It is 117 A.D. and the Emperor Trajan is dead. The new Emperor, Hadrian needs someone he can trust to go to Britannia and resurrect an auxiliary cavalry force to fend off the barbarians who are threatening the northern frontier. When Livius Sallustius takes on the task he has to contend with murders and assassins as well as rebellious officers. When the Red Witch Morwenna joins the alliance then the men of the auxiliary cavalry find themselves stretched beyond their limits. A fast paced story takes the reader from Rome to Capri and then to the heartland of the barbarians in northern Britannia.
Excerpt
The Centurion caught the tail end of the conversation and strode up to Cato. “You report to me!”
Cato had been a legionary in the twentieth who had fought in Britannia. As with all ordinary legionaries he resented the elite and arrogant Praetorians and he turned to face the huge centurion. “I was a proper soldier and fought in real wars. I am not some poncy over dressed Praetorian and I do not take orders from you.”
Stepping between them Livius took charge. “Well spotted Cato. Well Centurion I think it would be a good idea to let this little band in and, as we outnumber them, surround them and finish them off in the grounds. I don’t think your master would want any left on the road to ambush the messengers eh?”
The Centurion stepped back and nodded to Livius. He did not know who Livius was but Hadrian appeared to respect his views and, on reflection, the plan was a good one. “You were an officer weren’t you?” Livius nodded . “It shows; more intelligence and honour than a legionary grunt.” He almost spat the last word at Cato. “Good plan. Keep your men close to the house. My lads will kill anyone not in Praetorian uniform.”
Livius could see anger infusing Cato’s face as the Praetorians left the building. “Guard the inside of the house Cato. These Praetorians may not be as good as they think they are and we do not want any getting through the perimeter and into the villa. I will join you.” He turned to Furax, handing him his dagger. “You stay with me and guard my back.” The young boy seemed to grow several uncia with the responsibility but Livius wanted him safe and the safest place would be behind him. There was an oppressive silence and then suddenly the sounds of blade on blade and then grunts and moans could be heard drifting in form outside. It was bizarre for Livius. He had seen many battles and skirmishes; he had a participated in many but this was the first time he had heard one. It was maddening to hear and not know what was going on. There were at least fifty Praetorians outside, he felt sure they must be able to despatch whoever Quietus had sent against them.
Suddenly a Praetorian fell backwards through the door his neck a new grinning mouth pumping arterial blood. Cato and two of his men stepped up to face whoever came through the door but were bowled back to the rear wall as five men hurtled through the door; they were all well armed with swords and axes. Two of them had small shields and Livius, with a sickening realisation, saw that they were gladiators. The Praetorians were soldiers for show, these were warriors for hire and they were good. Picking up a stool for his left hand Livius stepped forward to face the two men who were heading for the study. One of them hacked down at Livius’ left side and he thrust the stool in the direction of the blow while stabbing forward with his own blade. The stool took the blow but shattered leaving Livius defenceless. His speculative stab had caught his opponent on the knee and he was able to fend off the second axe strike. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Cato and his two companions being beaten back by the gladiators. This was the sort of scenario which was made for the mercenaries; there was no order, it was a confined space and they were incredibly well trained. It was only a matter of time before the handful of Julius’ men fell. The wounded swordsman came at Livius in an angry attack forcing him back. Livius tripped over the broken remains of the stool. It first saved his life as the sword scythed above his head but then almost killed him as the axe man sliced down on the recumbent, helpless decurion. Even as he lay there, knowing that he would not survive Livius chose honour and stabbed upwards at the swordsman. He would despatch at least one of his enemies. The blade entered the unprotected groin and there was a sudden rush of blood and entrails as one mercenary cried a noisy death. Livius could not move his sword which was embedded in the dying man and he braced himself for the blow from the axe. He looked up at the scarred and grinning face of the gladiator realising this would be his last sight in this life. He watched as the axe began its downwards arc and then watched as the look of exultation turned to a look of horror as the pugeo entered his ribs. Livius took his chance and rolled to the side. The blade, delayed enough to miss Livius, thudded into the dead swordsman. Livius grabbed the dagger still embedded in the side of the wounded gladiator and in one fluid motion slit his throat.
The guard from the study had joined Cato and the surviving guard to finish of the three remaining gladiators. Seeing no other enemies Livius retrieved his sword and then turned to Furax who was heaving as sobs rippled through his body. Livius put an arm around the distraught boy. “That was bravely done Furax. I owe you my life and, “he pointed to the doorway where Hadrian stood with Julius, “that of an Emperor.”
The Praetorian Centurion burst in and surveyed the scene. Cato spat a gob of blood at one of the dead gladiators. “Not bad for legionary grunts eh Centurion?”
To his credit the Praetorian took his medicine and nodded his thanks to the old legionary. He turned to Hadrian. “The rest are all dead. They were gladiators. We managed to find out who sent them. It was Lucius Quietus. “
Hadrian’s face did not show any emotion. “He has just signed his own death warrant. Centurion, get rid of the bodies over the cliff and have the messengers mounted and readied for their mission.” He paused.
