Chapter 37: Securing the Borders (2)
My appointment as governor was an unparalleled honor, but the reality I faced was far from easy.
The legions guarding the empire's northern border had dwindled from eight to four amid the recent war and this civil strife. Even those remaining were far from full strength, having suffered heavy losses in brutal fighting.
Now we were forced to defend a border previously held by two or three legions with just one. In truth, my promotion to governor was a gilded trap. My command hadn't grown, but my responsibilities had.
Yet we couldn't abandon our duty just because it was difficult.
I gazed around the office once used by the 29th Legion's commander, lost in thought. My first task was to drive out the barbarians who had slipped across the border during the civil war.
It might seem simple compared to other challenges, but it was no easy feat. It was tied to building relations with the barbarians, after all.
After much deliberation, I decided to win over some of the tribes already inside the border. Dividing them would prevent desperate resistance, and it would secure us some auxiliaries too. It was the best approach.
Of course, incorporating barbarians as auxiliaries always carried risks, but we had no choice but to bear them now.
I sent Rikius to scout the tribes that had crossed. After days of verification, we identified twenty in total.
It might seem like a lot in such a short time, but it wasn't really. The Black Forest beyond our border was harsh terrain, teeming with people eager to migrate. Beyond the tribes camped at our gates lay hundreds, even thousands more.
Considering that, the fact that only twenty had crossed when we'd left the border unguarded meant the barbarians were actually intimidated.
They'd watched my 16th Legion wage a "brutal" war in the last conflict. No wonder they hesitated to cross.
Still, those who had come likely thought our civil war had weakened us enough to try their luck—or they'd been pushed out by stronger tribes.
Among the twenty, I targeted the weaker ones for alliance. Alliances benefited more from the weak than the strong.
That way, we kept the initiative, and they were easier to control, less likely to betray us.
First, the Baraman and Roymani tribes. They're weak—barely three hundred warriors each. Nothing to worry about. Time to reach out to them.
With my thoughts sorted, I dispatched Rubiot, whom I'd promoted to acting legion commander, as envoy to the Baraman and Roymani.
Such minor tribes would grovel before even a centurion, but I needed to show we were serious about alliance, not just maneuvering politically.
And that would appeal to the others too. A legion commander meeting minor chieftains to formally recognize their stay inside the border? The rest will scramble to meet us.
Even as trespassers on imperial soil, they'll have to watch us. We'll use that time to swiftly crush the big ones.
That was my rough plan for handling the barbarians. Years of facing them had given me the instincts for it.
Of course, I could only pull this off thanks to the experience and insight I'd gained crossing borders countless times.
Days later, when Rubiot returned, I asked about his talks with the chieftains.
"The chieftains were receptive to our proposal. With firm guarantees from us, they said they'd swear loyalty to the emperor on the spot and provide two hundred warriors each."
"Two hundred each? Haha. They're practically stripping naked and handing themselves over. Makes sense—they've got nowhere to go if we drive them out, and they know they can't beat us.
They just want to bow low and stay. What did you think?"
"Of what?"
"Their eyes. Did they look trustworthy? That desperate?"
"The Baraman definitely did. Their chieftain even offered his daughter. But the Roymani weren't that eager. They'd submit if we kept our word—that was their attitude."
I chuckled.
"Then one of those two tribes is already in bed with a major power. These barbarians aren't total fools."
I smiled outwardly but was inwardly surprised. Anticipating our barbarian policy and preparing countermeasures meant they had sharp minds among them.
If it was Heigirt pulling strings, things would get messy. But it wasn't him.
I was certain of that. From Heigirt's perspective, prolonging peace with the empire benefited him most. As imperial army commander with our support, he maintained a loyal force. Staying the status quo as long as possible would solidify his dynasty.
He wasn't the type to chase short-term gains. That made him all the more terrifying.
"Who do you think it is?"
"One of the big tribes, probably. To challenge the empire, you need that kind of power.
The small ones know they couldn't hold what they've taken even if they won."
"Need an investigation?"
"No need."
I lightly stroked the ring on my finger.
"But shouldn't we find out?"
"The picture's clear enough. If one of Baraman or Roymani is a plant from a big tribe, we'll turn it against them.
No need for us to rack our brains if we use their spy to hook the real fish. Rubiot."
"Yes?"
"Prepare the legion now."
"Going yourself?"
"Of course. The red governor's cloak doesn't make me any less an eagle."
Rubiot grinned at my reply.
Then he dropped to one knee.
"As you command, Governor. I shall assemble the legion."
I nodded and walked to the window, hands clasped behind my back.
The brief respite was over. Time to paint the hills red again. That was the empire's demand of me.
That is the mission of we eagles.
I gave a wry smile.
The 16th Legion was responsible for roughly 800 kilometers of border—from the Black Forest (in the narrow sense), once the 12th Legion's duty, to the 29th's sector.
Far too long for one legion, making detection difficult.
So instead of spreading out, I'd concentrated forces around Bellgorod. Dividing them would just let barbarians overwhelm isolated groups.
Once this cleanup succeeded and they feared my name, we could fortify properly later.
Thus, the legion assembled in just two days. Standard bearers, battalion commanders, the acting legion commander, judge advocate, quartermaster—all senior officers gathered.
They stood grim-faced below the podium. At a normal legion commander's send-off, some might stand behind me, but I was the emperor's proxy, above all.
No one could stand beside me. Nor should they. I disliked pomp, but this concerned Emperor Baccus's dignity.
I surveyed the thousands assembled in Bellgorod's square. Their eyes shone with unwavering trust. Their faith filled me with strength.
Yes, no matter the title or rank, I belonged on the battlefield as an eagle.
I cleared my throat and spoke.
"Warriors of the 16th Legion, ever devoted to the empire's border defense. We've focused on crushing the internal foe Anpianus, neglecting our true duty.
In that time, rats have infested our granary. What say you?"
"Kill the barbarians!"
"Slaughter the rats!"
The soldiers roared. Having fought barbarians endlessly, their hatred ran deep. Of course, they'd hesitate in a real fight for their lives, but they trusted me utterly.
Follow me, and victory was certain. In a sure win, venting hatred cost nothing. That was why they cheered so wildly.
I raised a hand to quiet them.
Once their voices faded, I continued.
"Your words ring true. We cannot tolerate thieves threatening imperial citizens and claiming our land.
Those rats are the empire's foes—and our eagles'. Today, I will drive them out, restore the empire's honor, and proclaim our eagles endure."
"Yes! Yes!"
The legion cheered.
I looked down at them and called the standard bearer.
"Legion standard bearer, raise the eagle."
"Yes, sir."
As the 16th's eagle rose high, I drew my sword. The governor's blade flashed in the sun.
"Today, I march with you—not as the emperor's proxy, but as one eagle. Beloved soldiers of my legion. My brothers. Take up spears and swords with me—let us hunt the rats."
"Waaaaah!"
Their cheers swelled. They wanted me at their head, as always.
I turned amid the roar, my red eagle-embroidered cloak billowing.
"You'll command the legion's advance."
"Understood."
Rubiot saluted crisply, then mounted the podium and bellowed at the troops.
"16th Legion! To the battlefield!"
"Victory for the empire! Glory for the empire! Death to the barbarians!"
Soldiers slammed shields, snarling their battle cry. At the signal, the standard bearer led the eagle around the square. With him at the fore, the 16th marched to war once more.
"I am Usiper, chieftain of the Baraman. Governor."
Two days from Bellgorod, at a border fortress, I met the barbarian chieftain Usiper.
He knelt, forehead to the ground, pledging eternal loyalty to the empire.
With prior talks via Rubiot settled, I smiled and clapped his shoulder.
"Of course. The empire is generous to the loyal. We always open our doors to those who wish to serve. Shed blood for the empire, and His Majesty will grant you and your people a small plot of land. I'll ensure it."
"Thank you, sir."
Usiper bowed again.
I told him to rise with a smile. Standing, he towered over me—massive build, intimidating face, thoughtful eyes. First impressions: somewhat dangerous.
But that didn't matter. I aimed to win them over, not trust them. We were strangers, no basis for faith yet.
As I strolled, he followed three cautious paces behind. Glancing at our troops building camp, I said,
"First, a question for you."
"Ask, sir."
"Twenty tribes crossed this time, including yours. Numerically, wouldn't joining them offer better odds than us?"
Usiper halted at my bluntness.
"Sir, we fear making an enemy of the empire more."
"Why?"
"We've heard of your wars—last one and the civil war—from auxiliaries and merchants. Knowing your might, how could we turn against the empire?"
I clasped hands behind my back. Plausible. They side with us out of fear of me. Without me? They'd turn the blade. But I wasn't preaching faith. I trusted none of them anyway.
"Fair enough. I understand now—no need for idle words."
"Pardon?"
"I hate betrayal most. I loathe backstabbing rats more than honorable wolves.
Every traitor rat so far lost their head. Women and children sold as slaves. You've heard the tales."
Usiper swallowed dryly, nodding.
"Of course."
"So if you crave betrayal, remember one thing."
I locked eyes with the chieftain, enunciating clearly.
"Fail at it, and not one of you or your tribe survives free—they'll all die or enslave. I've never spoken empty words. I promise. Heed this warning."
"I've never considered betrayal."
Only then did I smile.
"Of course. Just making it clear. People weaken and err sometimes. Haha."
Usiper looked tense, but I doubted mere words shook this man who'd led a minor tribe through the grim Black Forest.
He'd be cunning as a fox playing weak. That tension might be calculated.
As promised, I ordered him to bring his warriors. As the chieftain departed camp, Rikius approached.
"Can we trust him?"
"Impossible to say. Sly as a raccoon.
A power broker from a strong tribe would be easier to read. But he's hidden fox cunning in a bear's bulk. Hard to judge."
"Why not eliminate him?"
I shook my head.
"Rikius, kill him and every barbarian unites against me. Then it gets messy."
"Why?"
He'd grown, but experience lacked.
I let my red eagle cloak flutter, gazing at the cloudy sky.
"Like knowing clouds mean rain. Barbarians know we'll purge them.
They just don't know who we'll court, so they hold back.
Kill one we summoned, and they unite, seeing no room for talk. Got it?"
"I think so."
"Experience will sharpen your instincts. Rain's coming—tell Rubiot to prepare for battle."
"Yes, sir."
As Rikius left, I stood facing the wind. Damp gusts foretold the bloodshed ahead.
(To be continued)