Soldier of Rome: Heir to Rebellion (The Artorian Chronicles) (38 page)

As you can tell from my boisterous introduction, I am feeling in a bit of a celebratory mood. I was finally betrothed to my lovely Claudia! Though it will be a few years before we are able to marry, we are looking forward to spending a long and happy life together; hopefully one that will include many children! Claudia’s already made me promise that our first son is to be named Artorius, after you. A bit of a violation of the naming traditions perhaps, but who am I to say no? It seems that even though she has never met you, she loves you already. Can’t say I blame her, especially after you rescued her sister from the clutches of those rebel bastards. Diana has told us everything, about how you slew countless numbers of those traitors, and even about the impressive manner with which you destroyed that Greek. Forgive me if I don’t act surprised, old friend. Your valor and cunning will take you far in the Legions! I also understand that Diana has quite the affection for you. Too bad she cannot bear children; otherwise she would make any man a fine wife. A pity, really...

Another spot of good news, I have been made Deputy Prefect of the Praetorians! Sejanus recommended me personally for the position. Needless to say this caused some initial anger and jealousy amongst some of the other Tribunes who have been in the Praetorian Guard much longer than me. However, Sejanus explained that I was the only one with any significant combat experience to speak of, and that the other Tribunes would learn well from it. If that did not put an end to the critics, the Emperor’s hearty endorsement did. Tiberius himself came out to congratulate me on my posting and he even echoed Sejanus’ remarks that there will be bigger things to come for me. Perhaps a governorship will be in my future some day? One never knows.

I truly am blessed, old friend, both in my pending marriage and in my career. Though I have grown to love the benefits of bachelorhood, Claudia and I do adore each other, and I know we will be happy together. You will have to make a trip to Rome when we are wed, and bring some of the lads with you! I trust your judgment in regards to whomever you wish to invite.

My polit
ical and military careers are set, old friend. I have the endorsement of Sejanus, to say nothing of the favor of the Emperor himself. Know that I wish you the same success and happiness. I never told you this before, but I was deeply honored to have served with you in the Legions. I told your father as much, and he is very proud of you. Age, rank, and social status never mattered between us, and they never will. In many ways, I have always admired and looked up to you, as I still do. We have come a long way since our school days, Artorius. And while only the Fates know for certain, I feel that our paths will cross again in our careers. I look forward to that day. Until then, continue to make us proud,
‘Soldier of Rome.’
Your friend and brother in arms,

Pontius Pilate

Epilog: Five Years Later

At the Bridges over the Rhine, Braduhenna Wood, Frisia

A.D. 28

The Frisians knew i
t was all about timing. The Roman army was staged on the far side, overlooking the long bridges; three legions, plus massive numbers of auxilia and cavalry. Unbeknownst to the Romans, the bridges were treated with pitch and their support ropes weakened. A simple, but brilliant trick; allow the legions to start their crossing and then destroy the bridges out from under them.

The Frisians knew they could not cut the bridges too soon because the Romans would still have the bulk of their forces intact and would simply march twenty miles north to the ford
and cross there. And yet if they waited too long…well the legions were a fearsome enemy and if allowed to mass their numbers they would smash through the Frisians and trample them into dust. One legion was staging to cross, followed by their auxiliaries. These particular troops looked to be strictly infantry, the Germanic auxiliary cavalry somewhere in the distance.

Hidden in a thicket a Frisian archer waited impatiently. It had rained recently, and he prayed the kindling he brought wrapped in many layers of cloth was still dry. His companion knelt next to him, flint and steel in hand. There were many such pairings in the thick undergrowth along the river bank. They would let the first wave of legionaries cross and then hit the bridges with
fire while the auxilia crossed. That would trap a significant portion of their force, an entire legion at that, on the Frisian side of the river. The archer licked his lips in anticipation.

There was a fog on the far side of the river, which made Centurion Artorius apprehensive. Scouts had reported that the rebel army was huge, far larger than anticipated. One report had the enemy strength in the tens-of-thousands, though between the fog and dense woods this was impossible to verify for certain. If it was true Artorius had doubts as to whether or not their force would be large enough to defeat the Frisians even under ideal conditions. He also knew that whether they crossed here or at the ford to the north meant little. They would still be stretched thin and could only cross so many troops at a time. Speed would be the key; get enough men across to hold the far bank and allow the rest of the army to deploy.

With the
possibility of battle being joined as soon as they crossed, all Centurions and Options had been ordered to leave their horses with the baggage trains. The Frisians
had
to know the legions would pursue them after breaking the siege around Flevum, and what better place to set up an ambush!

“I don’t like this,” he said as he was joined by Centurion Vitruvius. His superior
made an assessment of the situation and shook his head.

“Neither do I,” he replied. “These people aren’t stupid. They knew better than to engage us in force when we liberated Flevum.
No matter where we cross it’s going to be a nightmare if they are waiting for us on the other side.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Artorius added. “And with this damn fog we can’t hardly see each other, let alone what may be on the far side.
”

“
I suspect they’ll hit us with everything they’ve got as soon as we’re across,” Vitruvius continued. “It’s like we are at the River Styx assaulting Hell itself.” The air was damp and Artorius felt his skin crawl as a feeling of dread came over him. He then took a deep breath.

“Well if we’re going to die
storming the pits of Hell, we might as well get it over with,” he said with a grin. Vitruvius returned the grin and winked in acknowledgment.

“Vitruvius!”
shouted Master Centurion Calvinus, who was still on his horse coordinating final movement orders. “The Third will cross here and anchor the right. Make sure you leave enough room for everyone else to fall in on your left. And be sure you get across as quickly as you can; this place gives me the fucking creeps!”

“Yes Sir,” Vitruvius nodded before turning back to Artorius, his grin returning. “Well old friend, since I’ve already got you here, why don’t you
do the honor of leading us to the other side.”

“It would be a privilege,” Artorius replied as he clasped his Cohort Commander’s hand. Vitruvius became somber once more.

“Get over that damn bridge as fast as possible and start pushing out to the right,” he ordered as he clutched Artorius’ hand harder. “Dominus will follow you with the Fourth; I will take the center, all other centuries on my left.” He then released his junior Centurion’s hand and rendered a salute, which Artorius returned. Vitruvius then nodded to his Signifier, who waved the Signum to let the rest of the legion know they were set. In the distance, the Legion’s Aquila was tilted forward; the signal to advance.

Artorius stepped onto the bridge, drew his gladius and pointed it in a high arc towards the far side. He turned back to see Rufio directly behind him with the Century’s Signum, the rest of his men but a few paces behind, anxiously eyeing their Centurion. He cocked a half smile to reassure them before sounding the order in his loudest command voice.

“Second Century follow me!”

Bibliography

1 – Speech of Marcus Lepidus, as written in the Annals of Tacitus, Book Three

2 – Speech of Emperor Tiberius Caesar addressing the Senate, as written in the Annals of Tacitus, Book Four

The adventures of Artorius and his legionaries
continues in Part Four of The Artorian Chronicles,

Soldier of Rome: The Centurion

A new trilogy of Ancient Rome by James Mace

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