Chapter Twenty-two
I had a troubled sleep that night. However, it wasn’t a nightly visitation from centurion Decius that kept me awake this time. Instead, it was the conflict raging through my mind over the guilt or innocence of Flavus that plagued me. My heart wanted to believe him, but I couldn’t ignore who he was or what his brother had done. I remembered how close they were, how Julius always protected Flavus. Surely Julius would have made a plan to protect his younger sibling. Was this story just another concoction of his?
After waking in a guest room of the legate’s, I asked Blasius to assemble the men and arrange for the prisoner to be picked up. I then walked back to the headquarters to find Aulus packing the saddlebags of a small mule. ‘Where did you find that, Aulus? Are you planning on taking him with us?’
Aulus turned his head to me as he continued packing the bags. ‘Yes, I asked one of the camp soldiers to find me a mule. He was very obliging.’
I put my hands on my hips. ‘A legionary is supposed to carry everything he needs on his back, you know?’
Aulus smiled, before stroking the young grey mule. ‘It’s a good job I’m not a legionary then. I’ve found plenty of writing tablets I need to transport, amongst other items.’
I gave a great groan. ‘Not more of those damn wooden tablets you’re so keen on! I thought I’d seen the last of them in Tarraco.’
Aulus gave me a cross look, pursing his lips. ‘I still haven’t forgiven you for leaving my work behind in Tarraco. I’m sure you could have asked some of your men to carry them!’
I blurted an incredulous laugh. ‘No chance of that. You’ll have to leave these behind too. We can’t be transporting any dead weight with us.’
Aulus sighed and looked at me. ‘These are different, Cassius. They are wax tablets that will prove very useful in determining the guilt or innocence of your charge.’
I felt a stab of shock. ‘Really? What do you have?’
Aulus rubbed the nose of the mule before turning round to me smugly. ‘I went to the tribune who is currently employed keeping a tally on the mail in the camp. Amazing the records they keep here. You’d have thought somebody who’s spent most of his life in the legions would know that?’
I ignored the barb. I was too eager to hear what he’d found out. ‘Get on with it, Aulus.’
Aulus gave a self-satisfied smile. ‘The tribune keeps a record of all mail sent and received by the men. Apparently, Flavus Arminius has received four letters since being posted here, all from the Rhine.’
My eyes popped in excitement. ‘Those must have been the letters sent by Julius?’
Aulus nodded. ‘My thoughts exactly.’
I should have thought of that. It was common for the legions to keep tallies on how much mail was going to and from the camp. ‘But useful as that is, we still can’t read them. They just make a mark against each man who receives one.’
He shook his head and gave another satisfied smile. ‘That is true, but now I knew what I was looking for, I dug a bit deeper. I went to the lead tribune, Calix, and asked if I could search Flavus’ belongings. I found three wax tablets amongst the kit he kept in his barracks. I think you’ll find they are all from your friend Julius.’
‘Let me see!’ I asked urgently.
Aulus shook his head. ‘All in good time, Cassius. I think we should leave the camp first.’
I frowned. ‘Why?’
Aulus whispered to me. ‘Because someone might realise that as well as those three wax tablets going missing, the legion’s mail tally for the eighth cohort has also been mislaid.’
I looked at my brother-in-law. ‘You’re not serious?’
He nodded. ‘And that tally is made out of wood and comes in several parts – far too heavy to cart back to Tarraco on our own, hence the mule.’
We didn’t hang around. I clapped Aulus on the back in thanks, and we left the camp as soon as Blasius and my guards were ready. I walked at the front with Aulus, who led his newly acquired mule. The Praetorians marched either side of Flavus, whose hands were bound in front of him, but otherwise he could walk freely. He walked with dull eyes, head bowed. I couldn’t imagine what was going through his mind, and to tell the truth I didn’t want to. He was leaving his legion in shame, a spectacle for the men he served with to watch as he left, stripped of his arms and armour. A few of the men from the legion watched us go, and by the looks on some of their faces, they weren’t happy that we were taking one of their own with us. I ignored the dark looks and gave a curt nod to the centurion on duty at the main gatehouse as he opened the heavy gates for us. We heard them boom shut behind us, before we headed back out into the Gallaecian hinterland.
We marched through the morning as the heat of the hot July sun gradually built up. It was a subdued atmosphere; the easy camaraderie of only a few days earlier was now gone. Having a prisoner walking in our ranks stifled conversation, and for the most part we marched in silence. It was strange having Flavus walking only a few paces behind me. I hadn’t seen him in almost thirteen years, and the intervening years had changed him almost beyond recognition. But even so, it was still Julius’ younger brother, still a reminder of that past life walking just behind me.
By the time we reached the middle of the day, the heat was stifling, and Audax returned on his fast nimble mare. ‘I’ve found the path back up to Rafa’s village. It’s only a short walk from here.’
I removed my crested helmet. ‘Thank you, Audax. We’ll keep an eye open for it. Did you see anyone else on the road?’
He shook his head. ‘No one. But I will scout the path ahead. I’ll make sure the way is clear.’
I nodded to him and he left in a clatter of hooves. Blasius came up to speak to me. ‘He wants to impress you, to make up for his error three days ago.’
I wiped the sweat off my brow. ‘Too be honest, it’s forgotten. I’ve other things to worry about.’
Blasius smiled. ‘He’ll be pleased. He’ll be ranging wide on that horse of his, making sure nobody comes across our path without him knowing first.’
I shaded my eyes from the sun and made out the path up into the foothills of the mountains. ‘That’ll be good for both of us then. I’m not in a talkative mood.’
Blasius took the hint and backed off. We found the path, just as Audax had promised, and marched up the hills under the blazing sun. Everyone was relieved by the time I called a halt at the end of the day’s marching and ordered the men to make camp. They tied Flavus to a tree that sheltered the campsite they found, in a secluded spot that was hidden from the main path. As soon as the men were settled and the site secured, I went to find Aulus.
He was rubbing down his mule as I approached him. ‘I’d like to see those tablets now if I may? Anything that may shed some light on this dark tale would be welcome.’
Aulus nodded down at the saddlebags at his feet, which he’d taken off his mule. ‘Help yourself, you’ll find them inside. But be careful to seal them properly after you’ve finished. They’re evidence, remember?’
I sighed. ‘I’m not likely to forget.’ I picked up the saddlebags. ‘You seem to be growing quite attached to that mule?’
Aulus nodded as he stroked the mule’s long nose. ‘I’ve named him Cacus, on account of his rather unpleasant smelling breath, but I’ll admit I’ve already grown quite fond of him.’
I looked at the diminutive equine. ‘Cacus was a fire-breathing giant that used to terrorise Rome’s hills before its founding, hardly a name of endearment.’
Aulus smiled. ‘Yes, but I like it. Besides, Cacus here has hidden strengths. He has proven to be a most pleasant travelling companion. Unlike some I could mention of late.’
I gave a wry grin. He had a point. I hadn’t exactly been cheerful lately. I decided to make more of an effort. It wasn’t my travelling companion’s fault that my mind was all mixed up lately. ‘You call him what you like, Aulus. I’m sure he’ll do a fine job carrying your luggage back to Tarraco.’
I took
the saddlebags over to a secluded spot and settled down on a comfortable spot between two rocks. The position gave me a view of the campsite and of Flavus tied to the tree. He still looked pretty dejected, but someone had brought him something to eat and drink, and he was now feeding himself awkwardly with his bound hands.
I felt a twinge of guilt that I was responsible for his current state, but quashed the feeling instantly. I couldn’t afford to be sentimental, and I dug in the saddlebags for the wax tablets his brother had sent him. There were three of them, all in good condition and tightly bound. I opened them up and saw the very neat but also very heavy hand of Julius Arminius. He always did have such distinctive handwriting, pressing so hard into the wax and forming his letters so carefully. My father had said that he wrote ‘like a man whose life depended on each and every word.’
A lump formed in my throat as I sorted the three letters into order and started to read them. The first letter started with generalities about his life as King of the Cherusci and his pride in his nation. He explained that his own cavalry unit, those same men who had followed him to Syria, were still working with the Roman legions. It was only towards the end of the letter that it started to get disturbing.
Varus has suggested that I give up command of the cavalry and hand it to one of his other officers. There is no chance of me doing that – their loyalty is to me and me alone! To think that he thinks I would pass over my own men to one of his prancing stooges. How little Varus really knows me.
The letter then turned to the subject of Flavus and whether he could leave the VI Victrix in Spain and join him in Germany instead. I felt my heart race in trepidation as I read Julius imploring his brother to join him.
Because I need you with me, brother. I am creating something truly remarkable here, something that will be remembered long after our lifetimes. I want to share the glory of it with my family. Together we will show the majesty and power of the Cherusci nation to those arrogant fools who used to look down on us. Never again will they be able to dismiss us as mere supplicants to their great empire.
It was clear from Julius’ tone that the jealousy and envy that Flavus spoke of was already showing itself. I knew from my discussions with Aulus earlier that the wooden tally he had stolen from the camp headquarters showed that, after receiving this letter, Flavus sent a response. I didn’t have Flavus’ letter to read, but the tone of Julius’ next message clearly explained its content and how Julius’ had taken the news.
I cannot understand why you declined my offer! This made me so angry! As your elder brother, I demand that you rethink your actions. Haven’t I always known what is best for you, brother? I cannot believe you would put the needs of your men over that of your family. I insist that you re-evaluate your loyalties!
It was clear that Flavus was telling the truth when he claimed to have declined Julius’ offer to join him in Germany. But I still didn’t have conclusive proof that he wasn’t in any way complicit and was completely ignorant of Julius’ plans to murder and betray Varus and the entire German high command. I rubbed my eyes with the balls of my thumbs; reading in the dying light of dusk wasn’t easy, but I persisted and picked up the final letter.
To my brother, fifth centurion to the eighth cohort VI Victrix, greetings,
I write to you without hearing a response from my last letter. I asked you to reconsider my request to join me in the heartland of the Cherusci nation. I hope that there is an explanation for this silence, and that you are, even now, making plans to join me here. If you have any problems seeking approval from your commander, rest assured that I will be able to intercede on your behalf. My standing is strong in the Roman legions. They won’t dare keep you from me.
Look into your heart, brother. You know I am right and your place is by my side. Always, I have protected you. Always I have known what is best for you. You must see what I have been preparing here. It is both wonderful and terrible in its conception. The supremacy of the Cherusci nation will soon be apparent to all, and we are destined to lead that glorious awakening. You are a prince of the Cherusci, Flavus. You know in your heart that the petty concerns of a minor centurion in a backwater of the empire are far beneath you. Your Cherusci blood will start burning to rejoin us here, just as it did in mine. I have full confidence in you, my brother, that you will remember who you truly are and join me here.
Ever your loyal brother,
Julius Arminius, King of the Cherusci
I put the letter down, feeling slightly sick. It was clear at the point of writing this that Julius’ plans for what occurred in the Teutoburg were already fully underway. His wording was vague and non-specific, but it was apparent that he was preparing something, and now, with the benefit of hindsight, what that something was. I looked over to Flavus, sitting alone under the tree, finishing the last of his salt pork, hardtack biscuits and sour wine. How did these letters help me with him? It looked as if Flavus was telling the truth when he claimed to have initially rejected his brother’s overtures to him, but I didn’t have the final letter. The tally clearly stated that he received another letter from the Rhine, almost certainly also from Julius. Did the final letter reveal Julius’ plans further? Had Flavus destroyed the final letter because what it held was so incriminating? Could Flavus have changed his mind, as Julius clearly thought he would? According to the tally, Flavus sent just one more letter, this time to Tarraco, soon after he received the final fourth missing letter from Julius. Could Flavus have done more to warn us what his brother was planning? Would it have made any difference if he’d taken these three letters to Legate Idmus? No, there was nothing in them overtly incriminating. For all his talk of a glorious destiny and an awakening, there was nothing to say he meant to betray Rome. Only after what happened could you say that they showed Julius’ anger and resentment towards Rome. Once news of the disaster struck, it was no wonder that Flavus realised that his brother was involved.
I packed up the wax tablets and returned them to the saddlebags. I was angry at my former friend, wondering what could have turned him so far from Rome. But overwhelmingly my feelings were dominated by a question for myself: how could I have not seen it in him?
The next day we reached Rafa’s village, where we were met by his elder cousin Viviana. She came out to greet us as we approached the village, standing with her head proudly erect, hands on her hips and legs confidently apart. ‘I’m glad you didn’t get lost. We need to talk.’
I gave a great sigh. ‘That sounds ominous. Can you at least wait until we get out of this hot sun? We’ve been marching since dawn.’
‘If you must.’ She gave me a quizzical look as she noticed we had a mule and Flavus in tow. ‘Your party seems to have grown?’
‘I told you we had business in the camp.’ I didn’t elaborate any further. She knew I was planning on bringing back a prisoner and I needn’t explain any more. It was none of her concern.
One delicate eyebrow rose over her deep dark brown eyes. ‘Well, do what you must. Before we leave for your mine, I need to explain what’s been going on. I’ll await you in the main roundhouse.’ She pointed out one of the larger stone-built thatched houses.
‘Very well,’ I told her, before organising two of the men to replenish our stores. We had plenty of rations from the camp but were still in need of refreshing our waterskins, and Aulus used the opportunity to rub down Cacus the mule. Flavus was tied to the tree in the centre of the village whilst the other Praetorians took a well-earned break under its shade. When I was content that all was in order, I asked Blasius, ‘Where’s Audax?’
My lictor shrugged. ‘He’s probably already moved on ahead. You said we wouldn’t be stopping here long.’ He saw the annoyance on my face, so added, ‘I’m sure he’ll be back soon.’
I looked up at the position of the sun, early afternoon. ‘Well, he better be back by the time we leave. None of us know the way to the mine, and I see little use in him scouting a path we don’t even intend to use.’
Blasius
nodded. ‘Don’t worry, he’ll be back, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he has something for our cookpot tonight when he does.’
I clapped Blasius on the shoulder. He had a point. Audax’s steady stream of fresh meat was most welcome on this trip. ‘I’ll see you in a bit. I’d better go see what Viviana wants before we leave for the mine.’
I walked into the stone roundhouse. Inside, it was surprisingly cool, the thick thatch and stone walls insulating it from the heat of the hot sun. Inside the light was dim, so it took a while for my eyes to adjust from the bright sunlight. The roundhouse was empty, except for Viviana, who sat on a raised chair near the centre of the room. The confidence with which she sat on the large throne showed she was clearly viewed as someone of importance in this village. It occurred to me that there was more to Viviana than I’d first thought. ‘You wanted to talk?’ I asked her.
She stood from the raised dais and walked over to me. ‘I think we might find trouble on our way to the mine. We will need to be careful.’
I felt my stomach sink. ‘What makes you say that?’
She shook her head. ‘Those men who were in the village before you left. I think they may be more dangerous than I originally thought. They were no normal bandits. I’ve been speaking to the villagers about them. They came into the village and started speaking to some of the young boys here. They told them stories of our past, said that the fight hasn’t left the tribes of Gallaecia.’
I sighed and sat on one of the small low tables that surrounded the unlit fire pit in the centre of the room. ‘Let me guess, they were trying to recruit them to their cause?’
She gave me a hard look. ‘You don’t look surprised?’
I shook my head. ‘The legate in the camp told me there was an outlaw in these parts who’s trying to recruit new warriors.’
Bedrock of Empire Page 27
