Read Online Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 04] Roman Retreat by Griff Hosker - Free Book Online

Marcus poured himself a drink and helped himself to the pheasant. Gaius spoke first, “Thank you sir.  You have put my mind at ease.” Cato nodded and patted Gaius on the shoulder.
    “Have you told the Governor yet sir?”
    “No Decius. I felt I owed it to you, to all of you to do you the courtesy of telling you and explaining my reasons.”
    “Well I am going too.”
    Marcus shook his head.  “I know you only promised to stay with the ala until I retired but the new prefect will need you knowledge for a while.”
    “No sir.  I have had enough of this game, besides there are lads here who could give the new prefect the knowledge. Hades any one of these could do my job as Decurion Princeps.”
    It was obvious that many of them had not thought that far ahead. “Well if you are determined then come with me to Coriosopitum and we will see the Governor together. Gaius would you act as Decurion Princeps in Decius’ absence. And now before Bacchus robs me of all senses I have better give you all the information I have. The Batavians are going to strengthen Alavna and we will have a fort built just south of it so your orders, gentlemen, are to build a fort and then patrol the road from the Tava to Alavna.”
    As soon as they all began their drinking session Gaius sought out the Prefect.  “Thank you sir.”
    “Thank me? Why Gaius?”
    “For going to be close to my wife.”
    “Ah. When I said protect my family I did of course mean Ailis, my wife’s cousin but I also mean Ailis’ child and the child of the man who has taken the place of my dead son, the man to whom I gave the sword of Cartimandua.”
    Gaius did not know where to look. “But sir.  I did not know. I mean thank you.”
    “Gaius you have always been as a member of my family as I was with Ulpius.  We both knew you had greatness in you.  That greatness will come with time.  Be all that you can be and fear not for your family for I will do all to protect them.”
     
    The new fort at Coriosopitum had only recently been finished and the Governor approved of its cleanliness and space. He also felt far safer there than when he had visited the land of the Caledonii earlier in his rule. The three prefects and Decurion Princeps arrived after the Governor who had taken the opportunity to show them that he respected them.  They were shown into their own quarters and washed by slaves.  They were then taken into the Governor’s dining area where the five of them enjoyed a sumptuous feast. Even Furius Strabo could not complain either with the range nor the quality of the food and drink.
    “Now then gentlemen. How goes it in Caledonia?”
    The four men looked at each other.  On the journey south they had discussed what they would say and had determined that Marcus would speak for all of them. “The problem is Governor that we simply do not have enough troops to control such a vast country.  When the general conquered the country he did it so swiftly that many places only saw Roman soldiers for a few weeks. In the south the people have gradually become romanised.  In the north there is no Roman civilisation whatsoever.  The only presence is that of the military and now that is spread so thinly that they could, if they chose, break through and rampage as far south as Eboracum. We have begun to strengthen Alavna which should stop incursions down the east coast.”
    The other three all nodded. “I agree with you.  Your reading of the situation marries exactly with mine.  But I am afraid we can expect no more troops from Rome in the foreseeable future.  We have to defend Britannia from within the province.” Their glum and sour looks told the Governor, without words, that they thought this an impossible task. “I have already found the funds to create two new auxiliary forces. As yet I have not thought of what type.  Perhaps you gentlemen could advise me?”
    Cominius chose to speak. “The Gauls have some mixed units.  They were withdrawn to Dacia.