First Spear of Vindolanda Pt. 01

First Spear of Vindolanda. Part I

Chapter I

The setting sun in the man's eyes caused him to squint as he walked to the west along the stone wall. His stride was steady and somewhat fast compared to a normal Roman, considering the slight limp in his gait. Cassius Vallo was an infantry veteran of the Legions and had recently retired at the age of 43, having served a 25 year enlistment. He'd achieved the rank of Primus Pilus, or 1st Spear Centurion by hard work and a ruthless loyalty to his fellow legionnaires and the Empire.

Hardbitten as they come, his body was marred by several knotted scars that reflected the many battles he'd survived. As he walked, his thoughts went back to his wife whom had died in childbirth nearly twenty years ago. As a result he'd thrown himself wholeheartedly into his career, lest he go mad with grief. Now that he was free of his obligations to Empire, the idea of finding another wife was on his mind more and more.

Settling his pilum, or spear, on his shoulder and checking his gladius at his side, (old habits die hard) he focused on the path ahead. Darkness was approaching and he hoped to reach the next mile castle before it was too dark to see. Thieves and murderers from north of the wall were not uncommonly seen here, especially after dark. Many people south of the wall travelled its path for trade and other purposes, all the while on the lookout for barbarians that had sneaked over the wall to line their pockets, or seek revenge on the Romans they considered invaders of their lands.

Cassius was fairly well off financially. His grandfather had also retired from the Legions and started a small store in Vindolanda, selling undergarments, sandals and civilian outerwear for the soldiers manning the wall. Rather than writing home and begging their families for clothing, they would much rather purchase it locally at mildly inflated prices.

As time went on, more and more Roman citizens traveled to the wall to be with their loved ones, including wives and children. The demand for such products skyrocketed and the store's profits financed several more under the same business that Cassius' father then inherited. At present time they were so well managed by employees that Cassius was able to enjoy his life with minimal attention paid by him to the running of it.

While lost in thought, a furtive movement caught his eye. He looked to his left, down in the vallum and witnessed three men break from cover and sprint for the wall, dragging sacks of obviously stolen goods behind them. Without a thought, he threw caution to the wind and ran towards the barbarians. The pilum seemed to naturally fill his hand and he threw it with all his strength, strength built by many hard years of intense training and hand to hand combat.

The leading barbarian died almost instantly as it took him under the armpit and spitted his heart and lungs, blood poured from his mouth as the heavy shaft dragged him to the ground. The other two men dropped their ill gotten goods and charged the former legionnaire. A critical mistake for sure, Cassius thought, as the lust of battle overtook him.

With a nasty snarl, he faced the men and proceeded to have his way with them. They circled him, stabbing ineffectively with their primitive knives, but all was for naught. A few parries and two vicious thrusts of his gladius and it was all over, much to his dismay. He loved a good fight and had always enjoyed killing anyone who needed it, but this tussle was rather short lived in his opinion.

"Not a scratch on me," he reflected inwardly with a wry smile as the adrenaline faded from his system. A quick stab to each man's heart to ensure death was administered, then he began untie the two sacks of stolen booty.

Suddenly, the sound of feminine voices caught his attention! Cupping his hands to his ears he determined they were coming from the wall, most probably north of the wall, he decided. As quietly as possible, he ran to the wall and scurried atop it, then peered over the edge. His eyes widened as he took in the scene below him. Two women were tied together back to back and sitting at the base of the wall nearly fifteen feet below him.

His senses were on high alert and he waited cautiously for several minutes while watching the surrounding area, always wary of a trap. Possibilities ran through his mind of why they might be there, but the most obvious one was the three men had kidnapped the two women in the north and had left them behind while they raided south of the wall.

Cassius knew he wasn't the best or most moral of men, deep inside he knew it well. He killed with impunity and had always taken what he'd wanted, unless it was contrary to Roman Legion law or tradition. Out on the wall it was still a wild and wooly frontier, even decades after construction and occupation, and that was one of many reasons he loved it here. He could spread his wings and enjoy his remaining years with a vast amount of freedom, especially with the amount of money he had.

So now to no surprise, his first impulse was to collect the women for himself, and he was already thinking of how to rescue them from their current situation.

Catlike, he scurried down the wall and ran for the mile castle only a few hundred yards away. Of course he knew nearly every soldier on duty because he traveled this way often, and a First Spear with a combat record such as his was highly respected every where he went. A few coins in outstretched palms later, he was through the gate, north of the wall and trotting towards the unfortunate women.

It was nearly dark by now and using the oil lamp the sentry had provided, located his prizes in short order. Both women were crying in frustration and fright as he held the lamp over their head. The older one seemed to be a touch younger than himself, perhaps 38 to 40 or so, with long, dark, straight hair that ended just below her shoulder blades. The other was much younger, 20 to 25 was his best guess, with a full head of curly auburn hair that hung just above her pert little behind. Both were dressed in rags and he immediately noticed that their bodies were thin from hunger, not so thin however that he couldn't admire their remaining curves and half naked breasts revealed to his now attentive gaze.

He addressed them in what he hoped was their language. Spending his childhood on the wall had exposed him to a few languages that enabled him to somewhat communicate with almost anyone he met north or south of the wall.

"You're coming with me!" he demanded, rather roughly. He was still concerned about more barbarians in the area and wanted to get the hell out of there.

"Please, sir! Release us, we're only poor women!" the elder one begged in a northern accent, while the younger nodded agreement.

"Why, woman? So someone else can have you? What kind of sense is that?" he asked belligerently. "Who do you think would treat you better, a Roman citizen or the barbarian bastards I just killed?"

"I, I don't know," the younger one quailed. Cassius was now completely out of patience, his military mindset having no time for dalliances.

"Well, you're gonna find out!" Stooping low, he cut the ropes around their bodies, and prodded them to their feet, then tied their necks together on a leash. "Now march, ladies!" The oil lamp lit the way as he tugged them to the gate and back to the south side of the wall.

"We stay here tonight," he snapped. The sentry provided them blankets and showed them a small room where they could sleep on the floor. His head barely hit the ground when a thought passed his mind.

"By Jupiter! Fuck me running, my pilum and the booty! I've left it behind! Cassius, you're getting old, you dumb bastard!" he chided himself. He jumped up and yelled for the sentry. "Flavius! Where's your fellow soldier?"

"I was sleeping until you started yelling, First Spear!" a young man's voice returned with a chuckle.

"Well shit, Sorry about that. Would you mind watching these two wenches while I make a run outside?"

"Sure thing, sir! I'd be happy to."

Cassius grabbed the lamp and quickly made his way back to where the barbarians had met their ill fated end. He retrieved his spear from the dead man's chest, then delved into the two sacks, having no idea that what he would find there would change his life forever.

Chapter II

Cassius nearly fainted when he wrestled the objects out of the sacks. "By Jupiter!" he thought, "Someone's ass is cooked for sure!" The sacks yielded two surprises, a double handful of gold jewelry, including necklaces and bracelets set with two dozen or more precious stones, each of which would be worth a few year's salary to a Centurion, at a minimum. It took him a few moments to figure out what the next item was. He peered closer and finally realized it was the seal of the provincial governor of Britannia! These jokers had robbed Governor Marcellus' seal along with his wife's jewelry!

"Flavius!" he bellowed.

"Yes, First Spear!"

"Call me Cassius, I've told you a thousand times, damn it! I'm fucking retired from that shit!"

"Yes, sir!"

Cassius shook his head resignedly, "Fucking troops," he muttered. "Where's the watch commander?"

"He stayed the night at the mile castle four miles west of here, he's heading for Vindolanda."

"Send someone to run him down, now! We've, or rather you and your partners in crime have a major problem on your hands. We need to catch him before he hits town. Move it!"

"Yes, sir!" Flavius cried, while locked at attention.

"Flavius, who the fuck is he to order us around?" asked the wet behind the ears legionnaire, Rufus, while he frantically saddled a horse.

"He's First Spear Cassius Vallo, the best combat infantry veteran to ever wear the eagle. You would do best to heed his word. He's a legend in the Legions, you dolt."

"Fuck you!"

"No, fuck you! Now ride like the wind before Cassius kicks your ass!"

While Cassius was waiting for the watch commander, he decided to check on his new charges. Both were snoring lightly while spooning together for warmth under their blankets. He quietly squatted down to observe them. Dawn was breaking and with the early light shining in the stone window frame he could see their features clearly.

Both were pleasantly attractive, the older had a few wrinkles and a little grey was sprinkled throughout her dark hair, but on the whole he would take her, he thought with an inward chuckle.

"Livia, I'll call her Livia. Hmm, now the other. Quite young, almost disturbingly so, fine skin, quite pale, and what's that blue shit under her chin and around her ears? She's from way up north!" he thought in surprise. His eyes traveled down her frame trying to discern the shape of her body but the blanket wasn't helping matters any. He returned to her face and started at the sight of her brilliant green eyes staring at him.

They were beautiful, yet there was fright in them, a fright that made him uncomfortable. He didn't like seeing it and particularly didn't like being the cause of it. In fact, he found himself wishing she'd look at him the way his wife used too, with love, adoration, and complete submission.

"Sabina, sweet Sabina, that's what I shall name you," he whispered to himself. Just then, Livia stirred and raised her head to look at him, her gaze traveled over his body, then widened when they met the hem of his tunic. His cock was hanging low between his legs and the length and girth of him took her by surprise. Despite the dimness of the room, the thick veins running down his shaft were readily apparent, much to her discomfort.

Noticing her gaze, he smiled slightly with pride. Having spent his adult life in the military, he'd seen many naked men and knew he scored in the upper percentile of cock size. With an obvious effort, she raised her beautiful blue eyes to boldly study him minutely.

He was tall, extremely tall for a Roman, and blonde of hair which was also quite rare. He carried several scars on his legs, mostly received above his greaves and below his shield, she thought. There was also a rather intriguing one that crossed his left cheek, leaving a puckered welt that ended just below his ear. For some reason that irritated her, she felt the urge to trace it with her fingers and ask him how he obtained it.

His somewhat remarkable appearance was due to his grandfather whom was born in Germania. Grandpa was blonde and tall like most of his kin, and had joined the auxiliary legion at 18 years old. While serving in Gaul, he met and married a beautiful young lady who was also tall and thin, but more darkly complected than himself. Consequently, Cassius' father was a carbon copy of his Dad, and Cassius followed his lead.

"What will you do with us?" Livia asked quietly.

"You'll come and live with me," he said simply.

"Will we be your slaves? I hear all Romans have slaves."

"Yes, you two will be my slaves. How you're treated will be determined by your conduct."

"How far must we travel? We're exhausted and half starved. Our captors were brutal and cared nothing for us. They intended to smuggle us through your wall and sell us to the highest bidder. I'm glad you killed them!" she said vehemently.

"I live several miles from here in a fort called Vindolanda. After I visit with the watch commander, we'll head that way. It's just a few hours travel from here."

"Can we get something to eat and drink, please?" asked Sabina.

"Certainly, I'll see what I can dig up. You two stay here. If you run, you're gonna die tired because I'll run you down like the slaves you are, understand?"

"Yes, master," Livia said, with downcast eyes.

"And you?"

"Yes, master," Sabina replied, with a bit more spunk.

"Better keep an eye on that one," he thought to himself as he left the room.

He returned shortly with a jug of water and some army rations. The girls treated the food like a banquet. Their exclamations of how well it tasted and the quantity made him smile secretly. Poor things thought army food was good? Ha! Just wait until they eat at his house! They'd never want to leave! Both girls were yawning and looking like they needed some sleep, and Cassius was thinking the same. A long night was had by all and they might as well nap while waiting, but there was no way he was sleeping without removing any threats the girls might pose.

"Stand up," he ordered abruptly.

The girls struggled to their feet, hampered by the bonds on their ankles. He swiftly patted them down for weapons, finding nothing but hot female flesh and ragged clothing beneath his fingers. He couldn't help but linger a touch too long on their breasts and asses. He'd been long without a woman and his thick cock was reminding him rather stoutly of that fact. He didn't notice as Livia took in his condition. The tent in his tunic was more than impressive, and smart girl that she was, she intended to do whatever it would take to ensure a safe and better life for her and Sabina.

"It's time for a nap," he declared. "Stay close and go to sleep."

Livia was surprised when in a matter of moments he was breathing deeply and sleeping like a baby. Catching Sabina's eye, she flicked her head in his direction, then lay beside him making herself the big spoon to him. Ever so slowly she boldly inched closer, stopping when his breathing caught, then advancing when it resumed.

In short order she was snuggled against him. "Mmm, so warm. And he doesn't smell too bad!" she giggled to herself. Sabina snuggled up to her and together the three slept for nearly an hour.

Livia stretched out as far as her bonds would allow and opened her eyes. A startled yelp flew from her lips when she saw Cassius' face just a few inches from hers, watching her intently.

He pushed a dirty finger to her lips, cautioning her to silence. She nodded and turned to silently awaken Sabina.

"No noise from you two, got it? Complete silence," he warned.

Both girls nodded and Cass rose to his feet and departed.

"What're you doing with him?" Sabina asked, half angrily.

"It's called survival! We must do what's necessary to stay alive."

"We don't know anything about him, he might rape and kill us! Or kill and rape us. You never know with a Roman!" Sabina hissed.

"If he wanted to do that he'd have done it already, then gave us to the other soldiers to abuse. Use your head! He wants us for himself."

"What if I don't want to belong to him?" Sabina pleaded.

"We're women, we belong to whomever wants us. Damn it, girl. You've been around long enough to know that. Besides that, he's the most civil man I've ever met. I'll gladly take a chance with him, especially if he keeps feeding me like this!" she exclaimed with a giggle.

"But what if he wants to stick his thingy in us? I'd just die!"

Livia laughed aloud, "His thingy? It's called a cock, and did you see it by the way? Oh my, so long and thick! I could die happy with that beast inside me!" She rolled her eyes and pretended to faint on the floor while Sabina giggled.

"I've never had a man inside me. Is it really so nice?"

Livia gathered her in a sweet hug and lowered her voice to a whisper.

"It's ever so nice. They stretch you open and thrust in and out so delightfully, it's amazing."

"But doesn't it hurt?"

"Sometimes, it depends on how large their cocks are. The first time definitely hurts, but it feels really good in short order. Especially if the man cares about you." Livia answered.

"Do you think the new master will care for me?"

"Like he said, it completely depends on how you react to him. If you're a nasty little bitch, he won't care a wit and will use you, then throw you away. If you value your position in his house, treat him well and anticipate his needs, he will indeed care for you. Oh, and bring him peace. No arguing or second guessing his commands. That's a sure way to ruin."

"I think I understand, I'll do my best! Thank you!" Sabina hugged Livia tightly and kissed her cheek.

"You're welcome, my sweet. Now let's try not to worry and maybe sleep a little longer."

Chapter III

"I don't give a shit how you handle it, Commander. It's not my problem," Cassius was saying to the watch commander. "All I know is those barbarians stole the jewelry and seal from the governor in Vindolanda, brought it east, and tried to go over the wall. Flavius and his men were out on patrol and helped me kill them and secure the items."

This was news to Flavius but he chose to roll with Cassius. There would be hell to pay if it was found out the sentries had no idea there were barbarians south of the wall in their area and allowed them to escape.

"Will you tell your story to the governor? It would sure help me and my men out."

"Sure, as long as you and your men transport the items. I want no responsibility for them."

"Good. We leave immediately for Vindolanda then."

"I'll follow you shortly," Cassius declared. "It was a long night for me. A short nap and then I'll clean up and head east."

"Fair enough, First Spear. See you then." The Commander turned his back and began shouting orders to load up and move out.

"Damn it, Cassius. Thanks for covering our ass. I don't know what to say," Flavius said gratefully.

"I've been in your shoes long ago. We infantry types need to stick together. You men keep your stories straight and all should go well. I pity the men at Vindolanda though. There's gonna be a few executions for sure, if there isn't already."

"Don't I know it," Flavius exclaimed nervously.

"I need a little favor," Cassius said. "Can you supply some hot water and more food for my women? They stink and I'd like to clean them up a bit, along with myself."

"Yes, sir. We'll make it happen."

The girls were amazed when Cassius led them to the room where the soldiers bathed. There was a strigil, a small jug of olive oil, and a stone basin that the sentries had filled with warm water. As usual, Cassius was all business.