“Eh?”
“Late this afternoon we were confronted by a band of Cherusci warriors.”
Governor Varus raised his eyebrows. “Go on.”
“Governor, I am certain that trouble is on the way,” said Marcus.
“Why are you so sure?”
“They had no particular business there by the river and frankly, they had nothing to say.” Marcus set his helmet down at his feet and continued warming his hands. “Foul climate,” he muttered.
“What did they say?”
“Virtually nothing,” said Marcus. “But they made a point of coming out of the trees to be seen.”
Governor Varus chuckled and sipped his wine. “That hardly constitutes a rebellion, Marcus.”
“It was a small show of force to a lone tribune out with a civilian.”
“Or perhaps it was a chance meeting in the forest and nothing more.”
“Some kind of trouble is brewing, sir.”
Demetrius entered with a tray of food and began laying it out on the table.
“Oh, I doubt it. After all, that’s rather routine.” Governor Varus held out his goblet for Demetrius to refill. “Sit down, please, all of you. Marcus, I shall listen to you as all of you warm up and enjoy your dinner.”
13
“Marcus, you simply expect too much from these barbarians,” said Governor Varus.
Jane and Gene took their seats. Marcus sat down last, sighing wearily. Demetrius moved behind Governor Varus and stood patiently.
“Let’s ask our guests.” Governor Varus turned to Jane. “You saw these Germans?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Did they threaten you in any way?”
“No,” Jane said hesitantly. She was aching to warn him, to convince him of the disaster he would fall into very soon. The reason was not that she had a great liking for the Romans as a group, but simply because she was uncomfortable knowing that so many Romans would soon be walking into a trap. Now that she was actually talking to two of them, they no longer seemed like mere historical figures. Of course, she knew she could not say anything that would even hint that Marcus was right. Instead, she would have to remain as neutral as possible, so as not to influence these two Romans.
“No. Were they armed?”
“They had spears,” said Jane. “That’s all I remember.” She picked up her wine goblet, as much to hide behind it as to drink from it.
“That’s often all these barbarians have,” said Governor Varus calmly. He turned to Gene. “How about you? Did you see them?”
“No, Governor. I had not joined them yet.”
“I see. Then let me ask the two of you another question entirely.”
“Of course,” said Gene.
“Perhaps I have been too hard on my tribune,” said Governor Varus. “As I understand it, you have come here from Gaul, which means you passed through much of this province.”
“Yes, sir,” said Gene, watching him carefully.
Jane was glad to let him field the questions. After all, as the historian on the team, he had the best chance to pass as a real trader. She was too nervous to feel hungry, but she forced herself to eat, in order to keep busy.
“So in your travels, how were you received?” Governor Varus asked. “You must have visited many villages of the Cherusci before you got here.”
“We were welcomed,” said Gene. “At that time, we had a few modest gifts to present to the village elders.”
“Ah, yes. They are sometimes like children with new playthings. Did they talk to you about us Romans?”
“Not particularly,” said Gene. He looked at Jane innocently. “Do you recall?”
“No.” She shook her head.
Governor Varus nodded.
“I’m afraid I’m quite ignorant of political matters,” said Jane. She was sure that Romans of this time would accept that readily from a woman.
“German hostility has never died,” said Marcus, looking up from his plate. “They like to buy our goods, but that’s all. I suppose they see you traders as their friends, where we soldiers will always be their enemies.”
“Where were you stationed before you came here?” Jane asked Marcus, hoping to turn the conversation away from the German rebellion.
“In Rome itself,” said Marcus. He caught her eye and grinned at her. “The climate is so much nicer there. Have you ever been to Rome?”
“No.” Jane suppressed a smile. She had been to Rome in her own time, but it was not the Rome Marcus knew.
“Have you seen the emperor?” Gene asked, sounding excited by the prospect.
“Oh, yes,” said Marcus. “My cohort marched past him in review several times. I saw Emperor Augustus standing and watching us from a balcony.”
“Marcus, I believe you may be making a conquest.” Amused, Governor Varus stood up and slipped a heavy cloak over his shoulders. “Please continue your meal at your leisure. I wish to take a walk. Demetrius, remain here and see to them.” He stepped out of the tent.
Jane watched Marcus, trying not to laugh at his embarrassment. To rescue him, she asked, “How about gladiators? Did you watch them fight?”
“Oh, yes,” said Marcus. “It can be quite interesting. They are often very good, though of course it is not the same as soldiering.”
“But they must be very good fighters.”
“In their specialized duels, yes. For instance, one man will have a long net and a trident. He fights a man with a sword and a small shield.” He frowned slightly. “The man with the net always seems to win. Those who assign the weapons dictate who lives and dies.”
“You don’t approve?” Gene asked cautiously.
“Soldiering is an honorable profession,” said Marcus. “We serve the Empire. It requires discipline, teamwork, and duty. The gladiators are slaves.”
Gene said nothing.
“You miss Rome, don’t you?” Jane decided to change the subject.
“Yes, that is no secret. But a tribune can’t earn the respect of his troops in Rome. For that, he has to go to the frontier and serve.”
“The name Aemilianus is old and well-known,” said Gene. “You must be well educated, I would guess.”
“Yes. I learned Greek and studied the works of Homer and the great philosophers.”
Jane remained quiet as Gene and Marcus discussed Greek philosophy. She probably knew a little more about it than most women of Gaul in this time, but the less she had to converse with Marcus, the better off she would be. When they had all finished eating, she waited for a moment when she could break into the conversation.
“I’m very tired,” she said. “I’m afraid I’m not used to so much riding. I would like to go to sleep.”
“Of course,” said Marcus. “My tent is yours again. Uh, would you…” He glanced uncertainly at Gene.
“Our party normally remains together,” said Jane.
“As you wish, of course.”
As soon as Jane and Gene were in their tent, Jane called Hunter.
“Jane here. Can you hear me, Hunter?”
“Hunter here. Where are you, Jane?”
“Gene and I are in the new Roman camp. We don’t know anything about Steve, though.”