"Girl, where are you?" a voice called urgently. Corbulo stooped and quickly cut the dogs lead with his sword and scooped it up before moving backwards. In the pale moonlight he saw a figure. The man was holding something, a spear. He stopped beside the wooden post and gasped as he caught sight of the dead dog. As he bent down to touch the animal Corbulo stepped up behind him, raised his sword and with a swift sharp movement cut the man's throat. There was a gurgle and hot blood spurted across Corbulo's hand and sword. He clamped his hand over the dying man's mouth and slowly lowered him to the ground beside the dead animal. Then he picked up the spear that the man had dropped. The watchman had been guarding something. He took a few steps in the direction from which the man had come and peered into the darkness. Nothing. He strode forwards and nearly fell down the flight of stone steps. He steadied himself just in time. In the darkness his breathing came in silent sharp bursts. His muscles ached with tension. He laid the spear on the ground and stared at the steps. They were leading down into the earth. He had found the well. This had to be the place. This was what the watchman had been guarding. Carefully he started down the steps. The ground towered over him, threatening to bury him as he descended deeper into the earth. His descent came to an abrupt halt as he nearly hit his face on a door. He reeled in surprise. Then he took a deep breath and felt his way across the door until he found the handle. He tried it but the door did not move. Damn. In the darkness his fingers explored the door. Of course, there would be a bolt. His fingers touched something cold and metallic. Then he had it. He took another deep breath and forced the bolt upwards. The door swung open on its own accord with a slight creaking noise.
"Marcus," Corbulo whispered hoarsely in Latin, "are you there son, are you in here?"
He opened the door wider and peered into the dark chamber beyond. From somewhere he could hear the drip of water on water. A woman's face suddenly appeared from out of the darkness like a ghost. She looked startled. Corbulo yelped in pure shock and fright and without thinking smashed his fist into the girl's face sending her spinning against the wall. He heard her head hit the stone and her body crumple to the floor. He leapt forwards and crouched beside her. She was out like a light but she was still alive. Corbulo's breath was coming in short sharp gasps as a crushing wave of disappointment swept over him. The rumours had been right. Someone had been kept prisoner within this chambered well but it had not been his son. It had been a woman.
Then the hairs on his neck stood up as he heard another voice. It was a man's voice and it was coming from deeper within the chamber.
"Marcus," the voice groaned weakly, "I am Marcus, I am a cavalryman. 2nd Batavian Auxiliary Cohort."
Chapter Forty Four - Blood feud
Baldurix opened his mouth in disbelief as he saw the Roman leap over the cliff. Then he, like the rest of the villagers, was running towards the edge. He halted at the edge of the cliff and peered at the sea below. By his side the slaver was doing the same.
"There he is," the man shouted, "Shoot the bastard."
One of Baldurix's men notched an arrow, took aim and fired. He missed. Far below them in the sea the Roman vanished beneath the waves. Baldurix watched as another arrow missed. Then the Roman was beneath them and they lost sight of him.
"I want two groups," Baldurix shouted, "one is to go west and search for that man along the coast, the other is to go east. If you find him you are to kill him. I will reward any man who brings me back that Roman's head."
Baldurix glared at Vellocatus as the villagers started to disperse.
"I thought you said he was dead," he snapped.
Vellocatus looked annoyed. "That's what Bestia told me," he muttered casting about for the auxiliary soldier but there was no sign of him.
Baldurix shook his head in disgust. Then he was off stomping back towards his village with the slaver following close behind. His plan had been going well until this unexpected surprise. Vellocatus had kept his word, had found the amber cave and had brought him some of the stones to show to the Romans. It was from Cawdor that he, Vellocatus and Bestia had just come that morning. The Roman Prefect, on seeing the amber, had greedily asked them where they had found it but Vellocatus had told the officer to mind his own business. Vellocatus had kept the exact location a closely guarded secret. The Prefect had eventually agreed to the terms they had discussed before and they had sealed their new alliance with a cup of mead. Now that the Romans were going to help him he was free to attack the Vacomagi and end the blood feud in his favour. It was time to gather his men and brief them on the plan of attack that he had devised. As he strode along he glanced at Vellocatus. The slaver had been remarkably loyal since they had struck their deal all those months ago in Eburacum. He had not really expected Vellocatus to honour his promises but he had. Baldurix smiled. The man was indeed full of surprises but he was also a blundering idiot. First he had allowed the girl to escape and now this Roman adventurer had reappeared.
***
Baldurix sat on the straw covered floor of his house. The circle of warriors were watching him, waiting for him to speak. In the hearth the fire crackled and hissed. Baldurix remained silent as his woman finished passing around the drinking flasks. Then as she left the room he glanced up at Vellocatus who was standing leaning against one of the wooden posts that was holding up the roof.
"The time has come," he said clearing his throat, "to end the existence of the Vacomagi and end this blood feud that has existed for so long."
There was a murmur of agreement from the assembled warriors.
"The Romans have pledged to support us. With their help we will crush our enemies and forever rid the land of this stain," he growled. "This morning I have sent word to all the men who are sworn to follow me. I have summoned them here. It will take some time before all our warriors arrive from the outlying settlements. We go to war at dawn in two days time."
"How many will come?" one of the warriors asked.
"About a thousand men," Baldurix replied with a confident nod. "Now this is what we are going to do. Our first blow will be delivered by stealth. A small group of men whom I handpicked myself have already set off this morning into Vacomagi territory. They will go to Dougal's house. The Vacomagi look to him for leadership. For those of you who don't know, Dougal has a house just outside Bannatia. My men will attack the druid at night. They will kill the old fool. With their leader slain the Vacomagi will be disorganised and become dispirited."
The warriors glanced at each other in surprise.
"You know something about that don't you," a voice muttered darkly. "Even a boy can sneak into another's house and murder his enemy when he is asleep. That is how this feud began. But where is the honour and the glory in doing that?"
"Silence," Baldurix bellowed. He glared at the man who had spoken out. "If I didn't know you any better, I would think that you were challenging me," Baldurix said in a dangerous voice, "Well are you challenging me?"
The men in the room suddenly looked tense. There was silence. Then the man who had spoken shook his head.
"I spoke hastily Baldurix, apologies," he murmured.
Baldurix looked at the others. Then he continued, "The Romans have promised to besiege Bannatia. The Prefect has told me that his men will bombard the fort with artillery. The aim will be to prevent the men inside from joining forces with their friends and kin at Tuesis. This will give us the advantage of numbers."
"When will all of this take place?" a man asked.
"At dawn in precisely four days time," Baldurix replied. He was about to continue when a voice interrupted him.
"So we are to fight as allies of the Romans?" the man said with a distinct lack of enthusiasm. "I don't know about you but the last time I saw a Roman I was with Calgacus and they were very much my enemy."
A few voices around the room murmured in agreement.
"The Romans are our friends. They are going to help us destroy the Vacomagi," Baldurix raised his voice, "Have you all forgotten the blood fe
ud that exists between us? Have you forgotten our many dead and maimed? Have you forgotten about the houses that they burned and the cattle they stole from us? Have you forgotten the young Vacomagi druid who raped and murdered my sister?" He glared at the warriors in the circle. "The time for vengeance has come. The Romans will give us the advantage that we need. They will be our friends until I say they are not. If anyone disagrees with that then leave now and do not come back."
The men sitting in the circle held their breath. They glanced at each other but no one spoke. Then a single man rose to his feet and headed for the door. Baldurix watched him go.
"Anyone else?" He glared.
His question was answered with silence.
Baldurix nodded satisfied. "Now the timing of our attacks is important. Our main force led by me will be assembled and ready to go at dawn in two days time. We will move east down the Nairn valley, past the Roman fort at Cawdor and strike the Vacomagi in Tuesis, their capital. We will burn the place to the ground. Our assault must take place in exactly four days time, at the same moment as the Roman's begin their siege of Bannatia. We will take the Vacomagi by surprise. They will be leaderless, a quarter of their men will be bottled up in Bannatia and we will outnumber our enemy. We will slaughter their men and take the women and children as slaves." Baldurix looked round. "This feud will be over in five days."
"In five days," Vellocatus piped up, "All of you are going to be wealthy men. The Romans like wealthy men. They have invented many objects and pleasures for a man to spend his wealth on. You have no idea, but you will get to know them soon."
A grizzled white bearded warrior who looked older than the rest raised his hand.
"I have lived all my life beside the Vacomagi," he said hoarsely, "in bravery and in numbers they match us." The old veteran paused and glanced at Baldurix, "The plan that you propose is risky. What if the Vacomagi catch wind of what we are up to? What happens if the Romans don't fulfil their promises? The druids have a habit of knowing what is going to happen. They speak with the gods. Have the gods given us a sign that we are going to be victorious?"
Baldurix's face darkened and he struggled to find an answer. It was Vellocatus who came to his aid. The slaver laughed.
"The gods sent me to you," he said boastfully. "My presence here is a sign from the gods that they will grant you victory. It was I who discovered the amber. It is I who convinced the Romans to join us. It is I who has turned the wind in your favour. What more do you need?"
The room fell silent. The old warrior looked unimpressed. Ignoring Vellocatus he looked directly at Baldurix.
"Maybe single combat would be a better way to settle this blood feud," he croaked. "Maybe you," he raised his hand and pointed a bony, gnarled finger at Baldurix, "should challenge the bravest and best of the Vacomagi to single combat. It is better to spill the blood of just one man than that of a whole clan."
"Nonsense," Vellocatus interrupted hastily, "It is too late for that now. We have promised the Romans a share of the amber. If we don't deliver there is going to be trouble. Besides we gang raped Dougal's daughter. The druid is never going to let that go. He and his clan have to die. We have no other choice."
"He is right," Baldurix raised his voice, "It is too late for single combat. The Vacomagi must be destroyed. We leave at dawn in two days time. Now get your men ready. There will be no delays."
Baldurix got to his feet and the circle broke up as the others rose and headed for the doorway.
As the warriors trooped out Baldurix gestured for Vellocatus to remain behind. Then when they were the only two left in the house he spoke.
"At dawn, the day after we have left, you will sail to Bannatia and start taking the amber from that cave," he muttered. "Try and time your arrival to coincide with the appearance of the Roman soldiers. The Romans should provide enough of a distraction and protection for you and your men to get in close."
Vellocatus grinned, "Don't worry, I won't let you down."
"I know you won't," Baldurix nodded with a serious expression, "because some of my men will be coming with you on your ship. When you have the amber you are to return here and we shall share the spoils. After that we can go our separate ways."
The grin faded slowly from Vellocatus's face. "Won't you need every warrior that you can muster to be with you," he muttered. "Honestly, there is no need to have your men accompany me. I can handle it."
Baldurix shook his head. "I trust you, but my men will go with you nevertheless. The amber is what is making all of this happen. I want to make sure all goes well."
Vellocatus looked away. For a moment he looked unhappy. Then abruptly he smiled and stuck out his hand.
"It is not a problem. I shall see you in five days time then," he smiled.
Baldurix gripped the slaver's hand. His eyes twinkled mysteriously. Then he smiled in return.
"Goodbye Vellocatus. Till we meet in five days," he said.
Chapter Forty Five - The battle of the Clava stones
It was noon two days later and Baldurix stood staring at the cairn. A circle of standing stones surrounded the ancient stone burial chamber and there were two other cairns to his left. The three stone burial chambers formed a line, angled along the winter solstice, from north east to south west. The chambers were sealed with coloured stones and covered with a domed mound of earth and grass around four yards high. No one knew who had built these monuments. The druids had no collective memory of their construction and there were no songs or tales told about them around the fireplace. The burial chambers were old, really old. They belonged to his ancestors. But Baldurix knew who lay buried inside. These were the graves of long dead heroes, of great men, of powerful warriors from a time long ago. One day he too would be carried into such a tomb and laid to rest, together with his armour, jewellery and weapons. When they sealed him into that chamber he would become immortal and generation after generation would wander past his tomb and know that a great man resided within.
Behind him hundreds of his warriors poured past in a large disorganised mass as they headed east along the Nairn. Baldurix shifted his gaze and stared at the river that flowed beyond the cairns. The water level was low for it was high summer. The cairns had been constructed on a flat gravel terrace above the river and a few trees lined the bank. Beyond the river the land rose to the crest of a grassy ridge. He glanced again at the cairns as old memories stirred themselves. The young druid who had raped his sister had been Dougal's son. Baldurix had only been a boy when it had happened. He'd lain in the darkness on the straw on the second floor of his father's house and had heard his father's enraged voice bellowing below. He had heard his sister crying. Dougal's boy had raped his sister. So that night Baldurix, still only thirteen had taken his father's sword and slipped out of the house and alone and unaided he'd gone to the druid's home and had murdered Dougal's son as he lay sleeping. He had avenged the insult to his family's honour. It was a few days later when news of the murder had spread that he'd found his sister's body floating face down in the lake. Murder had been answered with murder and from that day onwards a blood feud had existed. Over the following years the feud had grown rapidly to include nearly all the men of the rival tribes as raid and counter raid had deepened the mutual loathing and bitterness.
A horseman suddenly appeared on the ridge across the river. Baldurix frowned as the rider, seeing the column of warriors, wheeled his horse round and came galloping towards him. The horseman splashed through the river. As he drew closer Baldurix caught sight of a human head hanging around the horse's neck. The man was shouting something. Baldurix's face grew pale as at last he recognised the rider. It was one of the warriors he'd sent to assassinate the druid. What was the man doing here? The rider veered towards him.
"They are right behind me," the man cried out as he pulled up beside Baldurix, "We failed. They were waiting for us. The others are dead."
Baldurix stared at the riders exhausted face in stunned silence.
"Who is
behind you?" he muttered.
"Dougal and his men," the rider gasped, "The Vacomagi are right behind me. They are coming with their full force."
Baldurix turned to stare at the ridge beyond the river in sudden alarm. It wasn't possible. How could Dougal have reacted so quickly? Then he closed his eyes in silent, bitter resignation. Someone had warned the druid. Of course, it was the girl. She had heard him and Vellocatus discussing what they were going to do. Vellocatus, stupid idiotic Vellocatus had allowed her to escape. He should have realised that the girl would survive the sea and warn her father but it was too late for all of that now.
The mournful bellowing of a Carnyx shattered the stale noon air. The noise had come from behind the ridge across the river. Then a few moments later a lone chariot appeared on the crest with two men standing on its platform.
"Dougal," Baldurix hissed as he caught sight of the druids white robes and long beard.
Baldurix turned to his warriors behind him. The men had heard the Carnyx and had turned to see what was going on.
"The Vacomagi are here in full force," Baldurix roared, "Prepare to fight. Form a line. I want a shield wall along the cairns. Move, move, move!"
For a moment the mass of warriors did not move. Then the warriors broke out into a great mass of disorganised activity as war bands, father's, sons, brothers and friends rushed around looking for each other.
Baldurix turned to stare at the ridge to the north. Very well, he thought. If he could not surprise his enemy then he would fight him here amongst the burial chambers of the ancients. Around him chaos reigned as his warriors rushed to take their place beside their friends and kin in the growing shield wall. Baldurix grabbed hold of the cairn and clambered up the domed roof that he'd been admiring only a few moments ago. As he reached the top the deep tones of another Carnyx could he heard and then another. He turned to look at his men. The shield wall was several men thick and stretched away in a gentle C formation with the wall facing the river and the three cairns breaking up the line. There was no cavalry or charioteers. This was going to be an infantry battle. Then he heard cries coming from across the river. On the ridge a long line of men had appeared. The druid had spotted him for Baldurix saw Dougal raise his oak staff high in the air and pointed it in his direction. The warriors on the ridge began to swarm down towards the river. The hill side turned black with moving men. Baldurix felt a bead of unease worm its way into his mind.
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