Infinite Courage Page 11

  “Ottone, go with the Corporal.”

  Acharis Enitui had watched with interest the exchange between Trax and Alerio. The Tesserarius seemed to be looking for a fight and as Trax had learned, a disagreement with Sisera almost always proved to be a painful experience.

  Alerio took Privates Ottone and Zelatus far to the rear of the Century.

  “I am holding you both responsible,” Alerio warned. “You’ll do your job or you will lay down one night and never wake up. Am I clear?”

  “But Tesserarius, we don’t know what we’re responsible for,” they protested.

  “You, Private Ottone are charged with protecting the Centurion,” Alerio replied. “And you, Private Zelatus are to protect Optio Gustavi. If either of them stubs a toe, I am coming for you.”

  The Privates jogged back to the Century area but they didn’t return to their squads.

  “Corporal Sisera. Why is Private Ottone following me around?” inquired Megellus.

  “Because your incompetence has doomed half the Legionaries in this Century to death,” Alerio whispered into the Centurion’s ear. “Some of them might decide to return the favor.”

  “I don’t see it that way,” argued the infantry officer.

  “We are going to war, not a construction site,” Alerio replied. “Look around you, sir. This is a Legion formed to do one thing. Kill the enemy. It doesn’t take much for a Legionary to decide there is an enemy within.”

  “But I was trying to save lives,” pleaded Megellus. “Everything I’ve done was to save the lives of these Legionaries.”

  “But you broke the heavy infantry rule, sir,” Alerio suggested. “You didn’t win.”

  ***

  The Century staggered into their camp late in the afternoon. Exhausted and hungry, they longed for a bite to eat and a chance to get off their feet. Centurion Megellus vanished into his tent while the NCOs separated and began the job of overseeing the infantrymen.

  “Report,” ordered Optio Gustavi.

  The four Legionaries who were left out of the days training, so they could guard the camp, marched to their Sergeant.

  “All was quiet,” one of the sentries replied. Then he glanced around at the dejected Legionaries who sulked to their tents. “Optio, what happened?”

  “We’ve been assigned a unit designation,” Gustavi informed the four. “We are Crassus Legion North, 25th Century.”

  “The left end of the battle line?” one asked in disbelief.

  “We’ve trained hard,” another complained. “How could we have failed so lavishly?”

  The other two sentries grumbled under their breath. In response to the discontent, Private Zelatus, who had been a couple of paces behind the Optio, shuffled forward.

  “I’ll stand for no disrespect,” announced Gustavi. “Get back to your contubernium.”

  Without another word to the senior NCO, the four sentries turned about and left him and his bodyguard standing in the center of the Century’s area.

  ***

  A Legion NCO leading a small caravan of mules came from the direction of supply tents.

  “Tesserarius of 25th Century?” shouted an Optio as he came off the Legion road. Following him was two handlers guiding mules with bundles and sacks hanging against its flanks.

  Alerio was at the other end of the camp speaking with Tescum and 10th Squad.

  “Make sure you have a guard rotation in place for the night,” he said when the stranger entered the camp. Turning from the squad, Alerio responded. “I’m Corporal Sisera.”

  “Compliments of Senior Centurion Publius,” the NCO declared.

  “What is it?” inquired Alerio as he crossed the camp to meet the Optio.

  “Replacement javelins,” the supply Sergeant replied. Then holding up two pieces of parchment, he instructed. “Sign here for the weapons and here for the half rations.”

  “Half rations?” questioned Alerio as he signed both.

  “As I said, compliments of Centurion Publius,” the Sergeant added. “Handlers, drop the bundles and sacks and let’s get back to the depot.”

  There was nothing to be done about the replacement javelins. The Century would have the expense deducted from their salaries on the next payday. But the half rations, that was purely retribution by the Senior Centurion. Unfortunately, the exchange between Alerio and the supply Optio had taken place deep in the Century’s area. And within hearing distance of the Legionaries.

  “Half rations?” a number of infantrymen grumbled. “Why?”

  “Because of our leadership, we are perfututum,” others ventured.

  “It can’t get any worse,” another group of voices declared.

  Alerio wanted to defend the Century’s Centurion and Optio. But in his heart, he agreed with the men. Then, to everyone’s surprise, the situation got worst.

  Chapter 14 – A Bad Night for Pests

  “Megellus, get your sorry excuse for an infantry officer’s cūlus out here,” a veteran Centurion bellowed as he and another Centurion marched into the camp.

  “Who is that?” someone asked.

  “Centurion Lichenis from 1st Century,” replied Lance Corporal Italus from 3rd Squad.

  The veteran infantry officer marched up to Italus and glared at the Decanus.

  “Did you say my name, Pest?” demanded the Centurion.

  “Yes, sir,” admitted Italus. “Someone asked who…”

  “You will not say my name,” Lichenis threatened. “Pests don’t have the right. Megellus! Don’t make me come into your tent and drag you out of there.”

  Fenoris Megellus pushed aside the flap and emerged from his tent. Dressed in a tunic and stylish sandals, he seemed comfortable and ready to turn in for the night.

  “I see Legionaries and NCOs sitting down to eat,” Lichenis observed. “But I don’t see a leader checking on the wellbeing of his men.”

  “I was just relaxing after…” Megellus started to explain.

  “The Qart Hadasht Empire doesn’t care. Their mercenary army doesn’t care,” Lichenis yelled into Megellus’ face. “General Otacilius Crassus doesn’t care. And I don’t care what you were planning. Get on your armor and come with me.”

  Visibly trembling from the tongue lashing, Megellus vanished into his tent.

  1st Centurion Lichenis turned to the other infantry officer and instructed, “You know the work details. Get the Pests to them.”

  “25th Century’s Optio and Tesserarius, on me,” the officer ordered.

  Alerio and Gustavi jogged to the infantry officer, stopped, and saluted.

  “My name is Quadantenus, Centurion for 8th Century,” the officer stated.

  7th and 8th Centuries’ positions were the center of the battle line in the veteran’s maniple. As such, they were the last line of defense before the 1st Century. Behind them, and surrounded by the 1st were the General, the Colonel, and the Legion’s command staff. Plus, the 7th and 8th line Centuries, along with 1st Century, were sworn to die before breaking or retreating. In short, Centurion Quadantenus held an important command in the Legion and for him to be in the 25th’s area, didn’t bode well for the Fenoris Megellus’ Century.

  “While your Centurion converses with the 1st Centurion, I have assignments for your Century,” Quadantenus explained. “And I expect each of the details to be inspected and supervised during the night. Am I clear?”

  “Yes, sir,” Alerio replied.

  “And you Optio, do you understand?”

  “Look here, Centurion…”

  Quadantenus’ arm shot out and Gustavi’s chest collapsed around the fist. When the officer pulled it back, the Optio staggered. Alerio reached out to steady his Sergeant.

  “Get your paws off of him, Pest,” Quadantenus growled. “He’s a Sergeant of heavy infantry. He will stand on his own or fall by the wayside.”

  “Yes, sir,” Alerio acknowledged. He pulled his arms back and stood straight in front of the no-nonsense officer. “Orders, Centurion.”

&nbs
p; “Two contuberniums to the watch positions on the hill,” Quadantenus instructed while pointing at the tip of a high slice of land overlooking the sea. “Two contuberniums to dig latrines. The Senior Centurion wants them completed by morning. Two contuberniums to the animal pens. We seem to have a wealth of merda and the Senior Centurion wants the excess shoveled into wagons and taken to a dump site. Two contuberniums for perimeter patrol. The Senior Centurion fears an attack by wolves so be sure the patrol ranges beyond the trench, picket poles, and fencing. And to help you get organized, the Senior Centurion will be here at daybreak for a Century inspection. Do not let him down.”

  Fenoris Megellus emerged from his tent in his armor, horse comb helmet, and wearing hobnailed boots.

  “On me,” ordered Lichenis who walked away leaving Megellus to run and catch up.

  Alerio and Gustavi turned to look at their officer who was being ordered around like a recruit.

  “That is none of your business,” Quadantenus barked noting the NCOs’ eyes were on their officer. “Don’t you have assignments to pass out. Or do you need me to run down the list again?”

  “No, sir. We have it,” Alerio assured the Centurion.

  Gustavi’s mouth hung open and his eyes were glassy. Shocked at the reality of the situation, he was paralyzed at the brutality of life in a marching Legion.

  “What about you, Sergeant, do you get it, yet?” inquired Quadantenus.

  Gustavi blinked as awareness came to him.

  “I believe so, Centurion,” the Optio responded.

  “Good, because the General has enough lawyers and Tribunes for strategizing on his staff,” Quadantenus explained. “We don’t need any in the ranks. Turn your people out and keep an eye on them. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  8th Century’s infantry officer turned about and marched away.

  “He is rather intense,” Gustavi observed. “At least we won’t have to deal with him until morning.”

  “Optio. We have just met the Centurions for 1st and 8th Centuries,” Alerio pointed out. “Do you think they’re finished with us for the night?”

  Gustavi creased his forehead in thought before replying.

  “I believe we are a project for the Senior Centurion. And the veteran Centuries will be around to teach us lessons,” the Sergeant ventured. “This could be a bad night.”

  “Only, if we don’t win in every case,” offered Alerio.

  ***

  Ibis Gustavi strutted to the NCOs’ tent, went in, and appeared a few moments later. In his hand, he carried a leather bag.

  “Corporal Sisera. Get the remaining contuberniums started on cleaning gear for the inspection,” Gustavi suggested. “If you’ll handle the ocean watch and the patrol, I’ll make sure the latrines and manure disposal go smoothly.”

  The distribution of supervisor duties matched the skills of the Corporal and the Sergeant.

  “Optio, if this means you plan to start winning, I agree” Alerio declared.

  “That’s exactly what this means,” Gustavi replied.

  The Sergeant marched out of the camp heading for the Legion’s latrine area.

  ***

  When Optio Gustavi arrived, the sixteen Legionaries from the 25th were pacing off the location for the new facilities.

  “Hold. Look at the drainage, the rocky soil, and the runoff,” Gustavi announced as he pulled a stick from his bag. Looped around one end was a thick ball of string.

  After marking off areas and analyzing the slope, the Optio shifted the proposed location, tapped in sticks to outline the latrines, and organized the line of men. Once they were digging the new and transporting the loose dirt to the old latrines for fill, the Sergeant left to check on the men moving the manure.

  On the far side of the Legion camps at the stock pens, Ibis Gustavi located his contuberniums, huge piles of animal droppings, and two wagons.

  “Put straw in the bed of the wagons,” he advised. “The bedding will keep the merda from soiling the boards and make it easier to unload the wagons.”

  When they had both wagons lined with straw and one almost full, Gustavi jogged back to the latrines. As he approached, he noted the work had stopped. All of his men were lined up in front of a Centurion who was gesturing wildly.

  “I told you where to put the new facilities,” the infantry officer shouted. “And when I…”

  “Sir. Is there a problem with my Legionaries?” Gustavi inquired as he slowed to a fast walk.

  “Are you in charge of this detail, Optio?” the Centurion replied. “I explained before where I wanted them dug.”

  “Are you an engineer, sir,” asked Gustavi. He positioned himself in front of the Centurion so he stood between the officer and his Legionaries.

  “No. But I was charged with digging new latrines and I made a field decision.”

  “Your decision, sir, will put any rain run-off from the latrines into a stream that will flow by the supply tents,” Gustavi informed him. “We will dig them anywhere you want. But I’ll need a release signed by you noting that you were advised of the health issues.”

  “Your location won’t have a run-off problem?”

  “No, sir. Downhill from here, any rainwater will run to a sandy area,” Gustavi assured the officer. “The dirty water will disperse in the sandy soil.”

  “In that case, carry on,” the Centurion said before walking away.

  The officer marched to the first rows of tents and vanished down one. Once out of sight from the Optio and the contuberniums, he stopped beside 1st Centurion Lichenis.

  “Your opinion of Optio Gustavi,” inquired Lichenis.

  “In his field, he’s as tough and self-assured as any infantry NCO,” the officer commented. “And he’s protective of his men.”

  “That’s the opinion shared by the other Centurions and Optios,” Lichenis stated. “Gustavi’s issue seems to be from a lack of leadership. I have a team working on Centurion Megellus tonight. They’ll get his head right or scramble his brains. Are your men ready to test the Tesserarius?”

  “About that. Is it safe to come up on Death Caller in the dark?” the Centurion inquired.

  “Corporal Sisera may have a fun nickname but, despite his reputation, he is just a junior NCO,” Lichenis assured the infantry officer. “Probe and push both the patrol and the lookouts. The lad with the cute moniker can’t be in both places at once. Let’s see if he taught the contuberniums any useful skills before the Century joined us.”

  ***

  Alerio took the trail on the side of the hill. It twisted and turned while climbing steeply to the plateau. As he trekked up the path, the view of the beach and along the shoreline improved.

  “Corporal Sisera. This is the best duty ever,” announced Lance Corporal Aternus when he saw his Tesserarius top the rise.

  “This glorious assignment is about to go straight to Hades,” Alerio replied. After locating the other squad leader, he called both of them to him. “Aternus, Enitui. Let’s have a talk.”

  “What’s up Corporal?” asked Enitui from 4th Squad.

  “Sometime tonight, you will be tested,” Alerio exclaimed. “I’d guess an attack from the trail and from your rear.”

  Both Lance Corporals glanced over their shoulders at the narrow spine of land that connected the flat area with the distant hills.

  “Not much room for an attack,” Aternus observed. “A couple of men from the 7th should be able to defend our rear.”

  “What if they come with a battering ram?” Alerio ventured. “They will blow your two Legionaries off the sides and follow up with a squad. Meanwhile, you can count on several more from the trail. You won’t know they’re coming until they reach the plateau.”

  “Should we stay at one hundred percent alert all evening?” suggested Enitui.

  “You do that and your contuberniums will be exhausted by morning,” Alerio offered. Then he pulled lengths of rope from a pouch. “Trip ropes. Tie lengths across the trail and spine and stay at fifty
percent. When they come, the aggressors will trip and alert your sentries. And remember, the only rule in the heavy infantry is to win. Do not be gentle removing them from our hill.”

  They talked for a while before Alerio slipped down the trail and went in search of the squads assigned to the patrol route.

  ***

  Corporal Sisera blurted out something about the squads being sacrificial meat. In the waning light, the Legionaries stopped and looked at the dark shape of their Tesserarius.

  “Explain that,” demanded Dircium from 2nd Squad.

  The squads were lined up two abreast at an opening in the perimeter fence.

  “Optio Gustavi and I believe that all of the assignments Centurion Quadantenus ordered are designed to test our Century,” Alerio replied. “If that’s the case, you may be ambushed by a superior force.”

  “But why?” asked Stulte from the 9th Squad.

  “Harassment, toughening us up, or making us pay to fit in with the Legion, take your pick,” suggested Alerio. “We were embarrassed on the line today. I don’t want to be tonight.”

  “If what you say is true,” Dircium challenged. “How do you plan to prevent it?”

  “Unburden two of your men,” described Alerio. “Let them roam around your formation. When they spot the aggressors, they can give you a few moments to get ready for the attack.”

  “And we’ll be set before they hit us,” guessed Stulte.

  “If the Senior Centurion has been touched by Furor and embraces the Gods insanity enough to launch a night assault against us,” urged Alerio. “make them hurt.”

  “They will,” Dircium promised his Corporal.

  ***

  Pink slashes marked the sky foretelling the coming sunrise. From one side of the Century’s area, sixteen Legionaries marched into camp.

  “Report,” requested Optio Gustavi.

  “They hit us early this morning,” Aternus responded. “Once the first ones tripped on the ropes, we charged and tossed every one of them off the hill.”

  “They screamed all the way down,” Enitui added.

  “We’ve set up stations. You’ll be shaved and have your hair cut while another contubernium cleans your gear,” Corporal Sisera advised. “And congratulations on the win.”