7.

Leopold returned two days later with a frightened and trembling man.

“This is the auctioneer from the port of Zadar, who sold the two boys. He is in league with several pirates. They land at the docks of Zadar and sell him the boys and then he auctions them off. He has not been too helpful, well not at first, but I loosened his tongue for you, Tribune.”

The man fell to his knees and begged, “Oh, Master, do not kill me. I am just a poor merchant.”

“If you do not give me the information I want, I may behead you!” Cornelius stormed.

“Oh, Master, tell me what I can do,” the man begged, interrupting the Tribune.

“Ten years ago, you bought and sold this young man and his brother.” Cornelius motioned toward Michael standing to one side. The man looked at Michael without recognition.

“Yes, Master?” he trembled.

“So you find them in your records, and you find who bought the other boy.” He paused “Or else.”

“Oh, Master, give me a few minutes. I have those records on these scrolls.”

In the stillness of the tent, only the scuffling of scrolls and the activity in the camp broke the silence.

The auctioneer fumbled with some scrolls and said, “Master, if I have the right boy, I sold him to the Spezzano estate. That estate is about four leagues east of this place.”

Cornelius pulled the man to his feet. “You will accompany a centurion and his company to this Spezzano estate and find what has happened to the boy. Your best hope he is at the estate and alive and you can buy him back.”

“Yes, Master.”

Cornelius almost thundered, “Leopold?”

“Yes, Tribune, it shall be done.” The tribunes could always read Cornelius’ mind and be prepared to do his bidding.

With the departure of Leopold and the slave merchant to find a centurion for the search, Salvatore and Giovanni stepped into the tent.

“Tribune Cornelius?” asked the two tribunes.

“Yes, what is it?”

“With your permission, we are ready.”

“Then sound the trumpets. We will be in your camp in a few days.” They exchanged salutes and the two tribunes left.

Before Leopold returned, the second and third trumpets sounded and two more cohorts marched by in review to join the camp established by Julius and Sergio.

Cornelius chuckled to himself. “The mistress will be in a state of nervous chaos. First, two cohorts arrive and pitch camp and now two more cohorts appear, swelling the number in the camp to over eight thousand. She will be wondering what deed she committed to bring such a show of force to her estate. She will think her life is to be claimed and her estate confiscated by the empire.”

Even in his sadness over his brother, Alfieri, he knew a full measure of joy over finding Michael and the prospect of the look on the mistress’ face when they met.

Cornelius waited impatiently for four days. On the verge of giving the command to move the camp, Cornelius rejoiced when Leopold returned.

“What did you learn, Leopold?”

“Tribune, friend, this is going to come as a shock. The owner sold Alfieri to the same gladiatorial school where we were slaves.”

Cornelius sat down. His knees buckled. When they visited Pescara, they found the school empty, burned and the slaves gone after a rebellion.

After some time Cornelius said, “Bring me the ship’s captain and prepare to move the camp.”

The commander of the ship arrived at Cornelius’ command post in a short time. The guard showed him into the tent.

“Commander, I have two messages for you to deliver to the garrison. One is to the commander of the garrison, and the other one will be delivered to the Emperor Tiberius.”

“Yes, Tribune,” the fleet commander responded.

“Last, Commander. We march at dawn. We will arrive in Athens at about the time we agreed. I have one question. We have to move from Athens to Caesarea in Judea. Will it take forever?”

“No, Tribune. Larger ships will be there to move you and your legion. There will be ten ships to move your entire force in one trip. My commander, the fleet commander said you were to be given the biggest and best ships. It is the order of the Emperor.”

“Thank the gods.”

“Tribune, you will surely pray to the gods if you hit bad weather on the Great Sea and you certainly will thank the gods for your safe journey when you reach the other side.”

“So the ambassadors have told me. Thank you, Captain, and good sailing.”

Cornelius reflected on his two messages. The one to the emperor only stated he found one brother and continued to search for the second.

The message to the commander of the garrison at Pescara went into more detail. He outlined how his brother came to be in Pescara.

He further wrote, “My brother was a slave at the gladiatorial school.”

He could ask the garrison commander to search for his brother, not directly, but he knew the commander would assist in his quest. Many doubts filled Cornelius’ heart and mind whether the commander might find Alfieri.

He gave a final command. The last two cohorts would move on the morrow. At sunrise the first trumpet sounded and the two cohorts rose and prepared to move. At the second trumpet the two cohorts packed their supplies and tents and stood by, ready to march.

Leopold entered Cornelius’ tent. “We are ready, Tribune.”

“Then sound the third trumpet. Call my escort century, and I will ride on ahead. My brother will ride at my side.”

“Very well, Tribune.” The third trumpet sounded.

Late in the day and six leagues to the south, Cornelius, along with the last two cohorts, arrived at the camp across the stream from his former mistress’ estate.

As the last cohort arrived under a waning sun, Cornelius thought he saw figures on top of the estate’s structure. He wondered if they were watching this last arrival with quaking hearts and trembling limbs. Surely the occupants, and in particular the mistress, would be praying to the gods for deliverance from the plague of soldiers invading her estate.

Julius, Salvatore, Giovanni and Sergio greeted their commander. With a Roman salute, Sergio informed him, “We have the camp arranged as you instructed. The command pavilion is on the highest spot across from the estate. The six tribune command tents are arranged with three on each side, with their respective banners set in front of each tent. All tents face the estate. We have the century banners and standards on display in front of each tribune tent. Legion pennants, standards and banners are on display. All is as you ordered.”

“Very well, Tribunes. For tonight we rest. On the morrow I want a full inspection, and pass in review. Have the occupants of the estate to appear promptly at the sounding of the third trumpet. They are to watch the review. Clear?”

“As you command, Tribune,” they answered in chorus. “First trumpet, prepare for review. Second trumpet pass in review and on the third trumpet I will give audience to the estate owner.”

“It is so ordered, Tribune.”

Cornelius knew they were going to a lot of fanfare for nothing, but he wanted to impress and put the fear of the gods in the mistress’ heart.

He walked to his private tent behind the large command tent. Torches blazed at every intersection of streets in the camp. He ordered the camp set up to the west of the command tents and organized into streets and rows, as they would have been in a permanent winter camp, only this time they would use just tents. There was not time to build wooden huts and it was certainly not necessary. He desired to impress the estate members, and he trusted the many eyes of the estate were duly impressed.

The next morning, Tribune Elect Cornelius of the Third Legion stepped from his tent into a bright shiny morning. He dressed in his Tribune uniform, complete with silver armor and silver helmet topped with a great red crest. He wore a bright red cloak. A silver decorated sword hung at his side and a dagger showed on his belt. Silver armlets and shin guards completed his attire.

He glanced to each side and saw his six tribunes also in dress Tribune uniforms of the Roman Army. Each Tribune’s scepter bearer stood at his side. Each tribune, escorted by seconds in command, staff, guards and aides, made a very impressive sight.

Every man in the legion, six thousand strong, stood silent and still. The snapping of cohort banners, legion flags and century pennants made the only sound in the early morning breeze.

The legion, earlier supplied with a very large pavilion for the occasions of formal audiences or for large military or civilian meetings, stood at attention.

For the first time Cornelius found a use for the pavilion. It, with its pennants, flags, banners and trappings, gleamed with splendor in the early morning sunlight.

Julius, Sergio, Antonio, Giovanni, Leopold and Salvatore marched down the imaginary street in front of the command pavilion and the six tribune tents. With them marched their aides, second in command and Millarian Centurions. In perfect step they wheeled in front of the Tribune Elect and came to a halt.

Tribune Julius saluted and spoke, “Tribune Elect Cornelius, the Third Legion awaits your inspection.”

Cornelius returned the salute and responded, “Legion, pass in review.”

By cohorts, consisting of ten centuries, the six tribunes led their soldiers by in formation.

Cornelius looked on as one thousand spear men, one thousand archers, one thousand cavalry, one thousand foot soldiers with rectangular shields, one thousand troops with round shields and officers in the column of men passed in review.

As each cohort passed, pennants were lowered in salute. Then each century dipped standards and banners in salute. They marched by in fours, every man in step, armor shiny, weapons at the ready and horses brushed and clean. The Third Legion of the Imperial Army marched by their tribune with pride.

The review completed, orders given, the army prepared to move on south, but the white pavilion remained standing.

Cornelius chuckled to himself, “The pavilion is a thing of beauty and demonstrates the glory of Roma.”

Tribunes and Officers of the Third Legion were ordered, “Report to the main command pavilion.”

Upon entering the pavilion, the soldiers heard a flurry of trumpets. Cohort soldiers stood at attention, holding pennants of the legion.

In addition, two soldiers from each century stood holding their standard and century banner. Sixty centurions stood at attention outside the entrance to the pavilion.

With the floor covered in rugs, and drapes hung from the pavilion walls, the setting made most royal halls look shabby. On each side of the table three tribunes, still in their command uniforms, stood at attention.

The third trumpet sounded.

Cornelius, dressed in his tribune uniform, removed his helmet and directed, “The estate representative may enter for an audience.” Cornelius sat behind a table on the west side of the pavilion awaiting the mistress.

The pavilion curtains parted and the mistress, of the estate entered. She kept her head down, eyes downcast, and moved in short tiny steps. Nearing the center of the pavilion, she dropped to her knees and put her forehead to the rugged floor. She did not speak.

Her four counselors followed her into the pavilion and copied her downcast eyes, short steps and prostrate position on the floor.

Finally, Albino, the slave, entered the pavilion. He did not move forward, but dropped to his knees and placed his forehead on the carpeted floor at the far side of the pavilion.

Cornelius spoke in the language of Italia. “Who is this person?”

The silence following rang louder than thunder. The mistress and her counselors did not speak Italia.

Again, Cornelius asked, in Italia, “Who is this person?”

The room still, only filled with tension.

“Does anyone of this estate speak the Italia?”

Albino whispered to the rug. “I, Lord, speak your language.”

“Who are you?”

“I am slave to my mistress. I am Albino.”

“You speak our language very well, slave.”

Albino paused and did not answer. He suddenly became troubled by the voice he heard. It sounded so familiar.

In his mind he asked, “Is this someone I have served or someone I met?”

“Slave, stand,” commanded the tribune at the table.

Albino slowly rose up erect, but only on his knees. He did not look up, but kept his eyes downcast. He did not stand. Training forbade him to stand in the presence of authority.

“Albino, slave, I said stand!” Cornelius thundered. Albino trembled, but he could not stand.

Still speaking in Italia, Cornelius said, “Tribune Leopold, Tribune Salvatore, stand this coward on his feet; and Tribune Antonio, perhaps you should bring him a chair. He appears a bit weak.” The three names caused Albino to jerk and begin to tremble in fear.

The next phrase almost gave him a heart attack.

The three tribunes answered in unison, “As you command, Tribune Cornelius.”

With the pronouncement of the name Cornelius, Albino could not keep his eyes down. The names, Leopold, Salvatore and Antonio shocked him, but the name Cornelius created more turmoil than even Albino’s soul and body could stand. His head snapped up, his eyes became big and round and his mouth hung open.

At the same moment, the mistress’ heart did a leap. She heard the three names and then the fourth. She could not understand the language, but she did know the four names, and they were like four arrows through her heart.

She cringed and began to weep. She reasoned, “I am about to die.”

The tribunes pulled Albino to his feet and pushed a chair under him. He sank in the chair trembling, yet he could not move. His heart raced and his breath made a rasping sound.

In front of him sat the slave, Cornelius, in a tribune uniform. Around the room, he saw the other former slaves, also in tribune uniforms. To make things worse there were three more men, giants, but in tribune uniforms and taking orders from Cornelius.

Albino hoped it was a bad dream and he would awaken soon.

Tribune Cornelius spoke, “I see you recognize us, Albino,” still speaking Italia.

Albino only blinked. This man commanded six cohorts. One of the soldiers told him there were six cohorts and twelve thousand men at his command.

Cornelius stood, and Albino could not believe his eyes. He remembered Cornelius as big young man, but now, he stood three cubits and at least two spans. He towered over Albino by almost a cubit.

Cornelius strode around the room, speaking as he moved about. “Albino, tell me about the estate. Is it doing well?’

Albino blinked. He could not find his voice because his heart pounded so hard in his ears.

If he, Cornelius, commanded six cohorts or six thousand men, it was as one soldier said, “Every man in the camp is under the orders of the Tribune.”

Albino knew anyone of them would chop off his head to please their tribune.

Albino pleaded in his head and heart, “Oh, would the gods strike me dead!” He finally whispered, “Yes, Tribune.”

“And how does the gold mine do?”

“Good, Tribune.”

“What say you about the sail making?”

“Good, Tribune.”

“Albino, can you not say anything but good?”

“No, Tribune.”

Cornelius chuckled and returned to his seat of authority. His presence certainly left just the effect he desired.

He turned his attention to the mistress and softly spoke her native tongue. “Mistress.”

She did not move. Her heart pounded, but she knew it was Cornelius. She would know his voice any place.

“Mistress, look at me.”

She could not raise her head from the carpeted floor. She froze in place. All ability to move fled as she, so horrified, could not move.

“Mistress,” he called again. He heard her soft sobbing and saw her body tremble.

“Mistress, you think I have come for revenge. You’re wrong. I have come asking for your help.”

She stilled. Her mind raced. What did she hear him say? He needed her help? Was she crazy, demented? He was trying to trick her, then behead her and finally, take her lands. Now, sure of it, she knew it was some kind of trick.

“Mistress, did you hear me? I need your help.” She still did not move.

Cornelius looked at his friends and nodded. They brought a chair and slowly and tenderly lifted her and sat her in the chair. She continued to bend forward, trembling, with downcast eyes.

“Mistress, please look at me.” His voice became tender.

She trembled. Her mind questioned, “I must be having a dream or a nightmare?”

He waited for her to look up.

She further thought, “Could I have heard him correctly? Did he say look up?”

The room was quiet for some time and remained so. “Mistress, look at me.”

She tentatively raised her head and glanced about the room. Her four counselors were still on the floor behind her and to the side. Albino sat in a chair. The look on his face made one believe he witnessed a spirit.

She slowly brought her gaze to rest on Cornelius. Just the sight of him made her tremble with fright. He had become a giant.

“Mistress, please do not be frightened.” Cornelius intended to create some fear in her to later make his point, but instead he saw her terror.

“I need to tell you a story. Mistress, are you listening?”

She trembled, but nodded and then muttered, “Yes.”

“This story is about Leopold, Salvatore, Antonio and me. You sold us into the gladiatorial school. We escaped and joined the army. The gods have seen fit to watch over us and to grant us favor. We are in the good graces of the emperor due to the hand of the gods. We appear before you by the hand of the gods.”

He paused to see if she listened. He saw she stared in rapt attention.

He continued, “I told this story to the Emperor, of our capture, enslavement, escape, joining the army and serving the empire and the emperor. Thus, we found favor with the emperor. He has given me an assignment because of this story and some other stories of child-stealing and child slavery. I am to stop the child selling in this province or cleanse the province. If you will help me, I will not behead every landowner in the province. Will you help me?”

For the first time the mistress spoke softly. “You want me to help you, and you are not here to kill me?”

“That is correct. I have to have someone who is respected in this province to convince the other landowners it is not profitable for them to deal in the sale and purchase of children. I will do whatever is necessary to stop the child stealing and then selling of them into slavery. The emperor recognizes many landowners have slaves. If they are adults or families born into slavery he sees this as a part of the empire’s industry. But the stealing of children puts blight on the empire, and he has instructed me to end this trade. Now will you help me?”

She slowly nodded. “What do you want me to do?”

“Go to every landowner and tell them what I said. We have, as we looked for my brothers, taken a census of the slaves and their ages in this province. Oh, Mistress,” He motioned for Michael. “This is my younger brother. He too was stolen at the same time as I. He has been on an estate east of here for ten years. I found him by the grace of the gods. We did not find our other brother. We think he was also sold into the gladiatorial school in Pescara.

“The school burned when the slaves rebelled. We do not know if he is alive. As you know, I, Leopold, Salvatore, Antonio, Michael were stolen and sold into slavery, but my lost brother remains lost.”

He pointed at Julius, Sergio, and Giovanni. “They were taken at various ages and sold into bondage. All we want to do at this time is stop the stealing of children and selling them into slavery. I will spare your life for your help. Will you help me?”

She whispered, “Yes. I will help.” She slowly stopped shaking and she felt her heart slow.

She thought, “All is not lost. It will take some understanding and thinking to accept what I am observing.”

“Fine. My soldiers found many children in this district, so my aides will make you a list of the children and estates. You are to see if any of them can be returned to their homes. Let us say anyone younger than fifteen years of age. Agreed?”

“Agreed, My Lord,” she whispered. She thought, “I may live to offer sacrifices to the gods.”

“I am not your lord, Mistress. I am the Tribune Elect of the Emperor of Roma. I must tell you a story, so you will better understand.”

“We started out as slaves and became soldiers. By fortune and the gods, I, with my friends, saved the Emperor. He was then Senator Tiberius. When he rode back to Roma, he took us there and placed us in the centurion school.

“While we were riding north Germania as centurions with the armies, a landslide killed our commander. The centurions and tribunes elected me commander and the field general confirmed my election. That is why I am called Tribune Elect. This was done by the hand of the gods.”

Cornelius motioned to his friends and they brought four more chairs for the four counselors.

“Counselors, rise and sit. I am no lord or god to bow to. You have been down there far too long and I offer my apologies. You are men the same as I.”

With creaking bones and stiff joints the four elderly counselors rose from their knees and sat in the appointed chairs.

“Now, you four counselors are to be my witnesses as to the orders of the Emperor and the Tribune Elect. We will give you the list. From time to time, a representative of the realm will pass through to check your progress. You need to be sure he makes a good report to the Emperor. Understand?”

They nodded. No one spoke, but they still sat in dumbfounded silence at the presence of the former slaves. The idea of four slaves becoming tribunes in the imperial army was a difficult concept for them to grasp.

Cornelius turned to Albino. “Old friend, do you not have anything to say?”

Albino smiled wanly and said, “Tribune, are you sure you and your friends are not spirits?”

Cornelius and his friends laughed. “No, Albino, we are not spirits.”

He turned to the mistress “You, your counselors and Albino have one other duty to perform for me. I am going to leave my younger brother with you. I want the eunuchs to teach him to use languages, to understand mathematics, to read, to be a merchant and to become the contact between this estate and my people in the Valley of Po.

“You have always wanted the good-grade woven wool you saw me wearing when I came here as a slave. Now, you train my brother, and he can be your ambassador to the clans of the Valley of Po.

“Also, you will fulfill the request of the emperor with my brother here in your house. He is not a slave, and he is now a member of your household from this day. Understood?”

“Yes, Tribune,” the mistress replied. She would be more than cooperative.

“Good, now stand. You are free to return to the estate. My brother will join you when we march south. For now he will be with me, but he is to have the benefit of a good education from your eunuchs.”

Cornelius walked the mistress to the entrance of the pavilion and said, “Remember, Mistress, you will be doing a service to the Emperor and to me. I thank you.”

The mistress, her counselors and Albino bowed and disappeared out the tent opening.

Cornelius returned to the table on the raised platform situated on the west side of the pavilion. He shrugged out of his cloak and began unfastening his armor.

“For now I want to drink wine with my friends and my brother, Michael. Put the chairs in a circle and we will tell stories and visit. It is a time of good tidings, as we have found my brother and he is well.”

After some drinking, Cornelius took Michael to his tent. There they talked privately into the wee hours of the night. “Now, my brother. You know I want you to stay and learn. Later, she will send you home as a merchant of wool, fine wool from the Valley of Po. You will be the first real merchant from the Valley of Po. You will make the Clan of Vito proud, particularly Carlos. When you go back, convey to our parents what has happened and deliver my love for them and the clan.”

Michael only smiled and nodded. He was over come with shock and admiration for this giant brother.

At the dawning of the next day, Cornelius ordered, “Julius, take two cohorts, yours and Sergio’s, to Athens. When Giovanni and Salvatore arrive in Athens to take your place, you will cross the Great Sea to Caesarea. There, I want you to select a campsite.

“Take the builders, carpenters, or whatever support you will need in Caesarea to build the camp.

“When the Mistress and I have seen the last landholders in this district, we will march to join you.” He clasped his friend by the shoulders. “And may the gods watch over you every hour.”

“And you, Tribune,” Julius said.

With the third trumpet, the next morning Cornelius stood at attention as the two cohorts passed in review on their march to Athens. He returned the salutes of the passing centuries and officers.

Cornelius called Antonio and Leopold after the two cohorts were gone from the camp.

“Here is a list of landowners in the Zadar district and the Mistress’ district. Antonio, bring the landowners of the Zadar region, and Leopold bring the ones of this district to me. The mistress will explain the situation of the children. Ride with speed, my friends. And may the gods ride with you.”

They saluted. “Tribune, may they continue to watch over you.”

Surprisingly, the words of the Tribune Elect and the Emperor spread rapidly concerning the demands concerning child slaves In some cases the landowners began to appear voluntarily. Only a few were summoned. The mistress sat by Cornelius on the dais and repeated the desires of the Empire. The landowners were more than glad to comply in the face of a Roman Army.

When Antonio and Leopold made their canvass of the region, as they led their centuries out into the two districts, Cornelius called Salvatore and Giovanni.

“My friends, in one month, you will march south following the first two cohorts. As for now, your troops may rest and prepare for the long march. You will be one month behind Julius. When you arrive, the fleet should be in Athens. From there, it will deliver Julius and Sergio to Caesarea and return for you and your command.

“When we have seen the landowners, I, with the last two cohorts, will march south. We will move slowly, as I will visit the leaders in every village and city. These visits will be a part of the diplomatic task of our march.”

For several days, Cornelius and the tribunes met with the mistress and her counselors.

“Mistress, with this list we compiled of slaves and the proper estates, you will not have much trouble locating the young men and women who might need to be returned. You have until our next visit to convince the estate owners of this change. When I return, I will see what you have accomplished.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

“Mistress, I am not a lord, only a tribune.”

They shared several meals and waited on the various estate owners to make an appearance at the mistress’ estate.

While they waited, the tribunes told her and her counselors of their journeys and battles - - thus ending one week of interviewing estate owners.

Cornelius informed the mistress, “Mistress, you are handling the slave situation very well. As things are going well, we march on the morrow. We must go to Athens and then to the land of Judea.”

“May the gods go with you and protect you, Tribune,” the mistress said.

“And may the gods give you success, Mistress.”

During the interviews, Cornelius had sat to one side of the raised dais in the great pavilion tent and watched as the mistress gave audience to landowners of the two districts.

They were astonished at the great pavilion, but they were more astonished when they entered. The pavilion, designed to show the power of Roma and to humble the most arrogant of leaders, kings or royal persons, always did so. Rugs completely covered the floor, tapestries hung from the sides and the power of the Empire was displayed by the presences of tribunes, centurions and soldiers.

The tribunes were dressed in their parade uniforms of silver, plumes and cloaks. Centurions stood at attention around the walls of the pavilion dressed in armor. Entire centuries stood at attention outside the pavilion, giving the approaching landowners second thoughts about their complaints or petty grievances.

The mistress sat behind the table Cornelius used when he called her to an audience. With Cornelius at one end, two of his ambassadors at the other end of the table and the great array of officers and troops, the landowners were subdued and attentive.

The mistress carried herself with dignity, but not arrogance. She explained the desire of the Emperor and the Tribune Elect. When she finished the discussion with each landowner, she extracted his pledge to do everything in his power to return any male or female less than fifteen years of age to his home and family.

She also obtained their pledge. They promised they would no longer buy or sell any child under the age of fifteen. The mistress further explained the periodic census of the landowners and their slaves.

She said, “It is to see you have complied with the decree.” She also showed the landowners the prior census taken by the army. They were in complete agreement with her, either from fright of the Emperor or fear of the wrath of the Tribune Elect.

During the period of audiences with landowners, the third and fourth cohorts marched south toward Athens. Soon the audiences would conclude, and the last cohorts would march south.

Also, during this period, Cornelius spent hours with his brother. He talked, listened and became acquainted with the young man, Michael.

He thought, “It is hard to believe Michael is now a man, a fully grown man. This has to be the best part of the days and hours.”

In the evenings over dinner, Cornelius and Michael visited with Albino and the mistress. The mistress joined him at the table, but poor Albino could not bring himself to sit as equals. He finally could stand in the presence of Cornelius and his mistress, but he could not raise his eyes and look at them.

He said, “My Lord, I have been a slave for my life. I know my place and am happy with this place. To do other than I have been trained is impossible.”

As the days slipped by Cornelius grew to respect his former mistress. She displayed, without being obtuse, her education and grace. He found her far wiser than her years indicated and most compassionate.

He wondered, “Has she changed because of the presence of the army, or perhaps she was this way all along? I only saw her as a mistress and not an equal.”

When he asked the four counselors be allowed to join them for dinner, she concurred. At this meal he outlined his desire for Michael, the mistress and the Vito Clan.

“Mistress, you admired the fine woven wool clothes I wore when I came here before.”

They actually laughed as he stretched out the word “before” and placed emphasis on the “here”.

“What I desire is training for Michael as a merchant. Let the eunuchs teach him the things we learned. Then he can go back to our valley and set up trade with the various clans for their fine woven wool. You already have representatives in Roma, Venice, and Genoa selling your cloth and sails. This will give you good woolen material and my clan and valley some trade.”

The mistress nodded her head. “I think your plan has merit, Cornelius. I also believe, having visited with your brother, he has the skills and talents to perform the task you have outlined.”

“Mistress, I sincerely hope we can have an amiable working relationship. I do not desire masters and slaves. There might be a day when you will not have slaves working for you, but freemen.”

He saw the idea startled and intrigued her. She frowned, but said, “Cornelius, give me some time to think on masters, slaves and freemen.”

“Mistress, let your counselors calculate what it costs to feed, house and furnish garments for your slaves. Then calculate what wages you could pay, with the individual buying his own food and garments and providing his own shelter.”

“From my experience, Cornelius, most of the people on my estate would not know how to do those things. They have been slaves too long. I might start making a slave a freeman at the age of twenty and let him then work for me and not as a slave.”

“If you would do this thing, it would set an example for the other landowners. I am not the person to calculate those things. If Antonio were here, he could help your counselors, but not me.”

Each week, Cornelius visited with the four counselors and the four eunuchs, outlining his idea of freemen for the estate and wool material trade with the Valley of Po. Since the counselors worked as freemen, they understood how this concept might work.

The eunuchs only shook their heads. They felt this would not work, not for people for whom slavery was the only thing they knew. The eunuchs also felt the people would have to be trained to read and write to be freemen.

“That is why I am asking you to train and teach my brother. All he knows is slavery. He needs to think and not just do what he is told by a master.”

One counselor mused, “Tribune Cornelius, you have high ideals and some new ideas. I hope you will not be too disappointed if they do not work.”

Cornelius studied the counselor for some time before speaking. “Sir, if only one man becomes free and learns a trade and can support himself, we have succeeded, and the empire is better for his accomplishment. I know I cannot stop slavery. I know the whole world practices slavery. My efforts are like stopping the waves on the sea, but I have to try.”

One eunuch asked, “What makes you want to do this thing?”

“Having been free, then a slave and finally free again, it is something every man should have, freedom.”

Rising from the table, Cornelius said, “We march tomorrow. I must tend my obligations to the Empire. I soon go south.”

The mistress commented, “I know you must leave the estate, Cornelius. I do believe you are favored by the gods.”

Walking back to their camp, Cornelius realized Michael, gaining his full growth, would certainly be more handsome than other members of the Vito clan. He always wore a very warm smile. His bright intelligent eyes flashed and were filled with merriment. His winning manners melted hearts.

As the two brothers talked, Cornelius found Michael reflected the very image of their grandfather Vito. Like Vito, he would be very tall, straight and a leader. His mind was quick and his memory startling.

Cornelius only introduced his six friends to Michael one time and he remembered each of their names without having them repeated. In days, he learned the names of the sixty centurions, Cornelius’ aides, ambassadors, and officers. He called them by rank and name.

Cornelius knew if his remembering name and rank were any indication of Michael’s abilities, he would master the skills the eunuchs would offer. Soon his brother would learn mathematics, languages, astrology, and how to be a merchant, and in a short period of time.

The last landowner passed in audience with the mistress.

Cornelius announced, “It is time for the rear guard of the legion to march south.”

At the first trumpet the camp packed. At the second trumpet the legion put their baggage on the beasts of burden and wagons. On the third and last trumpet the last two cohorts of the Third Legion, under the command of Tribune Elect Cornelius, began their march to Athens. The horns sounded and with the blowing of the third trumpet, Leopold and Antonio led their cohorts south.

Cornelius and Michael rode to the estate entrance and dismounted at the gate. The mistress stood waiting.

“Mistress.” He stood before her and bowed.

“Tribune.” She met his eyes and returned his bow. They smiled and now met as equals.

“I bring my brother. Let him be as your son and make a merchant of him. Teach and train him as well as you did the four of us. Your training helped us, as we became centurions and tribunes. Now, I bid you farewell.”

He bowed again, embraced his brother, mounted and rode to join his command. Riding to join his legion, he glanced back and saw Michael standing at the side of the mistress.

Joining the column, Cornelius chuckled to himself. Before Julius and Sergio rode from the camp they asked, “When did the Emperor Tiberius give you those instructions? We never heard him say anything about stopping the stealing and selling of children.”

Salvatore and Giovanni put the same question to him as they prepared to ride south. Now as he rode along the side of the column and slowly caught up with first Antonio and then Leopold they asked the same question.

The questions filled Cornelius with merriment, as each of the six tribunes asked the same question and in the very same manner. Each time Cornelius answered the question the same way.

“The Emperor did not give me any direct instructions on the matter as such, but the Emperor did say to do things that would improve the realm, and besides, the mistress does not know.” He laughed, pleased with the reaction of the six. The same thing occurred with each of the six.

“Why you old sly fox,” Antonio called to him. Then they laughed.

The first touch of fall filled the air as the Fifth and Sixth Cohorts of the Third Legion marched into Athens. It took them more than two months to march from the Zadar area to Athens.

Cornelius made several diplomatic stops in an effort to strengthen the ties between Roma and the provinces. At some stops, the locals received him warmly. At others the authorities complained about the show of force. Cornelius did not apologize for the presence of the legion.

His simple answer was, “Yes the legion is a show of force. Roma is a powerful nation. This legion represents force and power and you should not forget, but you should also remember, we are a force to protect you. We come in peace, but we also come to settle any disputes in the region. I will visit and hear both sides, but if I must, I will use the legion to bring peace.”

Many grumblers suddenly became happy when Cornelius flexed the muscle of the legion. Privately he chuckled. The people of the region only understood force. His legion displayed the very presence of force, and they respected him, the legion and the empire when he stood firm.

One of the ambassadors sent by the emperor and with the legion, in a private meeting with Cornelius said, “These peoples of the Macedonia region, the people of Judea, Arabia, Syria, have been fighting for centuries. I do not know if they can live in peace.”

The other ambassador added, “Usually, the only peace in the region is brought about by the presence of the Roman Army and in great force. I understand many of these people have been fighting since the time of their religious father, Abraham. They fight over land, grazing rights, water, religion, women and who is going to rule.”

So, Cornelius first talked and listened to the grievances of the authorities, but if need be, he used force and they knew he would use the legion. As they marched they demonstrated the force and power of the legion, but no shedding of blood.

On two occasions, they found open conflict between two local factions. The legion or part of it showed force and some muscle and resolved the local problem. On both occasions, the authorities or some disgruntled personage immediately came over to the empire’s point of view and helped restore peace.

The first few flakes of snow began to fall as the fleet dropped anchor in the harbor of Athens. The fleet commander came ashore, in a frenzy of impatience.

“We must load the troops and equipment immediately and sail.”

Cornelius did not show any desire to hurry. “What is your rush, Commander? We have been camped for four weeks waiting for you. My understanding was the fleet would be here waiting for us. We should have sailed at that time, providing you and your ships were ready and in the harbor. Maybe we should wait until next spring to sail.”

The commander began to sputter and stammer. “I - - I never - - I - - we must - - load the ships and sail.”

“Tell me why the rush?” Cornelius was just as anxious as the commander, but he did not wish to be rushed by the blustery commander.

“It is the weather. If we sail immediately, we can have the benefit of favorable winds. If we wait, the winds will be against us. You and these two cohorts are the last of your legion. We must hurry to outrun the gales and winter winds.”

“That sounds reasonable, but I still do not know why you were late arriving. Can you explain why you were late?”

“Tribune, we were delivering supplies to the armies in Gallia. We sailed to Genoa, but the army was not there. We sat in the harbor for two months before they arrived. Seems they were late marching from Roma. I do not know why. We were tied to the dock in Genoa for this time. We sailed for Athens as quickly as possible. My ship is the first to arrive, and the remainder will arrive daily.”

“Commander, the fifth cohort will be on the docks day after tomorrow. We will have cohort six here the day after that. Can you accommodate us?”

“Yes, Tribune, we will be prepared for you.”

To Cornelius’ surprise the first cohort sailed the day it arrived. He sent Antonio and his cohort ahead.

“Julius will have selected a good campsite. He should have built the camp and be awaiting us. We will make Caesarea our base of operation. It has the port for the fleet. We can receive supplies. From there we can build, make peace and be close to the eastern county. We will follow as rapidly as we can. Hail Caesar!”

Antonio’s cohort filled several ships and they sailed on the evening tide. Cornelius stood and watched until the ships disappeared over the horizon.

He turned to the last tribune and said, “Leopold, your cohort is next and last.”

“Yes, Tribune.” He saluted and hurried to his command.

As Leopold turned to leave, Cornelius called him back and asked, “Did you see how the ship seemed to sail up the ocean? Then, when it reached the top on the horizon, it began to sink into the sea. It went over the horizon. It is very strange. I wonder what makes the ship appear to rise and then settle out of sight.”

Leopold answered, “Antonio, always the intellect, commented to me one time, ‘I heard some sages say the world is not flat. It is like a ball.’ The ship just went over the horizon and disappeared.”

Several of the officers laughed. “The world is flat. We know it is so.”

Day after day the troops moved to the docks in preparation to load and sail. At the end of a week, Cornelius, with Leopold’s cohort, loaded the last ships and sailed for Caesarea of Judea.

Day after day the troops moved to the docks in preparation to load and sail. At the end of a week, Cornelius, with Leopold’s cohort, loaded the last ships and sailed for Caesarea of Judea.

Cornelius looked out across the blue sea. He wondered what events lay in wait for him and his friends in the land of the Hebrews, the people who worshipped one God.