When Marius caught up to his father he had to take a moment to catch his breath. His father looked surprised, “I would not have expected you to have left Aelfruna so soon…”
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Marius noted that his father did in fact know that Aelfruna was there. Perhaps he was relenting on his disapproval for their relationship… But Marius would leave that for later…
“Father,” Marius gasped. “Aelfruna brought news about the Langobardi tribe…”
“The Langobardi?” Apollonius frowned, “They are too far north to be any real bother…”
“The word is that they have adopted worship of the Aesir,” Marius’s father was also familiar with local gods and religions, so he understood what that would mean. “Their push south is less settlement and more conquest this year.”
“I see,” his father frowned and thought for a moment. “Unfortunately, I cannot delay my trip to Roma… But this situation makes me feel uncomfortable… When I pass through Germania Superior I will be meeting with Governor Gaius Marcellus, between his position and his training as an Augur and Ethosi he might already be aware, but I will ask him to send reinforcements north to you, just in case.”
“Thank you,” Marius was relieved. Another legion would make a world of difference in terms of their ability to defend themselves. “In the meantime, I would like your permission to send Legio I Minerva to Bonn.” Marius would not actually have provisional authority until his father left, so for now he could only ask for his father’s approval.
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“Legio Minerva has Ethosi in its ranks…” Apollonius mused, “Good thinking Marius.”
“Thank you father,” Marius bowed slightly, brimming with pride. With the support of the south, and his father’s approval, Marius figured this might be a good time to make a name for himself…
“I know what you are thinking,” his father sighed. “Truly, you spend too much time with that girl. Mars Utlor may be a god of war, but he is also the god of our legions, do not listen to those who worship the Aesir and Vanir… We are Roman, and proud servants of Mars and Jupiter.”
“Of course father,” Marius agreed to that last part. “But surely you see why I am interested? With her by my side…”
“You are not likely to succeed me as Governor here,” Apollonius sighed again. “And if you go elsewhere you will realize that she is less intelligent than knowledgeable about the region. It is good that you have learned to find and recognize people who can help you, but you need a good Roman woman to serve as your wife.”
“I disagree Father,” Marius stood his ground on this point. “And I hope that I can convince you otherwise in the future.”
“Juno and Venus help me,” his father muttered, then cleared his throat and continued. “Regardless, make certain to stay alert. You should take the time to visit the Legio before you have them sent to Bonn.”
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