Legio XVII: Battle of the Danube (10 page)

She then told him about the two scouts that were captured six years ago.  Timur perked up immediately.  “What happened to them,” he asked; his concern clearly showing on his face.

Bethica replied, “We questioned them without harm and let them go south across the Brenner Pass.  We have not heard anything since then.  But they told us they were originally from Jutland and traveling south to seek a better life.  They are Teutons and you are a Teuton, so obviously you’ve just made a long trek south and you too are seeking a better life.”  Again, Timur laughed.

Timur said, “Yes, we have migrated from Jutland and yes we are seeking a better life.  I am sorry it has to happen at your people’s expense, but I am responsible for 300,000 civilians and a large Army.  This land will become our new homeland and you and your people must accept that.”

Bethica said, “And what choice do we have.  I have no Army.  I won’t try to bluff you.  You’re free to do what you wish and go where you choose.  I did hear from the men you spared at our garrisons that your people plan to stay north of the Ulm-Munich-Passau line.  Is that correct?”

“Yes,” he replied and your people may remain in the 25 mile (40km) zone between Munich and the mountains.  We will not venture south of Munich.  Your people may remain there in peace.  I also know that a Tribe called the Romans destroyed your Army last month.”

“That is correct, she replied, “and your men destroyed the remnant of that Army.  I and my Council thank you and your men for not harming the many farmers that have been evicted from their homes.  I doubt many other conquerors would have shown such mercy.  We will not forget your kindness as we struggle to find them food, shelter, and a place to rebuild their lives. Timur, before we depart back to Innsbruck, I have one more question for you.  When I rode into your camp, one of your soldiers couldn’t resist making lewd comments as I rode by.  I would like to go and fight him hand to hand to the death.”  Timur was taken aback and could not believe what he had just heard.

Collecting himself, he said, “Bethica you are to be commended and I admire your fighting spirit, but if you beat one of my men and actually kill him, Army morale will suffer greatly.  I will personally escort you out of camp and ensure your safety all the back to Munich.”  Timur not only admired Bethica, but he genuinely liked her.

As they rode out of camp, Bethica spotted the offending Teuton soldier and had to fight the temptation to jump off her horse and attack him.

As they rode away, Davenhardt commented to Bethica, “You handled that conversation with Timur like the true leader you are.”  She smiled at him and touched his hand.

*******

In late September 209, two months after the Teutons crossed the River and after her meeting with Timur, Bethica, Davenhardt, and Nasua set out to cross over the Brenner Pass to talk to the Rhaetian King, Timo, and the Cenomani Chief, Segovesus, about the possibility of forming an alliance.

The plan to resettle the thousands of displaced farmers throughout the Inn River Valley was progressing well and she believed Timur’s pledge that they would not attack Innsbruck.  The Suevi farmers who were arriving everyday from the north also told her that the Teutons planned to stay north of the Ulm-Munich-Passau line and allow the Suevi to live in peace to the south.

Bethica took a small detachment of bodyguards with her as she made the arduous journey over the Alps.  It was still warm enough to travel through the Pass, but she would have to conclude her business quickly to get back to Innsbruck before the winter’s snow closed the Pass for another year.

*******

Timo met Bethica in the Great Hall where he had recently married the Roman woman Rosa.  Segovesus, the Cenomani Chief had graciously made the trip north to participate in the conference.  He was basically ignorant of the Teuton invasion and needed to learn how this might impact his people.

Bethica and her group, as well as Segovesus and his advisors, were lodged at the Great Hall.  Once they were settled in, Timo proudly showed them his Roman trained Army and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.  He wanted to impress his visitors with not only the strength of his kingdom, but its striking landscape.  Segovesus had seen it all before, but Bethica was impressed.  Innsbruck was surrounded by soaring mountains, but she grew up with it and took it for granted.  She made a mental note to identify particularly scenic views so she too could impress visitors.  That first evening they were treated to a sumptuous banquet with a variety of food, drink, and entertainment.  Most of the guests drank too much, but Bethica was determined to keep her wits about her and only sipped from her silver goblet.  Davenhardt, who liked wine, imitated Bethica and drank moderately.

The day after her arrival, at 9:00 A.M., the three leaders and their advisors met in the Great Hall to begin their serious business.  King Timo opened the meeting: “I would like to welcome all our guests, particularly Segovesus, who came on such short notice.  I hope my guests found their accommodations satisfactory and the meal last night adequate.  Since Bethica requested this meeting, I will now turn it over to her.”

Bethica slowly rose from her seat and moved to center herself so she could face the attendees.  She was aware that other than Rosa, Timo’s wife, she was the only woman of authority in the room.  Bethica was dressed as a Suevi warrior, but her lovely face and long braided hair, clearly identified her as a woman.  In many ways, she was probably the smartest person in the room that day.  She spoke to the group with the authority befitting her position.

“I would like to thank the King for his gracious hospitality in hosting this event and for the fine living accommodations.  Chief Segovesus, thank you for attending. After last night’s banquet, I’m afraid I may have to ask the King for a stronger horse to carry me back to Innsbruck.”  That comment drew an affirmative nod from everyone.  “It was a magnificent meal and I thank you and all those who made it possible.”

“On a more serious note, I know that many of you here participated in the defeat of my father’s Army in July.  I want you to know that I bear you no ill will.  My father acted precipitously and fought a needless war in which he was badly outclassed.  From all accounts, my warriors fought well, but they were no match for the Romans or your brave soldiers.”

“But let me now talk about another situation that has the potential, in time, to affect everyone sitting here in this magnificent Hall.  We’ve seen the strength and beauty of King Timo’s realm, but if we are not prudent, my land, as well as this land, may one day be claimed by the Cimbri/Teuton Tribes.”

“Two months ago, 90,000 Cimbri and Teutons warriors crossed the Danube River and killed 6,000 of my men.  I’ve been told that in the spring they will settle 300,000 of their people in what was Suevi land.  Already, they have evicted about 100,000 of my people and more are arriving every day.  We can accommodate these people in the Inn River Valley so the Teuton aggression will not force us to encroach south into your land.  The Teuton Chief Timur told me personally that he is content, for the time being, to remain north of the Ulm, Munich, Passau line.  The danger I see, and the reason I am here is to issue a warning that, in time, perhaps even after we are dead, the Teutons will need to expand again and begin moving south or another Tribe will cross the Danube and push the Teutons south.  First, they will take Innsbruck, then Rhaetian territory, then Cenomani land.”

“As leaders, our job is to look into the future and prevent future devastation to our land and displacement of our people.  If we act now, in a concerted manner, before they become entrenched, we may be able to eliminate this current invasion and discourage any future threats.  If each of our three people can muster an Army of 30,000, I believe we can drive the Teutons back across the Danube.  I am already rebuilding my Army from among the refugees and expect shortly to have 20,000 men under arms.”  She then stopped speaking and looked intently at each of the decision-makers in the room.  “Thank you for listening and I beg you to give my proposal careful consideration.  I await your decision.”  She returned to her seat and took a long drink of weak wine.

King Timo said, “We all thank you Bethica for your carefully considered proposal.  Let’s all meet again tomorrow morning at 9:00 A.M. to further discuss this matter.  Delegates are free to walk among the grounds to debate the issue among themselves.  We will meet again for dinner this evening.”  He then got up and retired to his quarters.

As they climbed the stairs to their quarters, Bethica asked Davenhardt, “How do you think it went?  Did I convince them?”

Davenhardt replied, “You did as well as could be expected.  Your argument is logical, well thought out, and you delivered it perfectly, but I don’t think, they’re going to buy into it.  It’s too risky for them.  There is no gain for them personally or for their people, only risk.  If our combined armies lose the battle with the Teutons, they will lose men and be vulnerable to an attack in return.  As far as the risk to their future, I don’t believe that they think that far ahead.  We will go home empty handed.  But there is another option.

“What’s that,” she asked, genuinely intrigued.

“Appeal to Rome,” he said.

She continued up the stairs in silence mulling it over in her mind.  As they were about to separate to go to their respective rooms, she turned towards Davenhardt and grasped him by his two forearms.  Her eyes fixed his.  She said, “You are a genius” and leaned up and kissed him on the cheek.  After she turned to leave, Davenhardt stood there.  He smiled as he entered his room.

During the day, Bethica and Davenhardt met individually with Timo, Segovesus, and their advisors to reiterate the pressing need for concerted action against the Teutons.  They listened politely, but made no commitment.

Timo’s banquet that night was another magnificent affair.  Everyone ate and drank more than they should have, but it was a special occasion; it was the King’s birthday.  Bethica was introduced to Rosa and instantly liked her.  The two talked as thought they had know each other all their lives.  The food and entertainment lasted well past midnight.  Bethica was relieved to finally return to her room and sleep.

The following morning, all the principals met again in the Great Hall to discuss Bethica’s proposal.  Some of the advisors showed up looking a little pale and everyone looked tired.

The King spoke first and politely declined to provide help to the Suevi and cited many good reasons for his decision.  Then Segovesus similarly offered his rationale to decline, and that was that.  No Alliance, but they did offer help in resettling the many refugees flooding into Innsbruck.

Bethica thanked them for considering her proposal and said she bore then no ill will for rejecting it.  She graciously accepted whatever assistance they could provide for the refugees.  She then stunned them all by saying, “I will make one more proposal, which I think you will be more favorably inclined to accept.  Next year, in July 208, my father is scheduled to return to Innsbruck from Rome where he’s been recuperating from wounds received during the Battle of Innsbruck.  I will stay with him for the rest of the year and see to the settlement of the displaced farmers that have entered our area after their forced eviction.  When the Pass reopens in June 207, I will be here again for a short visit as I travel to Rome to seek their help in my fight against the Cimbri/Teuton invaders.  If I can convince them to send three Legions under the Command of Manius Tullus, would you then be willing to contribute your troops or grain to help us?”

As she sat down, the Hall was filled with discussion.  King Timo announced a recess of two hours after which he said he would have a decision.  Timo, Chief Segovesus and their advisors went into the Kings meeting room to hash out Bethica’s new proposal.  Bethica went to Rosa’s quarters and asked to visit.  The two got along very well despite their vast cultural differences.

Rosa confessed that she had been eavesdropping and heard her new idea.  Rosa said, “If you do, indeed, go to Rome, I would like to go along so I can visit my parents.”

Bethica readily agreed and added, “You need to start training so you’ll be able to ride a horse for hours and days at a time otherwise you won’t be able to walk when we reach Rome.”  They both laughed, but knew it was true.

When assembly was announced, Bethica entered the Hall and joined the others to hear their decisions.  As she had hoped, Timo said, “If Rome will send their Legions to fight, I will contribute a full Legion of 5,000 men and Segovesus said he would provide grain and corn for the soldiers from the Cenomani and the surrounding tribes.”  Bethica’s morale soared!  And she knew she owed it to Davenhardt’s sound counsel.  Timo added one condition, “Manius Tullus must be the overall Commander of the operation or the deal is off.”

Bethica thanked Timo and Segovesus and said they would see her again in 21 months, June 207, on her way to Rome.  Segovesus then told the assembly, “Since Praetor Tullus and Legio XVII are wintering at Brixia, I will advise him of this proposal when I return.”  And with that, the meeting adjourned.