I said: “Hand me your gladius, legionary.”
I could clearly see on his face that I had confused him with the request, but he nonetheless complied immediately by drawing his short sword and offering it to me, hilt first.
I studied the blade intently. It was extremely well taken care of. The edge was perfect and I tested it for sharpness by shaving the hairs on my forearm.
I handed the blade back to him and he sheathed it immediately, coming to attention as I said: “Congratulation Didius, you are now the optio of the fifth of the first. At ease.”
He was speechless. In the back of my mind I hoped that it was not due to the inability to form the words, but rather due to the surprise that I had sprung.
He regained his composure and replied: “I am honoured, sir.”
“When in private, call me Umbra or Lucius,” I said and smiled. “I prefer that to Belua.”
He went light red and said: “I understand sir…sorry, Umbra.”
I spent some time with him, setting out my expectations.
Later the same day, I called my century to assembly and true to my commitment to short speeches, said: “I have appointed Didius Castus as my optio.”
As arranged with Didius, he came forward and accepted the hastile, a five feet staff, from me as the sign of his authority.
I left the parade ground and thereby passed the control of the century to Didius. He gave the order for the men to fall out and I could hear the congratulations being offered to the new optio by his former comrades. I felt good about my decision.
The feeling didn’t last long.
The next morning early, we assembled outside the fort for additional weapons training. I was not at all content with the way that the century threw their iron tipped spears.
The idea is for the spears to impact more or less at the same spot along the line. Putting it differently, the stronger throwers needed to tone it down slightly and the weaker ones needed to improve.
We had been working on this for nearly a watch in separate groups when we re-assembled as a unit. I decided to get Didius to command the century to allow me to see where the mistakes were made.
The century stood in line, three men deep and fifty men wide.
Didius was looking decidedly uncomfortable, which I attributed to the fact that he was new to the position.
He voice was impressively loud as he shouted: “Century, release p… p… p…”
He started again: “Century, release p…”
I intervened: “Century release pilum.”
Predictably what followed was a disaster, but nonetheless, some of the rankers had grins on their faces.
I am ashamed to say that what followed was one of the few moments during my time as a centurion that I laid into the men with my vine cane. Although they bore the brunt of my anger, I was irritated with myself for appointing Didius.
Didius just stood there, forlornly, not really knowing how to react.
Fortunately I regained my composure within a reasonably short time and we spent the rest of the day on the training ground perfecting the manoeuvre. Needless to say, I relieved Didius from giving the verbal command.
We marched back to the camp at dusk and I asked Didius to join me at my quarters to share the evening meal.
I poured two generous cups of neat red wine and I emptied mine in one long satisfying gulp. Didius followed suit.
Once the wine had taken the edge off the day’s proceedings, I sat down behind my desk and motioned to Didius to take a chair.
One of the options foremost in my mind was to accept that I had made a mistake with Didius and to appoint a more suitable candidate.
Didius sat down, but before I could speak, he said: “I am sorry Centurion. I will understand should you wish to replace me as your chosen man.”
I hesitated for a moment, which probably gave away my original thoughts and Didius continued: “It only h… h… happens when I get nervous.”
But I had made up my mind with Didius’s original statement and I said: “Don’t be concerned Didius, starting today, I will teach you to breathe.”
He stared at me as if I had lost my mind and made the revelation: “But I already know how to breathe?”
Chapter 14 – Visit
It took two months to get the stutter under control, but it felt like a year.
Finally, my century was functioning normally. Their skills at the stakes had also increased markedly. I trained daily with Didius and he was becoming one of the best swordsmen in the cohort.
Felix’s discharge was imminent. All the necessary documents had been signed and approved so I went to speak with Hostilius to explain my plan regarding Felix.
He approved and agreed to attend Felix’s send off. I had booked an exclusive evening at Felix’s favourite establishment in Sirmium, not exactly a drinking hole, but only slightly more upmarket. It was called the Thirsty Mule.
I remember the evening well. How I managed it, I would never know, but I drank sparingly. I guess the quality of the wine was a major contributor.
During the first half of the evening I spent my time with Ursa, Pumilio and Silentus. Listening to their recollections of Felix’s endeavours.
As soon as they were too deep in their cups, I ended up conversing with Felix and Hostilius, who were holding out surprisingly well.
Hostilius had served with Felix for many years and he approved three days of leave to enable me to execute my plan.
I was up before first light. I expected that I would struggle to rouse Felix, but to my surprise he was waiting for me outside my room. His few possessions were neatly packed. As I had little baggage, I picked up half and we started off without saying a word. Felix had said his last goodbyes the previous evening and I think that he was not keen to say goodbye a second time, especially while being sober.
We had to present our official passes at the gate and we left for Sirmium, which was less than half a mile distant.
The gates of the town were open already and as I was in full uniform, we had no trouble gaining entry, with the watch officer saluting me as we walked through.
I headed directly for the area dedicated to the horse traders. A fair number of the horses that we had taken from the Yazyges as the spoils of war, ended up with traders in Sirmium.
As a result, we were spoilt for choice. I insisted that Felix select his own horse, provided it was a mare. While he was inspecting the available horses, I went to the shops of the saddlers, which were close to the stables.
I had mentioned before that I am not a man who spends his money on trinkets or clothes, but when it comes to items of war or horses, I am not shy to part with gold.
Felix was the man who had welcomed me into the legion and showed me many of the little proverbial tricks of the trade.
I felt indebted to him and therefore I purchased the best saddle I could find. There were many ornate examples, but I ended up purchasing a magnificent saddle, my decision based on the quality and craftsmanship.
While the excited saddler made the few adjustments to the item that I required, I went to see what Felix was up to.
I found him making friends with a magnificent specimen. The mare was clearly a horse bred by the Roxolani. Blonde in colour with a dark brown mane and tail. Based on his selection, it was clear that Felix knew horses and my mind was set at ease regarding my decision.
I left Felix to cement the friendship while I went to negotiate the purchase. The horse did obviously not come cheap, but as part of the deal I had convinced the trader to loan me a horse for our trip home.
We collected the saddle and similarly I received an old worn saddle on loan for a day or two.
As we rode out the gates of Sirmium, I said to Felix: “The horse and the saddle is a gift, although should we breed with her, the offspring is mine.”
Felix suddenly spurred his new horse and galloped down the road. I was not surprised, he did not wish for me to see the tears in his eyes.
I eve
ntually caught up with a smiling Felix. “Umbra, I feel like you have given me back a part of my youth, thank you.”
I nodded. “You extended the hand of friendship to me, Felix. That is worth even more.”
In any event, we ended up discussing the farm and what I wanted to achieve. I explained to him that I aimed to breed a horse that was softer on the eye than the Hun horses, larger but still retaining some of the traits that make the Hun horses ideal for a military application.
Less that a watch later, we were approaching the farm, which I had not seen for close on nine moons.
As we were either training or on campaign, I did not write, nor did I receive letters. Maybe it is just an excuse, but I have never been fond of writing or reading letters, which Nik and Cai were aware of.
Felix was excited to see the outlandish Hunnic horses for the first time while I was anxious about the wellbeing of my family, especially my father.
We were less than a mile away from the farm when I saw four of the Roxolani guards galloping towards us at an angle. They obviously wanted to intercept us before we reached the villa. I was wearing my legionary garb, with my helmet hanging from my saddle. I noticed that the warriors had arrows nocked and were steering the horses with their legs. Next to me I could see the confusion and concern on the Felix’s face. “Rein in, Felix. Leave this to me. And don’t touch your sword.”
Felix and I came to a complete stop, with the barbarians thundering towards us. When they were fifty yards away, they suddenly reined in and stored their bows.
They trotted up to us and all four of them dismounted. The leader was grinning broadly as he walked up to me and said in passable Latin: “Welcome home, lord.”
“It is good to see you too, Karsas”, I said.
His eyes drifted to Felix and I said in Scythian: “This is a friend of mine.”
Karsas smiled and again replied in Latin: “A friend of Prince Eochar is friend of Roxolani.”
The warriors mounted again and galloped towards the gate.
Felix looked at me sideways: “What’s with this ‘lord’ and ‘prince’ when they talk to you?”
“They are still learning Latin, Felix. They mean to say ‘sir’.”
With that I spurred my borrowed horse and galloped towards the gates of the villa.
My father and Cai were waiting for us when we walked our horses through the gate. Felix and I dismounted and I handed the reins of my horse to a Roxolani. He looked at my horse in a critical, confused way, until I cleared it up by saying in Scythian: “It’s a loan horse.” He nodded, smiled in understanding, and led the animal away.
I introduced Felix to them and Nik said: “I will arrange for the servants to ready a bath for you. When you are refreshed we will get together to celebrate, Centurion.” I smiled, because my father’s mind was still as sharp as ever and he immediately deduced my rank from my military dress.
We both enjoyed a relaxing hot bath and dressed in clean tunics and cloaks.
I went to my own room, which had been cleaned by servants during my bath. My bows, sword and armour were prominently displayed just as I had left them. I drew the jian blade from its scabbard and noticed that it had been expertly polished and maintained.
Similarly, my bows and armour had been meticulously oiled. Cai had been busy.
I lay down on the bed and savoured the privacy and comfort of my own home, which I had voluntarily abandoned for a life in the legions. Had I made a foolish decision out of boredom?
Before my thoughts progressed too far down that avenue, there was a knock on the door and Nik peeked in. I motioned for him to sit down on the bed.
He sat down slowly, as the bed was lower than a chair and sighed: “I guess my age is finally catching up to me.”
“Nik, don’t be ridiculous, you will never be old”, I said and it made him smile.
“I did not expect you to write”, he said. “Life in the legions is busy and filled with intrigue.”
He placed his arm on my shoulder and suddenly I felt like a boy again, waiting to hear a bed time story. I guess Nik shared that thought with me and he said: “The difference is Lucius, this time you do the talking and I listen.” Then he added: “Cai and the warriors are showing your friend around the farm, we will feast later.”
I told him about the happenings during the months I had been away. He listened intently, interrupting me many times to extract a more detailed account. I marvelled at the comments of my father, showing his deep insight into the thoughts of men. I had to remind myself that this old man once called a Roman Emperor his friend and mingled with barbarian kings.
In any event, I could see that he was immensely proud of my achievements.
“Lucius, I am content on the farm. I enjoy working with the horses. I know you will never return permanently and Cai is travelling another path. I have been trying to find a reliable man to assist me, but I have not been able to find one.”
I couldn’t help smiling, which made my father frown. I explained my plan regarding Felix and soon we were having a chuckle.
“Lucius, the older one gets, the more one sees the hands of the gods in our lives, but surely even you can see it today.”
The patricians in Rome would never degrade themselves by preparing their own food. To even be in the vicinity when food is prepared is not ideal, as the smell of the food permeates clothing.
Unlike the city folk, my father loved nothing more than to sit out in the open next to a fire. The guards were spitting a wild boar and a sheep over a purpose built stone pit.
I was sitting close by with Nik, Cai and Felix, sipping on the best wine I had in years.
“Nik, where do you get this?” I said.
“Son, I still know people in Rome with farms in Gaul. These wealthy senators meticulously prepare wine for their own consumption using only the best grapes. This particular red has been aged for seventeen years. You know, I had to resort to blackmail to be able to lay my hands on this.”
Felix thought it a joke and we all laughed heartily. Knowing my father, I was not so sure and I saw the glint in Nik’s eye.
I explained to them that Felix knew horses and that he would manage the farm in exchange for one fifth of the profits from the farming operation. He would also stay in the main house and dine for free. This I had agreed with Felix beforehand so letting Nik and Cai know was merely a formality.
Felix was impressed with what he had seen during the tour of the farm. He marvelled at the Hunnic horses and was amazed at their hardiness and abilities.
“I can’t wait to start working with the horses. Although I have not done it for years, it is still in my blood. Thank you again.”
The following day I spent mostly in the company of my father. We went hunting with bow and arrow, but it was just a pretence for enjoying one another’s company. I did manage to kill a couple of wild fowl though.
That evening I dined with my friends again. We enjoyed the fowl with cheese and olives, obviously accompanied by my father’s best vintage.
I knew I would be leaving the next morning early and I tried to make the most of it. I still remember it fondly as one of the best evenings of my life.
Chapter 15 – Servant
I rose early with a heavy heart.
Life on the farm was not for me, that I knew, but leaving my friends and my father behind was difficult.
Sirmium was not far away, but I still wanted to leave early, just in case I ran into some kind of difficulty.
In any event, I shared some bread, cheese and olives with Nik and walked to the stables to ready my horse for the trip.
I was surprised to find Cai waiting for me in the courtyard. He was seemingly also ready to leave.
I turned to Nik, trying to gauge what was happening, but his face was an emotionless mask.
“Don’t look at me, Lucius, ask him yourself.”
I sighed, asking the question, already knowing the answer: “Where are you going, Cai?”
“I was
told to go with you. I am your new servant and clerk.”
I turned around to Nik with a questioning look.
His face still wore a blank expression and he said: “I told you. I have nothing to do with it.”
Cai now had a scowl on his face and he said: “Let’s go, you are wasting time.”
Nik said: “Cai told me a few days ago you would come home and that he would go with you. Don’t worry about us, Felix and I have a lot of gossip to catch up on.”
I could see that Cai had my bows and the jian sword strapped to the back of his pack horse. I didn’t even try to argue with the little monk. I knew that I would never win.
“Good. Acceptance of one’s fate is the first step towards enlightenment”, he smiled and winked.
I scowled and replied: “Cai, I am sure you make these things up as you go along.”
With that I embraced my father, clasped arms with Felix and mounted my borrowed horse with a single jump.
We were well on our way when I noticed the four amphorae of wine strapped to the rear of the packhorse.
Cai noticed my gaze and said: “Life too short to drink bad wine. I had to leave your cloak behind to make space for wine. Wine also help to make warm, so no loss.”
We reached Sirmium mid-morning and I returned the loan horse and saddle.
I sold the pack horse for some coin. As an officer of the legion, I was allowed to stable a horse at no cost.
The legion was not only brilliant at making war, it was as good at administration. Everything that happened had to be recorded. On our arrival, I was allowed into the camp based on my written leave orders, signed by Hostilius.
I stabled Cai’s horse, which I declared as my property and it was recorded as such. I was handed a written receipt.
Cai and I then went to see Hostilius’s clerk to enter Cai’s name into the legionary register as a servant and clerk assigned to myself. He received a little metal plaque inscribed with his name and unit, to be worn around his neck at all times.
Once we had taken care of the administration, we retired to my quarters to unpack.
Legionary Page 8
