Blood of Rome: Caratacus (The Blood of Rome Chronicles Book 1)

by John Salter

  “The invader is truly strong and powerful and they are the worse threat we have ever faced, our entire way of life is under threat, you can believe that but they will not defeat us. They will not conquer us entirely as they,” he pointed eastwards, “now face an enemy they will never truly conquer. This is where they are stopped. This is where it is written that their mighty advance is halted. This is where they begin die. This is where the victorious legions of Rome will meet their end.”

  The gathered crowd were now on their feet cheering and roaring applause, they took heart in his words and some of the faces previously filled with anguish now had expressions of joy.

  “How do you now this?” A voice asked quietly but went unheard. “I said, how do you, know this? “He shouted looking at the druid with suspicion as the crowd quietened.

  He looked in the direction the voice had come from. “Our lands will face many threats over the coming years and centuries, many lives will be lost. Invaders will always come from the east. It is there the threat exists and where it will always come from but never truly succeed. Across the water is where our enemies grow and sometimes friends as well.

  Long, long ago the water between our eastern coast and their shores didn’t exist and we were one land until the gods separated us many, many centuries ago. This they did for a reason to protect our shores and peoples from barbarian hordes. In recent years we have enjoyed peace with our Gallic brothers across the water, for many of us came from those lands as well. Now we have trading and treaties which have helped us all live in peace. We even sent warriors to help when the call came from Gaul but the enemy crushed all who stood before them. They are now an enslaved people, their women soiled and sold around their empire along with their children but some prosper under this way of life.

  Now as we begin our fight against them, they are still enslaving Gaul’s and people from the great Germanic tribes but not all. Resistance will always fester for the invader like a wound that will grow and eventually kill its host. Those who take or give them gold and betray their own will be slain without hesitation. They may live like Kings and Queens for now but their time will come and they will pay dearly as those who help them will pay. Already there are some who have returned to our lands with the invader.”

  The lighter expressions on the faces around him were replaced by confusion. “Caratacus, it is the gods will that you and your brother lead and unite our tribes but even you have an enemy closer to home who, now walks with the Romans.” Heads turned to face Caratacus and Togodumnus who both stared at the druid.

  “Your brother Adminius expelled three years ago by your father has returned. He is not alone however, more lap dogs cast from our lands have returned with promises of power in exchange for their corruption.”

  Both Togodumnus and Caratacus stood red faced clearly offended by the druid’s words, rage flowed through them as they suspected what he would say next.

  Togodumnus took a step towards him, “Be careful druid. You may know many things but insulting my family is something I will not allow. My father expelled Adminius for reasons that will remain with me and my brother Caratacus. Rest assured, he was exiled for good reason and had shamed our name.” He looked around at those gathered around the fire. “Know this all of you. If indeed my brother Adminius has returned and has allied himself with the enemy, he will be hunted down. It was my fathers will that he be expelled and if he has gone against those wishes he will pay for it with his life as will any others who betray us. If he is now betraying not only his father but his forefathers then this blade,” he drew his long sword as it rasped out of its sheath, “shall take his life.”

  Cheers greeted the warrior’s promise, “We cannot allow ourselves to be divided by deceit or those corrupted by the pestilence of Rome, especially those whose aim it is to flourish on the people that gave them life. All those who ally themselves with those who threaten our shores are enemies of all our people. They will be destroyed as will all those who give them shelter.”

  Warriors stood and began banging swords and spears as they cheered. The druid bowed to the warrior leader and turned to walk away.

  “Wait druid!” Caratacus ordered, the man turned. “You spoke of others, what are their names and how do you know of these things?”

  The druid faced him, “Two others are Verica of the Attrebates and Cogidubnus, the latter it is said was even taken in by Claudius the great emperor and taught their ways. It is believed he has been schooled for many years and now intends to return to Briton to make our people learn their ways. He talks their language and wears their robes, he doesn’t even sound like us anymore. He is a cross breed hound who has already sealed his own fate.”

  He raised his eyebrows as if to emphasise his words but Caratacus felt there was no need, he knew these men, he had spared them but sent them across the water, expelling them as his father had exiled Adminius.

  The druid continued, “These men will prove more lethal than swords lord, they have already betrayed their own kind and whored themselves to the Roman. Now they intend to persuade our brothers and sisters to suckle from them as well, to take their coin, dress as they do, drink their wine and prostitute our women and children.

  They plan to become rulers on behalf of the invader, like a disease in our crops they intend to spread through the land. This is what the Roman does after conquering a tribe, he usurps the people and uses the weak minded to rule on their behalf. That way they think they ease themselves onto the population using a known face whilst robbing them through taxes, taking gold and silver, we have to unite to destroy them.”

  Togodumnus smiled and approached the druid clearly impressed by the his knowledge and defiance. “What is your name druid?” He asked.

  “Mersax my lord,” The hooded man replied, “Mersax of the Druidic Isle of Mona.”

  “Not merely a druid then but a man that teaches, you are a high priest are you not?” Togodumnus asked.

  “Yes lord some call me that and in answer to your other question, I have people amongst the enemy now. They have seen the three named and recognised them, you can rest assured this is true. It is how I know where they are and their numbers, weapons and horse. Anything that you need to know will be told to you to help push them back into the sea where they belong. I knew your father Cunobelinus well. He was a wise and gracious leader, a man who would have led his people against the invader had he been alive today. He was a good man who made the Catuvellauni one of the strongest and largest, most powerful tribe in our lands.” He looked away, “I’m just glad he isn’t here to see their armies march across our lands.”

  Togodumnus studied the man’s face. “I owe you a debt of gratitude Mersax, your information is invaluable and I thank you for your kind words. Our father was a great leader and I hope we can prove ourselves worthy of being his sons. I will give everything to fight no matter what it takes, where it takes me or how long. These Romans think they can come taking what they wish, killing without cost to their own but they will learn otherwise. I shall break this beasts teeth, I will blind its eyes and I shall rip out its heart and destroy its soul. I will not stop until there isn’t a drop of their blood left and if I die my brother shall fight them as will our brothers and sons.

  Take these words back to your priests and to the great tribes of the west, the Silures, the Demeta, the Ordovices and the Deceangli. Tell them all that Togodumnus and Caratacus of the Catuvellauni will smash these fools who come to take everything from us. Our neighbouring tribes who have been our enemies in the past and cannot be relied upon now will also die if they side with them. They envy our power and have fallen to our swords before.” Mersax saw the determination in his eyes.

  He continued, “I too have scouts where they are on our shores, one will return soon and I’m sure will confirm your words. I owe you a debt Mersax and my thanks.” He extended his arm, Mersax took it.

  “You are not indebted to me lord Togodumnus or you Caratacus, we fight the same enemy. If we don�
�t we are all doomed. Even with some tribes united some will help and even assist those we are now at war with. We are merely at the beginning of a great and long journey and some of us will not see its end and those that do will endure great hardship and loss.”

  He smiled, “You are courageous and noble leaders and your own journeys are difficult. They are long and hard but you will see them through, you will live long and prosperous lives.” A slight break in his expression betrayed something he knew as he spoke the words but he continued, “My people will keep you informed of anything that may be of use. I myself must return to the west, I have duties to attend to and other leaders to speak with as I travel West. I will ensure that my tendrils spread amongst our common enemies for all our sakes and I will seek out the chieftains of the tribes you named and warn them, they will know of your names as friends.”

  Mersax turned and walked through the gathered warriors to find his horse as did two men dressed in the same robes who had been sat around the fire previously unseen. Togodumnus turned his attention to his people and spoke of his plan to lead the Romans West for another day and then back to the North East as far as possible before engaging them. Riders would be sent to the southern tribes to warn them of the threat they faced.

  By midday as the sun was high, thousands of warriors were ready to move. Chariots carried men and women, small horses pulled carts carrying families and mules and oxen dragged larger carts containing food and weapons. At the rear of the large train of humanity and animals, boys herded cattle, pigs and goats. Riders had been sent forward to Camulodunum to warn the occupants of the forthcoming battle and to prepare for war, forge weapons and re-enforce defences. Caratacus estimated that it would take three days to get back to his home land where he had grown up as a boy. He and Togodumnus already knew where they planned to take the war to the enemy.

  Miles to the east Togun watched as the Romans made firm their landing area, they had only been there a matter of days but had already built a wooden fortification beyond the cliffs where they had landed. He had been a scout for Caratacus for a number of years but had never seen anything as formidable as the sight that now met his eyes. Large towers stood tall at all four corners as did two at either side in the middle walls, below which huge doors had been constructed. Sentries walked the walls and watched from the towers where ballista, were now positioned.

  Palisades had been dug outside the fortification where other soldiers patrolled and scrubland had been cleared enabling the defenders a clear view of anyone or anything that approached the location. From his vantage point Togun could see Britons approaching the soldiers, he could also see Britons talking to others and passing the time of day. Anger welled up inside his chest as he watched the exchanges. He found it hard to comprehend how his own people could accept these killers of his tribal brothers and sisters. Clearly there were people who were prepared to accept them, to buy and sell and trade with them. They would share their fate. He mounted his horse and galloped off in search of Togodumnus to report his findings.

  Chapter Ten

  Three years earlier in AD 40, Adminius, brother to Togodumnus and Caratacus had been exiled to Gaul after exceeding his power by attacking the tribes in the far southern territories. The Catuvellauni lands were already accepted as one of the most powerful tribal regions second only in size to the Brigantes in the north. Despite this Adminius, hungry to be recognised amongst his siblings, sought his own power base and encroached across the border and began raiding the people and settlements of the Cantiaci.

  Togodumnus being the eldest brother, saw this as a direct threat to his own authority as his sibling tried to expand his own influence. Action had to be taken and Adminius was stripped of all rank and power and finally exiled to Gaul with a few followers.

  The remaining brothers thought they had seen the last of their ambitious sibling. However, he sought the sanctuary of the Emperor Claudius, who whilst genuinely sympathetic towards the young Briton, also recognised that there was an opportunity for him as well, whilst swearing vengeance against the grave insult to the son of a former ally.

  After the initial forays into Britain by Caesar, all of those concerned had prospered. Trade routes had been set up where exchanges were made involving, gold, silver, tin, food, slaves and even technologies for items such as looms and weaving machines to manufacture cloth.

  The trade allowed the Britons although not backward, to advance suddenly at a rate that they would have found difficult naturally without the influence from Rome. Trade where bartering was commonplace before using animals or weapons was now possible using coins that even began to bear the head of the Catuvellauni leadership. Coins that were originally minted in Rome were now produced in Britain, a sure sign that the times were changing.

  Not all tribes were loyal to Rome however and many already saw the interlopers as people who were intent on taking anything that they could get their hands on for their own benefit after sharing some of their wealth. Disputes were an everyday part of life as some argued for what the Romans brought to their land to improve their way of life whilst some saw those chieftains who traded with them as traitors, especially by those who didn’t trade or see any benefit from it. Consequently, those who were exiled for whatever reason sought assistance from Rome who at times played the part of a disciplining parent, sorting out quarrels as if from arguing children. Some of those exiled however, didn’t always tell the truth and were prone to exaggerate their claims in order to try and gain favour and for Rome to come down hard on their foes.

  Adiminius wasn’t alone in asking for help and he was joined by other influential Britons in the Roman capitol claiming barbaric behaviour by the leaders of the Catuvellauni, who it was claimed were said to be attacking other tribes loyal to Rome which of course was a lie. Adiminius also claimed that Togodumnus and Caratacus intended to defy Rome altogether and were going to cut all ties, it was all fabrication but the details or truth didn’t matter as Claudius saw this as an ideal opportunity to gain favour from his people and the legions.

  The Emperor had only been in power for two years and knew that a victory over the Catuvellauni would enable his empire to further its own ambitions whilst at the same time demonstrating that he was a powerful and worthy leader. Rumours were soon spreading that the situation in Britannia would have to be dealt with before it became too powerful as one tribe was unifying the others in a plot against Rome.

  The stories spread like wildfire through the streets of the city from the rich to the poor alike and even without a hostile boot setting foot on the shores of the island the popularity of Claudius began to rise.

  It was said that another barbaric people like the Gaul’s and people of Germania had risen far away to the east. It was an uncivilised land where druids ruled and plotted against them and that they would have to be put down before they became too powerful. What had started out as a few disenchanted individuals banished because of their own greed and avarice would soon influence every life in Britannia. Momentum built to fever pitch for another war in a foreign land that was rich in resources and people, potential slaves.

  Togodumnus and Caratacus knew that this had all happened before when their father had ruled and had been victorious in battle against Commius, King of the Atrebates. Vanquished and humiliated Commius had sought sanctuary in Gaul where Caesar seized the opportunity to come to the assistance of an ally. He had subsequently led an expeditionary force to Britannia intending to put the exiled King back on his throne. However the Catuvellauni led by their father had defeated Caesar’s two legions who had barely managed to gain a foot hold on their shores before being forced back into the sea and then to Gaul.

  Caesar had learned that the warrior race across the channel were not to be treated with contempt and so was forced to withdraw to think again. He had assumed that his professionally trained soldiers would be more than a match for the disorganised hordes who were said to live in mud huts, eat butchered raw meat and drink ale made from milk. He had in
reality vastly underestimated his foe and was forced into retreating and it was recognised by some as a humiliating defeat.

  However, with the aid of some intelligent propaganda the great General had turned a defeat into a victory by means of a tactical withdrawal impressing some of his superiors in Rome with the aid of clever propaganda. Subsequently, the following year, he tried again this time setting sail with five full legions and successfully returned Commius to the Atrebatic throne. Cunobelinus though was neither bowed or defeated and despite many losses to his own, continued to attack the invaders who were forced to marshal their legions and to once again return to Gaul, their original aim accomplished.

  Claudius now repeated history by using Caesars excuse for war. One of the successors to the Atrebates throne after Commius was his descendant Verica, who in a mirror of the past had been defeated by Adminius. Verica now appealed for Roman assistance as an ally and Claudius was more than willing to help the client King and loyal trader and subject of Rome. Togodumnus and Caratacus knew that Claudius had lied to his people in order to create an excuse for war and had therefore gone back on his word to keep the peace. They now swore to resist the invaders just as their father had done so many years before.

  Knowing the enemy were organised and had many professionally trained soldiers at their disposal, they knew the odds were against them especially after recent encounters, If they were to be successful they had to try and persuade their neighbours to join them but after years of conflict between the different regions it would be difficult. They hoped that the surrounding tribes would see that the years of peace living side by side would outweigh the far less occurring disputes they had been involved in, especially once they learned of the Emperors deceit.