The colonia of Sarmizegetusa was another four days away, but the journey this time was all on a newly built Roman road. The colony was only eleven years old and already an established town with baths, amphitheatre and forum. After bathing, which had become a much needed and appreciated custom upon arriving in a new town, Junius went in search of the governor and presented his seal to him as evidence of the Emperor’s instructions and thus assuring his cooperation.
Decimus Calpurnius greeted Junius warmly, but the younger man could see that the governor was wary, which wasn’t surprising considering he was addressing a senior tribune of the Praetorian Guard and one who had been sent by the Emperor.
“Please, Junius Silanus, take a seat. It’s an honour that the Emperor has sent such a high-ranking solder as yourself to me. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
The governor gestured to a young slave who filled two cups of wine and discreetly left them within arm’s reach of both men. Junius waited for the boy to leave and took the opportunity to study Calpurnius. The man was in his early fifties, and held himself like the soldier he’d been for most of his life. He wasn’t intimidated by the situation and Junius respected him for that, but he was clearly worried.
“The Emperor has become aware of a situation here in Dacia. He’s sent myself and another officer to investigate and hopefully put an end to the problem.”
Calpurnius visibly relaxed and let out the breath he’d been holding. “I’ve written to the Emperor and informed him that the situation is under control. You must have left before my missive arrived.”
Junius took a sip of the elegant wine and nodded to show his approval. “I have copies of all the letters and reports sent on the matter; it is possible that our paths crossed. How far is fort Salinae from here?”
The governor leant back in his chair. “Three days. It’s on the road between Apulium where the thirteenth Gemina are based and Potaissa, the home of the fifth Macedonia. It’s an auxiliary fort as you would have already guessed. It was built to guard the silver mine nearby, but that has ceased to yield anything, so it’s one of the few to have been closed down. Which is why I believe we have a problem there.”
Junius frowned. “Go on?”
Calpurnius warmed to his theme. “It rains a lot here, Junius Silanus, as you might have already noticed, and we have some rather unusual plants, and mushrooms which don’t grow anywhere else. When we were mining, the land was disturbed and constantly disrupted, but these last two years the area around Salinae has been quiet, consequently the plants and mushrooms have flourished again. This is what I’m assured is causing the problem.”
Junius waited, knowing what the man was going to say, but wanting to hear his own explanation.
The governor nodded. “The locals tell me that this is the cause of the problems and it’s also why the Roxolani tribe who usually give us so much grief have left the area. Mushrooms: spores of these indigenous fungi get into the nervous system and make the men ill.”
“What are the symptoms of this?”
“I’m told that tiredness comes first, then listlessness and after that they become violent, with cramps and spasms. Nausea follows and then the madness which makes these men struggle to be free and they take their own lives. We’ve lost fifteen in this way, though some have disappeared into the night, possibly throwing themselves into the river or down the mines.”
Junius flinched. The governor noticed.
“It is a horrible illness, but one we have under control.”
“But you lost a patrol?”
The governor refilled their cups. “No, the letter I sent to the Emperor was premature. The prefect returned with half his men a few days later. They’d been chasing the local tribes. After that, most of the rest of the patrol limped home at various stages. They only lost about seven men after all.”
Junius considered the man’s words. He was trying to dismiss the situation, insisting it was all under control, but Junius needed to know more. He hadn’t come all this way to be sent back again. “Are there any other forts or towns affected? Does Salinae have a civilian population outside its walls?”
Calpurnius frowned. “There have been a few incidents in the vicus outside the fort, but our medics don’t help with those. Unfortunately a few men have been infected at Potassia since they’ve come back from the fort, but they’ve all recovered.”
Junius shook his head. “Why don’t you isolate the fort then? It would make sense until these spores have finished and died away.”
“Because, Tribune, it’s not as easy as that. The fort’s on the main road and patrols the area. We need to keep men there for the safety of the region.”
Junius was confused. “But you said that even the local tribe had left the area?”
Calpurnius nodded viciously. “Yes, and they would be back as soon as they heard the fort was abandoned. We can’t give up Salinae, and when we put it in perspective, we’ve actually lost fewer men in these last two months than we do normally at this time of the year.”
“You realise, sir that we’ll still need to go to the fort and speak to the men?”
Calpurnius smiled. “Of course, and it would be remiss not to. The Emperor wants to know exactly what is going on and will want to see a full report. You’ll have my full cooperation and that of all my staff. I’ll send you with an escort to Apulum tomorrow. In the meantime, you and your colleague are my guests. Preparations have been made for a meal in your honour.”
Junius stood, understanding that the interview was over.
“My thanks, Decimus Calpurnius. I’ll ensure that the Emperor hears of your welcome and assistance.”