by Griff Hosker
“But there has been no sign of the rebels since before the first snows.”
Livius smiled for Metellus always thought beyond the obvious. “And Agrippa what news of the engineers?”
“They passed through here are four weeks ago,” he grinned at Decius, “well done for spotting their camp young Decius.” The young man ginned as he blushed but pleased with the praise. “No sign of any other patrols.”
“I think we are the first to venture across since the rising last year.” He peered westwards. “I hope the engineers are safe for if there are no rebels here where are they? They cannot be close to Brocauum for the Batavians have a cohort based there and they patrol the road north to Luguvalium. There is little further south and even fewer warriors.”
“The land of the lakes again eh sir?”
“You are right Metellus. It always comes back to the land of the lakes. Perhaps that is why the Governor is bringing the Ninth across to build a road and garrison some forts.”
Metellus chewed his hard tack and gestured west. “The rebels were defeated but we never found their leaders. The settlements on this side of the divide are hostile to them.”
Agrippa snorted, “Can you blame them? Think of the men folk who died needlessly in the battles last year.”
“You are right; it was mainly the young men and the old men who remain. What a sad waste.”
Livius shrugged, “Hindsight is always accurate Cassius and it is a hard lesson to learn. Perhaps there will be no rebels hereabouts because there are no warriors left.”
“But there must have been rebels, and not the leaders, who escaped. Where did they go? Are they the bandits we hear about in every settlement we visit? The ones who rob those on the road and steal livestock?”
“Probably Metellus and it shows how important our task is. Well our new method of riding in pairs and covering more ground appears to work. Tomorrow night we camp just outside Bravoniacum.”
Cassius looked up. “That is a long ride.”
“True but I am keen to catch up with these engineers. I fear they may need our protection. Agrippa, take your party into Veteris and gauge the opinion. I will visit Bravoniacum.”
*
Decius looked with satisfaction at the burial site for the gold. They had spent the previous day digging a deep pit and lining it with wood. Centurion and one of the mercenaries had kept watch whilst the others toiled. Even Decius had dirtied his hands for it was a momentous decision. When they had buried the gold they had place rocks over the top and then covered it with the turf they had removed. Finally Tiny led the herd of mules across it allowing them to graze and defecate. When Centurion returned he could not identify exactly where the treasure was buried.
“Good. We all know where it is and now we can move faster. Any animals which become lame we eat for we now have spare beasts and we will not need to seek food as we did here.” They had salted some fish for the journey and made jerky from the venison. The lakes had a plentiful supply of fresh water and Decius was confident they would reach the settlements on the coast within the week.
As they led their strings of animals along the lakeside Decius watched his mercenaries carefully for any sign of disloyalty. The loyalty of Tiny and Centurion was not in question but he now had to watch the others for he saw the backwards glances as they left the buried gold. Decius knew, however, that he would be less likely to have his throat cut in the night for instead any of them who felt he had had enough would just slip away back to the lake and dig up the treasure. It had been a small price to pay to avoid a treacherous death.
Centurion trotted back to the column, his face showing that he had encountered a problem. Decius held his hand up and halted the column. “There is a Roman fort ahead.”
“Occupied?”
Centurion shook his head. “It looks to be deserted.”
“Is it at the head of the lake?”
The look of surprise on Centurion’s face was matched by his voice, “Yes. How did you know?”
“It is Glanibanta. I know where we are now. If we head up past the fort we find two lakes. The route west is to the south of the southernmost lake. There is an old signal tower where we can camp north of the Roman fort.” Centurion looked questioningly at Decius who shrugged. “My brother was in Marcus’ Horse and he told me of it the last time I spoke with him.”
“I didn’t know he was in the cavalry.”
“My uncle wanted us both to be able to help him to rule, Livius was the military choice and I was the one chosen, as the elder brother, as the one for the business.”
“Wise choice for your; Marcus’ Horse has suffered many casualties in the wars in the north. Is he still alive?”
“I do not know and I do not care. I would hope that he was dead for, if alive, he would recognise me immediately and that might upset our plans eh Centurion?”
“Even with the beard and the long hair?”
“We are brothers; we would know each other believe me.”
The signal tower provided a perfect camp site with the river and the woods bordering three sides. The grass enabled them to let the mules and horses graze. Even the surly six seemed happier and there were smiles around the camp fire as they feasted on freshly caught trout, the fragrant smoke spiralling into the summer sky.
It was Brennus who saw the smoke and reported immediately to Tadgh. Since Aodh’s remains had been returned there had been not only a sombre atmosphere but a heightened sense of danger. They were a vulnerable group and could not resist an attack by an aggressive enemy and in these lands everyone else was a foe. Tadgh had allies he could call on but they were spread through the vast land that was Brigantia.
“Were they Romans?”
“I did not go close for I was alone.”
“You did well. We will take a small group and scout them towards twilight.” Detailing twelve of his warriors to closely guard the Queen Tadgh led Brennus and his other seven warriors down the trail to the tower. One advantage they had was the familiarity with this land; they knew it intimately and could traverse it even on a moonless night. They were also able to travel silently knowing that the bubbling river would mask any noise which they might inadvertently make. They waded through the shallow waters and hid in the shelter of the low scrubby bank. Their muddied and blackened faces peered over to see a huge herd of mules most of them with heavy saddlebags. The group spent a few moments gathering in the scene and then Tadgh led them back across the river where they could share information.
“No more then ten men.”
“I only counted nine.”
“Some may have been in the woods on the far side.”
“No Brennus I think not. They looked far too relaxed. What were the mules carrying I wonder?”
“I have never seen so many mules at least not without a Roman guarding them.”
“And these were not Romans.”
“Not Roman army that is certain.”
“Could they be deserters?”
“Possibly. You four stay here and watch them. Let me know if they move or if others appear. This is news for the Queen.”
When Morwenna was informed of the arrival of the mules and their cargo she seemed neither surprised nor unhappy. She looked Tadgh firmly in the eyes and fixed him with her most powerful stare. “Could you capture the men and their cargo?”
The Brigante warrior looked up with a look of astonishment on his face. “Capture? We could kill them majesty and take whatever their cargo contains but why capture?”
For a moment he regretted his answer as it reeked of insubordination and the questioning of her orders but instead she nodded. “I can understand why you would be surprised but think Tadgh, are these Romans?” he shook his head. “Brigante? Traders?”
Again he shook his head and ventured, “If I were guess anything it would be deserters or bandits.”
“And as such would make welcome additions to this would be army of rebels, “she swept her arm around the remaining warriors
and the cave. Whatever is on the mules there is a great deal of it if there are as many animals as you say. We need to build an army and build it swiftly before the Romans come to build their road, and their forts. We need to inspire the people to, once again, rebel against the Roman overlords. If we can build up an army we can gain allies. The Selgovae and Carvetii are ripe for rebellion and the land north of here is sparsely garrisoned.” She held his shoulders in her pale, slim hands and repeated, “I ask you again, could you capture them?”
Taking a deep breath the warrior answered. “If we wait until they are asleep we could but we would have to kill the sentry they will inevitably leave on guard.”
“You have answered my question. Do it. And Tadgh…”
“Yes majesty?”
“Take all your men, we need to guarantee success. We need no sentries tonight, the Mother will watch.”
“Yes majesty.”
It was moonless night and Decius was sufficiently confident about his men and their temporary loyalty to allow one of the mercenaries to stand the second watch which allowed Centurion and himself more sleeping time. He was certain that he would hear either horses or mules if the man decided to leave and return to the gold. They were far too close to the cache for any of those he did not trust to get there and escape with pursuit and certain death from Tiny and Centurion. As they moved closer to the coast the problem would only increase.
Tadgh had sent Brennus with ten warriors to the far side of the camp; they had trekked around the edge of the lake and were even now waiting silently in the thick woods. The sentry was silhouetted against the fire on Brennus’ side and it would be his lieutenant’s task to kill the sentry. Tadgh and his group were tasked with the five men on their side of the fire which would leave just three men for Brennus to deal with. Brennus and Tadgh had already identified the two major problems that they would have to overcome, the huge warrior and the greybeard. They were on Brennus’ side. Despite his promise to the Queen about capture the clubs they would use to render their victims unconscious were big enough to cave a man’s skull in but Tadgh was taking no chances.
As they slipped over the river bank they knew that any noise they made would be hidden by the river roar but Tadgh was aware that the mules might smell them; that was the danger. They slid across the damp grass like serpents slithering ever closer to their sleeping prey. The sounds of the river faded and were replaced by the creak of mule harness and the spit and crackle of logs on the fire. Tadgh kept glancing at the sentry who was crouched by the fire picking at pieces of food still remaining on the bones by the fire. When they were twenty paces from the camp they halted and although Tadgh could not see Brennus he knew that his brother and his party would be close to the sentry. Each pair of warriors had identified their target and waited with bated breath for the arrow in the back which would signal the attack.
Whether the guard heard something or just stretch they would never know but the arrow caught him in the lower back. Even as he started to scream the twenty one warriors raced across the open ground. Tadgh drew back his club ready to hit any victim who evaded his men’s attacks. He watched with horror as the huge warrior they had feared shook off his blows and punched one of Brennus’ men so hard that they heard his jaw break. The giant was the only one who had given any resistance and Tadgh raced towards his unprotected back and smashed the club into the back of his unprotected head. He slumped slowly to his knees and Brennus hit him again in the face with his weapon rendering Tiny unconscious at last.
The prisoners were all tightly trussed and tied, unceremoniously on their horses. The wounded warrior was also given a horse and they quickly led the mules and prisoners back to the cave.
It was almost dawn when they finally dragged the obstinate pack animals up the narrow trail and hobbled them in the lee of the cave. The horses were also hobbled and the prisoners left where they were. Tadgh was desperate to know what the saddlebags and packs contained but he knew better than to open them before Morwenna had sanctioned the action. She surprised all of them by first ministering to the wounded warrior who was soon sleeping having taken a potion, his injured jaw bandaged and held as he slept.
“You have done well my fine and worthy warriors, especially you Tadgh, as I knew you would. We will guard these men until I have had time to talk to them and persuade them to join our little band. Now let us see what the Mother has brought to us.” She gestured for one of the bags to be opened. The sun was just breaking over the hills to the east and whether it was an accident or Morwenna had planned it the result was that as the gold spilled out of the pack the shafts of sunlight hit it making the smelted gold glitter almost blindingly brightly.
The Brigante looked at each other but Tadgh noticed no surprise on the witches’ faces. Brennus articulated the thought that was in all their heads. “Were we lucky? Was that the only bag of gold or are…?”
Morwenna smiled her secret smile. “Select another bag each from a mule of your choosing and let us see.” Brennus did so and whooped with joy when he found more gold. Having discovered their bounty and their salvation they capered around like children each one holding the gold to their chests. When Morwenna’s voice spoke it spoke with authority and a command which could not be denied. “Now we will stack all of the gold at the back of the cave. When that has been done you will build a wall of the rock in the cave in front of it. Then take the mules down to the lower level.”
Tadgh looked at the Queen with increasing respect. She had a plan and he think he could discern what it was. The gold was her hold over these, possibly, unwilling volunteers; she had devised a way to make them cooperate. “Come on you lazy bastards get working. You two take the gold and then the rest of you form a chain. Brother you and I will start to build the wall. Come on then move!”
The bright spring sun was already up when Decius finally awoke with a head that felt like he had been drinking for a week. He tried to move his hands and found them bound. He found he could not lift his back and he could see, below the belly of a horse, his feet. They had been captured but by whom. He tried to speak and found his throat parched and it came out as a croak, “Who…”
He heard a silkily smooth female voice purr, “Ah one is awake and, looking at his clothes ,I would think that this is the leader. Release him but hold his arms while we talk.”
Decius saw the knife slice through the bonds and then he was roughly taken from the back of the horse and turned around. He saw immediately that they were not Romans but Brigante and, from their armour and weapons, they were part of the rebel army.
“Turn him so that he can see me.”
As his face was turned he almost fainted with surprise for he beheld the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her red hair cascaded down her break and he could see her breasts as she was feeing a baby. They were pure white but his eyes were drawn to the green eyes which bored into his. “I am Morwenna Queen of the Brigante and priestess of the Mother. You have two choices and they are clear choices, join us and live, refuse and die.” He tried to turn his head to see where his men and the mules were. “Only one of your men was killed the rest are bound as you were. The mules are gone as is, “she paused to emphasise her words, “as is the gold. We thank you for acquiring it for us and it is now part of our war chest. So I will ask again. Do you wish to join us and live or refuse and die?”
Ever the pragmatist there was only one answer he could give. “Your majesty I would be delighted to join your rebellion.”
She came closer to him and hissed. “When you know me a little better you will come to learn that I do not appreciate sarcasm and insubordination results in death but you have just met me so you have had your one chance. When your men are given the same choice they will not have thatchance. Now release him.”
When the warriors took away their support his weakened legs gave way and he sank to the floor. His chin was grasped and a scarred warrior grinned into his face. “I am Tadgh and I serve the Queen. You only live whilst my Queen a
llows it, remember that. Also remember that it would be very easy to hamstring you to prevent your escape and we would do that in an instant if we thought you might flee. A cripple could still serve us eh?”
“So you see…” she looked at him.
“Decius Lucullus Sallustius.”
“So you see Decius Lucullus Sallustius it is your choice to be either a hamstrung slave or a warrior in my mighty army.”
Decius was disappointed in the size of the force which had captured him and his men but he was confident enough to believe that, somehow, he could subvert it to his own ends. The witch thought she was swallowing him but he would become the predator. The fact that she was a woman meant that she would soon succumb to his charms, every woman did. As his men became conscious he knew he had to persuade them to join the rebels. The two he was most concerned with were Centurion and Tiny. In Centurion he had someone who understood military organisation and in Tiny he had someone who would defend him, even at the cost of his own life.
Centurion was the first to come to consciousness an hour or so after Decius. His angry face contorted as he struggled. Decius put his face close to his lieutenant’s ear and whispered. “We have been captured by the Queen of the Brigante and her warriors. They have taken the gold. We will go along with them or they will kill you. Do you understand?” Glancing at the faces of the fierce Brigante and back to Decius he slowly nodded. He had always had a quick mind and he could see that they were not in a position to resist. What disconcerted Decius was the look on Morwenna’s face; it was as though she had known what he had said to his comrade. She was an unknown quantity. He preferred women like his aunt and mistress Aula Sallustius who could be manipulated with a smile and a touch. This woman was of a different order and he would have to tread carefully until he worked out how best to charm and seduce her.
Finally it only remained for Tiny to wake and he showed no sign of doing so. The sun had passed its peak and Tadgh went to the Queen. “I think this one might have been struck a little too hard.” Sliding his sword out from its scabbard he continued, “perhaps I should…”