Boudicca - Queen of Death

by Ralph Harvey

  “No survivors.”

  “No, not a single one. Over 70,000 slain in three days and most of them on the last day.”

  Aristicus fumed inwardly, “I lost twelve hours, twelve vital hours.”

  Decian stood in front of him, “Don’t blame yourself, commander, we were outwitted. That she-devil has cunning.”

  Aristicus walked on, his hands clasped behind his back, “She is clever, I admit. The simplest trick in the book, and I fell for it Decian. But think of it, what if that forest had been crawling with Iceni? Then history would have recorded that I made the right decision.”

  Decian hesitated,“It’s true commander, but let us face facts, even if we had arrived on time, we would have been too few, and there is every possibly that we too would be numbered amongst the dead here.”

  Aristicus was quick to affirm it, “An entire legion of foot soldiers — the ninth — was massacred on its way here only their cavellry managed to escape. What befell them could easily have been our destiny too.”

  “Only the Gods know what numbers she has under her command now, they say that close on 100,000 Trinovantes have joined her.”

  Aristicus snapped his fingers to his ostler to command him bring his horse.

  “Fate has dealt us a bad hand, Decian. The dead here are too numerous to bury, and I cannot waste further time on funeral rites.” He hesitated, “We continue on to Londinium. We may well be needed there, for it is my guess that is where she will strike next.”

  It was eventide as the last of the column pulled out, a smouldering red light glowing behind them as Camulodunum still continued to burn, a light wind stirring the embers into flame once more

  Chapter 19

  Londinium — Next Day

  The following day Londinium was a hive of activity. Soldiers and civilians alike laboured erecting puny defences, only to find enormous gaps in trying to cover such a vast area.

  One of the men labouring was grumbling out loud to all around him.

  “I can’t see in Hades why we couldn’t have waited until tomorrow when the legions arrive, professionals at ditching and banking they are. On the march they do it bleedin’ day in and day out — and they’d know where to do it. Fart arsin’ around finding odd bits like we are.”

  An older man stopped, wiping a grimy hand across his brow, “We’re giving them a start. 80,000 civilians starting to dig holes ’elps ’em, they can take over later.”

  The first man stuck his spade into the earth again.

  “Come on, let’s get on with it — or we could be digging our own graves.”

  Meanwhile Boudicca was keeping a careful eye on the situation. She was fully aware that Suetonius had stolen a march on her and would reach Londinium a good two to three days ahead of her. After the latest reports on his movements she knew that he would now be there.

  “What do you plan Boudicca?” Corrianus asked inquisitively, “8,000 legionaries plus 2,000 to 3,000 cavalry will be entrenched in Londinium by now, and our spies say they are digging ditches and erecting earth walls day and night. We can take it for certain the fighting will be bloody. Lindum is a soft target Queen; furthermore there is no opposition between us and them.”

  Boudicca shook her head,

  “No loved one, it is the legions we must destroy. Londinium is a bonus and its loss will wipe out the Roman supply lines — nearly all of occupied Britannia is supplied via that port. Take Londinium and the Roman army bleeds to death. Continue our scorched earth policy and we will weaken them until they are ready to be reaped.”

  She carefully straightened her dress, “Londinium is like a ripe plum waiting to be picked, if Suetonius defends it, as he will, he will be unable to deploy his cavalry in the narrow streets and his army will be fragmented trying to keep hold over such a large area that is so built up. No Corrianus we strike at Londinium as planned; he will be trapped within it.”

  In Londinium itself hundreds of people were flocking to the city entrance, situated at the end of the Roman road leading in. Suetonius, at the head of his cavalry, his army marching in disciplined formation behind, had been sighted and was now less than an hour away.

  Anxious sentinels kept a careful watch on the horizon in anticipation of their coming, when suddenly a resounding cheer went up as the first Roman banners appeared over the brow of the hill. Armour shining, Suetonius could be plainly be seen at the head riding a magnificent grey.

  The populace could not wait to greet their saviours. In a concerted rush they poured out of the city in thousands to escort the incoming forces, to the accompaniment of flutes and tambourines as they thronged around them. Suetonius had checked his mount, tightening the reins as the animal bristled at the sudden intrusion of the banging drums.

  “Check your steeds,” Suetonius commanded, “keep an orderly formation. I don’t want the horses spooked.”

  And so they continued their way in.

  Entering the city, even greater crowds had turned out to greet them. Young girls threw flowers and spread petals before them to march on, maidens rushed out of the throng and kissed the riders’ feet as they poured through, while others hugged the following foot soldiers. Men and women ran alongside the all-conquering army with flagons of wine, and vestal virgins from the temple offered sweetmeats.

  Suetonius glanced over his shoulder to a rather perturbed centurion who was clearly uncertain as to how to handle the situation.

  “Let them indulge themselves centurion,” he responded, “pass the word down the line and tell them that they may relax, break step, and go to a slow walk. Keep them in line, but allow them to eat and drink what is offered.”

  He was appraising the city buildings all the time they were marching in, and was already appalled at the uneven walls of soft earth, and muddied ditches already filling with water. He shook his head. “I have a feeling this euphoria will not last long on either side.”

  The man saluted and gave the order, “Break step! Keep order — but you may fraternise!”

  The delighted soldiers needed no further encouragement; embracing the girls they quaffed goblets of wine and accepted honeyed titbits.

  In front of Suetonius the chief magistrate and all the town council and dignitaries of Londinium waited to greet them. As he drew near, a harlot, Jania, the keeper of a sumptuous brothel who was well known in the city walked alongside the Roman commander.

  “Welcome Suetonius, saviour of Londinium,” she called. Then made a grandiose gesture, “Tell your men that my girls are free tonight commander, and I shall save myself for you alone.”

  Behind him the marching legionaries broke out in raucous laughter. Suetonius did not stop, but turned in the saddle towards her and smiled then his eyes swiftly appraised her body as she walked beside him, looking down from the height of his steed he gazed at the ripeness of her breasts as the off-the-shoulder dress revealed a titillating glimpse of her cleavage.

  “I accept wench, how do I find you?”

  The girl held on to the saddle, “I shall come to you Suetonius. Tell your guards that Jania is expected.”

  Suetonius was talking in an undertone so as not to make his oncoming tryst too obvious to his followers.

  “Thank you Jania, I will expect you, and my men will undoubtedly thank your ‘friends’ too for your generous offer.“

  By now he had arrived at the gathered councillors. His mind was already made up, and he knew what their reaction would be when he confronted them immediately. He was appalled at their incompetence when he recalled the crude makeshift defences that he had observed while they entered. Giving the order to halt he came straight to the point.

  “Hail Santrix. I have seen your so-called defences. Is that it?”

  Santrix shifted from foot to foot uncomfortably, “We have laboured for three days,” he began lamely, “we do not have the skills of the legion in erecting defences as you do.”

  Suetonius looked at him contemptuously, “Nor the desire to save your own hides,” he interjected. Abru
ptly he turned to Marcus, “There is no time to lose, we eat a quick lunch then I wish to reconnoitre the entire town.”

  Marcus nodded, “I will arrange it commander.”

  The Slave Market

  Within the Iceni camp Boudicca rested, tired from a hard days labour and the recent fighting. Now was the time for her and Corrianus to relax. Even as she lay there at peace with the world and still exhilarated from her recent victory at Camulodunum, peace for Boudicca was not to be. The routine running of the Iceni nation still had to be done and even in times of war and victory, tribal differences had to be settled and justice administered.

  Salinas, one of the Atrebates, was now an adviser on the southern tribes. As he approached Boudicca his agitation was clear.

  “Boudicca,” He called, stopping at the entrance, “O Queen, can you spare a moment and hear me?”

  Boudicca smiled and gestured him in, “Gentle Salinas, I always have time to listen to you. But I can see from your countenance you are perturbed. What ails you?”

  Salinas shuffled uneasily from foot to foot, “I do not think anything can be done Queen,” he answered, “but maybe one day when all Britannia is free I yearn to see my daughter again.”

  He sat down on the stool at Boudicca’s feet, “Some thirteen miles from Calleva in the land of the Durotriges I have many relatives, for they and the Atrebates have lived in peace for many years. My daughter, Treva, lives with a family there where she is taught to weave cloth by a method known only unto them.”

  He paused, “For as you know Boudicca, the cloth that is spun by them is in great demand by both the Romans and Celts and it is her ambition to one day start her own enterprise to supply even the Caledones and the Damnonii.”

  Boudicca looked puzzled.

  “Then what is your problem for it appears she serves an apprenticeship in an area that does not wage war.”

  Salinas looked imploringly.

  “Two moons ago O Queen, the Romans demanded taxes of the family that teaches her, and they, being unable to pay, had all their possessions and cloth taken but that was still insufficient to pay the tax, the Romans demanded that they should surrender their servants to be sold into slavery, and it was so. My daughter Treva, being a free woman, showed the Roman commander her indenture in proof that she was free, and not subject to their taxation and that she lived with her hosts Bramwen and Albiona as a guest, but she was taken just the same. The Roman commander tore up her indenture before her eyes.”

  “And?” queried Boudicca.

  Salinas responded, “On the fourth day of the new moon she and the servants of the family are to be sold into slavery in the place that is called Cegontion where they have the great fair and slave auction.”

  Boudicca was silent for a while and then said, “I must confess Salinas, that it is not my intention to invade the territory of the Durotriges— yet,” she added ominously, “when I have cut off the Roman head the body will die and all Britannia will revert to us from the land of the Damnonii to the lands of the Votadini and Caledoni.”

  She rose from her couch languidly and placed her great fur cape around herself as she shivered in the morning dawn.

  “How old is your daughter Salinas?” she asked.

  “She has passed fifteen summers O Queen, and is a woman now in full bloom and in the ripeness of her youth. She would be a great prize for any Roman to own, and also, she is unmarried, and still as the Gods so made her — pure!”

  He observed her hesitate, then chose his moment, and added quietly.

  “The same age as your own daughter Maeve.”

  Boudicca reacted sharply of the memory then spoke quickly with venom rising in her voice, “The point is taken” she retorted sharply,” I do not have to be reminded of what fate would await her. But do not despair yet, I have an idea.”

  Salinas looked up at Boudicca hopefully, playing with a strip of leather in anguish. “Do you think there is a chance my lady?”

  Boudicca nodded, “Aye Salinas. When we razed Calleva Atrebatum, there were many of the Regnenses that joined with us in the attack. A strong unit has remained there who are anxious to see the Romans ultimately destroyed, but do not wish to join the main revolt as yet,” her voice dropped, “though I think that with the destruction of Londinium that is to come, they will unify with us when they see which way the wind blows.”

  She stood staring at the high hills and its thick forests, “There is many a hothead amongst our people who ache to expand the war, and to send a small force against the Romans there would impress the locals and further undermine Roman authority. It could be a great psychological victory as well as a physical one” she exclaimed.

  “An Iceni raid into the heart of Roman territory, snatching their captives from under the nose of the Roman invaders, would give heart to the southern Celts.” She paced agitatedly back and forth, and then made a decision. “Yes, let us show the accursed Roman conquerors,” she spat the last words out vehemently, “that Boudicca can strike when and where she wishes, and thus,” she walked back into her hut from the entrance, “in one move Salinas, we can give heart to th0e southern people and let Roman blood flow on Celtic land.”

  Salinas’s face lit up, “May I ride with them O Queen?”

  Boudicca did not answer but simply shook her head slowly indicating that it was not to be, then turning to Corrianus she added, “Bring Cantis forth and instruct him to take thirty men and our best horses, tell him to confer with Salinas and take note of all entrances and paths into Cegontion. Get him to describe his daughter so that you may single her out — but Corrianus,” she added, “I want every single prisoner rescued, I want this to be a psychological victory, for as I have said the day will come when the Durotriges and the Atrebates will rise in union with us and the Regnenses will rise next and the Damnonii and the Demetae will follow.”

  Corrianus tapped his horse’s saddle, “Cantis is a lucky man Queen, if I were not needed here, I would lead the raid myself.”

  Boudicca slapped him lightly, “You are mine Corrianus and your right arm is mine alone. Now that Camulodunum is in flames Londinium will follow within days, and you shall see all the Roman blood you need to. But I will not have you risk yourself on a punitive raid such as this.”

  Dawn the next morning saw a small elite band of warriors setting forth. At their head was Cantis, an old and much experienced warrior; to him would be the task of co-ordinating the raid. Behind him rode an assortment of fellow warriors all skilled in the art of war, having being tempered in the fiery forge of bloody experience. There were no hotheads or novices with him for this was a foray where each man had to implicitly rely upon the other if the mission was to succeed.

  One by one they left, the village shaman throwing oak ash and corn after them in a blessing for them to succeed, while Boudicca and Corrianus watched them go. The Queen and her consort were mounted to see them off. Salinas, whose entreaty had engineered the raid sat alongside the Queen watching them, depart, his eyes misting up as he saw them leave.

  “Dear Salinas,” murmured Boudicca, “I see you yearn to be with them but your limbs are not as lithe as they used to be, and this raid is for strong men.”

  Salinas choked a little then containing himself answered, “I would die Queen just to look upon my daughter’s face once more. I know your reasons and I obey you, but only I can recognise her and … as I did tell you, I know the territory well.” He looked at Boudicca again, “I thank you Boudicca, and as I said, I obey you.”

  Corrianus leaned across in his saddle, “There is wisdom in what he says beloved, if he acts as a guide, and fights not, he could be of great use; besides,” he added, “they would never suspect an old man of being anything other than a tradesman.”

  Boudicca leant back towards Corrianus, “Like you say Corrianus, provided he does not fight, but I will take the chance. See how he reins his horse? He longs to be there; there is truly red blood in his veins.”

  Corrianus’s eyes flicked towards t
he man, “Let him go Boudicca, he is old but it is his life, he is a warrior of the people. Is it not better to die in battle than lie toothless on a pile, while the camp women feed you gruel and wipe your lips.”

  He paused and mused awhile as the little band disappeared in the distance.

  “Have you ever thought O Queen how death is like unto birth?”

  Boudicca looked at him with a puzzled expression, “No Corrianus, tell me.”

  Corrianus continued, “We are born half blind, helpless and bedridden, we have no hair and are toothless and our mothers tend our every need.” He laughed, “Tell me Queen, what is the difference when we are old, are we not bald, toothless and bedridden, and as I say, often blind, while the camp women tend our every need. No Queen, to come into the world as such is one thing, but to go out the same is not a warrior’s death.”

  Boudicca was silent, then slowly acknowledged the wisdom of his words, “I had never looked upon it so, Corrianus. I pray the same shall be for me when my time comes, to die in our people’s way, and by our custom. With a sword in one hand and an enemy head in the other.”

  She turned to Salinas, “Go Salinas, you shall overtake them within the hour. Follow your heart and may you and your daughter return safely. May the Gods be with you. Here, take this,” she gave him a ring from a number that adorned her hand, “so Cantis will l know I have acquiesced to your going. Now go.”

  Salinas’s eyes lit up, “So be it Boudicca,” he exclaimed, “blessed be.”

  With a wild cry Salinas thrust his heels deep in the horses flank and galloped towards the ridge that the party had just disappeared over. Gone were the years, old age had left him, and in that moment his youth had returned as he sped to catch up with the war party, and the possibility of rescuing has beloved daughter.

  Boudicca watched a while then turned, “May the Lord Cernunnos and Lady Cerridwen protect him and return his daughter to him.”

  She reined her horse, “Come lover, there is work to do.”