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Aquila:The Roman Marine 2

2009-05-06T00:46:44Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: New page: Marcus Audens Editor “PILUM Quarterly” Date --- Roman Marine #2 The floor of the passage was dry, and the atmosphere was both cool and damp. The way was dark and lighted only by ...

Marcus Audens
Editor
“PILUM Quarterly”
Date ---
Roman Marine #2

The floor of the passage was dry, and the atmosphere was both cool and damp. The way was dark and lighted only by the reflected light from the lamps in the rooms he passed. He saw several small offices that were set off the tunnel-way which were filled with scribae and librarii laboring over piles of ledgers and stacks of papyri and parchment. This was obviously the administrative heart of the fortress at Dubris. As Hastus considered his surroundings his guide stopped abruptly in front of him.

“Wait here,” said the officer, and punctuated the order with another scowl. Hastus simply nodded his assent and leaned cautiously against the stone wall. The stone was cold on his bare arm. His guide had stepped around the corner of the doorway and immediately snapped to attention and gave a crashing salute. Hastus thought that the man resembled a miniature thunderstorm with his dark forbidding scowls, and crashing salutes , but Hastus knew better than to give voice to his observations. “A new man reporting Centurion, he awaits your pleasure sir.” said staff officer in a loud voice, still standing stiffly at attention. Hastus could hear a faint murmur of a reply from within the room, but could not make out the words. Hastus disliked overt military courtesy thinking it greatly overdone, even on parade, but in the god’s name, deep in the bowels of a fortress…….! However, service experience had taught him that conformance was the best path, at least for the present. His guide’s action indicated that the unknown senior officer in the next room was dedicated to such trivialities, and the sealed orders from a disbanded legion would not make him the most popular replacement at this outpost.

He was fortunate to be in the legions at all as many of his former comrades had been dismissed the service, and a few were severely punished for their crimes and neglect of duties as well as orders. The last battle laurels of the Fourteenth Legio were more than twelve years old, and the legion had grown lazy in it’s post. His cohort , “The Ailing Eighth” as it was “fondly” known to it’s members, because the Commanding Centurion was not well, and the Tribune to which it was assigned was more interested in the rear of his concubine than the completion of his duties. The foolish attempted theft of the legio’s strongbox, as well as the complaints and poor performance, and the political situation at the time decreed that the legion would be disbanded. His Centurion had spoken for him and his energy and skill as a weapons-maker had won another posting for him rather than the disgrace of being dismissed the service. Others in his cohort, not dismissed, were sent en masse to support the Roman fleet on the Danube to be used as naval personnel, a step down from the honor of the legion. However, all this would make little difference here. He was a remnant of a disbanded legion and therefore suspect until proven otherwise. Now he was face to face with his new commander, and without a further thought Hastus strode forward, came to attentions and rendered a proper salute.

The bite of his dress helmet clamped tightly under his arm helped him to retain his sense of reality in this gloomy place, ”Hastus Pilius Scipius, acting Principalus reports his arrival. I salute you and Caesar.” This last was accompanied with a clash of armor and the thud of his nailed boots. Hastus thought that he had done rather well as ceremonials go, but the man seated before him did not change his expression at all. The room in which Hastus found himself was small as guard rooms go and rather sparsely furnished. The bare rock walls were hung with a few items of armor and weapons, probably those of the Centurion, and a pitcher rested in a shallow dish on a small table in one corner. The officer before him was seated on a rough wooden bench at a plain table and the room’s harshness was relieved only by a simple rush mat on the floor and a small cushion which eased somewhat the hard split surface. The table was piled high with scrolls, foolscap, and wax tablets. A second small table in an opposite corner was also filled with scrolls, and a basket beneath the table held a small stack of waxed tablets, and wooden tablet leaves.

The slight figure behind the table surprised Hastus. His armor badge marked him as a senior Centurion, and his face was the color of well-tanned leather. He was dressed as if for parade with a rust red cape and molded leather chest plate. His white tunic was freshly laundered and bore around the lower edge the watered green stripe which denoted the fleet support legions. His right eyelid drooped slightly as though he was half asleep, but his grey eyes never wavered as they looked at and seemingly through the legionary in front of him.

The centurion slowly stood and holding out his hand , he rounded the table to stand before Hastus, “your orders please,” he said in a crisp voice. The officer stood a full head shorter than man in front of him. Hastus extended the orders cylinder, and the officer broke the seal and withdrew the papyrus sheet inside.

(To Be Continued)

Respectfully Submitted;

Marcus Audens

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A Surprise!!

2008-06-05T17:08:25Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: Corrected spelling and added some small points. MMA

"What did you say??!!" Marcus jerked his head around at this astounding news. He dismounted quickly and ran to the woman's side. The woman stood pointing toward the great tree standing beside the road and the heavy brush surrounding it. There in the brush just off the road but still hidden from casual eyes was a man lying face down, with just a part of his foot and ankle visible. The rawhide slipper had apparently fallen off his foot while he was trying to reach this place of concealment as another very similarly soiled and worn slipper was on the other foot just visible to the questing eye.

Marcus carefully stepped into the brush thicket, and pushing the stiff fronds to one side knelt beside the prone figure. He reached down to touch the man's throat to ascertain if he was still alive, when the man started, and half-turned tugging at a long knife thrust into his belt. With that beginning effort, he groaned, and then fell back senseless once again.

Marcus looked up at the woman, who stood in silence behind him with her hand covering her mouth, and a look of horror on her face. "Well, he's alive, but not much more. Help me get him up and out of this brush."

The woman stepped into the bushes on the other side of the fallen figure and knelt by him. She gently brushed away the shaggy black hair from his eyes, and carefully tugged at his arm. As his arm came free the man groaned again and the injured arm, now bleeding again, was exposed. The woman hastily shifted her grip from the wounded limb to the man's shoulder and helped Marcus lift him to a sitting position.
"Put him on my horse commander ---- please," she said looking him in the eye with a distinct pleading in her voice. The former attitude and animosity was gone now and her entire form and face pleaded for his agreement. Again Marcus was caught off guard. Her mood swings were more than he could understand, however, request and compliance was always better than an argument and he hastily nodded his head in agreement as they lifted the man to his feet and maneuvered him out of the thicket and into the open road. Once there they lifted him onto the woman's horse not without hurting the man so severely that he groaned loudly twice more when the woman applied too much pressure on his wounds by accident.. Finally he was securely in the saddle slumped forward onto the neck of the horse still unconscious. Marcus let the man's arms dangle on either side of the horse's neck to steady him better in the saddle. The woman immediately tore long strips of cloth from the bottom of her ragged gown and Marcus tied the man's fee together to steady him and his hands together around the horse's neck. The woman had retrieved one of the water bottles and was washing the man's wounded arm, The bleeding had stopped.

The man's clothes were little better than rags. The mudpack that had been in placed over the inflamed wound had flaked away leaving a muddy ring tinged with black dried blood around the wound.

His appearance might suggest that he was a very poor itinerant worker or a slave. If he was a slave why was he here in this condition and wearing a weapon? If he was a worker he could have been set upon by thieves, but if so why had they not taken the knife? Marcus was thinking hard about this when he felt a touch on his arm. He turned to see the woman standing before him. "Please help me to get this man to my room Sir!!" There is was again. Sir!!!! Something he could expect from almost anyone except this woman. What was happening here?

"just what do you propose to do with him when he is in your room then," asked Marcus. He did not smile but kept a straight face although he could imagine the answer to the question among his navy crew.

Looking Marcus in the eye, she said firmly but in a polite tone, "I propose to take him back with us and tend his wounds. He needs help, he is hurt, and from his looks he is totally exhausted as well. If you will not help me then I will endeavor to do something for him by myself." Her determination was very evident in her voice.

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A Tribune's Secret

2008-06-05T17:00:29Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: spelling errors corrected, some words removed, and some points added. MMA

The Tribune sat in the deep shade of a spreading oak tree with the remains of a sumptuous mid-day meal before him. Lobster shells and cherry pits littered the table and covered the large silver serving platter. Standing close to the edge of the table stood a large flagon half-filled with Falernian wine, while next to the wine stood a pitcher of cool spring water fresh from the spring house under the building behind him. He held loosely in his hand an elaborately carved wooden goblet and he appeared to be in deep thought.

The hot sun beat down on the large paving stones just outside the tree's shade line, but the thick foliage of the aging tree kept all sunbeams from peeking through to either the man or the table.The air in the small but very richly arranged patio was very still. Only the lazy buzzing of the bees in their mud house in the garden's corner broke the silence.

Tribune Mettallus was deeply troubled. His arrangements with the city people in Ostia was in serious risk of being discovered, and he was not sure what action to take to ward off the impending danger. The problem was that twice damned Commadore and his three ships under construction. With the man's arrival and his energetic pursuit of the building schedule, the completion date of the ships in the shipyard loomed much nearer than Mettellus ever thought possible considering his arrangements with material suppliers to delay goods till the last possible moment. This "arrangement" had cost him dear, but it would be worth it, if he could delay the ship's completion by a few months. This would not have been difficult with the old fool that was in command of the base, but this newcomer seemed to be a man driven. Then too, the Tribune's energetic plan to have the ships under construction assigned to the Roman Fleet at Ravenna was rapidly coming apart.

The diversion of those ships was absolutely vital to his plans, since a specialized tactical division of warships under a determined and actve leadership released against the Rhine Delta pirates would be disasterous for them and for his carefully laid plans. The oe bright spot in the present situation was that this newly assigned officer, from all he could ascertain, was totally ignorant of the the present situation, or he was stupid, or he was cunning beyond average considereation. The Tribune raised one dark eyebrow at the thought; the man certainly did not appear to be stupid. Also he was well thought of in Rome for some capture of a cargo in hand by pirates, of some high ranking officer. It mght even have been the Emperor. This much he had learbed from is associates in Ostia. This Commadore now pursued his assignment here in Germania as though his life depended upon the success of his ships!! The tribune smiled a grim smile and thought that his life certainly did depend upon his vessels, in one way at least. He fondled the sharp dagger that lay on the table.

How to deal with this problem, he asked the goblet in his hand. There was no immediate response. Murder the man??? No, murder was such a negative term -- arrange to have him disappear?? -- perhaps; that sounded much better. But there was a definite risk that someone would demand a detailed search for the Commadore, and in doing so discover the whole plan. No, he would have to be cautious in his action whatever it was to be. However, regardless of the terminology used, the man had to be stopped or disposed of if the Tribune's plan was to be completed without a whiff of it getting to the authorities. They were stupid to be sure, but once a problem was discovered they would pursue an answer, unless they could be diverted. He had to decide, and decide quickly how best to deal with this problem. He had already met this Commadore face-to-face once and it was clear that he would not in any way be amenable to joining the plan He appeared to be foolishly honest, and held the corrupt empire government and the apparently insane Emperor in the highest possible esteem. His actions in purchasing the woman slave to save her from a beating that she probably deserved, and facing down a bully-boy twice his size indicated a formidable opponent. He would have to be very careful in the handling of this individual. Very careful indeed!!!

"Your Excellency,"the words brought the Tribune abruptly out of his dark thoughts.

"I told you that I was not to e disturbed you fool!" the angry Tribune spat at the speaker, fingering the jeweled dagger where it lay on the table. This response was directed to a small Greek slave who was plainly terrified of this Roman officer in his spotless uniform.

The slave stood stock still, his eyes on the slowly turning dagger in the Tribune's hand.
"Your servant has indicated most strongly that his message is of great import, Your Excellency," the frightened man replied shakily, bowing low before the angry officer and dropping to one knee.

The Tribune twisted hs face in irritation at the interruption. "Very well, show the man in and be damned quick about it," he said as he slammed the dagger on the table. The trinune's irritation at being interrupted was very evident from his furious words and gestures. The little slave flinched at the bang of the dagger on the table, scrambled to his feet and fled through the patio archway. A moment later a long shadow fell across the flagstones, in front of the table, and the Tribune turned in his chair to greet a tall raggily dressed man with a heavy beard. "This had better be good," growled Mettallus through gritted teeth.

"Oh, I think you will be very pleased with this information," was the smooth reply.

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A Second Esape

2008-06-05T16:45:07Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: Spelling corrections and a few changes. MMA

It was the loud voices that woke him, and he immediately stifled the intended movement to sit up and see who it was.. As the voices drew nearer Gaius froze in his narrow bed. His heart was pounding with anxiety and it seemed as if those anywhere near must surely hear it. His arm was throbbing as though some one was pounding on it with a mallet.

"Well," said a loud voice, "do you have him or not?!?"

Gaius could just see, through the screen of leaves, a small man in dirty rags crouched on one of the boulders at the bottom of the mountain. The big grey rock on which he sat was slightly rounded on top, half in the water, and stood out from the others because of it's almost perfectly square shape except for a large chip off one corner. The little man couched on the top of this boulder looking towards the forest opening where the stream left the pond. He had a leather thong around his neck, the other end of which led beyond Gaius' sight to the gravelly voice. The little man pointed along the edge of the pool to the break in the woods and looked behind him. It was the little tracker, that the Praefectus of overseers owned, "Cat" was his name, and he was very, very good, at his tracking skills. Gaius' hopes for freedom plummeted.

"Then move it along, animal," snarled the invisible voice and the Cat leaped forward onto the rocky shoreline and was immediately followed by a large beefy man and behind him were four archers, fully armed with long knives, hatchets and strung bows with arrows nocked. They weren't taking any chances, Gaius thought. What they don't know is that they could take me easily with a grandma, and a piece of rope, he thought with irony. Slowly Cat moved across the rocks and around the edge of the pool. Was the false trail he had left good enough to fool the tracker, Gaius didn't know, but there was nothing that he could do now except lie very still, and hope that he had not forgotten anything when he laid his trail.. He was on his own now, and it was his skill and cunning, against the five men and the tracker. Slowly Cat approached the opening in the forest and stopped. His fingers sought out the surface of the rock, on which he sat. It was the rock that Gaius had backtracked on. Had he left a smear of mud, or perhaps a blood spot? He could only sit and wait.

Abruptly the big man jerked the leather lanyard, and Cat's head twisted on his neck.

"Don't keep me waiting you little slime puddle or I'll have you roasted alive. Where is he? Where did he go?!?" The big man's ugly face was bent low over Cat and he snarled his words in the cruelest possible way. Cat clawed at the lanyard around his neck, and pointed into the woods. The big man prodded the little tracker with his staff. "Then move yer filthy rear-end along. Find him! Find Him!!!" Slowly the six figures moved into the woods and out of his sight. Gaius knew that it would not be long before they returned, and this would be his only chance to get out of the tree, and into a better hiding place. His eye caught on the hollow reed strapped to the tree-limb with the knife, Of course, he thought, and he hurriedly arose favoring his arm. It may be broken as well he thought as he unstrapped the knife and reed. He hastily ate the remainder of his food, so the water and mud would not spoil it, and then looped the pouch strap over his head, tucked his knife into his tunic, then holding the reed with his teeth and favoring his injured arm, he slipped down the lower limbs and into the water using his good arm to support himself so he would not fall. His injured arm did not escape a further jerking about, and he paused for a moment to let the waves of pain clear from his mind before continuing. The water was neck deep and he carefully felt for a purchase on the rocky bottom with his feet. He would move toward the heavy reeds along the side of the pool away from the rockslide. That way at least he could watch as the hunting party returned, just as he was sure they would. Slowly and carefully he moved across the pool and finally he reached the thick and tall reed bed. The water was now hardly up to his knees as he moved carefully into the reeds, following a winding narrow drainage channel, taking care to draw the long reed stems closed behind him to mask his entry point. Finally he lay down in the small muddy channel, the water just covering him and readied his reed. He could just barely see through the reeds to the opposite side of the pond. When the hunting party returned, and if they searched the reed bed then he would lay down and breath through the reed while they were in the vicinity, His only problem, he thought, would be how to keep himself from floating to the surface. He tried lying down and breathing through the reed, and was surprised to find that he did not float . In fact, he sank into the mud. He supposed that he had lost so much body weight that perhaps that accounted for his not floating. However, he would worry about that later. Now he had simply to survive, until the hunters returned, and then he hoped they would leave the area. But the water was cold and while the cold helped the throbbing pain in his arm, he felt himself begin to shiver with the chill of the cold water. Night was coming on again, and maybe just maybe----

A sharp cracking sound, a scream of pain and a rasping laugh cut through his thoughts. This was immediately followed by a crashing sound where the search party had previously disappeared.

"Damn your filthy hide, you little puddle of slime," raged the big man holding the leather thong. He wielded the staff again and again it slammed into Cat's back with a sharp crack, and again the little man screamed his pain. The hunting party emerged from the woods, and Cat led the party in reverse of the way they had come. The big man was obviously angry at losing the trail. Just as they passed the base of the tree where Gaius had been sleeping, one of the archer's called out, "Wait a minute, let me check something out." The archer climbed up over the bent tree trunk, while the others waited at the entrance to the road. The archer moved to where Gaius had lain, and he called out excitedly, "He has been here! Here is where he laid down. There's blood here as well!!" The big man turned the lanyard over to one of the archers and quickly climbed up to where the first archer stood on the tree,

"Damn," swore the big man looking out over the pond,

Gaius immediately lowered his head.

"That slippery bastard as doubled back on us". he swore. "I'll beat you till you bleed for this. you little bugger," growled the big man at the shivering tracker, as the big man and archer climbed clumsily down from the tree. "Back to the road , he shouted, " he's still headed down-hill we'll catch him at the lake!!! He retrieved the leather thong and poked at Cat with his staff. "Move it, filth," he said with a distinct grin on his face. The group disappeared and moments later Gaius heard them running along the road down hill to -- where?? The lake?? What was at the lake?? As he thought, he remembered the logs and the animal tracks on the road. The lake he thought, was a place to store logs before they are sawn into timbers. That means a village of woodcutters and sawyers may be nearby and that means food and warmth. He struggled up from his muddy bed and hastily made it to shore.

His arm was hurting again now and he carefully covered the wound again with the clinging mud. He clumsily shortened his pouch strap into a primitive sling and rested his injured arm on it's support. Obviously, the way to go now would be to follow the stream below the pond, since the hunting party had given up in that area. He waded across the pond to the outlet and entered the dark woods. The light was going fast and again it would be full dark soon. The hunting party would probably camp the night in this area, as it would be futile to hunt at night and even that big oaf in charge could see that. He felt sorry for Cat, but there was little that he could do at the moment. He moved slowly through the dim woods being sure of his footing, If he fell now he wasn't sure that he would be able to get up again. The dizziness was getting worse.

About an hour later Gaius arrived at the lake and just as he had thought, there was a fire on the shore and five figures crowded around it. Cat would be staked out somewhere secure in the brush as a watchdog. Gaius yearned for the fire, His tunic was still damp from the swim in the upper pond, and a cool night wind was blowing down the mountain side. He was cold, and hurting, and he was hungry again. If the hunting party didn't find him soon they would be forced to confess their failure, and the Auxila would be called upon to hunt for him. They would leave no stone unturned to recapture a slave, particularly one who had killed -- how many -- three men?? He wasn't sure, but he was sure that all of them were no great loss!! He had to get out of this area, but he was already very dizzy and was forced to lean against a tree simply to stand. He needed another place to rest, and maybe this time to die, His arm was now pounding with agony, and it was swelled to almost twice normal size.

He slowly moved through the woods to the lower end of the lake, and finally met the road going on down the mountain. It was a hard packed dirt road with deep wagon ruts. There were probably saw-pits at the other end of the lake. This must be one of the places where the naval base shipyard on the Rhinus got their lumber. Other slaves from his mountain group had been sent here to work, and this must be the place where they had been brought to. As he cautiously moved out of the woods and onto the road the fire disappeared behind the brush and trees, and he felt much better. He was ahead of the hunters again. He walked down the road leaning heavily on a stick he had picked up along the way, and he made sure to step as lightly as possible and stay in the wide ruts in order to hide his footsteps as much as possible. He soon realized that he was walking through a small cluster of shacks and sitting beside the road were wagons!!!! Some were loaded with lumber and two were loaded with hay. They looked to be loaded for market. Here was his way out!!! But first, he would have to prepare another "trail." He cautiously approached one of the shacks bordering the road, and he walked carefully up to the door. He could hear the murmurings of talk inside and smell the smell of old grease and woodsmoke. It smelled wonderful!!!. But now he had to concentrate and the dizziness made that difficult. He carefully moved away from the door of the shack, back towards the hay wagon stepping on stones and allowing his makeshift staff to only touch rocks in the roadway. In this way he approached the smaller of the hay wagons, and laboriously climbed into the front of the wagon and from there out onto the top of the hay load. Feverishly he began to burrow into the hay hoping to bury himself in the load. His arm began it's throbbing again as he worked to insert himself with as little disturbance of the hayload as possible. Another hour passed and finally an exhausted Gaius was satisfied that he was hidden and was beginning to enjoy some small benefit and comfort of the warmth in the insulating hay as well as it's soft embrace. His trembling from the cold slowly eased and his exhausted body began to lose it's battle with sleep. He hoped that when and if the tracker tracked him to the shack, the leader of the hunting party would assume that those within were hiding him. Gaius was sure that the hunting party would waste their time searching the shack and surrounding area. At least he hoped they would. By that time, with ny luck this wagon and the others would be out of the vicinity and well on their way. On their way to where? Gaius really didn't care, just as long as it was away from here, and with that final thought he passed into a dreamless slumber.

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A Plan

2008-06-05T16:30:50Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: Deleted two words. MMA

They brought her in the early morning on a litter with a junior surgeoan in attendance. The Optio was just awake, and after greeting them at the entrance to the Navarch's Office, he directed the small cavalcade to a cleared storeroom. The Optio had found a small pallet, and an old military cloak hanging in the storeroom. A good shaking had restored it to usefulness if not to it's original splendor. The long tear along the bottom of the garment from a sword thrust gone astray, would not effect it's usefulness in this instance. Two wooden blocks for litter supports lay positioned on the floor ro receive the litter, and one of the missing floor bricks had been replaced by a temporary wooden substitute. However, the Optio considered that this room would do nicely for now. This woman was something new in this place, and it was obvious that the Commander was not comfortable with the whole situation.

The litter bearers laid the litter on the two heavy blocks, very gently at the admonition of the Jr. Surgeon, and then stood back against the wall. The surgeon looked closely at the sleeping woman checking the position of the splinted arm. Her black Eye and split lip both glistened with a coating of some healing salve.

The young man held a scroll in his hand and he placed it on the optio's desk. Turning to the Optio he said crisply," Here are the instructions from Senior Surgeon Flavius Dinius. Be sure they are followed to the letter!!"

The Optio responded quietly but with a wry smile, and no little sarcasm, "the instructions will be followed to the letter my friend, but there is little need to be officious here. You and I are the same rank!"

The Jr. Surgeon flushed and turned away, whie the two litter-bearers grinned at each other. The Optio turned to look at the sleeping woman. she was probably under the influence of drugs so they could set that broken arm, and would not awaken for some time.

"Surgeon Dinius does not want the woman to be disturbed in her sleep so we will leave the litter here with you." he said in a less abrasive tone. "We would appreciate the litter returned as soon as possible as we are short three litters at the hospital." The Jr. Surgeon attempted to regain some of his pride in voicing the need for he litter.

"Just as soon as she awakens, my friend." the Optio said quietly.

The jr. surgeon saluted and turned toward the entrance, followed by the litter-bearers. The Optio went out behind them shaking his head at the young man's officious and grating manner. He would have to talk with the other jr. surgeons and ask them to speak to this new man. His manner could cause problems later on. However, at the moment the Optio's concern was his Commander and the woman in that order. The Optio, Julius Paulinus, was an old hand at working with different commanders, and he was an excellent administrtive assistant. He liked the rank of Optio simply because he had the seniority to do pretty much what he liked to do, and was junior enough not to have to make the serious decisions often demanded of senior Legion and senior naval officers.

Julius went back into the storeroom and laid the old mlitary cloak gently over the woman. Her arm was bandaged, splinted, and set in a sling tied down just below her breasts. Her face was quite pretty, or would be when the bruises and cuts finally healed. She stirred as Julius gently laid the cloak over her, and she murmured a small groan of pain. Julius stepped back from the litter and went into his office drawing the newly installed curtain behind him. Julius called to one of the libarii working in the large room across the hallway in the outer administrative area, and asked him to get a small table and a pitcher of water and a cup to put by the bedside. The woman would be thirsty when she awoke.

When Julius regained his bench, he saw that the Comander was at his table with a cup of warm wine in his hand. Julius picked up the scroll and laid it on a corner of the Commander's table. He saluted the Commander and said," Here are the Surgeon's instruction's for the immediate care of the woman. She is in the storeroom and still asleep. I think that it wil be some time before she wakes up, and I have sent someone for a table and water, for her."

"That's fine -- Thank You," said Marcus running his free hand through his short cropped hair. He took a sip of the wine, and considerered his aching body. He was stiff from yesterday and needed a brisk walk to clear the cobwebs out of his mind. Marcus looked up at the Optio still standing by his desk and said," I will be in the baths for an hour or so. When your wife brings the goods that I have requested just put them here on the table. I suppose the woman will sleep most of the day. That drug is pretty effective."

Julius nodded his agreement." I'll be here in the office, watching so she won't wake up alone."

"Good man," said Marcus as he heaved himself off his bench and pinned his cloak around him. "I won't be long, he said, "and then we'll have to decide what further arrangements to make."

Julus thought that it was pretty obvious that the Commander was concerned about his new slave, much more so than was usual. However, nothing seemed usual about this officer. Maybe that's why I ike this duty, he thought, He smiled to himself and sat down at his bench after Marcus had left. He gave over to his thoughts, and after some time he brightened at an idea and drawing a blank wax table tohim he scrbbled a message there with a brass stylus and sealed the pad. He called to one of the librarii outside and gave him the sealed message when he appeared in the doorway. "Take this message to Old Golda in the vicus," he said, and wait for an answer. The librarii nodded his assent and left. Julius thought, if anyone can help the Commander, Gold could, and she owed Julius a favor or two. He smiled to himself, as the libraii hurried from the buiding toward the vicus.

Marcus got to the baths after a brisk walk which he forced himself to undertake. He entered the changing room and hurriedly removed his clothes. He went straight through the tepiarium (warm room),and into the Caldarium (hot room) and immediatly felt the room's heat on his dry skin. The steam was rising from the hot plunge as he stepped into the water. He slowly entered the hot water pool and submerged himself in the depths. Almost immediately he began to feel better. He lay quietly in the pool hs eyes just above the water and let the aches and pains which had bothered him earlier drain out of his system. The pool was deserted except for himself at this late hour of the morning, and he was glad of it. He had some things to think over and he really did not want the distraction of company or small talk to disturb his thoughts.

The problem of the Legion Cohort being given to him early and the resultant billeting of the troops in the vicus was not an insurmountable problem in and of itself. However, it was just another concern added to an already full schedule. He would have to sit down with the centurion and work out the locations of the billeting and food rations. There would be complaints from the civilians in the vicus who were selected to care for the men in their homes. together with schedules for training. He thought that he could certainly trust the centurion to the training of his cohort, he hoped. The man looked competant enough but his behavior and the legate's comment to and about him was disturbing. Respect to a senior officer was, of course, expected in the legions but the centurion's behavior was more like a new legionary on parade than an experienced Cohort Commander. Marcus wondered if that was caused by the centurion or the legate. It was something else to look into. The centurion had been obviously very eager to be transferred out of the legion and placed under his command.

Perhaps if he transferred----------. As the stiffness subsided from his muscles a plan slowly formed in his mind element by element. He could certainly trust the centurion to take care of the victualing and housing of the marine cohort once a plan had been devsed. He would speak with his four captains about training the crews that were here, and their plans for training as the new seamen arrived. That will get them started and the marines stationed in the shipyard as the centurion had suggested, would likely speed things up just a bit. It still rankled though, that all these arrangements had been made without his knowledge or his input. It was clear that he would have to tread carefully here until he unraveled the political situation.

Now this woman!!!! What was he to do with her? He had never owned a slave before, and he didn't want one now. However, he had one, and to add to the frustration of the situation she was injureed seriously. To give her freedom now would simply be cruel punishment until she was healed. Not only that but it would mark him as a strange ecentric. Did she have any skills? Was she rebellious as the shop-keeper had indicated? He doubted it consdering the shopkeeper's behavior, but he simply did not know. She would definately need some assistance until her arm could be used again, and he shuddered at the thought of the possibility of the whip cuts on her back growing worse instead of better. He had seen that happen and men die when whip cuts grew worse and there was no-one to tend them properly. He was sure that the Senior Surgeon had considered that. He also remembered the scroll of instructions delivered by Optio Julius. Perhaps some answers were in there. It would seem that this command was to have some very interesting aspects.

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A Plan

2008-06-05T16:29:11Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: Just a few corrected spellings and a few improvements to the story. MMA

--A Plan--

They brought her in the early morning on a litter with a junior surgeoan in attendance. The Optio was just awake, and after greeting them at the entrance to the Navarch's Office, he directed the small cavalcade to a cleared storeroom. The Optio had found a small pallet, and an old military cloak hanging in the storeroom. A good shaking had restored it to usefulness if not to it's original splendor. The long tear along the bottom of the garment from a sword thrust gone astray, would not effect it's usefulness in this instance. Two wooden blocks for litter supports lay positioned on the floor ro receive the litter, and one of the missing floor bricks had been replaced by a temporary wooden substitute. However, the Optio considered that this room would do nicely for now. This woman was something new in this place, and it was obvious that the Commander was not comfortable with the whole situation.

The litter bearers laid the litter on the two heavy blocks, very gently at the admonition of the Jr. Surgeon, and then stood back against the wall. The surgeon looked closely at the sleeping woman checking the position of the splinted arm. Her black Eye and split lip both glistened with a coating of some healing salve.

The young man held a scroll in his hand and he placed it on the optio's desk. Turning to the Optio he said crisply," Here are the instructions from Senior Surgeon Flavius Dinius. Be sure they are followed to the letter!!"

The Optio responded quietly but with a wry smile, and no little sarcasm, "the instructions will be followed to the letter my friend, but there is little need to be officious here. You and I are the same rank!"

The Jr. Surgeon flushed and turned away, whie the two litter-bearers grinned at each other. The Optio turned to look at the sleeping woman. she was probably under the influence of drugs so they could set that broken arm, and would not awaken for some time.

"Surgeon Dinius does not want the woman to be disturbed in her sleep so we will leave the litter here with you." he said in a less abrasive tone. "We would appreciate the litter returned as soon as possible as we are short three litters at the hospital." The Jr. Surgeon attempted to regain some of his pride in voicing the need for he litter.

"Just as soon as she awakens, my friend." the Optio said quietly.

The jr. surgeon saluted and turned toward the entrance, followed by the litter-bearers. The Optio went out behind them shaking his head at the young man's officious and grating manner. He would have to talk with the other jr. surgeons and ask them to speak to this new man. His manner could cause problems later on. However, at the moment the Optio's concern was his Commander and the woman in that order. The Optio, Julius Paulinus, was an old hand at working with different commanders, and he was an excellent administrtive assistant. He liked the rank of Optio simply because he had the seniority to do pretty much what he liked to do, and was junior enough not to have to make the serious decisions often demanded of senior Legion and senior naval officers.

Julius went back into the storeroom and laid the old mlitary cloak gently over the woman. Her arm was bandaged, splinted, and set in a sling tied down just below her breasts. Her face was quite pretty, or would be when the bruises and cuts finally healed. She stirred as Julius gently laid the cloak over her, and she murmured a small groan of pain. Julius stepped back from the litter and went into his office drawing the newly installed curtain behind him. Julius called to one of the libarii working in the large room across the hallway in the outer administrative area, and asked him to get a small table and a pitcher of water and a cup to put by the bedside. The woman would be thirsty when she awoke.

When Julius regained his bench, he saw that the Comander was at his table with a cup of warm wine in his hand. Julius picked up the scroll and laid it on a corner of the Commander's table. He saluted the Commander and said," Here are the Surgeon's instruction's for the immediate care of the woman. She is in the storeroom and still asleep. I think that it wil be some time before she wakes up, and I have sent someone for a table and water, for her."

"That's fine -- Thank You," said Marcus running his free hand through his short cropped hair. He took a sip of the wine, and considerered his aching body. He was stiff from yesterday and needed a brisk walk to clear the cobwebs out of his mind. Marcus looked up at the Optio still standing by his desk and said," I will be in the baths for an hour or so. When your wife brings the goods that I have requested just put them here on the table. I suppose the woman will sleep most of the day. That drug is pretty effective."

Julius nodded his agreement." I'll be here in the office, watching so she won't wake up alone."

"Good man," said Marcus as he heaved himself off his bench and pinned his cloak around him. "I won't be long, he said, "and then we'll have to decide what further arrangements to make."

Julus thought that it was pretty obvious that the Commander was concerned about his new slave, much more so than was usual. However, nothing seemed usual about this officer. Maybe that's why I ike this duty, he thought, He smiled to himself and sat down at his bench after Marcus had left. He gave over to his thoughts, and after some time he brightened at an idea and drawing a blank wax table tohim he scrbbled a message there with a brass stylus and sealed the pad. He called to one of the librarii outside and gave him the sealed message when he appeared in the doorway. "Take this message to Old Golda in the vicus," he said, and wait for an answer. The librarii nodded his assent and left. Julius thought, if anyone can help the Commander, Gold could, and she owed Julius a favor or two. He smiled to himself, as the libraii hurried from the buiding toward the vicus.

Marcus got to the baths after a brisk walk which he forced himself to undertake. He entered the changing room and hurriedly removed his clothes. He went straight through the tepiarium (warm room),and into the Caldarium (hot room) and immediatly felt the room's heat on his dry skin. The steam was rising from the hot plunge as he stepped into the water. He slowly entered the hot water pool and submerged himself in the depths. Almost immediately he began to feel better. He lay quietly in the pool hs eyes just above the water and let the aches and pains which had bothered him earlier drain out of his system. The pool was deserted except for himself at this late hour of the morning, and he was glad of it. He had some things to think over and he really did not want the distraction of company or small talk to disturb his thoughts.

The problem of the Legion Cohort being given to him early and the resultant billeting of the troops in the vicus was not an insurmountable problem in and of itself. However, it was just another concern added to an already full schedule. He would have to sit down with the centurion and work out the locations of the billeting and food rations. There would be complaints from the civilians in the vicus who were selected to care for the men in their homes. together with schedules for training. He thought that he could certainly trust the centurion to the training of his cohort, he hoped. The man looked competant enough but his behavior and the legate's comment to and about him was disturbing. Respect to a senior officer was, of course, expected in the legions but the centurion's behavior was more like a new legionary on parade than an experienced Cohort Commander. Marcus wondered if that was caused by the centurion or the legate. It was something else to look into. The centurion had been obviously very eager to be transferred out of the legion and placed under his command.

Perhaps if he transferred----------. As the stiffness subsided from his muscles a plan slowly formed in his mind element by element. He could certainly trust the centurion to take care of the victualing and housing of the marine cohort once a plan had been devsed. He would speak with his four captains about training the crews that were here, and their plans for training as the new seamen arrived. That will get them started and the marines stationed in the shipyard as the centurion had suggested, would likely speed things up just a bit. It still rankled though, that all these arrangements had been made without his knowledge or his input. It was clear that he would have to tread carefully here until he unraveled the political situation.

Now this woman!!!! What was he to do with her? He had never owned a slave before, and he didn't want one now. However, he had one, and to add to the frustration of the situation she was injureed seriously. To give her freedom now would simply be cruel punishment until she was healed. Not only that but it would mark him as a strange ecentric. Did she have any skills? Was she rebellious as the shop-keeper had indicated? He doubted it consdering the shopkeeper's behavior, but he simply did not know. She would definately need some assistance until her arm could be used again, and he shuddered at the thought of the possibility of the whip cuts on her back growing worse instead of better. He had seen that happen and men die when whip cuts grew worse and there was no-one to tend them properly. He was sure that the Senior Surgeon had considered that. He also remembered the scroll of instructions delivered by Optio Julius. Perhaps some answers were in there. It would seem that this command was to have some very interesting aspects.

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A Desperate Moment

2008-06-05T16:07:46Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: Made some spelling corrections and added a [poits to the story. MMA

{{Rhine River Patrol}}

He awoke to darkness and rain. Slashing rain that penetrated his leaf cover and filled the shallow ditch in which he lay. He wondered why he was outside of the slave-pens, and then he remembered. He was free!! He was wounded, wet and cold, exhausted, starving and very thirsty, but for the moment he was free. For how much longer, was the question. He cautiously lifted his head clear of the leaf cover and listened for any sign of the guards who were seeking him. He heard nothing. He opened his mouth and drank thirstily of the falling life-giving rain, and was thankful for this unexpected mountain storm. He now had some kind of chance, if only the guards had sought some shelter. He didn't think for a moment that they would give up the search. He knew his value to the slave-master, and even wounded as he was it was more than both of the guards would earn in three months. No, they would not abandon the search, and sooner or later they would find this place. The storm and the resulting darkness was a temporary cover at best, but he must use this unexpected help both wisely and immediately. The pain in his arm was very severe and the arm was stiff, but there was little that he could do about that now. The mud poultice was still in place to his touch and he added some more mud to the wound, scraped from the bottom of his trench. The rustle of the few dry leaves that were left was drowned by the sound of the rain flailing the brush and trees around him. He was shivering now, and he knew that he must start moving and get lower down the mountain before he became so chilled that movement was impossible.

Carefully he rose to his feet still cradling his arm, gripping his one small weapon, and peered through the brush. The glimmer of a fire shown downslope just to the right of this patch of hidden ground. There appeared to be a rock outcropping there as revealed in the firelight, and it would be there that that the search party would be trying to stay warm and dry until this storm passed. Already the rain was slacking off, and the black sky above showed a glimmer of moonlight through the heavy storm clouds. He had to get moving!!! Cautiously he crawled out of his sheltering scrub, and wormed his way under a nearby thorn bush. He had to get past the guards, but they sat astride the only cover leading to the forest below. Another thousand paces or so below him beckoned a heavy dark forest in which he was sure he could lose himself.

Maybe if he couldn't get past them, where they were, perhaps then they could be moved in order that he could slip past in the shadows.. He cast about for a stone of the right size. He found one, which was fist-sized and not very heavy near the roots of the thorn bush, that he thought would do the job. If he could toss the stone over the outcropping, the sound of it rolling down the slope on the far side of the scrub would possibly move these oafs out in a search to find him. They had already proven themselves to be argumentative and not too clever, except for that damned archer. A sharp pain stabbed through him, as he thought about the hole in his arm. He hoped that individual had not joined the search down here on the slope. He could still see some torches up above on the trail where the chase had started, so he knew that they wouldn't give up so easily. He thought that the slave-master was probably laying about his with his whip, furious with the disruption of his work schedule. He hefted the stone in his good hand, and slowly stood, looking for a point of aim. He knew that this was going to hurt like the devil, and he would probably only get one chance. He was counting on the surprise to rob these searchers of the chance to think carefully about what they would hear.

He threw the missile with all of his might and bent over with the pain in his arm biting his lip until he tasted blood.. The stone didn't quite make it over the outcropping of rock, but rather bounced off of it where it hit and rolled down the slope on the far side. Shouts, from the fireside told him that the guards had heard the resulting noise, and two shadows leaving the fire, immediately after the shouting, showed him that he had been successful. The two guards left the fire, running across and down the slope directly away from him. The way down seemed clear now, and he shifted again to the outside of the scrub opposite the fire and moved quietly downslope toward the dark forest just below.

As he moved downslope he could hear the guards on the far side of the scrub shouting to each other in the darkness. They were well away from his path, and just a few more minutes and he would be able to lose himself in that leafy forest that lay across the shoulder of the mountain. Just a few more steps----

"That's about far enough!!” the rough voice behind him ordered and he felt the unmistakable pain of a sword-point jammed against his spine. He stopped dead still and wondered who the devil this was.

Holding the sword knife against Gaius' side the man moved around the slave, and in the weak light of the fire's flickering flames Gaius saw the archer. He was dressed in a skirt which came down to his ankles and his bow and quiver of bolts were slung across his back. His sword-knife was about three handspans long with a wicked upturned point. An empty leather scabbard hung from a broad leather belt. His pouch was on the opposite side, and was apparently quite full as it bulged so that the top flap strained against it's knot. A small water bottle hung from the other side of the belt

"Now what? asked Gaius. "I don't suppose an appeal would do any good."

"No, my friend, I am afraid not. You are much too valuable to let slip through my hands. Those two stupid hounds baying at each other over there were useless, and that's why I joined the search. I know you for a shrewd animal if nothing else."

Gaius let his shoulders slump in apparent defeat. But while he tried to show that he was totally defeated his mind was racing. He looked in pretty bad shape, and maybe this archer thought that he was all done. "I didn't really think so," Gaius replied, "but your remarks are not very complimentary about your fellow searcher's."

The archer sneered at this comment. "They are fools of the worst kind. They argue and quarrel among themselves, and they are so stupid as to be useless in this kind of a search."

Gaius looked beyond the archer's shoulder, and said, "well, maybe you should save your comments for those "hounds" to share face-to-
face." He pointed behind the archer

"Eh!!??, The archer half-turned on reflex and then realizing that he had been duped endeavored to turn back, but he was too late. The arrow point in Gaius's hand that had been hidden by the mud covering and darkness, ripped into the archer's throat and he staggered back dropping the point of the sword-knife. Gaius simply fell on the archer and bore him to the ground grappling for the sword-knife. The archer tried to scream, but could only gurgle through the blood pouring from his ripped throat. He struggled to keep control of the sword-knife, but the outpouring of his lifeblood drew his strength from his arms and his struggles grew weaker. His opponent's weakening was just in time since Gaius was also exhausted and weakened with the pain of his arm wound.

Gaius's arm was shrieking in pain as he rolled onto the archer's head and finally got hold of the knife, but by the blade. He could feel the blade slicing into his hand as he wrested the sword-knife from his opponent. Raising himself he hit the archer as hard as he could in the side of the head with the sword-knife's pommel, and the archer's stiffened and then relaxed beneath him. Gaius rolled off his opponent and reversed the sword knife in his hand ready for a second attack, but the archer lay bleeding and unconscious. He thought to give the archer a killing blow, but decided instead to cut the bowstring and take a handful of arrows and his pouch and water bottle for what they might contain. Then he shakily stood in the dark shadow of scrub and still hugging the downslope side of the brush made his way carefully down the mountain taking care to keep the thick scrub always between him and the search party and keeping his head well down below the top of the brush-line. In this way he continued to the forest edge. He quickly stepped into the heavy shadow of a large tree. Gaius paused for a moment and looked back the way he had come. He could still hear the two guards calling to each other, and could still see some torch light up on the trail.

He certainly was not out of trouble yet, but he was armed again. Against that he was in severe pain from his arm and a deep flesh wound on his hand. If the archer's bulging purse held any promise at all, he might well have at least one meal while he was free, and the water bottle sloshing sounds indicated at least one more drink was available. Things were much better than they had been and he felt more confident than he had in many long months.

Gaius turned away from the shouting and the torchlight on the mountain above him. The fire seemed to have died, and he immediately sought out the deep shadows of the larger trees. He would move off until he was completely out of the area, then he would stop, and have something to eat and a drink. Then he would continue on until he felt that he was safe. He began to plan his trek further down the mountain and as far away from the mines and slave-pens as he could get.

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A Visit To the Hospital

2008-06-05T15:44:57Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: I made a few spllng corrections and added a few new points to the story to make it more readable. MMA

{{Rhine River Patrol}}

Summoning a passing litter, Marcus got the woman into it. The woman's arm was beginning to swell and he told her to hold it carefully, and then he turned to the Litter-Master, a tall muscular bald-headed man who had picked up the woman and laid her gently into the litter.

"Take the lady immediately to the dockyard surgeon, give him this message," he said digging into his belt pouch and bringing out a small tablet and scribbling hastily on it. "Wait for me there, here is half of your fee, the other half when you get there. I will make the wait worth your while. Do you understand?" The large man bobbed his head and bowed slightly, then turning he grasped one of the long handles and silently gave the signal to lift and then to move. As the litter moved off, Marcus wondered if the big man was not possibly an unfortunate man without speech.

Within just a half glass he found another litter and followed the lady to the dockyard. The first litter men were waiting for him and he paid his litter man, as well as the other leader the remaining half of the fee plus a large tip. As they moved off, he walked into the heavy timber hospital just behind and to one side of the Principia. He walked through the hospital and into the Main Surgery. The surgery was lamp lit and three braziers glowed warmly around the room, There were also several benches along the wall for those awaiting treatment. The surgery was a warm and comfortable place which belied the pain and discomfort often found there. As he entered the surgery, he noticed it's warmth with appreciation and he saw the lady was lying on one of the surgery tables. One of the "capsarii" (Medical Orderly) was measuring her arm for splints, while another washed her wounds from a basin of warm water that had been heating on a grill over one of the braziers. A jar of vinegar stood beside him for use as an antiseptic. At the head of the table was the senior surgeon of the hospital, Flavius Dinius. He looked up at Marcus as he came in, nodded and said sharply to a third man standing nearby," I want ephedon powder, a verdigris dressing and a half-dose of opium, I'm going to have to stitch this," He gestured toward a slightly seeping wound on the side of the woman's head that Marcus had not noticed before. That lady must have had a rough time of it, with that shopkeeper, he thought, as he sought one of the benches until the senior surgeon had time for him. Usually, junior officers were strict in their military courtesy, but with Flavius the patients came before protocol, and his skill allowed this small breech in mlitary manners. Marcus sat on the bench and let the tiredness seep out of his limbs, and watched carefully as they tended the lady. The third capsarii returned with a wooden tray holding the dressing, two glass vials and needles and catgut thread. They helped the woman drink the contents of one of the vials, and as soon as the woman relaxed, the team set to work.

As the medical team finished with the woman her arm was splinted securely and wrapped across her stomach in a comfortable position. She had a bandage on the stitched cut on the side of her head, and her scratches and bruises had been washed and gently swabbed with vinegar. She was asleep now with the opium and a blanket had been spread over her. "Take the women into room number three and put a brazier in there as well," said Flavius, "and have one of the house slaves sit with her. I want to know when she wakes up." The orderly nodded and left the room. The two carsarii lifted the bed carefully off the bench and carried it and the lady out of the surgery. Flavius washed his hands in the basin and walked over to Marcus and seated himself on the bench. "She'll be fine now, the break was a clean one and it will heal in time. I"ll have the room slave get some other clothes for her and wash those she arrived in, if you wish," he said gently to Marcus.

Marcus looked up from the floor. He was suddenly very tired and said, "no, burn the old clothes and I'll get some new ones. I guess that's my problem now." He grinned at Flavius.

"Well, tell me about it, unless you had rather not," said Flavius in a voice of concern. "You don't look all that good yourself. You look exhausted. You want to take a nap here.? Flavius asked, his tone assuming that of a senior surgeon again.

"Uhhhhh, no, but thanks for the offer. I'll get back to my quarters. I have to send someone out for some things for her and make some living arrangements," Marcus said with a tired voice. Flavius smiled, but said nothing.

Later, after sharing some of his adventures with the surgeon, he walked to his office and approached his Optio. "Paulinus, you have a wife here, right?" he asked.

"Uhhh, why yes sir. She followed me downriver from Vindonissa when I was transferred. Why? Is there a problem Sir," replied the Optio with a real concern in his eyes.

"Oh no, I just wondered if she could or would do some shopping for me," said Marcus in a tired voice.

"Sure, I'll tell her right away. What is it that you need?" The Optio looked at Marcus a little oddly. The Navarch generally did not make requests of his staff for personal reasons.

"Just some women's clothes, and whatever a woman, who has little of nothing, needs for the immediate future. And get someone to clean out the storeroom and put bed and lamp in there for the time being!!" ordered the Navarch. He was looking more tired by the moment. Marcus fumbled again in his pouch and found some coins. "Let me know when this runs out, and I'll get you some more." he said with resignation.

"Uh yes sir, Uhhhhhh when will the lady be coming, uhhh sir," asked the Optio. This was new stuff and he wanted to get as much of this information as possible. This was news to share of the best kind with his cronies in the other offices. There was little else to do besides work, here and as the office Optio he was expected to contribute. But up to now with the Navarch there hadn't been much to share.

Marcus turned on the Optio and said patiently, "go and see the senior surgeon and ask him when she can come over, He will know who your are speaking about. Then, deliver the clothes and other things to her and when she is ready bring her over to the storeroom. Have the Carpenter put a bar on the door from the inside!!!. Marcus turned to go, "I'll be laying down for a bit," he said in a low voice, and then turned again saying, "and do you think we can keep a lid on this for the moment, until I can straighten it out?"

The Optio nodded his head, with disappointment,"Uhhh Yes sir, consider it done."

Marcus thanked the Optio and went into his rooms to consider the events of the day. The Optio really liked his boss, but gossip was gossip. He shook his head in disappointment.

Meanwhile Marcus had lain down on his cot. He had never owned a slave in his life, and now he had one, a woman, wounded at that, and what the devil was he going to do with her??? As these thoughts ran through his head his exhaustion caught up with him and he drifted off to sleep.

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A Meeting

2008-06-05T04:25:16Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: Corrected some spelling

{{Rhine River Patrol}}

----A Meeting---

The Principia (headquarters for the Shipyard and Classis Germania sat on the bald crown of a second hill which overlooked the shipyard and also provided a long distance view of the extensive stretch of the Fluvius Rhinus as it emerged from the presently leaf-denuded forest upriver, to the west where it finally disappeared into the muddy reed-choked delta area far downriver. Beyond the delta in the distance a sliver of blue water could be seen in the early spring dawn against the dark bowl of the sky to the westward. The bright blue of the open sea, in contrast to the muddy brown of the Rhinus served to reassure Marcus Vindex of the presence of the Mare Germanicus beyond the river delta. Somehow such an assurance was comforting to him. Marcus was used to the open ocean, and still felt crowded by the banks of the Rhinus, even as broad as the river was.

The hill had been shorn of most of it's trees some time ago, but two remained in front of the Principia. Their knarled trunks and dark green leaves seemed to soften the brightly painted outlines of the Principia building and shaded the entrance from the heat of Sol at midday.

Marcus reached the top of the timber and stone steps and walked into the wide smooth stone area that lay in front of the Princpia Offices. The Fleet Praefectus was a popular Senator and used to the very best that could be provided. This apparently included the unusual and extensive stone carving that graced the Principia building and presumably his private quarters as well. It was said that his personal value was significant so that he could well afford these extra touches of elegance.

Marcus walked briskly across the broad, smooth flagstones, not wishing to be late for the morning report, but also unwilling to be counted among the anxious hangers-on to the Praefect's skirts. He approached the steps leading to the entrance to the offices where two legionaries stood guard with Pilum, Gladius and Scutum. Their armor shown brightly as could be expected here in the Principia. Above them in twin oval niches set into the inner wall of the principia were two very ornately decorated half-life size statues of Mars the God of War / Agriculture and Neptune the God of Water and the Sea, both of which also stood guard over the Honors / Eagles gathered within the inner Principia temple.

The guards snapped to attention as he entered the gateway, flanked as he did so, by the two heavy doors with their deeply incised and detailed carving also indicative of the Gods Mars and Neptune. Marcus was of the opinion that Neptune's place in the outer niche should probbly be substituted by the Rhinus River Spirit, since the influence of Neptune on the Rhinus Fleet seemed to be far less than that of the Spirit of the Fluvius Rhinus. That particular spirit seemed to be most capricious and destructive, with it's rumbling and quaking during the fridgid winter months when ice lay thick upon it's surface, it's wild and far-reaching floods in the season following the cold months. Even now the level of the river was rising as indicated by the depth poles set in the river by the piers, and some of the "fabri" (engineering specialists) were shoring up and strengthening the dockage and piers along the river bank, that the increased current was already threatening. Add to these concerns the submerged sand bars that mysteriously appeared and disappeared each year, the strong eddies which were a constant problem for oared ships in the bends of the river, never in the same place twice, and finally the heavy waterlogged timber debris, that floated just below the river's surface or which was imbedded in the bottom of the river waiting for the opportunity to punch a hole in a careless or unsuspecting vessel.

The fleet's "gubernators" (river pilots) would soon be out on the river (his own assigned pilots included) updating the above changing conditions and trying at the very least to keep abreast of the Rhinus Spirits and the seasonal changes that they wrought upon the Fluvius. The ice damage each year along the river which was obviously done by an angry river god was very extensive. He hurled his "glacies" (ice) weapons against against any man-made structures or improvements along the river, and these attacks were extremely effective as well as desructive. As if that were not enough, the debris from the destroyed structures now added to the river god's arsenal propelled by the wildly strong river current, turned this broken material in it's turn, to be a further weapon to be used againt installations downstream. However, his view of the Religio was considered to be somewhat strange among his friends and superiors, so he kept his opinions and thoughts of such behind his teeth.

Aquila:The Roman Marine 1

2008-02-05T02:40:44Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: This article is only partly completed.

----Arrival----

"On your feet soldier." cracked the voice of the staff principalas as the iron gate behind which he stood slammed open. The disordant sound of the iron gate clashing against the granite blocks of the fortress that surrounded them was almost as bad as the voice of the petty Officer who summoned him.
It looked as though it would be a very long day.

With the ease of long practice, the lean, rawboned legionary slid smoothly to his feet, and the sharp crack of his metal wrist plate against his breast plate armor in a military salute seemed to mollify, to some small extent, this large beefy guardian of the inner chambers that confronted him.

"Follow close behind me," the principalas said, scowling, "and keep silent!" Having issued this stern warning, the guide turned on his heel and plunged into the dark passageway behind him. Hastus took a last quick look at the grey leaden sky overhead, and clutching his dress helmet under one arm, and his sealed order cylinder in the other hand, he hurried after his guide.

Service in the legions had never been easy for Hastus Pius Scipius, but for that matter life had never been very easy anywhere. He was the son of a poor freedman, who eked out a bare existance in Ravenna as an assistant arms-maker. Hastus didn't have a lot of options at that time, and at eight years of age, Hastus was apprenticed to the Master arms-maker in whose shop his father worked. His mother had died at his birth and he strongly suspected that his father blamed him for her death. Soon after Hastus entered the arms shop his father sickened suddenly and died; most probably from the combination of excessive amounts of wine and a continuing and all-consuming grief over the loss of his wife.

The shop was a popular one with the local legion arms dealer, and as such the shop was one of many who attempted to fill the never ending demand of the legions for spear points, axe heads, and sword blades with which to further the imperial spread of the Roman culture. If the
work was monotonous at least it was steady work, and as Hastus grew into this labor he grew stronger and bigger. The owner of the shop had a wife who was childless and she had been more than kind in caring for the boy when his father could not or would not. Both the owner and his wife were kind to the boy in their own way, and Hastus could never say that he had been beaten when he did not deserve it. His "foster" parents taught him to write his name and under thier guidance he learned to work with numbers, and found that he had an apptitude for that task. He finally ended up keeping the accounts of the arms shop. During the eight years that he worked in the shop, he learned a great deal about arms manufacture, and especially the forming and finishing of sword and axe blades. At the age of sixteen, his "foster' Parents were offered a partnership in an overseas colony that did not include him. His father wrote a letter of introduction for him and with the help of the local magistrates presented Hastus to the legionary recruiting praefect in Ravenna. Shortly following this Hastus found himself working in a legion armorer;s shop, doing for the legios what he had done for the former owner of the arms shop.

The loud echos from Hastus' iron shod boots against the dry stone floor brought the legionary back to the present. The two men had been hurrying down a long dark passageway whose gloom was relieved at infrequent intervals by flaring torches. The floor of the passage was dry, and the interior of this vast underground network was cool and dark. Small rooms set just off the passage within the massive walls showed the busy scribes and libraii busy at work over piles of ledgers and scrolls. This must be the admnistrative heart of the legion here at Landinum hastus thought, As he considered his surroundigs, his guide stopped abruptly in front of him.

"Wait here," said the petty officer again with a fierce scowl to punctuate the order. Hastus simply nodded his assent and leaned cautiously gainst the stone wall. It was cold and dry on his bare arm. His guide had moved around the crner of anoher doorway and Hastus could hear the boots crash as the guide snapped to attention. Hastus thought that the man resembled a minature thunder storm with his dark, forbidding scowls, and crashing salutes, but he knew better than to give voice to his observations. "A new man reporting Centurion; he awaits your pleasure sir." The guide was still standing stiffly at attention. Hastus could hear a faint reply but could not make out the words. His guide turned to him and motioned him forward. Hastus disliked overt and excessive displays of military courtesy, thinking them greatly overdone even on parade, but here, in the god's name, deep in the the bowels of a legion fortress------!!!!

However, service experience had taught him that conformance was the best path, particulrly when making a first impression. His guide's actions indicated that the unknown superior in the next room was dedicated to such trivialities, and the sealed orders that had brought him here from a disbanded legion would not make him the most popular replacement at this new command.

The last battle laurels of the old fourteenth Legion had been nearly twelve years old, so they disbanded the legion. His cohort, the "Ailing Eighth" as it was fondly called by the men, becaase the commanding centurion was usually sick was sent enmasse to the Danube Fleet, with the single exception of himself. He had been sent to the new fleet base at Landinium and was about to meet his new comanding oficer.

Hastus strode forward without further thought.

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A Plan

2008-02-05T00:10:12Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: This article is completed.

--A Plan--

They brought her in the early morning on a litter with a junior surgeoan in atendance. The Optio was just awake, and after greeting them at the entrance to the Navarch's Office, he directed the small cavalcade to a cleared storeroom. The Optio had found a small pallet, and an old military cloak hanging in the storeroom. A good shaking had restored it to usefulness if not to it's original splendor. The long tear along the bottom of the garment from a sword thrust gone astray, would not effect it's usefulness in this instance. Two wooden blocks for litter supports lay positioned on the floor ro receive the litter, and one of the missing floor bricks had been replaced by a temporary wooden substitute. However, the Optio considered that this room would do nicely for now. This woman was something new in this place, and it was obvious that the Commander was not comfortable with the whole situation.

The litter bearers laid the litter on the two heavy blocks, very gently at the admonition of the Jr. Surgeon, and then stood back against the wall. The surgeon looked closely at the sleeping woman checking the position of the splinted arm. Her black Eye and split lip both glistened with a coating of some healing salve.

The young man held a scroll in his hand and he placed it on the optio's desk. Turning to the Optio he said crisply," Here are the instructions from Senior Surgeon Flavius Dinus. Be sure they are followed to the letter!!"

The Optio responded quietly but with a wry smile, and no little sarcasm, "the instructions will be followed to the letter my friend, but there is little need to be officious here. You and I are the same rank!"

The Jr. Surgeon flushed and turned away, whie the two litter-bearers grinned at each other. The Optio turned to look at the sleeping woman. she was probably under the influence of drugs so they could set that broken arm, and would not awaken for some time.

"Surgeon Dinius does not want the woman to be disturbed in her sleep so we will leave the litter here with you." he said in a less abasive tone. "We would appreciate the litter eturned as soon as possible as we are short three litters at the hospital."

"Just as soon as she awakens, my friend." the Optio said quietly.

The jr. surgeon saluted and turned toward the entrance, followed by the litter-bearers. The Optio went out behind them shaking his head at the young man's officious and grating manner. He would have to talk with the other jr. surgeons and ask them to spea to this new man. His manner could cause problems later on. However, at the moment the Optio's concern was the Commander and the woman in that order. The Optio, Julius Paulinus, was an old hand at working with different commanders, and he was an excellent administrtive assistant. He liked the rank of Optio simply because he had the seniority to do pretty much what he liked to do, and was junior enough not to have to make the serious decisions often demanded of senior Legion and senior naval officers.

Julius went back into the storeroom and laid the old mlitary cloak gently over the woman. Her arm was bandaged, splinted, and set in a sling tied down just below her breasts. Her face was quite pretty, or would be when the bruises and cuts finally healed. She stirred as Julius gently laid the cloak over her, and she murmured a small groan of pain. Julius stepped back from the litter and went into his office drawing the newly installed curtain behind him. Julius called to one of the libarii working in the large room across the hallway in the outer administrative area, and asked him to get a small table and a pitcher of water and a cup to put by the bedside. The woman would be thirsty when she awoke.

When Julius regained his bench, he saw that the Comander was at his table with a cup of warm wine in his hand. Julius picked up the scroll and laid it on a corner of the Commander's table. He saluted the Commander and said," Here are the Surgeon's instruction's for the immediate care of the woman. She is in the storeroom and still asleep. I think that it wil be some time before she wakes up, and I have sent someone for a table and water, for her."

"That's fine -- Thank You," said Marcus running his free hand through his short cropped hair. He took a sip of the wine, and considerered his aching body. He was stiff from yesterday and needed a brisk walk to clear the cobwebs out of his mind. Marcus looked up at the Optio still standing by his desk and said," I will be in the baths for an hour or so. When your wife brings the goods that I have requested just put them here on the table. I suppose the woman will sleep most of the day. That drug is pretty effective."

Julius nodded his agreement." I'll be here in the office, watching so she won't wake up alone."

"Good man," said Marcus as he heaved himself off his bench and pinned his cloak around him. "I won't be long, he said, "and then we'll have to decide what further arrangements to make."

Julus thought that it was pretty obvious that the Commander was concerned about his new slave, much more so than was usual. However, nothing seemed usual about this officer. Maybe tht why I ike this duty, he thought, He smiled to himself and sat down at his bench after Marcus had left. He gave over to his thoughts, and after some time he brightened at an idea and drawing a blank wax table tohim he scrbbled a message there with a brass stylus and sealed the pad. He called to one of the libarii outside and gave him the sealed message when he appeared in the doorway. "Take this message to Old Golda in the vicus," he said, and wait for an answer. The librr nodded his assent and left. Julius thought, if anyone can help the Commander, Gold could, and she owed Julius a favor or two. He smiled to himself, as the libraii hurried from the buidig toward the vicus.

Marcus got to the baths after a brisk walk which he forced himself to undertake. He entered the changing room and hurriedly removed his clothes. He went straight through the tepiarium (warm room),and into the Caldarium (hot room) and immediatly felt the room's heat on his dry skin. The steam was rising from the hot plunge as he stepped into the water. He slowly entered the hot water pool and submerged himself in the depths. Almost immediately he began to feel better. He lay quietly in the pool hs eyes just above the water and let the aches and pains which had bothered him earlier drain out of his system. The pool was deserted except for himself at this late hour of the morning, and he was glad of it. He had some things to think over and he really did not want the distraction of company or small talk to disturb his thoughts.

The problem of the Legion Cohort being given to him early and the resultant billeting of the troops in the vicus was not an insurmountable problem in and of itself. However, it was just another concern added to an already full schedule. He would have to sit down with the centurion and work out the locations of the billeting and food rations. There would be complaints from the civilians in the vicus who were selected to care for the men in their homes. together with schedules for training. He thought that he could certainly trust the centurion to the training of his cohort, he hoped. The man looked competant enough but his behavior and the legate's comment to and about him was disturbing. Respect to a senior officer was, of course, expected in the legions but the centurion's behavior was more like a new legionary on parade than an experienced Cohort Commander. Marcus wondered if that was caused by the centurion or the legate. It was something else to look into. The centurion had been obviously very eager to be transferred out of the legion and placed uder his command.

Perhaps if he transferred----------. As the stiffness subsided from his muscles a plan slowly formed in his mind element by element. He could certainly trust the centurion to take care of the training of the marine cohort. He would speak with his four captains about training the crews that were here, and their plans for training as the new seamen arrived. That will get them started and the marines stationed in the shipyard as the centurion had suggested, would likely speed things up just a bit. It still rankled though, that all these arrangements had been made without his knowledge or his input. It was clear that he would have to tread carefully here until he unraveled the political situation.

Now this woman!!!! What was he to do with her? He had never owned a slave before, and he didn't want one now. However, he had one, and to add to the frustration of the situation she was injureed seriously. To give her freedom now would simply be cruel punishment until she was healed. Not only that but it would mark him as a strange ecentric Did she have any skills? Was she rebellious as the shop-keeper had indicated? He doubted it consdering the shopkeeper's behavior, but he simply did not know. She would definately need some assistance until her arm could be used again, and he shuddered at the thought of the possibility of the whip cuts on her back growing worse instead of better. He had seen that happen and men die when whip cuts grew worse and there was no-one to tend them properly. He was sure that the Senior Surgeon had considered that. He also remembered the scroll of instructions delivered by Optio Julius. Perhaps some answers were in there. It would seem that this command was to have some very interesting aspects.

(To Be Continued)

((Marcus Audens))

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A Plan

2008-02-04T21:42:41Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: Ths article is about half finished for now.

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A New Aquisition

2008-02-04T20:24:18Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: This article is finished.

Marcus looked at the Centurion. "I am very glad to meet you Centurion. Reporting for duty?" Marcus asked questioningly, "none of my ships are near completion yet. Are you sure that you have the right man?"

"Oh yes sir," said the Centurion, and then lowering his voice to a parade ground whisper, "Just call me Silvius sir. You see sir the lads are getting a bit restless in the fort sir. They need a change of duty, and if you would be so kind, we could watch the shipyard workers like, so the building materials for the ships don't go into some toadie's house in the vicus," Silvius had a conspiratorial look on his face, as he related his wishes and their obvious advantages to Marcus. "The lads are good boys over all sir, but they do need a change of scenery, like," continued the Centurion now warming to his subject.

Marcus had the distinct feeling that he was being led, but he found that he liked this big officer, and he replied." well, how about your Legate? Surely he doesn't want one of his best men out of his sight and beyond his authority. Once he releases you and your men to me, you wil be out of his jurisdiction."

Silvius brightened considerably, and in a confident voice said, "Oh he has already given me permission to seek you out sir, and to ask you about this consideration. He and the fort's Praefectus Castrorum have got to clear some room in the fort for another Legonary Vexalation that is due to soon arrive from the East. Rumor has it that they have lost their Primus Pilus and the Senior Tribune, for whatever reason, is not up to taking command. My commander will have these new troops on his hands for training and straightening out until the new commander is sent out from Rome, sir. I would not suppose that this new vexalation of troops are in any shape to be sent out to the Prvovincias or they would not be sent here." Marcus had to agree will Silvius' logic.

Marcus thought hard for a moment, and then looking up at the eager Silvius, said softly, "Well then, let us go and speak with your commander," The immediate grin that spread over Silvius'face at that announcement, somehow gave Marcus the uneasy feeling that he was moving into uncharted waters. Marcus gestured to the big Centurion, "well my friend, lead on," he said, and as Silvius moved off Marcus wondered what awaited him in the Legate's Office.

Marcus was somewhat surprised to find the Legate of the II Legion, "Adiutrix" relaxing in his rather spacious and luxurious quarters in the middle of the morning. There was no hint of legion business being conducted, nor were there the expected busy clerks and scrbae of the normal Legion office Outside the fort was carryig on it's normal business, but here at the supposed hub of the legion all was quiet. The Legate was enjoying a pitcher of wine and a plate of sliced fruit and meat with his senior Tribune when the house slave announced Marcus and Silvus' presence. The Legate waved them into the room and bade them be seated on the couches provided. "Gentlemen, welcome to my rather crowded quarters. May I send for refreshments? Do you have any preferences? My cook is skilled at most foriegn dishes, as well as our valued Roman ones." The legate smiled in a lanquid way. His Triune, beautifully uniformed, lay nonchalantly on a couch in front of the Legate, completely at ease.

Marcus thought of his own small quarters in the shipyard which were less than a third the size of this spacious room, and he could see through an archway at least one other room for sleeping. "Uhhh, no sir," said Marcus coming straight to the point of his visit. "Centurion Silvius has indicated that you would like me to accept the troops for the marine detachment early to provide you with additional space for an incoming legion vexilation?"

"Oh dear, said the Legate, "you have come to discuss business. I was led to believe this was a social call."

Marcus was on his feet n an instant, and snapping to attention, he said in a strong voice, "Navarch Marcus Fulminatus Vindex, reporting sir.!!" Marcus knew that formally he was not required to call upon the Legion Commander as the ranks were equal, but he also knew that the Senior Legion Officer as representing the "senior service" expected it. Additionally either this officer was extremely efficient in his administration of his legion or there was something terribly wrong here.

The legate waved his hand again almost idly as if the effort was too much for him. "Oh please Commander Vindex, you will allow me to call you Commander will you not? The naval ranking system terminology is so difficult to remember." Marcus noted a humorless smile curl the lips of the tribune at this last remark. 'Great.' thought Marcus, 'and here e have a toady second in command.'

"If the term Commander gives you pleasure Legate Septronius, then by all means use it. I have no objection whatsoever," replied Marcus.

"Well then," said the legate, standing slowly at his lounge with his fingertips touching the small table which held the plate of fruit, "How may I be of service to you?" The man's easy manner had disappeared and he was once again a senior officer, and one who had been disturbed by business at his liesure.

"Sir,Centurion Silvius has indicated that his cohort is to be turned over to me somewhat in advance of the vessels of my squadron being completed. I will, of course, need your approval for this early turnover, and I should like to inquire as to what bunking and messing facilities , I can expect to house and feed these men in the fortress."

"I am very much afraid, sir, that you cannot expect any support in the areas that you mention from the fortress, with the exception of an adequate food and material supply." The new voice came from the archway, and was followed by an older man in the uniform of a Primus Pilus who stepped into the room. He was a tall man, his hair was cut very short, and it was pure white. Marcus Audens recognized the Praefectus Castrorum, immediately. "We shall be receiving a number of centuries from the east for retraining and we will need the space for them."

Marcus looked confused, "But sirs." he said hesitantly, "there are no living facilities in the shipyard."

"Yes," said the praefectus with a humorless smile," we are quite aware of that sitation, Navarch Vindex.

"However, we have endeavored to make some special accomodation for your troops," Legate Septronius said, with a heavy emphasis on the word "your!" Obviously Marcus was the last to hear of what "arrangements" had been made in his absence, and further the cohort of "marines" under discussion was already his. It lacked only the words and documents that confirmed it. Marcus felt the heat beginning to rise on the back of his neck.

"In the absence of sufficient berthing facilities, it is planned that the incoming cohorts will be put immediately to erecting their own semi-permanent quarters. When these are completed, then there will again e sufficient room for your cohort if your vessels are not completed by that time. Until then, we have approached the Vicus Magistrate, and your cohort will be housed in the town under the roofs of civilian homes. It will be somewhat awkward, I know, but the existancies of the service, you understand," the legate waved his hand again, and the Tribune grinning, stood, saluted and left the room. as if on cue. "Tribune Titanius has gone to make the final arrangements for the transfer of the troops to your command. Will there be anything else that we can help you with?"

Marcus was furious. These arrangements had been made without the least attempt to get his views or even contact him. He felt like a puppet, in the hands of a skilled puppet-master. Marcus glanced quickly at Centurion Silvius, and saw that the soldier had remained standing at attention during the conversation. His face being completely devoid of all emotion. Marcus considered that the best course of action was to simply contain his temper and objections. It seemed that neither would get him any further consideration here in any event. Centurion Silvius' behavior rang a warning bell in Marcus, and it occurred to him that at the moment regardlss of his feelings he did not have much choice in the matter. Marcus decided to ride it out. "No sir," he said with mock politeness,"I believe that covers the whole of the reason that I came. My apologies for disturbing you at your liesure." This last remark was directed at the obvious lack of visible work being accomplished in the middle of the day. However, if Marcus hoped to score a point with his comment, he was totally disappointed at the legate's next response.

"Why that is quite all right Commander, you are new here and could not have known. We were expecting you some time today, in any event, although --," the legate's smile froze for just a moment,"Centurion Silvius might have mentioned it!" The legate's smile returned as he slipped back onto his couch and reached for a piece of sliced fruit. "The tribune will see to it that all the necessary documents are transferred to your command office, in the shipyard proper, I believe?"

"Yes sir, that wil e quite satisfactory. With your permission, I will take my leave of you now." Marcus turned to the soldier beside him," are you coming Centurion?"

"uhhh, Oh yes sir. Thank you sir. With your leave Legate Septronus?" The legate waved his hand in that lanquid way again that he had and dismissed them. He picked up his wine goblet again to take a sip. Marcus was nearly blind with fury, and he left the room immediately following the slave down the long hallway to the main entrance. He thought that he heard a sound of quiet laughter behind him, but his mind was too full of anger and frstration to take immediate notice. 'The legate slipped,' thought Marcus,'when he made his last remark about the centurion. That is where the answer lies to all this.' Beside him the centurion marched stolidly keeping easy pace with Marcus' rapid steps.

Sometime later after the centurion had departed to inform his cohort of the new plans, Marcus sought an out of the way small wine stand, where he entered and ordered a cup of Falernian wine and a jug of water. He took a seat and bent to consider the past hour. He was alone in the stand except for the waiter, a large ugly looking man who left and went into a tent behind the counter. Marcus had made arrangements to meet Silvius for a late supper at a place in the vicus. that was a favorite of the centurion. Silvius said that he would send a slave to show Marcus the way. Marcus knew that he would have to visit the Vicus Magistrate, and he also knew that this whole effort would have to be handled very delicately, but also very firmly. A combination that fairly screamed of failure Well, he now had a cohort centurion and a short cohort of "marines, nearly five hundred men for the four ships and a land -based facility, at his call if he needed them.

He also realized that a visit and soon to the fort food storeooms to make arrangements for food and wine for these five hundred troops was necessary, as well as a visit to the suppliers for replentishment supplies and ship supplies needed to be worked out. Delivery of these food supplies to the civilian households burdened with housing his legionarys, would be critical in preventing bad feelings among the civilian populace. Then to, there was the question of dicipline which was sure to arise with military stationed however, temporarily in civilian homes. He took a sip of wine. This morning had certainly turned up a mountain of work. His mind turned to the Fleet Praefectus and Marcus wondered why all this information had not come from him. His very next act would be to call on the Fleet Commander to inform him of this new situation, even though Marcus had the suspiction that it would do little good, or make any real difference.

Sitting with a cup of watered wine in his hand , Marcus considered his position. Four ships a-building and the legion officers as well as the Praefecus Castrorum were trying to make it as difficult as possible for him. He was new here and to his knowledge had made no enemies prior to today. He had no clue as to why these men were working against him. He well knew that the incoming legion vexilation could be diverted to a field camp until the semi-permanent barracks were built, but apparently that had not even been considered. This cohort centurion and his men had been passed on to him months early for no good reason, and they were quartered in the vicus which was bound to cause trouble and resentment in the civilian community. The less than lukewarm and offhand reception by the legio commander and the extensive arrangements made without his input or knowledge were also very strange. He knew that legion officers, as the senior service, were sometimes difficult to deal with, but this was totally outside of his experience or of any thing that he had ever heard before. Marcus knew that there must be an answer somewhere, and that he would ultimately find out what it was, but at the moment he simply did not have enough information to even begin to work it out. At this oint the key was probably the centurion. He would eventually see it all he knew, but for the moment he could only carry out his orders. His view of the legion commander was that the legate could not see past his legion troops, and it seemed that he was even willing to sacrifice a cohort and cohort commander into the bargain . That was as strange as anything he had yet encountered. Legion commanders were normally very sensitive about losing any men and this legate was litaerally throwing his men at Marcus!!!. Marcus did not think that Sivius was a bad commander, although that might be part of the reason, but it still did not make a great deal of sense.

As Marus pondered his options, deep in thought, the sounds of a nearby scuffle and a woman's scream broke through his thoughts. In the back tent of this little stand there was some kind of struggle going on. Another scream, and some violent cursing followed the first, and Marcus stood abruptly knocking over his bench. Leaving the table he strode to the back of the room,and around the counter with it's several wine jars set into it. "I can't even feel sorry for myself in peace and quie," Marcus muttered to himself, as he pushed aside the leather curtains and walked into the tent.

The tent was obviously an old legion tent and was quite spacious inside, or it would have been if the bales, boxes, and piles of various goods had been put away neatly. Around the tent were several piles of clothing, some pottery, and on the ground a small leather pouch of copper coins was spilled. Struggling in the center of the tent was a large man with an ugly scar across his face, and he was holding a woman by the throat and twisting her wrist behind her. The woman's white face and terrible grimace indicated her pain, just as the lopsided grin on the man's lips indicated his pleasure in giving it.

"What in Hades is going on here?" bellowed Marcus. "Can you not take your quarrels elsewhere?"

The big man whirled, still holding the women's wrist in a vice-like grip he clawed with his other hand at his side for a large belted sword-knife that hung there.

"Touch it and you are a dead man," said Marcus loudly, taking up a fighting crouch. He had immediately drawn his gladius and now pointed it at the big man's throat
The ugly lump of a man looked like he may have been a gladiator at one time, and Marcus decided to take no chances.

The big man froze in place and tried to make up his mind whether or not he could reach his weapon without this intruder cutting him. Herrick the Club, as he was known, knew instinctively that he wouldn't be able to make it. That determined look in this intruder's eye and the steadiness of that blade at his throat told Herrick that he must give over and settle this in siome other way. The big man slowly relaxed and then with a sudden violent move threw the woman onto pile of discarded tables and benches. "None of your damn business," he snarled in a gravelly voice," my slave, my decision, Get Out!!!!

By now there was a gathering of people at the doorway to the wineshop, who were looking in to see what all the shouting was about.

"Not your slave any more," said Marcus, fumbling for some coins in his pouch. He had six gold pieces and some other smaller coins in his pouch. "My slave now," he said with finality, as he threw the pouch and money to the ground between them.

The big man glared at Marcus and then screamed at those in the doorway, "Call the watch, call the damn watch and be quick about it!!"

"Yes, by all means call the watch." said Marcus quickly, " and you can explain the black eye, and the whip marks on the slave's back. I suppose that you are in good with the local magistrate," he added smoothly, hoping that the big man's miserable manner was not just an isolated outburst.

"Uhhhh, that won't ne ecessary after all," said Herick, and stepping toward the tent opening he shouted to the people crowded there, "Get Out, all of you Get Out!! the shop is closed." As the bystanders scattered, Herrick tipped over the tables and the benches, and turned to confront Marcus again.

Marcus had followed the big man's movements with the point of the sword taking no chances. The woman sat on the pile of old furniture holding her right arm. She was cryig softly, her long dark hair covering part of her face. The bleeding scars on her back dark on her lighter skin. Her ragged shift was torn where Herrik had ripped the strap over her shoulder. She held the torn garment next to her body as best she could with her wounded arm.

Herrick came back intothe tent and stooed to pick up the coin purse. Marcus backed away a step following Herrick's movements again with his sword point. Herrick emptied th purse into his hand and looking up with hooded eyes, said with a snarl, No enough!"

"Damaged Goods," snapped Marcus. "Damaged goods and twenty witnesss to your mistreatment of this slave. Thatshould be good for a month or so in the quarries."

Atthe mention of the quarries, a local punishment for the civil population who caused trouble, the big man straightened. "Is that yopur intention," he asked, again with a snarl.

"No," said Marcus," but only because I have no time for the likes of you. Take the money, I'll take the girl and we're square," he said his eyes never leaving hs opponent. "I'm a naval officer and a senior one at that, so the Magistrate will listen to what I say."

Herrick blinked his eyes as thugh he was looking at this intruder for the first time. His tunic, insignia, and the steady gladius pointed still and steady at his throat decided him. "Uhhh, done," he said with resignation, and then looking up with a fierce light again in his eyes, said,"then Get Out, and take the slut with you. She's a useless piece of baggage at best. Glad to be rid of her." Then he very cautiously touched the hilt of his sword-knife, and said softly with an evil grin on his face, "but I'll be looking for you in the streets after dark when the watch ain't around."

The sound of a chair scraping on the bricks outside the tent caught both men's attention. Marcus moved to the tent opening to see two men wearing light armor and weapons straightening the benches. The older man of the two turned to Marcus and pointing to the sword in Marcus' hand said, " any trouble here?"

"Well, Uhhh, why no, Uhh I ws just showing this shopkeeper the advantage of a sword over a knife." Marcus said lamely. All he needed at this point was trouble with the watch. These Vigiles usually were not sympathetic to any excuses, and a night in a jail cell, and a visit the next day to a local Praetor to sort it all out didn't bother them a bit.

Herrick stepped in front of the woman shielding her from the watch's curious looks, and snarled," Get yer clothes on bitch!!" He looked back at the two men, "just a little horse-tradin' goin' on. This gentleman just bought a worthless slave, to warm his bed morelike. The gods know she good for naught else." As the woman struggled to cover herself wth one arm holding a dirty robe, Herrick turned back to Marcus and said, "Our business is finished. Take the bitch and clear outta here and don't come back." Marcus paled at the order, but managed to hold his temper in check. He sheathed his sword and handed the woman out of the tent and through the shop into the alleyway. She huddled bent over and shivering. Her crying had stopped but she still clutched her arm and her face remained hidden by her dirty cascading hair.

The older Vigile turned to Marcus, and said crisply, "Sir, we'll be watching Herrick here while you take the girl away. We have a question or two for him anyways,"

"My thanks," said Marcus and he turned to the woman and adressed himself to her. "Come with me," he urged, "and we'll get you cleaned up a bit and tend to your back."

"I think my arm is broken,: said the woman, and she began to cry again.

(To Be Continued)

((Marcus Audens))

Talk:Aquila (Nova Roma)/Pilum

2008-02-03T21:14:02Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: Remarks in response to the indicated above review are completed.

The Pilum page with it's two banners, artwork and one article looks very nice. The lwer of the two banners,however, has the ti;e which almost totally obscures the picture of the Pilum. I would prefer to perhaps extent the background of the banner lower, and put the "Pilum" title in the lower extension. In that way both the pilum and the title of the newsletter ("Pilum") would be clearly readable.

Also, I should like to have my name following each article that I am responsible for, as below:

"Respectfully Submitted;

Marcus Audens"

Since the Senator has been kind enough to establish a Pilum site, I wil be pleased to continue using it for "Pilum" articles except for my three serial stories:

--Rhine River Patrol;

--The Letters of Pomianius-----;

--The Legionary (or something like that -- grin!!).

It would appear that I have my work cut out for me!!!!

Respectfully;

Marcus Audens

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A New Aquisition

2008-02-03T07:05:52Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: This story is not yet finished. Working.

Aquila:The Letters of Lucius Spurius Pomonianus 5

2008-02-03T04:11:31Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: This article is now completed and edited.

----The Great Rhinus Fluvius----

The great river spread out before the man standing in the shadow of the high cliff that overhung the river road. The river surface had the appearance of a very large white table set with an immaculate white cloth of the finest and most closely woven and bleached linen. It was, of course, the Rhinus Fluvius in it's winter coat. A light snow storm that morning had laid a covering of white over all, softening the craggy features of the river ice, and the knarled and leafless trees close by the water's edge.

However, in these lands the Rhinus was thought to be more than just a great river. The stories were that the river was a god of sorts, or an evil spirit who lay deep within the river channel, and who swelled the river in it's spring floods and destroyed everything that it could reach close by the river bed. In the depth of winter the sounds coming from the river sounded very like the groans of a dying man and / or the smashing of glass or pottery.

Titus Otho Atticus, was a former legion legate, and now the Chief Engineer to Germania Inferior with the mssion of building a permanent bridge across this river. Not a tempory bridge such as the Devine Caesar had built from timber only, and then later destroyed to impress the barbarian peoples, but rather a permanent bridge of stone pillar supports and heavy timber roadway that would withstand the fury of the Rhinus through all seasons for years to come and bring a generous Roman commerce to the far side of the river. in order for this bridge to be a lasting bridge he must be able to design it to withstand the wrath of the river ice in Winter, and the destructive floods in the Spring.

Titus smiled to himself as he drew his heavy cloak closer about his shoulders against the gusty and bitterly cold wind blowing down the river canyon straight from the high mountains in the distance. Even now, after his months here, he tended to think of this simple flowing river as something other than what it was. The wild tales of the "river spirit" whispered in the vicus, just outside the main fortress gate, the strange sounds coming from the river, and the raging floods that could be well imagined from the waste material of vessels, houses, barns, fencing, uprooted trees, and many other items now ruined and broken which lay twisted in the grip of the heavy brush along the long river bank made these "wild stories" hard not to believe. He shook himself as though to dislodge a bad idea. He came out here each day to look at the river, to get the feel of it and to better know it's strengths and weaknesses. But it seemed to be as great an adversary now as it had when he had first viewed it many years ago.

Not too awfully long ago, the ice-covered river would have been a natural bridge for barbarian raiders to cross the river and attack the vicus and the Roman patrols, but that was pretty much in the past now, and while there were still a few raids from those who had not yet learned to accept the Roman world coming to thier own, most of the tribes had been either roundly defeated, or had come to the table to be a partner to Rome in some manner. Rome's laws and culture were beginning to tame the hill people and it was clear that the folk here were quite content to work and enjoy the security of Rome, while the opportunity to become wealthy was extended to them as never before. They could also enjoy many of the fruits of the Roman world and perhaps even look forward to Roman citizenship in coming years.

In the winter, it was difficult at best to pry warriors out of their warm houses and halls for a winter campaign. The barbarians were not particularly fitted for winter warfare, any more than the Roman army was, their only advantage was having been brought up in the climate of Germania. Both could manage it, of course, but it was not often done and when it was it was at a cost of both men and livestock that most leaders were reluctant to accept.

Titus did not believe any of the stories that he had heard over the years about the powerful river spirit that supposedly controlled the entire length of the Rhinus and the valley through which it flowed, but standing there looking at the vastness of this broad river, they were stories hard not to believe.

A dark band of trees faced Titus across the river, and it was, as he well knew, the place from which any enemy raid would issue. Such then, was the reason that far up the opposite side of the valley there were outposts and lookouts who watched for any such gathering of an enemy host, and provided to the main legion fortress that vital advance warning of a pending attack. Then too there were scouts in the field disgiused as various itinerents such as peddlers, and road merchants who lived in the forests only coming in from time to time to report. They also kept a watch on the villages and the roads beyond the watch towers. Titus did not envy either in this kind of weather.

The engineer tied his mount loosely to a stark bush by the side of the cliff, moved purposefully across the road, and climbed down the embankment to the river's edge. When he had reached the ice, he walked out upon the river some distance trodding through the light snow to test the ice, watching carefully for soft spots
and slowly moving to the center of the river. Here he brushed away the snow until the ice was bare, and then he bounced his heavy oaken staff against the ice listening carefully for the hollow sound of thin ice. Only the hard sound of a stick striking a solid object came back to him. Titus whistled under his breath, thinking,' It must be a couple of feet thick,' he mused, 'enough to support the heaviest transport wagon.' The engineer hastily regained the road and untied his horse. The cold wind was beginning to seep through the double thickness of his red cloak. He thrust the staff into the loops made for it hanging from the saddle and remounted, turning the horse's head toward the fortress and the vicus. The animal sensed that they were returning home to a warm barn, something to eat as well as a warm straw covered stall, and quickened his pace, but Titus held hm in closely. It would not do to slip and fall on this icey road and add more fuel to the stories about the river's vengence on those who came here to tame it.

Titus, the engineer, was here to build a bridge, a lasting monument to Roman skill, and already his young asistant engineer had taken sick. He had fallen into the river while doing a preliminary survey for the best bridge location. He was now in the fortress hospital with a high fever, and the Chief Surgeoon did not hold out much hope for him. This concern had already begun the older heads to wagging, as the tales of the "River God's" revenge were woven around the young man's accident. But whether Titus believed the stories or not, many would, both in the legions and in the friendly vilages nearby from which some of the unskilled labor for the bridge work force must come. That was the real concern.

The Praefectus Castrorum of the legion fortress had welcomed his arrival and made rrangements for a roomy office for him. When the other engineer had fallen sick the Praefectus had obtained a young legionary "immunes" as a scribe for him. The young man seemed eager enough, but his ability to take the place of a trained engineer was most unlikely. Even if the young engineer survived his illness, he would be sent home to fully recover, and a replacement would have to be selected and approved and then sent out from Rome. Titus could count on being without any engineering asistance for at least a year in the best of circumstances.

As he rode through the fortress gate he returned the saute of the guards posted there. They probably wondered what he was doing at the river on such a bitterly cold day as this. Titus sometimes wondered as well.

Within minutes the engineer was rubbing his mount down with dry straww in a warm barn. He then turned the animal over to a sleepy looking groom with strict orders to walk, water and feed the horse and then put a blanket over him for the night.

Titus then brushed the straw from his clothing and taking up his cloak again he walked back through the fortress gate toward the vicus. There was a small tavern close by the main gate that served a tasty lamb stew, and a good Falernian wine. However, as hungry as he was for food and drink he was even hungrier for information. This tavern was alo a gathering place for local people, where he could listen to their talk about the local world around them. He felt this information was vital, in that he needed to know as much as possible about this strange land in which he was about to invest his immediate future and his career as an engineer.

(To be continued)

Respectfully Submitted;

Marcus Audens

Aquila:The Letters of Lucius Spurius Pomonianus 5

2008-02-03T02:30:44Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: This story is not finished.

Aquila:The Letters of Lucius Spurius Pomonianus 5

2008-02-03T02:05:26Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: This s the first part of this story. It is not yet finished.

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A New Aquisition

2008-02-02T17:23:08Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: This is the begining of the Part four of the RRP series. It is only partially finished as I have some other commitments this P.M.

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - Freedom!!!!

2008-01-30T03:02:19Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: I have finished this story and edited it.

Now he had done it!!!! The slave had turned on the master. The overseer, a great brute of a man, lay groaning on the narrow path, holding a broken arm. Badly broken if the sharp point of the bone projecting through the skin of the lower arm and accompanied by severe bleeding was any indication. The load of lumber he had been carrying tothe mine and which he struck the overseer with lay across the trail. Two guards were looking his way, and along this treacherous trail high on a stony ridge there wasn't much of a choice about where to run. Deciding quickly, he snatched the large knife at the downed man's belt, and the stout cudgel that had been used on him many times. A quick swipe across the overseer's throat with the knife took care of his debts to the brute for the ill treatment dished out in the past weeks, and the slave jumped off the trail and onto the steep gravelly slope. He immediately lost his balance and began to tumble head over heels towards the rocky pit somewhere below. Shouts from behind him heralded that he had been seen and the chase was very likely to follow close behind. He had killed a man, and the penalty for that was an immediate and very unpleasant death!! In the tumbling he hit his head on something hard and he blacked out completely.

Gaius' crazy run and fall down the steep slope had started a small landslide and the dry slope erupted in a wide dust cloud as the dirt, gravel and rock caried the slave down toward the lower slopes.

Slowly coming back to his senses, he heard voices nearby and he lay completely still. His head hurt from the blow, and he felt dizzy as well. It was hard to make out what the voices were saying. He was on his stomach lying down slope with his head lower than his feet. He felt a heavy covering all over his body as though covered with dirt or gravel. His head was wedged under a large boulder or he probably would have bashed his brains out during a further tumble down the hill. He opened his eyes, and all he could see was the heavy dust raised by the landslide that he had started. There was no wind and the dust cloud hung over the slope area like a thick fog. The dirt, gravel and rock of that landslide now covered him and left only the top half of his head free, and shielded from view by the boulder he was wedged against.

"Where in the hell did that scrawny bastard go!??!," said a nearby heavy voice.

"Shadup and look for him slugfoot. You're here for a reason, and that ain't to exercise yur waggin' jaw!!!," responded another harsh voice somewhat further away. "And be careful stupid," added the second harsh voice. "he got that dumb begger's knife!!!!"

"I'll shut yur yap for ya, you overbearing son of a _________!!!!" said the first nearby voice in a low growl, but much lower in volume.

'How long before this guy finds me', thought Gaius. 'Can I jump up and get this guy, and die fighting or wait till I am found and enjoy a liesurely crucifxtion.' Not an enviable choice. He still had the knife in one hand under this cascade of dirt and rock, but the staff-cudgel was gone. The man closest to him walked closer, his footfalls heavy in Gaius' ear. The man knelt close by Gaius' head and muttered, "Well, what's this," and Gaius could feel the guard's touch on the knife.

No time to reason it out, No time to contemplate the likliood of killing the guard. Was his arm free?? No time!! Gaius gathered his strength and burst out of the dirt and gravel blanket that covered him. He made a blind wide slashing sweep with the knife and felt it jerk in his hand as he moved toward the voice of his closest threat. He had connected!!! He could feel the warm blood on his hand, The guard sank to his knees with a low groan. He was holding his belly. The knife stroke had opened a gaping wound, through which the guard's life was spurting away.

"What the hell is yur damn problem Marcus? Can't you keep yur mind on what we're doing? Find that damn slave!!!! He's probably buried in this gravel somewhere!!," The voice was closer now and Gaius could hear his approach from below his position. Gaius grunted an answer that he hoped would pass for a reply. At the same time he rammed his fist into the kneeling guard's mouth and cut his throat. The man slumped in death under his hand, staining Gaius with a second rush of the guard's blood from his cut throat. The dust cloud was fast clearing, and Gaius cautiously looked around the boulder under which his head had beeen jammed. His body ached all over. He could hear the yells from above on the trail demanding some kind of report. The second guard was coming his way, wiping his running eyes, and cursing to himsel. The man had lost his helmet in his wild run down slope, and Gaius picked up a large rock at his feet. In the same instant that the second guard saw his dead partner on the ground, Gaius hit the man in the back of the head as hard as he could with the rock. The man fell stunned. 'God what luck!!! How long could it last,' he thought. Gaius moved around the boulder and crouched out of sight from those above. He looked down slope and saw a line of low brush extending into and across the gravel slope. Probably some sort of water spring or seep. It was almost four small ship-lengths away. If he could get to that cover he would have a chance. He had killed or maimed three times, and they would not stop their chase, but in the brush which led to the nearby woods he would certainly have a better chance than out here on the open mountainside. Quickly deciding, he gathered his strength for a second time and lurched down the slope being careful not to stumble and fall again. He ran raggedly for his brushy goal. Shouts broke out above him on the trail, and an archer took careful aim at the running figure.

(To be continued)

Respectfully Submitted;

Marcus Audens

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A Tribune's Secret

2008-01-30T01:13:02Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: Finshed and Edited the story

The Tribune sat in the deep shade of a spreading oak tree with the remains of a sumptuous mid-day meal before him. Lobster shells and cherry pits littered the table and covered the large silver serving platter. Standing close to the edge of the table stood a large flagon half-filled with Falernian wine, while next to the wine stood a pitcher of cool spring water fresh from the spring house under the building behind him. He held loosely in his hand an elaborately carved wooden goblet and he appeared to be in deep thought.

The hot sun beat down on the large paving stones just outside the tree's shade line, but the thick foliage of the aging tree kept all sunbeams from peeking through to either the man or the table.The air in the small but very richly arranged patio was very still. Only the lazy buzzing of the bees in their mud house in the garden's corner broke the silence.

Tribune Mettallus was deeply troubled. His arrangements with the city people in Ostia was in serious risk of being discovered, and he was not sure what action to take to ward off the impending danger. The problem was that twice damned Commadore and his three ships under construction. With the man's arrival and his energetic pursuit of the building schedule, the completion date of the ships in the shipyard loomed much nearer than Mettellus ever thought possible considering his arrangements with material suppliers to delay goods till the last possible moment. This "arrangement had cost hm dear, but t would be wrth it, if he could delay the ship's completion by a few months. This would not have been difficult with the old ool that was in command of the base, but this newcomer seemed to be a man driven. Then too, the Tribune's energetic plan to have the ships under construction assigned to the Roman Fleet at Ravenna was rapidly coming apart.

The diversion of those ships was absolutely vital to his plans, since a specialized tactical division of warships under a determined and actve leadership released against the Rhine Delta pirates would be disasterous for them and for his carefully laid plans. It was particularly bad, since this newly assigned officer, from all he could ascertain, was totally ignorant of the the present situation, or he was stupid. The Tribune raised one dark eyebrow at the thought; the man certainly did not appear to be stupid. Also he was well thought of in Rome for some capture of a cargo in hand by pirates, of some high ranking officer. It mght even have been the Emperor. He pursued his task here in Germania as though his life depended upon the success of his ships!! The tribune smiled a grim smile and thought that his life certainly did depend upon his vessels, in one way at least. He fondled the sharp dagger that lay on the table.

How to deal with this problem, he asked the goblet in his hand. There was no immediate response. Murder the man??? No, murder was such a negative term -- arrange to have him disappear disappear?? -- peraps as that sounded much better. But there was a definite risk that someone would demand a detailed search for the Commadore, and in doing so discover the whole plan. No, he would have to be cauious in his action whatever it was to be. However, regardless of the terminology used, the man had to be stopped or disposed of if the Tribune's plan was to be completed without a sniff of it getting to the authorities. He had to decide, and decide quickly how best to deal with this problem. He had already met this Commadore face-to-face once and it was clear that he would not in any way be amenable to joining the plan He appeared to be foolishly honest, and held the corrupt empire government and the insane Emperor in the highest possible esteem. His actions in purchasing the woman slave to save her from a beating that she probably deserved, and facing down a bully-boy twice his size indicated a formidable opponent. He would have to be very careful in the handling of this individual. Very careful indeed!!!

"Your Excellency,"the words brought the Tribune abruptly out of his dark thoughts.

"I told you that I was not to e disturbed you fool!" the angry Tribune spat at the speaker, fingering the jeweled dagger where it lay on the table. This response was directed to a small Greek slave who was plainly terrified of this Roman officer in his spotless uniform.

The slave stood stock still, his eyes on the slowly turning dagger in the Tribune's hand."Your servant has inicated most strongly that his message is of great import, Your Excellency," the frightened man replied shakily, bowing low before the angry officer and dropping to one knee.

The Tribune twisted hs face in irritation at the interruption. "Very well, show the man in and be damned quick about it," he said as he slammed the dagger on the table. The trinune's irritation at being interrupted was very evident from his furious words and getures. The little slave flinched at the bang of the dagger, scrambled to his feet and fled through the patio archway. A moment later a long shadow fell across the flagstones, in front of the table, and the Tribune turned in his chair to greet a tall raggily dressed man with a heavy beard. "This had better be good, growled Mettallus through gritted teeth.

"Oh, I think you will be very pleased with this information," was the smooth reply.

(To be continued)

Respectfully Submitted,

Marcus Audens

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A Tribune's Secret

2008-01-29T21:08:00Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: New Story unit

The Tribune sat in the dep shade of a spreading oak tree with the remains of a sumptuous mid-day meal before him. Lobster shells and cherry pits littered the table and covered the large silver serving platter. Standing close to the edge of the table stood a large flagon half-filled with Falernian wine, while next to the wine stood a pitcher of cool spring water fresh from the springhouse under the building behind him. He held loosely in his hand an elaborately carved wooden goblet and he appeared to be in deep thought.

The hot sun beat doen on the large paving stones just outside the tree's shade line, but the thick folliage of the aging tree kept all sunbeams from peeking through to either the man or the table.The air in the small but very richly arranged patio was very still. Only the lazy buzzing of the bees in their mud ouse in th garden's corner broke the silence.

Tribune Mettallus was deeply troubled. His arrangements with city people in Ostia was in serious risk of being discovered, and he was not sure what action to take to ward off the impending danger. The problem was that twice damned Commadore and hi ships under construction. With the man's arrival and his energetic pursuit of the building schedule, the completion date of the ships in the shipyard loomed much nearer than he ever thought possible concidering his arrangement s with material suppliers. Then too, his energetic plan to have the ships under construction assigned to the Roman Fleet at Ravenna was rapidly coming apart.

The diversion of those ships was absolutely vital to his pans, since a specialized tactical division of warships under a determined and actve leadership released against the Rhine Delta pirates would be disasterous for them and for his carefully laid plans. It was particularly bad, since this newly assigned officer , from all he could ascertain, was totally ignorant of the the present situation, or he was stupid. The Tribune raised one dark eyebrow at the thought; the man certainly did not appear to be stupid. Also he was well thought of in Rome for some capture of a cargo in hand by pirates, of some high ranking officer. It mght even have been the Emperor. He pursued his tak here in Germany as though his life depended upon the success of his ships!! The tribune smiled a grim smile and thought that his life certainly did depend upon his vesses, in one way at least. He fondled the sharp dagger that lay on the table.

How to deal with this problem, he asked the goblet in his hand. There was no immediate response. Murder the man??? No, murder was such a negative term -- arrange to diappear?? -- that sounded much better. However, regardless of the terminology used, the man had to be stopped or disposed of if the Tribune's plan was to be completed without a sniff of it gettin to the authorities. He had to decide, and decide quickly how best to deal with this problem. He had already met this Commadore face-to-face once and it was clear that he would not in any way be amenable to joining the plan He appeared to be foolishly hnest, and held the corrupt empire government and the insane Emperor in the highest possible esteem. His actions in purchasing the woman slave to save her from a beating that she probably deserved, and facing down a bully-boy twice his size indicated a formidable opponent. He would have to be very careful in the handling of this individual. Very careful indeed!!!

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A Meeting

2007-12-16T22:26:44Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: Continued with the article

{{Aquila:A Beginning}}

----A Meeting---

The Principia (headquarters for the Shipyard and Classis Germania sat on the bald crown of a second hill which overlooked the shipyard and also provided a long distance view of the extensive stretch of the Fluvius Rhinus as it emerged from the presently leaf-denuded forest upriver, to the west where it finally disappeared into the muddy reed-choked delta area far downriver. Beyond the delta in the distance a sliver of blue water could be seen in the early spring dawn against the dark bowl of the sky to the westward. The bright blue of the open sea, in contrast to the muddy brown of the Rhinus served to reassure Marcus Vindex of the presence of the Mare Germanicus beyond the river delta. Somehow such an assurance was comforting to him. Marcus was used to the open ocean, and still felt crowded by the banks of the Rhinus, even as broad as the river was.

The hill had been shorn of most of it's trees some time ago, but two remained in front of the Principia. Their knarled trtunks and dark green leaves seemed to soften the brightly painted outlines of the Principia building and shaded the entrance from the heat of Sol at midday.

Marcus reached the top of the timber and stone steps and walked into the wide smooth stone area that lay in front of the Princpia Offices. The Fleet Praefectus was a popular Senator and used to the very best that could be provided. This apparently included the unusual and extensive stone carving that graced the Principia building and presumably his private quarters as well. It was said that his personal value was significant so that he could well afford these extra touches of elegance.

Marcus walked briskly across the broad, smooth flagstones, not wishing to be late for the morning report, but also unwilling to be counted among the anxious hangers-on to the Praefect's skirts. He approached the steps leadig to the entrance to the offices where two legionaries stood guard with Pilum, Gladius and Scutum. There armor shown brightly as could be expected here in the Principia. Above them in twin oval niches set into the inner wall of the principia were two very ornately decorated half-life size statues of Mars the God of War / Agriculture and Neptune the God of Water and the Sea, both of which also stood guard over the Honors / Eagles gathered within the inner Principia temple.

The guards snapped to attention as he entered the gateway, flanked as he did so, by the two heavy doors with their deeply incised and detailed carving also indicative of the Gods Mars and Neptune. Marcus was of the opinion that Neptune's place in the outer niche should probbly be substituted by the Rhinus River Spirit, since the influence of Neptune on the Rhinus Fleet seemed to be far less than that of the Spirit of the Fluvius Rhinus. That particular spirit seemed to be most capricious and destructive, with it's rumbling and quaking during the fridgid winter months when ice lay thick upon it's surface, it's wild and far-reaching floods in the season following the cold months. Even now the level of the river was rising as indicated by the depth poles set in the river by the piers, and some of the "fabri" (engineering specialists) were shoring up and strengthening the dockage and piers along the river bank, that the increased current was already threatening. Add to these concerns the submerged sand bars that mysteriously appeared and disappeared each year, the strong eddies which were a constant problem for oared ships in the bends of the river, never in the same place twice, and finally the heavy waterlogged timber debris, that floated just below the river's surface or which was imbedded in the bottom of the river waiting for the opportunity to punch a hole in a careless or unsuspecting vessel.

The fleet's "gubernators" (river pilots) would soon be out on the river (his own assigned pilots included) updating the above changing conditions and trying at the very least to keep abreast of the Rhinus Spirits and the seasonal changes that they wrought upon the Fluvius. The ice damage each year along the river which was obviously done by an angry river god was very extensive. He hurled his "glacies" (ice) weapons against against any man-made structures or improvements along the river, and these attacks were extremely effective as well as desructive. As if that were not enough, the debris from the destroyed structures now added to the river god's arsenal propelled by the wildly strong river current, turned this broken material in it's turn, to be a further weapon to be used againt installations downstream. However, his view of the Religio was considered to be somewhat strange among his friends and superiors, so he kept his opinios and thoughts of such behind his teeth.

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A Meeting

2007-12-13T00:22:54Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: First Paragraph completed

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A Beginning

2007-12-13T00:04:03Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: Finished with RRP - A Beginning

{{Rhine River Patrol}}
----A Beginning----

The dawn slowly became more prominant in the distant sky as Apollo's Chariot approached the rim of the world. The smell of melting pitch began to drift upon the air, it's heavy odor heady and strong but somehow pleasing to one long accustomed to such, and the saw-pits by the launching ramps added to this aroma the rich smell of new-sawn lumber. These odors in the predawn hours raised many memoriesin the mind of the man who stood above the shipyard on a small hill. The place was the Lower Rhinus Ship-Building Yard and just acoss the river were the ship-storage sheds still half full of river vessels from the winter storage, but now silent and still prior to the mustering of their crews. Only two sentries moved along the narrow river-frontage piers.

The huge piles of lumber which not so long ago had been the only indication of intention were now reduced to a mere few unneeded planks and in their place were three fine new sleek and low slung liburnians on the launching ways. His new command!! These ships now almost complete would soon taste the water of the Rhinus and then they would patrol the Coast of Germania, and escort Roman merchant vessels to their destination either up the Rhinus to the Legon Bases or back to Ostia, and then to Rome. Soon once again the calker's hammers would begin their unceasing chatter, and the shipyard would come alive once again,like a great beast awakened from his slumber. But for now, only a few slaves stirred, feeding the fires under the ptch pots which lit the shadows along he waters edgewith their flickering, dacinging flame-light.

The river itself flowed smoothly along, without a ripple, a quiet entity now, undisturbed and moving toward it's ultimate destintion in the deep sea, which would end it's long journey from the Mountains thaosands of stades from this place. Marcus made a sign of respect to the Rhinus God. He knew better than most men of the rage and damage of which the river god was capable when it's flow was prevented or interfered with, by the hands of men. He knew too the destruction that could be wielded by the minions of the God Rhinus in times of flood or of the ice breakup each season of the rains when the God Rhinus rampaged in his bed and brought destruchtion and suffering to those who had forgotten he power of his forces. The river Rhinus was a valuable ever-flowing road into the interior of Germania whose service to carry upon it's bosom trade, patrol, and commerce was as necessary to Rome as were it's much vaunted land roads, the ever hungary legions, and the growing cities of this western colonia. It was prudent indeed to show respect to such a diety as this, particularly since his well-being as well as his military career depended in large part upon his affinity for this fluvia upon which he now gazed.

It was a good time to be alive, thought Marcus, as he stood feet wide apart as though braced against a quartering sea, even though the land was solid beneath him. Marcus Fulminatus Vindex, the newly appointed "Navarch" of the just as new patrol squadron of the Classis Germanica gave thanks for this new assignment, and was pleased indeed at the progress made on the vessels that he was to command. He wandered down into the yard itself and standing close by one of the hulls touched the side of the vessel. Many thoughts ran through his head and among them was the thought that although officially designated as a Lower Rhinus Patrol Squadron, and assigned to patrol duties on the Lower Rhinus Fluvius, it was known only to the Classis Praefect, himself and the Senior Centurion assigned to the squadron, that this unit under his command would have the primary task of clearing the Rhinus Delta of a particularly active pirate band operating against Roman and Roman-chartered Merchant ships supplying the colonia of Germania as well as the western Roman Legions. Todayhe was to meet the Cohort Centurian in order to make plans for the housing of the cohort. The housing of the fleet crews was already taken care of.

His previous service as "Triarchus" of the "Vesta," a trireme out of Classis Misenensis (Misenum), had been blessed with the capture of a pirate ship off the coast of Sicilia. The pirate foolishly tried to take a ship contracted to Emperor Trajan which carried marines (legionaries) and they held off the pirates by lashing the pirate ship to the merchant vessel with grapnels. When the "Vesta" came up the pirates ceased their fighting , cut their ship loose and tried to escape. However the "Vesta" was a swift sailer and even better under both oars and sail. "Vesta" captured the pirates and their ship, retrieving much of the stolen cargo before the pirate ship sank.
The pirate captain and his some 20 men were retained, judged and crucified along the Via Appia as a warning to any others who might want to take up a pirate's way. The state would see that they had a pirate's ending.

This action caught the attention of Trajan, and Marcus was invited to the palace in Rome for a meeting with the Emperor and and a sumptuous dinner in his honor. The action had also gained Marcus a promotion and this assignment on the frontier. All this suited Marcus very well, as the gilt and pomp of Rome disturbed him in some mysterious way. He had dreamed and wished for the long lonely stretches of coastline, a dawn patrol, and the constant excercise of pitting his seamanship against both the sea, and the elusive pirate bands. Whatever might be said of them about their crimes and their greed, it had to be recognized that they were very elusive, skilled, well versed in the tactics that fitted their particular efforts, and they seemed to be very well informed into the bargain.

As the day became brighter, Marcus wandered in among the three liburnians resting on their individual launching forms. Soon all three would be ready to taste the waters of the Rhinus now that their hulls were closed and tightly sealed. Then all that would remain to complete would be the rigging of the vessels and the fitting out with supplies and weapons. He walked in among the piles of heavy cordage and the sails being cut and sewn in the loft over the rope walk. Each vessel would have mounted in her bow a small scorpion catapult capable of firing bolts, stones or fire-arrows. His legion friends at Misenum had suggested this unique arrangement of ready ammunition being built into the ship's upper-works to assist in maximising the rate of fire for this weapon. It had been most successful on "Vesta" and in the capture of the pirate vessel. Marcus had duplicated the plans. moderating and downsizing the plans on the three liburnians, a well as on the "Pinnata", his command ship, a trireme of clean lines and highly vaunted sailing ability.which he was anxious to test. "Pinnata" was smaller than "Vesta" and was currently tied to the rigging pier, shortly to be completed and within a tenth day from today moved to anchorage to make room for the first of the liburnians off the launching cradle.

Marcus would have to give a great deal of thought to naming each of the new ships, and to the special prayers, offerings, and ceremony of the naming so vital to a ship going into harm's way. He did not want to leave this to the Pontiffs alone, who dealt in such things, but rather wished to be present and visable in this very important ceremony. It bodes well, he thought, to be in the eye of the Gods, especially on an unforgiving sea, and against a wily and ruthless opponent.

As the workers began to fill the yard, and the day was well started , Marcus turned his steps toward his office over the hill. Part of the Principia for the Fleet Praefect there was alloted to senior naval officers, and his small office was next to the Praefect's Cornicularius who acted as both the Praefect's Adjuant and maintained the shipyard and the fleet file rooms and the clerks and librarii who worked there. In a few minutes Marcus was scheduled to meet with the Cornicularius and the five Centurions who actually ran the shipyard and the legion cohort stationed here to form the legion marines,who would man the squadron. After the morning report, Marcus would meet briefly with his four triarchi, and then with the Classis Praefect to go over the progress on the ships abuilding as well as the command ship and the latest reports, if any, from Rome pertaining to his squadron's assignments and movement. He picked up his pace as he moved toward the Principia thinking again, that this was a good time to be alive.

----To Be Continued----

Next: [[Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A Meeting]]

Aquila Talk:Rhine River Patrol - A Beginning

2007-12-12T00:59:12Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: Report of RRP work completed

I have begun copying the first of the articles in the Rhine River Patrol series into the Wiki. It is not yet a finished article, so I will make any corrections and changes necessary in further efforts as I have the time to finish the article.

One of the Wiki-Masters is helping me to place the other 13 articles in their prepared pages. I should be pleased if these were not edited until they are completed.

Respectfully;

Marcus Audens, Author
Rhine River Patrol

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A Beginning

2007-12-12T00:51:08Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: First part of RRP- A Begin.

Aquila:Rhine River Patrol

2007-12-11T08:39:46Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: Completed #10

{{Aquila}}

# [[Aquila:Rhine River Patrol - A Beginning|Rhine River Patrol - A Beginning]]
# [[Aquila: Rhine River Patrol - A Meeting| Rhine River Patrol - A Meeting]]
# [[Aquila: Rhine River Patrol - Freedom!!!!| Rhine River Patrol - Freedom!!!!]]
# [[Aquila: Rhine River Patrol - A New Aquisition| Rhine River Patrol - A New Aquisition]]
# [[Aquila: Rhine River Patrol - Escape!!!!| Rhine River Patrol - Escape!!!!]]
# [[Aquila: Rhine River Patrol - A Visit To the Hospital| Rhine River Patrol - A Visit To the Hospital]]
# [[Aquila: Rhine River Patrol - A Desperate Moment| Rhine River Patrol - A Desperate Moment]]
# [[Aquila: Rhine River Patrol - Refuge| Rhine River Patrol - Refuge]]
# [[Aquila: Rhine River Patrol - A Plan| Rhine River Patrol - A Plan]]
# [[Aquila: Rhine River Patrol - A Second Esape| Rhine River Patrol - A Second Escape]]
# [[Aquila: Rhine River Patrol - A Tribune's Secret| Rhine River Patrol - A Tribune's Secret]]
# [[Aquila: Rhine River Patrol - A Surprise!!| Rhine River Patrol - A Surprise!!]]

Aquila Talk:Rhine River Patrol 01

2007-12-11T05:58:24Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: "Rhine River Patrol" Discussion

I have created an index page for the seril story "Rhine River Patrol." I do not have the part #10 so there is no part title provided. My WebTv keyboard does not have a "pipe'key. I have a right slant key (\) and a left slant key (/) but no "pipe." I will have to search the archives for part #10.

Respectfully Submitted;

Marcus Audens

User talk:Marcus Minucius Audens

2007-12-11T00:10:07Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: Notification of Review

Hello Senator! If the wiki understands your e-mail address you should get a note saying that I left you a message here. I am going to put four tildes (four of these: ~) at the end of this note. The wiki will automatically change those four tildes into the time date and my name. [[User:M. Lucretius Agricola|Agricola]] 07:15, 10 December 2007 (CET)

Senator Agricola;

I got your message, and have removed Peregrine;s comments about the early "Eagles." I did not think her comments either appropriate or accurate. I was the Editor "Eagle" at the time, and I feel that no-one knws better than I what the content of those publications were or the difficulty in making them available, nor the value of them to NR at the time.

Respectfully;

Marcus Audens

Aquila Talk:Aquila (Nova Roma)

2007-12-10T22:27:26Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: /* Copyright Issues */

==The Eagle [older issues]==

Will we be archiving issues of the newsletter from before 2755 (2002)? I've got quite the collection, if they're not available on-site. It was called the ''Eagle'' or the ''Nova Roma Eagle'' back then.

'''Update:''' ''Eagle'' issues for 2757 (2004) are archived on M Minucius Audens' site: [http://livinghistoryengineer.com/roman/eagle/index.htm livinghistoryengineer.com]; those for 2758 (2005) are on the [http://www.novaroma.org/aquila/index.htm old NR site]. I have not yet encountered anything from earlier. -- [[User:Aldus Marius Peregrinus|Marius Peregrinus]] 04:38, 15 August 2007 (CEST)

In response to your question regardin "Eagle" issues prior to "2002"; It is my intention toput all "Eagle" articles on this site that do not have copywrite concerns.

You may forward those "Eagle" articles that you have in your possession to me for review. Then I can sort them out, determine which ones I want, which nes I don't want, and those which have copywright considerations.

You may send them pdf to:

MarcusAudens@yahoogroups.com

When I have completed my review I shall be pleased to return them to you fully intact.

Respectfully;

Marcus Audens
Editor Commentorium Senorie

==Copyright Issues==

Moving the Eagle to the Wiki is being held up by the uncertain copyright status of many of the articles. Many authors have left Nova Roma, making the permission problem very difficult. [[User:M. Lucretius Agricola|Agricola]] 05:12, 15 August 2007 (CEST).

Aquila Talk:Aquila (Nova Roma)

2007-12-10T22:25:23Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: /* The Eagle [older issues] */

User:Marcus Minucius Audens

2007-12-10T04:17:16Z

Marcus Minucius Audens: /* Practice */

This is your "User Page". You can practice editing here.

This is a link to your biography page: [[Marcus Minucius Audens (Nova Roma)]]

This is the basic help file for editing: [[NovaRoma:Wiki Editing for Romans]]

==Fourfold way==

The '''Fourfold way''' is the basic set of steps used for all edits.

'''Step 1.''' Click the '''edit''' tab to start making your edits.

'''Step 2.''' Enter a note in the edit '''Summary''' so others know what you have done. A summary might be as simple as "fix typos", "add links" or "add photo". Not leaving a summary is very bad form.

'''Step 3.''' '''Show preview''' to check your changes. If it isn't right, go back and do more editing. Every time you save, you create a version of the page that will be saved forever. Unnecessary saves create unnecessary load when backing up the database. Be kind to the server and '''preview before saving'''.

'''Step 4.''' When you have checked everything, click '''Save page'''.

==Practice==

Here is a text with some mistakes. Try using the four steps above to correct them.

Sodalitas Militarium (Nova Roma)

2007-12-09T07:45:45Z

Marcus Minucius Audens:

{{LanguageBar|Sodalitas Militarium}}
[[Category:Nova Roma]]
[[Category:Events for Romans]]

One of the [[Sodalitates (Nova Roma)|Sodalitates]] of Nova Roma.

[[Sodalitas Militarium]] - '''Roman Military'''

[[Image:Militarium.gif|right]]Members discuss and study aspects of the Roman Military with focus on Infantry, Cavalry, Naval, Engineering and Cartography. Although the Sodalitas Militarium in no way promotes conquest and unnecessary military force, we are intrigued by the efficiency of the Roman Military Vehicle and its positive contributions to the foundation of Ancient and contemporary civilization, as well as its tactical legacy to the military forces of today. Members discuss Ancient Roman military strategies, tactics, battles, and plan future sodalitas [[:Category:Events_for_Romans|events]]. The Sodalitas is also involved in the sponsoring of Roman [[:Category:Legiones|Reenactment Legions]] worldwide.

Praefectus Castrorum: [[Marcus Minucius Audens (Nova Roma)|Marcus Minucius Audens]]

Mailing List: [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SodalitasMilitarium/ groups.yahoo.com/group/SodalitasMilitarium/]

Website: http://ca.geocities.com/sodalitasmilitarium

Sodalitas Militarium (Nova Roma)

2007-12-09T07:44:44Z

Marcus Minucius Audens:

{{LanguageBar|Sodalitas Militarium}}
[[Category:Nova Roma]]
[[Category:Events for Romans]]

One of the [[Sodalitates (Nova Roma)|Sodalitates]] of Nova Roma.

[[Sodalitas Militarium]] - '''Roman Military'''

[[Image:Militarium.gif|right]]Members discuss and study aspects of the Roman Military with focus on Infantry, Cavalry, Naval, Engineering and Cartography. Although the Sodalitas Militarium in no way promotes conquest and unnecessary military force, we are intrigued by the efficiency of the Roman Military Vehicle and its positive contributions to the foundation of Ancient and contemporary civilization, as well as its tactical legacy to the military forces of today. Members discuss Ancient Roman military strategies, tactics, battles, and plan future sodalitas [[:Category:Events_for_Romans|events]]. The Sodalitas is also involved in the sponsoring of Roman [[:Category:Legiones|Reenactment Legions]] worldwide.

Praefectus Casrorum: [[Marcus Minucius Audens (Nova Roma)|Marcus Minucius Audens]]

Mailing List: [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SodalitasMilitarium/ groups.yahoo.com/group/SodalitasMilitarium/]

Website: http://ca.geocities.com/sodalitasmilitarium