Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 04] Roman Retreat by Griff Hosker Page A

good as yours.”
    “Bring as many as you like.  I will let Agrippa know. At least he doesn’t carp as much about using his precious stores as other quartermasters I have known.”
    When the patrols returned there was none of the usual banter and, even without seeing his troopers, Marcus knew the patrols had not gone well. He remained in his quarters to allow his officers to begin to work their frustrations out in whichever way it suited.  He knew that Macro would hit the exercise yard and begin to work with weights and arms whilst Cato would groom his horse until it shone. Julius would probably sit with Gaius and discuss what went wrong and what went right; probably a good thing bearing in mind the relationship they would need to develop. Galeo and Cilo, old friends that they were would probably open a jug of something alcoholic to take the sour taste of the day. Within an hour or so they would be less like angry bears awoken from a winter sleep and the more easy going men he knew and loved.  He had no doubt that Agrippa would have told them of his arrival and the plans for dinner.  He also knew that no matter how much they wanted to come and speak with him they would respect the closed door.
    He had changed his uniform not for vain reason but he respected Marcus’ Horse too much to gain glory by association.  He was now a Tribune and he had to let all know that he was no longer a prefect of just cavalry. For the first time in his life he was moving beyond the back of a horse. Himli had come a long way since he was captured in a massacred Cantabrian village.
    They were all seated when he entered. With a snap they all stood to attention grins on their faces as they saw him in his new uniform. “Sit down.  Sit down. I see that Quarter master Agrippa has given you the news.” Agrippa had the grace to shrug a half hearted apology. “Luckily for you it is Tribune Sura who will join us soon who is your commander.” He looked across at Gaius. “I am to command the region around the Danum which will allow me time to raise horses and grow fat!” They all laughed and just then the Batavians entered.
    “I hope that laugh was the result of a Macro story and not the anticipation of Batavians coming to eat and drink you under the table.”
    “No Cominius. My old comrades were laughing at the thought of a fat old man raising horses.”
    The evening went as well as both Tribunes expected and new friendships were formed. After a subtle nod from Marcus Tribune Sura stood. “Well gentlemen thank you for your hospitality and next time we will raid Tribune Strabo’s stores and feast you imperially.  Good night.”
    When they had left Marcus held his hand up for silence. “First of all thank you for making the Batavians so welcome. We are a much diminished band of brothers now. Secondly how went the day?”
    Gaius spoke. “Much like most of the other days. Arrows from the woods and when we chase them footfalls and traps to break horses legs and trooper’s hearts. Mutilated sentries found hanging from pine trees.”
    “How many today?”
    “Eight troopers dead and five horses lost. Three troopers wounded.”
    “I have spoken with Agrippa.  You shall have the first replacements Decius and I train.”
    Macro’s face broke into a grin. “How is the old bastard?”
    “You will be pleased to know that, in his new role as camp prefect, he is making all the lives of the auxiliaries a total misery.  He loves it.”
    Macro nodded.  “Tell him I miss him.” He looked around the table.  “We all do.  He was fair Decurion Princeps.”
    The unspoken question hung in the air and Marcus steeled himself, took a drink from his wine and then stood up. “As you must have realised you need a new prefect and a new Decurion Princeps. Well I think you have an excellent Decurion Princeps and I would like to confirm Gaius in the position.  Do you accept?” Blushing as everyone patted him on the bag he blushed and nodded his