by Griff Hosker
Wolf and Quintus had not been hurt or treated badly whilst with the barbarians. Quintus’ leg had healed and he now only had a slight limp. Both men were less neat and tidy as they had discarded those parts of their uniform which encumbered them and replaced others which had worn out. They had been wondering when their fate would be decided. Neither knew why they had been left alive but as the alternative was to risk crucifixion at the hands of the Romans they awaited their fate patiently. When they had spoken on the long journey north they had deduced that they were being kept alive, and kept alive for a purpose. Both had agreed that whatever task came their way they would carry it out. Having tried murder there was little that would be beyond their particular pale.
“My warrior here saw some Romans near the Tinea. There were thirty of them and they were cavalry. Do you know who they are, who commands and where they are stationed?”
Eagerly the answers poured out, they were both pleased that they could satisfy this ferocious woman who terrified grown men like the red faced warrior crouching at her feet. “They are probably our ala. We are the only regiment of horse in the north. The First Sallustian Wing of Pannonians. The Decurion Princeps is Livius Lucullus Sallustius.”
“So Livius still lives. Interesting. Carry on.”
“They were stationed at Morbium but if you saw them near the Tinea either they have moved or they have built a temporary camp. When we served with them there were only two hundred and fifty and they were awaiting new recruits.”
“Good,” she turned to Gwynfor and raised him to his feet by placing her hand under his chin and lifting. “Do you see Gwynfor. These men want to please me and they are holding nothing back. They are desperate to tell me all. I have seen their thoughts and know they speak the truth. Now let us try the same with you.”
“I will do anything your majesty, please give me another chance.” The two deserters were taking all of this in. If this warrior could be so intimidated and afraid then they would do well to obey all orders.
“Could you identify any of the troopers Gwynfor?”
“There was an officer and two men.”
“You said thirty!”
“Yes majesty but only three crossed the river.”
“Describe the officer.”
“He was a little taller than him,” he pointed to Wolf, “he had dark hair and a beard. He had angry eyes.”
Quintus looked quickly at Wolf who said, “Aelius!”
“You know the man?”
“It sounds like our friend, certainly it doesn’t sound like any of the others. He was our Decurion and he was the one who sent us to kill Sallustius. He is no friend of your enemies.”
“And would he help us?”
“If he thought you would get rid of Sallustius then the answer would be yes.”
“Good I have an idea how we can use you. First you are, of course, committed to helping me are you not?”
It was more of a command than a question but both men will more than willing to serve. Wolf’s agile brain had worked out how Morwenna would use Aelius to destroy the ala. He had no regrets about consigning his old comrades to death. His business was his life. “Yes majesty,” they both said as they knelt before her.
“Good, then take them to Idwal, Gwynfor, and have them join my guards. I want them equipped as the others. Then I want the three of you to return to the Tinea, find this Aelius and find out what Sallustius intends. We will do nothing until spring by which time we should have a complete picture of their intentions.”She went to her bag and took out a small pouch of coins. “Give him this as a sign of our good faith and promise him more the day that we kill this Livius Lucullus Sallustius. When you are ready then return to me. Gwynfor I will have other warriors to accompany you.”
Morwenna slipped silently from there hut and made her way to the main hall and the royal quarters. Unlike every other visitor Morwenna went where she pleased. The King had acquiesced to his wife’s request that Morwenna be treated as a sister rather than a visitor. The King did not understand this relationship between the women but, in all things, he trusted his wife and when he reflected upon it he thought that it was no different to that of a warrior and his blood sworn. As she crossed the open area before the steps to the hall she saw the King and some of his lords set to go hunting. She smiled; while his people slaved to get in the crops before the winter the King was able to take advantage of the clement weather and autumnal foliage to go hunting. She swept up the steps , through the hall and into the rooms of the Queen.
“I have a request sister.”
“Speak and it is done.”
“We may have a way to insinuate ourselves into the Roman cavalry who are now on your borders. I believe we may be able to gain a spy in their midst.”
“That is wonderful news.” Her brow furrowed, “Cavalry? I had not heard of Roman horse on the frontier.”
“The men we left at the bridge saw them. The deserters we discovered came from that cavalry. I will send them to join my men and see if they can persuade one of their comrades to spy. The hairy one, Wolf, seems to think that one of their officers is a plum ripe for the picking.”
“What do you require of me sister?”
“A small group of your warriors. My men do not know the land and will waste time becoming lost. With your men they would be able to speed their way around the land of the Votadini.”
Radha was quick witted and she went into the hall and shouted, “Send Angus to me.” She turned to Morwenna. “He is one of my loyal bodyguards and his land was close to the Tinea. He hates the Romans for the pony tailed barbarians killed his sister and father. He can be totally trusted.” When Angus arrived Morwenna was impressed for he was a powerfully built warrior but what made her take greater notice was the anger and hatred which were etched into his face and eyes. She doubted that he would ever smile. She was fey and could not only see into the minds of others but sense their feelings. Even had Radha not told her of his grief she would have sensed it. “Angus, choose five men and accompany the Roman deserters and the Queen’s warrior Gwynfor.” He reacted with an angry snort when the Roman deserters were named. “Angus, the deserters are important to us and should not be harmed. You are going to the Tinea to recruit a spy in the Roman camp. You will guide our friends by the safest and most secret paths.”
He bowed, “I will do as you wish my lady.”
When he had gone Morwenna kissed Radha lightly on the lips. “You are right he is an angry man.”She held the Queen at arm’s length, “We have been apart for too long. Come to my quarters tonight, it is time we spoke.”
Radha’s eyes lit up with excitement. “The King will celebrate the hunt tonight and I will be able to leave him.”
“Good for we have much to plan, and even more to do.”
* * * * * *
Angus made it quite clear to Wolf and Quintus that he hated them and having no time for Romans either as soldiers or deserters he made it clear that he was only helping them at his Queen’s request. Gwynfor had grinned at the men’s discomfort for he was not keen on dishonourable warriors who changed sides either. Although Quintus was afraid of the two men Wolf had shrugged it off. He did not need to be liked and Angus had better watch out that he did not get a blade in the back; others who had crossed this killer had found that to their permanent cost. Now that they were armed once more Wolf had regained some of his confidence. He had watched how the warriors worked and knew that he could inveigle his way to a position of power; they were full of noble ideals such as honour and blood oaths. They were fools! Wolf would gain the attention of one of the two Queens whom he recognised immediately as holding the real power. He relished the thought of having power over Aelius Spartianus who had used Wolf and the others as a tool in the past. The balance of power had shifted for Wolf knew, unlike the men he travelled with, including Quintus, that if the decurion refused their offer he would die and Wolf would find someone else, probably The Fist to cooperate with them. The Decurion Princeps was
too open and honest a leader to keep secrets from his men and it did not need an officer to divulge the secrets of the ala. The simple fact is there would be no secrets.
When they rejoined the men at the bridge they discovered that no more patrols had visited the bridge. Wolf had scorned, “That is because you attacked them. I know Spartianus. He would run a mile to avoid a fight he thought he might lose. We will have to find him.”
Angus and Gwynfor did not like this deserter giving them what amounted to orders. Gwynfor chose to reassert his authority. “You are here to communicate with your friends not make decisions.”
“Really? And what the fuck are we going to do then? Sit here and wait while a tree grows up our arses hoping that he returns. Doesn’t bother me but I think your Queen might not like that.” Wolf spoke with confidence having seen the humiliation suffered at the Queen’s hands by Gwynfor and he knew that he had struck home when he saw the Manavian warrior’s eyes flicker in pain and anger.
Turning to Angus the warrior asked, “Where would the Romans base their cavalry? Somewhere close to here.”
Angus thought for a moment, his face hardening as he remembered the day the pony tailed killers came from that fort to kill his family. “There is but one place. The fort on the Tinea, the one they call Coriosopitum.”
Wolf nodded, “Coriosopitum. Yeah I have heard of that. It is the first fort on the Stanegate.”
Gwynfor suddenly felt like he was the only one without any knowledge and he was being made to look foolish in front of his men. “What is this Stanegate?”
“It is the road which joins Corio to the fort on the other coast Luguvalium. The Romans use it as a way of moving swiftly along the frontier. It runs along the valley of the Tinea.”
Gwynfor chewed his fingers nervously as he debated what to do. He hated to admit it but the Roman was right, waiting here would not achieve their ends but would Morwenna regard this as dereliction of duty? He looked at the mocking look on Wolf’s face; the man remembered his treatment in Morwenna’s hut. When the time came he would end the hairy one’s life. “Let us go to this Corio then. Lead on Angus. This is your country; you will know it better than we.”
“We will follow the ridge.” He gestured to the forested crest of the hills which led east. “It is but a couple of hour’s travel.”
The land rose and fell but Angus was as familiar with this part of the world as with his own hand. They travelled invisibly, the tracks almost indiscernibly until Angus took the path when they became as obvious as the Stanegate which sliced through the land below them. The river cut through the valley beyond the Roman road and Gwynfor was glad that Angus was with them for he would have crossed the bridge and that would have put them firmly in Roman territory.
Suddenly Angus held up his hand and they halted. They dismounted and, leaving the horses with the bulk of the men, Angus led Gwynfor and the two deserters through the forest. They were no longer on the path and this was almost virgin woodland. Tall pines fought for light and it was a dark and foreboding path that they trod. Angus led them down the hill, twisting and turning but always heading south. His hand came up and they halted silently waiting; the forest was becoming lighter. He edged forwards and then gestured for them to join him one by one. When they reached the edge of the trees they were at the edge of a narrow stream but on the other side the land had been cleared and there, less than half a mile away, was the fort of Coriosopitum. Wolf could see the Batavian sentries on the gates and towers. He could almost make out their facial features they were so close.
Gwynfor led them back into the forest. “Well done Angus, this is perfect.” He turned to the two deserters. “One of you will have to be here at all times for you know whom we seek. The rest of us will camp in the forest. Angus you had better find us somewhere close but where we cannot be seen from the road.” Wolf glanced to the side to see the road rising up towards the ridge in a perfect line from the isolated Roman outpost. “As soon as one of you sees your friend we will follow then and then it will be up to you two to make contact.”
Wolf stroked his chin. “They will have a fort somewhere else. They won’t be sharing with the Batavians.” The two barbarians looked at him questioningly, “The garrison in the fort. It would be handy to know where they are.”
Angus nodded. That made sense to him. “When we have made camp I will find this horse fort.”
“It will be within a half mile of this one. I would guess it will be south, probably near to the river and the bridge which I assume is down there. I will come with you, who knows I may see him then.”
Angus nodded, “They have a bridge and there are towers at each end but the river is not wide here, a man can swim across on his horse.”
An hour later and the scouting party had settled down to wait. Quintus was on duty first, Angus and Wolf had gone to find the camp and Gwynfor’s men had gone hunting. This time they would be prepared for a long wait. They intended to eat better than on the last stake out.
* * * * *
Angus and Wolf rode along the ridge above the Stanegate. They were well hidden by the trees and yet could observe anyone using the military road. They had gone barely half a mile when Wolf halted the Votadini. “I can see it. “He pointed to the south of the river where the newly turned earth and wooden stakes stood out, clearly marking a new fort. Behind it could be seen a column of men and horses heading east, obviously a turma on patrol. “That’s it, that is the cavalry fort.”
Angus looked at the column of men. “Where would you say they were heading?”
“Probably towards the coast, I believe it is not far away.”
“Let us return then to the others.”
“Listen Angus I know you do not like me or my kind but believe me I am on your side and I want Morwenna’s plan to succeed.” Angus snorted and spat, he was not interested in the witch Queen but Radha and the eviction of the Romans was a different matter. Undeterred by the enmity Wolf carried on. “Gwynfor’s plan isn’t good enough. We are just waiting. Who knows Spartianus may be confined to the fort, wounded, heading east, we just don’t know where he might be. If you can get me closer to the fort then I will have a better chance of making contact and we can be out of here sooner.”
Angus looked suspiciously at Wolf. He did not trust any Romans, especially those who had changed sides but the quicker he could return to his Queen the better. “I can get you there Roman but if you are intending to betray us and rejoin your comrades, know this; I would cut out your heart even as you lived if you did so.”
Wolf shook his head. “You do not know the Roman army do you Angus?” The tribesman shook his head in disdain as though he did not need to know them. “They had discipline and Quintus and I have broken two cardinal rules. We tried to kill a superior officer, that counts as mutiny and we deserted. Now I am not exactly sure which punishment they would choose but the options are crucifixion, put me on a cross, break my arms and legs and leave me there to die or perhaps the quicker one, where I am beaten to death by the rest of my trooper comrades. Now I have to be honest with you, none of the three deaths would be a good one but having my heart cut out would guarantee me the quickest death so let us just say that I am not going to betray you. You can come with me, in fact I want you to, because I want to make contact and get out of there as quickly as I can, believe me I feel as you do, I want to be as far away from here as I can be.”
Angus looked carefully at Wolf, he knew he was a devious man but in this he could see no deception and Angus felt he was a good judge of men. He still did not trust the Roman deserter but he would not betray them here. “We will tell Gwynfor what we intend.” He pointed upstream. “The river splits up there and there is an island in the middle. It is shallow enough now, before the snow and the rains for a man to ride across. Then we can ride to the south and approach from the Roman road to the south. They will be less vigilant there.”
“Good plan. Let’s do it.”
Wolf was smiling to himself as they app
roached the island. Gwynfor had not been happy about the Votadini’s usurpation of his authority but when he had been knocked flat by a punch which had rocked even The Fist, they had left. Wolf had noted that Gwynfor’s men appeared to have no love for their leader as none had offered to help him as he lay bleeding on the ground at least one tooth missing from his bloody mouth. He stored that information up for a later time. It was late afternoon by the time they had quickly traversed the stone lined road, now showing its age, it was in need of repair and Wolf knew from that sign of slackness that the Batavians were stretched and ripe for the plucking. They had waded across the river, having first ensured that there were no patrols coming down the Stanegate. Once in the tree line on the south of the road they could see the two forts almost one above the other. The Batavians could be seen in the ditches around the upper fort and on the walls improving the defences. “They are worried about your lot,” he pointed to Angus, “they are busy improving the defences.”
Angus looked disdainfully at the Romans. “When we come we will not be stopped by a few ditches.”
Wolf knew that the barbarian was right but he also knew that they would lose many warriors doing so. For before they could reach the ditches they would have been decimated by the deadly artillery, the scorpions. Reaching the eastern side of the road they tied their mounts to a tree and made their way through the scrubby hedgerow. It was open land with a few bushes and small trees dotted around. They crawled from each bush and tree to the next point of concealment. Wolf’s only worry was a patrol coming from the south which might detect them but all the traffic had appeared to be north, east and west of the fort. One snippet of information gleaned by the sharp eyed deserter was that he had not recognised any of the decurions in the three patrols they had seen south of the Tinea. He didn’t know why but he would find out when they made contact.