Centurion of the XIX Legion by Klaus Pollmann

Author:Klaus Pollmann
Language: deu
Format: epub
Publisher: ImPrint Verlag
Published: 2013-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

WINTER·QUARTERS

BASILIA

Basilia was a prosperous Celtic oppidum situated on the Rhenus at the point where the roads to Geneva and Lugdunum intersected. For this reason, the Augusta and Gallica Legions were to set up winter quarters here. The news spread quickly down the columns. It was said that the men were to accustom themselves to the climate.

Auxiliary troops were to be distributed among the Legions; mounted troops would spend the winter somewhat further westwards where there was good grazing land.

Once Tiberius had led the Gallica to Basilia, he turned command over to his deputy, the senatorial Tribunus Gaius Asinius Gallus, and traveled back to Lugdunum and his pregnant wife.

Although it was late in the season, the men nevertheless crossed the Rhenus to the Abnoba forest, felling trees and shipping them over the river. As the VIII Cohort was assigned to lumber duty, Lucius led them. He was the first to go to work. He and his men stood hip-deep in ice-cold water, loading boles onto a barge.

“Centurion! Are you not afraid the cold water will shrink your rod down to nothing?” Ripanus called over to him.

“It is so big, a finger’s width or two will not make any difference!” Lucius parried to the loud amusement of his men. Drusillus was watching from the riverbank, his face pinched.

At the encampment, the boles were worked into boards with which huts were built. The huts were less than man-high, reminding Lucius of chicken coops more than of shelter for people. The cracks between the boards were stuffed with moss and earth, the floors covered in straw, and leather curtains hung over the doors and windows

Once the winter quarters were constructed, Varus transferred command to his senatorial Tribunus Publius Sulpicius Quirinius, and left for Lugdunum.

“Centurion Marcellus,” Canidius began in his typical drawling tone of voice, “these may be winter quarters, but that does not mean we can sit around the fire telling stories!”

Lucius was at a loss as to where this odd preamble was leading.

Canidius started to pace in front of Lucius, “You speak Celtic dialects?” he asked. Lucius confirmed this and Canidius continued in a tone and manner that left no doubt that he considered any language other than Latin was beneath the dignity of a true Centurion, “We have several cohorts of foederati who will be led by Roman officers. They must be trained and we need your knowledge of their language.”

“I am to train them?” Lucius asked, both amazed and thrilled.

“YOU?” Canidius gasped before erupting into raucous laughter, “YOOUU?”

The bustling about them came to a halt as the Legionnaires of the I Centurie looked over to them, attempting to discover the reason for such hilarity. A heartbeat or two later, they resumed their activities. Canidius wiped the tears from his eyes, “You have a talent for comedy! Good to know. If you fail at your military career, you could always earn your keep as a comedian!” He drew a breath before adding cuttingly, “No, my young friend, Titus Valens will train them

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