The following morning, the infantry set about obtaining timber from the nearby forest to build barracks, while the cavalry began surveying the countryside for sources of food. While this was going on, Gaius sought out the Chief of the Celtic settlement that was a few miles upstream.
The first thing Gaius noted was that this chief was very young, not that that should be held against him since he, Gaius, was not much older, and he commanded a legion. However this Celtic Chief was also furtive, insecure, brash and angry; not a good mixture. Gaius immediately guessed the reason for his being so young: he had succeeded his father, who had died in battle. That would explain the anger, while the insecurity would come both from having a legion on his doorstep, and the possibility of a challenge from one of his tribesmen.
"I can guess how you feel," Gaius started, "but I suggest you start to think a bit. Believe me, the Roman Army is here to stay. This isn't like Caesar, who came and collected some tribute, and left for what he considered more important business. The Princeps needs this invasion to succeed, so the Britons either defeat four legions, or you accept us. If you opt for the first, you've made a bad start."
The Celtic Chief began to make a retort, but then stopped.
"What you should do," Gaius nodded, appreciating that this Celt could at least maintain some self-control, "is see this as a personal opportunity."
"Opportunity?" the Celt scowled. "For whom?"
"For you, to cement in your position as Chief. Otherwise, you had better be a better warrior than virtually all the others in your tribe."
"What do you mean?" At least there was interest on his face.
"Celtic Chiefs can be overthrown by combat," Gaius shrugged, "and also by a knife in the back while you're asleep."
"So you're promising guards?" the Celt smiled derisively. "Presumably around my bed and. ."
"What I promise, assuming we can come to some agreement, is that if you die by foul play, I shall crucify whoever replaces you, and if I think he's some dolt put there to take the punishment, the next replacement. Nobody will challenge you if they can't replace you, and I promise you, the cross is not the most pleasant way to die."
"They won't believe me if I say that."
"They'll believe me if I say it," Gaius replied harshly. "I will announce that at the same time I announce the punishments for breaking various laws I shall impose."
"So what am I supposed to agree to?" At least, Gaius noted, there was interest.
"Surprisingly little," Gaius replied. "Your people will undertake to accept our presence, pay the taxes we impose, and go on with their lives and keep our laws. In return, your people will have complete freedom to do whatever they wish with their lives."
"Yes, but what are your men going to eat over the winter? Steal it from us?"
"We shall pay for what we take," Gaius nodded. "However, you have raised a good point, indeed the point I came here to discuss. We shall pay for food, but there has to be enough here for both our legion and your people. I need you to take stock of how much is in storage."
"And if there isn't enough?"
"There won't be, so we have to find some more before winter makes the finding too difficult," Gaius replied. "The only question I have is how much do I have to find?"
"And you want me to do what?"
"Find out how much food is stored, how much is going to be needed by your tribe, and what the difference is. If you're truthful, nobody need go hungry, because we'll find food somehow. If you lie, it will be your people who'll pay. Don't forget, if I have to get food, the sooner I find out how much, the better."
"Then give me two days."
* * *
The days were now cool enough to be unpleasant if standing around, which, Gaius noted, encouraged the soldiers to cut timber faster. The better the barracks were, the warmer they would feel. However, five thousand men could do quite a bit of work, and Plautius had also sent a number of the elephants to help with moving logs. Since the men knew what a German winter was like, they guessed that the British one would not be much better, and this encouraged them to ensure that their barracks would be built properly, and there was plenty of firewood. After all, they were at the end of the queue.
For food, Gaius sent Exploratores back to the villages he had already passed through. He knew roughly how much food was there, and he knew that the tribesmen would appreciate the money, or the chance to off-load tax liabilities. Archers were sent out to seek game, and local fishermen were encouraged to work a little harder. Nevertheless, there would still be difficulties so he also sent ships back to Gaul to bring more. This was one of the advantages of being camped adjacent to a harbour.
Gaius was a little surprised when the young Chief reported on the third day that his village had a small surplus of grain, and was prepared to sell this and certain vegetables throughout the winter, in return for appropriate payment. He also named some nearby villages that he felt would also have food to spare. Gaius thanked him; it was not a solution to the problem, but it was a contribution.
Chapter 28
"I have brought you all here," Gaius addressed the Tribunes and a number of others, "to outline what has to be done over winter. Our first task is to erect fortifications and to put a bridge over the river. Problems?"
One of the engineers stood up and began to answer, "Sir, a full timber bridge could not be constructed over this winter, coupled with what else we have to do."
"I was thinking about a pontoon-type bridge. Can you manage that?"
"Providing I get enough timber," the engineer nodded. "I will need some supplies such as nails and pitch from Gaul, but provided I get the timber and reasonable access to the men, this is not a problem."
"Falco, you are in charge of organizing timber collection for the engineers. They will tell you what is required; you will organize getting it.
"That gets rid of the bridge problem," Gaius nodded. "The next problem is food. Matius, you will take cavalry back into the lands of the Catuvellauni and forage for what you can get. Remind them their taxes are due, and that will be paid in food. Set a fair price, and under no circumstances leave them to starve. Understand?"
"Yes sir."
"Remember this. These Celts are recently conquered, and they won't like us one little bit. They won't fight right now, but that doesn't make them friendly either. I do not want to have to refight them, so try not to start a rebellion. Be firm, but go overboard to be fair."
"Lupus, you will organize excursions down south to the land of the Cantiaci in search of supplies. Same general orders. Technically, they are allies, but they could be very weak allies, so don't turn them into foes.
"Which gets me to the next point. We have to be firm with the Celts, but fair. I will not tolerate soldiers carrying on private rape and pillage. Let the word be known on that. Basically, in the long run we want the Celts as allies, and that isn't going to happen unless we treat them reasonably. The best way to avoid trouble is to keep the soldiers busy doing something. Collecting wood and building the bridge and fortifications is good, but also remember, we don't want to suffer from Celtic raids that get to where they shouldn't, so you will maintain good scouting exercises, and keep firm watch. Do you all understand? Are there any problems?"
Everybody understood. There were no problems. Not yet.
* * *
As the ships brought supplies from Gaul, they also brought a letter from Vipsania.
My Darling Gaius,