Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 00.5] Ulpius Felix- Warrior of Rome by Griff Hosker Page B

their arms they wore the amulets which measured their success in battles.  Sura was in no doubt that they were chiefs. A slave was brought out.  Sura knew he was a slave for he had an iron collar about his neck. One of the chiefs spoke with him and the man then spoke in Pannonian.
    “Chief Herrmann wants to know what Pannonians are doing this far from home.”
    Sura was desperate to find out the slave’s story but something told him he had to gain the trust of the Chief first.”We were recruited by the Romans and the rest of our brothers are across the river.  We deserted and wish to fight the Romans.”
    The slave translated and then gave the Chief’s question.  “Why did you desert?”
    “They were going to cut our hair.”
    When that was translated there was a ripple of conversation and a look of horror on the faces of the chiefs. “And your brothers submitted to this?”
    “Yes they did!”
    The look of outrage on the faces of the Chauci told Sura that they had probably been accepted. The chiefs spoke for a while and then the slave said, “Chief says you may join the warband but you must take an oath and at the first sign of treachery you will be burned alive.”
    Sura nodded his agreement.  “We will take any oath which lets us kill Romans!”
     

Chapter 5
    Prefect Proculus first met the other Prefects and the Navarchus the day before the attack was to take place.  He was intimidated as he knew they had all heard about the deaths and the desertion but he could do nothing about that.  Bassus was quite right, they could only clear their name in battle and he had suggested the swimming plan to the Legate having first enlisted the support of the Navarchus. The aide still had the smug smile which made Marius want to punch him and when he spoke in the high pitched equestrian voice it made the Prefect dislike him even more.
    “I am the Legate’s aide, Decimus Livius Bucco.” His name made Marius smile, a fool by name, a fool by nature. “When the Legate has briefed each of you I will issue your orders.  If there are any deficiencies in equipment then I need a list, in writing by the end of the briefing.”
    The Legate stood. “We are going to engage in a punitive campaign against the Chauci.  I will be using ‘ The Larks ’ for this. The Prefect of the Fifth Alaudae kept his gaze steadfastly on the map.  They will be crossing my pontoon bridge.  To secure the crossing the First Pannonian Ala will swim the river tonight with the Classis Germania provide support and when the bridgehead is secured the Second Gallic Cohort will be ferried by ships to protect the engineers.” Every face turned to look at Proculus.  They had heard of the ala but not yet seen the commander who had volunteered to swim the mighty Rhenus at night.  It seemed foolhardy, some said suicidal.  The Prefects of the Gauls and the Legion did not care what happened to the ala so long as the bridgehead was secured. “If I may have your full attention gentlemen!” All of them knew the Legate’s ways and every head swivelled back to the map. “Once the Legion is across the ala will scout the village which is five miles from our crossing point and will prevent the enemy from escaping.  The Gallic Cohort will guard the bridgehead and the legion will assault the village and destroy it. Some slaves would be useful but I want every warrior dead!” He paused to let his words sink in.  “Any questions?”
    Marius was about to ask one when a nudge in the ribs from Bassus silenced him.  The aide then squeaked, “Any deficiencies?” No-one spoke.  “Good then good luck.”
    Gaius said quietly, “Sorry about that but the Legate regards any questions as impertinent. I just saved you being embarrassed. What was your question?”
    “What is the terrain like around the village? My men are used to plains.”
    “Ah, that would have been a good question then but I suspect the legate would have had an even lower opinion of you had you