Soldier of Rome: Crisis on the Danube: The Artorian Dynasty, #2

By James Mace

Since the reign of Emperor Tiberius, an uneasy peace has existed along the Danube frontier between the various Sarmatian tribal kingdoms to the north and the Roman Empire to the south. Now, a new threat has emerged in Dacia, as the aged King Duras seeks to unite his people; a feat not witnessed since the legendary King Burebista more than a century before. With great audacity, Duras sends his heir, Prince Decebalus—whose name means strength of ten men—into Roman Moesia. Pursuing more than glory and spoils, Duras hopes to win back some of the disputed territories south of the Danube and halt the increasing encroachment of the Roman Empire.

Early Dacian victories, coupled with the death of the imperial governor, find Rome engaged in an unexpected war it was ill-prepared for. Unlike most 'barbarian' peoples the Empire has faced over the centuries, the Dacians are better equipped, organised, and like the Romans, possess a professional army. With great duress, Emperor Domitian orders vast numbers of reinforcements to the Danube.

Thousands of miles away, across the seas in Britannia, Gaius Artorius Armiger's tenure as prefect of the legendary cavalry regiment, Indus' Horse, is coming to an end. Now in his early forties, with his children coming of age, Gaius is eager to relinquish command and either take up a civilian posting or, perhaps, retire to his family's manor in Londinium. His hopes are dashed following a despatch from the emperor, extending his command, while ordering Indus' Horse to make for Moesia with all possible speed.

Thousands of imperial soldiers from across the Empire converge along the Danube with Indus' Horse but one element of the British contingent. Gaius bids an emotional farewell to his wife and children before taking to his horse, in what he hopes will be his final campaign as a soldier of Rome.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Legionary Books
• Release date: Aug 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201163037

James Mace

James Mace is a life-long historian and the author of seventeen books, including seven Ancient History best-sellers. He penned the initial draft of his first novel, "Soldier of Rome: The Legionary", as a cathartic means of escapism while serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. His works span numerous eras, from Ancient Rome to the British Empire. He can be reached via his website: www.legionarybooks.net Official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/legionarybooks Twitter: @LegionaryBooks Blog: http://legionarybooks.blogspot.com/

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Soldier of Rome

Crisis on the Danube

Book Two of the Artorian Dynasty

James Mace

Electronic Edition Copyright © 2021 by James Mace

All rights reserved as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Characters and events portrayed in this book are based on actual persons and events, but are used fictitiously.

Legionary Books

Meridian, Idaho 83642, USA

http://www.legionarybooks.net

First eBook Edition: 2021

Published in the United States of America

Legionary Books

Cover Image by Radoslav Javor, copyright © 2021 by Radoslav Javor and Legionary Books

All other images are licensed through applicable copyright holders or public domain.

The tales of our exploits will survive as long as the human voice itself.

-  Emperor Augustus Caesar

––––––––

The Works of James Mace

Note: In each series or combination of series’, all works are listed in chronological sequence

The Artorian Chronicles

Soldier of Rome: The Legionary

Soldier of Rome: The Sacrovir Revolt

Soldier of Rome: Heir to Rebellion

Soldier of Rome: The Centurion

*Empire Betrayed: The Fall of Sejanus

Soldier of Rome: Journey to Judea

Soldier of Rome: The Last Campaign

*Centurion Valens and the Empress of Death

*Slaves of Fear: A Land Unconquered

The Great Jewish Revolt and Year of the Four Emperors

Soldier of Rome: Rebellion in Judea

Soldier of Rome: Vespasian’s Fury

Soldier of Rome: Reign of the Tyrants

Soldier of Rome: Rise of the Flavians

Soldier of Rome: The Fall of Jerusalem

*Die by the Blade

The Artorian Dynasty

*Isle of Mist: A Tale of Ireland and Rome

Soldier of Rome: Empire of the North

Soldier of Rome: Crisis on the Danube

Napoleonic Era

Forlorn Hope: The Storming of Badajoz

I Stood with Wellington

Courage, Marshal Ney

The Anglo-Zulu War

Brutal Valour: The Tragedy of Isandlwana

Crucible of Honour: The Battle of Rorke’s Drift

Lost Souls: The Forgotten Heroes of Eshowe

Cruelty of Fate: The Fight for Khambula

Tears of the Dead: Requiem of the Zulu Kingdom

Sci-Fi / Cyberpunk

Neon Immortal: A Serialised Cyberpunk Saga

* Stand-alone novel or novella

Table of Contents

Preface

Cast of Characters

Chapter I: The Wolves of Zalmoxis

Chapter II: Futile Defiance

Chapter III: The Eagle of Rome Awakens

Chapter IV: Retaking Moesia

Chapter V: A Violent Withdrawal

Chapter VI: The British Legion

Chapter VII: Redeployment

Chapter VIII: Into Dacia

Chapter IX: The Iron Gates

Chapter X: Retreat to the Danube

Chapter XI: Hail to the King

Chapter XII: Two Opals

Chapter XIII: The Imperial Response

Chapter XIV: General Artorius

Chapter XV: Across the Frontier

Chapter XVI: Raids and Retribution

Chapter XVII: Armoured Adversaries

Chapter XVIII: An Inconclusive Return

Chapter XIX: An Uneasy Solstice

Chapter XX: The New Commanding General

Chapter XXI: Crossing the Steppes

Chapter XXII: The Gathering Storm

Chapter XXIII: The Second Battle of Tapae

Chapter XXIV: Grinding Death

Chapter XXV: A Mournful Victory

Chapter XXVI: The Price of Valour

Chapter XXVII: The Last Journey Home

Appendix: Roman Military Ranks

Further Reading / Bibliography

Preface

Since the reign of Emperor Tiberius, an uneasy peace has existed along the Danube frontier between the various Sarmatian tribal kingdoms to the north and the Roman Empire to the south. Now, a new threat has emerged in Dacia, as the aged King Duras seeks to unite his people; a feat not witnessed since the legendary King Burebista more than a century before. With great audacity, Duras sends his heir, Prince Decebalus—whose name means strength of ten men—into Roman Moesia. Pursuing more than glory and spoils, Duras hopes to win back some of the disputed territories south of the Danube and halt the increasing encroachment of the Roman Empire.

Early Dacian victories, coupled with the death of the imperial governor, find Rome engaged in an unexpected war it was ill-prepared for. Unlike most ‘barbarian’ peoples the Empire has faced over the centuries, the Dacians are better equipped, organised, and like the Romans, possess a professional army. With great duress, Emperor Domitian orders vast numbers of reinforcements to the Danube.

Thousands of miles away, across the seas in Britannia, Gaius Artorius Armiger’s tenure as prefect of the legendary cavalry regiment, Indus’ Horse, is coming to an end. Now in his early forties, with his children coming of age, Gaius is eager to relinquish command and either take up a civilian posting or, perhaps, retire to his family’s manor in Londinium. His hopes are dashed following a despatch from the emperor, extending his command, while ordering Indus’ Horse to make for Moesia with all possible speed.

Thousands of imperial soldiers from across the Empire converge along the Danube with Indus’ Horse but one element of the British contingent. Gaius bids an emotional farewell to his wife and children before taking to his horse, in what he hopes will be his final campaign as a soldier of Rome.

Cast of Characters

Soldiers of Indus’ Horse:

Gaius Artorius Armiger – Commanding Prefect, later named commanding officer of all mounted troops within the Moesian army

Cenric Chester – A Brigantes nobleman and career soldier who holds the rank of centurion and is second-in-command of the regiment

Tiberius Talos, Julius Wendlandt – Senior decurions, with each commanding a ‘wing’ of several squadrons during battle

Syphax – A corporal of African lineage who holds charge over the regiment’s orderlies and staff

Noble Romans:

Imperator Caesar Domitianus Augustus – Emperor of Rome

Cornelius Fuscus – Prefect of the Praetorian Guard

Oppius Sabinus – Governor of Moesia

Marcus Cornelius Maternus – Commanding Legate of Legio II, Adiutrix

Lucius Funisulanus Vettonianus – Commanding Legate of Legio IV, Flavia Felix, assigned by Domitian to govern Moesia Superior

Sextus Octavius Fronto – Commanding Legate of Legio I, Adiutrix

Vibius Secundus – Commanding Legate of Legio VII, Claudia

Publius Acilius Attianus – Laticlavian tribune under Maternus

Dacians:

Duras – King of Dacia

Decebalus – Heir to the Dacian throne

Zina – Wife of Decebalus

Diegis – Younger brother of Decebalus

Sergiu – Sarmatian general in command of an allied force of Rhoxolani cavalry

Tertius – A former Roman centurion who betrayed the Empire and leads a cadre of deserters acting as advisors to Decebalus

Chapter I: The Wolves of Zalmoxis

The Codrii Vlasiei Forest, Kingdom of Dacia

December, 85 A.D.

Bust of Decebalus

From the Vatican Museum

The Dacian prince’s breath clung in the air as the steps from his horse crackled over the frozen layers of leaves and dead branches along the forest floor. To his left and right were his most trusted war captains, while unseen within the clinging mist marched thousands of soldiers. The Codrii Vlasiei Forest covered much of southern Dacia; its ancient oaks and undergrowth serving as a place of refuge in times of crisis for the various tribal peoples north of the River Danube. On this freezing morning near the time of the winter solstice, the woods acted as a shield against unfriendly eyes south of the river.

It was close to midday, yet the dense forest kept the ethereal fog from dissipating. The cawing of a crow echoed from high up in the trees. This was followed by the distant howl of a wolf.

Zalmoxis protects us this day, the man said, in reference to the Dacian prophet who became a god 800 years before. He shrouds us in fog, while his wolves grant us their strength.

The warrior’s given name was Diurpaneus, though he’d since adopted the moniker Decebalus, which meant ‘strength of ten men’. Nephew and heir to King Duras of Dacia, Decebalus’ pending incursion into Roman Moesia had taken the better part of a year in preparations. The people living within the imperial province south of the Danube were kinsmen of the Dacians, who’d intermingled with the Thracians and Macedonians over the centuries. Around 150 years earlier, the regions between Macedonia and the Danube were conquered and enslaved by the Romans. Periodic border disputes had been ongoing for more than a century between the now-Roman Empire and the free peoples north of the Danube.

Dacia itself consisted of five small tribal kingdoms bordered by the Iazyges to the west, the Carpi to the north, and the Rhoxolani to the east, whose lands extended to the Black Sea. Sixteen years earlier, the Rhoxolani had launched a large, though ultimately disastrous, raid into Roman territory. Having invaded during the warm and rainy spring, the muddy earth swallowed up their armoured horses before their riders were slaughtered by imperial legionaries. By undertaking this excursion during the frozen winter, King Duras’ heir was determined not to make the same mistakes.

The cold bites into my very bones, a man riding next to Decebalus said, as he shuddered beneath his heavy cloak.

He held in his heavily wrapped hand a long pole bearing the Dacian royal standard. Called the Draco, it was a long serpentine beast, devoid of arms or legs with a head similar to a wolf’s. The head was metal and hollow with several tongues protruding from its mouth. The body was a tube of cloth with the scales coloured in red, yellow, and black.

The cold is a blessing from Zalmoxis, his prince replied. For it gives us our bridge across the river.

The unusually frigid early winter had proven fortuitous for Decebalus and his men, for there were no bridges linking Roman Moesia to the Dacian Kingdom. The few fording sites, where the river was low enough for his men to wade across, were guarded by imperial forts. While his forces could easily overrun these defences, the prince did not wish to risk the losses they would surely suffer, nor allow the Romans an opportunity to sound the alarm throughout the province. Enemy garrisons were scattered throughout Moesia and along the River Danube. He did not wish to give them any chance at converging against his army before they’d sacked the provincial capital of Viminacium.

Enemies of the Roman Empire tended to be peasant farmers who only took up arms in times of war. They lacked armour, proper training, and were equipped with whatever meagre weapons they could fashion themselves. Most enemies the Romans derisively referred to as ‘barbarians’ were easy prey for their heavily-armoured and highly trained legions. The names of imperial defeats echoed loudly throughout history, in part because they happened so rarely. The Dacians, however, were not a disparate tribe of barbarians. While roughly two-thirds of the kingdom’s fighting strength did consist of citizens’ militias, much of the force being marshalled by Prince Decebalus were not peasant volunteers, but professional soldiers who formed the cadre of the greater Dacian army. Wearing either scale or mail armour, with brass Thracian style helmets, their fearsome horsemen wielded long spears and oblong shields. Their infantry were similarly armoured. And while many wielded spears, their most famous weapon was the falx; a curved blade much like a sickle. A one-handed variant was used in conjunction with a shield, while the much longer polearm required the use of both hands. The blade was only sharpened along its inside curve leading to a distinct point that could still strike an opponent’s face and head, even when a blow was blocked by a shield. The weapon’s design was in direct response to the threat imposed by the shield walls of the Roman legions, like those of the Greeks and Macedonians before them.

In all, Decebalus had around 40,000 men for the expedition. However, only a quarter of these, mostly cavalry, would make the initial crossing. The rest were staging at various points along the Danube, where scouts reported the forest cover was thickest.

There was also the practical matter of keeping his army supplied and fed. Even the elite corps lacked the depth of logistics possessed by the Romans. Soldiers and militia could carry perhaps a week’s worth of rations upon their persons, with another week or so carried by pack animals. There was also the need for medicines and bandages to treat the sick and wounded. A cadre of priests accompanied the modest supply train, who took it upon themselves to bind wounds while praying to Zalmoxis to heal the injured or welcome them into paradise. Despite all these efforts and preparation, Decebalus knew he needed to capture the Moesian capital quickly in order to keep his army from starving. Speed and aggression would spell the difference between triumph and disaster.

The hot breath of men and horses added to the morning fog as Decebalus and around 2,000 mounted men reached the edge of the forest near the Danube. The river had lowered considerably during the autumn months; a layer of ice now forming on its surface. Scouts had tested the ice in recent days, and the prince knew it was safest for his men to cross just before dawn, when the world was at its coldest.

My blade has long thirsted for Roman blood, an allied Rhoxolani chieftain said venomously, as they dismounted along the rocky shore. The souls of my fallen brothers cry out for vengeance.

And they shall have it, Decebalus reassured him.

The Rhoxolani were renowned horsemen; their heavy cavalry both respected and feared throughout the region. Approximately one-third of their horses were protected by scale armour, and even the Romans regarded them with a sense of awe. Their alliance with Dacia was born more out of a shared enmity with Rome, rather than their mutual Sarmatian heritage; their respective kings viewing the other as a means to an end.

This chieftain’s name was Sergiu. Sixteen years earlier, during the imperial civil war, he was one of the 9,000 Rhoxolani horsemen that invaded Roman Moesia. The youngest of four siblings, his eldest brother was captain of their troop during the excursion. Their initial success soon met with calamity, when the incessant rains rendered the ground muddy and impassable. The imperial legions caught them unawares with more than a third of the Rhoxolani either killed or captured in the ensuing slaughter. With his horse foundering in the muck, Sergiu watched helplessly as his two eldest brothers were butchered by imperial soldiers. He later heard rumour that his remaining sibling was captured and crucified, along with any hapless Rhoxolani unfortunate enough to be taken alive. In the years since, Sergiu had risen through the ranks of the Rhoxolani military hierarchy, eventually becoming one of King Denis’ most trusted generals. For his exemplary bravery and tactical prowess, Sergiu was wed to his sovereign’s niece. The previous winter, when King Duras petitioned the Rhoxolani monarch for aid during his pending invasion of Roman Moesia, it naturally fell to Sergiu to represent his king and nation. In all, 2,000 Rhoxolani horsemen were dispatched, with Prince Decebalus granting them a place of honour as part of his personal retinue.

A group of scouts had been waiting all night for them. One approached Decebalus. He was covered in fur blankets; his face red and dusted with frost.

My prince, he said with a short bow. We made a brief foray across the river last night. There is a place nearby where the ice is strongest.

Decebalus nodded and followed the men to where the rocks had been scrapped away, leaving a trail of wet and frozen sand leading from the river to the tall grasses just beyond the bank. The fog remained thick, further masking their crossing. Following the scouts, the prince guided his horse onto the ice. The animal was rather skittish, and he gently stroked its muzzle, speaking gently to it as he continued to slide his feet along the slippery surface. He strained his hearing as he listened for any tell-tale sounds of cracking in the ice. About halfway across he was able to actually see the flowing current below, and he instinctively clutched his horse’s bridle.

Easy there, he said quietly, as much for his own reassurance as his horse’s.

Decebalus ordered his men to spread out, keeping at least ten feet between each other. With the clinging mist in the hour just before dawn, this gave the illusion that he was completely alone. He could not see Sergiu to his left nor his standard bearer to his right, though he did hear the occasional tap from the Draco staff against the ice and the snorting of horses.

After what felt like an eternity, he spied the far shore. It took every measure of his resolve not to sprint the rest of the way. As his numb feet stepped onto the riverbank, Decebalus closed his eyes and let out a sigh of relief. A few more scouts were waiting for him, lurking in the tall grass.

My prince, one of the men said, the Roman capital of Viminacium is but three days’ journey west.

We shall scout the immediate area and establish camp, Decebalus declared. Once the rest of the army converges, we’ll march on Viminacium.

Though the sun now shone brightly in the east, the fog continued to cling to the earth, as if Zalmoxis continued to hide his chosen people from their enemies. Decebalus understood this was actually due to the extreme cold and their proximity to the Danube. He knew his army would not remain concealed for long, and so he sent scouts back across the river to inform his captains where the army would rendezvous. Sergiu dispatched dozens of scouts, though he ordered them to only work in pairs, lest their presence alert Roman patrols in the area.

That afternoon scouts came across a herdsman and his son, who had the misfortune of leading a flock of sheep to a nearby stream to water. They were quickly detained and taken to Decebalus. The prince apprised the herdsman, who despite being only about thirty, his face was weathered from spending most of his life toiling in the sun. The boy was no older than ten, and he clutched his father’s hand in terror at the sight of so many foreign soldiers.

Decebalus held up his hands in a gesture meant to show he meant them no harm. Be at peace, brother, he said. He addressed the man in Greek, as it was the language most widely spoken throughout the region. Romans, particularly those in the eastern half of their empire, tended to be bilingual, with most of the lower classes preferring Greek over Latin. Due to his birth and social status, Decebalus was well-versed in both languages from the time he was a boy.

You call me ‘brother’, yet you bring both me and my son here under arms, the herdsman replied.

We come to liberate our kinsmen not conquer them, the prince replied smoothly. For too long, you have been under the hated yoke of the Caesars. But by the Draco of Zalmoxis and his divine representative, King Duras of Dacia, we will bring you freedom.

I am perfectly free to look after my flock, regardless of who declares themselves my master, the man stated. Will my son be any freer with a sword in his guts?

Decebalus decided the humble sheepherder was not worth debating. He simply said, Know that my men mean you no harm. But we cannot grant you liberty until the rest of our army crosses the Danube and we march on Viminacium.

A day later, as the first regiments of the Dacian army began to converge on the growing camp, a patrol of imperial horsemen spied the invaders. Knowing their heavily armoured mounts had no chance of catching them, Decebalus ordered his men to prepare to advance on the Moesian capital with the utmost haste. And true to his word, he released the herdsman and his son.

Gladius

Life in the Moesian city of Viminacium began like any other for Gaius Oppius Sabinus. A prominent member of the Roman aristocracy, he served the previous year as consul, with the added distinction of being Emperor Domitian’s consular colleague during his tenure. As was typical for those who held the most exalted post within the imperial senate, Sabinus petitioned for a provincial governorship as soon as his term ended. His hope was for one of the more profitable regions in Gaul, or perhaps Proconsul of Africa. Regrettably, Moesia was the only province with a pending vacancy, and he reluctantly accepted when Domitian offered him the post.

Moesia was annexed by Rome more than 150 years earlier and was relatively peaceful. South of the Danube plain, the region was extremely mountainous, which made travel difficult, especially during the winter months. Most of the province’s population lived nearest the Danube, with the only major city to the south being Naissus, near the River Margus, about halfway between the capital of Viminacium and the province of Macedonia. All of this made Sabinus lament the province as ‘boring’. He may have reached the pinnacle of Roman politics with the consulate, yet the chance of military renown craved by all Roman nobles had eluded him all these years.

Something which appealed to the new governor, however, was the presence of precious metals. No less than eight gold, silver, lead, and copper mines were located within a few days of Viminacium, with many more throughout the province. This made Moesia a rich and profitable province, both for the Empire and the ruling governor. Sabinus’ predecessor had left detailed notes on the productivity of each mine and what he could expect to personally profit, without causing too much alarm within the province or raising the ire of imperial auditors. It was generally accepted that provincial governors enriched themselves this way, as their pay was often insufficient to cover even the basic costs of maintaining their governments and staff, let alone personal expenses. Sabinus, therefore, decided if he could not gain martial glory, he would at least make himself wealthier over the next three years.

On this frozen December morning, the governor roused himself early, hoping to see the reports from his district magistrates, both the overdue summaries of the autumn harvest, as well as the latest mining profits. The unexpectedly rapid onset of winter had contributed to an outbreak of various ailments amongst the slaves toiling in the mines. Sabinus considered authorising a raid across the Danube in order to procure replacements, which would be less costly than having to purchase them from the slave markets. However, his predecessor had cautioned against this, as the plains immediately north of the river were only sparsely populated. There was also the added risk of provoking outright war with one of the Sarmatian kingdoms, which would earn him the emperor’s displeasure. He would have to accept a slight decrease in his personal profits during the winter months, until such time as more slaves could be purchased.

An aid suddenly burst into Sabinus’ study as he ate his poached eggs and wheat porridge in silence.

My lord, I bring fearful news! the man stammered quickly.

Well, what is it? Sabinus demanded, angry that his one moment of peace during the day had been interrupted. And don’t tell me it’s more herdsmen complaining about the state of the frozen rivers! I cannot change the sodding weather. The best I can do is offer another sacrifice to Ceres.

A large Dacian army has crossed the Danube, the servant said. Commander Cornelius sends word that he’s rallied the city garrison and dispatched riders to the nearest forts.

His appetite forgotten, the governor quickly rose and rushed to the landing outside his study. Out in the great square of the principia, soldiers of the Second Lucensium Regiment were being paraded by their officers. Sabinus quickly descended the steps leading into the square and found their commanding officer.

Prefect, what is happening? he asked.

The officer’s face was pale.

One of our mounted patrols came across a large Dacian cavalry encampment. It was difficult to see in the fog, but they estimate their strength to be at least 5,000, probably more.

And if they have that many horsemen, they’re likely supported by an even greater host of infantry, Sabinus said with dismay.

That is our fear, sir, Cornelius replied. With the Danube frozen in so many places, the river fleet is completely paralysed and we have not the numbers to guard its entire stretch.

Sabinus came to a foreboding realisation. This is not a raid, but an invasion.

I’ve sent a message to the First Lepidiana Infantry Regiment at Horreum Margi, the prefect stated, referring to a town to the south which lay halfway between Viminacium and the city of Naissus. Unfortunately, they will take several days to reach us.

Rescind the order, the governor decided.

Sir?

If the Dacian threat is as large as you suspect, then it would be suicidal for our regiments to march in piecemeal, only to be surrounded and cut to pieces. Send the First Lepidiana south to Naissus. It is better fortified and possesses a more robust garrison.

We’ll need help from the legions, Cornelius said. But the nearest fortresses are to the southwest at Burnum or to the east, at Troemis. Burnum is closer, but still at least two weeks’ journey from here.

It was a bitter irony that another issue Sabinus had wished to address were the troop garrisons along the River Danube, which separated Moesia from the Iazyges, Dacia, and Rhoxolani kingdoms.

I’ve already requested the emperor redeploys at least one of the legions from our previous garrisons, he muttered to himself.

His predecessor had done the same, noting that the Dacians in particular were known for their hostility towards Rome. Ever since the civil war against Vitellius, sixteen years prior, two of the Danube legions in Moesia had been reassigned to other provinces. The sole remaining, Legio V, Macedonica, was posted hundreds of miles to the east, near the Black Sea. Provided they were able to exchange mounts at every town or city, while avoiding the Dacian army that stood between them, an imperial messenger would still require ten days to reach the legion. Even with forced marches through the bitter winter cold, it would be another three weeks before the Fifth Macedonica reached Viminacium.

The simple reality was the imperial Roman army did not have enough soldiers to garrison its entire frontier. And with the Danube serving as a natural boundary, it was hoped that the northern kingdoms would keep to their own devices. Aside from the Rhoxolani raid sixteen years earlier, this had largely held true since the reign of Emperor Tiberius.

There will be no aid coming to us from the east, Sabinus muttered. He then directed, "Send a rider to warn General Vettonianus and Legio IV, Flavia Felix at Burnum."

I doubt he’ll wait for permission from the Dalmatian Governor before deploying his legion, Cornelius presumed.

Sabinus concurred.

Have this same messenger ride for Rome. The emperor and senate must be informed. And dispatch your fastest riders to learn what they can about the enemy. We need to send as much intelligence to Caesar and Vettonianus as possible.

Cornelius nodded with sombre assurance. As you wish, sir.

Sabinus ordered the alarm raised within the city, while servants fetched his armour. He then summoned the city’s mayor and councillors, who were already flustered by the rumours spreading amongst the populace.

What is this about the Dacians raiding across the border? one of the men asked nervously.

Not a raid, an invasion, Sabinus reemphasised. His voice was calm, though his face was already showing strain. A host of cavalry has been spotted less than two days’ journey to the east, heading this way. You need to evacuate the city. Tell the people to take whatever they can carry and head west to Singidunum. The River Margus has not frozen over, so it will offer some protection. Once the people are across, we’ll cut the bridge behind them.

And what of you, governor? the city’s mayor asked.

My duty is here, Sabinus replied. I will remain with the garrison and delay the Dacians for as long as possible while the rest of the province organises its defences. Let us hope Mercury grants the legions swift passage from their garrisons.

Reports began to trickle in from other mounted patrols including those which had ventured further east. These confirmed that the Dacian army was huge and included tens-of-thousands of heavily armoured infantry, in addition to their fearsome cavalry. Terror gripped the city as word of the approaching invaders spread. Many tears were shed as wives, children, and various lovers bade farewell to the Viminacium garrison and local auxilia cohort. To remain in Viminacium was nothing less than suicidal against the coming onslaught. Yet stay they must, for Governor Oppius Sabinus knew he needed to buy time for the families to escape and the remaining imperial forces in Moesia to muster. He also knew it was hopeless to think that the legions could come to their aid. The fortress of Legio IV, Flavia Felix at Burnum was 450 miles to the southwest. It would take a week just for the message to reach them by horse. They would have to cross the Dalmatian mountains; coupled with snowfall and inclement weather, at best possible speed it would be another three weeks to a month before the legion reached the Danube. Sabinus considered sending word to Legio V, Macedonica, currently posted to the east near the city of Troemis, along the Black Sea. Yet he knew that any messengers sent eastward risked running afoul of the approaching Dacian army. Therefore, any attempts to reach the Fifth Macedonica would prove futile. Their commanding legate, Tiberius Marius, would likely first learn of the Dacian invasion from either refugees or one of the auxilia garrisons along the Danube. And should the ever-hostile Rhoxolani join forces with the Dacians, Marius would find himself confined to eastern Moesia to contend with this threat.

Cornelius, the auxilia prefect, understood that even if both legions could somehow converge upon Viminacium, their numbers would be too few.

If the enemy host is as great as we believe, then it will take more than just two legions to defeat them, he surmised.

Any additional reinforcements will need to come from Germania; an even greater distance from western Moesia, the governor conjectured. With determination he added, We must buy the imperial armies as much time as we can.

With respect, governor, the prefect said, Viminacium cannot be defended; not with a single auxilia cohort and a few score of local militia. We should rally with the First Lepidiana Regiment, perhaps at Naissus. At best, we can defend Viminacium for a few hours, not days; let alone weeks.

You have your orders, commander, Sabinus retorted coldly.

The officer nodded grimly and saluted before taking his leave.

Attempts were made at improving the defences of Viminacium, as Governor Sabinus ordered an encircling entrenchment dug around the city. The hardness of the frozen ground rendered this effort utterly fruitless, and by the end of the first day, he ordered the work to cease, that his men might save their strength for the coming battle. Some of their wives, particularly those without children, refused to flee and instead volunteered to fight and die beside their loved ones. Sabinus was so moved by the gestures that he declined ordering their removal from the city.

Two days later, scouts reported that the Dacians were drawing close. Sabinus sent out three reconnaissance parties, though only one returned. He speculated that