Chapter 7: Reinforcements
Beast Boy woke up groggy and stiff. He rubbed his eyes then his head. He could hear others working in the dining area down the hall. Beast Boy sat up in a sitting position with his legs hung over the side of the bed. His head ached and his mouth felt like it was stuffed with rags.
Sebastian came in with a table. He placed it gently in front of Beast Boy who groaned a morning greeting. Sebastian exited into the hall then came back with a large bowl of water which he placed in front of Beast Boy. He produced a lemon and a knife. Beast Boy watched as Sebastian cut the lemon and squeezed it into the bowl. Beast Boy looked up unsure what to do.
"Wash up, then I'll help you get dressed." Sebastian instructed.
Beast Boy dipped his hands in the bowl then splashed his face rubbing the water across his face and the back of his neck. When he opened his eyes he saw that Sebastian had left him a small towel that he could use to dry himself.
Sebastian reentered the room with a white tunic shirt bordered with gold. "Do I need to wear that?" Beast Boy mildly protested.
"If Augustus does not see you in this shirt I will be flogged. Please let me do what I need to do then I will get you something to eat." Sebastian instructed.
"All right, if you put it that way." Beast Boy removed his shirt then noticed Sebastian was inspecting him. "Yea, I'm green all over," he said slightly aggravated. Sebastian looked down then quickly helped him put on the tunic and produced a belt to tie around his waist.
"This shirt fells great, what is it made of?" Beast Boy asked as he worked his arms around in small circles
"Silk from the far eastern realms of the world," Sebastian answered slightly surprised at Beast Boy's question.
"No wonder girls love silk." Beast Boy quickly commented.
"Come, I will get something for you to eat," Sebastian beckoned him out of the room. He took Beast Boy outside and had him sit on a small bench overlooking the enclosure. Sebastian brought him porridge in a large wooden bowl with an oversized spoon. Into this he drizzled an ample dab of honey. Beast Boy took a sample. "Sebastian, you're a hell of a cook, for a guy." Sebastian shot him another puzzled look, handed him a cup filled with sweet wine then quickly excused himself and returned to the house.
The enclosure was quiet except for the occasional songbird. Smoke from the morning fires wafted in occasionally contributing to the only clear smell. Several servants made their way in and out as Beast Boy kicked back and enjoyed his morning meal. The ordeal of the previous day seemed like a world away. Sebastian emerged later to take his bowl and refill his wine cup. The enclosure was his for quite some time before the first of the Scythians emerged.
Beast Boy took more notice of them since he was in a more relaxed frame of mind. All of them wore their hair long and had full beards. They staggered out into the enclosure taking no notice of him. They formed a small group on one end of the yard talking quietly amongst themselves, checking their gear and making ready for their departure. Beast Boy watched as they checked their bowstrings, clean their swords and other miscellaneous equipment. Most were dressed in leather clothes with short boots tied around their ankles. Some wore caps on their heads that culminated in a strange curved crest.
When the men seemed ready others in the compound began to bring the horses out of the stables. The Scythians packed their animals then inspected their mounts carefully. Their swords were tied to their horse's sides and their bows slung over their shoulders. Small shields were either slung over a shoulder or tied among their gear. Beast Boy frowned as he saw his mount led into the compound. The last horse brought into the yard was Augustus' fine white stallion. A purple blanket was laid on the horse over which the saddle was strapped.
Augustus and Sebastian emerged from the house. The others bowed their head in respect. Augustus quickly made his way to his mount dressed in his fine armor but not wearing his helmet. He mounted his horse then turned to the others who mounted theirs in turn. Beast Boy was thankful that this time the attendants provided a stool.
Beast Boy easily climbed aboard his steed much to his surprise. Maybe a good night sleep had done the horse some good. He reached down and stroked the beast's neck then gave it a few slaps for good measure. When he looked up he noticed the others were looking back at him. Augustus waved him forward to join him at the front. Beast Boy gulped hard then pressed his heals back encouraging his horse to canter forward and take its place on the right side of Augustus' fine white stallion.
"Greetings Defensor! Did you find the accommodations to your liking?" Augustus inquired in a pleasant voice as the group struck out towards the main road.
"Yes, sir. Thanks for the shirt. Now I know why girls love silk so much." Beast Boy replied cautiously.
"And how was your morning meal?" Augustus continued.
"Stupendous, Sebastian is an excellent cook." Beast Boy added enthusiastically. He turned his head and gave Sebastian a wink. Sebastian glanced at him briefly but kept his stoic expression.
Augustus laughed lightly at Beast Boy's comment. "Oh Defensor, I am glad you are so happy with such simple accommodations. When we reach Gaul you shall partake in one of my Imperial banquets. Then I shall ask what you think of your current situation."
"Gaul?" Beast Boy asked curiously.
"Oh, I have forgotten. You are not familiar with the lands of the Romans. We must pass through the mountains to reach this land. This land was conquered long ago by Caesar. In recent times it has not been peaceful. One of my first tasks was to pacify these lands and check the abuses of our unfaithful federates. In time I have over came the Goths, Burgundians and Alanae forcing them back into faithful service with Rome. Today the country is peaceful and fertile. We shall make our way through the mountain passes and winter there. In the spring we will raise an army and put down those who have usurped my authority."
"Who attacked you?" Beast Boy was curious not thinking to consider if this would anger the man of supreme authority that he rode with.
"I am not completely sure, but I believe I have made many enemies in the years I have been away from Ravenna. I have tried to correct the corruption that plagues the Roman state. We are not the same proud people our ancestors were Garfield. Many of our citizens are corrupt, taking much from Rome while contributing little to maintain it. I have great suspicions that the Patrician has arranged for my demise." Augustus made his glum assessment of the situation. "Take heart Garfield," his voice changed to one of hope. "This morning I have sent a messenger forward to a small camp that resides further down this road to make ready for our arrival. With these men I hope to press forward to the passes and reach our refuge. We will then block our pursuers and wait until spring to return and put down this rebellion. But enough talk of this; it will only lead to a heavy heart. Come, let me tell you of the lands of the Romans."
They rode on in the early morning sun at a sustained pace. Augustus discussed many of the features they encountered on the road; the aqueducts, the bridges and the great estates of various Roman senators. He also told Beast Boy of the great armies and battles that took place in this land. How Hannibal had descended from the mountains with his elephants and totally routed the Roman legions sent to destroy him. How Spartacus and his army of slaves had defeated Rome's best legions but had fatally decided to return south. Intermixed with this were discussions of the city Beast Boy claimed he was from though he was careful not to give Augustus too many details that would arouse suspicion.
If this had been a school lecture on history Beast Boy was sure he would have been bored to tears, but Augustus brought everything to life. His descriptions were full and bright or maybe it was the two cups of wine at breakfast. Either way Beast Boy was sure he had never met a man so knowledgeable or interesting.
The group passed through a dense patch of woods before the road poured out into an open field. Rows of soldier stood at the ready on either side, sunlight gleaming off of their helmets. Four smartly armored men on horses approached the group with raised right hands. The soldiers began to rhythmically bang their weapons on their shields. Augustus halted the group as Beast Boy struggled to take it all in. A familiar chant arose from the gathered soldiers; "Our Lord, Master Augustus you are happy and pious!"