Roman Courage (Sword of Cartimandua Book 13) by Griff Hosker

Author:Griff Hosker [Hosker, Griff]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sword Books
Published: 2017-12-29T06:00:00+00:00

Marcus was right. The heavy-handed tactics of the Prefect resulted in few weapons but an increase in resistance. Even amongst those clans which had accepted Roman rule there was now a resistance. It manifested itself in small ways. The road would be blocked. Human faeces would be dumped around the two forts. Their own caltrops would be scattered to maim and lame horses.

When Marcus and his new turma were given the road patrol they saw an even greater example of revolt. A messenger had come to say that a convoy of wagons with winter cloaks, cereal and javelins was on its way north. The Prefect had given Marcus the job of meeting them south of the old fort at Habitancvm. He had given Marcus the Fifteenth to help him. It was an uncomfortable journey south. Decurion Stolo was still resentful. They made a marching camp at the old fort. The Brigante in Marcus could feel the spirits all around him.

With sentries set the two officers sat around the fire. The nights were drawing in. The chill which preceded the falling of the leaves was in the air. Marcus broke the ice, “How is the new turma?”

The Decurion shrugged, “They are all veterans. They seem to think that they know what to do.”

“Surely that is a good thing. They will not let you down and when your new troopers arrive you will have experienced men to guide them.”

The young Decurion was silent for a while and then he said, “I thought that an auxiliary cavalryman would be safe from the barbarians. It was what we were told when we were training. When I saw Decurion Dives and the dead horses I was shocked.”

“They have learned how to fight us. We must learn too. When we attacked the Votadini the other day why did you not use your javelins?”

He lowered his voice, “To be honest Decurion I am not that good. I prefer the spear. It is harder to miss.”

“And it is easier for the enemy to close with you. These Votadini wear no mail. A javelin will stop them. I was not very good with a javelin when I first joined. Rufius, my mentor, made me practise each day. It is free advice but you will kill more if you learn to use a javelin.”

Decurion Stolo nodded. Marcus wondered if the young officer had actually managed to kill any during the skirmish at the road. The young officer pointed down the road. “This should be an easy patrol should it not? The wagons have one escort already. They would not dare to attack two turmae and a cohort of auxiliaries.”

“You will live longer if you expect the worst. I will not relax until we see the fort once more.”

Marcus made an early start and they broke camp before dawn. It meant that some of the sentries had had little sleep but Marcus was anxious to join up with the wagons. Their early start meant that they met them fifteen miles down the road.

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