Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 09] Hero of Rome Read Online Free Page B

Prefect.  You will soon learn that I did not take to politics and duplicity.  I still prefer those who speak the truth and their mind.  And now…” He stood and spread his hands, “I assume there are quarters for me?”
    Relieved the Prefect stood, “With the Governor still on his travels his quarters are available.”
    “Excellent. Lead on.”
    ******
    Governor Falco was impressed with his frontier troops.  He had been worried about the lack of a legion this close to the frontier but, having spent a month travelling the Stanegate, he knew that the auxiliary soldiers based there were sound troops who were well led.  He was worried about the strength of the opposition to Roman rule. In Moesia, where he had been governor, and in Rome where he had received his orders, he had been led to believe that Britannia was a conquered province and people. He now knew that to be false. He could not understand why a succession of Emperors had taken away good legions to fight abroad. Had the province been peaceful there may have been a reason but he was under no illusions, this was a war zone. He looked at the officer next to him, Decurion Princeps Livius Lucullus Sallustius.  He had been told of the man’s exploits before he arrived, the way he had thwarted an invasion, his time as an Explorate, his adventures in Aquitania and a vague rumour about Capreae and the Emperor Hadrian but nothing had prepared him for the modesty of the man. He had waved away the compliments for his exploits and pointed out that it was the ala and their officers which deserved the credit.
    “Yet I understand that when you took command there was resentment from some of the former officers? And you have had to recruit most of the men in the ala as the numbers were so depleted?”
    “There were a couple of officers who took exception to the new role but the majority of troopers performed as well as any men I have ever commanded.” The Governor admired the loyalty of the commander to his men, it spoke well of him.
    Pompeius looked over his shoulder at the column of men who followed them.  They looked confident and alert. Although they had not seen any problems the Governor knew that they would be able to deal with any attack or ambush. “Decurion Princeps if you were me how would you use the ala?”
    “Good question. I served in Britannia with Marcus’ Horse and the Prefect then knew that we would only need the one thousand troopers together in a major battle.  The best way to use us would be to divide it into turmae and give a specific area for a pair to patrol.  We could easily join together should the occasion demand but we could cover a greater area.” He waved his arm at the men following. “While we are together then barbarians could easily slip over the frontier and create chaos.”
    A mischievous smile appeared on the Governor’s face. “Sorry Decurion Princeps for tying down your whole command.”
    Behind them Cassius hid the laugh behind his hand.  He wanted to see how his friend and leader got out of that one. “No sir.  It is important that we are together now for this tour.  It would not do to have a new Governor killed or captured and besides it makes a statement to the tribes hereabouts that we are still a force to be reckoned with.  They have few cavalry themselves and we are warriors whom they respect and fear.” He spoke proudly but without bravado, stating the facts.
    “It is what I heard and fear not we will be heading back to Morbium tomorrow. Once there I will return to Eboracum and meet with the other Legate, Julius Demetrius. A friend of yours I believe.”
    “Oh yes sir.  And he served in Marcus’ Horse so he knows how we ought to be used. I am pleased that the Emperor has appointed two such Legates.”
    From another officer he would have thought that this was flattery but he had spoken with the Emperor before he left and knew that Lucius Sallustius was that rare bird, a warrior who led well and was modest.