MESSIAH: Book One Of The Bar Kokhba Revolt. 132AD by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub

Capitulum XXI - The column

19 Aprilis. Year 16 of the Imperator Hadrianus.

Engrossed in his thoughts, Lucius stared out of the window across the camp. It was amazing how he had slipped back into his rank’s routine and enjoying his role. The morning legionary parade, the cohort parade, the training, the marching and all that went with his position. Friendships put on hold when he went ahead to Judaea, renewed. Lucius was back to doing just what he trained for.

News from Judea filtering through to Caesarea was sporadic. The colony was living on borrowed time; indeed, the cohort would be going south to assist, something that filled the new soldiers of the Fourth with apprehension. The cohort had yet to prove itself in action. Crispus had trained them hard – more than necessary - determined they would be ready when the time came to fight. While in Italy, one day in Capua, Lucius became concerned about the level of violence during training. Several legionaries hobbled off the training ground. Carried off sitting on his shield, one commented to Crispus, whose response was terse.

“After this, a battle will be easy.”

Fortunately, Crispus had the leadership skill to make his cohort proud of their bruises. To Lucius’ surprise, the soldiers apologised to Crispus, staggering off the training ground. The centurion gave them a soft whack with his vine stick and encouraged them to ‘work harder on it’. Lucius knew Crispus to be one of a kind; a man soldiers wanted to follow. Many junior centurions tried hard to emulate him but never quite achieved it.

A figure, whose red helmet cresta ran crossways, intruded into his view of the camp. Lucius snapped out of his reverie as Crispus powered towards the building entrance. Lucius turned from the window and moved to open the door. As soon as he had reached the door, Crispus swept in, strode to the window, and turned to face Lucius, removing his helmet as he did so.

“Optio Petronius, avoid staring out of the window early in the day. You’ll have nothing to do later!” he said as a smile broke out over his face. Lucius laughed, but the smile faded. “Developments Lucius. I’d welcome your thoughts.”

“Of course, Aurelius,” Lucius replied, using the informality they adopted when alone together. “Go ahead.”

“Well, our would-be Jewish rebel and his mother have disappeared. Vanished.”

“Eliza and Jacob?”

“The very ones, optio, the very ones. I requested a patrol drop in to see how they were faring.”

“Have they been abducted?” asked Lucius.

“If they have, their captors were kind to them.” Crispus replied, “They seem to have taken plenty with them and left the place tidy.”

“Threatened, then. Perhaps they were threatened and fled.”

“I’ve thought of that. It’s an option.” Lucius felt there was more to come, but an option was rapidly developing in Lucius's mind, so he shared it.

“There may be another answer, Aurelius…” he paused.

“Go on,” instructed Crispus.

“We’ve been had.” Crispus smiled,

“I’ve trained you well, Lucius. It had crossed my mind.”

“What’ve we heard from Galilee?”

“All reports say there is no change to the usual.

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