XIV
Arx
‘Fortress’
“Salve, Optio!” Lucius saluted the Praetorian messenger who paced the broken courtyard of the Principia.
“Praefectus!” The man saluted back and held out a wax tablet for Lucius to read. “Sir, the emperor commands you and your captains to report to him at Horea Classis tomorrow by the fifth hour.”
“Tomorrow? Horea Classis?” The name was not familiar to Lucius.
“That is what they are calling the place known by the locals as Carpow.”
“Is it suitable for the emperor yet?” Lucius asked.
“Three legions have been building day and night, sir, and the coastal praefectus has brought ships into port with materials and supplies. It is ready.”
“Very well. Tell the emperor I’ll be there with two turmae tomorrow.”
The man nodded, took back his tablet and made to leave. “One m
