Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 09] Hero of Rome by Griff Hosker Page B

almost tearful.  “When Aelius was shot I just wanted the men who had done that.  I didn’t think.”
    “That is the trouble with being an officer.  You always have to think. You will be in a similar situation again, of that I have no doubt. I hope that next time you are able to think before you act for if not then your turma will suffer.” He looked west. “I am going to report this to the Decurion Princeps.  Until I return you are in charge.  Burn the barbarian outside the camp. We will honour our dead tonight when I return.  Keep a good watch.  I will not be long.”
    Cicero looked amazed.  “You trust me?  After that?”
    Metellus smiled grimly, “If we were all punished after we made a mistake there would be no one to command the ala. Do not dwell on it but learn from it.”
    Cassius was disturbed by Metellus’ report. “I don’t like this. Which of the patrols was hit? Tomorrow I want you to ride east and see if Marcus and Lucius have suffered any assaults.  Pass the news along to them and they can send the news to the Prefect, although he may already know.” He looked carefully at Metellus. “Cicero?”
    “Made a mistake, we have all done it. I don’t think he will do it again but I have to say sir that this country is a bastard for horses.  You are better off on foot.”
    “I know.  The sooner the mixed cohort gets here the better.”
     

Chapter 5
    The meeting between The Fist and the one who would be prince of the Brigantes went well for both parties.  The Fist had grown tired of his lonely existence out in the forests preying on lonely travellers and the offer of a paid job as a military adviser suited him.  He also saw the opportunity to become even richer by selling the weapons he and his crew had stolen from the trader who had suddenly found himself boarded just ten miles from Eboracum. The burning boat did nothing to suggest anything other than a robbery, especially as the crew’s bodies, when washed ashore had all had their throats slit. The Fist cared not, as long as they couldn’t be identified.
    For Gaius’ part he was very impressed with this knotted and scarred mountain of a warrior. He already had a vision of the men with The Fist forming his bodyguard and making him invincible. “So what do I call you?”
    The Fist grinned and the look was disconcerting as a couple of teeth were missing. “I think General will suit.”
    Gaius was less than happy with that but, as the ultimate prize was the crown it was a small price to pay. “Very well, General and how about your rates of pay?”
    The ex-trooper frowned.  He had not thought this through.  Had Aelius Spartianus been there he would have known the price immediately. He gave himself time to think.  “First things first.  You will continue to buy your weapons from us at the price stated?”
    Gaius nodded irritably.  “Of course! As many weapons as you can get your hands on.”
    “You have a big army then?” The Fist was intrigued about the force involved.
    “We have a thousand training at the moment but I have hopes that the number will increase.”
    “In that case we will continue to supply you with arms and I will take half of the booty and plunder we capture from the Romans, including slaves.” He wondered if he had gone too far with such an outrageous demand.
    Gaius shrugged. “I am not interested in plunder or slaves. All I want is the crown of the Brigante and to be able to rule this land of my father.” Gaius had easily believed his own lie that he was the rightful heir to the throne.  All of the other young men in the newly formed army had bought into the fantasy as well. The Fist regretted not asking for all of the plunder but this was his first solo deal and he was pleased with the result.
    “Excellent. We have a deal.” He looked curiously at Gaius. “How will you keep this army a secret?  A thousand men are hard enough to hide but more than that will be impossible.”
    Gaius tapped the side of