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The soldiers had just finished flushing most of the blood from Barbaria’s back with the stinging brine when two others appeared with the patibulum. This rough-hewn beam of pine (pinus sylvestris, Scotch Pine) came from trees that grew in the mountain areas of the province. It provided a moderate weight, strong wood that would accept and firmly hold iron spikes.
The men pulled the girl to her knees, and two grabbed her wrists to yank her arms to the side. Others set the beam on her beaten shoulders, eliciting a high cry of pain as the wood scrapped her open wounds. While painfully stretching her arms, they tightly tied the leather cords around the beam and her elbows and wrists. In just a few moments, Barbaria was securely attached to the wood, splayed into a position anticipating her final agony.
A man came and pulled out her long, dark hair so another could slip a noose around her delicate neck. Thus, almost before she knew what was happening, the Goth girl was bound and prepared as a sacrificial lamb for the slaughter.

Calixtus watched his Optio quickly and efficiently supervise the preparation. “Bene, bene. I shall go ahead to confer cum Praeside (with the Governor). Leave a contubernium behind to watch the castra (camp or fort) and then bring the rest with the girl. The Praeses wants a full military presence in case of trouble from the Goths.”
"I shall do as you say. Do not worry. It’s been too long since I quenched the thirst of my gladii (sword, also slang for the penis) for German blood. If that Goth filth wants to find trouble, I shall give them more than they could imagine," said Mogurix.
The Centurion laughed heartily at his friend’s pun. “I trust that, amice.”

The Goths rose as instructed. Antonious, a tall man himself, was impressed at how the leader stood a good quinque unciis longior (five inches taller). While his demeanor was quiet and refined, his greenish eyes flashed with a wild animal spirit.
“Your generous gifts are most welcome," said the Praeses, trying to calculate in his mind the value of the gold and silver. "The friendship of the Romans and Goths is something that I seek with all my strength. My man here..."' he hesitated, trying unsuccessfully to remember Sextus's name, "ah, the Tesserarius, told me you wish to ask a favor?" The Governor's demeanor subtly changed to the defensive as he folded his arms and tilted his head. He had a good idea what the headman would want.

The Optio instructed the entire praesidium to assemble in the courtyard. He announced, "This execution may include an ultimus ictus. If it does, I want to resolve now who will be getting the privilege. Sortiebamur (Are we casting lots)?”
The men looked at each other silently, and then one said, "Equus!” A moment later, another repeated, “Equus.” Then more, until the whole garrison was chanting Equus, Equus! Mogurix held up his hand for silence. “Your wish is granted. If there is an ultimus ictus, it will be delivered by Quintus Maximinus.”
I always think that the 'walk' is one of the most erotic parts of the process ... humiliation, control, pain ... everything and the narration in this piece was up to the usual standard as always ...
 
Oooh, love a good forced march to the stake tied to a crossbeam. What’s happening, Barb, your friends brought gold! Is that their entry fee? They’ve missed some awesome episodes, do you think they’d enjoy your grand finale? I am....


Here’s hoping she’s dressed appropriately for the occasion!


View attachment 1001680
um... somewhat overdressed!
 
Those really are dreadful looking shoes. Enough said.
As the King, once sang...
"You c'n do anything,but lay offa mah Blue Sweyde Shoes !!"
@Barbaria1...
I take it, you don't wear shoes at all,given your extreme dislike,of,said,footwear ?? ;)
 
“Yes, we do.” replied Friþugairns, in a low, soft voice. “A young woman from our village disappeared two days ago. Her name in your Latin is Barbaria. She is dauhtar meins, mea filia.”
The Praeses did a fair job of hiding his shock at this information. The Goth slut, condemned to death, was the daughter of a Goth headman! His mind reeled as he considered the complexities and dangers of the situation. Despite the coolness of the room, he felt sweat break out on his neck
“Your fine officer here, Sextus, told me that such a girl was a slave here and is charged with a capital crime. I have come to confirm, if possible, that it isn't my daughter, or indeed any of my barns (children) who is facing death”

If the Governor was anything, he was an accomplished politician and diplomat. His racing mind told him to take things slowly and carefully here. And to minimize definitive statements.
“This is most concerning,” he said in a slow, sincere voice, “we Romans pride ourselves on the justice of our legum (laws). I believe there may be a slavegirl accused. I cannot recall whether she might have been Gothica. Of course, you can't expect me to remember every minor criminal.” The withering gaze of the taller chief made Gaius uncomfortable with his transparent prevarication. “Oh, yes, now it's coming back to me. She attempted to kill her master and committed treason against the Rem Publicam (the Republic - even at this late date, Rome was still spoken of as a republic). Tesserarie. What are that girl's tribe and name?"
Sextus, of course, had been the one who'd told the Goth chieftain about the girl. And he was aware that the Praeses knew the girl’s name and tribe. But with a straight face, he replied, “Gothica, Barbaria.”

Despite his stoic self-control, Friþugairns gave a slight groan at the confirmation of his fears. “That must be her,” he said, his voice almost breaking. “When will she be tried?”
"Ah, yes," said Gaius, looking back at the Goth. "It does appear that she might be the one you are seeking. As regards her trial, I regret to inform you that this girl had already been given a trial of due process and found guilty on both charges.” The Governor saw no way around completing the news. He stepped slightly back to stand protected between his bodyguards and said, "She is due to be placed on the cross here at noon."

Containing his anger and grief, Friþugairns looked closely at the Governor. He had always been adept at reading other people and their character. That, more than military genius, had been the key to his success as a battle leader and now as a peacemaker in his tribe.
He knew, of course, that this man was a Roman and by that could not be trusted. But he also seemed unusually modest and accommodative for a high official. He had, since the tribe moved here, evidenced a sincerity of purpose to deal fairly with the Goths, and that purpose seemed present now. But the Praeses was also a politician and well able to speak from both sides of his mouth. And his eyes had lit up at the sight of the gulþ (gold). The headman judged the best approach to be one of respect without hostile confrontation.
“My heart is most heavy on hearing this gaurs (sad) news," he said, revealing only sorrow and no anger. "Is it possible for the Gutisks Þiuda to beg for pardon for one of their own from your excellency? Surely, you have the authority to waive this terrible sentence?" He gestured to his men to slide the treasure chest a bit forward.


“Get her up,” commanded the Optio, and the men pulled the patibulum up, forcing the Goth girl to stand on unsteady legs. “Give her a lumbare (loincloth). We need to respect her modesty on the way to her execution," he said with a laugh. "Though I suspect that this German whore is used to walking the streets naked, begging for business.” The soldiers laughed along with their officer as they tied a tiny cloth around Barb’s hips.
 
@Barbaria1...
I take it, you don't wear shoes at all,given your extreme dislike,of,said,footwear ?? ;)
No, I just have an extreme dislike of footwear I regard as extremely hideous.


Containing his anger and grief, Friþugairns looked closely at the Governor. He had always been adept at reading other people and their character. That, more than military genius, had been the key to his success as a battle leader and now as a peacemaker in his tribe.
He knew, of course, that this man was a Roman and by that could not be trusted. But he also seemed unusually modest and accommodative for a high official. He had, since the tribe moved here, evidenced a sincerity of purpose to deal fairly with the Goths, and that purpose seemed present now. But the Praeses was also a politician and well able to speak from both sides of his mouth. And his eyes had lit up at the sight of the gulþ (gold). The headman judged the best approach to be one of respect without hostile confrontation.
Watch out for this crafty old Goth. He’s clever and could be a game changer before this is over. Roman greed and vanity will be their undoing.
 
“Yes, we do.” replied Friþugairns, in a low, soft voice. “A young woman from our village disappeared two days ago. Her name in your Latin is Barbaria. She is dauhtar meins, mea filia.”
The Praeses did a fair job of hiding his shock at this information. The Goth slut, condemned to death, was the daughter of a Goth headman! His mind reeled as he considered the complexities and dangers of the situation. Despite the coolness of the room, he felt sweat break out on his neck
“Your fine officer here, Sextus, told me that such a girl was a slave here and is charged with a capital crime. I have come to confirm, if possible, that it isn't my daughter, or indeed any of my barns (children) who is facing death”

If the Governor was anything, he was an accomplished politician and diplomat. His racing mind told him to take things slowly and carefully here. And to minimize definitive statements.
“This is most concerning,” he said in a slow, sincere voice, “we Romans pride ourselves on the justice of our legum (laws). I believe there may be a slavegirl accused. I cannot recall whether she might have been Gothica. Of course, you can't expect me to remember every minor criminal.” The withering gaze of the taller chief made Gaius uncomfortable with his transparent prevarication. “Oh, yes, now it's coming back to me. She attempted to kill her master and committed treason against the Rem Publicam (the Republic - even at this late date, Rome was still spoken of as a republic). Tesserarie. What are that girl's tribe and name?"
Sextus, of course, had been the one who'd told the Goth chieftain about the girl. And he was aware that the Praeses knew the girl’s name and tribe. But with a straight face, he replied, “Gothica, Barbaria.”

Despite his stoic self-control, Friþugairns gave a slight groan at the confirmation of his fears. “That must be her,” he said, his voice almost breaking. “When will she be tried?”
"Ah, yes," said Gaius, looking back at the Goth. "It does appear that she might be the one you are seeking. As regards her trial, I regret to inform you that this girl had already been given a trial of due process and found guilty on both charges.” The Governor saw no way around completing the news. He stepped slightly back to stand protected between his bodyguards and said, "She is due to be placed on the cross here at noon."

Containing his anger and grief, Friþugairns looked closely at the Governor. He had always been adept at reading other people and their character. That, more than military genius, had been the key to his success as a battle leader and now as a peacemaker in his tribe.
He knew, of course, that this man was a Roman and by that could not be trusted. But he also seemed unusually modest and accommodative for a high official. He had, since the tribe moved here, evidenced a sincerity of purpose to deal fairly with the Goths, and that purpose seemed present now. But the Praeses was also a politician and well able to speak from both sides of his mouth. And his eyes had lit up at the sight of the gulþ (gold). The headman judged the best approach to be one of respect without hostile confrontation.
“My heart is most heavy on hearing this gaurs (sad) news," he said, revealing only sorrow and no anger. "Is it possible for the Gutisks Þiuda to beg for pardon for one of their own from your excellency? Surely, you have the authority to waive this terrible sentence?" He gestured to his men to slide the treasure chest a bit forward.


“Get her up,” commanded the Optio, and the men pulled the patibulum up, forcing the Goth girl to stand on unsteady legs. “Give her a lumbare (loincloth). We need to respect her modesty on the way to her execution," he said with a laugh. "Though I suspect that this German whore is used to walking the streets naked, begging for business.” The soldiers laughed along with their officer as they tied a tiny cloth around Barb’s hips.
"Placed on the cross ..." is such an evocative phrase. Says it all ...

The general atmosphere of the ongoing negotiation is worrying though, that is if we retain any hope of the Goth girl's rescue. Both parties appear to be treading on eggshells and I am not sure which side will explode first!
 
Well, said the Governor, speaking very carefully, "I certainly desire to grant a gracious favor to my Gothici liberi (Goth children).” Gaius saw the headman look puzzled at the thought of the Roman having Goth children and quickly added, “– I view all the people in my province as mei liberi, you know." Antonious was relieved to see the headman smile knowingly. "And some of my advisors have already raised the question of the severity of her sentence. My power does, of course, extend to letting her go free after the chastisement she has already received."
Friþugairns was taken aback at the reference to a punishment already administered. His heart skipped a beat at the thought of the brutal Roman treatments that may have already been applied to his virgin daughter. However, he forced himself to remained focused on what could be done now to save Barbaria's life. He judged flattery and gratitude to be the best approach with the bureaucrat.
The headman gave a slight bow to the Praesidi and said, "I am most pleased to hear that the decision is in your hands, Kindins. Your reputation for justice and mercy is widespread among my people. Your action with this clemency shall do much to win their love and obedience. I look forward to singing your praises among the Gutisks Þiuda.”

The Optio carefully arranged his men before setting out. He left the primum contubernium, the largest and best with ten men, to guard the castra. Two squads, totaling fifteen men, marched ahead. The remaining two contubernia surrounded the prisoner. Mogurix had told all the men to carry full battle armor, including gladii, pila, and scuta (swords, spears, and shields). If any Goths wanted a fight, his men would be ready.

Antonious now was struck by the worry that the Goth believed he had already pardoned the girl. He hurried to correct the impression.
“I’m sorry, my friend. We must not get ahead of ourselves. I have not yet made a final decision. You must understand that I cannot just suddenly mitigate the sentence. This matter is all part of a complex set of competing interests, all of which must be considered. I cannot just focus on the fate of this one girl but must view the big picture.”
Friþugairns looked quizzically at the man. His evasive and indecisive comments were becoming harder to follow.
"You see," the Governor continued, "of course, that I cannot be seen as simply waiving a proper court judgment as a favor to a powerful tribe of non-citizens. I must explain any change in your daughter's sentence carefully and convincingly to the populis.”
“Will you pardon my daughter or not?” Friþugairns asked directly, allowing his impatience to show.
"Oh, I want to," the Praeses said quickly, stealing a glance at the treasure chest. "Here, let me propose action in the meantime. Your daughter will be here very soon. I invite you, sir, to join me in the Imperial Box to wait for her. It is a great honor for you, may I say. Once everything is ready, I shall speak to the people and explain the reasons for showing mercy. When they are convinced, I can let her go.”
Friþugairns decided his best course was to go along for the moment. He turned to his two comrades and whispered instructions in Gothic. They hurried through the outer door while the headman turned back to the Governor. “I shall be honored to join your excellency to witness, first hand, your gracious mercy.”
 
Friþugairns decided his best course was to go along for the moment. He turned to his two comrades and whispered instructions in Gothic. They hurried through the outer door while the headman turned back to the Governor. “I shall be honored to join your excellency to witness, first hand, your gracious mercy.”
Wiley old aggrieved fathers should not be trifled with. Romans beware. Barb, there’s still hope.
 
Well, said the Governor, speaking very carefully, "I certainly desire to grant a gracious favor to my Gothici liberi (Goth children).” Gaius saw the headman look puzzled at the thought of the Roman having Goth children and quickly added, “– I view all the people in my province as mei liberi, you know." Antonious was relieved to see the headman smile knowingly. "And some of my advisors have already raised the question of the severity of her sentence. My power does, of course, extend to letting her go free after the chastisement she has already received."
Friþugairns was taken aback at the reference to a punishment already administered. His heart skipped a beat at the thought of the brutal Roman treatments that may have already been applied to his virgin daughter. However, he forced himself to remained focused on what could be done now to save Barbaria's life. He judged flattery and gratitude to be the best approach with the bureaucrat.
The headman gave a slight bow to the Praesidi and said, "I am most pleased to hear that the decision is in your hands, Kindins. Your reputation for justice and mercy is widespread among my people. Your action with this clemency shall do much to win their love and obedience. I look forward to singing your praises among the Gutisks Þiuda.”

The Optio carefully arranged his men before setting out. He left the primum contubernium, the largest and best with ten men, to guard the castra. Two squads, totaling fifteen men, marched ahead. The remaining two contubernia surrounded the prisoner. Mogurix had told all the men to carry full battle armor, including gladii, pila, and scuta (swords, spears, and shields). If any Goths wanted a fight, his men would be ready.

Antonious now was struck by the worry that the Goth believed he had already pardoned the girl. He hurried to correct the impression.
“I’m sorry, my friend. We must not get ahead of ourselves. I have not yet made a final decision. You must understand that I cannot just suddenly mitigate the sentence. This matter is all part of a complex set of competing interests, all of which must be considered. I cannot just focus on the fate of this one girl but must view the big picture.”
Friþugairns looked quizzically at the man. His evasive and indecisive comments were becoming harder to follow.
"You see," the Governor continued, "of course, that I cannot be seen as simply waiving a proper court judgment as a favor to a powerful tribe of non-citizens. I must explain any change in your daughter's sentence carefully and convincingly to the populis.”
“Will you pardon my daughter or not?” Friþugairns asked directly, allowing his impatience to show.
"Oh, I want to," the Praeses said quickly, stealing a glance at the treasure chest. "Here, let me propose action in the meantime. Your daughter will be here very soon. I invite you, sir, to join me in the Imperial Box to wait for her. It is a great honor for you, may I say. Once everything is ready, I shall speak to the people and explain the reasons for showing mercy. When they are convinced, I can let her go.”
Friþugairns decided his best course was to go along for the moment. He turned to his two comrades and whispered instructions in Gothic. They hurried through the outer door while the headman turned back to the Governor. “I shall be honored to join your excellency to witness, first hand, your gracious mercy.”
Hmmmm which way is this going to go? Still not holding out much hope for the Goth slut ..
 
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