Savior - The Spartacus Rebellion Book III by Penner Jay

Author:Penner, Jay
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-11-12T00:00:00+00:00

28

PICENUM

Gellius and Clodianus sat in a dark, depressing room, nursing their wounds. Clodianus, in his hurry to escape, had stubbed his toe terribly, and Gellius, on account of his age and two battles, was worn out entirely.

They sat opposite each other and did not say a word for an hour, each man wondering what to say?

Finally, Gellius, the elder consul and one with varied experiences, cleared his throat and began. “Roman warfare must learn to adapt to the trickery of the barbarian.”

Clodianus nodded. “We are too entrenched in our ways,” he said half-heartedly. The truth was that Gellius knew of Clodianus’ clumsy attempt at deceit that had yielded nothing and led to his defeat instead.

“The Senate will be livid. This chapter will not be forgotten, and we will not be forgotten.”

Clodianus looked crestfallen. At least Gellius had led a long and illustrious life and might simply retire from public life, but Clodianus? His future had been crushed like a cockroach beneath a slave boot.

“But all hope is not lost yet,” Gellius said. “Has our history not taught us that we never give up? When have we ever said, this is it. Let us run?”

Clodianus looked hopeful. “What do you suggest?”

Gellius had given this much thought. “Spartacus’ forces have not moved much further. Crixus had many more men than my legion, and when they have no surprise for us, they will lose.”

Clodianus was unsure. “Why not wait for reinforcements?”

“From whom? Who knows if Spartacus has already spread the word to the towns to rise in rebellion? We must stand our ground and try to stop Spartacus. That is the only honorable way.”

Clodianus nodded. Honorable way, Gellius had insinuated. There was no walking away without trying again—for the Senate would accept nothing less. No commander retreated without trying again.

“Can we not wait until we gather more forces?” he asked hopefully.

What a coward, Gellius thought.

“No. Have you not heard? There were murmurs even before we began—men questioning if you were up to the task. With our treasuries depleted financing wars outside Italy, some favor going to Marcus Crassus to ask him to build an army. Do you want Crassus to upend your name?”

Clodianus had no affection for Marcus Licinius Crassus, and bringing up his name was a good way to crush any mental resistance. As a supporter of Pompey, Clodianus knew that any action from him that would favor Crassus would be looked upon unfavorably by the powerful general now away in Hispania.

The junior consul resigned to the situation. “When do you propose we attack?”

“We recuperate for a few days, resupply, and wait. If Spartacus leaves Italy, we pursue him when we are at full strength. We stay at Picenum, and if, for any reason, he is forced to turn because of Longinus, then we offer battle. Together, we end this misery,” Gellius said as he downed another cup and stretched his aching legs.

They warned Gaius Cassius Longinus, governor of Mutina, a major northern town before the great Alpes loomed and routes opened to go west to Gaul or east to Illyria and Thrace.

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