Blasius' envoy

6

Joas went to land to investigate the watchtower. When he broke in and arrived at the top the tower was abandoned. At the top he, and those with him, could see far land inwards with the telescopes. Joas reported everything. He also brought with him maps that were found inside the tower. After this, the fleet sailed on towards the larger harbours. There at land Joas informed about the ambassador of Cimbria. He was reported of the location where Blasius remained and where there rest of the envoy remained - in a town named 'hammers village'.  Joas reported this to the head of the fleet. He decided that everyone would settle in 'hammers village'. So they did. The arrival of the men in the town didn't bother the civilians that much. They are used to having sojourners passing through. This time, there was a camp settled right outside the town. Some of the civilians became worried about the presence of the Romans. Nevertheless, nobody acted out due to their fear of retaliation by the soldiers. Even in Norway, a country with fierce warriors, the Romans were known for their brutality and merciless massacres. 

Joas noticed a house that looked like a Roman villa. Through one of the windows he saw two maids sitting at some oil vessels. 

''Who are the owners of that Villa?''

''We are not sure. We learned yesterday that it belonged to a Roman that settled here. But... there's no sign of them. Now the house is used as a guesthouse to accommodate sojourners''

''Ah! All right! What else do we know about the situation of Norway?''

''There's a civil war going on between the tribes in the North. Furthermore, some client chieftains in the south also rebelled against the provincial governors. The civil war does not affect every city nor every district. This town is left unharmed by the unrest. Nevertheless, the tensions are heavy''

''I think that we will ease the tensions around here?''

''What are you saying?''

''We are a Roman cohort of soldiers. When the news spreads that we are here, the Norwegian tribes will seek to make peace with one another. When they are divided their country can easily be annexed by a foreign power. The only foreign power capable to annex Norway is Rome. I've worked in Paris for the postal service of the military. Norway is a very important export country of Gaul. Most of the products of Gaul go to Norway. If Norway becomes unstable it will affect the economy of Gaul and thereby the economy of Rome itself. So.. if these people are smart they get their act together. Or else... Rome might become interested in building a new province in Scandinavia''

''You're right! Absolutely!''

''We are on the advantage here''

''We don't have to cause any conflict. Soon the news will be spread all around Scandinavia that we are here''

''Meanwhile, let's travel through this country and investigate what this country has to offer. We will report it to the general. He will report it to Rome''

''I don't think that Rome will plan to annex Norway''

''Neither do I. We have enough trouble with the Rhine-Elbe province. I think that soon, maybe within fifty years, there'll be a future Emperor who will invade and annex Britain''

''Britain!''

''Britain is very wealthy! There are many natural resources over there. Just as in Norway! There are, however, far more inhabitants in Britain than in Norway''

''That's another reason that they might invade Britain earlier than Norway. Norway is far off. Britain is just across a small sea at Gaul. And many Gaulish tribe are related to the Celtic Britons. So it will be easier to include those nations into the Roman world''

''After the annexation of Britain, Norway will be nothing more than a 'protectorate' of the Empire. I mean, It's Britain, Gaul and the Rhine area. Those three regions are the regions that trade with Norway. If all are under Roman rule than they are completely surrounded by Rome''

''But.. it's not that far yet. Britain is still independent of the Empire. Also, we don't know the future. Many say that the Roman Empire will endure forever! I'm not so sure of that! They said the same about the Egyptian, Assyrian, Sumerian, Babylonian, Median, Persian and Aegean Empires. And all of those are treated down now by Rome. Maybe some day in the future another power will come that will subdue Rome''

''You're very funny!''

''Well, I mean it. But.. you're right for now. Today Rome rules the world. So... let's make plans for expeditions through this wealthy country!''