“I do recognize it, sir. I recognize it verywell.”
Either mistaking or ignoring my tone, Primusrubbed his hands together again, something that I was noticingseemed to be a habit of his, like a man about to tuck into adelicious meal.
“I knew that you would. That's why I askedfor you specifically. You and I are going to have the opportunityto avenge the insult done to Rome. And to avenge your friend, ofcourse.” He added this clearly as an afterthought, causing a surgeof anger I could feel uncoiling in my stomach.
However, a distinctly unsettled feeling waseven stronger than my anger, as I wondered just how this man I hadnever met, or heard of for that matter, knew about Balbus. I couldonly think of one way: Octavian, who seemed to know everythingabout everybody, no matter how minor a player they might have been.I stared at the map, my mind swirling with all kinds of thoughts,the pudgy little man still looking at me expectantly.
Realizing he expected me to say something,all I could think to say was, “The men are ready for whatever liesahead.”
“I should hope so! Given how long it tookyou to get here, I expected that you stopped early every day toconduct all manner of training.” He tapped the map with a fingerand spoke with all the confidence of the couch general. “We'll movequickly, and take these Triballi scum by surprise. I expect toleave nothing but scorched earth and grieving widows in our path,Prefect. Do you understand me?”
I understood perfectly; here was anothernobleman seeking personal glory through our strong right arms. Tobe fair to Primus, he was no different from Marcus Crassus in thatrespect, but I did not get the same feeling of competence fromPrimus that Crassus seemed to exude with every step he took andword he spoke. A thought occurred to me, but before I vocalized it,I chose my words carefully.
“I imagine that this expedition has theapproval of Augustus?”
I posed it as half-question, half-statement,like the answer was a foregone conclusion, yet it was a realconcern. Given what had happened to Marcus Crassus, I had no desireto be associated with another ambitious patrician who ran afoul ofOctavian. Primus favored me with another smile, this time hisexpression smug, wreathed in the certainty that only comes from theassurance of favor from a powerful patron.
“I can assure you, Prefect, that what I'mdoing is under direct order from Augustus himself. However...” Hisvoice lowered and, despite the fact we were alone, he lookedaround, making sure no one could overhear. “This is highly secret.For reasons of state, it can't be known that Augustus condones thiskind of operation against a nation that's ostensibly an ally andprotectorate.”
The years I had spent with Scribonius taughtme to listen carefully, especially in matters like this, when therewas a possibility that there would be some sort of aftermath.
“Forgive me, governor,” I said verycarefully. “But I just want to make sure that I understand youcorrectly. First, you said that Augustus ordered this operation,but then you said it can't be known that he condones what you'reproposing we do to the Triballi.”
Much like I expected, a look of irritationcrossed Primus’ face, but his answer came with a dismissivewave.
“Prefect, you sound like one of thoselawyers who hang about the forum trying to wrangle up business byfinding fault with every little word in a contract. As I said, Iassure you that I wouldn't be here unless Augustus approved of whatwe're going to do.”
In fact, this made sense to me, especiallyafter what had happened to Crassus, who was now living in exile. Icould not imagine anyone of any status in Rome taking such a hugestep like what Primus was proposing, although looking back, I willconcede that I might have thought that more readily because Iwanted vengeance for Balbus and Primus was offering theopportunity. We discussed some other details, then I was dismissed.As I was leaving, Primus called out to me.
“By the way, Prefect, I'll inspect the menfirst thing in the morning. After that, we'll begin the march.”
I froze in my tracks, cursing all Praetorswith Proconsular powers. I turned about, once again finding myselfchoosing my words.
“Sir, while I appreciate your desire tobegin this campaign, the men have just arrived from a very longmarch. Holding an inspection in the morning, then expecting them tobe immediately ready to march is not…” The word I wanted to use was“possible,” but instead, I used “…easy.”
Primus gave me what I was sure he thoughtwas his severe look, although I was distinctly reminded of apetulant child as he stuck his lip out.
“Prefect, I'm not interested in hearingexcuses. I've given a command and I expect it to be carried out. Isthat clear?”
I realized that we were at a point where Ihad to establish our respective roles. I had hoped that this MarcusPrimus would have been the good sort of Praetor who knew where hisresponsibilities and expertise ended, and mine began, but it wasnot to be. I was opening my mouth to argue, when on the spur of themoment, I decided to change my tack.
“Of course, sir, that is perfectly clear. Itwill be as you command, of course. If you'd just show me thelocation of the granaries, I'll have the men begin workimmediately.”
“The granaries?”
“Yes, sir. Naturally, we marched with justenough in the way of supplies to get here, or our progress wouldhave been even slower. We're also low on chickpeas, and pork, ofcourse. The men do love their salt pork. Also, we need several sowsof iron ingots, although I don’t know the amount off the top of myhead. Finally, we need to replenish our stock of boots. Most of themen wore out one pair and are on their spares now. But you know allthis, being Praetor and acting Legate now of this army. So all youneed to do is point me in the right direction, and I'll take careof the rest. The men will have
