THE INVASION OF GAUL Read Online Free Page B

there are a lot of people who would consider this plan as dangerous; even reckless; and the greatest benefit at the end will be felt by myself and my army. Senators and fat noblemen get very testy when so many resources are put into something with so little visible benefit to them. There are few I can take on campaign with me that I can trust to do everything within their power to achieve the goals we set. I think you are one of them. The Tenth Legion will take prime position among the forces in Further Gaul. I want you and yours to show the Helvetii what it means to face the world’s greatest fighting force, and I want the other legions to look at the Tenth and marvel so much that they strain to be like them. Do you understand?”
    Fronto’s face fell into his usual sour and serious cast. He mulled over, only for moments, what his commander had just implied.
    “ Caesar, as always, I and the Tenth are at your command.” A small grin passed across his face. “Although I would respectfully submit that the Tenth already have that effect on their enemies and friends, sir.”
    His eyes narrowed again as a thought struck him.
    “ By the way, sir, I may have drifted off a little toward the end, and I don’t remember hearing who was coming with you to Geneva.”
    Caesar sighed.
    “ Longinus, yourself and Tetricus, a tribune from the Seventh. Oh, and that vicious-sounding training officer from your Tenth will be staying behind.”
    “ Why sir? Why us, when you’ll have the commander of the Eighth there with you? Who’ll command these three legions on the march? And why is Velius staying here?”
    Caesar leaned forward.
    “ Sometimes I wish you’d listen so that I didn’t have to go over the same things twice. Longinus is a good man with cavalry, and we may want his advice on skirmishers and scouts. I’m sure you remember some of his cavalry actions in Spain. Tetricus because he’s an old hand at planning defensive earthworks. You because I need you for advice on a command level at the least. And Velius is staying here because of the training needs of the two new legions.”
    Fronto’s elbow slipped from the chair arm.
    “ What new legions?”
    Another sigh.
    “ Good grief Marcus, how long were you asleep? I’ve already had Sabinus out tonight setting up the recruiting staff. I want enough men to create two legions within the week. They will then march to Geneva to meet us with your training officer in command. I hear good things about him.”
    Fronto leaned back and then levered himself out of the chair.
    “ Very well sir. If you would excuse me, I would like to get back and see what Priscus has done in my absence. Our legion insignia’s probably pink now. Thank you very much for the wine and your confidence.”
    The General nodded as Fronto retrieved his cloak, stood, bowed, and left the tent.
     
    * * * * *
     
    The camp of the Tenth was a flurry of activity as Fronto returned. As he made his way between the cookhouse and the latrines, a legionary wearing only his tunic and covered in pig-grease stains came smartly to attention, almost concussing himself with the tool he carried.
    “ At ease, soldier. Have you any idea where centurion Priscus is?”
    The soldier relaxed and swung the heavy head of the pick-axe to the ground.
    “ Sir, the centurion is over near the granaries, giving out orders sir.”
    With a nod of thanks, Fronto made his way toward the wooden granaries that stood at one end of the Tenth’s quarters. Priscus was standing on two of the projecting beams at the base of the granary itself, around two feet off the floor. A standard bearer and three legionaries with excused-duty status stood around his feet with wax tablets, checking and marking as the centurion called out. As Fronto approached with a smile on his face, Priscus waved an arm toward one of the most complex areas of activity. Over the hubbub, he bellowed
    “ Arius, you piece of horse excrement! Wet side OUT, damn it, wet side