Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 10] Roman Hawk Read Online Free

his brother and his brother’s family as often as possible. Poor Metellus would be green with envy for Marcus would be able to visit Nanna, Metellus new Brigante wife, at the horse farm close to Morbium.  This would not be a duty he shirked; no Marcus would enjoy the respite from the non stop fighting on the frontier.
    “You will also bring back the remounts and the new recruits who are waiting in Morbium.” He paused and looked at the two of them.  “Any questions?” It was noticeable that Decius, one of the younger decurions, bit his lip as he pondered a question but then glanced at Marcus nervously.
    Marcus looked at the map.  “How long is the assignment?”
    “You have until the new moon for by then the days will be becoming shorter and the roads less easy for wagons.  If we cannot garner the stone we require in thirty days then the Emperor’s wall will not be built.”
    “Good.  Right sir we will be off then.”
    “Not without your orders you won’t!” The clerks’ authoritative voice made Decius start in surprise while Marcus and Livius just smiled.
    “Anything you want bringing back from Morbium oh revered sage!”
    Snorting at the sarcasm Julius handed over the two copies of orders.  “Some more spices for Septimus would not come amiss and perhaps some more game.”
    Marcus marvelled that the pile of skin and bones that made up the clerk could consume so much food and yet not have an ounce of flesh on him. “I will bring you back some venison.  There should still be a haunch hanging at the farm, it will easier for your old teeth to chew.”
    “Cheeky young…” Livius saw the twinkle in Julius’ eyes. The old man had, as they all had, been inordinately fond of the two brothers and with Macro dead, all that affection had been given to Marcus.
     

Chapter 2
    When the two turmae arrived at Morbium they could see the effect the Emperor’s presence was having. There was much more activity and auxiliaries were improving the defences of the fort. The ditch was being deepened and the fire zone from the walls increased. The rebellion the previous year had shown the vulnerability of this vital river crossing. It was the only place the Dunum had been bridged.
    Prefect Marius Arvina was looking harassed as Marcus entered the Principia.  “Good to see you Decurion.  You will have to excuse the confusion.  With the Governor up at Coriosopitum it is left to me to organise the distribution of the new auxiliary cohorts who are arriving daily. “He leaned back and smiled at the warrior who had helped to save his region from devastation by Irish raiders. The Batavians in the fort held the Second Sallustian Ala in the highest esteem.  “What can I do for you?”
    Decius handed over their orders and Marcus walked to the map on the wall. “There are problems with the construction wall and the Emperor needs more stone. “ Prefect Arvina was a friend and Marcus felt he deserved a better explanation for he would have to organise his men to get the stone from the nearby quarries.  Already over worked it would add considerably to their work load. ”The barbarians are attacking the men who are quarrying and the builders.” He pointed at the flooded fields just beyond the gates.  “The recent rains have made work slower. We have been ordered to take all that you can provide for us and spend a month escorting wagons back and forth to the wall.  In addition the Legate wants us to deter the pirates and raiders.”
    The Prefect put down the orders. “It would strike me that ships would be more effective.”
    Marcus nodded his agreement. “And so would I but, apparently, we have to wait for next year for the ships to be built and until then my thirty men riding along the banks of the Dunum will have to suffice.”
    “I had hoped that the Emperor would have seen our dilemma, having lived at close hand and experienced life on the frontier.” The Prefect quickly looked up at the two young men wondering if he