddle and called Cantius.
“Cantius, Pitch camp here, im taking a small party back to search for joneus, keep scouts roaming ahead and a standing picket line each and every man needs to be wide awake and alert for trouble."
Parmenion did not hang around he galloped his horse and left the camp. His mind went back to the spy he had seen, was that man an agent for the emperors son, or was the emperor himself using spies in Simonius' legion? Parmenion hated political intrigue as much as he hated sloppy soldiers, and putting all conspiaies aside he kicked his mount and spurred him faster. This was something he could let
Simonius worry about. His job was to make sure that Simonius knew! there was treachery and possibly murder to be reported, and he must find joneus, the boy was one of his Century and must not be abandoned to an unknown fate. Thundering back into the Legion's camp, Parmenion dismounted in front of the lads tent, he ducked inside to see if there was any clue to the disappearence, but found nothing as he was about to leave he heard whispers coming from the next tent, he paused to listen. One of the voices sounded like....damn the name would not come but he knew who it was. What were they saying? He listened closely.
"What we need to do, mates, is leave the body somewhere where it will be found, without anyone knowing we found it first." That was enough for Parmenion, he burst into the tent and roared "Attention! The group of 3 men were so startled that two fell over and the third, froze with a sick expression on his face and stuttered "Ssssir, yyyesss sir, were not doing anything Sir!"
"Nothing?" sneered Parmenion. "Do you expect me to believe that, after what I heard you talking about?"
The men looked at each other with fear and shame clearly written on their faces. Then one stepped forward. "Sir, we were with joneus last last night by the fire, but we started some stupid dares and his was to sneak into the legates tent and bring back some good wine for us to share.
"so where the hell is he now"?
"Behind the legates tent sir, hidden under a waggon. We found him there this morning. We thought he was just asleep at first but when we tried to wake him saw that he'd been strangled and stripped. Parmenion knew at once that this was where the stolen uniform had come from, he ordered the men to prepare Joneus for burial and then to stay put, he then went to find Simonius, who was finalising plans to deal with the extra forces coming under his command. Simonius looked shocked to see Parmenion "Why are you back?" he asked.
"Sir we had a man missing. I returned to search, but his tent mates have told me he is dead under a wagon behind your tent murdered by whoever was sneeking around wearing his uniform. A tracker is on the trail of this man and I returned to report murder to you."
Simonius's face clouded with frustration, "who are these people, that slip among us killing my men?”
Parmenion could do nothing but shrug his shoulders. Simonius looked his straight in the eye and asked "Do you think someone in the legion may be responsible, directing these spies?"
"Sir this is not my area of expertise but I fear so", said Parmenion.
"It seems i may need my own spies among my men. Is no one trustworthy?" Parmenion did not answer.
"You, my dear Parmenion, think just like me." said Simonius. "We don't want to have to resort to the ways of traitors and murderers, but how are we to maintain order and discipline if we are being infiltrated by spies and killers? We must track down these men and try and turn them to our advantage. Failing that, we'll extract some names from them and then crucify them as an example."
Parmenion gulped. "Do you have any one under suspicion sir? and who will interrogate them?"
"My spymaster Prignicius," replied Simonius, i can think of no-one better at getting suspects to talk!"
"Sir, i must return to my men, is there any change in our orders?"
"No, No get back to your men, if anything of consequence occurs, I will send a coded message to you, if you need more backup send me message but include a white pebble to prove that it's from you."
"Sir"
Parmenion sprinted back to his horse and trotted it out of camp Parmenion drove his horse, he felt the urge to get back to his men and away from politics. Soldiering was a much simpler life.
Around midnight he heard a sentry call "Halt - who goes there?" followed by by the sound of approaching horses. He ran from his tent and headed towards the sound. When he arrived at the sentry point, Parmenion saw 4 men on horseback approach with a white flag. They stopped short of the torchlight and remained still with their empty hands raised.
"We are Romans, we need to speak to a senior officer quickly."
The four men were led to the tent where the senior officers had met with Parmenion to bring him up to date with events that had occured in his absense.
"Sir," began the leader. "my name Is Dex, we have recently escaped from the hands of a band of rebels - including the Emperor's son!"
Parmenion looked at the man with a degree of distrust, Dex was too smooth and too composed to have been on the run, and none of them had the look of hard travel ahead of pursuers.
"you say you are romans, why were you in this country? Where is your caravan if you are traders? or are you something else?"
Dex looked at Parmenion warily, he had assumed this would have been obvious by the way they had greeted the camp, they were deserters!
"Sir," Dex continued, "we are all members of Antonius royal guard, we couldn't avoid coming to Gaul with him but we broke away as soon as we could find an excuse, and came looking for the nearest legion. We heard from the locals that you had been camped nearby, so here we came looking for you. It was Legate Simonius, it was his recomendation that got us into the bodyguard and depite our loyalty to Antonius, Rome must be saved from rebellion!"
Parmenion thought that while the sentiment was compelling, he was suspicious of them, he ordered the four men searched, and then deatailed to light duties where they would be watched closely by the legions new spy network, he turned to Grassus
"detail five men to escort them back to simonius and watch them closely,'
Grassus turned and glared at the men, he clearly didn’t trust them, or appreciate there intrusion after grassus had led them away Parmenion decided to send a courier to to Simonius to give him advance warning of the suspicious new arrivals and whether he had new instructions now.
He was sure prgnicius would find the truth. , though the "bodyguards" might not enjoy what was to become of them at Prignicius' hands. He would include his suspicions regarding the men in his report, but he knew that appearances could be deceptive, so he did not want to condem the men outright. They should be allowed to speak for themselves and try to convince the legate of their alleigence. Meanwhile, he could continue his mission. As dawn cast its orange glow his men mounted up and headed north, they had lost several days so needed to make haste now. They pushed their horses as hard as they dared but had to slow every hour to get off and walk the horses, and stretch their own legs.
After a torturous journey lasting 18 hours they reached their destination, the land was as described on the map, a wide open valley, bordered by rolling hills and with a deep river The sharpest rise faced out onto the land of the Gauls, where their intelligence suggested the Enmperor's Son would try and lead his men, the river anchored a battle line on the left and the hills allowed them to hide until the enemy was trapped. Parmenion chose a wooded area high on the western flank of the hills where they would be hidden Parmenion detailed 20 men to act as scouts to warn him of any signs of the approaching rebels and then he could act accordingly. He had Orders to expect 400 engineers, to build pitfalls and other traps to slow the advancing army, and erect fortifications along the hillsides for the Legions' use. they would be outnumbered by the horde, but Romans were used to winning despite having fewer numbers. Parmenion called for his remaining men to mount up, they would check out the valley floor before setting out to spy on the advancing Horde.
CHAPTER 14
At this very moment, a shout was heard in the village. Stomachus
could see Jehanus's men marching in perfect line, shields on arms and javelins ready. The past month or driling and exercise had turned them from warriors to soldiers! The question now was where their new-learnt prowess to be used? and were they as loyal as they claimed? Jehanus wanted to convince the romans that they were a part of the Roman war machine and no longer his men, and were going to fight beside the Romans. what he needed was something to prove their loyalty. Could they help to defend the empire where they were or should they march out to help in defence against the impending attack. Jehanus found the decision difficult. he knew what was at stake they would be viewed as traitors by most other Gauls. But he knew that the future of his people depended upon Roman strength - they were commited to this course for better or worse. Stomachus must be persuaded to join them, the village needs his authority as priest and his support of the newly formed century - in fact his encouragement to spread the pro-Roman message was essential if they were to flourish. He was proud of his village, and its destruction hurt deeply. But it would rise from the ashes much stronger for the ties with Rome and the trade they can provide will make the village pre-eminent in the region. Jehanus might even gain Roman Citizenship, his ambitions knew no bounds and he dreamt of building his own corner of the world into a major city.
"Stomachus", The doctor waved and started to walk toward Jehanus, saying "What are your plans now "oh mighty leader"?
"Stomachus, enough of the sarcasm. I am working for the good of the whole village, that includes you and I need your help for everyone."
"and what do you think will happen when the Romans no longer need our help, when the legions are gone?"
"The Romans will not leave, they are the future, they are here to stay, and we must secure our future. "Really!"....."but is that the villages future or your own?"
Before he could answer Stomachas turned his back and walked away leaving Jehanus, deeply concerned for the loyalty of his friend. He was deep into the woods surrounding the village before Jehanus came out of his thoughts, am i wrong to want the best for myself? If I go against Rome, then they will wipe out the village, but I'll make many enemies if I actively promote Roman interests. What should i do! The problem was starting to affect Jehanus not just mentally, but physically too - he began to tremble and had a pain in his left arm.
It had happened before but not as bad as now. He was getting worried about what he would do if it got worse. Suddenly he could feel himself blacking out. He woke up somewhere strange and aching all over. He could hear Stomachus muttering - something about his heart?
"I realise that," a voice said Jehanus tried to sit up, only to find that he couldn't move at all. he opened his eyes, and had to blink hard to focus. Everything swam, slowly the blurred lines began to coalesce and he saw Stomachus peering down at him. "How are you feeling? " asked his friend.
"I can't move!"
"well, we'd better see to that" said Stomachus, loosening the blanket that held him tight.
"I was afraid you would fall off, you were so restless" said Stomachus, with genuine concern in his voice.
"How long have you been cursed with this?"
"Cursed?" Jehanus asked, "Didnt anyone ever tell you collapsing like that was a sign of the gods anger? you need to make your peace with the Gods of Gaul!"
Now that jehanus was awake, stomachus made him a brew to relieve the tiredness he was feeling, they needed him awake and active.
"This will perk you back up, i will give you a few minutes to drink that. Then we must talk. Your plans must be changed my friend, your idea is good but we must not lose our ways, or our gods will abandon us."
"Old friend, you must see the world is changing the romans accept our gods, they will have to change. Other wise we will find the Gods of Rome are more acceptable to our people. than our own Gods - who are essentially the same deities, just with different names. If you explain this to our people, they will believe you, this is the best thing for them. They need to understand that.
Stomacchus did not respond and continued to busy himself preparing the herbs for another potion. Jehanus stayed quiet to give him time to think, it had been a struggle to start him! now he had to trust to his old friend's good sense to realise that he was right. If he he pushed him now, he would just become stubborn - so it was best to let Stomacchus mull the idea over.
In the fort, the western wall sentry was having a very boring day.
when he spied riders in the distance "Centurion of the watch, riders approaching!"
"They look to be Roman", the men near him said.
But the Centurion was wise enough to know that looks can be deceiving.
As the men came nearer, he noticed that some carried wounds, and they were definatly Roman. "Send for the medics, we've got wounded men coming in, GET THAT GATE OPEN" the Centurion screamed. Soldiers ran to obey his orders.
The ragtag group pounded into the fort, their leader dismounted quickly and shouted for the guard commander.
"Here I am", said Bacus.
Bacus recognised Cantius at once and headed straight for him, saluting "Sir, we were ambushed just 5 miles away," said Cantius, "and they followed us, prepare for an attack, there are many of them and they are well-armed." Bacus turned called for the alarm to be sounded and the walls manned. Only when this was done did he send a runner to alert the village.
"Cantius, best you come and report to Gaius Mucius. He will need
you to tell him what the hell is going on out there and why your here.”
"Sir, my men need me here, to lead them i need to check the injured are looked after and - "
"What is going on"?
"your men will be taken care of!" exploded Gaius Mucius, who had
rushed out at the sound of the alarm and arrived behind them unnoticed. "Why has the alarm been sounded, and who ordered the men to stand to?"
"My orders, Sir, an attack is coming, Optio Cantius and his men were attacked by rebels who followed them along the road. "Bacus see to the men, Cantius, why are you here anyway?"
"Sir, I have messages from Legate Simonius, for your eyes only"
"Give them to my clerk."
"No, sir. I have strict orders that only you may see them under any circumstances."
"can they wait until after we deal with these rebels?"
"Sir, it's essential you read these now, the empire is in danger and these attackers are trying to destroy the information contained in this parchment." it to Gaius, who read it his face blanched at the words he read.
"Is this accurate?!" he demanded "Sir, legate simonius handed this to me personally"
Suddenly "Here they come!" was heard from the northern wall. the two men span round and flinched to see the day turned to night as arrows soared from beyond the rampart. Howls of rage and anger followed their flight as they rattled around the unprepared defenderes below. Those remaining raised their shields and cowered.
"You useless cowards!" bellowed Bacus," get up man the walls" The shamefaced legionaries scrambled to obey, On reaching the wall they looked over and saw a sea of enemies peering up at them from, holding ladders, swords and shields.
"My gods” said Gaius. "We're under siege, and nobody knows were are even expecting an attack."
"I sent runners to the village", said Gaius
"So where are the Gauls?" asked Bacus.
"Look over there" the men looked towards the village from which great plums of smoke came, and out of the smoke marched Jehanus at the head of his men, they marched in perfect order toward the rebels, who cheered as as they saw jehanus, those cheers ended as the Gallic Legion suddenly loosed javelins scything down the right flank of the rebels, then drew swords and and advanced on the remaining attackers. Thrusting points soon saw the rebels retreating, Bacus marched 3 cohorts from a side gate and attacked the left flank, catching the attackers in a pincer with the Gallic Legion. The rebels were now fighting on both sides and suffering heavy losses. the rear ranks sensed that the battle had been lost and began to flee. and very quickly the battled turned into a rout, with the rebels cut down as they ran.
Jehanus called a halt and saluted Bacus.
"They attacked the wrong village this time sir, My turned to attack the main force, and we took some important prisoners who really need to be questioned."
"Excellent!" replied Bacus. "Come with me"
Bacus spied Cantius talking with Gaius Mucius and marched toward them. "Sir" Here is the man of the moment, whose Gallic Legion saved us, Gaius Saluted Jehanus, who blushed scarlet and said "we were preparing for a full kit battle drill so they had a nasty surprise
waiting for them when they charged into the village expecting no resistance. We met them with blood and iron. Most are dead, but we took the ones who appeared to be the leaders and they are held securely for interrogation."
"You will be well rewarded for this, Jehanus, you and your men too!" jehanus Snapped to attention and saluted the Prefect while his men roared their approval.
"Cantius, time we had a chat about the status of the Gauls' Legion,"
"and also what the hell Simonius has stirred up - but we'll go to my office for that i think".
"Bacus burn the bodies, and post sentries to keep my offices clear, i dont want anyone eavesdropping while we discuss secrets."
"Yes, Sir" Bacus turned and started bellowing orders. "First squad, clear everyone out of that building, 2nd and 3rd start cutting wood to burn rebel corpses. 4th start to build a pile of the corpses, strip them first, anything that tells us who they are or where they came from, bring to me. And any valuables go to the legate, all weapons can be piled over here for reuse.
Gaius led the way back to his office and shut the door behind Cantius. Ok, start from the begining and assume I know absolutely nothing."
Mucius said. "Sir, we have captured evidence that proves once and for all who is behind the plot against the emperor"
...Cantius paused and looked out the window at the growing pile of corpses and gasped! One of them was someone he knew!
"Sir see that man there being carried ?"
"You, soldier, stop", Cantius shouted "hold his head up".
"That sir is Dervil, one of Dagda's young bulls."
" the ones that caused all the trouble around here to start with."
We also have evidence that he was involved in the attack on Centurion Parmenions men, who were doing their duty in during the
last month, scouting out the enemy and warning of possible ambushes. Unfortunately they were ambushed themselves by a group including that man, identified by his sword, he belongs to a group that escaped from this village when we we were here some months back, they all had that type of sword."
A legionary marched smartly up to them both an saluted, “Sir that man has been segregated by your clerk. he was still breathing but your clerk says that he died under interrogation.
"what the hell is he doing not bringing me the interrogation papers?"
"Sir, we can't find the body!" replied the legionary.
Cantius glared at the legionary "Where is the clerk?" he demanded. "I dont know Sir, he has not been seen since he was taking the prisoner for interrogation."
"Sir, something isn't right about this" said Cantius "We must search his quarters and find him now", "Sir", Cantius turned to Gaius and looked him in the eye.
“this stinks like a old camp whore Sir", he said, "Your clerk has behaved very suspiciously, given whats happening elsewhere, what with the bodies being piled high and now one vanishing with him.
"Take a squad and start a sweep", ordered Gaius, "and send another squad to search my clerks quarters, lets get an idea of what he was up to, if he is in league with the rebels there may be some valuable information in his quarters. Make sure you check everywhere, there are all kinds of hidey-holes that can be created without too much trouble". Cantius saluted and set off to round up some men for the search.
He despatched a squad to search the fort and took another to investigate the clerk's quarters. Gaius watched him march off looking on with appreciation, this Cantius was a very efficent man who would go far in the legion. Gaius set out to inspect Jehanus' men, who had fought hard and had lost friends. They deserved praise and encouragment!
Cantius's men had search the entire fort without success, but two horses were missing, it was time to take apart his office and sleeping quarters to see what could be found. The information found was not very interesting, until suddenly Septimus, an established cryptographer, noticed that some of the letters on a scroll were to uniform, its appeared to be written by two different people.
"Sir, the outlying sentry cavalry caught 2 riders trying to avoid attention!" exclaimed a very dishevelled looking legionary, who had obviously run a long way at top speed. There was some commotion as the Men were led into the now cramped office.
"Ahah! My missing clerk!" said Gaius. the clerk entered the room, head swivelling frantically as he looked for escape. Quickly coming to the conclusion that he had no way out, the clerk sagged into the arms of the men holding him; the rebel, meanwhile, was kicking and weakly at his guards, blood was already forming a pool on the floor "Someone get him a medic before he dies" Gaius shouted. "He'll be no good to us dead"
"Sit him there" Gaius ordered, "but keep holding him tight."
"Lurcio, look at me"! the clerk looked up disorientated, then at the physician "Please save my husband Sir".
It took a second for a woman's voice to register "Your...Your a woman" stammered Gaius.
"He talked me into masquerading as your clerk Sir, I love him, please don't let him die!" She sobbed.
"Your husband will be cared for, IF you help us. Tell us all you know about these scrolls and what your husband was doing attacking us." Gaius kept his voice calm for now, hoping that "Lurcio" - whatever her real name was - would respond to gentle probing rather than harsh questioning and loud shouts. The medic looked up and shook his head, the husband wasn't going to make it. Gaius needed to get what information he could from lurcio, Before he died and she broke down in tears.
"I think we should start with your real name," said Gaius, "what is it?" The woman looked round at her captors and shrugged. "I am Nisia, daughter of Trigaranus of the Allobroges.
Cantius indicated to Gaius that he had a question to ask. "Why not let me handle this Sir, there is perhaps an angle to this I would be better able to exploit because I know the Allobroge chief." The woman in the chair struggled.
“Nisia, Do you remember me? your father and I are good friends and have fought side by side in the past. He would be horrified to hear that you have been working with our enemies."
"Your enemies?" she said, she suddenly coughed violently and started to spasm.
"She's taken something! Quick, stick your fingers down her throat, and see if you can get her to sick it up."
Cantius was a little apprehensive, but did as he was told. Nisia vomited all over Cantius's feet, making him stagger back in suprise. The doctor ran in at that moment. "What on earth is going on"? The doctor looked around at the assembled men and then down at the puke covered woman,
"Didn't you know Lurcio is epileptic?"
The Clerk was as stiff as a plank, but still breathing. "Stand back all of you!...Bloody fools"
Gaius and Cantius shuffled backward and made room for the doctor, both seeming not to have known about epilepsy, or what to do for
a sufferer.
"Will she be ok? When will she be fully recovered?" asked Gaius, we must interogate her immediately "She'll be ok in a day or two," replied the doctor. "meanwhile, "a day or two"? cut in Cantius.
"Sir , we need information before another attack! We cannot wait".
Gaius turned to the doctor. who said "She? This is Lurcio!" "I will explain that later, but for the moment just do what you can to wake her up, we need to get as much information from her as quickly as possible"!
"It may be some time before she is coherant but i can give her some herbs to help" said the the doctor, but i cannot vouch for the results. She may die if i give her the wrong dose." "So be very careful", said Gaius.
The doctor delved in his bag, muttering, and fished out some dried
roots and herbs which he mashed in a bowl. "Now I need water",
she must swallow all of this".
he said. Cantius produced a flask for the doctor to pour the pulped mixture juices into, and gave it a shake to make sure it had all of the juices were it should be, thoroughly mixed with the water. "Now, someone hold up her head and pinch her nose and carefully pour the mixture down her throat,” she gagged as the concoction made it's way down, Cantius had to force her jaw closed to ensure that she swallowed the whole concoction.
"She should come round in about 20 minutes," the doctor said "but i cannot say for how long"
"fair enough" said Gaius Mucius. "You have done your best, lets hope she can be of use to us."
"look sir she's comming around It looks like we'll be able to get some answers soon".
CHAPTER 15
"Sir" said a scout, with a sharp salute.
“We have sight of the advance scouts . Looks like they're in a hurry!"
"Right, i want an ambush set up . Take them quickly and quietly. No noise no fuss, I want this army blind". As the scouts pounded past, the Legionaires sprang into action. On Ankron's signal they sprang the trap, A trip wire between two trees upended the enemy horsemen. The cavalry scouts were quickly dispatched and their bodies and horses hidden.
"ok now that the forward scouts are dealt with, we need to work our way around the army, being as cautious as possible, and start to attack their supply train". He took his men quietly around the armys left flank, using the deep woods to stop their advance from being discovered. Along the way, Ankron positioned watchers to keep an eye on the line of he enemy march, he did not want to be surprised that was their job.
The men slipped through the trees like ghosts, soon reaching the head of the supply wagons.
"Ankron," whispered Parmenion, "take half the the men and slip accross the trail, we'll pincer them between us."
“The guards will NOT be expecting an attack, so when I signal , I want to see you and your men block the retreat while my troops surprise them. Kill quickly and move fast. Any sign of organised resistance , fall back immediately. They're too many for us to fight head on but we can whittle them down and slow this armys march".
The Optio quickly saluted before turning to beckon his men to follow him.
Parmenion had confidence that Ankron would make sure his men aimed pila true with deadly consequences.
As the wagons passed, Parmenion bided his time He wanted as much of the supplies destroyed in their trap as possible. As the enemy passed Parmenion could see the end of their line entering his trap, with a quick check that all were prepared he signalled the attack, his men swept out with a cheer and took the nearest guards by surprise, they wiped those out and worked their way rapidly down the line of the guard's patrol perimeter. This was all far too easy, Ankrons men were hacking their way toward Parmenion, and Both men could sense that the fight was too easy. Where were the rear guard?
"Check those carts, Whats in them?" ordered Parmenion.
"Sir, they full of logs and bracken".
They suddenly heard the sound of cornicens "Its a trap" bellowed Parmenion, "Mount up and follow me!" He spurred his horse towards the woods, his men hastening to follow. They had slaughtered ordinary villagers dressed as warriors, and now the real warriors were close behind fortunatly they had a lead and the woods gave good concealment. They could ambush their pursuers instead and turn the tables once more. As soon as all his men had caught up, Parmenion directed the men towards their fall back position to reform into their formations, ready to swoop on their pursuers. Ankhron's men took the left side of the track and Parmenion's the right, but further ahead. were parmenions reserve who blocked the track by quickly felling a tree. The pursuers pulled up in front of this and the Romans promptly launched pila into the on coming attackers, whose front ranks were scythed down by droves.
Drawing swords, the Romans charged charged in from the flanks and swept up the rebel column from behind. The battle wore on for another half hour but the rebels were destroyed to a man.
"Right men lets find anyone still capable of talking," said Parmenion.
"I want to know where the supply wagons dropped their cargo, and where their reserve force is, we will burn out that wasps' nest and finish the job we were sent to do. "
A few bodies were still breathing, which were roughly pulled to their feet and frogmarched over to Parmenion. Parmenion looked at them with a critical eye, these were not real Legionaries so no wonder they had been butchered like the real dogs they were. Untrained levies from some local tribe? dressed up to look like profesionals.
"where did you all come from?" he asked in a vicious voice, looking down on a young boy who couldn't have been more than fifteen. He wasn't even old enough to shave.
"sssir we came - "
A burly ruffian lunged forward knocking the young lad over onto his face and shouting "We will not answer your questions Roman" he spat looked him up and down, saying "we will no longer follow your lead, traitor!" and turned back to the men behind him, As he turned the ruffian lurched forward to grab him, Parmenion caught the movement and whirled, drawing his sword and thrusting im one fluid motion, the action was born of instinct with lethal results. Blood cascaded down the pommel of the sword as it slid smoothly into the man's stomach, who hit the Hilt with a sickening smack, the shock made the youth start babbling quickly:
"The supplies are hidden in a cave a few miles north of here. We had no choice," he cried. "They came and rounded us up and made us put on these uniforms or they would kill our families."
"They set him" Pointing at the dead man he sobbed, "in charge and he killed our village elder as an example of what would happen to the rest of us if we didnt do as he ordered."
"I've heard enough" Parmenion said. "You, boy, will lead us to this cave, and if your information is correct I might believe the rest of the information your going to give us about those people."
"As for the rest", Parmenion turned to Ankhron "keep them under close guard and if any of them try anything, kill those but keep the younger ones, sell better in the slave market if we keep them alive after all."
Akhron grabbed the boy and called the rest of his man forward - they were still chuckling at Parmenion's joke much to the annoyance of Akhron.
"Right one of you truss this chicken to a horse and let's move!"
Parmenion turned to his remaining men, saying "Right, you men, we are going to split up, half shadow the rest of that army to protect us from any surprise attack while we backtrack their trail to where they have left their supplies. ,You five, take these slaves back to our last camp and guard them. The rest of you mount up". "They won't be expecting us so we can expect to surprise them, which, if all goes correctly, should give us a chance to escape, if
they are too many for us - or they raise the rear-guard alarm and try to swarm us under."
Once the men had formed up, Parmenion led them out at a canter back to the ambush site where swung west to avoid standing out on the plain to their quarry.
"Sir?" asked one of the legionaries, Parmenion nodded permission to speak,
"Why are we heading to the ambush site, when we killed everyone there? Only those that took part in the fight…" ,
Parmenion held up his hand to silence the questioner. "We still have to get further west to attack from a point where they will not expect, and also flank Ankrons attack from the north. Is that a satisfactory answer? I hope it is, for I would hate for you to not to get the answer you wanted!" The rest of the men laughed and the young soldiers discomfort.
"Enough! " the young man stamered, "Stop it! which just send the others into hysterics. That was a good sign for morale, The men had fought and travelled hard, but now they had a chance of victory they could laugh and joke.
"Okay men, lets put some distance behind us. At the trot!" ordered Parmenion. The men urged their horses into a trot and they soon left the others well behind. Arriving at the edge of the woods near the caves they began looking for the trail and soon found signed of baggage carts which they found to have been badly disguised. "These guys appear very sloppy," said Parmenion, "I suspect another trap."
“I want 2 men with the horses, the first squad ready to react, and
the rest with me, spread out along the tree line, and wait for the rebels to appear. They may already know our whereabouts, so move quietly, we can still turn this in our favour."
The men did as they were ordered, and crept through the underbrush along the paths edge.
It wasn't long before movement was seen in the distance.
"Stay low and keep quiet"
The men laying the trap had become bored and talkative, but Parmenion's order made them hold their tongues. There was
total silence as they waited for whoever it was, to approach. They didnt have to wait long, 4 men came by, followed by a larger body of slaves, all shackled together and a few more guards behind them. As soon as the rear guards were level with them, Parmenion whistled the signal and a hail of javelins swept through the air, striking down many of the guards, the last 2 were finished off
quickly and the battle was over. The slaves were terrified, but Parmenion reassured them that they were safe. Quietly parmenion ordered his men to release them and do a quick audit, "you two, keep a watch on the rebels. If any show signs of life, let me know".
Then he turned to the former prisoners who all looked up at him with terrified expressions.
"It's OK men, my men will make sure that you are fed and, and then those of you able to can help us with any useful intelligence will be well compensated, those who want to fight with us ...."
He waved to Grassus, who looked up the road and indicated that all was clear.
"Right let's move."
Dark clouds rolled across the sky , it was like the gods had decided to play their rather ironic games of fate on men. If Ankrons men didnt attack soon a flash flood might wash the rebels away with any luck, or hamper the Roman advance.
The weather held just long enough for Parmenion to hear Ankhron in the distance ordering his men to attack.
"Ok men thats the signal, wait for my call," he ordered. Waiting for the enemy to be fully engaged with Ankhron's men, he ordered "Now!" and with a roar of aggression, they rushed upon the rebels and smote them. The sudden attack from the rear sent the rebels into sudden disarray, which left them unsure which way to turn, they were cut down in short order by the highly disciplined Roman soldiers.The fight was over in minuets.
"Ankhron check that the rebels have their weapons taken off them if any are still alive."
"Yes sir," saluted Ankhron. "And what about these slaves with you"?
Parmenion turned to look at the sorry-looking sight of the bedraggled slaves awaiting his decision. they had attcked alongside his men, fearless - and furious at their captivity. Now they milled around uncertain of their fate.
"Free them,", Parmenion ordered. "They have earned it". Let them help themselves to the supplies, and if any want to join us, allow them to take an oath with the task we have, any help will be welcome - and these men have certainly proved they have courage. With the right training, they could be a useful addition to our offensive against the remaining rebels.
They "Ankron, Pack as much on the horses as possible, I don't want the men to have to forage, Burn anything we have to leave behind."
Ankhron saluted and quickly left to carry out his orders. The supplies were soon packed and the men ready to leave. Parmenion allowed the ex-slaves to take their pick as well, given the abuse they had suffered they had earned the right to it! Withing a few minutes they were off, leaving nothing behind but trampled earth for the enemy.
"Right men, time to make ourselves scarce"
CHAPTER 16
Simonius slapped the back of his neck "bloody mosquitos".
He gazed out over a swamp and muttered to himself this was the one weak spot in his defence. There would be tracks across it and he needed to find them and prepare traps and pitfalls for anyone trying to use them. "trooper" he called over to a foul stinking looking individual.
"Cardoc, you might look like a swamp rat, but so far you've been the best at finding these trails, I need them all closed or so well hidden that no-one can attack our flank."
Cradoc saluted and slithered back into the swamp. Parmenion was astounded at how quickly he vanished. No wonder the men were in awe of his skills they bordered on magical. A long shadow fell over Simonius the first of the catapults was finally being dragged into place. They were huge constructions of a new design, built to Greek specfications. No wall or army could withstand the load from the oversized cups that smashed into them. Simonius smiled. He might be outnumbered 50 to 1 but no Roman army was ever truly outnumbered by barbarians.
Parmenion noticed the position of the sun it was beginning to get to the dog watch, one last chance to check the defenses before the light went the enemy horde would be here in 2 days and everything must be ready to halt their advance or they would hold them, the spanish legion were still 4 days away. Or they would die and that was not an option, Rome required that every member of the Legions was to lay down their lives. so the city could survive that might just be what was required. It wasn't long before enemy scouts were spotted, at present they were a few miles away, but Simonius knew that they would start harrasing his scouts, the main horde could easily take on his scouts but should be at least 3 days behind the advance parties so there was no need to worry about strengthening the scouts. They were well up to the task, which they had been specifically chosen for, of disposing of enemy scouts. Simonius turned to the Decurion on the nearest ballista.
"When the next patrol comes in be prepared to bombard any followers might as well give them something to fear.”
The ballista was quickly loaded and made ready, Here they come men, make it count! roared Parmenion. With the scout patrol safely behind through the gates, the ballista let loose, the projectiles tore through the air to impact in exactly the right place to cause the maximum casualties. when the main force arrived it would find the bodies of its scouts and would give the attackers pause before they attacked - which would allow ballista to reload again and to aim a devastating fire that would smash through the enemy ranks to pieces and whittle down their numbers nicely. This was what the ballista was all about, a fearsome weapon. designed to keep attackers at a distance.
Finally, when the scouting parties reported the approach of the main force, the defenders had used their time to construct fortifications in even greater depth. The only thing they now lacked were the Spanish reinforcements. Where in Jupiter's name were they? They were crucial in the plan Simonius, had sent scouts out to hurry them along - but the scouts had so far been unable to find any trace of them. Did they stay and fight and hope the reinforcements turned up in time?
Simonius was worried, in the current political climate the Spanish might have received orders to turn back and leave them to die. He had to have those men, without them the rebellion could not be crushed! If the rebellion wasn't stopped, the empire would surely fail, The Emperors idiot son was being manipulated by unscupulous men, barbarians who wanted to see the downfall of the Empire so they could rape the wealth of nations.
Simonius called for his slave "Pullo" The man came running up to him, bearing Simonius' heavy cloak. It looked to Pullo like simonius had the weight of the world on his shoulders it was not his place as a slave to comment, but a bit of warmth and a familiar voice might help.
"Sir, i know it must be hard for you, i have known you since you were a boy..."
Simonius cocked an eye at Pullo. The sympathies died away, but there remained a warmth between the two Pullo decided to push his luck once more
"Cantius is due back any time soon sir, so you could send him to look for the legions and find out what is going on."
"He and Parmenion are the only ones i can trust".
"And I" Simonius answered.
He pulled Pullo in close, "trust you as well old man"!
"Thank you, master" said Pullo.
"Now, I need you to do something ride out and head off Cantius, i want you both with me - and you don't look Roman I will give you both instructions and funds to find a way to head him off then you both must find those legions." Pullo bowed, "Yes, Dominus", and hurried off to carry out his orders. Simonius watched Pullo run off, while wondering how the old man would cope, he loved the old man and wanted him away from harm when the fighting started. without the spanish legions, this was a lost cause, but Simonius had great faith in Cantius and Pullo to find the legions, But could they convince them to come to his aid? The uncertainty was beginning to worry him. Simonius signalled for his personal slave to bring his breast plate and sword. It was odd being dressed by someone other that pullo but no doubt he'd get used to it. not that he would take this armour off for a while.....if ever. The armour felt cold against his tunic and he supressed a shiver. Wrapping his cloak around himself, he strode out of his tent and surveyed his men. They looked tired after preparing the defences that would improve their chances of living, but now their hopes were fading. The Spanish were not here! Time for one more rousing speech and a last writing of letters home - by those that could write.
Those who could not write would find comrades to write for them, this maybe their last chance to communicate with their loved ones before going into action and maybe dying. Simonius called his officers together to give them a final briefing before they left to what maybe their glorious last stand against overwhelming odds. The men huddled around the table,
"Men, no friends, at a time like this, i want , I need, you all to do your utmost to keep your men's spirits up. If the men are not willing to fight to the death we are doomed, but if they hold on to the end there would be hope for the rest of rome. You men must lead by example" The gathered officers nodded their heads in recognition of their duty. They knew they had a great responsibility and were all ready to die for Rome. They had sworn allegiance to Rome and its citizens, and were fully prepared to die to fulfil their oaths. One of the officers, who was a bit brighter than the average, said "Sir, do you mind if we make the enemy die for Rome?"
"An excellent idea", replied Simonius, "tell the men that no one is to die today"
A grin broke upon their faces.
"Anyone who dies without permission will be severely punished!" With that the tension was broken and the officers laughed. Hearing them, the legionaries out side relaxed, the army grape vine buzzed at the message was passed , Things could not be that dire if their officers were laughing their heads off! As the officers left the tent, a chilling wind whipped across the camp. To some, it would mean a bad omen. To others, just the coming of winter.
Simonius had a hunch that the rebels would arrive the following day but there would be no attack until they had recovered from their long journey, and their baggae train caught up with them. Without its siege engines they stood no chance of breaching the immense defenses his men had built,
"there will be no attack today, stand the men down for a break - but keep sentries posted around the perimeter."
"Yes, sir" said one of the younger officers
Simonius knew his mens lives rested in the hands of Pullo being able to locate the missing spanish legions, with only cantius and his men still also unaccounted for. Pullo would need Cantius to find the legions, it was long shot but worth trying. Meanwhile, where was
the first attack going to take place, and how could he surprise the rebels? Perhaps they come at night, when he would normlly have stood the men down. Or what if there was some way they could circumvent his defences, should he consider a rear defence too?
the options the enemy had were astounding, but he had options too. Hmmm...rear defences, cavalry ambush, what he really needed was to take the fight to the rebels before they expected it. Simonius wandered in thought, desperatly trying to keep despair from showing on his face. Then he had an epiphany.
He rushed back to his tent to consult his maps it took him a while to
locate the spot he had just remembered, ...There, if i could get some men round and into that forest they can attack the rear, where the families and luggage of these rebels will be left unguarded. An attack there would force them to turnback in disarray. Simonius paced his tent racking his brain, Who could he spare for that attack? and who has the experience to lead it? At last he hit upon the the solution.
"GUARD"! "get me 2 messengers immediately, I need them to get 5 days rations, and pad their horses hooves.
Where they are going, they will need to be quiet. The Enemy was bound to be watching for Romans! They are to go to the rear at midnight, If they use the ridge heading north, they should be able circle round the encampment, Parmenions men wait for the coherts in the forests to the rear of the enemy encampment, follow the trail of destruction and link up with them with these new orders: The other messenger had orders to return to the village that had raised a Legion and march them up to meet with Centurion Parmenions men and make a joint attack. Simonius calculated that it would take 2 weeks for both groups of troops to meet and attack the rear of the rebels, so his men had to hold, he was sure they could manage it for a while, but two weeks? That was going take a small miracle. He knew his men were willing but he was going to have to come up
with more ways to delay the enemy.
It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.”
Charles Darwin
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Gladius
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Posted - 17 March 2008 : 7:12:13 PM
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Chapter 17
Pullo heaved a sigh. Where were the legions, he had been searching for days but with no success. He pulled on the reins of his horse to turn it toward another line of hills, they were only a few miles from a village he could see in the distance. He was low on supplies so a side trip there was in order. However, Pullo was very aware that he needed to be careful. If anyone found out who he was he was likely to end up buried in a ditch.
He pulled his cloak over his sword and nudged his horse towards what ever lay ahead in the village. Thank the gods, he knew their language! Their dialect was barely understandable, but he could make it out and was able to ask for what he needed - and to listen to gossip. Who would suspect an old slave of being on a secret mission, the thought made him giggle.
As he rode into the village he noticed some horses near the door of a ramshackle inn. They had a legion brand on their hind quarters, which made Pullo suspicious. "What were legion horses doing here?" he wondered. "Well, easy to find out he guided his weary horse towards the inn, dismounted and stepped inside. Legionaries were lounging by the bar, their decurion holding forth about something in fluent Spanish. It didn’t take a genius to figure out he was a Decurion - the helmet and armour and the natural air of restrained violence were rather a giveaway.
Pullo listened unobtrusively before he revealed himself he wanted to see what he could learn. Were the Spanish legions nearby? or were these men deserters? not a likely prospect, but times were far from normal. Pullo approached the innkeeper, a small man with quick darting eyes.
"Wine please" he said, and turned toward the empty table near the talking Legionaries. Pullo hadn't spoken Spanish since Simonius had been stationed there more than ten years ago, but he remembered enough to follow their conversation. The Decurion's accent was one Pullo recognised but it was what he was saying that made Pullo choke on his wine. He was clearly talking about the location of the legion, they had made no move for a week and were bored.
Pullo seethed at the news, WHY had they been discussing this in front of the whole tavern? The men of the legion should be keeping secrets! But they were helping him, so who was he to complain? He needed to speak to one of them and make friends he had to find out where the legions were and why they were not moving.Ahah! One of them clearly the worse for drink had moved toward the latrine. This was Pullo's chance, most legionaries are wary of strangers, but get one drunk and he doesn't even know you are a stranger. Pullo got out of his seat and followed.
At the latrine he spoke to the stumbling legionary, who had propped himself against a wall. "Hello," he said, at the sound of a voice the man span around, stumbled and nearly fell into the open drain.
"Are you OK?" the man stared dumbly for a second before responding with a hiccup and saying "my head hurts". "That'll be the local grog!" Pullo replied, "it will do that to the best drinker" The legionary stared at him fuzzily. "You speak my language!" he exclaimed. "I have lived all over the empire, including your part of Spain," replied Pullo. "What are your lot doing here?"
"I juzt follows the decurion, I don’t know (burp) what's goin' on" said the rather unsteady young man. "Why don’t I buy you and your friends a drink?" asked Pullo. "I like to talk to the men of the legions especially those from places I know. Where have you had to patrol out from? Not too far I hope?”
"Patrol? We're only camped over the hill! We’re just got allowed a 24 hour pass to come here and see the sights."
"Its amazing the sights you find in the bottom of a good beer!" said Pullo. "Yes, but where are the women?"
“Ah well! You can’t have everything can you?"
"I think they're hiding from us" replied the trooper with a shrug of his shoulders. Pullo thought to himself "I don't blame them!", these were clearly not the cream of the Roman legions, more a bunch of scruffy drunks dressed up to look like the real thing. What were the legions coming too? But maybe these were the ones that have been with the barbarians? Could this be why they sit in camp? Time to buy them drinks and get them talking!
Pullo led the Legionary back to the bar placing a steadying arm across his shoulders and talking rapidly as if he was an old friend from Spain. "Hey who’s your friend" the decurion asked "Who?" said the Legionary, looking bemused. "S'my ol' mate wossisname from Spain," he mumbled. “No, the guy holding you up you pillock" replied the Decurion. "I tol' you, my mate from back in Spain." The decurion who was clearly not as drunk looked at Pullo. "So who are you?" Pullo put on his best country idiot grin before replying "I'm his old mate Pullo, who are you?" Pullo didn’t know if was his tone or his stupid grin that relaxed the Decurion, but it might have been his cry of "Now let's all have another drink!"
Either way, Pullo was in with the group. What he needed to do now was hold his booze longer than they could. Fortunately, he had lived amongst soldiers his whole life he knew a few tricks to keep a level head.
After a few more hours of drinking the troopers were too drunk to ride and had to be tied into their saddles. Pullo saw his chance and volunteered to help the Decurion lead their horses back to their camp. "That's very good of you Pullo, why don’t you come back with us and see how we live?"
"Really? I've never seen the inside of an army camp!" said Pullo with a straight face.
On the ride back Pullo was worried, he had got himself invited to the camp, but he needed more than that. He needed to stay there a while and find out what had happened, and he didn’t know which officers might recognise him.
As they approached the camp, Pullo pulled his cloak tighter and lowered his head. Fortunately, security appeared to be lax, no officers were to be seen but a shout of "Pullo" startled him. "Damn", thought Pullo, He tried to pretend he had not heard, but the shout was repeated. He had to look. What he saw made his face light up, it was a face he hadn't seen in about 10 years, "Lupo, you old devil, what are you doing here?" he called. "I was about to say the same to you, compadre". The two men embraced each other and Pullo whispered "don't let anyone know who I work for, we are just old friends" Lupo winked. The loyalty of the Brotherhood was still in full force! Pullo grinned, ecstatic at his good luck He waved to the Decurion to say he was staying with his mate, the Decurion to be honest, was more interested in getting his men sobered up than looking after a stray hispanic The two friends made their way to Lupo's private tent. A Centurion's helmet caught Pullo's eye "Centurion? Congratulations, when did that happen?" Lupo picked up his vine stick About 3 years ago, it was about time they recognised my leadership qualities. Lupo smirked. "Ah but you usually led everyone to the bar my friend"
"If only it was that simple" The Smile dropped from Lupos’ face, "Things are very strange here Pullo, there are some new officers who arrived and some of our previous ones just disappeared without even saying goodbye to me as a close friend."
"Sit down Lupo, we have a lot to discuss" replied Pullo with a weary look on his face. Pullo sat down as Lupo poured.
About an hour later, Pullo had laid out all he knew regarding the plot by the Emperor’s son and the current position of the barbarian army. Lupo stared silently at the flickering flame of his table lamp, then blurted out. "I can't understand how we have got to this point, Romans plotting against Romans....IN THE BLOODY LEGION!!"
"Tell me what's been going on here" Pullo replied, placing a hand on his friends shoulder. Lupo sat down wearily. "I don't know where to begin? About 4 weeks ago, during the dog watch, a group of about 30 officers turned up with a VIP, his identity was kept hidden from us. The next thing we knew, all plans were changed. We were ordered to stand down, there has been little or no training and the men are reverting to drinking themselves stupid. There's nothing else to do in this hell hole. A bunch of the officers went missing the day after the new boys arrived, and the next we knew they were replaced with these new officers! The core of the Centurions and optios are the same but all the higher ranks are non-legionnaires. I'm sure of that. They don’t have a clue about the way a legion runs, and this VIP behind it all seems to be keeping himself hidden".
Pullo paused for thought, he now had a plan but he needed Lupos help. "Lupo," he began, "I think that there is something we can do to sort this out. But first I must ask you to keep what I'm about to say strictly between the two of us, the man needs to be made to see what's happening."
"What man?" asked Lupo.
“Sorry Lupo, my mouth ran away from me, The Man you have seen as a VIP is not what he seems. I believe that he's a traitor to the Emperor.” Lupo looked up at Pullo with disbelief. "You know who he is?" Lupo asked. "Without seeing him I cannot be 100% but I suspect it is the Emperor's son! We know he is trying to overthrow his father." Lupo was stunned into silence with this news. Pullo let that sink in for a moment, and then continued. "My General
needs these legions, he is under siege and they were sent to help him – but here they remain. We need to get these legions moving, otherwise My General and his men are doomed.
Pullo was interrupted by the sound of hoof beats and horses neighing outside. Both men were on their feet in seconds Lupo quickly pushed Pullo behind a very cluttered desk and onto a pile of dirty clothes, which he quickly buried himself in. At that moment, the tent flap was pulled back.
“Centurion Lupo" Lupo snapped to attention. Underneath the clothes, Pullo held his breath (and not just because it was buried into Lupo's jockstrap). Looking under the desk, he could just see the legs of the man but he couldn't move to see any more without giving himself away.
"Lupo I’m informed that you're an expert on Spanish wines. Lupo tried to keep the shock off his face , he was sure he had been about to be disappeared in the same manner as so many others.
"Yes, Legate," he replied, "but I also have a friend in camp, who is even more expert. Can we both help you in some way?"
"Our VIP guest requires some one to check the wines so that they agree with his palate. He smashed several amphora last night because they were not fit for his taste. Therefore we need someone to check the quality."
"Yes sir when shall I report" replied Lupo.
"Tonight, after parade, at my pavilion," From his hiding place Pullo could see the man didn't wait to see Lupos salute, he had already turned and left the tent.
Pullo waited until the coast was clear, then clambered out from under the stinking pile. "Who was that?" he asked. "I know the voice but I just can’t put a name to it” I’m not surprised," said Lupo, "He's one of the new people, Marcus Altius is his name...”
"From Antium?!" Pullo asked, "Son of Marcus, who was known as Pederastus?"
“I'll take your word for it mate, jumped up tosser is what he is."
"Well, if he's the man he was an utter disaster as a Tribune –“
Just then, the men were interrupted by a loud commotion outside the tent. "What now?" asked Lupo, striding past Pullo and out of the tent, Pullo peeked out the tent flap and saw a man he knew - one of Simonius' scouts - there was something going on here! But it was too soon to know what, He watched and listened for anything that might give him a clue. The scout was shackled - a bad sign. Not just because he was shackled but because it was done so openly. He bore the bruises of a beating, too. Lupo stood and gestured furiously to the men holding the captive "Why is that Roman soldier shackled?"
"We don’t answer to you Centurion so back the f*ck off" snarled one of the men. The scout sagged between them. Lupo stared at the man who spoke. "Oh really? Are you exempt from army rules, or are you so stupid as to think I will not kick your sorry arse from one end of this camp to the other?" The man fixed Lupo with an arrogant glare and said "We work for the big man!" at this they pushed past a shocked Lupo and frogmarched the scout toward headquarters.
A shocked Lupo returned to his tent, his shoulders slumped, "You see what I mean Pullo, the legion has gone to the dogs under these new officers - and no-one knows what happened to our old ones."
” Do you have fellow officers you can trust?"
"Of course. I've known some of them for years, we have fought from one **** hole end of the empire to the other since we left Italica. Come sit over here, I think we need to list all those we can trust then get them together. Pullo sat on a stool beside him as they began to plan.
Chapter 18
The feast was in full riotous swing, and the Emperor's son was rather the worse for drink, when the guards brought in the captured scout. "We caught this one snooping about the fringes of the Camp, Sir" said one.
"Take him for strict interrogation, I want results by dawn" ordered the young man.
When the men had left the tent he turned to the room laughing.
"They didn’t even ask what results I wanted....I fear that scout will die and never know what he is supposed to be answering" The room erupted in laughter.
Pullo and Lupo heard all from the wine tent. They decided to put the list of safe officers to one side while they tried to find out some more information but this was intolerable! Lupo said "We must save that man, I don’t think he will survive if we don't act quickly."
"One of us must remain here to serve the wine - you do that while I roundup my friends," said Lupo.
The scout tried to show no fear, but as the white hot iron came close to his eyes, he felt his willpower crack and opened his mouth to scream. At that moment Lupo and hooded friends came in swinging practice swords made from wood - but heavily weighted. The dull thuds as they crushed skulls and broke arms. The wide-mouthed scout could not believe his eyes! Who were these masked men? "Who are you" he croaked as Lupo untied him and lifted him to his feet. "Friends." he replied, "It seems that you needed some help so we stepped in."
"Well, thank you friend, but it's not my life that’s important, I must get back to my General immediately! I have to inform him of what's going on in this camp."
“We have a horse waiting for you by the river, so we just have to get past the guards and smuggle you out. Here, put this on" Lupo said handing him a clean tunic, "and carry this sack. Act like a slave, and don’t look at us when we take these hoods off - you mustn’t know who we are in case you get caught again, also a slave should never look his master in the eye."
"I have to pretend to be a slave?" The tortured scout stood straighter with indignation. "Its that or really be a corpse my friend"
"Err - in that case..." said the scout, grabbing the tunic.
The three of them got as far as the main gate without any trouble. Suddenly, Lupo and Pullo heard an almighty clatter behind them.
Looking round, it was clear what had happened. The frightened scout, too engrossed on looking at the ground, did not see the javelin hurtling in his direction. It struck the ground just inches away, narrowly missing his leg. The sentries were so busy looking for its source that he could scuttle through the gate and disappear quickly. Lupo pushed Pullo towards the gate. "I can't go now" sad Pullo, "You need my help here."
"No," replied Lupo, "you need to make sure he gets back to his General. I'll try and find out what is going on and work with my friends to foil it." However, the sentries at the gate were not letting anyone out. "Sorry, Centurion Lupo," said one, "but your friend will have to stay with you until the Legate finds out who threw the Javelin". Lupo had to think for just for a second, and then said "Right, what do you think I will find if I go and check your tents?" Lupo asked the sentries. “Do I need to look under your cots for the booze, or is it on top of them?" when the man turned to cover his guilt, Pullo pulled his dagger and rammed it into the sentry’s neck, whilst clamping his hand over his mouth. Lupo quickly disposed of the other man, while they both hated to kill innocent men, the stake were just too high. "The horses are over there, both of you go NOW" Hissed Lupo, who then turned and disappeared into the shadows of the camp. Soon the bodies would be found and Pullo and his new associate needed to be long gone.
Rosy fingered dawn was creeping over the mountain when a hullabaloo arose - the bodies had been found after Lupo instigated a search for them. Soon a party of armed men were looking into every tent, nook and cranny seeking the killer or killers. The vain effort was cut short soon after dawn, a party or mounted scouts galloped up to the fort gates. They dismounted and one of them crouched down where the sentries had been killed and scanned the ground, after a short time he rose and pointed north away from the camp, they then all mounted and galloped off in that direction. Pullo and his companion had ridden east, so whose trail were they following, Lupo thought to himself. Now there was nothing he could do about that but he could start to organise the loyal officers. Moving quietly among his friends, he checked their loyalties and called them to a discreet meeting that night.
Seated inside a large hollow tree, Pullo and the Scout waited for
night to fall, their horse had been hobbled in a copse a little distance away, so that if it was spotted they wouldn't be immediatly noticed and hopefully have time to make their escape on foot, as it was one horse had gone lame after only a few miles.
The Scout told Pullo how he had been captured "I was ordered to just find the legions and report back," he said, "but then I decided sneak in and try to gauge the size of the enemies' forces.” Pullo interrupted him with a signal, then putting his hand on his sword, slowly leant to see round the track, while the scout tensed in anticipation.
"It’s a bloody deer" Pullo gasped in a explosive breath of relief.
The scout slumped back with a sigh of relief, his wounds still ached terribly. "If you came to scout the camp as if they are enemies the Legate must have found out about the situation here"? Queried Pullo "I don't know about 'enemies'" replied the scout, "I was simply told approach the camp as cautiously as possible, I assumed this meant we were obviously not the best of friends."
"Now that’s an understatement given the reception you got".
"You're not kidding! I couldn't believe when they just grabbed me from behind and trussed me up like a turkey! I said I was from the Legion and they laughed!" The scout who had named himself Scipio bowed his head. "If it was not for you and your friend......"
I’d have ended up tortured to death and buried in some dark part of the forest."
"Put that behind you lad, for now we need to get back to Sim. Sorry for the legate"
Pullo poked his head out to check that the coast was clear. A large menacing figure loomed out of trail, blocking the light on the tree hole and glaring menacingly at the duo. Then suddenly, he burst out laughing! "You look like trapped rabbits!" Pullo nearly fell over in relief. "Deserters are you" asked the man. Pullo could have kissed the large man - despite his bushy beard. "Winstonix!" "Pullo is that you? You old dog!"
"Yes it’s me, but where have you sprung from?"
"Chief Trigaranus sent me to find you with a dire warning about the location of the emperor’s son!” "So where is he?" asked Pullo.
As he climbed out of the tree hole, pulling the injured Scout out behind him. Winstonix eyed the scout. "You've met his men, then."
“Yes we found him already, that is unless your here to tell me he has not taken over the only legions close enough to save Legate Simonius??” Winstonix shrugged his shoulders. "Weakness fragments loyalties"
"So are the Allobroges loyal, or just hoping to join in a good fight?"
"If anyone else had asked that I would have knocked them on their arse...but not you my friend. We’re loyal, "We are a people of our word" Winstonix grin was infectious, and Pullo finally relaxed. "We need to get back to Simonius quickly," Are you alone"?”
"You know me I travel faster alone, but I can get you both there quickly by hidden ways."
"Then what are we waiting for!"
The trio set off as soon as they had collected Pullo’s horse. Winstonix always rode with a spare in case his horse pulled up lame, so the scout was helped into the saddle and they galloped off into the woods.
After a while they heard a horn winding in the far distance. "Looks like we've been spotted boys, time to see how fast these beasts can run" "No," said Winstonix, "Those are Allobroge horns. Something is going on there. That sounds like a War party coming up behind our pursuers!"
"We should head into the woods and let them do the job for us."
The trio rode for the shelter of the trees; secrecy was their best ally right now. Reining up, they listened to the clash "Sounds like a disorganised scrap too me lads, Lets go", They turned their horses deeper into the woods and made haste back to safety.
Meanwhile back in the fort, Lupo was talking to his friends.
"Look here, chaps, we can't just stand around waiting, now’s the time for action. Get out there with your men and find out how many we can count on!” A murmur of agreement rose and men scattered in all directions to set in motion what would hopefully win back the legions from a nest of traitors.
But suddenly trumpets blared the signal to march! Lupo staggered to a stop, and swung to look at the cornicen blower, and saw a face he knew beside him. A face so familiar that he couldn't believe it! Then he realised - it wasn't the father but the son! His face lit up like a roaring fire as he gazed upon what could only be his nephew.
What was he doing here, serving in the legions? "Savra"? Pullo asked tentatively. "Uncle Pullo? Is it really you?"
The two embraced each other vigorously. "I can't believe it's you!" said Pullo. “What are you doing here?”
"I am a junior Tribune with the Legion. I've been here for three days now and haven’t seen the Legate yet - only some bigwig sent from Rome. He doesn't have a bloody clue what he is doing ...." “Ssshhhhhhh" interrupted Lupo. "Not another word".
Just then, a large finely dressed young man emerged from the party, staggering and complaining of a headache from the trumpets. "Where the hell ish my horthe? Thurely I'm not ecthpected to march like a common tholdier! You there...! Yesth you! What are you both whrrispering abouth?"
"Whispering? No Sir! We haven't seen each other for years”
"I'm not interested!" he bellowed. "Get my horthe and bring it here, or I`ll have you both shent back to Rome asth lion thood!"
"Yes, Sir!" replied Savra, saluting smartly. He turned and shouted out an order to two passing Legionaries: "Saddle the officer's horse and bring it here immediately!"
Meanwhile Lupo was wracking his brain for a memory - who was this upper-class idiot? Then it hit him. That lisp, that chin... It was the Emperor's son! Why on earth was this hapless fool here? Of course, this explained Pullo's desperation to return to the Legion with the scout. But this fool didn't have the brains to coordinate this challenge to the Emperor. No. Someone else was pulling his strings. But Who? It could only be One of Rome’s Nobilitas, no one else would dare use the Emperor's son in such a way unless they had the resources or power to get away with it. We need to get this information to the General as soon as possible. Damn why could we not have found this out yesterday!
At that moment, another figure walked out of the tent and joined the Emperor's son. It was Plutocratus, the richest man in Rome! In a flash, it all became clear - Plutocratus wanted the Imperial throne and was willing to anything to get it - even suborn a stupid youth "Right that settles it, we need to get someone who won't be missed away with this information NOW. Have you got a trooper, one who you know will not betray us, who can slip away unnoticed?"
“Stavi, has just come back from the infirmary, he is like my little brother, and as he has been sick for 3 months no one will notice he is not around”
"Good. Bring him to me, but swear him to secrecy first."
In a thrice, Stavi was ushered into Lupo's tent and the flaps closed. After saluting the officer, Stavi was made to swear oaths to every god he knew before he was told his mission "so, where do you stand?" Lupo asked. "I honour the Emperor!" replied Stavi. "I know you do, Stavi, but this is for him so you honour him with your loyalty?" Lupo insisted. “and remember that, that oath is also to preserve Rome, so we need your solemn assurance that you will follow our orders, WE ARE ACTING IN ROMES BEST INTEREST!!"
"Sir, I hear you are a man of your word" Stavi said.
"Do you pledge your word that what we do is in the interests of the Emperor?"
"Yes! Then I'm your man. Command me, Sir!"
“We need you to ride to General Simonius with a message that is of the upmost importance. When you get there ask for my friend Pullo. He knows what has occurred here and he'll give you what you'll need - an introduction to Simonius.”
"Simonius?" asked Stavi,
"Yes. He's the General in command and it's vital he is made aware of the situation. But be warned. If you are caught by the plotters they will do all they can to extract your information by torture. ".
"I will tell them nothing," said Stavi "- but they won't catch me anyway, as I have the advantage of knowing the country and its hidey-holes."
"Excellent." said Lupo. "You will leave now, while it's dark, and hurry away, time is of the essence." Stavi saluted sharply before turning away and striding to the stable.
Chapter 19
Jehanus surveyed his men, lined up on the training ground. The sun
beat down mercilessly upon them, making dazzling reflections from their armour. He was pleased at all the efforts they had made, and now it was time for them to show just what hard steel they were made of. He called his officers to come forward, and issued orders to march. Late the night before, a message had arrived. Simonius and his men were preparing to face the invading hoard and Jehanus was determined to help them succeed. Their future was tied to Rome now so failure would be disastrous. Ever since childhood, Jehanus had enjoyed a good fight. This is what inspired him to join up in the first place. Now he was relishing the thought of a bloody battle. What a way to go out, in glorious battle!
But first, they had to get to Simonius. He ordered the column to attention and addressed the men. "Men I know some of you have joined for a bit of fun. Now its time for the real work to begin. We march now - to victory or a glorious Death. But either way we will make history!"
Cheers echoed around the fort as the Gallic Legion marched smartly out Jehanus's heart was fit to explode with pride. His men would fight well and prove themselves true friends of Rome - The column had been on the march for several hours when a Decurion galloped to Jehanus. "Sir, a scout has seen a large body of armed men two mille passus north. They are waiting to ambush us!"
"Let’s show them what we’re made of!" said Jehanus. "First three cohorts, advance behind me and the remainder form up 1,000 yards to each side and advance beside us.”
With expert precision, the legionaries moved quickly and silently into formation. Looking forwards, eyes peeled for the enemy. Jehanus surveyed the formation, then gave the order for the cohorts to advance. As one, the soldiers of the column started to move, efficiently and swiftly, as they were trained to. After a few nervous minutes they reached the small hill rise beyond which the enemy ambush was waiting. Jehanus had ordered his men silently prepare themselves for the coming battle.
As the front ranks neared the swelling ranks of the nearby horde, the men raised their shields and readied their javelins. Jehanus quietly assessed the enemy’s’ strengths, looking at any hidden dangers in the landscape. He quickly saw that the track was blocked and that it was likely that they were being flanked so in response to this possible weakness, Jehanus quickly ordered his Decurion to move some of his cavalry to cut off any charge from the enemy’s own horsemen. The enemy had not spotted his flanking cohorts who were now about to spring the trap. The Decurion named Lucianus instructed his troops to circle around the left flank and form up in line, encompassing the enemy position. The right flank cohorts were also moving into position, ready to complete their ambush of their own would-be ambushers. Jehanus' men raised their shields in anticipation as the order was given to advance. They had to hold formation and make sure they surprised the enemy by holding their attention until the last possible moment. The cohorts either side would then swoop in and decimate the enemy from the rear.
Jehanus gave the final command and his few cohorts charged – surprising the enemy, who didn't expect this. With a deep roar they smashed into the front of the enemy, some managed to push right through the line while their comrades slashed and hacked. Legionaries poured through the widening break and turned to attack from behind hacking their way back into the formation. The two sets of legionaries met in the middle while the flanking cohorts wrapped around the sides of the enemy. Jehanus took a moment to survey the full scale of the engagement, and then signalled the cavalry to mop up the last pockets of resistance.
Jehanus' men managed to take prisoners for interrogation, but no officers survived so the remaining prisoners were useless. "We can’t afford to take them with us. Get rid off them, quietly." Said Jehanus looking straight at a prisoner who looked suspiciously well-dressed. He told his men to prepare crosses, then smiled grimly and said "Line up the prisoners, prepare them for crucifixion...except for that one - he can watch the others suffer."
The legionaries forced the prisoners towards the track and lined them up next to the awaiting crosses. Jehanus stood, and beckoned Lucinius over. "Find out whether any of them will talk now, hopefully they will be persuaded."
A sudden babble of voices erupted from the condemned prisoners "No, be merciful - he made us do it! He forced us to march day and night, without rest! We had no choice!"
"Everyone has a choice." Answered Jehanus, he walked towards them. "You outnumbered him, so why did you obey him?" He stared into the eyes of the men before him. "Cowards! Nail ‘em up!"
Then the screaming began. He turned and walked off down the track. The well dressed prisoner looked at Lucinius.
"There’s something you should know about these men, some of them were buying their freedom by joining me in our cause. If you crucify them now, you will never get information from me. I will hold to the oath that I swore to these men, I will give them their freedom - but you, all you bring is death, death, death!"
"Silence!!" shouted Lucinius. The 2 legionaries standing next to him stepped forward and grasped the man firmly. "We bring stability you fool; we bring continuity under the Emperor!"
The prisoner stood defiant, then spat into Lucinius`s face.
"You will pay for your insolence!" shouted Lucinius, who was conscious of his growing anger. He calmly stepped backwards, wiping the spittle from his face, and then pointed towards the seven prisoners at the front of the line. "Nail em down and hang 'em up!" he said menacingly towards the legionaries guarding them. Immediately, the prisoners were seized, some tried to resist, others resigned themselves to the fate that awaited.
"Stop!" screamed the formerly arrogant man, Lucinius turned to face him, "Why? What are these men to you?"
"I swore an oath to them - I cannot let them suffer under your hands, recall your leader and let me speak to him in person" Lucinius turned and sent a rider to find and call Jehanus to meet him.
Turning back to the prisoner, Lucinius said bitterly, "My commander will arrive shortly, but I must warn you. This doesn't guarantee your men’s survival. If you fail to give Jehanus the information he wants, mercy isn't going to be something he'll consider. I advise you to comply with whatever he demands. It is the only way in which you can hope to keep your men alive".
After a few hours, horses appeared over the crest of the hill. The prisoners watched anxiously as Jehanus approached them at a leisurely pace, flanked by a burly looking legionary, whom Lucinius instantly recognised. He hadn't seen the man since leaving the training grounds many years earlier, but still knew his face. His name was Brutus, but he was known simply as "The Ox", aptly chosen for his bulk and strength. Why was he here? There could only be one possible reason, treachery. Something might happen, especially with "The Ox" suddenly appearing beside Jehanus. How did Jehanus manage to get him to come here? Coincidence or planned? He was leaning towards planned, however, questioning such a coincidence. "Hello Brutus," he said.
"Lucinius, It’s been a long time!" said Brutus, as if looking back
on happier times. "Now then who’s this prisoner I’ve been told about?"
The well dressed man was pushed towards Jehanus and his entourage by several legionaries. He fell to his knees, into a shallow puddle, right in front of Jehanus and Brutus "We can do this the easy way, or the hard way. I personally prefer the hard way!" growled Brutus, staring into the eyes of the prisoner, who looked back defiantly. Giving in easily would make him a traitor in his men’s' eyes. The safety of his men was his priority. He wasn't about to give up on them just because of some tough-talking Roman.
The amassed prisoners stood, intrigued by the scene being played out. It was like a scene from a long forgotten Greek tragedy, except that they were the characters and their lives depended on their leader's actions. One of legionaries jabbed the side of the lead prisoner in the head, making him jerk sideways. "Speak now" said the legionary. Smiling, the prisoner looked into the eyes of Jehanus and then began to speak in a tongue unbeknownst to those around, apart from the other prisoners. Brutus raised his hand, palm outwards, "Quiet!" he bellowed as he struck the prisoner sharply
with the pommel of his gladius.
The prisoner fell to the ground clutching his face, a trickle of
blood seeping through his fingers. He instantly stilled his tongue then looked towards his companions. He could see the glimpses of hope in some, which filled his heart with renewed vigour. He turned to the legionary” You may strike me friend," he smiled grimly, "for I have blessings upon me. But you will surely be punished by whatever gods you pray to for what you do".
The legionary looked somewhat annoyed by the prisoner's words, but before he could retaliate Jehanus stepped forwards "So, you're not going to co-operate with me? I'm sure you will change your mind."
He turned to Brutus who was obviously preparing himself to do his bit. "Will you demonstrate on one of those prisoners our preferred method of persuasion?" Brutus saluted rather too eagerly as he readied a number of mean-looking tools taken from his saddlebag.
"You're first," he said, grabbing a small scrawny looking prisoner standing next to the nearest cross. He screamed in protest as he was firmly dragged towards Brutus' "tool-set" with its nasty-looking array of implements of pain, designed for inflicting maximum pain while maintaining consciousness. The prisoner looked on in horror and then promptly fainted.
Disappointed, Brutus then singled out a new victim. He was led forward, kicking and screaming towards the rather impatient Brutus. A thumbscrew was the first instrument, followed shortly by a few favourites of Brutus'.
The prisoner screamed with agony, deep agony, which pierced the
ears of everyone within range. Brutus carried on regardless. Any experienced torturer knew the effects such screams would continue long enough, until the prisoner confessed or died a slow painful death. The well-dressed man broke into tears "Animals!" he cried, "Nothing but vicious animals! You all make me sick!"
Lucinius, arms folded, turned towards him with a proposition. "So, we can free your men we just need some information from you. Firstly, your name and your connection to these men." Lucinius turned to Jehanus smiling, "We are getting the information immediately". Jehanus' gaze fell on Lucinius.
"Excellent, as soon as you've found out the relevant pieces, inform me immediatly." Lucinius saluted his superior, who turned to leave.
"Wait" shouted the arrogant man. "I wish to tell your leader
of my true intentions. Spare my men and I will tell everything". Jehanus stopped and turned around. "Speak!"
"We, and I talk for all of us here" motions towards prisoners,
"Obey a prophecy. I saw God, in a dream, she told me that there would come a day when the people would rise above the rest, with the eagle soaring - we must help the eagle to triumph!" proclaimed the prisoner "My name is Achilles. I'm leader of the slaves that have been travelling all over Gaul assisting slaves to flee from their oppressive owners; we wish to spread the word of freedom combined with the might of the glorious empire. I ask for you to help me by allowing us to continue our mission. We only wish to meet new people with the same ideas, and who can be faithful in the face of danger and fight for our cause. We wish to join with the might of Rome, become loyal subjects, while continuing to serve our god."
"Very noble of you but how do you intend to serve the Empire with that bunch?" pointing towards a small group of misfits standing tentatively near the crosses intended either to be worshiped or to become their final resting places. Jehanus was amused.
"These are noble men you say, with a just cause?”
"Yes they certainly are, that's Hrun over there, at the end. He's
been fighting the majority of his life. He is loyal and dedicated." Jehanus held up his hand, "What about him, he's far too young, this ruse has gone far enough, guards!"
Jehanus’ guards began approaching the prisoners.
"No wait, I just want to..." protested Achilles.
"No I'll hear no more, crucify them all now! I am tired of this discussion. You are wasting my time with your ideals." Jehanus quickly motioned to his men. He stared into the eyes of Achilles, unwavering, knowing he had just signed this man's death sentence. Achilles stared back blankly, accepting his fate. Jehanus' men closed in on Achilles, and swarmed around him, pushing him towards the nearest cross. They nailed up the prisoners one by one, ignoring the relentless screams of pain. They left Achilles till last, for him to suffer, surrounded by screams of his men.
“Please, stop. We have done nothing wrong!" Jehanus himself drew his sword and thrusted it into the groin of the protesting man. He then walked back towards his horse, ignoring the grim torture happening behind him. "Lucinius continue on with your orders, after you've finished report back to me. We march on at once."
Chapter 20……
That's it for now phew 
Do, or do not. There is no 'try' - Yoda
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Edited by - Gladius on 17 March 2008 7:14:20 PM |
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6 WORD STORY COMPILED
