Free Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 09] Hero of Rome by Griff Hosker

knew that the fortress at Luguvalium was heavily defended and his scouts were now heading for the land between Luguvalium and the high land which split the country in two.
    It was one of these warbands which spotted Macro and Drusus as they headed north towards the huge forest which ran all the way to the heart of the Votadini heart land. Luarch, the leader, was wary for they were close to the disputed land between that of the Selgovae and the Votadini.  Formerly Carvetii land, that buffer tribe had disappeared leaving the ownership a matter of arms. Luarch had but thirty men with him and the column was too big to take on but he was intrigued by their behaviour for they appeared to be about to camp for the night. He sent two of his men north to circle around the column while he and the bulk of his scouts watched as the Romans quickly dug a ditch and built a camp with stakes and a rudimentary gate. The barbarian was impressed. He began to fear that they had been seen when three of the Romans left the camp and rode hard west, towards their hidden position. He was relieved when they skirted the woods.  He signalled for two men to follow them and then resumed his watch. The Selgovae were a patient tribe and his new king would not appreciate garbled mis-information.  Better to wait and return with accurate information than risk the king’s ire.
    When the troopers returned he saw that they had been hunting and had a wild pig across the saddle. He heard the cheer from in the camp as the troopers saw Macro return with the kill and then the Selgovae scouts had to suffer the smell of roast pig wafting across the fields making their hunger even more acute. The next day the hungry and morose scouts watched the Romans. He had heard that they built and demolished their camps on a daily basis but when he watched he saw that they left the camp as it was and headed north. Waiting until they were out of sight Luarch led his men to the camp. Everything was laid out as though they intended to return. This was important news for the king. The scouts quickly ransacked the camp for anything they could take back with them.  Spare javelins, shields and cloaks were all taken as well as the remains of the pig.  As quickly as they had arrived the scavengers left and headed north west to report to their king.
    When Macro and Drusus returned to the wrecked and ransacked camp the two young decurions were angrier with themselves rather than the enemy.  They should have left a guard and they both knew that; but hindsight is always accurate. “We have learned a lesson here, Drusus and, more importantly, discovered that we have been discovered. I will ride back to Rocky Point and report to the Prefect.”
    Drusus sighed with relief for he had been dreading the dressing down he knew would ensue. “But you will be reprimanded, Macro, will you not?”
    “I know but I feel more responsible.  I have been brought up in the ways of the ala and it has been drilled into me that you either take down a camp or guard it and I did neither.” He smiled ruefully at his companion, “The next cock up and you can take the blame.”
    When Livius saw the lone rider approaching the fort, now with gates and one tower, he knew that it did not bode well. When he saw that it was Macro he knew that there would be a good reason for the journey. Livius frowned when the sentry waved him through with a smile. As Macro dismounted Livius went up to the sentry and asked, quietly, “Why did you not stop the rider and ask his business?”
    The sentry made the mistake of grinning and then, when he saw the dark look on the Prefect’s face, stammered his answer, “Sorry sir but it is Decurion Macro. Everyone knows Decurion Macro.”
    “Even if it is the Emperor Hadrian himself, you stop them and ask their business and check the password.”
    The trooper looked confused. “But sir I don’t know the Emperor Hadrian.  I have never seen him.”
    Exasperated Livius gave up.  “Just