The Antonine Romans and The Redemption

By Andrew Boyce

AD144 The Antonine Wall, Caledonia, modern day Scotland. Battles rage amongst individuals and armies. The third in the Antonine Series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrew Boyce
• Release date: Jan 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005874728

Andrew Boyce

Growing up in the Glasgow area of West Central Scotland, the remains of the Roman Antonine Wall were around me. I would see unusual ditches, man-made hills and stretches of straight roads, even the remains of a Roman bathhouse. All harked back to a time when the Romans came to Scotland.In museums such as Glasgow's Hunterian Museum, I would see Roman coins discovered near where I lived, models of Roman life and stone carved distance slabs. Reading great Roman Fiction Authors such as Harry Sidebottom, Simon Scarrow, Ben Kane and Anthony Riches, to name but a few, I hoped one day to write my own humble offerings and thankfully, I have.I write The Antonine Romans Novellas and as well as publishing them individually, I group three each together as compilations, in The Antonine Series. All Novellas and Compilations are available as Ebooks and Paperbacks.Thank you very much for reading/ buying my work, which I very much hope you enjoy, in which case please leave a nice review! Best wishes, Andrew Boyce.

Book preview

AD144 The Antonine Wall, Caledonia, modern day Scotland.Battles rage amongst individuals and armies. The third Novella in the Antonine Romans. All of the Novellas standalone.

To My Family

The Antonine Romans and The Redemption

By

Andrew Boyce

Chapter 1.

Centurion Andronicus sat alone in his quarters at the end of the day. As he poured himself a glass of warm wine, he reflected that it had been a good day. The legionaries had performed well in their practice drills, taking the commands from himself and Optio Scrivinus, quite literally, in their stride.

Andronicus felt proud of what his Century had become, ready to defend this Caledonian Northern Frontier of the Empire, as well as being ready to strive for peace and bring as many of the tribes of Caledonia to a peaceful conclusion.

The wine that Demius the trader had provided was going down well, along with the figs and dates he had also managed to buy. These items had cost quite an amount, but it was worth it, thought Andronicus, as he tidied his remaining documents into his campaign chest.

Finally finished for the night, a knock at his door could not have been worse timed. It was his Optio, still putting in the hours, even after all these years.

Optio Scrivinus saluted. Not something he would normally do when he entered Andronicus's quarters, but he had a legionary standing behind him.

I have Legionary Castus with me, sir. He asks if he could have a quick private word with you.

I see. Step forward Legionary Castus and Optio Scrivinus please wait outside.

Castus saluted.

What can I do for you Legionary Castus?

Sir, I saw someone re-entering our Camp through the back fence yesterday evening. As it is a very serious offence to be outwith the Camp, I thought I should report this.

I see. And why did you not report this straight away.

Sir, I believe I know who I saw and feared it would cause great embarrassment if I reported this.

Andronicus did not like the sound of this. Could this legionary have seen him sneaking back into the Camp from his secret adventure to save Jamis at Camoch? Could this legionary be about to try and blackmail him?

Legionary Castus, who did you see?

Castus, who had been looking straight ahead, suddenly looked straight at Andronicus. You, Sir! I saw you, Sir!

Indeed you did. I was on an important secret mission which was accomplished. I trust you can keep this explanation to yourself.

I'm sure, Sir. It is just that we are always being told of the penalties of leaving the Camp, for example to visit prostitutes, or illegal purchasing of alcohol, which can all be very embarrassing if reported.

Andronicus saw at once where this was leading. Enough! I will not be blackmailed! Your accusation is false! Return to your tent! Dismissed!

Castus narrowed his eyes. Yes, Sir! I just wanted to bring this to your attention, Sir! Castus turned before Andronicus could reply.

As he made his way to the door, Castus felt that he had misjudged the situation. He had thought an Officer would do all he could to try protect his reputation and would pay a handsome price or grant favours, if anything threatened