The Poisoned Throne: Tintagel Book II

by M. K. Hume

  ‘I can understand how you feel,’ Aeron answered soothingly before his wife had a chance to respond. But the Roman commander was certain that the king would continue to speak in riddles until such time as he had discussed the matter with the queen.

  These fucking Britons! Even the best of them are determined to make us look like fools, Constantinus thought acidly. Some of his temper must have shown on his face, because Aeron called for wine and invited the adjutant to relax into a comfortable chair.

  ‘I’m afraid that this story will take some time in the telling,’ Aeron explained with a far-off expression on his face. ‘It’s a tangled tale that stretches back into the past, but I think I know what Conanus wants.’

  ‘Be patient, Centurion! We’ve lived with the memory of Maximus, Conanus and Gratian for many years,’ Endellion added. ‘No one willingly remembers such men, nor wishes to recall the terrible years that blighted our youth. You must excuse us if we make the tale longer in the telling than you’d prefer. Aeron was Maximus’s scribe, so he was privy to many secrets, discussions and violences that still bring night terrors to him.’

  ‘I’d still recognise Conanus if I were to see him again,’ Aeron said. ‘He would have risked discovery if he had entered Corinium and, from my knowledge of the man, I’d say that Conanus has always been very careful. Without the information you succeeded in extracting, none of us would have guessed at his complicity in this crime.’

  ‘Conanus would have hidden himself away in the lower town,’ Endellion went on. ‘He wouldn’t have entered the city gates and would have frequented places where he could fit in with the poor and criminals. He was already a master of disguise when, with Andragathius, the officer who slew Emperor Gratian, he feigned the role of an androgynous harper and entertainer. It was Conanus who talked his way past the Praetorian Guards to kill Gratian. He would have feared my sharp eyes and Aeron’s memory, so it’s probable that he came to the Street of Whores some time ago to make his arrangements to use the Bower of Beauty as part of some nameless plot. Conanus is a man who knows how to wait.’

  As Endellion spoke, Aeron formulated the tale of Conanus’s life from that long-ago time.

  ‘Conanus was Elen’s brother. As Elen was the wife of Maximus and the birth-mother of Severa, Conanus is actually Severa’s uncle. That makes him her closest male kinsman and the paterfamilias of her family. He was a prince of the Ordovice tribe, of which his father was one of their more competent rulers. Like many of our young men, including myself, Conanus was seduced by Maximus’s promises of power and lands in Gallia if he was prepared to follow the High King in his pursuit of the throne of Rome.’

  ‘But the rise and fall of Flavius Magnus Maximus happened years ago, so why now?’ Constantinus protested. He vaguely understood the position of this Conanus within the political landscape and how such a man might wish to foment trouble and achieve some political prize by interfering with Severa’s marriage arrangements. But he could see no reason for a complex plot involving the assassination of a senior Roman officer. Precipitate action could be expected to bring the full weight of Roman revenge down on those who participated in such treasonous activities.

  ‘The events of which we speak all happened in recent history, both for Rome and Britannia,’ Endellion added. ‘Much bad feeling was generated when Maximus was killed at the hands of Theodosius and Valentinian, who were the emperors of the Eastern Empire and Western Empire respectively. As you might remember, Maximus was also the emperor of Gallia, Hispania and Britannia, all of which were won by right of conquest. He ruled ably until he attempted to take Rome by force of arms. Unfortunately, ambition drove him and he succumbed to hubris, knowing that he was a better man than the weakling, Valentinian. But he forgot that Theodosius, his kinsman, was also a soldier of renown. Chance cost him his moment of glory because the Scythians became the agents of his destruction.’

  ‘Maximus was a foolish man in many ways,’ Aeron continued seamlessly. ‘He could have ruled wisely and well in Britannia, but he hungered for the right to seat himself in the City of the Seven Hills. It is evident to me that the Emperor of Constantinople would never countenance the presence of an able general on the throne at the Palatine. Valentinian is the perfect co-emperor for Theodosius, because he’s inept, lazy and easily led, just like his predecessor, Gratian.’

  Constantinus was unable to keep the sneer from his lips, for he had heard many senior officers discussing the Battle of the Save in scathing terms. ‘I have heard that Maximus over-reached himself by trying to defeat Theodosius in the field. My Roman peers believe that Maximus’s foolishness cost him the battle.’

  ‘I was there, Constantinus, and Maximus was anything but a fool. He had the numbers, the seasoned troops who were ready to die for him and a strategy that brought him close to success. But the Scythians were Lady Fortuna’s practical joke that she used to temper his hubris. Their feats on horseback cut our legions to ribbons. What Roman cavalryman could compete with a horseman who uses both hands to draw his bow and loose an arrow at the height of a battle?’

  ‘I’ve never seen Scythians fight, so until I do I’ll probably hold the view that they wouldn’t be a match for our seasoned Roman cavalry,’ Constantinus answered haughtily.

  ‘Then you would have died on the battlefield with the rest of Maximus’s forces. Theodosius was beaten until the Scythians took to the field, and I remember my amazement when they began to pick off our commanders with a rain of arrows that were perfectly aimed to cause the maximum of carnage. Have you seen such small men, armoured in scales of iron, who can hold the reins of their horses in their teeth and control their horses better with their knees than a Roman can control his horse with two good hands?’

  ‘Perhaps all that you have said about this battle is true, but none of this old history explains why Conanus has devised a plot to assassinate Marcus Britannicus.’

  ‘Conanus served Maximus with distinction before the emperor’s death so, out of the commander’s gratitude, he was given lands in Armorica as payment for his loyalty. These were larger than any kingdom in our isle, and his wealth was greater than any reasonable man would desire. But Conanus was always a greedy man, so he was anxious to possess even more wealth and power. I’ll wager that he’d lay claim to anything he thinks he can grab, by force or otherwise.’

  ‘Are you saying that Conanus might be prepared to capture Maximus’s daughter, set himself up as her regent and then force the British kings to declare a husband, chosen by him, as the High King of the Britons? I could understand this reasoning, but it wouldn’t work unless he married Severa off to some person who could be kept under his total control.’

  Constantinus paused. ‘Is it possible that he has a son?’

  The king and queen were so alike in their thinking that they both shrugged like twins.

  ‘Why would Conanus assassinate Marcus, a stupid act that could bring the Roman legions down on his head? And why has it happened now?’ Constantinus asked.

  Endellion sighed, both from frustration and a growing presentiment of fear.

  ‘I believe that Conanus planned this coup a long time ago, but he has only recently been forced to show his hand when the British kings chose a Roman to marry Severa. Such a betrothal would have been anathema to Conanus and he would go to any lengths to prevent the marriage from going ahead,’ she explained. ‘The man I met when I was only a slip of a girl was hungry and ruthless. I’d be surprised if he has changed.’

  ‘Then your Severa is in grave danger. Conanus will want to have her wedded to a husband of his choice as quickly as possible in case Rome becomes aware of his plans and takes action to isolate him. According to an innkeeper I questioned, the five assassins had been in Corinium for some time, so I assume they were waiting for their master to unleash them on Marcus Britannicus or some other prospective husband. If you are right about his fear of exposure, he will have le
ft your town long before the assassination was attempted. He would have been concerned about the possibility of being rounded up with other undesirables in the event of a full-scale search. He will have removed himself far enough to be safe while still being able to communicate with his men. I doubt he will have returned to Armorica, because he must know that you can easily find another suitor for Severa if you wish to.’

  Endellion nodded. ‘You’ve accurately expressed my worst fears. He can thwart all further betrothals if he captures Severa and imprisons her by force.’

  ‘I agree! That is exactly how I would expect Conanus to proceed,’ Aeron added.

  Constantinus thought very carefully as he tried to reason like a Briton.

  ‘Regardless of where he is hiding himself away, Conanus is suffering under the weight of several pressing disadvantages. Much of his time will be wasted as he waits for couriers and sends replies to his assassins, so you will have some time to move Severa out of harm’s way. The only problem is finding a safe place of refuge.’

  ‘Tintagel!’ Endellion said firmly. ‘Conanus couldn’t hope to be successful against Tintagel because he couldn’t gain entry to the fortress. It’s the safest place in Britannia for our girl. My brother is king and our kinfolk have no love for those men who went to Armorica. It would be even better if you could take her, Constantinus, for Conanus would be reluctant to attack a century of Roman legionnaires without a large army at his back.’

  The conversation was becoming alarming to Constantinus and his love of order. He was loath to act without express orders from his superiors and he was feeling the firm earth turning to quicksand under his feet. He had much to lose if he agreed to hastily constructed plans devised by a tribal king and his wife, if these ran counter to the wishes of his masters. On the other hand, he would certainly carry much of the blame if Severa should be taken and used as a pawn in a rebellion against Rome. He could find himself in the wrong, no matter how he acted.

  ‘I’d like you to send a courier to Tribune Maximo to request his approval for this course of action,’ he decided. ‘Meanwhile, I’ll make preparations for a departure from Corinium at short notice.’

  ‘But we don’t have the luxury of time,’ Endellion protested. ‘I believe you must leave for Tintagel immediately, Centurion, although I can understand your concerns. I will send my own courier to Tribune Maximo with a scroll explaining the gravity of our situation. Should your tribune require you to be recalled from this duty, I will send a further courier to inform you of the decision and release you from your commitment. I will then make alternative arrangements to spirit Severa to Tintagel. Would you accept such an arrangement?’

  ‘I agree with Endellion. Tintagel would make a perfect haven until such time as your commanders make a firm decision on what is to be done with our girl,’ Aeron added in his most reasonable voice. ‘Meanwhile, it would be best to send several couriers to Deva by different routes, thereby ensuring that at least one of them will be successful in notifying your commanding tribune of your actions. When the couriers return I will send further couriers to Tintagel where you should be safely ensconced. Severa isn’t safe here. Corinium is a trading town, and its walls and warriors are hardly adequate to protect a determined assault by an aggressor. But I do accept that the ultimate decision must be yours.’

  Constantinus was painfully aware that he had been trapped, but Aeron’s logic was sound. If they were wrong about the involvement of Conanus in this plot, then no harm would be done if his column escorted Severa to a place of safety. If Conanus was involved, and if he did plan to capture this girl, Constantinus would have demonstrated his initiative by spiriting her away. Whatever happened, his position was relatively secure.

  ‘Very well, Highness! I will tidy up the last threads of my investigation into the death of my commander and will assume his role until such time as my superiors issue me with further orders. Those who played a dishonourable part in the assassination of Marcus Britannicus will be crucified tomorrow at the town gates so that all men can see Roman justice in action. At first light, several couriers will be sent into the north. I intend to depart for Tintagel at noon tomorrow with your foster-daughter. We will travel at the best speed that our charge can endure.’

  The rulers of Corinium nodded in satisfaction.

  ‘Severa is strong,’ Endellion said with a tiny smile. ‘She’ll endure, and she won’t complain. Meanwhile, I’ll help her to pack for the journey and I’ll write a short message to my brother, Cadal, that will explain your needs. You’ll need such a missive if you are to gain entry to the fortress.’

  With an uncomfortable feeling that he was still being manipulated, Constantinus excused himself and left the hall. The light was already fading and long shadows barred the street in bands of charcoal. Although he tried to discover a flaw in the plan, every detail seemed reasonable, so why was such a weight pressing on his chest? Why did he long to flee from this place and pull the mountains down around him so he could hide himself from the view of all-seeing God?

  Constantinus pushed his unwanted fears away and walked out into the early evening to do his duty.

  CHAPTER VI

  A Hurried Journey

  Never shall I say that marriage brings more joy than pain.

  Euripides, Alcestis

  Aeron demonstrated the value of his years of service in Maximus’s legions by the speed with which he organised everything for his foster-daughter. Before the hour was out, two couriers were sent by differing routes to alert King Cadal of the imminent arrival of distinguished guests. Meanwhile, Severa was given an appraisal of her situation before being sent, protesting, to pack sufficient clothing for the journey.

  ‘But why am I in danger?’ she demanded of Endellion. In her youth, she had loved Tintagel, but to be packed off to such an isolated place with a solitary maid as company was not to her liking. Endellion merely shrugged and continued to sort out suitable clothes to combat the strong ocean winds that blew there.

  ‘No one bothers to explain anything to me,’ Severa pouted. ‘My intended husband has just died and you’ve told me that I must leave Corinium immediately. I’m not even allowed to pay him the courtesy of attending his final rites. How will my absence appear to our people? Unseemly talk will smear my reputation and my early departure will make me seem heartless. What overriding need requires me to run off to a rock in the middle of the ocean?’

  ‘We’ve been given information that convinced us that you are in grave danger, Severa. It’s likely that a usurper has concocted a plot to capture you and hide you away until such time as he can use your bloodline to exert power over the British people. If these plans succeed, the scion of one of the kings involved in this treason could be elevated to the position of High King of the Britons. The other kings of Britannia would be forced to comply eventually because such a marriage has historically been the way in which some unscrupulous men have gained power ahead of the legitimate claims of their peers. If the plotters achieve their aims, your new bridegroom will be a Briton rather than a Roman. Think of the implications of such a match, Severa! Did you not wonder whether Marcus Britannicus was assassinated because he was courting you?’

  ‘I thought Marcus was killed because his enemies wanted to punish him for his sexual activities.’

  ‘I imagine that was what we were supposed to believe,’ Endellion replied shortly. ‘Hurry now, Severa. You don’t want to be working all night and find yourself tired on the morrow. Whatever your feelings, we’ve decided that you’ll be leaving for Tintagel at noon.’

  But Endellion knew that the girl remained unconvinced of her danger. Severa’s folded arms, tapping feet and set lips screamed irritation and rejection of the queen’s argument. The queen rarely lost her temper with her foster-daughter, but now her anxiety and weariness meant she spoke more sharply than usual, taking Severa aback.

  ‘You ungrateful gir
l! A number of people will be working through the night to prepare your baggage train for the journey to Tintagel. Some of our servants have opted to undertake the journey with you, despite our concerns for their safety. They will be risking their lives to keep you safe, yet you sit here and complain that you can’t see the need to protect yourself.’

  ‘But . . . I only . . .’

  ‘I’m tired of hearing your childish objections, Severa. Go to bed now while I finish your packing for you. I’m sick of arguing with you!’

  Severa, deeply hurt at the rebuke, was beginning to feel vulnerable, which was Endellion’s precise intention. The girl’s eyes filled with tears, but Endellion merely continued to pack Severa’s travelling chest with a smooth, practised motion. Eventually, Severa wandered away with her shoulders slumped in misery.

  As soon as her foster-daughter disappeared into her sleeping chamber, Endellion straightened her aching back and surveyed the almost-filled chest with satisfaction and a twinge of sadness. Were they making an error? Was it possible that Severa could be safer with her family in the heart of Corinium?

  Endellion began to recall Conanus as she had first met him, all those years earlier at the little town on the wild northern coast of Cymru. His hawk-like face had been set and angry, while his black eyes had stared at her with a mixture of disdain and sly sexual interest. She had known from the moment she first laid eyes on him that he was dangerous, even though he was the very young heir to a small clan within the Ordovice tribe. What must he be like now, after serving with Maximus for six years and ruling a large swathe of Armorica for more than a decade? By her reckoning, Conanus must be close to fifty. Did those internal fires still burn hotly within his nature now that he was the ruler of a land that was far larger than his father’s kingdom?

  Yes! Conanus was a man to be feared. He would always want what he couldn’t have.