Soldier of Rome: March to Oblivion: The Artorian Dynasty, #3

Chapter I: Legions Disgraced

Mogontiacum, Fortress of the Fourteenth and Twenty-First Legions

Province of Germania Superior

1 January, 89 A.D.

***

It was New Year’s Day, when all imperial soldiers renewed their oaths of allegiance to the emperor. Around midday, augurs would take the auspices, imploring the gods’ favour and guidance upon Caesar Domitianus Augustus, now into his eighth year as Emperor of Rome. With just the faintest glow to see by, centurions and options emerged from their billets. It would be another hour before trumpets roused their slumbering legionaries.

The first day of the New Year dawned cold with a hard frost covering the ground. Centurion Sertor Gavius Lucifer stretched his arms overhead as he stepped from his quarters onto the path that ran in front of his century’s barracks. His full rank was centurion pilus prior, and he commanded the Fifth Cohort of the Twenty-First Legion. A native of southern Hispania, he never fully adjusted to the cold winters along the Rhine, even after nearly two decades with the legion. He wore a heavy cloak, knitted skullcap, thick woollen gloves, and a pair of long trousers. The wide leather belt around his waist, adorned with ornate bronze squares, and the ever-present vine stick clutched in his hand denoted his rank.

Legio XXI, Rapax, also known as the Predator Legion, had a somewhat chequered history. Its history dated to the Last War of the Roman Republic, when it was raised by Octavian, prior to his rise as Emperor Caesar Augustus. The Twenty-First subsequently served under the new emperor’s stepson, Drusus Nero, during the Conquest of Raetia. Twenty-five years later, following the disaster in Teutoburger Wald, all eight legions posted along the Rhine, including Legio XXI, disgraced themselves by mutinying. This was only put down without bloodshed through the shrewd diplomacy of Drusus’ son, Germanicus Caesar. The Predator Legion redeemed itself during the subsequent wars against Arminius and his Germanic Alliance in retribution for Teutoburger Wald. During the infamous Year of the Four Emperors, the Twenty-First declared for Vitellius and joined his march on Rome, defeating the forces under Emperor Otho at Bedriacum. They were subsequently bested a few months later by the armies of Vespasian.

Rather than disbanding Vitellius’ legions, Vespasian gave Legio XXI a chance to prove their loyalty by joining the relief expedition sent to put down a rebellion in Batavia. Gavius Lucifer had joined the ranks as a young legionary just prior. Later they were reassigned from Vindonissa in the Alps to Mogontiacum on the Rhine near the border between the two Germania Provinces.

The fortress at Mogontiacum was huge and housed two legions. The second, Legio XIV, Martia Victrix, had history a bit less controversial than the Twenty-First’s. First raised during Julius Caesar’s Gallic Conquest, the Fourteenth was one of the most renowned imperial legions of the current era. Along with Legio XXI and six other legions, they served with distinction during the war against Arminius. Twenty-six years later, they formed part of Emperor Claudius’ invasion of Britannia, earning a fearsome reputation during the subsequent two decades spent subduing the troublesome province. During the reign of Emperor Nero, Legio XIV formed the heart of Suetonius Paulinus’ army at the decisive battle against Queen Boudicca of the Iceni. The combined Roman force of around 10,000 men was said to be outnumbered ten to one. Paulinus, however, had chosen the perfect ground, negating their enemy’s numbers. As many as 80,000 Britons were slain, with a loss of 400 imperial soldiers killed and another 1,200 wounded. So formidable was their reputation, the Fourteenth was often referred to as ‘Nero’s Killing Machine’, even after the late emperor’s suicide and subsequent damning by the senate.

One of Centurion Lucifer’s closest friends was a fellow pilus prior from the Fourteenth, Gaius Suetorius Maximus. They were just days apart in age and had celebrated their thirty-sixth birthdays the previous autumn. Enlisting together into the Twenty-First Legion, they served in the same section during their early years as legionaries. Both were literate, enabling the chance for promotion. When one advanced, the other soon followed. Lucifer had facetiously accused his friend of duplicity in taking his promotion to centurion pilus prior by transferring to Legio XIV. Lucifer’s own promotion came just three months later with Legio XXI. This was four years earlier, with each man becoming the youngest cohort commander in their respective legions.

On this day, Lucifer’s instincts told him there was trouble brewing within the province. He left the conducting of morning parade to his optio, so he could seek out his closest friend and confidant.

He found Maximus returning from an inspection of the eastern gate. Slightly taller than Lucifer, his fairer skin with darker hair denoted his mixed ancestry. His paternal grandfather was of Germanic stock, who served in the Roman auxilia during the reign of Emperor Tiberius. His maternal family was of Gallic and Belgic origins. Born and raised in Augusta Treverorum, sixty miles west in neighbouring Belgica, he was far more accustomed to the cool, damp climate of the winter Rhine. Though he wore his heavy cloak, it was thrown back, and he was devoid of cap or gloves. When he saw his friend approach, he broke into laughter.

Nineteen years in Germania still has not thickened your Spanish blood, Lucifer!

I thought I would freeze to death during our first winter at Vindonissa, his friend replied.

Bah! Maximus retorted. That was but a trifle. Besides, we rarely get so much as a wisp of snow here.

I would take snow over the freezing rain, Lucifer countered. And it would not be so bloodying insufferable were it not for the winds blowing in from the Rhine.

A gentle breeze, that, Maximus stated, though he soon pulled his cloak around his shoulders and raised the hood over his head. He walked quickly as he asked, What brings you to our end of the fortress? I need to prepare for morning parade. Need to make sure the lads all look smart and proper when we stand before the governor at midday.

Let your optio handle it, Lucifer said, causing his fellow pilus prior to halt his long strides. Maximus turned to face him and caught his hard expression. We need to talk.

Alright.

Maximus nodded and the two quickly strode over to his century’s barracks. Maximus found his optio and issued some brief instructions before returning to his friend. The two found a secluded section of the fortress’ eastern wall and climbed onto the tall ramparts. A quick glance from both officers and the sentries kept a respectful distance, well out of earshot.

You’re worried about Governor Saturnius’ New Year’s address to the legions, Maximus said, already knowing his friend’s thoughts.

As are you, Lucifer assessed.

Lucius Antonius Saturnius was the provincial governor of Germania Superior. A popular and well-respected member of the Roman senate, he’d previously served as Proconsul of Macedonia and later commanding legate of Legio X, Fretensis, during their garrisoning of Judea. He’d held the consulship seven years earlier, just prior to Domitian’s campaign against the Chatti. That expedition took place just across the Rhine from where Saturnius now governed. Though he’d refrained from speaking his thoughts openly, speculations abounded that Saturnius was a fierce critic of the incursion.

There have been rumours within the fortress as well as the local community, Lucifer continued. With a touch of sarcasm he added, Though if I had a sestertius for every bit of false gossip I’ve heard during my years with the legions, I could buy the entirety of Palatine Hill!

He paused for a moment and let out a sigh.

But then, two months ago, one of my orderlies was at the principia late one night. Little shit is always listening in on any piece of gossip that he can share with his mates. Well, he managed to overhear both Governor Saturnius and Legate Priscus talking a bit too loudly over an amphora of wine. Careless, pompous twats. He then shook his head quickly and continued. Apparently, Priscus was rambling about how Domitian was not fit to be emperor, but that he was too popular with the plebs and the legions to be overthrown. Saturnius then proclaimed they should declare independence for Germania Superior.

And you believed your soldier? Maximus asked.

Lucifer nodded. I did, for he came straight to me instead of back to his section’s billet. It was late, and he knew he risked a whipping for such an intrusion. He told me everything and assured me he had not been seen.

I, too, have eyes and ears about, Maximus said, mostly in the civilian community. My father-in-law is a Roman citizen, but his ancestors are Chatti. I know not whether he still has kinsmen across the Rhine; only that he spoke out bitterly against Caesar’s invasion six years ago. I do love the man. He was a good father to my dear Aurelia and has always treated me kindly. That’s why it hurt terribly when I threatened to put my sword through his neck if he did not cease his treasonous speech. Thankfully, my wife was able to talk some sense into him. Still, given our proximity to Chatti territory, there are many in Mogontiacum who share the same lineage.

And if Saturnius is planning a revolt, he is in a strong position to do so, Lucifer conjectured. He has two legions within this fortress and has remained extremely popular with both.

His little Saturnalia donative did not hurt, Maximus noted. A hundred denarii for all legionaries and decani. Two hundred to every principal officer. Six hundred to the centurions! I can only imagine the drain that placed on his personal fortune.

He’s buying himself an army, Lucifer remarked. I’m certain you noticed that he not once made mention of the emperor when presenting his ‘gift’ to the legions. He was subtle enough not to admit it came from him rather than Domitian. But it was plain for all to see.

Even personal gifts to the soldiery are given in the emperor’s name, Maximus added. And I suspect that by the time word reaches Caesar of this gross insult, Saturnius will have already enacted his plans. I wonder if he attempted to bribe the Eighth Augusta Legion, too. They are still within the province, even if their fortress is a hundred miles to the south.

I suppose we’ll learn soon enough, Lucifer said. Looking his friend in the eye, he added, I may have taken Saturnius’ coin, but he did not buy my loyalty. I am a soldier of Rome, and I will honour my oath to the emperor, senate, and people of our Empire.

As will I, Maximus reassured him. Gazing out upon the frozen ground between the fortress and the forests along the Rhine, he reiterated quietly to himself, As will I.

Neither centurion made mention to anyone of their conversation, nor had they spoken with their peers in either legion about their suspicions. Lucifer could only hope his fellow centurions would remember their oaths should his misgivings prove accurate.  Many were his friends; some had come up from the ranks with he and Maximus. His greatest concern was Lucullus Quartus, the legion’s centurion primus pilus. A much older soldier in his mid-fifties, he was set to assume the role of camp prefect within the next few weeks. A venerable and highly decorated veteran who’d received at least four silver torques for valour during his decades with the legions, he was both feared and venerated by the men in the ranks. Wherever his loyalties swayed the Rapax Legion would follow.

It was an hour before midday when Lucifer spied the master centurions from both legions emerging from the fortress’ principia. They were hurriedly returning to the barracks of their respective First Cohorts.

Sir! the younger pilus prior called out.

Quartus turned to face him, his face etched with impatience.

What is it, Centurion Lucifer? he asked curtly.

While the two had never exactly shared a ‘warm’ relationship, owing in part to their great differences in age, their rapport had always been cordial. Now, there was an edge to the primus pilus that Lucifer found unnerving.

I see there was a meeting of senior officers at the principia. Why were the pilus priors not invited?

Because you did not need to be there, Quartus answered brusquely.

Lucifer saw the older officer’s eye twitch slightly. A tell, perhaps?

Cautiously, he asked, Shall we expect a formal announcement from Governor Saturnius?

The primus pilus tilted his head back slightly before answering.

Return to your cohort and prepare your men for parade.

There was a cold harshness in his tone that the younger centurion had never heard.

Knowing there was nothing else to be gained, he simply came to attention.

Sir, he replied before turning about and heading towards the billets of the Fifth Cohort, which he was glad was far removed from Quartus’ First Cohort. Outside the long barracks rows, decani were conducting inspections of their legionaries. Armour and helmets were highly polished and gleamed, even with only minimal sunlight breaking through the ever-present winter clouds. He spoke briefly with his optio before relaying the primus pilus’ directive to the five subordinate centurions of the cohort.

At midday the parade field outside the fortress was crammed with soldiers standing in close ranks, shoulder to shoulder; 10,000 legionaries, plus 600 cavalry troopers. All signifiers were arrayed in front of the massed formation, each carrying the signum of his century or cohort. The two aquilifers bearing the legions’ eagles stood five paces in front of them, centred on each legion. Governor Saturnius, Legate Priscus, and their laticlavian tribunes stood atop a wooden dais overlooking the assembly. All had donned their armour, with tall crests protruding from the tops of their helmets. Standing to the right and a step behind Saturnius was a tall Germanic chieftain who wore a bronze scale lorica and ornate helm. A longsword with a scabbard decorated in silver circular patterns adorned his left hip. Saturnius took a step forward and raised his hands.

Soldiers of the Fourteenth and Twenty-First Legions! the governor proclaimed. My brothers! The Empire we serve has grown sick with the disease of corruption, incompetence, and betrayal! The man who sits upon the imperial throne has disrupted the longstanding peace along the frontiers, sought martial glory undeserved, and has proven an unworthy heir to the divine Vespasian and Titus.

He paused and paced a few steps back and forth across the dais. Lucifer closed his eyes briefly, his jaw clenched as Saturnius continued.

Standing with me is High Chief Eldwin of the Chatti; a people who have been at peace with Rome since the time of Emperor Tiberius. That peace was violated without provocation by Caesar Domitianus. In seeking vain renown for himself, he despoiled their lands, raped their women, and sold their children into slavery! Eldwin’s name means ‘friend’ in his native tongue, and he is a true friend to the legions of Germania.

He lowered his hands and continued pacing along the dais, allowing time for his words to sink in. Standing in front of his cohort with the other centurions, Lucifer could not gage the reactions of his soldiers. His own expression was hard as he clenched his teeth. With just a few words, Saturnius had committed treason. Even benevolent Caesars such as Claudius and Vespasian would not have allowed such a grievous insult to go unpunished. For the governor, there was no turning back.

"My friends...my soldiers. For it is I who have fed, clothed, paid, and cared for you. Domitian cares nothing for your well-being. You are but chattel to him, your lives expendable. It is a disgrace that Domitian is the son of Vespasian and brother to Titus. He who rules through autocracy and fancies himself divine! But we can be free of his tyranny. Not through overthrow. Let Domitian lord over the senate, who quietly curse his name, yet publicly fawn over the emperor like cowards. No, my friends, we shall be entirely free of Rome itself! Eldwin has declared himself our ally and will commit a host of 20,000 warriors to our cause. The Rhine has frozen, creating a natural bridge between our lands. The gods have decreed that we should stand together against Domitian. From this day forth, I declare the province of Germania Superior to be independent of Caesar and the Roman Empire!"

The two centurions primus pilus strode onto the dais and stood to either side of the governor. Both drew their gladii, with Lucifer hoping in vain that one would plunge his blade into the traitor’s neck. Instead, Quartus first addressed the Rapax Legion.

Legio XXI! his voice thundered. You have heard the wise council of our noble governor. I offer him my sword, and the eagle of our illustrious legion in obedient service!

The primus pilus of Legio XIV echoed similar words to his soldiers. The two centurions raised their swords with the host of legionaries drawing their blades and chanting Saturnius’ name. Lucifer left his own gladius scabbarded. He chanced a look to his left and saw that only two centurions of his cohort had also left their blades sheathed.

That evening, Lucifer summoned the two centurions whom he presumed were still loyal. They met after sunset, an oil lamp casting its glow upon the three men as they gathered around the meeting table within the cohort’s headquarters. Lucifer had the outer door guarded with orders that they not be disturbed.

You heard the governor’s words, the pilus prior said, as soon as the door was shut. Looking both men in the eye, he asserted, Saturnius has proven disloyal, as have most of our officers. I, however, will not commit myself to treason.

Nor will I, one of the centurions said.

Domitian is our emperor, to betray him is to betray Rome, the other remarked.

And by Minerva, such treachery will not go unpunished, Lucifer said.

There was no delegation from the Eighth Augusta Legion, the first centurion recalled. Nor did the governor make any mention of them.

Saturnius thinks two legions and a handful of barbarians can stand against the whole of the Roman Empire, the second officer noted, shaking his head. I’m no traitor, and neither are my men.

I want you to return to your centuries, Lucifer directed. Send me requests for ten days of rations. I will sign the authorisation, thereby keeping everything official. Have your men pack all their belongings, tents, camping equipment. I’ll inform the quartermaster that we are conducting a patrol of the border with Germania Inferior. Centurion Maximus of the Fourteenth Legion is doing the same. But we will not stop at the border. I’ll send a rider to the legate of the First Minervia Legion in Bonna. He may already know about Saturnius’ betrayal, but he needs to understand that we are loyalists, not traitors.

When do we depart, sir? one of the centurions asked.

Tomorrow before dawn; we need to be away from the fortress before anyone can ask questions.

Chapter II: Flight of the Loyalists

The road between Mogontiacum and Bonna

***

There were the usual grumblings from the ranks at being ordered to pack all their belongings and prepare for immediate departure. Neither Lucifer nor the other senior officers of the three centuries said why they were leaving, which left rumours to run rampant amongst legionaries. The legion’s quartermaster was irritated at being woken during the frigid hours before dawn to fill the large requisition of rations. As the order was signed by a centurion pilus prior, he knew better than to protest.

Lucifer had thought to include the remaining three centurions of his cohort in the expedition. However, they had publicly made their intentions known, and their legionaries would follow them. It broke his heart knowing his peers, who he counted as close friends, had inexplicably committed treason. He also wished he could steal away the legion’s eagle, that it not be disgraced by Saturnius’ perfidy. This was impossible, as the eagle was kept within the aquilifer’s quarters at the legion’s principia. Lucifer could only hope that someday the Twenty-First Legion would purge this disgrace from its history.

The three centuries departed through the western gate of the fortress. The decanus in charge of the guard detail was confused. There had been no prior notification given to the watch. However, he deferred to the pilus prior’s rank and ordered the gate opened.

For the emperor, senate, and people of Rome, Lucifer said quietly as he watched the large wooden gates swing open on their creaking hinges. His breath clung visibly in the biting cold.

Soldiers huddled beneath their cloaks, stooped slightly by the weight of their packs and shields. Though it was still quite frigid in the hour before sunrise, Lucifer thought the air was a touch warmer than the previous day. They marched with a sense of urgency driven by their centurions. Lucifer forbade any singing or calling of marching cadence until they were several miles from the fortress. A few of the more astute soldiers guessed the purpose of their sudden departure, having seen their centurions leaving their gladii scabbarded during Saturnius’ speech.

Around midmorning, when they were ten miles from Mogontiacum, Lucifer halted the contingent and dismounted. He then summoned a legionary who’d served as his orderly that week.

Can you ride, soldier? the centurion asked.

Yes, sir, the legionary said.

Good.

Lucifer handed him a scroll and signalled for his servant to hand the legionary the reins of his mount. Ride for Bonna and give this despatch to General Senecio, he ordered. If anyone questions you, inform them it is an urgent despatch from Mogontiacum and for the legate’s eyes only.

The legionary saluted and stowed his pack and shield awkwardly on his section’s pack mule. As he took to his centurion’s horse, his eyes glimmered with understanding. Roughly sixty miles separated them from the capital of Germania Inferior, and it would take the legionary the better part of two days to reach the First Minervia Legion. His mates gave looks of puzzlement at seeing their centurion now walking instead of riding.

They continued for another hour before reaching a crossroads where the right fork veered north, following the River Rhine towards Bonna. Here, Lucifer ordered his centuries to halt and conduct a short rest.

Sir, there’s another group approaching from the east, a decanus reported. Can’t say for certain from this distance, but it looks like they’re carrying a blue vexillation flag from Legio XIV.

That will be Centurion Maximus, Lucifer observed.

The decanus looked at him with a raised eyebrow but said nothing. Lucifer strode to the rear of his small column and awaited the arrival of his friend. His first observation was that Maximus had brought more than twice as many soldiers from the Fourteenth Legion. There were seven signums from various centuries; four of which were from his cohort.

You appear to have misplaced your horse, old friend, Maximus said as he rode up to Lucifer.

It’s on a more important mission. I’ve sent a message to the legate in Bonna, letting him know we’re coming.

We’re marching to Bonna, sir? Lucifer’s tesserarius asked.

Their optio grinned in understanding. As I thought, he said, nodding towards their commanding officer. Our centurion is no traitor!

You haven’t told them yet? Maximus asked.

I wanted to put some miles between us and Mogontiacum, Lucifer explained. Looking to the detachment from Legio XIV, he asked, I take it that all your men are committed to standing with the emperor?

Of course, his friend replied. I might have brought more, had the rest of my peers not been caught up in the excitement, and our primus pilus a complete wretch of a turncoat.

You must have left well after us, Lucifer remarked. Did no one try to stop you?

Oh, the chief tribune asked where we were going. I told him, ‘Out for a little stroll’. I may have taken matters a bit too far when I added that when we returned, it would be to remove his head from his shoulders. He figured I was making jest. He’s a decent young fellow. Pity that I’ll have to make good on it.

Yes, well, time for jesting is over, Lucifer remarked. He then furrowed his brow and asked, But what of your family?

I sorted that last night, Maximus explained. My wife has a brother in Augusta Trevorum. It’s fifty miles from Mogontiacum. At least it’s in Belgica, and beyond Saturnius’ influence. I don’t think anyone asked questions when she, our children, and trio of servants left. And if they did, she would just say she’s taking the children on a short holiday.

Well, she’s not wrong, Lucifer said, suddenly grateful he was a lifelong bachelor.

He then ordered his three centuries to assemble. His fellow two centurions dismounted and stood to either side of their cohort commander as he addressed them.

I don’t need to give you a pretty speech, the pilus prior stated. Lucius Antonius Saturnius has committed high treason, condemning his name to infamy. His greatest crime was compelling our beloved legion to follow him to damnation. The officers who stand before you remember our oaths. As soldiers of Rome our duty is to protect the Empire against enemies from both beyond and within our borders. Know that I will not compel any of you to continue to Bonna. If you march with us, it is of your own free will, out of loyalty to Caesar and the Empire. Any man who wishes to return to Mogontiacum can do so now. There will be no farewells to your companions, and no man true to his oath will look you in the eye. Make your decision and pray that Caesar is merciful when the time for reckoning comes.

To his dismay, around thirty legionaries and a handful of decani immediately walked away from the gathering. The soldiers from Legio XIV blocked the road, forcing them to trek through the sodden and frigid tall grasses. No one made a sound; no jeers, taunts, not even a look.

I lost about the same number from my detachment, Maximus said.

Lucifer shook his head in dismay. Fall in! his voice boomed.

He ordered his men to continue marching long into the afternoon, only halting as the sun started to fall into the west. Night came early during the winter months, though they’d still traversed more than thirty miles since before sunrise, reaching the mining complex at Aquae Mattiacorum. The two ranking centurions marched their men into the encampment and established their tents on a tall ridge which overlooked the long rows of slave shacks. The overseer, though confused by the presence of imperial soldiers, offered the senior officers a room within his house along with supper. Lucifer and Maximus declined the offer and told the man they would be gone by morning. Legionaries were added to the gatehouse sentries. The town proper, known for its magnificent bathhouse and spa, lay in the valley below. It felt as if the fates were goading the loyalist soldiers, who all wished to soak in the heated waters and be rid of the incessant cold clinging to them.

A hot plunge and oiled massage might wake my numb hands and feet, Centurion Lucifer said, having joined his friend and fellow pilus prior near the camp gate.

Even Maximus, who was normally dismissive towards the cold, was deeply chilled and miserable.

Imagine how it must be for the poor bastards working the mines, he said with a nod towards the long rows of battered slave shacks in the pit below. To be so close to luxury, one can smell the scented waters of the thermae spas. He took a deep breath through his nose in emphasis.

It is a mercy that their life expectancies are so short, Lucifer reasoned.

Still, if not for the rains, this wouldn’t be so bothersome. Maximus added, I’ve noticed a change in the air.

I have, too, Lucifer confirmed. The air doesn’t freeze my nose or mouth like it did a week ago. I wonder... His voice then trailed off.

What is it? Maximus asked.

This sounds absurd, but I wonder if the subtle change in the weather is the gods’ way of influencing what is to come.

The loyalist detachment quietly departed Aquae Mattiacorum the following drizzly winter morning. Two additional days into their trek, near the border with the Province of Germania Inferior, they spied a mounted contingent approaching from the north. There were nearly a hundred in all, and they carried a vexillation flag emblazed with an image of Goddess Minerva.

That will be the legionary cavalry from First Minervia, Lucifer observed.

At the head of the contingent road their legate, Quintus Sosius Senecio. A friend of Domitian, the emperor gave him command of the legion upon its inception seven years prior. Senecio had taken part in the Chatti campaign, before returning to the senate after a three-year term as legate. Then six months ago, Senecio petitioned the emperor to grant him a second term with First Minervia which Domitian granted. Riding next to the legate was the legionary Lucifer had given his horse and despatch to. The soldier dutifully dismounted and handed the reigns back to his commanding officer who climbed into the saddle.

General Senecio, he said with a salute. It is good to see you, sir. By way of introduction he then said, Sertor Gavius Lucifer; Centurion Pilus Prior of the Fifth Cohort, Twenty-First Rapax Legion. My colleague is Centurion Pilus Prior Gaius Suetorius Maximus of the Fourteenth Gemina Legion.

Centurions, the legate said. I am glad to see that not all of Saturnius’ soldiers have turned traitor. When your legionary reached us two days ago, I thought he was drunk, playing a lark. I had a mind to have him flogged until I saw the written missive and decided to see to the matter personally. I’ve sent word to Governor Lappius at Colonia Agrippina.

The legate then glanced down the road where the loyalist detachment had marched. No signs of pursuit from Mogontiacum?

Lucifer shook his head. Saturnius likely knows we’ve completely scarpered rather than going on a short expedition.

Maximus then added, I expect he’s more concerned about getting his Chatti allies across the Rhine than chasing after a few hundred legionaries who stayed true to their oaths.

Soon after meeting with Legate Senecio, the loyalist contingent crossed into the province of Lower Germania. The city of Bonna was located just inside the border, built up along the western bank of the River Rhine. It was originally a resettlement community of a Gallic people known as the Eburoni, following Julius Caesar’s conquest. A fort was established during the reign of Augustus with many young men in the community recruited into the Roman auxilia. The posting of the First Minervia Legion following the Chatti expedition led to the township’s exponential growth.

It was early evening, and the winter sun had long set. Their breath was visible as the soldiers’ huddled beneath their hooded cloaks. The centurions accompanied Senecio to the legion’s principia. Legio I’s camp prefect escorted the loyalist soldiers to an open field just north of the walls, where they could establish camp.

Three days later, Aulus Lappius Maximus, Governor of Germania Inferior, arrived. He ordered both Legate Senecio and the two ranking centurions from the traitorous legions to meet with him for a council of war. Legio I, Minervia, was mobilised along with two regiments of auxilia infantry and another of cavalry. Lappius directed them to head south across the provincial border and make camp where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers intersected.

I’ll not have Saturnius’ pestilence spread across the frontier, the governor stressed. Time is crucial, which is why I will not wait for orders to come from Rome. It may be a breach of decorum, but I have sent word to Flavius Norbanus, the Prefect of Raetia, asking him to ready as many of his auxilia forces as can be spared. My messenger will have to take the longer road through the heart of Germania Superior, avoiding Mogontiacum. I’ve also sent my fastest courier to Hispania Tarraconensis, requesting General Trajan bring up the Seventh Gemina Legion.

Your pardon, governor, Centurion Maximus said. But why send for troops all the way from Hispania?

Because if Saturnius does indeed have the support of the Chatti, it will take more than the detachments from my legions, plus Norbanus’ auxiliaries, to subdue them. Raetia only has eight infantry regiments and four of cavalry in the entire province. And he cannot take all of them, lest he leave his borders unprotected. Nor can I leave 200 miles of the Rhine Frontier ungarrisoned. There are no legions in Gaul; only scattered vexillations of auxilia regiments with urban cohorts protecting the cities. He paused and then looked to Senecio. Besides, given Caesar’s distrust of the senate, which sadly appears to have been justified, he’ll want legates who are unquestionably loyal. And we cannot be entirely certain as to the fealty of the Eighth Augusta Legion at this time.

They are within Saturnius’ province, Senecio noted, but still well away from Mogontiacum. I am fortunate that the emperor considers me a personal friend. He knows my allegiance is undisputed. He also has absolute faith in Trajan.

Lappius stated, As a matter of decorum, I informed Caesar of my despatch to Trajan while explaining my reasons and apologising for not seeking his permission first.

The governor was being surprisingly candid in front of the two centurions, who were substantially inferior in both rank and social class. However, he also understood the two officers would prove crucial when the time came to sort out the fate of the treacherous legions.

Chapter III: Caesar’s Vengeance

Domus Flavia, Rome

Emperor Domitian

Fortunately for the loyalists, Lappius’ concerns regarding the Eighth Legion proved unfounded. Legio VIII, Augusta, was posted further south along the Rhine at Argentorate, about 115 miles from Mogontiacum. Their legate was not part of the revolt and was also caught by surprise at Saturnius’ betrayal. He, too, immediately sent a despatch to Rome. It arrived four days before the message from Lappius.

Domitian had heard rumours about Saturnius’ subversive disloyalty for years yet could never find any substantive evidence. While he had a terribly strained rapport with the senate and was prone to suspicion, he never actually believed Antonius Saturnius was a turncoat. He’d served a term as suffect consul seven years prior, and while he and the emperor had several disagreements, their relationship was amiable. It was his admirable performance in both Macedonia and Judea which convinced Domitian to later grant him consular honours.

The initial despatch reached Rome in the early afternoon; the messenger having ridden the last forty miles through the night. Domitian was furious, privately blaming himself as much as the traitor. As Lappius’ messenger had yet to arrive, he feared that both Germanic provinces might be part of the insurrection. He summoned all members of the imperial court, including the two current consuls, Aurelius Fulvus and Marcus Asinius. Fulvus was both competent and loyal, hence the emperor demanding he be granted the rare honour of a full year term in the consul’s chair. Only two other senators were invited to the imperial palace; Octavius Fronto, a former consul who’d commanded Legio I, Adiutrix, during the recent Dacian War, and Marcus Ulpius Trajan the Elder. The elder Trajan was a renowned statesman, beloved by both the plebs and noble classes. A close friend of Vespasian, he commanded Legio X, Fretensis, during the Jewish War. He later helped support Vespasian’s bid for the throne against Vitellius. A tactical and strategic genius, he’d passed these traits on to his son, who was in northern Hispania commanding Legio VII, Gemina.

The rest of the imperial court consisted of