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

thanks.”The role of prefect, as you know is normally an Imperial appointment but the Governor was keen to move forward with the state of affairs here in the north. He has decided to make the appointment himself although I must say in all fairness that Decius, myself and the two Batavian Tribunes all agreed with the appointment.” He took another drink from his beaker.
    “Oh come on sir.  Tell us.  I can’t stand the suspense. Is it one of the Gauls we worked with last year?”
    “No I bet it is a Batavian.  That’s why they were here tonight.”
    “Before you speculate the Emperor himself taking over Decurion Cilo I’ll put you out of your misery.  The new prefect is Julius Demetrius.”
    The silence lasted for a heartbeat and then any doubts Marcus may have had were dispelled when every officer in the room rose and patted the shocked Decurion about the shoulders. As they did so Marcus pulled Gaius to one side, “How are you with this?”
    Gaius grinned,” I am more than happy sir.  I know he is a young man but he is the best officer we have and I am happy with my role thank you sir.” They embraced briefly and then Gaius asked, really quietly, “How is Ailis and Decius?”
    “They are both well. Gaelwyn has done a good job.  Your new child will probably be a boy from all the activity.  I have set men to fortify your home and mine.  Not that I fear danger but I wanted your mind to be at rest.”
    Suddenly they both noticed that all had gone quiet and Marcus turned to see Julius almost tearfully standing behind him. “I would just like to thank you sir. I am flattered beyond belief and want you to know that I will continue to lead the ala in the tradition of the great prefect I am succeeding.”
    As they clasped forearms Marcus said, “It is my honour but one more thing prefect I would like to steal one object from you and borrow one.”
    Julius looked puzzled, “It goes without saying you can have anything that is mine but I am intrigued what is it you want?”
    “I would like Decurion Cato to train my horses and men and I would like to borrow Decurion Macro to train up your recruits that is if they both wish to serve with me still?”
    Both men grinned and shouted, “Yes sir!”
    Julius held his hands out. “It looks like you have your wish sir but Decurion Macro is only a loan! This ala needs its volunteer.”The party ended in uproar as the last of the wine was consumed.
     
    In Rome the Emperor Domitian was reading his despatches when his clerk came in holding a sealed tablet. “From Britannia sire.”
    Domitian knew immediately that it was from his spy.  He trusted no-one in his Empire and every Governor had a spy. He quickly decoded the message and then sat back. “Well it looks like Lucullus is taking money from us.”
    “Do you wish me to despatch your inspectors sire?”
    The inspectors were the group of thugs Domitian retained to eliminate problems.  “Not yet.  A little fraud is no bad thing, it depends if it becomes treachery or treason. I want a weekly report from now on. That island is too far away to give him a long leash. Let us give him one just long enough to hang himself from, or prove me wrong. Some of my Governors are becoming too greedy.  It is bad enough having to fend off political machinations here in Rome without worrying about the men I appointed and trusted stealing from me.”
    “I will send my clerks over to inspect their transactions sire.  We expect some losses, especially with the distances but my clerks are thorough, very thorough.” Domitian nodded his approval.  The clerks were indeed thorough and were all part of the spy network which kept its finger on the pulse of the Empire.
     

Chapter 7
    Morwenna laid the body in the grave she had dug the previous day. The lopped grey streaked tresses already lay in the cave and now the young woman, who had bloomed since the autumn, steeled herself to remove the hand as she had promised the dying woman. She