Read Online Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 11] Roman Treachery by Griff Hosker - Free Book Online

we shall have more grain.” He laughed.  “Even now my uncle is taking the grain over to Deva to sell it to the legion there.  As the price has risen it will cost them dear to buy back their own food.”
    “I will have to go back soon or they will begin to suspect my prolonged absence.” He finished off his drink. “I will not be able to get a pass for another seven days and I may be on patrol.”
    “I will return in seven days for three days. You are doing a noble thing my brother.”
    “Until the Romans are driven from our land my father’s death will not be avenged.  I am resolute.”
     
    The Camp Prefect at Eboracum was worried. “The problem, Livius, is that I only have one cohort at my disposal here and using one of them to protect the grain convoy into the city stretches them a little too far.” He held up his hand.  “I know, it is the legate’s decision and I agree that we do need the grain, without it our men will starve but ….”
    “I agree Titus.  How about this as a strategy? After I have looked for these bandits I will detach two turmae to head south and meet the convoy below the river.”
    “I will still be using one of my centuries though.”
    “It will be just this once.  If our plans work then my horsemen can rotate.”
    Titus Plauca breathed a sigh of relief. “But will that not stretch your men?”
    “The advantage my men have is that they can evade trouble by riding away.  I am afraid the caligae of your men are not so swift.”
    As Livius left to give his orders he wondered about this sudden upsurge in Brigante activity.  By the time he had reached his waiting men he had reached his decision. He smiled as he looked on the serried ranks of immaculately turned out troopers. They all looked ready for action.  They had been trained well.
    “Officer’s call.” His officers dismounted to join him. He kept his voice lowered when he spoke, not because he doubted any of his own men but there were non-military workers in the fort and, until they found the spy, or the possible spy, then they had to be discreet. “Metellus take your turmae and patrol the road as we discussed. The first convoy will be leaving later today to head for Cataractonium. The men on the wall are on half rations and this precious cargo must be there within five days.”
    “Sir.  What I think I will do is leave one turma just five miles from the fort and the other five miles from Cataractonium.  It will save the horses and still give close protection to the wagons and their drivers.”
    “Good. “ He turned to the other officers. “We will be heading west to try to find the Brigante. We will not return here for eight days at least so make sure you have enough rations for that period.“ His officers saluted and turned to leave. “Marcus, a moment, if you please.”
    “I have another task for you.  Once we are out of sight of the fort take your turma and head for Decius’ farm. We need a couple of Brigante scouts and I need intelligence about the mood of the Brigante.  Your brother may well be able to help.”
    Marcus was dubious.  “The problem is, sir, that they all know he is my brother and they know who my father was.  I suspect that he would be the last person a rebel would approach.”
    “I know that but women talk and your mother and your wife may also have heard things. Remember you were an Explorate; it was the little things which gave us our information.”
    Marcus smiled, “You are right sir.  It is just that those days seem such a long time ago. And do I then join you?”
    “No, head south and pick up the grain convoy, escort it to Eboracum; it should be an easier initiation for your three new lads eh?”
    “Sir.”
    The ala, all fourteen turmae, headed out of Eboracum heading west.  Metellus waved his goodbyes and his turmae trotted up the road. Once they were out of sight and closer to the hills Marcus also waved his goodbyes. As he watched the lone turma depart the spy wrinkled