Just as he did almost every night after supper, Legion sat at his desk in his tent to compose a letter to his commander back at the outpost while the men remained in the mess hall drinking ale. This letter would be difficult to write because Legion would be informing Lucius Severus the Camp Prefect of the death of Centurion Marius. Marius had been injured over a week ago and the medical officer had done all he could to sew him back up but it was clear to everyone including Marius that recovery was not likely. After a week in agony Marius finally was at rest but since there was no wood for a pyre nor enough ground to bury him or any of the other fallen soldiers without being able to get outside the walls of the fortress safely, Marius was simply added to the pile of other bodies adding to the very real threat that Legion feared would spell the doom of every individual inside the fortress before long, due to disease. This fact would also be brought to the attention of the Camp Prefect in the letter along with a continued recommendation to abandon the fortress and order the men home. Suddenly the flap to his tent flew open and an attendant charged in with his head lowered, hands covering his head and eyes closed, clearly expecting to be met with a blow for entering without asking permission first.

“Begging your forgiveness Sir but the men are fighting in the mess hall!” rushing to get the words out before the blow came. When no blow was delivered the attendant slowly opened his eyes and raised his head to find Legion putting on his armor and weapons, envisioning the worst.

“Why? What is going on? How bad is it?” Legion barked out the questions as he prepared for what he hoped he would never have to experience: a battle between his own soldiers. Exiting the tent with the attendant right behind him the young man answered the questions as he ran to keep up with his commander marching toward the mess hall.

“They are fighting over the two serving wenches. Lots of yelling, it had not come to blows when I left but it may have by the time we get back.” Spoken a bit out of breath.

The yelling could be heard from outside the hall as they approached and Legion had one last question before going in to sort it out, “Why now? Why didn’t they fight over them before?”

As an attendant the lad would be privy to information the others would keep from their commander so he easily knew the answer to Legion’s question. “Because they are up for grabs now that Centurion Marius is dead. He had laid claim to them.”

Now that he thought about it Legion did recall he found it strange that from the fist day he arrived with his century, the men under Marius’ command treated the wenches politely and made no lewd comments nor groped the two young women. He had assumed Marius had simply given an order that they were off limits and Legion had given his men the same assumed order. With this not the case there was only one way to handle it now.

At the sound of Legion crashing through the door to the mess hall the entire room froze. The officers had been trying to regain order and some of them were already bloodied. It looked as though most of the ruckus was coming from what was left of Marius’ men, a fact Legion was most grateful for.

Optio Tetricus, Legion’s second in command, looked up to see Legion enter and snapped to attention as he demanded that the others do the same, “Attention!”

The response was instantaneous as a hundred and thirty-one men came to attention and saluted with a fist to each chest in one loud clap, but it was not going to save them from reprimand, “What the hell is going on?” It was directed at Optio Tetricus who was responsible for the seventy-five men that remained of Legion’s century and Optio Julius who was responsible for the fifty that remained of Marius’ century.

“As second in command to Centurion Marius I lay claim to the two serving wenches now that he is dead.” came Optio Julius’ reply.

Optio Tetricus was quick with a retort, “Have you forgotten about Centurion Legion?”

Out of respect for the fact that Marius would still be commanding his men if the order came for Legion to leave and Marius to stay Legion had not taken over command even though his seniority would allow him to. Being that he and Marius were of equal rank Legion had felt it was best to handle all matters as equals and not undermine Marius’ authority. With Marius dead no one but Legion was in charge, a fact that Optio Julius had conveniently forgotten. There really was only one way to end this.

“I lay claim to them!” Legion shouted so loud that Optio Julius jumped but offered no protest. A protest did come however from somewhere within the ranks.

“But Sir why can’t we share them?” The soldier that spoke seemed to be the only one that didn’t understand the folly in his question and every one around him stepped back fearing the action that was bound to come next.

Legion walked toward the objector quickly and deliberately, snatching up a cloth napkin from the table as he approached the soldier with alarming speed. With the cloth draped over his hand Legion plunged his hand into the soldier’s mouth and grasped his tongue, then placing his free hand on the soldier’s shoulder he forced him down to kneel in front of the table, pulling on his tongue until it lay on the table, then Legion grabbed a steak knife and thrust it through the tongue anchoring it to the table. Fortunately the knife only had a single edge and it was not facing toward the tip of the tongue or it would have split it to the end, instead it only pierced it. Stepping back and leaving the soldier pinned to the table Legion addressed the rest of the men.
“Does anyone else want to voice an objection?” As expected no one spoke up. The two serving wenches clung to each other no doubt fearing that whatever offences they had suffered at the hands of Marius were nothing compared to what they had to look forward to now. Turning to them Legion spoke softly meaning only for them to hear. “Come with me.” Then turning to Optio Tetricus he motioned for him to do the same. Once outside the hall with Legion and Tetricus walking shoulder to shoulder, Legion spoke quietly to the Optio. “Should I expect a mutiny now?”

Optio Tetricus stopped at Legion’s words, knowing the gravity of the question and the usual course of action when a mutiny was suspected. Legion could order that every tenth man be executed as a deterrent to the remaining men. “No Sir, I don’t think so.”
Stopping as well Legion turned to face Tetricus, his face fierce with anger at the turn of events and the fear that control was rapidly slipping from his grasp, knowing the quickest way to get it back would be brutal and costly. “I need you to be sure. Get them back under control or else! And lock up the ale.” After a sigh Legion stated what they both were thinking, “I can’t afford to loose another thirteen men in a decimation order.” The two men had forgotten for now about the two young women standing a few paces away. Legion went on to convey to Tetricus what weighed heavy on his mind. “We have held the rebels off for a month, killing more of them than we lost I hope. Then we would have died of thirst a few times over now if not for Nicolette sending us rain. My greatest fear until a few moments ago was that the dead would rise up and kill us one by one, in a matter of speaking, through disease and plague because we can’t dispose of them properly. Now I worry that Marius’ men and their lack of experience, discipline and common sense will start a mutiny or worse - dissension amongst the ranks and we will simply fall to civil war within these walls. The last thing I need is to have to baby-sit these two but I am not turning a hundred and thirty-one men loose on them. I have to come up with a way to end this skirmish now!”

“I’m sure you will Sir. You took the fortress from them and I’m sure you can see a way to keep it from them. I have faith in you, Sir.” Tetricus was not just giving his commander lip service, he had been with the century under the command of the previous centurion and meant what he said. “If anyone can see a way to make the impossible possible it is you, Sir. I do not envy your position though … even if it does have certain perks.” A sideways glance at the two women who were huddled together made clear his implication.

Following Tetricus’ gaze and shaking his head Legion cut the thought from Tetricus’ mind. “I only claimed them to protect them. You know that Tetricus. Or do you really think I am that stupid?” The question was delivered with a laugh, to the relief of Tetricus.

“No Sir, of course not. I just didn’t want to die of thirst is all.” Legion knew full well what Tetricus meant and smiled to reassure his second in command. Tetricus offered reassurance of his own as he continued. “I will see to the morale of the men and get Marius’ men in line so you can concentrate on strategy, Sir.”

Nodding in agreement Legion added an order as he placed his hand on Tetricus’ shoulder. “First thing tomorrow morning I want you to assign a detail from Marius’ men … pick the ones weakest in either talent or discipline … I think thirteen should do the trick … have them take the dead and drop them over the wall, spaced out so that they surround the outside. That will at least put the disease on the outside, then if any rebels approach they will have to run the risk of plague to get to us. It should also take care of any mutiny plans and I won’t have to order a decimation, if one occurs anyway then it was an act of God not me. Have the men of that detail quarantined to the brig. If they live then maybe we will have some assurance that the rest of us will as well. If they don’t we have lost the ones we could most afford to lose.”

“Yes Sir.” Tetricus nodded once to show he understood.

“I am not looking forward to writing my report to the Prefect tonight. For the first time since we arrived here I am tempted to lie to him. I just wish I had some good news to go with the bad.” Slapping Tetricus once on the shoulder as a sign that the casualness they enjoyed when away from the eyes of the others was about to end Legion took a step back and put back on the air of formality. Tetricus understood and came to attention with a fist to his chest in a salute to which Legion answered and released signaling that the Optio was dismissed. Tetricus went back into the mess hall to give the order that there would be no more ale until further notice and Legion continued to his tent with the two wenches trailing behind.

Before stepping inside he gave an order to the attendant to gather up some bedding for the two women and have it put in the empty corner of his tent. The attendant took on a puzzled expression but scurried off to attend to the task as Legion stepped into his tent, turning to face the two as they came through the opening. He addressed them with reluctance clearly not welcoming the invasion to his private world. “Your names?”

The bolder of the two answered, “I’m Anna and this is Mary m’lord.” She curtsied and it was clear from her accent and actions that she was native and not Roman.

Legion pointed to the empty corner but didn’t say anything to confirm what he wanted. He didn’t need to. They both moved to the corner and sat down, remaining quiet. He stood there and looked at them … through them would be more accurate, clearly lost in thought. Something Tetricus had said was stuck in his mind and held an answer that seemed to evade him now. Focusing on Anna’s face Legion spoke out loud but not really to her at all. “Took the fortress from them … “

Forgetting herself, Anna answered him thinking it quite natural. “Then you have just traded places.”

Furrowing his brows he looked angered and she gasped thinking about what had happened to the soldier’s tongue when he spoke without permission. Legion squatted down in front of her to look her in the eye. “Why didn’t I see that before?” A wide smile forming on his face as he realized she had found the answer. “Yes Anna, that is it entirely.” He stood and began pacing the small space, speaking aloud his thoughts because it always helped him make better sense of them.

“With one hundred men there were not enough of us to actually surround the fortress from within the ring of trees and we didn’t need to. I had scouts watching the north, west and south gates to alert us if they tried to dodge out but I knew our best chance of getting in was the east gate so we concentrated there. We tricked them into coming out though so we didn’t even have to storm the gate. Now that we are on the inside I haven’t been able to wipe them out because I haven’t been able to get them to come out of the trees or to confine them to one area. They have the advantage of crossfire as long as they can spread out.” The two women looked at each other having no idea what he was babbling on about. When he spoke directly to them they jumped not expecting it. “How much cooking oil do we have in store Anna?”

“Eight amphorae m’lord.” She answered without hesitation.

“And lamp oil?”

“Oh we have lots of that. Fifteen casks I believe.” She seemed to be excited at the chance to be of help.

“Anything else that is liquid and burns?”

“There are two drums of tar for the roofs.” There was question in her voice, not knowing if that was what he meant.

Nodding and smiling he moved to her quickly, squatting down and grasping her by the shoulders, to which she gasped thinking she was about to be punished for something. “If we pull this off Anna my men and I can finally go home!” She was still in his grasp when the attendant requested entry and came in with bedding for the two women. Releasing his grip he stood and stepped back. “Fix a bed for yourselves and get some sleep. You will be safe in here and you can report to the mess hall as usual before dawn. But remember if anyone lays a hand on either of you I am to be made aware of it. Is that clear?”

They answered in unison, having risen when he stepped back and taken the bedding from the attendant. “Yes m’lord.” After a curtsey they did as they were told, making a bed in the corner and lying down to sleep while he sat at his desk and rustled through scrolls and maps planning tomorrow’s attack on the rebels.

“Finally a plan that just may force an end to this skirmish.” Spoken aloud but softly, he couldn’t help but allow himself the joy and hope that they may all be able to go home before month’s end.

With the thought of going home came the thought of Nicolette, and he smiled to himself. He still had not written a reply to her letter that had been delivered this morning and now nothing else would have a place in his mind so he took the time to do it now. Words came easy when writing to her, he filled a page quickly and could have gone on but the letter to the Camp Prefect still needed to be written. Sealing the letter to Nicolette he then began the letter to the Prefect, being factual and not adding too much detail, ending with what the Prefect would most want to hear: Legion had a plan to turn the tables on the rebels. That letter too was sealed and since dawn was only a few hours away he knew the only smart thing to do was to get some sleep. After the ruckus in the mess hall he had not taken off his armor, half expecting it not to be over for the night but the men had clearly gotten the message and all was quiet in camp. He stood now to go through the nightly routine of getting the armor back off and stored on the holding rack along with his weapons. Blowing out the candle on his desk the tent was dark enough to rid himself of what few clothes he had on leaving only the undercloth that would have gone as well, if not for his ‘house guests’. Flopping back onto his bed, if it could be called that, he stared at the darkness that became the top of the tent and longed for his real bed back home and what was waiting for him in it. True he was afforded a better bed than his men and a larger tent as a Centurion but camp life was still camp life and he was glad this was not a ten-year campaign. It was too warm tonight to pull more than the sheet over his body and he only did that because of the two women, thinking perhaps tomorrow he could think of a way to keep them safe but somewhere else other than his tent. Then he closed his eyes and thought of his beloved, letting only her fill his mind, pushing out the worry of formulating a plan, and drifted off to sleep to be with her the only way possible for now.

Movement somewhere disrupted his mind but his body was way ahead of him. As he opened his eyes he realized he had his fingers around someone’s throat leaning over him. Once his eyes focused he realized it was Anna and he loosened his grip slightly.

“What are you doing? Do you want to get yourself killed?” He growled at her through gritted teeth.

“I thought maybe you … would … require me, m’lord.” Anna said almost shamefully.

Gripping her throat just enough to pull her closer as he lifted his upper body to cover half the distance, he spoke again in a low growl, not at all happy to be awoken. “If I required you I would tell you. Now go back to bed and don’t ever do that again.” He pushed her slightly as he let go.

Meaning to apologize and not to insult she rubbed her throat as she got up off his bed, “I’m sorry m’lord. I didn’t know you didn’t like women.”

The laugh came before he could stop it, “I like women plenty. I like them a lot. But I love my wife.” Feeling that statement said all that needed to be said on the issue he lowered back down and fell back to sleep.

As always the songs of birds preceded the dawn and his eyes flew open, a reflex that had been beat into him long ago. Sitting up he felt like he had taken a beating last night as the lack of sleep and stress were catching up with him further and further with each passing day but he smiled thinking on the plan that had come to him late last night. Springing out of bed with more energy than he had felt in weeks he quickly dressed and suited up. The women had long since gone to the mess hall to prepare breakfast so he left the empty tent grabbing the out-going letters first and headed to the mess hall as well. He was always up and out of his tent before most of the soldiers were even roused so there were virtually no soldiers out on the grounds yet, only the courier and the servants were consistently up and ready to go before Legion was. With a broad smile Legion handed the letters to the courier and gave him a hardy slap on the back. Everyone knows messengers are often killed for bearing bad news but they are just as often rewarded for good news as well.

“The Prefect should be buying you dinner tonight I suspect.” came Legion’s prediction. The courier’s eyes brightened at the prospect and the poor lad deserved it after all the reports delivered bearing news the Prefect would have been less than happy to receive. His cargo safely stowed in a pouch attached to a strap that slung across his chest the courier took off with a whoop, the large east gate opening as he approached, manned by four of the twenty men that had stood guard for the last watch of the night, then it closed behind him hiding him from view. Still grinning widely Legion entered the mess hall to find it empty save the service staff. Trying her best to stay on the good side of the man she felt could most assure the safety of her and Mary, Anna rushed to Legion to bring him a large mug of coffee. Her embarrassed smile told him she regretted her assumptions of the early morning hours and he offered her a nod in thanks and forgiveness, taking the coffee from her. Leaning back on the table with his legs stiffly crossed in front of him, staring into the dark depths of his coffee, he gave a casual salute in answer to the salutes of the men as they filed in. Had he been happy with them he would have returned their salutes sharply and he was not but he grinned like he was happy. It had not occurred to him the men would think the wenches had put the grin there but he wouldn’t care what they thought other than the notion that he would treat his wife that way but truelove was beyond their understanding just as it had been beyond his at one time. Once the men were all inside except for the twenty that would stand the first watch of the day, and had gone through the line to get the morning meal and were standing at their assigned place at a table, Legion took his place at the head of the officer’s table then sat signaling the rest to do likewise. The level of noise rose quickly as everyone dove into breakfast.

Optio Tetricus looked at Legion, almost staring in disbelief at the grin held up by the obviously tired face. “Are you nuts? Or have you learned to live without water?”

Not following at first Legion let the smile disappear and looked at Tetricus puzzled. “What are you talking about?” When it dawned on Legion what Tetricus was suspecting Legion laughed, shook his head and let the smile return. “Good God man I told you I am not that stupid. And I will prove it to you. I now have a plan to round up those rebels and squelch their dreams of taking this fortress back. I think I found a way home.” There was something in the last words that spoke to more than just the obvious.

During the month they were there no one had voiced aloud the truth that was looming over them all, but it was there just the same. As much as they all wanted to go home they had known they could not as long as they didn’t know how many rebels waited for them. A fortress is designed to keep those on the inside safe from intrusion as long as the gates hold and everyone stays on the inside. Once you go out you are fair game. If the enemy gets within range of walls then they are fair game. The distance from the walls of the fortress across the clearing to the tree line all the way around the fortress was almost twice the range of any ballistic weapon either side had. The Saxons had designed it this way and Legion had used that design against the Saxons when he took the fortress. Now it had been working against the Romans because they couldn’t get at the enemy without leaving the fortress. So they stayed inside hoping that thirst, starvation, disease or dissension would not weaken them to the point that a fight would be futile. This gave the rebels all the time they needed to assemble as many warriors as they could. The longer they stayed the worse the odds were that they would ever leave. If the order had been given now to march home the enemy would be waiting for them the instant they left the safety of the fortress and it would have been a massacre of the Roman soldiers and the servants that accompanied them mostly because there was a difference between being in a battle mode and a travel mode. That was the truth that lied beneath Legion’s declaration that going home may again be possible.

Tetricus leaned close and whispered, “Please tell me you are not drunk and that you have indeed found a way.”

Answering in a like whisper, “I swear to you old friend that I am not drunk, that my smile is entirely due to my confidence that I have a workable plan, and that we will be going home by month’s end. As soon as the officers have finished their breakfast we will discuss it in the ready room.”

Both men leaned back and resumed wolfing down the eggs, pork and bread that lay on their plates, only now Tetricus grinned as much as Legion did.

Once all were satisfied as far as their stomachs were concerned the legionaries filed out to attend to the usual assigned tasks. Legion, Optio Tetricus, Optio Julius, and the six remaining captains headed for the ‘ready room’. It was nothing more than a small stone building off the back of the mess hall where they could retreat to discuss crucial matters and not have to worry about being overheard when discussions became heated and where they met at the end of the day to debrief each other. They took their places around the table the same way they sat at the officer’s table for meals: Legion at the head, Optio Tetricus to his right, Optio Julius to his left then the six captains split on each side, no one at the foot of the table where Marius would have sat. The captains were not always included in meetings in this room but they needed to be in on this one. Legion stood to address them formally.

“The first item of concern is the dead. I have asked Optio Tetricus to assign a detail of thirteen men from within the ranks of Centurion Marius’ century to drop the bodies over to wall. He has been briefed on the details and will pass on the orders when we conclude our other business. Second …

Optio Julius interrupts Legion in protest. “If the detail is to be made up of Marius’ men shouldn’t I be in charge of it?”

Trying to contain his anger long enough to educate Julius Legion clinches his jaw as he raises his hand, pointing a finger at Julius. “Optio Julius you are fortunate you are still a Optio at all. After what you pulled yesterday I could demote you or WORSE! The next time you want to exorcise a right you THINK you have, you will come to me and we will sit in this room and discuss it in private. Just because Centurion Marius is dead doesn’t mean your rank has changed. IF you had the experience and IF you deserved it you MAY have been given a promotion to centurion by the Camp Prefect. Before this moment my recommendation to the Prefect was going to be: no change in your rank. But now I WILL recommend that you be demoted to captain, a demotion I can order right now if I choose. If you so much as PISS without asking my permission first you will no longer be an officer at all. Frankly with your lack of discipline I don’t know how you got to be Optio in the first place!”

Taking a deep cleansing breath to calm himself Legion went on explaining what should just have been followed. “I trust Optio Tetricus to choose men suitable to this task. Then a squad leader of his choice will oversee that the assignment is carried out as I have outlined to Optio Tetricus. I can’t believe I am explaining the chain of command!”

Bracing his hands on the edge of the table he stands there in silence until he has control over his anger and his train of thought, continuing where he had left off earlier. “Second: the water level in the well is high but we will continue the one-and-one ration to keep it that way. I am hoping for dry weather for a few days and that brings me to the main reason I called this meeting. After something Optio Tetricus said and one of the serving wenches helped me to see clearly I have come up with a plan of attack against the rebels.”

Legion spread out a crude map, which was found in this very room when the Saxons used it, depicting the fortress, clearing and surrounding tree line. “We can not effectively fight the rebels with them spread out in the trees where we can’t see them until they are firing upon us. We need to get them to cluster in one area. They will expect us to come out the large east gate knowing the other gates are too small for more than a single file of solders so it is safe to assume that most of their forces will be in that direction. But it is the ones that will be at our flanks as we come out that will catch us in crossfire and do the most damage. We have to turn the tables. I used fire to get into this fortress and I will use fire to get us out. Here is what I propose: We disassemble four trebuchets, two will be carried out the gate in the middle of the west wall and one each out the gates in the middle of the north and south walls then reassemble them. Next, position the two trebuchets on the west side out into the clearing far enough so that amphora full of rock oil and tar can be launched just at the edge of the tree line. Amphora will be spaced along the tree line, progressing all the way to the north and south points. They will break on impact spilling the oil and tar to be lit later. Then we push the trebuchet waiting by the north and south gates out into the clearing, launching amphorae to continue along the tree line until only a gap the width of the fortress remains directly east. After repositioning the trebuchets back to the west they will be loaded with lit gorse vine covered amphora of lamp oil so that they start a fire at the tree line that will spread around igniting the rock oil and tar pools as each one is reached. This will create a smoke screen. Of course archers will have to provide cover for the trebuchets until the smoke screen is in place but once it is we can file the soldiers out the west gate, assemble them and lead two groups around the north and south sides, flanking the rebels clustered to the east and engage. There is enough rock oil, tar, lamp oil, and cooking oil to keep the smoke screen and fire up all day if we need to unless we loose all the trebuchets. We will more than likely burn half the forest down in the process but since when has that been a deterrent to a Roman?”

Finally stopping to let it all sink in for them, he looks at the face of each officer to assess their reaction. They are nodding and brows are furrowed in concentration but they start smiling as they realize this plan will work. Just to drive the idea home he gives them what they crave most, what they are trained for, what determines a true victory: the details of the kill.

“If we flank them on the north and south at virtually the same time and force them to cluster tighter while boxing them in so that only their men on the outer ring can engage us we will simply eliminate them one by one to the last man. Our archers can pick off any of their archer remaining in the trees. There can’t be more than a few hundred rebels in total and even if there are more with this strategy numbers are useless.”

After a brief pause he continues, “Now I would like you all to speak freely. I want to know what you think, what you feel I have missed, what you think will work and what will not. We have all day to plan if we need it. We will have one shot at this and it has to be flawless.” Taking a seat to signal that he is indeed finished and will now listen, that the floor is open the others sit in silence for a few moments contemplating the whole plan. Fingers point to places on the map, details are walked through as they are spoken aloud, heads nod and ‘what ifs’ are suggested.

“It’s a forced Hannibal.” Tetricus finally realized.

“Yes but he had thirty-nine thousand soldiers to do it with. We have one hundred and thirty-four soldiers when we include officers. He also faced fifty-one thousand Roman legionaries and defeated them in a flat open field. We don’t know how many we face nor will we be able to expect them to line up in nice tidy little squares but they are just rebels and we will kill all of them we can get our hands on or risk facing them down the road.”

Legion again stands to continue addressing the men and add weight to his words. “Gentlemen we either succeed or die trying. It really is that simple but then it always comes down to that doesn’t it? Is there anything further that you want to say before I assign the tasks?”

Up to this point Optio Julius has been quiet. He had appeared to be deep in concentration but it was now clear what he had been concentrating on. “Sir, about the serving wenches … you said one of them helped you to see this plan clearly and since you have also implied that I need to get my head on straight perhaps it would be in our best interest if one of them helped to ‘clear my head’ as well?”

Legion stood there blinking as he looked at Julius, the room was completely quiet and no one moved, each man braced himself for the storm that was expected to come next. Taking a moment to try to be sure he had heard Julius correctly he began to smile slowly until he actually laughed, then answered the question calmly in a round about way starting with a question of his own. “Is that what you have been thinking about all this time? This is why this fortress will not work on a permanent basis. It is too small to allow for a village which means no women or too few to matter. The Saxons were not picky about who or what they used for distraction unlike us Romans, a fact I shudder to think about, but let me educate you about the serving wenches Optio Julius. They are indentured servants. They are not slaves, which means they get paid for their work but the pay goes toward paying off their debt. Their duty is to serve the army not to service it. Now before you offer to pay them for their time let me point out that they are the property of the Roman army just like you, me, and the horses are. That brand on your right ass cheek should remind you of that fact since it matches the one on my horse. You can no more eat my horse for dinner than you can have a serving wench for dessert. If you think I have used them then you are wrong. And if I find out that Centurion Marius did then I will have one month of his back pay split between the two women to go toward their debt. We could all overlook the rule about army property being used for personal use but I will not have the deterioration of order that would result from such a decision. Why do you think my men and I had to be called here in the first place? It was because there was a lack of the efficiency that the empire demands of the men that represent her army. Now before I am forced to speak ill of the dead let me answer your question by ordering you to forgot about the serving wenches even being female and get your mind back on the task at hand.”

Getting his own mind back on the reason for the meeting he turns his attention back to the rest of the officers. “At this time I would like to know whether each of you wishes to proceed with the plan of attack that will facilitate our going home or if you would rather stay and continue to pick off the rebels as best we can from the safety of our fortress? If we stay we need to carry out the plan to drop the dead over the wall. If we fight we will burn them properly before we go. What say you? Do we stay or do we fight?”

One by one he addresses each officer by name starting with Optio Tetricus and going around the table ending with Optio Julius. Each and every one of them stated without hesitation: “Fight!”

By the time each captain was put in charge of each task and the minute details of that task were outlined and clarified it was late afternoon. The sun was shining brightly as if to say it was willing to do its part to see to it that the trees were dry enough to burn effectively and each man squinted as he emerged from the ready room into the fresh open air blown through the fortress by the same gentle breeze that cooled them during the previous night. The six captains rushed off to the solitude of their collective tent to solidify the details of their assignments and discuss between them which men were best suited for which task. Optio Julius sulked off to nurse his wounds and hopefully think about what Legion had said to him. Tetricus remained to slowly walk with Legion as they made rounds for the day.

“Man an ale would sure taste good right now.” Tetricus lamented under his breath so that only Legion would hear.

“It sure would but I know I don’t have to tell you why it is not a good idea right now. Even if the reason has changed there is still a reason. Besides I know damn well you have something hidden away in your tent somewhere to tide you over.” Legion said with a laugh.

“As do you Sir. So what was it that I could possibly have said that made you think of such an attack plan?” Tetricus queried.

“It was … taking the fort … and … making the impossible possible.” Stopping and turning to look at Tetricus Legion continued. “I had been sitting at my desk trying to write the daily report to the Prefect when I was made aware of the disturbance in the mess hall. I had been imagining in my mind the conversation that he and I would have had at that moment if one were possible … how he would have told me I was being stubborn and that I wanted to fail at eliminating the rebel threat just so I could prove that I was right about it being strategically unwise to populate the fortress in the first place … how he was surprised my ego would prefer a defeat on my otherwise spotless record over a hard won victory just to make a point … and how I would have reminded him that victory was impossible under the circumstances. Then you filled in what I had missed. It was an impossible task … for anyone else. He didn’t send me to torment me. He sent me because he knew I would find a way to turn it around and get what was left of Marius’ men out of here. And here all this time I had been thinking that he should have sent Centurions Clodius or Septimius because they were more suited at playing a passive role than I, but that was exactly his plan the silver haired old fox. He knew that I would get tired of waiting sooner or later and that I would throw caution to the wind just to get back to Nicolette. Clodius or Septimus would have sat here forever content with their fortified position, happy to only defend this worthless, stinking square in the middle of nowhere. I’m willing to bet this is one time the Prefect is glad I have such a big ego.” Holding up his hand to ward off the rebuttal Tetricus is sure to offer and state it first Legion goes on, “Yes I know I am counting victory before I have it but if we fail this moment is all we will have and those dead bodies rotting in the storage shed will fight one last battle and have victory in our stead. When you want something bad enough there is nothing that can stop you from getting it and I want this so bad I will do it alone if I have to.” His hand falls to his side as he finally falls silent.

“All I was going to say was that I am with you and that I meant what I said about you finding a way. I never doubted you for a moment.”

Slapping Tetricus on the shoulder, “Thank you Tetricus. You know that means a lot to me.”

“And exactly what part did the serving wench play in this?” he can hardly contain his laughter as he asks the question.

“You are as bad as Julius. I was mumbling what you said out loud and she reminded me that we had traded places from aggressor to defender … she didn’t say it that way but she made me remember that we had been on the outside and had gotten in. I realized that if I again looked at the situation from the outside it would help me to see what they see, to think about what they feel are our strengths and weaknesses, to assume what they assume we will do if and when we do something other than wait. Even if I am wrong about any or all of that we will have them where we need them. I look forward to telling the men at supper what tomorrow brings.”

“And I look forward another victory with you Sir.” Tetricus adds before they both turn.

They continued with walking the perimeter of the inside of the wall, checking it for any damage and checking the morale of the men. Now that they have to do without ale they may all be in a sour mood so it is important that Legion keep their spirits up. He is hoping the news he delivers at supper will do that but it would not do to have all hell break loose now before he can tell them. As Legion and Tetricus are finishing that task the courier charges up with letters for Legion so he heads for his tent to read them before supper.

With all the chores done that could be done before the evening meal is served Anna and Mary retreated to Legion’s tent. They would have gone to their own room attached to the mess hall building via the kitchen but they could feel the mounting tension in the air as if it were something they could reach out and touch. It wasn’t worth the risk to be caught defenseless in their room by one or more of the soldiers when Legion had sacrificed his own solitude to assure their safety. The two women sat on the makeshift bed on the floor that was now the only space they could call their own and rested their tired feet, giggling and talking about the situation they now found themselves in.

“Last night I woke up and could hear his low moans of pleasure and because I didn’t feel you next to me I thought maybe you had gone to him, until I rolled over and realized you were there with me after all. I tried to go back to sleep but I was consumed with curiosity so I rose to go to his bed. I was able to lay there for some time without disturbing him.” Anna spoke softly to Mary drawing her into her account.

“Anna you didn’t! You start this and then they expect me to do the same. I suppose he will expect tonight to be my turn?” her sigh betrayed her attempt at pretending she was repulsed by the idea.

“If he does I will simply hate you forever! But let me finish.” Raising her volume to no more than a harsh whisper.

“Yes please do. What did you do next?” Mary leaned closer to Anna and giggled.

“I watched him. Whom ever he was dreaming about aroused him greatly to the point that he reached down and ran his hand over the bulge concealed by his undercloth. His groan of agony was truly compelling. Now what kind of woman would I be if I didn’t at least attempt to relieve him of his pain?” putting on an air of responsibility.

“I know exactly what kind of woman you are Anna. So … ? Did you?”

Quite enjoying the extent to which she held Mary’s attention Anna was tempted to drag the drama out further but alas there was nothing to tell but the truth. She sighed in resignation and broke eye contact with Mary by lowering her eyes in defeat, “I tried. I was hoping he wouldn’t notice or rather wouldn’t care who it was that had actually come to him as long as it fulfilled his dream. To my surprise he did care. He pushed me away the instant I touched him.”

“Oh. One of those then?” came Mary’s assumption from the unusual behavior.

“That’s what I thought too at first but no, I don’t think so. He said he loves his wife.”

Mary burst out laughing, “Oh come now. What man has ever refused you before that has not preferred the company of men?”

“None.” Anna answered truthfully, clearly conflicted by the validity of Mary’s point. “But I believe him.”

“She must be nothing short of a goddess then.” Mary quipped.

“I have seen the courier bring him more than one letter per day to which he seems to be very pleased. I doubt he finds all that much to look forward to in the reports from his commander back home. One of those letters must be from his … ‘wife’.”

As if they could read each other’s thoughts both women looked at his desk. It was really nothing more than a large rectangular box, beautifully constructed so that the legs could be folded under it for travel but when ready for use the front of the box opened flat to form the writing surface. Inside the box were compartments for the stylus, inkwells, and paper, all of which could be safely locked up when the front was again closed. He had closed it but hadn’t bothered to lock it at least not this time and they both bolted up from the bed to race toward the desk

“You keep a look out and I will read them to you.” Anna ordered as she opened the desk and found what she was hoping to find.

The letters were divided into three bundles, each tied with a hemp cord and with a varying number of letters within. She quickly set aside the ones from his commander knowing the penalty for reading those was not worth the boredom of trudging through them and focused on the largest bundle. Opening the first letter Anna instantly new she had found what she was seeking and began to read aloud.

“My dearest Liam …” pausing a moment to look up at Mary to see if she was as surprised by the name as she was and also to make sure Mary was indeed watching for anyone who may catch them, she continued when she felt assured by Mary’s diligence. Anna read each letter in the order Legion had placed them, including the ones from him to her that were drafts or copies she assumed, and it was not long before they both were sobbing with tears streaming down their faces. Finally Anna reached the end of the bundle.

“Loving you desperately, Nicolette.” She had to compose herself before she could speak her own words. “Oh my lord that was beautiful. He does love his wife doesn’t he?”

“And she loves him. But what’s in the third bundle?” Mary asked without taking her eyes from her vantage point of the world outside the tent.

Anna picked up the third bundle and opened the first letter. “Hi love … “ in surprise of the salutation her eyes dart down to the closing to find out who the letter is from, Mary is thinking the same thing.

“Who is it from?” Mary’s sobs still making her chest tremble.

“It’s signed … Love always, Sinful.” Looking up at Mary to exchange their shocked expressions.

Quickly turning her eyes back to her watch duty Mary’s mind stays on the letter. “Read it quickly! We don’t have that much more time!”

Anna reads that letter, then the next and the next. “ … I end this letter in tears. I’m sorry for being a problem. Just remember that I will always love you. Bye, Sintrell.” setting that letter aside to pick up the next.

“Does he ever write back to her?” Mary is practically bouncing with anticipation, excitement and the fear of getting caught.

“Yes. This one is a reply to her. My dear Sintrell …” she quickly reads the letter to Mary “… On my knees, Liam” again setting that one aside in haste to open the next letter.

“So … our esteemed leader has a kink in his armor after all.” Mary dared to take her eyes away from the opening for the moment it took to wink at Anna, finding this all so amusing.

“Or at least a bit of tarnish.” One after the other Anna reads the letters between Legion and Sintrell aloud, refraining from personal comment for the most part though the two women exchange glances conveying their emotions as the letters went from plea to painful, taking note of the one addressing four gentlemen including Legion and his reply. “Well! I would say someone has woven a tangled web.”

“I would kill to get my hands on her answer to his question. Are you sure she has not responded yet?”

“Not that I can see. We can check back tomorrow.” Anna hoped.

“CLOSE IT NOW!” It was no more than a forced whisper but the urgency was clear in Mary’s voice.

Frantically Anna rushed to put all the letters back just the way they were and she had just gotten the desk closed when Legion came through the opening of the tent, nearly charging into Mary causing her to step back into Anna.

“Oh!” yipped Mary as they both tried not to look guilty. “Sorry m’lord. We were just on our way back to the kitchen to see to supper.”

“I’m glad you are both here. Can you spare a moment? I need to talk with you about something.” Legion furrowed his brow in puzzlement, not able to shake the feeling that they were now somehow able to look deep within him.

In unison they replied and nodded, “Yes, of course m’lord.” They both backed away and took a seat on their bedding feeling better to be as far away from the desk as was possible at that moment.

“I know that it would appear that this is none of my business … and please do not think there is any inference to my inquiry but I do have a reason for asking and a need to know. Please describe your relationship with Centurion Marius. Did he require things of you beyond your actual assigned duties?”

It was obvious he was uncomfortable in asking the question but neither woman was uncomfortable in answering it. By the time the conversation was over Legion had a clear understanding of the fact that nothing is clear for a woman especially when she is a subordinate. The only thing that was clear was that they had in fact performed tasks beyond what would have been expected of a man with a job title of ‘kitchen help’. As for whether it was voluntary or not was a matter of opinion when you consider the circumstances. In his mind the only right thing to do was to bring the matter up to the Prefect and recommend that a month of Marius’ pay be applied as Legion had stated to the officers but that no formal or official reason be stated to Marius’ family.

“Thank you for the forfeiture of your time Mary and Anna. You are dismissed to go about your duties.” Once they filed out their sighs and giggles of relief carried back into the tent but the real reason would never be known to Legion. He took a seat at his desk, opened it and began reading the letter from his wife.

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