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

They are part mounted and part foot.  They are armed with missiles and conventional weapons.  If we were to have only two units to replace all the ones which were taken then they would be the best option.”
    “I did not say they were the only forces to be created.  No I have plans for many more Britannia cohorts. They are a start.  But I like your reasoning Prefect.  I think that will suit us nicely. Now as to our course of action; I believe, from what you have said and, “he added melodramatically, “what you have not said is that we cannot continue our advance.”
    “We are saying that we should, if possible, withdraw to a more defensible position. The best place would be between the estuaries of the Clota and the Bodotria.”
    “I agree Prefect Maximunius but the Emperor would not sanction such a loss of Roman territory.”
    “We should use the rivers. Morbium was the first such river crossing and has made Eboracum safe from attack.  There is now a healthy local population just outside its walls.  We should use the rivers.  Build strong forts at the Tava, Bodotria, and Tine.  Make sure that the forts have good artillery and any Celtic invasion would peter out.”
    “Where do they get their armies from?”
    Prefect Strabo leaned forward. “The winters up there and long and cold.  The nights are twice as long as the days.  All they have to do is eat drink and fornicate. Every woman of child bearing age is pregnant and dropping their spawn in the autumn. If you want to end the threat then kill every single man woman and child north of the Tava.  That way we have a chance to make the rest Roman.”
    The Governor was shocked. “It is a little savage is it not?”
    “The alternative is to spend the next one hundred years fighting off invasions by these children who have nought else to do for the land cannot be farmed.  If we were not the common enemy they would fight amongst themselves.”
    “You say that you have fortified Alavna.” Prefect Sura nodded. “Then we must do the same on the west side and I agree with the road building. That is essential.  Prefect Sura, find a suitable fort on the west side of Caledonia and make that as strong as Alavna.  If you take charge of the auxiliary forces in the west and Prefect Strabo in the east.  You will both be given the rank of Tribune to prevent disputes over hierarchy.  Now Prefect Maximunius…”
    “Before you begin Governor the Decurion Princeps and I have come to the end of our terms of enlistment and would both like to retire.”
    The Governor’s reaction was the same as his officers had been.  “But you can’t.  We need you.  Britannia needs you.”
    “Governor we are both getting too old for combat and Marcus’ Horse has more than enough excellent officers who can lead the men as we did.”
    “But they do not have your reputations.”
    “Not yet but their reputations are growing.  Ask the other Prefects, they can tell you the names of my officers and the deeds they have performed.  I feel sure that there are not many Prefects who would command officers of such renown.”
    “He is right Governor.  I would have any of his decurions as First Spear in an instant.  They are quite simple, the best.”
    The Governor sank back into his couch and took a large draught from his beaker. “I had counted on you Marcus.” He rose on to one elbow. “If there were a role for you outside of combat, one which allow you to be close to your villa how would that suit? And you, er Decius isn’t it? If I could find a well paid role for you out of combat would that suit?”
    The two friends looked at each and said guardedly, “In theory.”
    The other two prefects were also intrigued and were wracking their brains for the role the Governor had in mind.  They had realised that he must be a highly political figure to have survived in Rome so long as a half barbarian.
    “Prefect. The area immediately around the Dunum is an important area and needs