Lost Legio IX: The Karus Saga

by Marc Alan Edelheit

  As Karus climbed the stairs, he realized that since they had arrived in this strange land, he had not seen the moon. They had spent two nights in the forest under the heavy canopy of the trees and another marching under an overcast sky. Was the moon different? Would it be as unfamiliar as the two suns? It was a troubling thought, and it worried at Karus. All legionaries were superstitious. He realized that he had to prepare for any such further surprises.

  The stone steps were bowed in the center, worn down by countless feet over the years to a point where the rough stone had been polished smooth and shone with reflected lamp light. Karus was forced to place a hand against the wall to keep from slipping on the stone.

  Someone had found another lamp and lit it at the landing that led to the next set of stairs. The lamp mounted in a small recess carved out of the wall provided just enough light for Karus to see as he climbed the second flight. Wearing his armor, Karus’s legs burned as he took each step. His old wound ached terribly. On the subsequent landing that led to the third set of stairs, there was yet another lamp guttering with a draft from above. It shed a flickering yellow light across the ancient stone of the steps.

  Karus climbed two more flights of stairs before emerging into a roofed guardhouse that led out onto the walls. On either side, small windows had been set into the walls. The shutters on these windows had been thrown open to admit both light and air. The door that led to the walls was also wedged open. Karus could see two legionaries manning the wall just beyond the doorway, one staring outward into the countryside and the other overlooking the city. Until they knew otherwise, threats could come from either direction.

  Karus paused a moment and looked around. The guardhouse clearly served as a mini-armory and break room for those charged with manning the walls. Surprisingly, it was fully stocked with arms, but no armor. On his left, resting neatly in a battered wooden rack, were at least forty unstrung bows lined up one after another. The bow strings were coiled tidily on top of the rack. Next to each bow sat a quiver thick with arrows.

  In the far corner of the guardhouse, by the door, there were two large barrels filled with additional arrows. One of the barrels had been used to prop open the heavy reinforced door. Karus crossed over to one and removed an arrow. He felt the iron-bladed tip. It was razor sharp and easily pricked his finger, drawing a small drop of blood. He returned the arrow to the barrel.

  On the opposite wall was another wooden rack, heavy with nicks and dents delivered through years of constant use. This one held a like number of long swords, which meant that the soldiers of the city manning the wall would have carried both a bow and sword. He saw no spears or javelins. Karus moved over and examined one of the swords. It was nearly as long as a spatha, but the blade was thicker and heavier. The edge of the weapon he picked up was sharp and well cared for. A jug of oil with several soiled rags sat atop the rack, as did a bag of sand. Karus returned the weapon to the rack.

  A long wooden table with four battered chairs occupied the center of the guardhouse. The table had been stained by drink and oil. It was also pitted and had numerous indentations, likely made through the maintenance and care of the weapons that were stored here. The surface had also been carved into in several places, likely by bored guards. One was phallic in nature. Some things were just universal.

  Another carving seemed to have letters. Karus ran a callused hand over a few of the carvings of what he thought was writing. He could not recognize any of the letters and symbols though. Expelling a long breath, he glanced around the guardhouse once more. It was neat and organized. Karus decided that the soldiers who had once manned these walls were a professional, longstanding force.

  His eyes roved over the two racks. The weapons stored here represented a considerable expense. Karus could not understand, nor imagine, why someone would have left them behind. Running a hand through his short-cropped hair, he turned and made his way out onto the wall. One of the sentries glanced his way and then quickly returned his attention back to his duty, as he should. There was nothing more important than manning the watch, and it would not be interrupted for honoring rank.

  “See anything?”

  “No, sir,” the sentry looking out over the countryside said. “The night passed peacefully enough.”

  “I’ve not see anything that should warrant sounding the alarm either, sir,” the other sentry said.

  “Carry on, then,” Karus said.

  The wall, an impressive sixty feet high, was around twelve feet wide. The walkway at the top allowed the guards only four feet of space. It meant that, should the wall be successfully scaled at any one point, a handful of defenders could hold until reinforcements arrived.

  Crenulated battlements lined each side, and a wooden canopy topped with clay roofing tiles ran over the top of the wall. This served as missile shelter for the defenders. It rose around four feet above the battlements and was supported by thick oiled posts set ten feet apart. The shelter also served to provide the defenders with limited protection against the elements. However, there was no way to shutter it. The wind blew and whipped through the gap.

  Karus moved along the wall some twenty feet from the sentries before he turned toward the city. He rested his hands upon the cool stone, looking out between the merlons.

  The sky had lightened considerably, and though the city was still heavy with shadow, Karus found the view remarkable. The reports he had received from Valens were true. The city was large, very large, perhaps even as sizable as Rome. Though, if he were honest with himself, it had been many years since he had set eyes upon the mother city, so it was possible that he was wrong. But then again, maybe not. Either way, the city that was laid out before him had to have been home to more than a million people, perhaps even two.

  Thousands upon thousands of buildings crowded tightly in upon each other, working their way up from near the walls to over a series of small hills. A central hill larger and broader than the others towered over them all. On the incline of this hill, there was what appeared to be a temple district with large brilliantly white marble-columned buildings. Just beyond that, near the summit, an impressive inner wall stood above all the other buildings below. This wall surrounded a palace and fortress that crowned the hill, both jointly rising above everything else. The two buildings communicated both power and wealth to the onlooker, and Karus could not help but feel impressed, awed even.

  If Karus were any judge, the city appeared to have grown up around the inner walls. Perhaps the fortress had come first, before the palace. Karus could not see everything that was beyond those walls, but what he could glimpse was grand. He turned his eyes away and back to the main city wall, following them out first to the left and then right. Karus could identify two other gatehouses in the distance. Likely, there was a fourth somewhere out of view behind the central hill. All of them would need to be secured.

  “Oh my,” a familiar voice came from behind.

  So wrapped up in his own thoughts, Karus had not heard anyone approach. He found Dio stepping up beside him, Felix at his side. Both looked out at the city.

  Felix let out a long whistle. “That is one fantastic sight.”

  “Yes, it is,” Karus said simply.

  “Empty, but for us.” Dio leaned upon the wall with his elbows, cupping his chin with one palm. “How very unnerving and exciting at the same time.”

  Karus could not help but agree. Silence fell amongst them. The three friends surveyed the empty city, each lost to their own thoughts. The only signs of habitation were just beneath them, where the legion had quartered for the night. Smoke rose lazily into the air from several chimneys.

  Karus was once again reminded of Xenophon. Had the Greek general all those years ago had similar feelings of wonderment mixed with shock? What had it been like to happen across numerous dead cities grander than anything he had ever set eyes upon? Now having tread in the Greek’s sandals, Karus found it a very sobering experience.

  Otho joined them, followed by Pactus.
The remainder of Karus’s senior officers arrived shortly thereafter, including Tribune Delvaris, who came last. They all looked exhausted, but each reacted to the sight of the city with a mixture of shock and amazement. Karus gave them a few moments to look things over and absorb what they were seeing.

  “Gather around,” Karus said after a time. “Our first night under a roof in weeks. I trust everyone managed to get plenty of sleep.”

  A chuckle ran through the assembled officers. Like Karus, they had managed only a few hours’ rest, three at the very most. Settling the men, establishing the watches and patrols would have taken time. Not to mention the hundred other headaches and problems that had likely popped up that needed personal attention as they settled their men in.

  “I found a bed,” Otho said as he scratched at his left thigh. “It was most comfortable. However, I believe I shared it with some unwanted guests.”

  Pactus took a half step away from Otho, who turned a sour face at the prefect of the Fifth Raetorum.

  “You can keep your bedbugs, Otho,” Pactus said with an amused expression.

  “I had a bed in my room too,” Dio said. “I elected the floor with a blanket. Seemed somehow safer.”

  “I must remember that,” Otho said ironically. “When sleeping in a new place, take the floor over the comfortable-looking bed.”

  “That about sums it up,” Dio said. “Let others make the mistake first.”

  There was general laughter to that. Karus waited until it died down.

  “Right then, let’s get down to business,” Karus said and, with that, everyone sobered. He noticed that several curious glances were thrown Pammon’s way, undoubtedly wondering what he was doing here. “This city must be thoroughly explored. We must confirm that it is empty. That means every room, basement, sewer, and attic has to be checked.” Karus gestured behind him at the city. “Third, Fourth, and Fifth Cohorts will secure the walls. If you look … ” Karus pointed and waited for his officers to get a better position where they could gaze outward into the city. “There are two other gatehouses in view. Third will have the responsibility for the left side of the wall and securing that gatehouse there. Fourth will take the right side and that gatehouse. I am guessing that on the other side of that big central hill there will be a fourth gate. Flaccus, Fifth Cohort will have the responsibility of securing that one.”

  “There is one,” Valens confirmed, speaking up. “I’ve ridden around the entire city.”

  “I will do it,” Flaccus said, without any of the hostility that he had exhibited of late. Though his eyes were red-rimmed and bloodshot, he seemed to have himself under control. Karus found it an encouraging sign.

  “I want all gates closed and sealed,” Karus continued, looking to the officers in command of the Third, Fourth, and Fifth, who nodded their understanding. “Report to me once that has been accomplished. I expect lookouts to be posted above each gatehouse and sentries walking the walls. The entirety of the wall must be patrolled. No one gets in and, more importantly, out.”

  “That is a long-assed wall,” Macrinus said. “There are bound to be gaps in our patrols.”

  “Yes,” Karus said. “I understand. Once the city is searched, we will have to figure out a system to secure the walls in their entirety.”

  “What of the rest of the legion?” Didius said.

  “The remainder of the cohorts, except for yours, Didius,” Karus said, “will explore the city. The Tenth will be responsible for providing security over the camp followers. Under no circumstances are they to be allowed out into the city to wander around.”

  “Got it,” Didius said. “I will make very sure they behave themselves and stay put.”

  “Thank you.” Karus paused a moment. “There is to be no looting. In my experience, where there is looting, there is fire.” Karus pointed out into the city. “Those buildings are made of wood. Should a fire break out, a good portion of the city could very well be destroyed. Our main objective here is to search the city to confirm that it is empty. Anyone you come across is to be detained for questioning. Our secondary objective is to locate supplies that we can use, including food. There is reason to believe we may find grains and flour throughout the city.”

  “Why do you think there would be stores of food here?” Pactus asked with a curious countenance.

  “Our cavalry scouts,” Karus said, nodding to Valens, “have reported many of the outlying farms still have stores of food and dry goods. It appears that the people who lived here left quickly. Meaning that if they could not take the food with them from the farms, then there is a good chance the same may be true for the city. With any luck, we will find a large public grain supply.”

  “Like the dole in Rome?” Valens said.

  “Exactly,” Karus said. “With luck, the leaders of this city bought off the poor with a free grain ration. We can’t be the only ones who do it.”

  “Do you mean to stay?” Flaccus asked. His voice filled with a deep weariness that Karus could sympathize with.

  “I don’t know,” Karus admitted. “We’ve all been through a lot over the last few weeks. The men need an extended rest, a place to recover … ” Karus paused. “I think if there is sufficient food here, we will stay for a time. At least long enough to figure out where we are in relation to Rome.”

  “We could use a rest,” Flaccus agreed. Several of the other officers nodded with him in agreement. Regardless of the reason, Karus was grateful for the support from the cantankerous centurion. It was a sight better than the resistance he had shown to everything as of late.

  “We don’t know why this place was abandoned,” Karus said, looking from face to face, “but if at all possible, we need to find out. Advise your men to keep their eyes open. There is no telling if anyone is hiding out. They could be armed and dangerous. As I said, anyone you come across in your search is to be taken prisoner for questioning. We need intelligence. Be on the lookout for maps. If you locate any, they could be the key in pointing out the way home.”

  Karus paused a few heartbeats to let that sink in.

  “On other business,” Karus continued and gestured at Pammon, “I’ve promoted Pammon to command of the First. Does anybody have a problem with what I’ve done?”

  Karus looked again from face to face. He made a point of checking Flaccus. Surprisingly, there was no rage in his eyes, only a weary expression. The position of primus pilus was a coveted one and effectively made Pammon the legion’s number two. However, Karus did not expect to be challenged over his decision. Pammon was a highly respected officer and an exceptional field commander. No one, as he expected, voiced an objection. In fact, several offered their hearty congratulations.

  “Very good,” Karus said. “First Cohort will explore toward the center of the city, making a beeline toward that temple district over there, then the palace and fortress. Second Cohort will take the left side of the city, along with the Sixth and Seventh. The Eighth and Ninth, along with the Fifth Raetorum, will take the right side of the city. The First and Second Auxiliary Cohorts will explore outside of the city, say, within four miles, checking on each farm, building, and structure to ensure that they are also empty. The Delmatarum will man this gatehouse and this section of the wall.” Karus paused and glanced around at his officers. “Catalogue anything you discover that could possibly be of use. Later this evening, give your report to Tribune Delvaris. He will send word to your cohorts on his position.”

  “Where will you be, sir?” Dio asked.

  “I will accompany the First,” Karus said and pointed toward the center of the city. “If you need me, you will know where to find me.”

  “What of my cavalry?” Valens asked, speaking up for the first time. Unlike the other officers, the cavalry prefect was wearing his service tunic. Karus had ordered the cavalry into the city when the legion arrived. Not only had Valens’s men needed a brief rest, so too had their horses.

  “When your horses are sufficiently rested … ” Karus said, turning
in the opposite direction to look out at the countryside. Karus could see the deep dark forest just a few miles off. In the early morning light, it looked like a smudge on the horizon. Nothing had ever come of the reports of people in the trees. “You are to begin scouting the countryside around and beyond the city. I need to know if there any threats out there.”

  “We’ve already explored out to ten miles. How far do you want your eyes to go?”

  “As far as you deem reasonably necessary,” Karus said, mindful of Julionus’s mistake of holding his cavalry too close to the legion. “But not too far that your men can’t be easily recalled.”

  “Thank you,” Valens said with a pleased nod. “I shall leave a squadron here to act as messengers, and I will also forward word of where I am.”

  “Good,” Karus said and then turned to the other officers. “I want to make this very clear. There is to be no looting. There are no exceptions to that order. The consequences of violating it will be dire. Make sure your men understand that. All food stores and supplies are to be catalogued and noted. Anything that we can consume or could possibly use should be reported to Tribune Delvaris.”

  “Sir,” Otho spoke up.

  “Yes?”

  “Might I suggest,” Otho said, “that the cohorts searching the city be on the lookout for wagons and carts that can pressed into service? In the event we need to leave in a hurry, we will be able to take whatever we can with us.”

  “Very good idea,” Karus said. “Any wagons that are located are to be moved to this area, near this gate. There is plenty of space between the wall and the city. Let’s use it. Barrels or jars that can be utilized to transport water are also to be gathered up. Concerning food stores, once we have identified them, I will make arrangements to have them moved to a central area for accounting, storage, and ultimate transport for when we march. Think of it as our supply depot.”

  “What of any weapons we find?” Pactus said. “That guardhouse was chock full them. I imagine that we will find additional caches of arms.”