Read Online Eagles at War by Ben Kane - Free Book Online Page A

awaits any orders.’ Varus rubbed a finger along his lips. ‘It’s a shame that I won’t have reason to call on him this summer. Still, never mind. Better to have ships that I don’t need rather than the other way around.’
    ‘True, master. Do you wish to reply?’
    ‘Yes. Congratulate him on his fleet’s readiness. There are no special plans for the fleet at this time, so the normal patrols of the seas and the local waterways are to continue. Inform him that I will be marching east for the summer, taking legions Seventeen, Eighteen and Nineteen. Once the taxes have been collected, and the harvest is in, we will return to the Rhenus and winter quarters. He can expect a visit from me soon after that.’
    Varus was still waiting for Aristides to finish writing down his instructions when there was a rap on the door. ‘Come,’ he called.
    One of the two legionaries stationed outside marched in and saluted. ‘The new tribune is here to see you, sir.’
    Varus’ eyebrows rose, and he shot a look at Aristides. ‘Again?’
    Aristides gave a faint, diplomatic shrug.
    ‘Send him in,’ ordered Varus.
    A moment later, the tribune entered. He marched to within a few steps of Varus’ desk and stood to attention. ‘Senior tribune Lucius Seius Tubero, sir!’
    ‘Tribune.’ Varus studied Tubero’s blue eyes, blond curls and chiselled chin. His breastplate and boots had been buffed beyond even parade standard. Good looks and shiny kit don’t make you a soldier, Varus thought. Be fair, he told himself a heartbeat later. This is the boy’s first military posting. He’s young and enthusiastic, and wants to prove his worth. I was like that once.
    ‘Did I come at a bad time, sir?’ Tubero glanced at the mounds of paperwork.
    ‘There’s never a good time for a governor; perhaps you’ll learn that one day.’ It was Varus’ practice to find out everything possible about his new officers before they arrived. Tubero was only seventeen, young indeed to be a senior tribune, but his breeding was good. More important was that his father was a friend of Augustus, which explained his posting to the Eighteenth as its second-in-command. If Tubero kept his nose clean, and showed some ability over the next decade of his service and more, and if his family didn’t fall from favour, there was every chance that he might end up as the governor of a province. Varus hoped that Tubero would prove ‘easy to manage’. He had enough to do without having to nursemaid yet another spoiled brat.
    ‘If it’s not convenient now, sir, I—’
    ‘Stay,’ ordered Varus. ‘A short break from my administrative duties is always welcome.’
    ‘Thank you, sir.’
    ‘What brings you to my door?’
    ‘I’ve been here for a few days, sir …’ Tubero hesitated.
    ‘Are you settling in? I trust that your quarters are satisfactory?’
    ‘Everything’s fine in those regards, thank you, sir.’
    ‘Is the legate giving you a hard time?’
    ‘No, sir. He’s been very helpful, instructing me in my duties.’
    ‘Has one of the centurions been insolent?’ This was a common occurrence. Veteran centurions often took a dim view of the young aristocrats who swanned in from Rome to command them. ‘Or one of the junior tribunes?’
    ‘It’s not that, sir.’
    Varus’ interest was piqued. ‘What is it then?’
    ‘It seems quiet, sir. There’s no … trouble.’
    Here we go, thought Varus in amusement. ‘That’s a good thing, tribune. Peace is something to be valued. It means that the empire’s business can carry on without interruption.’
    ‘Of course, sir, it’s just that I …’
    Remembering his early years in the army, Varus asked, ‘You want to see some action?’
    ‘Yes, sir!’
    Varus ignored Aristides’ little phhhh of contempt. ‘Your posting here will be for at least a year, tribune. In other words, there will be plenty of time for you to draw your sword in anger.’
    Tubero’s nod was unhappy.
    ‘Oh, for the eagerness of