Infractus Limes
(Faltering Borders)


:::::: Opposite the banks of Imperium Romanum ::::::


Legate Valens Cincinnatus peered out across to the other side of Danube in Eastern Rhaetia. He had an excellent view from the fort Legio XXXIII occupied, it gave him a commanding presence in the region and he could see any movements for miles to come. His legion and those like his were of the border garrisons, not the same glamorous and rich success of the fighting legions in Africa and those that always seemed to never be positioned at the fringes of the Roman world. Still though, he was happy. He was given his task and he would see it done no matter what. With a bridge across the Danube in front of the fort, he had control of all around him. Rome’s borders would be secure.
The instability in Rome was felt everywhere. It was quite a de-moralizing aspect for both citizenry and the military alike, though it appeared strong men would assume the power vacuum without a detrimental civil war, those hopes were soon dashed. Valens did not know exactly how his Proconsular Legate, Quinus Brutus Vitellius, really felt on the matter or who he sided with but he knew that his orders had not changed. Emperor or no Emperor, civil war or no civil war; so long as he had his standing orders he would safeguard the borders at all cost, to many Roman citizens in colonies around him depended on it.

Valens and the other Tribunes were have a meeting over the current results from patrols and recons the surrounding region and from across the river something that was done daily, but more and more recently, it seemed each report was pushed aside for the talk about the on goings in Rome and of the possibility of a civil war. Valens had to constantly wrestle for control of the situations and to settle concerns and keep their minds focused on Rome’s frontiers. He had just gotten control when suddenly an aide rushed in.

“Legate! Legate Cincinnatus!”

“What is it Marcus?” Valens asked the aide.

“Germans from across the border have begun raids into Western Rhaetia.” he informed his commander.

There were shocks from the Tribunes, “Let me see.” Valens said as he took the report. Before he could make a decision another scout came in with another report.

“Now what?” Valens asked worried at this scout’s report.

“Legate, German raiders have crossed the river and are beginning to cause havoc a few miles from here.” he said in a hurried voice.

“Is this an invasion?” asked a Tribune.

“Hardly,” Valens began “these barbarians see an opportunity to make use of our troubled times for profit.”

“We’re the only legion close enough to respond legate, but if we go to one spot we risk allowing more damage to be done from the other.” advised a Tribune.

“I know, and I am sure these kinds of raids are occurring all over the frontier.” he paused and thought about the situation. “Ok, this is what we shall do. I will take the 1st, 2nd and 3rd cohorts and meet the threat in Western Rhaetia, you Verus,” he said pointing to a high Tribune, “will take the 4th, 5th and 6th cohorts and deal with the raids here in this province. Tribune Gaius, you will have overall command of the fort while I am away and will use the remaining 4 cohorts to meet any additional threats, understood?”

“Of course my lord.”

“But legate, won’t this terribly weaken us?” asked a Tribune.

“I know, but we must safeguard the border and the Roman citizens, if that means we must split off into sections then so be it.” he paused. “No Roman citizen will die by these barbarians so long as I am legate.”

Each tribune nodded in understanding they would carry out their duty to Rome, not to any man or commander. It seemed that Valens and more important the legion was more devoted to the state and her people than any one man trying to assert himself as Emperor. There would be an emperor soon, but they would not take part in putting on any throne, they would guard the borders as long as they can.

Written by: Neos Dionysos