S. Turney - The conquest of Gaul

“He’ll serve me, lad, don’t you worry.”

Reaching down to his side, Fronto retrieved a leather purse and held it over the table. He upended the container and a large quantity of coinage dropped out, much of it in silver and some of it in gold. The ringing of coin on coin had certainly attracted the attention of the barman. Fronto smiled up in his direction.

“I’ll have what these two are drinking. All drinks served to a Roman while I’m here go on my bill and you can take it in silver and gold, with a little extra if you’ll serve at tables. Ok?”

The barman nodded eagerly.

“Oh yes sir. I’ll ‘elp you s’much as I can.”

Fronto looked over at Crispus.

“What are you drinking anyway?”

Crispus smiled.

“It’s a local brew. A little potent, but nicely tart and with a pleasing aftertaste. I rather favour it.”

Balbus snorted as he took a swig.

“Youth of today.”

Fronto grinned.

“You never cease to amaze me, Aulus. I take it you know about the award?”

Crispus nodded with a certain ambivalence.

“I cannot see how I particularly deserve it. I performed my duty to the same degree as everyone else. To be honoured above others such as the two of you makes me a trifle uneasy.”

“Don’t be daft. You’re still new to this game and already pulled a few manoeuvres that’ve got you a bit of a reputation. Be proud of that. Balbus and I already have awards from past campaigns. You’ve an empty harness. Time you got that corona. You did save the army after all.”

Crispus shook his head.

“Yes but what about all you’ve both done for this army?”

Balbus smiled at him.

“Don’t kid yourself, Aulus. Caesar dangled awards in front of Marcus here, but he’s refused them.”

“Refused? Why?”

Fronto shrugged.

“I’d rather they go to the men below me. They need them more. For me to be decorated above others more deserving isn’t the sort of thing I do.”

Crispus nodded.

“For certain. I’ve have heard tell that both Velius and Priscus will receive phalera. Tetricus also, I believe.”

Fronto sighed.

“I’ve had the full list reeled off to me. I was one of the four who went through them with Caesar deciding on who was worthy of reward. Those three indeed, and you. Balventius is lined up for phalera, as are Ingenuus, Baculus of the Twelfth and your own primus pilus, Felix whatever-his-name-is.”

“Felix? Good. He assuredly deserves it. I have the niggling feeling at times that he tries to protect me. It can be a touch unnerving. For when is the ceremony planned, if you don’t mind my asking?”

Fronto shrugged once more.

“Some time tomorrow. Can’t remember exactly. We’ll only be here a couple of days now and then it’ll be time for us all to piss off back to our families for a while.”

“I…”

Crispus’ voice trailed off and he stood suddenly and smartly at attention. Balbus hauled himself slowly to his feet and nodded respectfully. Fronto craned his head and slumped slightly further down. The door stood wide open in the warm late summer air and the General had entered unannounced. As he walked towards the table, Caesar gestured at the table for them to sit. He smiled sympathetically at Fronto.

“Is the heel still causing you trouble, Marcus? I thought you’d be sprinting by now.”

Fronto grunted and then turned his head again.

“Apologies, General. Please take a seat. The drinks are free at the moment and I suspect he’s got wine if he looks hard enough.”

Caesar squared his shoulders and then unfastened his red cloak, folding it neatly and placing it on a bench near the fireplace. Behind him, three men entered and made their way over. Sabinus and Labienus were no surprise, but the inclusion of Varus in the General’s entourage caused raised eyebrows around the table. Balbus was first to stand.

“Gentlemen. Please join us. I must say that I’m surprised to find you all frequenting a place like this.”

Sabinus laughed.

“Follow Fronto and you’ll always end up in one of the best local drinking pits; this I’ve learned over the last half a year! As it happens, Caesar wanted to speak to you, so I just looked for your primus pilus. He always knows where you are. What’s all the cash on the table?”

Fronto shoved the coins into a neater pile.

“It’s our drinking funds. Should cover us all for however long we want to drink.”

He drew their attention to the barman who was standing helpfully and expectantly next to the table, waiting for orders. He was slightly pale, since he knew who the tall man with the receding hairline and the prominent nose had to be, Fronto guessed. As Sabinus ordered the drinks for the newcomers, Caesar took a seat and gestured for the others to do so.

“Marcus, I’ve deliberated further on awards and I’ve a couple of thoughts. One of them’s really just a confirmation, but for the other I want your opinion and that of Varus.”

Fronto nodded and glanced at Varus, who just looked tired.

“Go on…”

“Well the second matter is that of young Ingenuus. I expect everyone is aware by now that I probably owe my life to his quick thinking and his selfless bravery.”

There were nods all round. The young prefect had been the subject of a great deal of conversation after the battle. Saving Caesar’s life, capturing a daughter of their enemy and rescuing Procillus, the young man had earned praise and respect from a great many sources. Fronto had wondered really whether even two phalerae were a gracious enough demonstration, when the lad probably deserved a corona. He looked up as Caesar continued.

“Varus, you’re a long-serving cavalry officer and a commander of note. I have it on good authority that Longinus favoured you a great deal and his opinion of cavalry always swayed me. What is your opinion of the prefect?”

Varus stretched and took a swig of his drink.

“General, the lad’s got the makings of a great commander. Possibly one of the best. I think another year of command in that position will be the telling point though. He has a tendency to leap into the fray both feet first and get himself into trouble and he’s very lucky he hasn’t fallen foul of his own bravery yet. Basically, I think the wound he received was unfortunate. He’ll never effectively wield a sword again in the saddle unless he has it strapped to his hand.”

Caesar nodded and turned to Fronto.

“You’ve served with him. What do you think?”

Fronto shrugged.

“He’s actually got his head screwed on a little better than I think Varus gives him credit for. He’s only got the same urge to do stupid things as the rest of us. And after this battle, he’s reached the status of ‘hero’ among the men, so any accolade you care to give him will go down well with the troops. What are you proposing? Corona? Appointment to the staff?”

Caesar smiled.

“Actually, I’m thinking of transferring him to my personal guard as their commander. I would say that’s a fairly high-status position.”

Fronto whistled through his teeth.

“I’d say so, yes. Probably a good man for the job, though.”

Varus nodded.

“I’d concur. It’s a position I suspect he’ll excel in.”

Caesar returned the nod.

“Very well. I’ll make that official after the post-ceremony briefing.”

Crispus stuck out his hand.

”General, I think it would be of great use if you could inform us for when the ceremony is planned?”

Caesar raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“I’m surprised you haven’t heard. First thing tomorrow morning. Labienus has been passing the word around to the senior officers.”

He smiled slyly.