The Kin

by Elsye Harwood

  Chapter Twenty

  The Roman army lived up to its efficient reputation, and within the hour every man in the fort was standing on the parade ground before the general and his officers. They’d found six men who’d reacted to the sunlight, though they weren’t deemed to be a threat as they still were able to walk, but they had been taken to the cells and locked away with food and plenty of water. They’d also been joined by two of the men from the medical centre, as the third had been able to go outside without any problem.

  Marius and Celer had supervised the search of every storeroom and stable. They’d even sent a boy down into the hypocaust system to check that it was clear. Huge pots and vats of grain had also been searched, even the ovens and aqueduct. Every space that could contain a body had been investigated.

  The general had stood with his officers in front of the legion whilst Marius and the others had searched. When they’d declared the fort clear, each ranking centurions had been called forward and the situation explained. Their task now was to disseminate this information to their men and to tell them what was to happen on the following day.

  Marius waited on hand in case anyone had any questions.. Gradually, century by century the legion fell quiet and Sulpicius Rufus began to address the men.

  “Tonight, we’ll close the gate and no one will be allowed in or out. We have roughly two hours before nightfall; in that time we’ll prepare wooden posts ready for a new wall around the vicus. We’ll build it tomorrow when we know our people are safe from infection. But before that we must search the settlement thoroughly. Your centurions will explain what tasks each unit has been assigned. These tasks must be completed before sundown. But I warn you, any man who fails to return before nightfall must take his chance outside. I know that you won’t disappoint me. You are soldiers of Rome and duty is in your blood. Rest well tonight, we have busy and difficult tasks to do when the lights comes and I don’t need to remind you that Rome’s fate is in your hands. Dismissed.”

  The general moved down the steps and approached Marius.

  “I’ve sent a messenger to the governor and one to the Emperor, informing them of the situation and advising that they send out an alert to all the provinces.”

  Marius nodded his head in approval. “That’s advisable. Once we start to kill them, the others will know.” The general looked surprised, so Marius explained. “They develop a telepathic link with each other, so it’s likely that the rest will leave here and try somewhere else.”

  “What about Junius Silanus? Do you think he can find where they are and stop them?”

  Marius took a deep breath. “I believe that he’ll find them all right, but I don’t believe he’ll be able to stop them on his own. Once we clear the infestation here, we should go up to Salinae and do the same there and in the settlement outside.”

  Sulpicius Rufus studied him for a moment, then he gave a grunt of agreement. “Good idea. Kill the source.”