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Автор Джеймс Мейс
James Mace
Preface
Chapter I: Changes in the Ranks
Chapter II: A Son of Rome Mourned
Chapter III: Shadows of Conspiracy
Chapter IV: Return to Germania
Chapter V: Batavia
Chapter VI: Traitors and Thieves
Chapter VI I: The Centurions’ Council
Chapter VIII: Legion Champion
Chapter IX: Rebellion and Deceit
Chapter X: A Bloody Skirmish
Chapter X I: Betrayal
Chapter X II: A Reckless Gamble
Chapter XIII: The Die is Cast
Chapter X IV: The Noble Youth of Gaul
Chapter XV: The Wrath of Germanica and Valeria
Chapter X VI: A Generation Lost
Chapter XV II: Reparation and Retribution
Chapter XVIII: The New Assignment and Indus’ Horse
Chapter XIX: Into the Shadows
James Mace
Soldier of Rome: The Sacrovir Revolt
Courage which goes against military expediency is stupidity; if it is insisted upon by a commander, irresponsibility.
Don’t fight a battle if you don’t gain anything by winning.
Preface
It has been three years since the wars against Arminius and the Cherusci. Gaius Silius, Legate of the Twentieth Legion, is concerned that the barbarians, though shattered by the war, may be stirring once again. He also seeks to confirm the rumors regarding Arminius’ death. What Silius does not realize is that there is a new threat to the Empire, but it does not come from beyond the frontier; it is coming from within, where a disenchanted nobleman looks to sow the seeds of rebellion in Gaul.
Legionary Artorius has greatly matured during his five years in the legions. He has become stronger in mind; his body growing even more powerful. Like the rest of the legion, he is unaware of the shadow growing well within the Empire’s borders, where a disaffected nobleman seeks to betray the Emperor Tiberius. A shadow looms; one that looks to envelope the province of Gaul as well as the Rhine Legions. The year is 20 A. D.
Chapter I: Changes in the Ranks
It was a brisk winter morning; the sun cast its light on the semi-frozen ground. Snow crunched underfoot as the two legionaries eyed each other.
Artorius and Vitruvius had faced each other on the sparring field on the first Thursday of every month for several years now. Originally, they sparred once a week, but Vitruvius’ duties as the century’s optio, combined with the sheer beating Artorius’ body was suffering, had caused the men to cut back their bouts. Artorius was baffled that in five years he had not once defeated his adversary and mentor. He swore that Vitruvius was not even human. Both men wore a standard-issue legionary helmet, while wielding a practice gladius and wicker shield. The weight of these was twice that of service weapons, though both men hardly noticed.Artorius was a strong young man of twenty-two years and had been in the army for five. He was of average height, though his frame was massive, wrought with powerful muscle, his biceps threatening to tear through the sleeves of his tunic. His brutal physical strength and skill in battle were becoming legendary. He learned his lessons so well from his mentor that he had made a name for himself, not just within his century and cohort, but within the entire legion. Many had challenged him to similar sparring sessions, only to be dispatched like amateurs. Even soldiers from the elite First Cohort held a large amount of respect for the young legionary. Only one man potentially stood between him and the title of
