by Jay Allan
They were still speaking of such when they were called for supper, though such is a poor name for the feast that awaited them. At a great long table they were seated, with Euric at the head and Uther and Leodegrance on each side of the king. Thudis and the other lords sat next in line, in order of rank, Uther supposed. The tablecloth was woven of silken cloth, and the settings were of solid silver and gold. Many courses were served - soups, bread, venison from the king's own forests, game birds, wild boar roasted with onions. Long into the night they ate, and even longer they drank, draining cask after cask of the king's excellent wine.
They spoke of many things, for Euric's grandsire was the great Alaric, who had sacked Rome itself in vengeance after the emperor Honorius massacred the families of the Goths serving in the imperial army. This was the same emperor who had recognized the claim of Uther’s grandfather's to share the purple, only to betray him to some unnamed murderer's blade.
They decided that Uther and Leodegrance would remain as Euric's guests for ten days and then continue on to Italia, for they concluded that whether they had hope of success or not, they must follow their task through to its completion. Before they left, they would join a great hunt ordered by Euric in their honor.
For three days they rode far into the country, and slew many stags and two large boar, and Uther and Leodegrance became close friends with King Euric. Leodegrance asked many questions, for the kingship of Cameliard would be his one day, and he would learn what he could from such a mighty monarch. Uther, too, began to understand the difference between a powerful warrior and a great king. Though he did not expect ever to wear a crown, Uther swore to see Britannia united under the Pendragon. He would be more than a great fighter, he would study the arts of war and learn how to lead armies, for he could see now that there was more to achieving lasting victory than cleaving a few foes at close quarters.
At the close of the third day of the hunt, they rode back to the palace where tidings awaited them. Grim tidings indeed, for it was said that Orestes, the supreme commander of the army, had deposed Julius Nepos and driven him from Italia. The usurper proclaimed his son as emperor, and called him Romulus Augustus. All Italia was in disarray, and Vandal pirates swarmed the seas. The next day came more ill news. Snows had come early to the mountains, and the passes were closed. With their route closed by both sea and mountain, Uther and Leodegrance must perforce either turn back home or accept Euric's invitation to spend the winter as his guests.
Committed to completing their journey, the travelers accepted and spent the winter at Toulouse. It was a merry time for Leodegrance and the rest of their companions. There was revelry and also hunting, and beautiful women from exotic lands beyond imaginings. But Uther became pensive and partook little in the celebrations, for he wished to complete the quest and return to find Igraine and seek her hand.
To other pursuits his mind wandered too, for Euric was a learned and wise king and Uther, like most of the nobility of Britannia, was barely literate. Euric had shown them the great code he'd written, recording for all time his laws and commandments to the people. These were new thoughts for Uther, who had rarely pondered anything but battle and spoils.
Thus they passed the long winter, for spring came very late that year and it was nigh on mid-June before word came that the passes were open, and they could depart. At last, the travelers set forth to cross the rest of southern Gaul and then over the mountains and into Italia. An escort they had from Euric, which accompanied them to the border of his lands, and they were laden also with gifts from the king.
They crossed from Euric's kingdom into imperial lands, but they were not challenged, and they saw no legions or other soldiers. Thudis had bid them farewell also as they rode from Toulouse, for he had long been away from his lands and was anxious to return. Caradoc, however, with his father's leave, joined their party. He had traveled these lands before with Thudis, and he guided his new friends as they rode.
The trip across Gaul was pleasant and uneventful. The weather was splendid, and they rode many hours through the lengthening days. Two of the servants and one of their guards succumbed to the bloody flux, but otherwise they had little difficulty until they reached the mountains. Uther and Leodegrance had thought their homeland mountainous, but no great peaks such as these were there in Britannia. The range stretched on as far as they could see, and the paths that twisted their ways up and over the passes were narrow and treacherous.
The crossing of the pass was slow, and they lost two more of their number before they had finished. Summer was more than half over before they trod down into the fertile valleys of Italia. Euric had given them maps, for though they had a rough notion of how to reach Rome, they had no idea what course to follow to Ravenna. Following Euric's map, they set out for the city, which was indeed much closer than Rome itself.
They followed an old road that led over broad lowlands and through cultivated fields. Farmhouses were mingled with the occasional large villa, but many were in poor condition and yet others abandoned. They saw workers in the fields, but all fled at the sight of their party.
"Ere long we shall be met, I wager.” It was Leodegrance who broke the silence and spoke what they all had been thinking. "For all who see us flee, and surely they have raised the alarm by now."
Leodegrance foretold truly, for before dusk that day they were challenged on the road by a large body of soldiers. The warriors were led by an officer wearing armor and fine livery, but the men were clearly barbarians, with tangled masses of long blond hair and naught for clothing but undyed canvas tunics and leather pants. Matching shields they carried, with alternating rings of red and white as their coat of arms. They carried a standard with a Roman eagle along with other symbols unknown to the Britons.
Uther rode forth alone and answered the challenge. "I am Uther, son of Constantine, of House Pendragon. We have come from Britannia to seek an audience with the emperor. We bear gifts and tidings of that land."
The officer looked upon Uther for a moment. "I am Antonius Arquellus, centenarius of the Numeri Heruli Comitatutus. I have been sent by Odoacer, commander of the imperial foederati, to whom reports have come of a band of armed men. It was feared that you were scouts for an invading army, for you have come from the direction of the Visigothic lands, and more than once have they attacked us."
"We are but ambassadors and seek naught but an audience with the emperor." Uther spoke loudly, but was cautious to keep his tone unthreatening.
The officer looked uncertain. Clearly, these were not the usual brigands and invaders to whom he was accustomed. "I cannot speak to such things. We shall escort you to Placentia, for the Magister Militum is there, camped with the army. It will be his decision if you are to be sent to the emperor."
The officer instructed them to turn about, for their destination lay in that direction. Antonius rode with Uther and Leodegrance, his men falling in all around the small band. Uther began to object about traveling in the direction from which they had just come, which he knew was away from Ravenna. Antonius, while flawlessly polite, was adamant - they must see the Magister Militum before they would be taken to Ravenna.
Uther looked at Leodegrance, and each knew the other's thoughts. They were outnumbered at least five to one and, apart from the odds, attacking the emperor's troops was hardly a promising way to win favor. Reluctantly, they resigned themselves to the inescapable.
They rode back only a short time, and soon they reached a crossroads and turned to the south. It was now nearly dark, but they only stopped for a brief meal, after which they remounted and rode by torchlight until the moon was high in the night sky.
"We shall reach Placentia within an hour," said Antonius. "A place shall be provided for you to make camp, and on the morrow you shall present your request to the Magister Militum."
"We thank you, Antonius Arquellus, for we are indeed fatigued." Uther's voice low and raspy, for he was exhausted from eighteen hours on horseback.
Before the hour had
passed, they rode up to a large encampment, with many tents and long sections of wooden stockade. Uther could not begin to guess how many men were camped here, for he had never seen such numbers assembled. There were, in fact, over ten thousand soldiers in the tents and neat rows of rough wooden huts. The Britons were allowed to pitch their own tents on a flat area outside the main encampment and, while a detachment of soldiers patrolled the area, Uther and his companions slept uneasily, aware that they were being watched.
Sleep was welcome but all too brief, for just after dawn Uther and Leodegrance were summoned. Orestes, magister militum and patrician of the empire, supreme commander of the imperial army - and father of the emperor himself - would see them.
They were escorted to the center of the camp, where Orestes was seated outside of a large red tent. The imperial commander had a heavy build, and though he wore fine clothes, he was clearly of barbarian stock. Long tangles of dark brown hair hung down his back, and an ugly, crooked scar marred his cheek. Behind him hung great banners, and on either side stood two massive barbarian warriors, blond-haired and simply clad, like those who had escorted the Britons to the camp. Before him stood another man, broad-chested but short of stature, his long hair black as night and pulled back behind his head, held with a silver clasp. He was well-dressed in a red silken tunic belted at the waist with a golden rope and pants like those of the warriors, but finer and better made.
The shorter man spoke with Orestes, and though Uther was too far away to hear what was said, it was clear the discussion was heated. Finally, the standing man calmed somewhat, as if Orestes had said something to sooth his concerns. He pressed his arm across his chest and then extended it in a Roman salute before he strode away.
He walked right past Uther, and the two exchanged intense stares. As he looked into the stranger's eyes, Uther could feel the man was trying to communicate something to him. There was more to the goings on in this camp than what was apparent at first glance. Uther's pondering was cut short, however, for they were bade to approach Orestes and state their business.
The great commander looked angry, though whether that was directed at them or a remnant of the just-concluded argument they knew not. They approached slowly and stood before Orestes.
"Greetings to you, Uther Pendragon.” The Roman commander spoke in sharp, clipped tones. "And to you Leodegrance. Long have you journeyed, and therefore bitter shall be that which I must say to you, for you have come all this way for naught. Britannia, so many leagues distant, is of little concern to the empire. It has been a life of man since that land saw the imperial banners fly over its ancient strongholds and crumbing cities. I have given you an audience because you have come so far, but you shall not travel the road to Ravenna, for the emperor has scant interest as to the disposition of Britannia. Go then, and may God watch over you on your long journey home."
Uther was silent, for he had hoped, at least, that they would be given leave to present their case to the emperor. He looked briefly at Leodegrance and then back at their host. "Lord Orestes, I pray thee at least to hear our entreaties, for you may find that we offer strength as much as need. For Britannia, if united, could field a mighty force and return all of Gaul to the imperial fold. My house has served the empire in past generations, and may do so..."
Orestes interrupted Uther. "Ah yes, Uther Pendragon. Speak you of your grandsire, weakling who lost the throne, or your father, who fought so bravely in the imperial ranks at Chalons? Yes, Arquellus has told me all. I know of your lineage. Know you that I too fought at Chalons? Indeed, at the side of the great king of kings I battled all that long and bloody day. And what deed was truly done that day? For Valentinian was a weak and feckless emperor, while Attila was strong like the iron of the Earth. Had not your confederation of enemies joined together for one day, Attila would have marched to Italia and wed the princess Honoria, for she had consented to the marriage, and indeed she besought Attila's succor that he march to Ravenna and rescue her. See you not the strength such an emperor would have brought, instead of the weak parade of fools that followed? For Aetius was the only man of strength left to Rome, and his sovereign rewarded victory with treachery and murder. So seek not to impress me, Lord Pendragon, with the exploits of your father, for it shall avail you but little."
Uther and Leodegrance were silent, for it was clear they had no friend in Orestes and could expect no help. These were bitter words after so many arduous travels, and they were greatly grieved. Uther felt his anger rising at the insults, but this was neither the time nor place for that.
Orestes looked upon them silently for a moment. "Though we are not allies, I am not so uncouth as to refuse hospitality to tired travelers. Go back to your camp, for you shall be fed and re-provisioned for your trip home. On the morrow, my men shall give you escort back north so that you might make the passes while the weather is fair. Good bye to you, Uther Pendragon, and to you Leodegrance. Fair thee well."
With that Orestes turned and began to speak to one of the men to his side. Uther and Leodegrance knew they had been dismissed, and they turned to follow the guards back to their camp. Orestes was good to his word at least, for they were brought a midday meal and mules laden with provisions for the trail.
They ate sparingly and in silence, dispirited as they were by the reception they had received. The afternoon they spent readying themselves to depart the next day, and in the evening more food was brought, and they supped together before retiring early. Uther was roused from dark dreams by a hand on his shoulder, and he leapt off the bed and reached for his sword. In the flickering torchlight he saw Antonius Arquellus and the man he'd seen arguing with Orestes.
"Fear not, Uther." Arquellus spoke softly. "We are not assassins come in the dark, though indeed such men were sent to your camp this very night by Orestes. My men have slain your intended murderers and are now guarding your tents. Lord Odoacer has come and would speak with you."
The smaller man moved forward and nodded to Uther. "Lord Pendragon, it is my honor to bid you welcome. As Arquellus has said, my name is Odoacer. I am gratified that my men were able to put an end to the insidious plot against you and your party. Orestes is a usurper who deposed the emperor to instill his own son on the throne. He has brought the army to the edge of rebellion, and that cannot be allowed. This unhappy empire stands now on the precipice of cataclysm, for another decade of civil war and man shall lose the light of civilization, as your own wounded land has already in great part. For tell me true, that the great Roman cities of Britannia stand as abandoned ruins and the all the lands are ruled by warlords and petty kings who war with each other while pestilence ravages all."
Odoacer looked up briefly as Leodegrance entered the tent. "Welcome Leodegrance, prince of Cameliard. Greetings and good health to you.” He paused, moving his eyes between Leodegrance and Uther. “My lords, Orestes shall not live to the morrow, and I shall assume command of the army. I pray thee forget Orestes and his anger, for though a Roman citizen, he joined the Hunnish king of kings many years ago and sought power at the side of an invader. He is bitter and without wisdom."
As he spoke, Odoacer glanced back and forth between Uther and Leodegrance, not wanting to show disrespect to either. "I will treat with you after the deed is done, for though we have no strength to offer Britannia, I would share words with you before you depart, and if you will indulge me, perhaps ask your help."
With that, Odoacer took his leave with Arquellus following, for it was to be a busy night for them. Arquellus was true to his word, and fifty of his warriors guarded the camp of the Britons. Uther and Leodegrance sat up, speaking softly in Uther's tent, for it was in neither of their natures to rest while great matters were decided. But this was not their land, and they did as they were bidden. They guessed it was just after midnight when they heard the sounds of fighting within the main camp, which lasted but a few moments and was done.
At dawn they were called to come to the main camp, and they broke their fast with Odoacer and
Arquellus at a long table erected in front of Orestes tent. As he bade them take their seats, Odoacer spoke. "The usurper, Orestes, is dead, slain as he attempted to flee. I command the army now."
They spoke as they ate. "Please accept our regards, Lord Odoacer, and our wishes that your future be filled with glorious victories." Uther’s voice was genuine, for Orestes had proven himself a deceiver and assassin, and Odoacer had treated openly and honestly with them.
Odoacer looked up at Uther. "Thank you, Lord Pendragon. I would speak with you, for though I have no strength to spare I would offer you counsel if you will accept it." Uther nodded silently.
Odoacer looked at Leodegrance, then at Uther. "I have seen the empire in the west descend to the brink of savagery. Many years has it been since any but usurpers and thieves donned the purple. On the morrow I march on Ravenna. The emperor Romulus Augustus, Augsutulus we call him in mockery, shall be compelled to yield the diadem. I shall not wear it myself, but I shall send it to Constantinople, to the eastern emperor, and I shall rule Italia in his name. No more shall petty lords seeking the purple plunge the wasting land deeper into darkness."
Odoacer paused for a moment as if he were trying to divine the thoughts of Uther and Leodegrance. "I would bid thee to return to Britannia devoted to this task - to unite your land by whatever means you must, for if petty kings wage eternal war the whole will sink into darkness and despair. It is you, the great lords of Britannia, who will answer to God if your homeland falls to savagery, just as my soul will be called to account if I seize the diadem and Italia slides into darkness."
Uther and Leodegrance were silent, considering Odoacer's words. He only spoke what they already knew in their hearts. Britannia was dying as its lords squabbled among themselves, and the people suffered. The land was beset by invaders who could be defeated only by a united people. If the Britons would not be slaves they must be masters. Finally Uther spoke. "Lord Odoacer, your words are truth, and we shall return and purpose ourselves to uniting the land, whatever sacrifices that quest may require. If we must slay every errant lord and king we shall do so."