Cato 04 - The Eagle and the Wolves by Simon Scarrow Read Free Book Online

you have me do?’
    ‘Hand over your food supplies,’ Tincommius answered.
    ‘Impossible.’
    ‘Then give us enough men to hunt down and destroy these raiders.’
    ‘That’s impossible too. I can’t spare a single man.’
    Tincommius shrugged. ‘Then we can’t guarantee the loyalty of our people.’
    The argument was going round in circles and Vespasian’s frustration was turning to anger once more. There had to be a way through this. Then an idea did occur to him.
    ‘Why can’t you go after these raiders yourself?’
    ‘With what?’ snapped Verica. ‘Your general permits me fifty armed men. That’s barely enough to protect the royal enclosure, let alone the ramparts of Calleva. What could fifty men do against the force that attacked your convoy today?’
    ‘Then raise more men. I’ll petition General Plautius to suspend the limit on your forces.’
    ‘That’s all very well,’ Tincommius said calmly, ‘but we have very few warriors left. Many chose to join Caratacus rather than lay down their arms. Some - though not many - stayed loyal to Verica.’
    ‘Start with them then. There must be many more who’d want revenge on the Durotrigans - all those whose farms have been destroyed by enemy raiders.’
    ‘They’re farmers,’ Tincommius said dismissively. ‘They know almost nothing about fighting. They don’t even have proper weapons. They’d be slaughtered.’
    ‘So train them! I can provide the weapons from the depot here - the moment we get permission from the general - enough for, say, a thousand men. That’s more than sufficient to take on those raiders . . . Unless the Atrebatans are too afraid.’
    Tincommius gave a bitter smile. ‘You Romans, so brave behind your armour, your huge shields and all those cheap battlefield traps. What do you know of courage?’
    Verica coughed. ‘If I might make a suggestion . . .’
    The other two turned towards the old man on the throne. Vespasian dipped his head in assent. ‘Please do.’
    ‘It crossed my mind that you might lend us some of your officers to train our men in the ways of the Roman army. After all, it will be your equipment they will be fighting with. Surely you can spare that many men - if it helps solve both our problems?’
    Vespasian considered the idea. It made good sense. Calleva would be able to take care of itself, and such a force might indeed take the strain off the legion’s lines of communication. Well worth seconding a few officers for. He looked at Verica and nodded. The king smiled.
    ‘Of course, such a force would need to be adequately provisioned in order to be effective . . . You said it yourself, Legate. Soldiers are only any good if they have full bellies.’
    ‘Yes, my lord,’ Tincommius nodded, and continued with a cynical edge to his voice, ‘I dare say that the prospect of a decent meal will lead to no shortage of recruits. And a full belly has a wonderful way of dispersing rebellious instincts.’
    ‘Now wait a moment.’ Vespasian raised a hand, anxious not to commit himself to more than he could deliver. He was angry with the old man for manoeuvring him into this position, but accepted the cogency of his argument. The scheme might even work, provided, of course, that General Plautius agreed to the arming of the Atrebatans. ‘It’s an interesting proposition. I need to think about it.’
    Verica nodded. ‘By all means, Legate. But not for too long, eh? It takes time to train men, and we have very little time if it’s to make a difference. Give me your response tomorrow. You may go.’
    ‘Yes, sir.’
    Vespasian smartly turned and marched out of the hall, under the silent gaze of the two Britons. He was anxious to be free of them and be somewhere quiet where his tired mind could think the plan through, without having to worry about being manipulated by the shrewd king of the Atrebatans.

Chapter Five
    ‘Lift this please, Centurion.’ The surgeon handed Cato a sword. He took it in his right hand and