by Griff Hosker
Morwenna shook her head. “No not yet. Maban, Anchorat.” The acolytes joined their mistress and held hands in a circle around the giant whose breathing was laboured and whose face looked deathly grey. Even Decius felt that the big man was going to die. Firstly Morwenna cleaned the wounds of blood and then rubbed some perfumed salve on. The three women were oblivious to the others and walked around Tiny’s body, chanting, their voices a murmur and the sweat from their exertions pouring down their faces. Suddenly they stopped their incantation and Anchorat placed her hands around the dying man’s head. Morwenna placed her lips around Tiny’s mouth and began to breathe in and out. Maban placed her hands on his chest and began to push down whilst murmuring a rhythmic chant and Anchorat held her hands over the wounds on his head. Suddenly they all saw Tiny’s body convulse and the three women stepped back. As his eyes opened Tadgh and the Brigante warriors gave the sign against evil. Centurion looked at Decius and shook his head he turned to Decius and whispered, “I think we would have been better off had we run into Romans. This is witchcraft and no good can come of it.”
Shrugging philosophically Decius replied, “The die has been cast and the Allfather has determined that this is our fate. Let us help Tiny and then see if we can find a way out of this.” As the two men went to help Tiny to his feet Decius had already begun to formulate a plan- the Queen was a woman and it would be a simple task to seduce her and control this rebellion. With the gold at his disposal he could buy an army and create his own kingdom. He could buy what his uncle had dreamed of, his own heritage and lands.
Chapter 5
Livius and his three Explorates donned helmets when they entered Brocauum for there was a garrison there. Drusus and his group would circulate amongst the taverns in the vicus to pick up gossip. The guards at the gate were intrigued at the four riders who halted at the Porta Praetorium. Neither the optio nor the auxiliary recognised the uniform although it was obvious that they were soldiers.
“Decurion Livius Lucullus Sallustius of the Exploratores section of the Ninth Legion. I am here to speak with the Prefect.”
“Enter sir,” the optio was intrigued and, as they entered through the Porta Praetorium, could not resist the question. “Sir what is an Explorate? I have never heard of such a unit.”
Smiling Livius leaned down and said, “Confidentially until this month neither had I optio. We are scouts and we are looking for an engineering party. Has one visited here recently?”
“No sir. You are the first visitors from the east since the snows.”
Saluting the optio Livius rode on. He turned to Marius who rode on his right, “It is as I thought Drusus, the engineers would have headed south west towards Glanibanta.”
“That is a hard road sir. The paths there are very steep.”
“Aye. The legions will find that a difficult road to build.”
They halted outside the Praetorium where a small party had gathered to greet these new visitors. Livius recognised the centurion from the rebellion. The huge veteran grinned from ear to ear causing the young auxiliary to stare. He had never seen First Spear smile let alone grin. “Decurion Livius! I didn’t recognise you in,” he gestured at the clothes they were wearing. “Has Marcus’ Horse run out of funds now?”
Dismounting and handing the reins to Marius Livius shook his head, “No Centurion Cursus, Marcus’ Horse is no more; it has been disbanded.”
The grin left the auxiliary centurion’s face. “I did not know.” His face darkened and he lowered his voice. “Why was this? Has something untoward happened?” The question was not an innocent one. If a legion, cohort or ala disgraced itself it would be disbanded and its men sent to other units.
“No Hirtius nothing like that. There were too few of us to muster even a turma.”
Cursus stepped back to look at Livius’ garb. “Well may I ask what in the name of the Allfather are you?”
Livius leaned in and led the centurion to one side. “If we could go and meet with the Prefect I can tell you both.”
“The Prefect has taken a patrol to Luguvalium. I am in temporary charge. Come let us go into the office.” The clerk stood to his feet when they entered. “Go and fetch us some wine and then see to the troopers outside.” When the man had left Livius and Cursus sat.”You have my interest young Livius. What are you then?”
“We are scouts, sort of.”
“Sort of scouts eh? Still in the dark. Scouts for who?”
“The Ninth.”
“Are they close by?”
“No we serve as intelligence gatherers which is why we look as we do. Even now three of my men are in the vicus gathering information. We were chosen because we no longer look Roman and we can find out more informally than formally. This is the first time I have looked as you see me for a while. Normally I look like a bandit or a deserter.”
Cursus laughed. “I have to say I would have been suspicious of you had I not recognised you. I will be interested in any information you gather from the Carvetii in the town.”
“You shall have it but what is your opinion of the rebellion and what news do you have?”
“There has been no trouble since last year but they are not a happy people. They do not like our presence.”
“But we both know that it is necessary for this was one of the centres of the rebellion.”
“Exactly but we have heard nothing of the Queen who led it. Perhaps she is dead.”
The clerk returned with the wine and after he left Livius shook his head. “No we have heard nothing and I am sure that we would have heard if Morwenna had died. Have you any idea where she and her army could be?”
“I am not sure that she has an army. We destroyed most of them at the battle of Morbium. My guess is that she fled north to the savages.”
“Could be.” His tone implied that he was doubtful about that. He swallowed off his wine. “The other reason we are here is to find a patrol of engineers which headed west after the last snows. They are surveying a new road for the Ninth who will be following us.”
“They didn’t pass here. Perhaps they went further south. If they did they could be in trouble.”
“Why is that?”
“We have few travellers from that direction but those who do travel from the south speak of bandits and groups of survivor from the rebel army. When your lot were on patrol that didn’t happen but they can out run my lads and our task is to stop the northern savages from invading again so they pretty much have a free rein.”
“So the frontier is not safe then?”
“No it is like a tinderbox. Luguvalium is always being attacked, only small scale stuff but it means we have to keep our patrols larger than we would like. It is why the Prefect is out with two centuries on a patrol up the road. I will be glad when the Ninth get here. A legion as a back up is always handy.”
“Well I can’t see them getting over for a month or so, longer if I can’t find this patrol. Well I will go and find my other men. I will send Marius back with any information we gather.”
Later that morning is the patrol gathered to share information Livius became concerned. Drusus had a troubled look on his face. “You had better tell the lads in the fort that the town is unhappy. There are a bunch of troublemakers. We did as you suggested and let them think that we were deserters from the Roman army and they welcomed us with open arms. They suggested we head south west to the big forest where they reckoned we would find like minded men. They all have weapons hidden and are waiting for the chance to rise again. They thought that if we were deserters there may be more. It seemed to encourage them to open up.”
“Any leaders here then?”
“No they were a little cagey about that but they know the routine well. They told us to avoid the road to Luguvalium because the Prefect was there with a big patrol and they know the routines in the fort.”
“Well done Drusus. Drusus, go back and tell the Centurion what Drusus said and tell him I suggest changing his routines perhaps have a few se
arches.” Marius nodded and left. “We had better head south west. I am less than happy about this patrol of engineers. If they ran into a big group of deserters or rebels they would not stand a chance.”
“How come they only sent a small patrol?”
“The Governor thought we had rid the land of the rebels and thought it was safe. His priority is the road so that we can use the Classis Britannica on this side of the island as well as the other.”
*
Morwenna and Tadgh walked through the woods with Decius. Tiny had taken just one night to recover and accepted the new situation with his normal stoicism. After a more pleasant night’s sleep Decius had begun formulating his plans to take over the group. When he had had been asked to accompany Tadgh and Morwenna he had been suspicious. Would he suffer a knife in the back? He did not like to be without the support and protection of Tiny and Centurion but he was now, effectively, a prisoner and would have to go along with his captors.
“You have a huge amount of treasure there how did you come by it?”
Morwenna’s question was a loaded one but Decius could see no advantage in lying. He would lie when necessary but this occasion did not merit a lie. “I was in charge of the Wyddfa gold mines.” His focus was fixed on Tadgh and he did not see the sudden spark of interest in Morwenna’s green eyes.
“Did you exhaust the mines then?”
Laughing Decius shook his head. “We could have dug for another twenty years and not exhausted them.”
“Then why did you stop?”
He shrugged, “Rome was becoming a little too interested in what I was taking.”
“I see. You were taking for Rome but keeping most of it for yourself. Very enterprising. And now it has been taken from you by me.”
He stopped and faced Morwenna looking at her shrewdly. “Yes but you have a plan for me otherwise we would have all died around our camp fire and you would not have done as much to save Tiny.”
“Do you see Tadgh; you did not smash the intelligence from this thief. No Decius we have a reason for saving your life. You and your men look resourceful and I need resourceful men. I need more resourceful men to enable us to continue with the rebellion. Your gold will fund that.”
“What is in it for me?”
Tadgh’s hand went to his sword, “Your life you dog!”
“No Tadgh he is quite right and I would suspect that if our new friends did not benefit from our new arrangement then we would soon lose them. Am I not right?”
Spreading his hands Decius nodded, “We would need persuasion. My men are mercenaries and work for money not ideals.”
“Good for they are the kind of men I can use. Here is the honey for you to sweeten the deal. When you have helped me to raise an army and rid this part of Britannia of my enemies I will return your money to you and help you to escape this land.” Decius began to nod his agreement. “There is however another condition, before I allow you to go you will take me and Tadgh to this gold mine so that we may extract more of the treasure of Wyddfa.”
Decius was more than interested. Perhaps he could delay taking over the group until they were back at Wyddfa. If he had Morwenna’s army he could get even more gold and it would easier to rid himself of Tadgh and his thugs in a land he was familiar with. “You have my support and that of my men.”
“Good.”
“And of course as an equal, my men and I will have our weapons returned.”
Morwenna stared deep into his eyes and Decius found himself almost blinking with the power. “Of course but do not betray me for I am a priestess of the Mother and I can see into your black and treacherous heart.”
Internally Delicious shuddered although outwardly he appeared calm. Had he misjudged the woman before him? He would have to go along with her, at least for the foreseeable future; especially until he had found where she had buried the gold. “My men and I will be loyal. Your majesty.” Tadgh’s snort of derision spoke volumes and he led them back up the hill. The relief on the faces of Centurion and Tiny, as they walked back into the encampment touched Decius. He could see them exchange a look as they both nodded at each other. It was obvious to Decius that they thought he had been taken away for a quick execution. He would have to speak to them privately as soon as possible. The others were just battle fodder as far as Decius was concerned but he needed his two most loyal comrades to help him to escape.
Morwenna addressed the camp. “Tomorrow we begin to buy weapons and men. Today we rest and, “here she looked at Decius’ men, “and recuperate. Sallustius you sit with me while I feed the child. I would learn more of your story,” she glanced up at Tiny and Centurion lurking nearby, “and tell your giants that you are safe while you are in my land.”
Decius smiled and turned to Centurion and Tiny. “Do not worry. Later we will talk.” Centurion saw the look in Decius’ eye and nodded, leading Tiny to the fire and the food.
“Sallustius?” Was that not the name of the Governor of Britannia?” She paused to place the babe on the nipple and to gauge the effect of her next comment, “the one executed for treason.”
“He was my uncle and was the grandson of Cunobelinus the last king of Britannia and he was executed for naming a lance after himself.”
She smiled. “And you believe that no more than any other British prince. He would have rebelled had he not been discovered.”
Decius shook his head, “I don’t know but it is irrelevant now. He is dead.”
“You of course are of the royal bloodline as am I. Are you not?”
“I suppose we are but does it matter now that the Romans rule both your lands and mine?”
“What was taken can be returned.” Already an idea was forming in Morwenna’s mind. A child born to the two of them would have a much wider appeal to the people of Britannia; uniting two of the more important tribes in a single dynasty. It could even be a boy. She almost chuckled at the thought of The Mother weaving her strands and plans to create such a possible future. The Mother had brought Decius to her and she had thought it was for the gold but now she could see another motive just as powerful. She leaned over and said quietly, “When it is night time come to my cave I would speak further with you.”
“Your wish is my command. I will obey you in all things.” He walked back to his comrades bemused. Was she flirting with him? Perhaps he had been wrong and she was not as distant as he had thought. His charms and attraction must still be working on women, as they normally did. When he reached the fire and the food he was quite cheerful. He playfully punched Tiny’s enormous bicep. “It is good to see you awake. We thought for a while that you had gone to the Allfather.”
“When the time is right Tadgh will feel a much heavier blow from me. Tiny does not forget.”
Decius leaned in conspiratorially, “Well for the time being let us play nicely with our hosts. There will be a time for revenge but for a while, at least, we will go along with them and be keen and loyal rebels.” He turned to Centurion. “Have you found the gold yet?”
“So far they have not let us move away from the area around the cave entrance. I glanced down the cave and could not see it and the ground here is too rocky. “He gestured around them. “The Romans must have used this as a quarry for their fort and tower. They must have put it somewhere else but it will be close.”
“I know it will be hard but let us be friendly towards the warriors. It may be that they will tell us what we wish to know if we can gain their favour.”
“It will be hard. Tiny and I would just like ten minutes alone with some of those who attacked us.”
“As would I but look at the situation. We are safer here than we were. The gold is safe even though we know not where it is and we can sleep at night without the worry of having our throats slit. Our day will come. The Queen wants us to take her back to the mines at Wyddfa.”
Centurion looked surprised. “What? Now?”
“No later, when we have raised an army.”
“Isn’t that risky returni
ng there?”
“No for they must have searched already and assumed we have fled and besides when we return we will have an army with us. We will be safe.”
“And once in the mines…”
“Exactly. So let us make the best of this. Build up our strength. Arm ourselves and find where the gold is. Then we can make our move.”
*
The land south of Brocauum was teeming with bandits and deserters. They preyed on the small isolated hamlets and the merchants bringing good to the forts and new settlements close to the border. It was a hand to mouth existence but at least they were free from the Roman yoke. Their weapons and equipment were so poor that they could not take on soldiers but anything else was fair game. The ten bandits were returning from a fruitless raid on the road between Luguvalium and Brocauum. The Prefect’s patrol had prevented them from replenishing their supplies at the Roman’s expense. When they saw Drusus and his five men making their way along the lakeside they saw an opportunity to return with plunder. The six horses and whatever food and weapons they might have would be welcome additions to the band’s resources. The leader, a deserter from Gaul called Alerix was a little worried that the men looked to be deserters, as they were, for they rode like cavalrymen even though they looked like bandits but he thought they could be taken as he had the advantage of the woods in which to hide and ambush. His men’s bows stood a good chance of taking at least two or even three men out and the others would be overwhelmed by his ten men.
They moved swiftly through the woods, travelling faster than the horsemen who seemed in no hurry. They took up their ambush position and were twenty paces from the lakeside, well hidden by the brush and dead trees. The horsemen came along in a long line and Alerix had placed himself at the end so that he would be the one to initiate the attack with his bow. He had pulled the feathers next to his ear when suddenly the men they were ambushing all slipped to the other side of their horses and the man next to him fell gurgling to his death with an arrow protruding from his neck. Even as he continued his turn to face this new onslaught he saw three more of his men fall to arrows from the unseen foe. Catching a glimpse of a movement he began to turn but the sword from behind sliced though his neck leaving him to wonder as his life blood seeped from him how the hunter had become the hunted,