Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 06] Druid's Gold Read Free Page A

“I am sorry to see the ala go but remember all my comrades are either dead or retired… a long time ago. I have buried enough comrades, now I just want to raise foals.”
    Livius nodded, “And you sir?  The Gallic cavalry or the Ninth?”
    Julius’ face darkened and he became sad.  “Neither, I am to return to Rome.  My father is not well and I am to take his place in the Senate.  I am going home.”
    “But surely this is your home Julius!”
    “It is my adopted home but I was always destined to return to Rome and take up my family obligations, we have always served in the military and then in the Senate,” he shrugged, “a tradition. Now that I am the only son… well let us just say that I feel obliged to continue to serve my family and Rome at the same time.”
    Cato took the reins of their mounts.  “Right then sirs I will see to these horses now.”
    “A last dinner tonight eh Sergeant?”
    “Wouldn’t miss it for the world sir.”
    “And you Livius?  Any thoughts?”
    “It has all been so sudden I…”
    As Cato led the horses away, talking to them all the time, Julius put a paternal arm around the last officer’s shoulders.  “I would like to offer you some advice and give you some information. The role in the Ninth is a new one.  They are to be called the Exploratores.”
    “I’ve heard that term but I never knew what they were.”
    “Well they are the eyes and ears of the legion.  In the old republican days the Cavalry of the legions fought like the legions in blocks of men.” He looked pointedly at the soldiers on the wall.  “Unlike the legionaries they were not very successful. Gradually they became glorified messengers and the men who would have formed the cavalry joined with either auxiliary units as I did or the legions as foot soldiers. Finally someone realised what a good job the auxilia did and decided to use them that way.  The legions which did that showed how successful they could be, giving better warning of an enemy and not charging of to death and glory.”
    “How are they different from the ala then?”
    “Much smaller units not thirty men but little pockets of ten or so and they operate less openly.”
    “Less openly?”
    “Less battles and charges more information gathering, pretending to be locals, working behind enemy lines things like that.”
    “Spies?”
    Julius considered for a moment.  “I suppose you could say that.  Gaelwyn would have been perfect for an Explorate; able to track, hide, able to speak many languages.  Which is why, young Livius I recommended to the Prefect of the Ninth that you would be perfect as a decurion in his Explorates.”
    “You flatter me I…”
    “I never flatter, you of all people should know that.  I have watched you since your uncle placed you with me to gain experience.  You speak the important languages.  You are a good tracker.”
    “Not in Gaelwyn’s league.”
    “Who is?  Most importantly you are a good cavalry officer who has intelligence.  Your men worship you. If you take this post I guarantee that the Gallic cavalry will have no recruits from the last of Marcus’ Horse.” Julius paused to let his words take effect. “The other factor is to do with the posting.  The Gallic cavalry will be sent to Wales to fight the Silures and Ordovices  but the Ninth is staying on the border, here in the land you know.”
    “Close to Morwenna.” Livius had a personal score to settle with the witch who had deceived so many in the ala and killed friends who were dearer to Livius than his own family.
    Julius shrugged, “She could have gone back to Mona.”
    “The new Queen of the Brigante? I don’t think so.” He looked up at the blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds appearing over the Praetorium.  “I do like this part of Britannia.  It is not my home, not the place where I was born but it is the place I love. I will take the posting with the Ninth.” His eyes became harder, “If only to rid this land of the