by Kevin Ashman
‘The word is, the instruction came from the very top. Intelligence says the kidnappers probably realised they were in deep shit, topped her and gone to ground. The police will continue with the investigation but all special forces have been stood down, and that, my friend, includes you,’
‘This is bollocks,’ said Brandon, ‘Just as I seem to be making some progress, the gig is cancelled.’
‘Orders are, if you have anything solid, to hand it over to Scotland Yard. Sorry, mate, it’s over. Close all your leads and make your way back to Stirling for debrief.’
Brandon paused before answering.
‘Okay, Mike,’ he said, ‘It’ll take me a day or so to round up my kit. I’ll report back first thing Monday.’
‘Roger that,’ said the voice, ‘I’ll book you in. See you then.’
‘Yeah, cheers, Mike.’
The phone went dead and Brandon let himself fall back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling in frustration. The situation spun around his head over and over. India would be devastated, though truth be told, sometimes it was difficult to differentiate between the hunt for the girl and the hunt for the Palladium. He knew India felt they were intertwined but he was not so sure. Eventually he sat up. It didn’t matter anymore. He would pass everything over to the police, and India could carry on with her treasure hunt.
At last he stood up and threw his bag onto the bed. He would break the news to India downstairs and arrange some transport. In the meantime, he had to pack. It was over!
Chapter 24
Off the coast of Britannia, 64AD
Rubria woke to the sound of voices up on deck. They had been at sea for over two months, hugging the coastline, and spending the nights moored in friendly ports along the Gallic shore. Often they were forced to spend days at a time lying up to avoid the changeable Atlantic weather, but despite this, Rubria had not once left the safety and anonymity of the ship.
At last the journey was coming to an end and the ship neared the coastline of Britannia. She wrapped herself in the rough cape Rose had managed to buy in one of the many nameless ports en-route and climbed the ladder to join the others on deck.
She pulled the cape tighter as the bracing wind swept over the timber decks, making her shiver in the unfamiliar low temperatures. For a moment she paused, taking in the scene around her. The day was overcast and damp, yet in the distance she could see a coastline looming out of the mist. Some of the crew were lined up staring at the approaching landfall they had travelled so far to see. She approached the familiar shapes of two fellow travellers amongst the small crowd.
‘Is that it?’ she asked, causing Rose and Dragus to spin around.
‘Priestess, you’re awake,’ said Rose, stepping forward to adjust her cape. ‘You should have called.’
Rubria smiled as the slave fussed over her.
‘Is that Britannia?’ she asked again, looking over Rose’s shoulders.
‘It is,’ said Dragus,’ Draped in the same misty garb she wore when I last left her shores.’
‘Looks cold,’ said Rubria.
‘It is,’ he said, ‘But not all the time. For a few months a year she sheds the greyness of winter and the clime matches that of Rome in spring.’
‘Just a few months?’
‘Yes, but good months. We will just have to make the most of them.’
‘You are obviously enamoured of these shores, Dragus, yet you are Roma born. What is it that stirs your blood so?’
‘I don’t know, Priestess,’ he answered with a sigh, ‘But there is something here that gets under the skin. The people are proud, and often brutal, but despite what you hear, they are not barbaric.’
‘The sailors say the people here send their children to fight their battles,’ said Rose.
‘It is true that every member of the tribe fights to the death when threatened by our fist, but that is the way of many peoples if their way of life is threatened. Pay no attention to the tales of sailors. They have little other use of their time but to make up stories to impress.’
‘You have some sympathy for the heathen,’ said Rubria in mild surprise.
The last time I was here I fought under the Eagle of Plautius,’ said Dragus, ‘Many Celts fell at the end of my Gladius and I shed no tears for them. However, throughout my five years here, I realised they are a proud people trying to resist invasion and occupation, a sentiment I admire. I do not offer sympathy, Priestess but respect. It is a very spiritual place and though they worship different gods, I am sure you will be impressed by their spirituality.’
‘Do they worship the Goddess?’ asked Rubria.
‘I saw no such tribute during my tour, but it does not mean she is not here,’ answered Dragus, ‘Most of my time was behind the palisades of the legions or on campaign.’
‘Then we shall bring her grace to these poor people,’ said Rubria.
Both Dragus and Rose stared at Rubria.
‘What do you mean?’ asked Dragus.
‘Our time at sea gave me time to think,’ said Rubria. ‘I cannot return the Palladium to the Temple of Vesta while Nero holds Rome beneath his heel. If the Gods will it, the people will see him for the tyrant he is and cast him at Pluto’s feet. Until that time I am forced to stay away from my home but it is a burden I will gladly bear in the name of the Goddess. However, I will not hide her glory away from the eyes of the undeserving. I will carry out my calling and educate these poor people in her grace.’
‘Rubria, we are fugitives from Nero’s justice,’ said Dragus in disbelief, ‘You cannot draw attention to yourself, even this far from Rome. When word of your flight reaches the Governor, as it probably will, he cannot suspect that you are within his jurisdiction.’
‘Am I not a Priestess of Vesta?’ asked Rubria, ‘Even out here that will carry weight with any of noble birth.’
‘Priestess,’ said Dragus, ‘Out here they are a different breed. There is no place for the weak of will, only men of steel. Britannia is seen as a stepping stone for those who have greater goals on their mind, and, if there is kudos to be gained from returning a runaway Temple Priestess to the Emperor, then the Governor will not think twice. You will be seen as a ticket to the Senate and be in chains before the sun sets.’
‘Then we must make sure he does not find out,’ said Rubria.
‘How?’ asked Dragus, ‘Londinium is a hotbed of gossip and intrigue. How long do you think the presence of a Vestal Virgin in its midst would be kept secret?’
‘Then we must go elsewhere,’ said Rubria.
‘Where?’ asked Dragus in frustration, ‘Camulodunum was razed to the ground by Boudica, and all other Roman settlements will have their own networks of informers. No, we must slip into the backstreets of Londinium and fade into its populace with the minimum of fuss. No one must know of your identity or the precious burden you protect.’
‘I am not going to Londinium,’ said Rubria. ‘I understand your concerns but I will not deny the Goddess her glory. You must find your own way, Dragus, you have sacrificed enough, as have you, Rose. The two of you must seek a quiet life away from Nero’s reach and grow old in peace. I will take a different path.’
‘Where will you go?’ asked Rose.
‘I intend to find somewhere away from Nero’s gaze,’ said Rubria, ‘Somewhere I can bring her glory to the uninitiated. It need not be loud, with proclamations or fanfares, but with patience and gentleness, for her story is all the message I need.’
‘But Priestess,’ interrupted Dragus, ‘This is a barbaric place. Your head could end up on the belt of a Chieftain and the Palladium nothing more than fuel for a fire. You cannot take this risk.’
‘Did you not say but a few minutes ago that this was a spiritual place and the people not barbaric?’ smiled Rubria.
‘I did but…’
‘Then I will embrace that spirituality and bring the flame of the Goddess to their dark existence. Don’t you see, Dragus, I have been set upon this path for a reason. These people are
misguided and lack the grace of Vesta. All that has happened to me has happened for a purpose. To celebrate her name amongst the ignorant and bring light where there is darkness. I know it will be dangerous and it will take time but with Vesta’s will, I will be successful.’
Dragus took a deep breath and stared at her for a long time.
‘Your mind is made up?’ he said eventually.
‘It is,’ she said, ‘When we land I will take a different road and settle where it feels safe.’
‘Then I will come with you,’ said Dragus.
‘No, you have already done too much,’ said Rubria.
‘I will not take no for an answer,’ said Dragus, ‘I have come this far and would see out my part in this. I know the land, speak some of the language, and know the habits and training of the military. There is a place I know west of Londinium where the locals are peaceful and particularly spiritual. Perhaps we will find a place there.’
Rubria, smiled.
‘Thank you, Dragus,’ she said, before turning to her servant. ‘What about you, Rose? she said kindly. ‘You have no Mistress here and are free to travel wherever you will. Where does your future lie?’
‘Wherever your footsteps fall, therein lays my destination,’ answered Rose simply.
‘Even if there is danger?’ asked Rubria.
‘Unto death itself,’ said Rose and fell to her knees before the Priestess, taking her hand in hers. ‘My heart has always been with the Goddess, mistress,’ she said, ‘Though circumstances limited what devotion I could bring. My life is now yours, and through you, Vesta’s.’
‘Then make this the last time you kneel before me, Rose,’ said Rubria. If this place is as dangerous as Centurion Dragus would have us believe then perhaps we should keep our traditions away from prying eyes, at least in the short term.’
Rubria turned to Dragus.
‘Where will I find the Captain?’ she asked, ‘I have a debt to pay.’ A few minutes later she stood alongside Stellus in the bow of the ship.
‘Well, Captain,’ she said, ‘You have been true to your word and brought us to our destination.’
The Captain looked up at her in puzzlement.
‘What is it you have done so evil that it sends you to the ends of the earth to escape Nero’s wrath?’ he asked quietly.
‘I would not burden you with the knowledge, Captain,’ she answered, ‘For I believe it would put you in danger. Suffice to know that I believe I am innocent and as soon as Nero’s shadow leaves Rome, I will return to face my accusers. Until then, I will suffer whatever the Gods lay in my path.’
‘So be it,’ said the captain.’ I will arrange a boat to take you to the shore long before we reach port. The less anyone knows about your passage the better.’
‘And your crew?’
‘They will keep silent. They are well rewarded under my command.’
‘With coin?’
The Captain laughed out loud.
‘Oh Priestess,’ he said, ‘You are truly innocent in the ways of men. Yes, in coin, but also in other pleasures, the details of which I would not inflict on your pretty ears.’
‘Oh, I see,’ she said blushing, ‘Anyway, I too have a debt to pay.’ She reached within her cloak and withdrew the necklace of Vesta, offering it to the Captain. ‘Take it,’ she said, ‘It is mine to give.’
He took the necklace from her and gazed into its stunning lustre.’
‘It is truly beautiful,’ he said in awe.
One of only six,’ said Rubria, ‘Use your contacts to sell it back to the Temple of Vesta. They will pay a king’s ransom to have it back where it belongs.’ She left him staring at the gem and rejoined her fellow travellers to pack their things.
An hour later the three fugitives sat in a small boat below the imposing bow of the merchant ship, bobbing gently in the swell. The Captain looked down at the fugitives.
‘Head for the mouth of the river,’ he shouted down. ‘I am told the tribes are quite friendly along its banks. North lies Londinium, South is the unknown.’
‘Thank you, Captain,’ shouted Rubria, ‘Safe journey home.’
‘One more thing, Priestess,’ he shouted, and threw something down into the boat. Dragus’s reflexes were quick and he caught the necklace before it landed, holding it up as the reflection of the sun bounced off its surface. Rubria looked back up at the Captain.
‘Why?’ she shouted.
‘It may be yours to give, Priestess,’ he answered, ‘But it is not mine to take.’
Dragus handed over the necklace to Rubria and took his place at the oars. Rubria looked up one last time.
‘I will be forever in your debt, Captain,’ she shouted, ‘The blessing of Vesta be on you and your crew,’ She stared at the man for a long time as Dragus’s powerful arms rowed the boat away from the ship and towards the shore. Finally she turned her gaze to the looming shoreline.
‘Take a good look at your new home, Priestess,’ said Dragus, between breaths, ‘We could be here for a long time.’
Chapter 25
England 2010
Brandon carried his overnight bag down to the hotel reception and paid for the rooms. He took a seat in reception and read the complimentary paper as he waited for India. Fifteen minutes later he called her on her mobile, but when there was no answer, he approached the desk once again.
‘Excuse me,’ he said, ‘Could you ring room thirty one please, and remind Miss Sommers I am waiting?’
‘Oh, I think Miss Sommers left earlier sir,’ said the receptionist, ‘A few moments before you came down.’
‘Left?’ quizzed Brandon, ‘Did she leave a message for me?’
‘No, sir, but it seemed she was in a hurry. At least, the gentleman she left with was.’
‘She left with a man?’ snapped Brandon.
‘Yes, sir, he was waiting for her when she came down and gave her a note. I do recall she seemed distressed and left with him immediately.’
‘I don’t suppose you know who this man was?’
‘No, sir, sorry’.
‘Do you know where they went?’
She shook her head.
‘Shit!’ cursed Brandon, ‘Do you know which way they went?’
‘I believe they left in a taxi,’ said the receptionist, looking towards the rank outside the door.
‘How could you see them from here?’
‘I had to leave the desk to pick up the note Miss Sommers threw on the floor,’ she said.
‘Where is the note now?’ he asked
‘I put it in the bin.’
Brandon strode towards the bin and reached inside.
‘Blue!’ said the girl as she watched him unwrapping various bits of crumpled paper.
He picked up the only blue paper, tugging at the edges so he could read the words better.
‘India, Something urgent has come up,’ he read, ‘You can trust this man, he is one of us. Go with him and we will meet up later.’
‘Shit! said Brandon again and returned to the desk.
‘What taxi company do you use?’ he snapped.
‘Sorry?’
‘The taxi rank outside, who has the license?’
‘It’s open access, sir, anyone can pick up.’
‘Do you have CCTV?’ he asked.
‘Yes sir, we do, but can only show it to the police.’
Brandon leaned forward.
‘Miss,’ he said, with urgency in his voice. ‘I believe that Miss Sommers is in danger and has been abducted. I would call the police but have no time. All I need to know is what taxi they got into.’
‘I don’t know, sir,’ she said nervously, ‘My boss…’
‘Needn’t know,’ said Brandon. ‘I don’t want to see the footage, what if you just tell me the cab company?’ He put a twenty pound note on the counter.
The girl looked around before taking the note and adjusted the CCTV under the counter.
‘United Cabs!’ she said eventually.
‘Can
you see the man she left with?’ he asked urgently.
‘Yes, sir but as I said…’
Brandon vaulted the desk and pushed the girl out the way.
‘What do you think your doing?’ she hissed.
‘Sorry, love, someone’s life is at risk and I don’t have the time to piss about any longer.’ He stared at the paused picture of a young man looking back up at the camera. He had expected to see someone similar to the dead Greek he had killed back at his house but didn’t recognise his face.
‘Shit!’ he said for the third time in as many minutes, and jumped back over the counter.
‘I should call security!’ said the receptionist indignantly.
‘You should,’ said Brandon, ‘But you won’t.’
‘Why not?’
‘I can think of a hundred reasons,’ said Brandon, dropping a pile of notes on the counter.
She looked back up at him in surprise.
‘We cool?’ he asked.
‘Cool!’ confirmed the girl sweeping up the money and watched as Brandon ran from the hotel.
Brandon avoided the first two cabs and ran to the third in line.
‘United cabs?’ he asked through the window.
‘Yup!’ said the driver.
‘Great!’ said Brandon and tried to get in the back.
‘Those two are in front of me,’ said the driver, ‘Have to use them first.’
‘I only use United,’ lied Brandon, ‘Won’t use anyone else.’
‘Don’t know!’ said the driver, ‘They wont be very happy. Business is a bit slow today.’
‘Double the meter!’ said Brandon.
‘What?’
‘I’ll pay you double the meter, in cash.’
‘Where are you going?'
‘Don’t know yet,’ said Brandon, ‘I’ll find out in the next few minutes.’
‘What’s this about?’ asked the driver.
‘Triple the meter!’ interrupted Brandon, upping the ante.
‘Get in!’ said the driver, unlocking the central locking system.
‘Thanks,’ said Brandon, and dropped into the back seat, slamming the door behind him. The driver pulled out and passed the two cars before him in the queue, answering the shouts from the other drivers having a cigarette break with an extended middle finger as he passed.