The Centurion Chronicles

The year is 58 BC. Centurion First Class Sextius Baculus, a 10-year, battle hardened army veteran is attending his sister's wedding in Rome when he receives word that Julius Caesar's army is mobilizing on the northern frontier near the France-Switzerland border to repel an anticipated invasion by expansonistic Gauls. Joined by his new orderly Marcus, the Centurion races north to join his unit, the 10th Legion, Caesar's favorite. Fueled by political ambition and accompanied by his aide Quintus Caesar also speeds north. AT a changing station Caesar is attacked by deserters. The Centurion arrives and saves his life. In April Caesar fortifies Geneva where a prolonged, fierce battle is fought and eventually won by the Romans who thwart the numerically superior but tactically ignorant Gallic advance. Caesar continues his methodical advance into Gaul defeating one brave but unorganized tribe after the other. ALways outnumbered but never outgeneraled he engages in a series of set piece battles. In June there is combat at the Saone River and in July a decisive victory is won at Bibacte. The Centurion fights to keep himself and his orderly alive, recounting the battles vividly. We also get Caesar's perspective of the same events as they unfold with calculating regularity. The army goes deep into Germany. The Centurion gets drunk and blurts out to Caesar that he knows why Caesar is making war. It is no longer to protect Rome but to strengthen Caesar's own position against the other members of the ruling triumvirate in Rome. Fearing the Centurion will spread dissent and weaken morals Caesar uses him as bait in order to lure the Ariovistus-led Germans into a decisive battle at the Rhine River near Besncon in September. Captured, tortured and cricifies the Centurion is convinced he is doomed, especially when the defeated Germans drag him toward the river. If they manage to get him into Germany he will become a slave. Caesar rescues him at the last minute, repaying the debt he owes the Centurion.