by Griff Hosker
“Back the way we have just come? I don’t think so. Is the Stanegate still safe?”
“Safer than staying here.”
“That settles it then, we will leave early in the morning before day has broken. If we ride all day then we can be at Coriosopitum before dark.”
“But the captives will be exhausted!”
“Cassius, which is better, exhausted or dead?”
Reluctantly he had to agree. “Rufius send our best rider to Rocky Point. Tell the Decurion Princeps of our predicament. We can only hope that he can aid us.”
Chapter 19
The legionary vexillation was a welcome sight for Livius. They were regular troops and the Prefect thought that they might just be the mortar to hold the crumbling frontier together. The ships had sailed all the way from Eboracum, having been sent by the Emperor himself. The interlude with the rebels had just honed their skills a little more. The Second Cohort was commanded by Quintus Licinius Brocchus, a twenty year veteran whom Livius immediately took to. As soon as he stepped from the transport he had organised his men and made their way to Rocky Point.
Livius was surprised to see him and his column of veterans. “That was quick Centurion; I only just received the message that you had landed. We may be cramped but I believe we can accommodate you.”
“No, thank you Prefect, a kind offer, but the sooner we get our own camp built the sooner we will be finished. I came here to get an escort to the site of the limes.” He peered around. Is the Legate not here?”
“No we had problems further south and he was dealing with it and the Governor is on his way from Eboracum with the vexillation from the Second Augusta. They will be building further west.”
“I am in your hands then.”
Livius summoned Julius Frontinus, the clerk. “Julius here has been making maps for you and your engineers. They should be accurate.”
The clerk snorted, “They are as accurate as I could make them from your trooper’s measurements.” He handed them over and then stomped back to his office.
Quintus laughed. “It is good to see that clerks are the same the Empire over.” He opened the calfskin documents and nodded approvingly. “These are well made and will help us. While we head for the first site would you be good enough to fill me in on the situation.”
“I will indeed.” With the remaining members of the ala, all twenty of them mounted as scouts and Quintus on the largest horse they had remaining in the fort, they set off eastwards. “The tribes were at peace but the auxiliary unit which arrived a short time ago have managed to stir them up. I am afraid that, until my ala returns from a punitive raid, the only effective defence for your force will be the infantry of the Second Gallic Cohort.”
Quintus nodded, “Well at least their infantry is more disciplined than their horse.”
There was an unspoken question in the silence which followed and one which Livius fully understood. “The ala which is stationed here, my ala was raised in the province and they are all experienced at fighting the Votadini and the Selgovae.”
“I did not mean to imply…”
“Do not worry about offending me Centurion, I have found it is better to be honest and avoid confusion which might otherwise interfere with efficiency.”
“Good. These tribes, how do they fight?”
“Well. These were the ones who ended the Ninth when they ventured into their homeland.”
“Ah, that tribe. The Ninth were a good legion. Some of their officers transferred to us and they told us of the disaster. They mentioned two young Explorates who bravely defended the eagle. Do you know them?”
Livius’ face lit up, “Aye, Macro and Marcus are both decurions in my ala. You will meet them soon.”
“I am happy already then for if all your officers are of that quality then we will be safer.”
“The tribes love to ambush, my men will always be close by, but your men will need to keep their weapons to hand.”
“Where is the first site?”
“I would suggest close to the river crossing. It is a logical place to start and your camp can be defended a little easier by the river.”
“Building materials?”
“There is a quarry nearby but we will send to Morbium for some stone which is already quarried. It can be here within a couple of days.”
“Good that gives us time to build our camp and lay the groundwork.”
******
King Tole met with King Lugubelenus at the junction of their kingdoms, close to the upper Tinea. An uneasy truce existed between the kings but neither trusted the other. They were a political alliance working on the principle that the enemy of my enemies is my friend. The incursions by the Gallic horse and the sudden proliferation of the Roman camps had them both worried, initiating this meeting.
The two sets of bodyguards fingered their weapons and looked suspiciously at each other as they stood in the circle in the clearing. It was a tense time for one false move would result in a bloodbath. The two kings were well aware of this and knew that the alliance was on a knife edge. They strode up to each other with opens arms and embraced. The atmosphere became visibly more relaxed as hands left hilts and eyes looked less aggressively at potential enemies.
“We hear that the Romans have begun to attack your charcoal burners?”
“They did but they left more of their men than they killed. We have mobilised our warriors. As soon as the whole harvest is collected then we will drive them back beyond the Tinea. And you brother?”
“They have just built camps at the moment but my men are eager to gain revenge for past hurts. I have summoned the warbands and we will attack their roads now.”
Lugubelenus remembered how aggressive young King Tole was. When they had planned a joint invasion of Britannia it had been King Tole’s impetuosity which had worried the older king.
“Are your men ready?”
“I believe they are but, more importantly, I believe that the Romans are unprepared. There are no legionaries and we have heard that the feared cavalry with the sword have departed to be replaced by long haired horsemen.”
“Yes they were the ones we defeated.” The intelligence was new to Lugubelenus and he now understood why the Selgovae were taking advantage. “Thank you for that information. We will also attack now for I did not know the cavalry had departed,” he gave an apologetic smile. “I thought they were not close to my land because they were attacking yours.”
King Tole also smiled. “I thought the same until we captured a despatch rider who told us the true story before he died.”
“We must keep each other informed about our actions.”
“I will do so. Perhaps we could use a red arrow with the messenger to show that the message comes from us.”
“A good idea. Might I suggest that we meet again at Yule?”
“Bring your wife to my capital and I will repay your hospitality.”
So, the alliance of the Selgovae and the Votadini was cemented on the fast flowing banks of the Tinea and hell was about to be unleashed on the frontier.
******
It was a weary, although considerably happier Prefect who rode through the gates of Rocky Point. The worried looking clerk Julius Frontinus raced to him as soon as he dismounted. “Trouble Prefect.”
“Not the Gauls again?”
“Not this time. A rider came, in the ala is returning along the Stanegate with the rescued captives but the Prefect at Luguvalium cannot guarantee their safety for the tribes are restless. The Legate asks if you can do anything?”
“Where is the rider?”
The weary trooper stepped up. “Gaius Spurius sir, eight turma.”
“That is Decurion Macro’s turma is it not?”
The young trooper’s face fell and he said quietly, “It was sir but the decurion is dead sir; killed in Manavia.”
“Macro dead?” Livius could not believe it, first Gaius and then his adopted son. He had thought that the finest warrior was invinci
ble. He desperately wanted to know the details but that was not the priority. “How are they travelling?”
“Sir, we have wagons but there are many captives and the ala has been knocked about a bit sir.”
Livius knew understatement when he heard it. “Never mind son we will get you all home. Now when did they leave?”
“They will be leaving Luguvalium before dawn tomorrow.”
“That gives us a chance then.” He turned to his chosen man. “Agrippa, ride to the nearest forts and ask the decurions and Centurion Vibius to join me. Trooper, get some rest for you will be returning with me I am afraid.”
The young warrior’s face lit up. “Suits me sir, I want to get back to the lads, I am one of the oathsworn.”
As he raced off Julius tutted, “Ridiculous allegiance to a piece of metal. Not logical at all.”
“No and you are right but sometimes the heart is stronger than logic. Now get me the maps of the Stanegate. I need to work out where they are likely to strike, where I would strike if I were a barbarian.”
When the Gauls arrived Livius noticed once again the difference in attitude and demeanour between the arrogant and lacklustre decurions and the calm and dependable Vibius. “Gentlemen, first the good news, the vexillation from the Sixth legion has arrived and the ala is finally returning. Now the bad news, we believe that the Selgovae will attack the ala as it is guarding captives which will prevent it reacting to the attacks. Centurion I want your full cohort ready to march in an hour. We will go to their aid. Decurions you will ride east and provide a screen for the Sixth.”
Livius was pleased to see Vibius nod and begin to rise but Catuvolcus and his cronies just sat there. “Decurions?”
“It is late and we will ride in the morning.”
“It is late and you will ride now. The Legion is vulnerable until it has begun the defences, now is the time for you to protect them.”
“You want us to stay out all night?”
Sighing with exasperation and seeing the sympathetic glance from Vibius, Livius put his hands on his desk. “Decurions. Soon I will have my ala returned to me. There are many excellent officers and chosen men amongst them. Unless you have begun to impress me as officers I will return you to the ranks and replace you with my men. Is that clear?”
“You cannot do that sir. That can only be done by an Imperial Legate!”
“Do not worry Decurion, the Legate will do that.”
Realising that they were beaten the decurions stormed out. “I am glad that someone has finally stood up to them sir. The Prefect, well I know you don’t speak ill of the dead, but he was a soft bugger who let them do as they liked.”
Livius smiled as the Centurion’s words and tone suddenly reminded him of Decius Brutus. “Come along then Vibius let us go to rescue my men.”
******
The children were carried by their mothers, still asleep, to the waiting wagons. The troopers by contrast were on high alert for they knew the dangers they faced. The Stanegate, which had formerly been a bastion against the barbarians and the safest way to traverse the country, was now an unknown quantity. The Prefect had told Julius Demetrius of the many despatch riders they had lost in the past weeks. “I just hope your man gets through.”
The Legate had smiled. “I know the boy looked young but believe me he has seen more battles and negotiated tighter spots than this one. This ala can smell a barbarian.”
The Prefect had looked intently at Julius. “Tell me sir, will the Emperor send more men?”
“Even as we speak Prefect a vexillation of the Sixth is on its way to build a frontier limes from the west. And the Second Augusta is heading for Vindolanda. It is just unfortunate that this hornet’s nest has been stirred up at this juncture and now that the Second Sallustian is back things should become safer.”
The Prefect gestured at the depleted ranks, “There are not as many as there were.”
“True we have littered our trail with our dead but the enemy lost many more and we have many wounded who will return to the ranks. It is the lot of the auxiliary cavalryman to suffer higher casualties.”
“Probably why they pay you more!” The disparity in pay was a sore point amongst the infantry elements of the auxilia but Julius could tell that it was not meant that way.
“Take care Prefect may the Allfather be with you.”
“I fear you will need him more than I for there are many eyes out there watching you and as soon as you leave messages will be sent.”
“I know and I just hope that Prefect Livius received our message and, more importantly is in a position to help.” He turned to Cassius. “Right Decurion Princeps, lead them out.”
******
The Selgovae scout was mounted on a small hill pony and the noise of the wagons being loaded had woken him from his shallow sleep. He was pleased that his chief had not found him that way or he would have been punished. That did not matter now for he could tell his chief that a juicy target was moving along the Stanegate, women and children!”
Moray, his chief, had brought his warband far from his home by the sea, for while many of the other warbands were still collecting in their harvests his clan lived by the fruits of the seas and the old men and boys could continue their harvest. His men were lean, keen, hardy fisher folk and he was looking forward to some plunder. Although only small in number, there were less than fifty of them, they were sound fighters. When the scout gave him the news he knew that he could not work alone, the numbers of the dreaded horsemen decided that but with help from King Tole he could and before that he could slow them down. “Find the king, he is camped close to here, and tell him that there is a rich prize nearby. I will slow it down and await his further instructions.” The boy galloped off, excited to be part of such a grand enterprise.
******
It felt good to be in the saddle again. He had insisted that Vibius ride for, although the Centurion looked uncomfortable on the back of the horse, Livius did not want to speak down to him and it was important that they understood each other. “Where did you do your fighting then Vibius?”
“Mainly Germania. Mad buggers they are and fucking cruel. Pardon my bluntness sir.”
“I told you before Vibius be yourself and speak your mind and we will get along. As you will when you meet the Legate.”
Vibius looked across at the cavalryman who looked young to be a Prefect. “Do you know the Legate well then sir?”
Livius laughed, “He was my commanding officer for a while and then last year he and I did a mission for the Emperor and he was returned here as a legate. He began life as a trooper in Marcus’ Horse.”
Vibius nodded and said, almost to himself, “So we have a Legate who has actually fought at the sharp end that makes a change.” Realising he had spoken out of turn he reddened, “Sorry about that sir. Me and my big mouth…”
“You are probably right Vibius but he has fought and all across this frontier and in that I have hope also he brings my ala and they are the best horsemen you have ever seen. But if they are tied to wagons then they cannot fight as they should.”
“Which is why you need us footsloggers.”
“Well put Vibius. Now these barbarians will attack from ambush. The best place from which to do so is close to the cliffs and the lake for they will have the advantage of height on the northern side and woods on the southern side. How are your men at open order fighting?”
Vibius grinned. “When you fight the Germans that is the only way to fight. The legions would stand in their squares outside the forests and we would have to go in after the buggers. Man for man I will back them against anyone.”
“These Selgovae are also cunning and the masters of stealth and hiding. They will let your men walk by them and then leap up and slit their throats. Their concept of honour is not necessarily the same as other tribes.”
“Good tip sir, I’ll bear it in mind. So a double line in the forests might be the trick?”
“Triple if you can. That i
s why I brought all seven hundred of you. It might be overkill but we cannot afford to lose. If we can best them then they might decide to go home for the winter and return in spring. We need to buy the vexillations time.”
“Well my lads’ll do that. Once winter comes we can get down to controlling the frontier and I can start brewing my beer.”
Livius was reminded of other auxiliary Prefects he had served alongside, Batavians and they, too, had liked their food and drink. “You are a brewer then?”
“I will be honest prefect, I probably like my beer more than I should but it keeps the mind occupied and the lads seem to like it. The waters around here look perfect for making beer. All I need is some wheat, for the hops we have.”
Smiling Livius said, “I look forward to tasting some.”
“Just wait a month or so sir. By Yule we will have enough for a serious session.”
Livius had brought ten of his ala with him and he turned to them. “Two of you get down the Stanegate and tell the Legate we are coming but be careful there will be ambushes and I would hate to deprive the chef of his helpers.” The two men rode off grinning. Although fighting troopers they doubled as the assistant cooks in the camp working with the skilful Septimus. “The rest of you spread out north and south of the road, find the enemy and then report back to us.”
Vibius smiled to himself. This Prefect knew what he was doing. Perhaps it was no bad thing that the former Prefect or ‘useless tosser’ as Vibius had called him had departed this life.
******
Decurion Lucius was on point when Moray launched his first attack. The Stanegate crested a rise and then dropped sharply; Moray was a cunning warrior and knew that the horsemen would be concentrating on their footing, no matter how alert they were. As soon as the first riders crested the rise they were met by a barrage of sling shot, fortunately just stones and not the lead balls used by the Romans for they were far more accurate and deadly. Lucius immediately went into a defensive posture. “Shields!”
The first ten men came into a solid line with their shields defending their bodies. The missiles were still striking their mounts but the leather headpieces protected their most vulnerable parts and they were trained well enough not to rear and buck.
