The Wall by Adrian Goldsworthy

Author:Adrian Goldsworthy [Goldsworthy, Adrian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Historical, Ancient, Action & Adventure, Romance, Ancient World, Fantasy, General
ISBN: 9781789545814
Google: 5bCiEAAAQBAJ
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Published: 2023-06-08T07:00:00+00:00

XIX

The morning, at the Roman camp

PRISCUS ADVANCED BEFORE dawn, taking five cohorts of Legio II Augusta with him, the eagle at their head. They formed the centre of the column. The vanguard consisted of ala Augusta, two cohorts of auxiliaries and half of numerus I. With the legionaries went half a dozen carroballistae and a small baggage train. Two more auxiliary cohorts, both equitata with their own cavalry, and a couple of centuries of numerus III formed a rearguard.

‘Not that there really needs to be a rearguard with you behind me,’ Priscus assured Titus Cerialis, ‘but there is no harm in doing things according to regulation.’

There were all the usual rituals of marching out, as units formed up, and then the legatus himself called out asking the men three times whether they were ready for war. After a long summer of campaigning, it was all routine, but, for the first time since the start, Priscus did not use a herald and the rumours of action made the men bawl out ‘Ready!’ with immense enthusiasm. The noise meant that no one could sleep, but then the activity had long since ensured that the whole camp was awake and up.

‘I do not know whether or not we will get a battle today,’ Priscus explained.

Titus had heard all this before, first at the consilium three hours ago and then again privately from the legatus. He could sense that Priscus was excited, even nervous.

‘If they will not be drawn, then we will set up the new camp just as planned. Have a convoy ready with tents and food to send forward as soon as I call. The lads from Legio XX can escort it, along with some of the irregulars. That should be enough, I think. Yes, that will do. And even once they are gone you will have five cohorts, including the auxilia of course, a couple of hundred cavalry and the rest of the numeri. Oh, and enough artillery to besiege Carthage!’

Titus smiled dutifully. ‘We will manage.’

‘And better yet, you are in charge again – free from having me breathing down your neck. Not that I think anything will happen back here, but it is a relief to know that I can trust you if it does, and trust you to support me.’

‘Of course.’ Titus Cerialis saluted. ‘Good hunting!’

Priscus gave a cross between a salute and a wave. ‘Remember, send that convoy as soon as I call. And see you in a few days’ time when we have finished the move to the new camp.’

The column had marched away, and even the rearguard was only dimly visible by the time the Sun came up. There was a lot of cloud and a strong wind blowing from the west, so that the clouds hurried across the sky. Titus kept his force formed under arms for an hour, and then let all save the units on guard dismiss to eat prandium. There was plenty to do and this time he was determined to get a tower erected next to the main gate.

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