Soldier of Rome: The Last Campaign (The Artorian Chronicles) Read online

  Soldier of Rome:

  The Last Campaign

  Book Six of the Artorian Chronicles

  James Mace

  Electronic Edition Copyright © 2013 by James Mace

  All rights reserved as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior permission of the publisher.

  Characters and events portrayed in this book are based on actual persons and events, but are used fictitiously.

  Legionary Books

  Meridian, Idaho 83642, USA

  http://www.legionarybooks.net

  First eBook Edition: 2013

  Published in the United States of America

  Legionary Books

  No one is free who does not lord over himself.

  - Emperor Claudius

  This final book of the Artorian Chronicles, and indeed the entire series, is dedicated to my fellow Soldiers who I served with during my own career in the ‘legions’, especially those of 2nd Battalion, 116th Cavalry

  Sine Mora! Ave Immortalis!

  The Works of James Mace

  The Artorian Chronicles

  Soldier of Rome: The Legionary

  Soldier of Rome: The Sacrovir Revolt

  Soldier of Rome: Heir to Rebellion

  Soldier of Rome: The Centurion

  Soldier of Rome: Journey to Judea

  Soldier of Rome: The Last Campaign

  Artorian Novellas

  Centurion Valens and the Empress of Death

  Empire Betrayed: The Fall of Sejanus

  The Great Jewish Revolt

  Kingdom of the Damned: Rebellion in Judea

  Kingdom of the Damned: Vespasian’s Fury

  Napoleonic Works

  Forlorn Hope: The Storming of Badajoz

  I Stood With Wellington

  Courage, Marshal Ney

  Table of Contents

  Preface

  Cast of Characters

  Roman Military Ranks

  Prolog

  Chapter I: Gate of Kings

  Chapter II: Demon’s Dagger

  Chapter III: Savior of Rome

  Chapter IV: Vow of Honor

  Chapter V: Oceans of Time

  Chapter VI: A King in Exile

  Chapter VII: Somewhere Far Beyond

  Chapter VIII: Valeria’s Return

  Chapter IX: March to Glory

  Chapter X: Final Preparations

  Chapter XI: Invasion

  Chapter XII: Shadow Empire

  Chapter XIII: Ashes from the Oath

  Chapter XIV: An Unholy Sacrifice

  Chapter XV: Faceless Gods

  Chapter XVI: The Gathering Storm

  Chapter XVII: Mighty Rivers Run

  Chapter XVIII: Hammer the Winds

  Chapter XIX: The Alliance Shatters

  Chapter XX: Send for Caesar!

  Chapter XXI: Triumph Interrupted

  Chapter XXII: An Arduous Trek

  Chapter XXIII: The Siege Master Unleashed

  Chapter XXIV: Is this Glory?

  Chapter XXV: A New Province

  Chapter XXVI: Departure of Friends

  Chapter XXVII: Glory of Rome

  Historical Appendices

  Preface

  Following the assassination of Emperor Gaius Caligula in 41 A.D., his uncle, Claudius, assumed the imperial throne. After establishing his legitimacy and stabilizing his position with the Roman Senate and people, he looks to legitimize himself militarily. His eyes turn towards Britannia; the elusive isle that even Julius Caesar failed to conquer.

  Far from being unknown to the rest of the world, various Britannic peoples have maintained trade relations with the continent, and a few of the tribal kingdoms have even formed alliances with Rome that extend back decades. Constant warfare, however, has left the isle in a state of perpetual instability. When several allies call upon Rome for assistance in their volatile struggles, Claudius seizes the opportunity to finish what the Divine Julius started almost a hundred years before.

  In Ostia, Centurion Artorius spends his days as a police commissioner, while only holding an honorary posting with the legions. Soon after Claudius’ ascension, however, he is recalled to active service with his former legion, the Twentieth Valeria, where his peers proclaim him as the new master centurion. It has been generations since the empire expanded its borders via conquest, and Artorius readies his men to spearhead a massive invasion force in what he knows will be his last campaign.

  Cast of Characters

  Soldiers:

  Titus Artorius Justus – Centurion Primus Pilus, Master Centurion of the Twentieth Legion

  Magnus Flavianus – Artorius’ closest friend and Centurion Primus Ordo

  Gaius Praxus – Centurion Primus Ordo

  Tiberius Valens – Centurion and longtime friend of Artorius and Magnus

  Metellus Artorius Posthumous – Artorius’ adopted son and a centurion with the Fifth Cohort

  Aulus Nautius Cursor – Former tribune of the plebs, given command of the invasion’s cavalry forces

  Tiberius Stoppello – Admiral in the Roman Navy

  Hansi Flavianus – Magnus’ brother and ship’s captain under Admiral Stoppello

  Other Romans:

  Claudius Caesar – Emperor of Rome

  Aulus Plautius – Commander-in-Chief of the Roman invasion force

  Titus Flavius Sabinus – Legate of the Ninth Legion, Plautius’ second-in-command

  Flavius Vespasian – Brother of Sabinus, he commands the Second Legion

  Honorius Geta – Legate of the Fourteenth Legion

  Valeria Messalina – Wife of Claudius and Empress of Rome

  Diana Procula – Wife of Artorius

  Marcia Marcella – Daughter of Artorius’ childhood love, Camilla

  Britons:

  Togodumnus – King of the Catuvellauni tribe and leader of the resistance against the Roman invasion

  Caratacus – Brother of Togodumnus, conquers the Atrebates in order to establish his own kingdom

  Cartimandua – Queen of the Brigantes and a Roman ally

  Venutius – Husband and consort to Cartimandua, their relationship is strained by his loyalty to Caratacus

  Verica – Exiled King of the Atrebates, a tribe that was overrun by Caratacus

  Cogidubnus – Great-nephew of Verica and his appointed heir as King of the Atrebates

  Donan – King of the Durotriges confederation and staunch ally of Togodumnus

  Alaric – A man of Germanic origins, who was raised by the Brigantes and who has returned from many years in the east

  Landon – Friend of Alaric and member of Queen Cartimandua’s bodyguard

  Roman Military Ranks

  Legionary – Every citizen of the plebian class who enlisted in the legions started off as a legionary. Duration of service during the early empire was twenty years. Barring any promotions that would dictate otherwise, this normally consisted of sixteen years in the ranks, with another four either on lighter duties, or as part of the First Cohort. Legionaries served not only as the heart of the legion’s fighting force, they were also used for many building and construction projects.

  Decanus – Also referred to interchangeably as a sergeant in the series, decanus was the first rank of authority that a legionary could be promoted to. Much like a modern-day sergeant, the decanus was the first-line leader of legionaries. He supervised training, as well as enforced personal hygiene and maintenance of equipment. On campaign he was in charge of g
etting the section’s tent erected, along with the fortifications of the camp.

  Tesserarius – The first of the Principal ranks, the tesserarius primarily oversaw the fatigue and guard duties for the century. He maintained the duty roster and was also keeper of the watch word. On a normal day he could be found supervising work details or checking on the guard posts.

  Signifier – He was the treasurer for the century and was in charge of all pay issues, so was much-loved on pay days. On campaign he carried the century’s standard (signum) into battle. This was used not only as a rallying point, but also as a visual means of communication. Traditionally he wore a bear’s hide over his helmet, draped around the shoulders of his armor. (A signifier wearing a wolf skin is a Hollywood invention). Because of his high level of responsibility, the signifier is third-in-command of the century.

  Optio – The term optio literally means ‘chosen one’ for he was personally chosen by the centurion to serve as his deputy. He would oversee all training within the century, to include that of new recruits. In battle the optio would either stand behind the formation, keeping troops on line and in formation, or he would stand on the extreme left, able to coordinate with adjacent units.

  Aquilifer – This man was a senior signifier bearing the eagle standard of a legion. (Aquila means eagle.) This standard was the most important possession of the legion – losing it brought shame and humiliation to the entire legion. This position carried great honor, though it is debatable whether or not he wore any headdress or animal skin. It is known that he carried a small, circular shield called a parma instead of the legionary scutum.

  Centurion – In addition to being its commander, the centurion was known to be the bravest and most tactically sound man within the century. While a stern disciplinarian, and at times harsh, it is borne of a genuine compassion for his men. The centurion knew that only through hard discipline and sound training could his men survive in battle. He was always on the extreme right of the front rank in battle; thereby placing himself in the most precarious position on the line. Mortality rates were high amongst centurions because they would sacrifice their own safety for that of their men.

  Centurion Pilus Prior – Commander of a cohort of six centuries, the centurion pilus prior was a man of considerable influence and responsibility. He not only had to be able to command a century on a line of battle, but he had to be able to maneuver his cohort as a single unit. Such men were often given independent commands over small garrisons or on low-level conflicts. A centurion pilus prior could also be tasked with diplomatic duties; such was the respect foreign princes held for them. At this level, a soldier had to focus not just on his abilities as a leader of fighting men, but on his skills at diplomacy and politics.

  Centurion Primus Ordo – The elite First Cohort’s Centuries were commanded by the centurions primus ordo. Though the number of soldiers under their direct command was fewer, these men were senior in rank to the centurions pilus prior. Men were often selected for these positions based on vast experience and for being the best tacticians in the legion. As such, part of the duty of a centurion primus ordo was acting as a strategic and tactical advisor to the commanding general. Generals such as Caesar, Marius, Tiberius, and Agrippa were successful in part because they had a strong circle of First Cohort Centurions advising them.

  Centurion Primus Pilus – Also referred to as the chief or master centurion, this is the pinnacle of the career of a Roman soldier. Though socially subordinate to the tribunes, the centurion primus pilus possessed more power and influence than any and was, in fact, third-in-command of the entire legion. He was also the commander of the elite First Cohort in battle. Upon retirement, a centurion primus pilus (and possibly centurions of lesser ranks as well) was elevated into the patrician class of society. He could then stand for public office, and his sons would be eligible for appointments as tribunes. Even while still serving in the ranks, a centurion primus pilus was allowed to wear the narrow purple stripe of a patrician on his toga; such was the respect Roman society held for them.

  Tribune – Tribunes came from the patrician class, often serving only six month tours with the legions. Though there were exceptions, many tribunes stayed on the line only long enough to complete their tour of duty before going on to a better assignment. Primarily serving as staff officers for the commanding legate, a tribune would sometimes be given command of auxiliary troops if he proved himself a capable leader. Most were looking for a career in politics, though they knew they had to get as much experience as they could out of their time in the legions. In Soldier of Rome, Pontius Pilate is an example of a tribune who elects to stay with the legions for as long as he is able, preferring the life of a soldier to the soft comforts of a political magistrate.

  Laticlavian Tribune – Most commonly referred to as the chief tribune, he was a young man of the senatorial class starting off his career. Second-in-command of the legion, his responsibility was incredible, though he was often aided by the master centurion, who would act as a mentor. A soldier’s performance as chief tribune would determine whether or not he would be fit to command a legion of his own someday. Given the importance of military success to the future senator’s career, he would no doubt make every effort to prove himself competent and valiant in battle.

  Legate – The legate was a senator who had already spent time in the legions as a laticlavian tribune and had proven himself worthy of command. Of all the possible offices that a nobleman could hold, none was dearer to a Roman than command of her armies.

  Legion Infantry Strength (estimated)

  Legionaries – 3,780

  First Cohort Legionaries – 700

  Decanii – 610

  Tesserarii – 59

  Signifiers – 59

  Options – 59

  Aquilifer - 1

  Centurions – 45 (approximately 80 men to a century)

  Centurions Pilus Prior – 9

  Centurions Primus Ordo – 4

  Centurion Primus Pilus – 1

  Tribunes – 6

  Chief Tribune – 1

  Legate – 1

  Prolog

  Lugdunum, Gaul

  January, 74 A.D.

  ***

  The blade gleamed in the lamplight and as Magnus caught his reflection, he did not see an old man. In his mind he saw one far younger, full of vitality and strength. It was as if the weapon were possessed by the spirit of the youth who had joined the legions so many long years ago; at a time when he was really little more than an overgrown boy, tossed into the brutal and unforgiving world on the Roman frontier. That he had kept the same weapon all these years was remarkable; the blade had slain many of Rome’s enemies, and in his hands it felt as if it possessed a life of its own.

  It was a façade, of course; for he was very old now. He came from a long-lived line and had done and witnessed more than most would in ten lifetimes. After so many years in the ranks, his greatest struggle had been allowing the younger generation to deal with the woes that besot Rome after he left the legions.

  “Father,” the voice of his son caused him to smile as he turned towards the half-opened door. “Everyone is here, and the grandchildren are asking for you…rather boisterously, I might add.”

  “Give me a few minutes, son.”

  The young man, Titus, saw the gladius in his father’s hands and immediately understood. He understood his father well enough to know that there were moments when one did not ask questions, just let the old soldier alone for the time being. As soon as the door was closed, Magnus sheathed the weapon and looked into the spacious trunk he’d pulled it from. It had not been opened in many years, yet somehow he found it calling to him; perhaps because he knew his grandchildren would want to hear stories of his ‘adventures’ in the legions. And yet, what he found within gave him reminders of a much darker time.

  Inside, folded up, was his once-gleaming scale armor with the harness that bore his phalerae campaign disks and other decorations. On the left side of t
he chest was his battered helmet that still bore his centurion’s crest, and in the upper right, almost as an afterthought, a piece of cloth was folded over a circular shape. It was the brittle remains of his Civic Crown that he’d been awarded at the Battle of Braduhenna forty-six years prior. His old crumpled cloak was rolled up haphazardly underneath.

  “That which consumed me for so many years is now but a faded memory,” he said quietly.

  Magnus’ pillar of support in his years away from the legions had come from his family. He had met Ana, who had been a childhood friend of his sister Svetlana, while on leave from Britannia, and they had married soon after. He was privately ashamed that he had taken her as his wife simply as a means of forcing himself to finally let go after the death of the only woman he had ever loved. As the years passed, he came to love Ana, as well as the two fine sons she’d born him. But now she was gone as well. And despite Magnus’ efforts to convince him to do otherwise, his youngest son, Hansi, had joined the ranks as soon as he came of age. He currently served with the Second Legion, Augusta, at a fortress called Isca that had been raised in western Britannia four years prior. It filled him with both pride, as well as fear, knowing that his son was posted on the same violent frontier he had once been; perhaps fighting the children and grandchildren of some of Magnus’ former enemies.

  It had not been easy, leaving the army behind after so many years serving under the eagles. The greatest difficulty had been being forced to sit idle when the empire erupted into civil war six years earlier, after the death of the despondent and hated Emperor Nero. In the span of a year, four men had claimed the mantle of Caesar. Magnus had kept his personal feelings to himself, though friends and acquaintances would constantly ask the ‘old soldier’ his thoughts on who he felt had the most legitimate claim to be emperor as the war raged on with various factions staking their claim through violence and bloodshed. Magnus always deferentially stated that his loyalty was to Rome, though he privately held out hope for the empire when the legions in the east declared his former commander, Vespasian, emperor. It had pained Magnus that he was in no position to draw his sword in support of the one man he knew was worthy of ruling Rome. Fortunately, Vespasian, the man who had helped conquer Britannia, would emerge triumphant, bringing stability and peace to the empire. In the five years since becoming Caesar, Vespasian had proven to be as benevolent as he was strong, the brutal suppression of the Judean rebellion notwithstanding.