Alerio staggered up the ramp. It wasn’t the drink from the celebration last night that made him off balance. It was the heavy pack, the stack of Legion armor, and the bedroll. Although the beaver felt petasos prevented the morning sun from directly reaching his eyes, the light reflecting off the water blinded him. So, the Legionary staggered before an arm reached out and pulled him onto the warship.
“Good morning, Lieutenant Sisera,” the owner of the helping hand said.
“It’s Lance Corporal Sisera, Lieutenant Frigian,” Alerio informed him. “My days as a Lieutenant in the Sons of Mars are over.”
“As are my days as a Lieutenant,” Frigian replied. “I’m back to Captain Frigian where I belong. Go astern and find a place to drop your load. But don’t get too comfortable. It’s a short row to Rhégion. Handlers, push her off! First oar, prepare to drop oars!”
“Launching,” announced the crewmen on the beach as they put their shoulders against the bow of the bireme.
The warship slid off the sand, floated free and the four pushers climbed aboard. As soon as they took their oar positions, another voice called out.
“Blades down,” and one hundred twenty oars splashed into the water.
“Back her down!”
The oarsmen rowed in reverse and Captain Frigian’s ship powered away from the beach. Once in deep water with room to turn, the ship swung about and rowed out of Messina harbor.
***
A short while later, the ship ground onto the beach at Rhégion. Alerio stood at the bow rail and prepared to toss his pack, bedroll, and armor over the side.
“Hold on Lieutenant,” one of the oarsmen called out.
Before Alerio could protest, a ramp was dropped to the beach and the Legionary marched off the pirate ship. He got a few questioning-looks from Legionaries on the shore but he ignored them. His mission completed, he needed to make his report to the old Tribune.
***
“Lance Corporal Alerio Sisera, reporting for Tribune Velius,” Alerio stated to the clerk at Southern Legion headquarters.
Other than the clerk, the offices in the Legion Post at Rhégion were deserted.
“He left but said he’d be back before midday,” the clerk responded. “First Sergeant Gerontius is off with the recruit training unit. You can go store your gear or wait.”
“I’ll wait,” declared Alerio as he moved to a wall and dropped his bags. Then he leaned against the clay brick wall, crossed his arms over his chest, and fell asleep while standing up.
Chapter – 52 Report from Syracuse
“Lance Corporal Sisera, the Tribune asked that you meet him in his garden,” the clerk said as he reentered the office. “You can leave your equipment.”
Alerio’s eyes opened. He hadn’t seen the clerk leave and had no idea how long he’d been asleep. Rather than take the hallway to the Planning and Strategies room, he went out the front door and took the path around the rear entrance.
“Lance Corporal Sisera, reporting,” Alerio announced when he got to the back of the building.
On his knees, the Tribune, who seemed to be digging a hole to plant a rooted flower laid out beside him, replied, “Just let me finish with this specimen. It’s from up on the mountain and I want to see if it’ll grow here. I saw something interesting from up there. It seems the troops from Syracuse have packed up and moved south of the river Longanus. No doubt due to the arrival of Empire troops.”
“About three hundred heavy infantrymen and four hundred irregulars,” Alerio added. “and seven hundred plus oarsmen from four Qart Hadasht triremes. But that number could very.”
“From a mission to Syracuse, you seem to be well informed about the situation in Messina,” observed Tribune Velius as he lightly tamped dirt around the stem of the mountain flower.
“The Syracusan army is marching on Messina,” Alerio explained. “I traveled to Messina and got drafted into the Sons of Mars. What I don’t understand is why did they ask the Empire to come into their city. What difference does it make which pack of wolves you let into your hen house?”
“The Sons of Mars have been raiding Syracuse farms and outlaying towns. Hiero II defeated the Sons at the river Longanus years ago. He left after a promise that the Sons would stop raiding his people,” Velius related as he placed his hands on his knees to help him stand. “They broke the promise. So, the Sons allowed the Empire to come in and protect them. The Qart Hadasht may claim sovereignty and declare Messina part of the Empire. But, unlike the King of Syracuse, they won’t begin by crucifying the Sons of Mars.”
“The Empire sent Admiral Hanno to command Messina,” Alerio explained as he followed Velius into the Planning and Strategies room. “He does seem to have taken over.”
“I don’t know the Admiral,” the Tribune admitted as he shuffled to the tabletop relief map. “But I do know the Republic has a problem.”
Alerio reached into a box. He pulled out a yellow Qart Hadasht block and placed it on the section of the map occupied by Messina. Not to be out done by the young Legionary, the Tribune pulled a blue Syracuse marker and placed it beside Messina.
“The Empire is on our threshold,” Velius stated. “I hope you’re ready to travel. We’ve got to inform the Senate.”
“After we report, do you think I can take my leave and visit my family?” Alerio asked as he headed for the internal doorway.
“Like ocean tides, the debate will ebb and flow,” Velius answered. “But unlike the cycle of the seas, the Senate takes more than a day to reach a high-water mark.”
“Is that a yes or a no, Tribune?” Alerio inquired before entering the long hallway leading to the Legion offices and his gear.
“We shall see, Lance Corporal, we shall see,” mumbled the Tribune as he studied the map. With the Empire not much farther than a bow shot from Republic soil, the head of Planning and Strategies for the Southern Legion had other things on his mind. A vacation for Alerio was low on the list.
Chapter – 53 Arriving and Leaving the Capital
Consul Appease Clodus Caudex was livid. Not so much at Tribune Velius’ news about the Empire being in Messina but at his analogy.
“If we had Qart Hadasht forces that close to the Capital, it would be a siege,” Velius explained once he and Alerio had been granted an appointment to see the Consul. “I understand your reluctance, but we need more resources for the Southern Legion.”
“Your understanding is merda,” burst out Consul Caudex. “Flaccus emptied the Republic’s coffers to seek revenge on the Etruscanons at Volsinii. The citizens are screaming for the infrastructure necessary to expand the Capital. The Senate is divided over funding for a thousand and one problems. And you promenade in here asking for a Legion to march against the Empire and start a new war.”
“No Consul. All I asked for was funding for more Legionaries to protect our southern border,” pleaded Velius. “Maybe I could have chosen a better comparison.”
“Maybe so. I’ll bring it up with the Senate,” Caudex promised. “Keep yourself available for questioning, Tribune. Now, get out of my office.”
***
On the steps of the Capitol building, Alerio turned to the Tribune.
“Does the Consul mean I should keep myself available, as well?” inquired Alerio.
“No Lance Corporal. Go see your family,” Velius explained. “But stop at the stockyards and buy a horse. I want you back in four weeks. We have more work to do. King Hiero II will delay his march on Messina so we have time.”
“But the Syracusan army is ready to march,” advised Alerio.
“That was against the Sons of Mars,” Velius informed the young Legionary. “The Empire and Syracuse have a treaty keeping them both from invading the northeast of Sicilia. King Hiero will send protests to the Empire before he marches. If he marches.”
“How is it that Hiero was going to capture Messina?” inquired Alerio. “And now he’s protesting the Empire’s occupation.”
“That lad is foreign pol
itics by old nemeses,” replied Velius. “Now off you go.”
“By your leave, Tribune?” Alerio asked.
“Dismissed, Lance Corporal Sisera.”
The End
Reluctant Siege
A note from J. Clifton Slater
When I started Clay Warrior Stories, I was uncertain if readers would enjoy adventure stories set in the mid Roman Republic. There are many books using the Roman Empire as settings. I went against the trend by writing in an earlier period.
To complicate matters, the Republic before the first Punic War differed from the vast regimented Empire that is familiar to most people. By studying ancient technology, reverse engineering tactics, reading about historical events, searching for Latin curse words, and looking up Gods and Goddesses, I hoped to bring the mid Republic to life.
The result, you like my work and sales are great -a big cross chest salute to you.
I’ve answered many e-mails from readers discussing the differences between the Empire and the Republic. All taught and challenged me to grow as a writer. Most were positive. Quite a few were informative. And a few were super critical. You can’t please everyone.
I appreciate the readers who reached out to me with e-mails expressing their opinions.
The first four books in this series covered the years before the first Punic War. In book five, we’ll follow the first Legion units to cross a body of water to fight an established Empire, and a Kingdom, on foreign soil. Hopefully, you’ll come along with me for the adventure.
J. Clifton
Brutal Diplomacy
A Clay Warrior Stories
Book #5
J. Clifton Slater
Brutal Diplomacy is a work of fiction. While some characters are historical figures, the majority are fictional. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
This story takes place in late 264 B.C. when Rome was a Republic and before the Imperial Roman Empire conquered the world. While I have attempted to stay true to the era, I am not a historian. If you are a true aficionado of the times, I apologize in advance.
I’d like to thank my editor Hollis Jones for her work in correcting my sentences and keeping me on track.
Now… Forget your car, your television, your computer and smart phone - it’s time to journey back to when making clay bricks and steel were the height of technology.
J. Clifton Slater
E-Mail: [email protected]
Twitter: @GalacticCRealm
FB: facebook.com/Galactic Council Realm & Clay Warrior Stories
Content
Brutal Diplomacy
Act 1
Chapter 1 - Gladiator Games
Chapter 2 – Tangled Up in Politics
Chapter 3 - Villa Maximus
Chapter 4 - A Targeted Weapon’s Instructor
Chapter 5 - Wisdom of a Retired Centurion
Chapter 6 - Seventh Squad, 47th Century, Flaccus Legion
Chapter 7 - General’s Inspection
Chapter 8 - Game Day
Chapter 9 - Pregame Diplomacy
Chapter 10 - Funeral Games
Chapter 11 - Purifying Blood on the Sand
Chapter 12 - Wisdom of the Clay Ear
Act 2
Chapter 13 - Port of Ostia
Chapter 14 - Port Rhégion
Chapter 15 - Southern Legion Planning and Stratagies
Chapter 16 - Dawn Attack
Chapter 17 - Dangerous Strait
Chapter 18 - Blame Rests with the Commander
Chapter 19 - Gifts from the Empire
Act 3
Chapter 20 - Night Ride to a Decision
Chapter 21 - Pirate’s Den
Chapter 22 - Temple of Adiona
Chapter 23 – Communicating a Simple Plan
Act 4
Chapter 24 - Armor, Shields and Swords
Chapter 25 - Death on the Hook
Chapter 26 - Contact on the Dock
Chapter 27 - Over the Rails to Glory
Chapter 28 - Surprise Attack
Chapter 29 - Blood on the Dock
Act 5
Chapter 30 - Sunrise Surprise
Chapter 31 - Hilltop Command
Chapter 32 - War of Words
Chapter 33 - Night Terror
Act 6
Chapter 34 - Diplomacy
Chapter 35 - Bargaining Tokens
Chapter 36 - The Reality of Brutal Negotiations
Act 7
Chapter 37 - The Inherent Dangers During Rotation
Chapter 38 - An Unheroic Welcome
Chapter 39 - Motivation in Question
Chapter 40 - The King Arrives
The End
A note from J. Clifton Slater
Books by J. Clifton Slater
Brutal Diplomacy
Act 1
Flash point Messina, 264 B.C.
The Empire of Carthage (Qart Hadasht) - manipulative and arrogant, the only diplomacy Carthage understood was their way or the tip of a spear.
The Republic of Rome - direct and efficient, the only way Rome could get vicious enemies to sign peace treaties was brutal pacification.
The Kingdom of Syracuse – economic power on the southern tip of the island of Sicily. Grown tired of raids on his inland cities and on his merchant ships at sea by the Sons of Mars, King Hiero II threatened retaliation on the residents of Messina.
The Mamertines (Sons of Mars) - pirate rulers of Messina and the harbor. A nonentity in the power struggle for Sicily (Sicilia) until they broke faith with Syracuse. Their call for help against King Hiero II caused the Republic and the Empire to clash. The conflict started the first Punic War.
Brutal Diplomacy is far from a scholarly work. This is an adventure story. Some of the characters were real people, the settings are as close as my research allowed, and the action follows historical events. However, the story is mostly fiction.
Chapter 1 - Gladiator Games
The Insubri warrior’s sword slashed towards the Legionary’s torso. Jerking back saved the Legionary as the steel tip miss his bare chest and hip by inches. As the sword dropped below waist level, the Legionary surged forward crowding inside the barbarian’s guard. The hilt of the gladius slammed into the solar plexus of the Insubri. The warrior bent, collapsing around the pain. With his face screwed up in agony, and his mouth open to grunt from the blow, the northern tribesman attempted to shuffle back. But his attempt at putting a safe distance between him and the Republic’s fighter failed.
Driving with his right leg, the Legionary propelled his body forward while raising his left knee. It smacked into the forehead of the retreating barbarian. The hard bone of the patella impacted the barbarian’s head as loudly as a hand clap. When his head snapped back, the movement exposed the Insubri’s throat. Instead of using the Legion short sword, the Legionary lashed out with his left fist and tapped the Adam’s Apple of the tribesman.
Gasping to pull air through his windpipe as he rocked back and over, the Insubri smacked his head and shoulders into the sand. Semiconscious, he lay staring at the sky with glassy eyes while choking.
“Very impressive,” commented Senator Spurius Maximus. He let his eyes run over the two other warriors recovering from bouts with the Legionary. “Can they win?”
It was a weighted question. The Legionary could train the northern slaves with the aim of them winning. There was no doubt he would teach them because nobody refused the powerful Senator, especially, not a lowly Lance Corporal. After that, the winning was up to the individual Insubri warrior.
“General Maximus. They’re experienced fighters. And, all three have good and bad habits. I can enhance the good and tamp down the other, maybe,” replied Alerio Sisera using the Senator’s preferred term of address. When two of Maximus’ house guards roughly jerked the choking Insubri to his feet, Alerio warned them. “Break the merchandise and you’ll take his place on the training sand and at the funeral games.”
The guards had wit
nessed the three large and muscular barbarians fall, unbloodied, to the armed weapon’s instructor. Neither wanted to fight the Lance Corporal or fight in the death matches of the games. They loosened their grips and slowed down as they dragged the warrior over to a bench. There, they deposited the warrior beside the instructor’s other groggy students.
“If these aren’t adequate, I’ll go buy three more,” General Maximus declared. “Flaccus sent back sixty from each tribe when he shipped back the spoils from Volsinii. As enthusiastic as our Consul is, I’m surprised he stripped the town before razing it to the ground. You were there, weren’t you?”
“No, sir. I was in Volsinii with General Fabius Gurges’ Legion,” explained Alerio. “I missed General Flaccus’ campaign. When he marched north, the Legion sent me to Sicilia.”
“Oh, that quagmire,” Senator Maximus moaned. “Between Syracuse, the Qart Hadasht Empire, and those accursed Sons of Mars in Messina, we should just beef up our Southern Legion. Let them wear each other out. Now, about those replacement Insubri?”
“These will do, General,” exclaimed Alerio. “But they were starved during the march to the Capital. If you want them to have a chance against the Etruscans, they’ll need to be fed.”
“It’ll be worth the price of the rations to take Consul Caudex’s coins and put him in his place,” Senator Maximus stated. “What else do you need?”
“Time for them to strengthen up,” Alerio said. “And time for me to teach them.”
“Junius Brutus Pera lies in state until tomorrow and the funeral games are two days after that,” replied Maximus. “You’ve got three days to work your Legion magic on the barbarians. Don’t let me down.”
As the Senator strutted towards his Villa, Alerio called the four house guards over.
“Did you serve in a Legion?” he asked. All four confirmed they had and he continued. “I saw good men run down by Insubri cavalry. And more butchered by the Etruscans warriors. I don’t hold any love in my heart for either tribe. But General Maximus wants victory. When you’re tempted to mistreat or short ration those three, remember this…”
Clay Warrior Stories Boxset 2 Page 23
