by K. M. Ashman
‘Let’s get out of here,’ he shouted, ‘move.’
The unit quickly formed a square and with swords drawn, ran toward the few people blocking their way back to the ship. Many jumped out of the way but those too slow were smashed by the shields of the Romans, the metal bosses in their centres breaking jaws as if they were eggs. Any foolish enough to try and stop them were bloodily despatched by Gladius and within a minute, the group had broken free into a relatively quiet side street.
‘Keep running,’ shouted the Optio, ‘they’re right behind us.’
----
Chapter Twenty
The Forests to the North of Londinium
Finian finished binding Lannosea’s arm to a stick, knowing that the bone would set fairly straight.
‘I am no Shaman, girl,’ he said.’ It’s the best I can do.’
Lannosea just nodded, her face streaming with tears of pain from the well-meant but rough treatment.
‘Are you alright?’ asked Taliesin.
Lannosea nodded again and wiped the tears from her eyes.
‘Why did you do it?’ she asked eventually.
‘Do what?’
‘Stop me jumping off the cliff.’
‘Oh that,’ said Taliesin. ‘Just a natural reaction I suppose. Anyone would have done the same. Anyway, you are far too pretty to die yet.’
A hint of a smile played about her face.
‘Now you flatter me,’ she said. ‘I have seen my reflection and I look like an old witch.’
Taliesin shuffled over and sat before her.
‘It is true, a bathe and a comb would enhance your appearance,’ he laughed, ‘but no amount of mud can hide your grace.’ He held out a large leaf containing a slice of the raw fish. ‘Not exactly the golden platter the daughter of a Queen would expect, but all I can provide at the moment.’
‘Our platters are wooden like yours,’ said Lannosea, ‘and anyway, a more welcome meal was never more gratefully received.’ For a few moments they both made small talk and even laughed a little at their predicament. Finally, Finian strolled over and interrupted their conversation.
‘Right,’ he said, ‘when you two have stopped your nonsense, we have to get moving. By my reckoning we are just over a day away from Londinium and if this wench is who she says she is, I think we may be in for some sort of reward for bringing her home safe.’
‘I am who I say,’ said Lannosea, ‘and I will make sure you are suitably rewarded.’
‘I seek no reward,’ said Taliesin, ‘just the chance to serve and help drive the Romans from our soil.’
‘If we find my people,’ answered Lannosea, ‘I will ensure the Queen places a thousand men under your command.’
Finian snorted in derision.
‘A thousand men?’ he laughed, ‘this one needs to learn how to look after himself first.’
Taliesin smiled.
‘He is right,’ he said, ‘I have a lot to learn.’
‘Then you will learn at my mother’s side,’ said Lannosea.
‘Enough talk,’ said Finian. ‘Time to get moving.’
Taliesin and Lannosea stood up and followed Finian southward through the forest. For the first time in weeks, Taliesin realised he was getting very close to Boudicca.
----
Prydain and his party of travellers were camped deep in a wood north of the city of Verulamium. As another town dominated by a Roman presence, many retired soldiers chose to make their homes there at the end of their military service, especially those who had married local girls. The effect on the city over the years was one of improvement and a better lifestyle. Roads were wider and laid in stone and temples to the many Roman gods were peppered throughout the city. The proximity to Londinium in the south meant it enjoyed its fair share of luxuries from the continent and the lifestyle was comfortable. Again though, the natural lean toward slavery meant that already there was a distinct ruling class within its population and those of Roman descent had carved out positions of power over the original inhabitants.
Knowing this, Prydain’s intention had been to give the city a wide berth but they had become lost in a particularly dense forest and when they had finally come across a woodsman, who could give them directions, they found they were miles out of their way.
Three of the travellers sat around the campfire deep in a ravine cutting through the forest. A small deer brought down by one of Heulwen’s arrows earlier in the day, hung above the flames and their mouths watered from the aromas.
The sound of approaching horsemen made each check his weapon but as expected, it was Taran and Cullen returning from their scouting mission.
‘Hwyl, Prydain,’ called Cullen from the ravine edge above.
‘Down here,’ answered Prydain. ‘There is a track a hundred paces to your front. Follow it down to the river then come back upstream.’
Ten minutes later the two men rode into the camp and tethered their horses alongside the others before joining their comrades at the fire.
‘We were beginning to wonder if you had been killed,’ said Prydain holding out his arm in greeting.
Taran gripped the forearm of Prydain in return.
‘We almost were,’ he said. ‘The forest around here is alive with refugees. The word is Boudicca intends to sack Londinium and many people fled the town to take refuge in Verulamium only to be turned away by the city’s militia.’
‘Boudicca intends to attack Londinium?’ gasped Prydain.’ Surely she eyes that which is too great to achieve.’
‘You would think so,’ said Taran but this trek has kept us from momentous news. Not only has she laid waste to Camulodunum but she has also defeated one of the Legions in an open battle.’
‘Impossible,’ said Prydain.
‘Yet true,’ said Taran. ‘While we were out we took up with a column of traders for a day and the news was rife. She has slaughtered a Legion, sacked a city and now intends to attack Londinium. If she is successful, she cuts one of the main supply routes from Rome and the remaining three Legions will be isolated.’
‘They have Rutupiae on the coast,’ said Prydain.
‘A three day journey for the supply columns,’ said Taran, ‘and one that invites attack from Boudicca’s allies or even brigands. In Londinium the ships sailed straight into the heart of the town and the stores were distributed quickly. Make no mistake, if Londinium falls it will be a massive blow to Rome’s presence here.’
‘And you believe she will do it?’
‘There is word that even as we speak, the skies above Londinium burn red.’
‘She has fired the town?’ gasped Heulwen.
‘It would seem so.’
‘So what does this mean for us?’ asked Gildas. ‘Obviously it is good news that the Romans are tasting Britannic steel but how does it affect our mission?’
‘I’m not sure,’ said Prydain. ‘We have much to talk about but first we will eat. Your return is timely for the deer is almost done. See to your horses and we will talk with full bellies.’
Half an hour later, each man handed over their wooden bowl and Heulwen filled them with strips of the roasted deer. Everyone ate in silence, savouring the still bloody freshness of the red venison.
‘Good meat,’ mumbled Gildas, through his full mouth.
‘A welcome change from the pig,’ agreed Taran.
Each leaned forward as their bowls emptied and cut off fresh slices, agreeing they would finish off the deer tonight rather than save it for the morrow. They still had enough dried pork and biscuit for a few days travel and the deer was a welcome treat. Gildas cut off an entire leg and ate direct from the bone, mumbling in satisfaction as the grease ran down his chin.
‘He looks happy,’ laughed Heulwen quietly to Prydain.
‘Easy man to please,’ said Prydain.’ Fill his belly and he will travel to the ends of the earth for you. Accompany it with ale and you have a friend for life.’
‘A deer I can manage,’ said Heulwen tapping the bow at
her side. ‘Ale is harder to source.’
‘On the contrary,’ said Prydain, ‘we have the finest ale in the world right at hand.’ He nodded toward the shallow river. ‘When a man is thirsty, he needs nothing else.’
They fell quiet and watched as the other men finished their meal.
‘Do you think we can actually do this?’ asked Heulwen eventually.
‘This was your quest, Heulwen,’ said Prydain. ‘Surely you are not doubting the outcome?’
‘When I sought your aid, it was simply a quest to rescue a boy from his own stupidity,’ she said. ‘Now we are in the midst of unfamiliar territory, not knowing our final destination and walking into a battle of no concern to us.’
‘Are you suggesting we stop?’
‘I am suggesting that you stop,’ she said, ‘I intend to carry on but you and your comrades are not indebted to me in any way.’
‘That would be stupid,’ said Prydain.
‘Costing the lives of four good men on a fool’s errand is no less stupid,’ answered Heulwen.
‘These men are the best there are,’ said Prydain. ‘So far you have seen the quiet side of them only, a trait born of necessity. Should the time come to defend themselves they will not fall short of what is expected. The Silures are like no other Britons, Heulwen. Their strategy is avoidance, subterfuge and ambush. As long as our people or lands are not directly affected, they will watch from the shadows but if threatened, then their wrath is incalculable.’
‘You say, they! Why is that?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Do you not count yourself Silures?’
‘I do but these men have learned the ways since leaving their mother’s breast. I have returned to my heritage only in the second half of my life and stand in awe of men such as these. If I die with half the mettle of my comrades, then I will rest an honoured man.’
‘So you don’t think we should at least offer them the opportunity to return home.’
‘No, but if it makes you feel better, I will ask the question.’
‘It will,’ said Heulwen.
Prydain half turned to the men and called out.
‘Taran, Gildas, Cullen. Heulwen fears for our safety and recommends you return to your families. What say you?’
‘Hell no,’ said Gildas still concentrating on the deer’s leg.
‘With my sword still clear of Roman blood?’ asked Taran. ‘I think not.’
‘What of you, Cullen?’ asked Heulwen.
‘These men are my family so I am already home,’ came the answer.
‘But you could die out here,’ said Heulwen.
‘We all die, lady. Today tomorrow or as old men, it matters not. The outcome remains the same.’
‘Well that was straightforward ,’ said Heulwen with a laugh as she turned back to Prydain.
‘Now that is settled,’ said Prydain, ‘we should agree our strategy.’ He called the men over and they sat in a loose circle, finishing their meals. Prydain turned to Taran.
‘Taran, share what you have seen these last few days.’
‘First of all, the woodsman was right,’ said the young man. ‘We are nowhere near where we thought we were. One day’s ride in that direction lies Verulamium, a city heavily influenced by the Romans who have made it their home. Londinium lies on the far side so we have to either go straight through the city or around it if we are to find Boudicca.’
‘We can’t risk going through it,’ said Prydain, ‘any strangers will stand out from the crowd.’
‘True,’ said Taran, ‘but veering off track also has risks.’
‘How so?’
‘The refugees from Londinium I told you about, many have been refused entry to the city and wander throughout the forests seeking shelter and food. Some are desperate and have turned to murder to meet their needs.’
‘There have always been such people,’ said Gildas, ‘brigands hold no fear for me.’
‘Nor I,’ said Taran, ‘but their numbers are unknown. Our clothing and accent make us stand out from the locals and we would be targeted immediately.’
‘How far do they extend?’ asked Prydain.
‘Mainly from here to the eastern edge of Londinium,’ said Taran.
‘Then we go west,’ said Gildas.
‘That way lies a greater danger,’ said Cullen. ‘Somewhere to the west of us, the Gemina Legion lays up preparing for battle. Their scouts will be watching like hawks and probably many locals willing to give us up for a rusty coin.’
‘So, we can’t go forward, east or west,’ said Prydain.
‘That only leaves back the way we came,’ said Gildas.
‘We do not go back,’ said Prydain, ‘until we get what we came for.’
‘So what do you propose?’ asked Taran.
Prydain thought for a while before answering.
‘Tell me,’ he said. ‘Why does this Legion lie up while Boudicca lays waste to Londinium?’
‘The word is that it gathers its strength to confront her.’
‘And yet she carries on regardless.’
‘Boudicca has no fear of the Gemina,’ said Taran. ‘She has already defeated the Hispana with half the amount of men she has now. I think she is taunting him and wants him out in the open.’
‘I agree,’ said Prydain, ‘and it raises an important question. Where will this battle take place?’
‘Nobody knows,’ said Gildas.
‘Not yet,’ said Prydain, ‘and there are only two people who can influence that decision, Boudicca and Suetonius.’
‘So?’
‘So by the time we get to Londinium, she could be miles away and we could spend months chasing her around Britannia,’ said Prydain.’ However, if we stay close to Suetonnius, they will eventually face each other across the battlefield and wherever she is, Taliesin will be close by.’
‘So we wait?’ suggested Taran.
‘Exactly,’ answered Prydain.’ We will find somewhere secure close by, yet watch the movements of Suetonius closely. When a Legion moves, it leaves a trail like a storm across the land and can be easily followed. Stay close to it, and eventually we will find Boudicca.’
The group looked at each other in turn until finally Gildas spoke up.
‘Well it is a plan,’ he said.
‘It is,’ said Prydain, ‘and plays on our strengths. All we have to do is be patient.’
‘Then it is agreed,’ said Taran. ‘Tomorrow we will go to ground and await the will of the gods.’
----
Petillius left his tent and walked toward his waiting men. It was still dark and the only light came from a burning cart in the centre of the camp. Only two soldiers remained on the ramparts of the marching camp as lookouts and would leave it until the last possible moment before joining the remains of the Legion. Petillius climbed up onto another upturned cart and addressed the gathered men.
‘Fellow Legionaries of the Ninth,’ he started. ‘In the last few days we have had the misfortune of witnessing the demise of our beloved Legion, but this is just a setback. In the years ahead, our banners will writhe in the winds of battle and our Aquila will witness glorious victories once more. Our dead will live strong in our memories but it is time we move on. It is time we lift our heads and show these barbarians that though our numbers are few, our resolve is great and we will return to suffer our vengeance upon the heathen in our comrades’ names. To do this we must leave this place as soon as possible and at last, opportunity has arisen. The risk is great but the rewards are greater still.’
He paused and looked around the few men left from his command.
‘Stay here,’ he continued, ‘and we will surely be overrun but leave and we run the risk of ambush. I for one would prefer to meet my gods while taking the assault to the enemy.’
A murmur of approval arose from the men, happy at last to be taking action.
‘There is, however a problem,’ continued the Legate. ‘We number a hundred and ten men in total and
only fifty two horses between us so not all can ride. There are an unknown number of barbarians within the forest around us but we have no way of knowing how many, so this is what we will do. Each horse will have one rider on his back, armed with a Pugio. Another man will run at the side of the horse, with his hand tied to the saddle. Where necessary this will be repeated on the opposite side so each horse conveys up to three men. The aim is to break out of the fort as fast as possible and plough straight through them without pause or thought. Hopefully by the time they realise what is happening we will be deep into the forest. Are there any questions?’
‘Sire,’ said a Decurion. ‘Surely the horses will tire quickly with such a load.’
‘They will,’ said the Legate, ‘so every man will discard their armour to make the load as light as possible. The only armament needed by the runners will be a Gladius.’
‘No armour?’ said another. ‘We will surely be easy meat for barbarian blades.’
‘Our aim is to escape, not fight,’ said Petillius. ‘If we are forced to stop by sheer numbers, no amount of chain mail will be enough.’
‘If we are to be tied,’ said the Decurion, ‘and someone does fall to a blade or arrow, wont they hold the horses back?’
‘They will?’ said Petillius, ‘and that is why the rider has a blade, to cut away the ties holding the injured man.’
‘We leave them behind?’ asked the soldier
‘We have no other choice,’ said Petillius. ‘The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few in this instance but hopefully it won’t come to that. The trick to this is speed and balance. As soon as the gate is open, use the horse’s momentum to carry you forward and do not falter. The scouts from the Gemina who joined us yesterday will afford some protection on the flanks and lead the way out of the forest. With the gods’ will, we will joint Suetonnius before nightfall. Any more questions?’
The men remained silent.
‘Good,’ said Petillius. ‘Aquilifer, recover the Eagle and make it shine like it has never shone before. Whatever fate lies before us, it will be met under the emblem of the Gemina. The rest of you, make your peace with your gods and get ready to move, we ride at first light.’