Legio XVII: Roman Legion at War Read Online Free PDF

make such a difficult trip and asked the Garrison Commander to provide one capable soldier to go in his stead, but to wear civilian clothes.  The other individual would come from Levi’s office.  He turned to Pontius and said, “There would be no deception, but because the countryside is in turmoil, you must allow a Roman cavalry detachment to accompany the two men for most of the journey.  The cavalry would remain a discrete distance away from the actual meeting site.  Is this acceptable?”  Pontius nodded his agreement and asked that the four villagers who would be at the exchange site be provided with horses for their return trip to the village as this would enable them to outrun the many robbers who infest the countryside.  Levi looked questioningly at the Garrison Commander, “Agreed,” he responded.  Levi asked the Garrison Commander to feed Pontius and give him a horse to speed him on his way.
    As soon as Levi saw Pontius depart through the city gate, he immediately left Rome in his carriage to see Lucia and bring her the good news.  She had been in mourning for four months.  Levi knew her senses were numbed and she might react to the news not only with disbelief, but also with anger.
    When Levi arrived at the villa, he slowly explained the story to her and in as much detail as he felt she could handle.  She listened, but did not speak.  He then excused himself and left.  “Better to let her deal with this in private,” he thought as he rode away.
    Lucia was in shock.  She could not believe what Levi had just told her.  Her mind raced; her emotions were in utter turmoil.  She denied it at first, afraid to give herself hope.  Then slowly over the course of the next day, began to acknowledge that Manius was alive and would be coming home.  Then the full flood gates of her emotions opened and she cried and sang and danced.  The children had no problem with the news and joyously accepted it as soon as they heard.  The entire household immediately began furiously preparing for his arrival.  Joy had returned to the Tullus household.
    As Levi approached the miserly and portly Senator in charge of Special Funds and laid out the case to pay the Samnites for the release of Manius, he knew he had a hard sell facing him.   As expected, the Senator refused.  He stated that Rome’s policy was not to pay for hostages.  Levi patiently explained why this was not a hostage situation and that paying for Manius would be good for Rome in the long term.
    Levi spoke of maintaining needed allies, troop safety, honestly earned rewards, and so forth, but the Senator was unbending.  He added with little effect that Manius was severely wounded in leg and head and unable to travel by himself.  In desperation, Levi said, “He is not a prisoner.  All right sir, I will pay from my own pocket.”  At that, the Senator paused, looked to the side and, without directly addressing Levi, said, “He is a good soldier; I will see what I can do,” and left.  The next day, aides to the Senator arrived in Levi’s office with five wooden boxes of coins for the exchange.
    Pontius’ arrival in the village on horseback immediately told the villagers that he had been successful, but how successful they would have to wait to find out!  Pontius was the center of attention, and he relished it!  He had carefully planned and rehearsed the story he would tell them knowing it would become village lore for years to come.  He held back, telling them just enough to wet their appetites, until the evening when everyone would be gathered around the village fire.
    Pontius ate and rested as the villagers’ anticipation grew to fever pitch.  Finally, it was dark enough to light the village fire and listen to Pontius’ story.  Manius was given an honored place and his comfort attended to.
    First, Pontius told them about his trip to Rome and all the close calls with robbers along the way.  Some exaggeration was expected.  He detailed