by Griff Hosker
“May the Allfather be with you.” He and his chosen man stripped the supplies from the two horses and headed swiftly south towards Drusus.
Decius looked at his section and the two troopers from Drusus’ section. “Cassius you take the two lads from Drusus’ section and back track the mules to this cave the man spoke of. Do not approach it, just find it.”
“You think they will be waiting?”
“Cassius, we have fought this witch before. She is like a snake. Would you put your hand in a hole where you thought there was a snake? No. and neither will we. All we have to do is to find the snake and watch it. I will head to the fell top. “He pointed at the long ridge which rose above the lakeside. There we can’t be ambushed and we can look down upon them. I will use the mirror to signal you. Three flashes will mean retreat to Glanibanta and five mean join us.”
“Just two choices then?”
“It is just part of the learning process Cassius. We need to work out a way of communicating and when this is over it will be one of my priorities. Two flashes is an acknowledgement that the message is understood.”
Nodding Cassius rode off leaving Livius and his men the hard slog up the hill to the top of the ridge. He took them on the far side of the hill so that only their heads were visible and would not be seen from below. The cave was hidden from view because of the overhang and the best place to see it was from across the valley at the same level. As none of the Romans had ever been on the slopes on the other side they had no idea where the cave was situated. The decurion hoped he had impressed on Cassius the need for caution. They had no idea how big the rebel army was although Livius suspected that it was small other they would have been attacked earlier. The Queen had been at the cave since the rebellion and Livius was under no illusions, it would be fortified and defended. The woman had cunning, just as her mother had had, as both Macro and Decius Flavius had discovered at the cost of their lives. Below them, by the lake Cassius and his two companions went in and out of sight as they negotiated trees, rocks and around headlands but Livius made sure they kept pace with them. It was important that they arrive simultaneously.
At the cave the progress of Cassius was also being observed. “I can only see three of them. You don’t think those maggots killed the rest do you?”
Centurion snorted, “If they killed one it would be a miracle. No these Romans are being cautious. The others will appear believe me.”
Decius threw a stone to attract Tadgh’s attention. When the Brigante looked around Decius held up three fingers and pointed to the lake. Tadgh nodded to show he understood. The Brigante warrior would not make the mistake of underestimating these Romans. He hoped they would come up the path but he knew that they might not be that lucky. He scanned the skyline. If he were the Roman leader he would come from the heights. Of course the overhang from the cave meant that it could only be assaulted from the front and his men could prevent that. Tadgh knew, however that they could make life difficult for those in the cave if they did control the ridge.
Brennus and his men felt exposed. He had chosen a small hollow just above the path down to the cave which afforded them a little shelter and made them difficult to see but if the horsemen rode towards them then his small band would be out numbered. He had made it clear to his men that, if they saw the horses, their job was to retreat to Tadgh who had other plans for the enemy. He was confident that the horses would not be able to climb down the steep path and they would be safe. His sharpest eared scout heard them before he saw them and he pointed, like a hunting dog. Brennus signalled the men to slither backwards. He had already identified a better place to attack them and that was where the fell top path twisted around the rocky side of the cave. It was very steep and would have to be traversed gingerly even by foot soldiers and, more importantly could only take one horse at a time. It would be a killing ground.
Rufius Verena and Decius Galba, as the youngest and keenest scouts, were on point. They were ten paces apart. It was the keen eyes of Rufius who saw the Brigante making their way down the hill and he held up his arm and pointed forward. Livius trotted up with the others. Decius Galba, who was ever reckless, galloped his horse on, ignoring Livius’ standing orders for he was keen to catch one of the Brigante and show his courage.
Livius cursed. “Damn the boy.” He could not risk a shout in case they had not heard Decius but he would have to support the foolish pursuit. He had planned on scouting afoot when closer but Decius had taken that decision from him. Decius leaned forward in his saddle his sword held out. Suddenly the sky opened and his mount slithered and slipped to a halt, falling on its haunches as it crashed into the hollow. While the stop saved the lives of both man and beast it made them an easy target for the waiting Brigante who fired their arrows at the young trooper. His mail and helmet saved his life for the arrows bounced off. One struck him in the forearm and he yelled in pain as he wheeled his mount around. His horse needed no urging to flee the storm of arrows and he reared up as one lucky shot caught him close to his tail.
Livius halted the patrol in a line and drew their bows when they saw the wounded trooper racing back. “Steady lads and shoot over Decius.” Some of the more eager Brigante started to follow Decius but a volley of arrows dissuaded them and Decius made it safely to the patrol.
“Sorry sir. Forgot your orders.”
“I will chew you out later. Metellus see to him.” In the absence of a capsarius Metellus doubled as medical orderly and doctor. While Agrippa saw to the horse Metellus began to bind the wounded arm. “Well we know where they are. You stay here while I go to signal Cassius.”
Taking his sword from its scabbard and polishing it on the cloak which was over Star’s neck he rode to the skyline. He saw Cassius looking up at the skyline and the noises there. One of Drusus’ men was on point and the other close behind him. Livius flashed the sword into the sun and the light glinting attracted Cassius’ attention and he stopped. It saved his life. The other two continued forward and suddenly an avalanche descended on them as the trap was sprung. Neither the horses nor the riders stood a chance on the steep slope. They were swept down the hill as bigger and bigger rocks crashed down on them. When the noise and the rocks had finished the four bodies could been seen below them. They were undoubtedly dead.
Livius flashed the sword three times and was gratified to see two in return. Cassius backed his horse away from the blocked path and, as soon as he could, he turned around and galloped away. The arrows which followed him were fired from too great a distance and fell harmlessly behind him. “Right we know where the cave is. Rufius, find us a safe way down to the lake. We will see if we can see the cave from lower down. When we get to the lake Agrippa, take Decius to the fort and wait for Cassius although I think he will be there before you.”
“But sir…” Decius Galba began.
Agrippa silenced him. “If you don’t shut your mouth I’ll stitch it shut. Listen to the decurion, unlike you he knows what he is doing.”
“Sorry sir.”
“Listen son we haven’t got the luxury of thirty men. We have a handful and every one of you is valuable. We have no more spare horses and we are many miles from help. We have to learn but learn quickly.”
*
Morwenna appeared pleased. “We now know where they are.”
“Aye I have told Brennus to leave two of his men by the cliff top but I don’t think they will try that way again. I have four men watching the lower path. That is where they will come next time.”
“It will take them some time to negotiate the hill and find the path. It is time to take the gold. We leave at dusk.”
Both Tadgh and Decius were taken aback. “But the Romans are still there.”
“Yes Tadgh and we have seen their numbers. Two more lie dead a third lies wounded. Do you fear six men on horses? We have one minor wound. There are nearly thirty of us.”
Decius murmured, “But we have three women and a baby.”
Morwenna turned on him, he
r eyes angry and she hissed at him. “Never doubt me or my women. We have killed more men than you my preening cockerel.” Tadgh hid a smile as Decius physically shrank from her attack. “Now get the gold and load the mules.” Turning back to Tadgh she spat, “We have one journey to make. To Itunocelum and then we take a boat. I do not care if they follow us. They cannot stop us and once we are at sea they will have no idea where we have gone. By this time tomorrow we will be safe.”
*
Morwenna was right and it was late afternoon by the time Livius and his two remaining scouts reached the path. They could see the overhang and knew where the cave was from that. The path invited them up to the cave but Livius knew it was an invitation to death. The dead troopers and horses were a reminder and his men could see their bodies on the slopes above them. Any burial and honours would have to wait until the enemy had departed. He turned to Rufius and Metellus. In many ways he could not have a better pair of companions for Metellus was the most intelligent and thought of his men whilst Rufius was the quickest and undoubtedly the best tracker. He led them away from the path and dismounted. “Take off your helmets and blacken your faces with the soil.“ They each tied their mounts securely to a tree. Livius had toyed with the idea of hobbling them but he worried that, if they needed a quick escape that would slow them down.
He pointed to the left. “We are going up through the trees that way. The rocks where the bodies are is too steep and besides the rocks would alert them. The path will be watched and I think we have the best chance through those trees. Rufius you have the sharpest ears and eyes, you take the right, closest to the path. Metellus take the left. Keep your swords sheathed we will need both hands to negotiate the slope and remember we are not here to kill, we are here to find.” He was gratified to see a nod from each man. “We will wait until it is twilight and then go up. Eat while we wait.” Prefect Marcus had impressed on the young Livius that a man on a full stomach fought better than a hungry man and any edge he could get, he would take.
The dark was behind them as they began their ascent. The last glow of the setting sun illuminated the ridgeline highlighting any movement. Livius had waited far enough from the cave to prevent their discovery but it also meant that he had no idea what was going on. Vague doubts had plagued him. Were they coming for him? Were the Brigante scouts, who knew the land far better than him even now filtering through the woods? It had been relief which had flooded through him when they finally began to make their way through the pine forest. They were careful to avoid making noise on the soft pine floor but that meant that their progress was, perforce, slow.
Rufius held up his hand, a lighter shade in the dark and they paused. As Livius peered ahead he could see a lightening which indicated that the woods were ending and they were close to the rocky face. Gesturing for them to remain where they were Rufius crept forward and suddenly disappeared from view. Livius was reminded of Gaelwyn who had this disconcerting habit of disappearing and the just as suddenly reappearing. Rufius did the same. Livius had counted in his head when the boy was away and he had reached almost five hundred before he did so.
“They’ve gone. There is no one up there.”
Even though it was dark the area around the cave entrance was lighter than the woods. Leaving Metellus on watch Rufius and Livius entered the cave and the decurion risked lighting a brush torch from his tinderbox. As soon as he entered the cave with his lighted torch he could see why the glow in the sky had appeared and then vanished when watching from Glanibanta; someone had been moving around in the cave.
“It’s enormous sir and look,” Rufius raced towards the back where it looked as though an enormous wall had once stood.
“I wonder if that is where they had the gold the prisoner mentioned?” All around they could see the discarded detritus which followed a hasty escape.
The sharp eyes of Rufius spotted something and called Livius over. “Sir they have a baby.”
“How in the name of the Allfather do you know that?”
Rufius grinned. “I have six sisters and trust me sir, this is baby shit.” He held his torch over it. “ It has a lovely green quality don’t you think?”
Shaking his head he said, “I’ll take your word for it. You seem the section expert on shit whether it be baby or mule. Nothing left in here to see, let’s find their trail outside.” When they came out and extinguished the light their world became suddenly black. “Anything Metellus?”
“No sir. It is as black as a witch’s heart out here.”
“Hardly the best simile Metellus.”
“No sir but the most appropriate.”
“Right Rufius go and find the trail. Metellus ride back and bring the others here. I will fetch our horses. We are camping here tonight.”
The next day began with a damp fog which clung to the fell sides and their clothes. Their horses looked like spectres cloaked in white. Livius had had his men up before dawn. Not only did he have his section back together he also had three more men, Marius and three of his section. Most importantly they had a fit horse for Decius who had had the good grace to take the ribbing and teasing from the others.”I passed the message on to the centurion sir and he was going to send patrols into the woods. Other than that it has been quiet.”
Livius felt much more confident now that he had ten troopers once more. The trail was quite clear; the mules and so many humans could not fail but to leave a trail. “What worries me sir is that they don’t seem bothered. They are not hiding the trail.”
“I know Metellus but, at the moment I can’t see where they could ambush us.” The land was a wide valley but Livius could see a col high up in the hills where he would have to be more circumspect. “At least we must be travelling faster than they are let’s push on.”
Marius and his section were taking the scouting role as their horses had had a good rest. As they approached the high pass Livius sent Rufius with Marius to scout for an ambush. He was relieved when they waved back that it was safe. Passing the top Metellus observed, “Good place for a fort sir. I reckon if those poor sods hadn’t been slaughtered we would have found them here laying out the foundations.”
“You are probably right Metellus,” Livius realised that the Exploratores could make life easier for the engineers by finding such sites more quickly than the foot soldiers.
“Sir come and look at this.”
Marius shout brought the rest up the last incline at a trot. At the top they beheld the sight of the sea not ten miles away. The sun had burned through the fog and it was a gloriously sunny day. “Not the view sir, look there. Your man Rufius has good eyes.”
When Livius shaded his eyes against the sun and focussed he could see, in the distance the column snaking its way along the rough path. “Well done, we have found her.”
“Yes sir but one of my lads, Julius knows the area. There is a port there. I reckon the bitch is leaving Britannia.”
Livius heard someone mutter,” Good riddance.”
Shaking his head sadly the decurion said, “I am afraid not. She has a fortune in gold and could go to Ireland or Caledonia and bring back an even bigger army.”
“Yes sir but we only have ten men we couldn’t stop them.”
“You are right Drusus. It would take a turma and that is just what we haven’t got. Let us push on and hope that there are no boats for her.”
The pursuing Romans had been seen but it did not worry Morwenna. “Even if they were a hundred paces behind us I would not worry. No we are safe and now that your men have found the boars we are safe.” Six of Tadgh’s men under Brennus had ridden through the night and secured the boats beached on the sand in the small settlement. Any question of ownership was soon settled at the point of a sword.
Tadgh and Decius had declared a silent truce on the trek from the cave as they knew they would have to work together, for a while at least, and they had discussed what might happen. It fell to Tadgh to broach the subject and risk the wrath of the red head. “Where are we go
ing then your majesty? Ireland or Caledonia?”
She beamed triumphantly, “Neither. I will tell you once we are at sea for I do not want the Romans to know where we are going.”
“You can trust us.”
Her eyes widened and she snapped. “And you will obey me! You will find out once we are on board.”
The boats were drawn up on the sandy beach but even landsmen like Tadgh and Decius could see that there would be no room for the mules. The Queen did not seem concerned by that. “We only need the gold. Leave the mules as payment for the use of the boats.”
When the headman had that explained to him he became slightly mollified but the death of three of his young man by Brennus, had made him bitter. He could see that he would have to go along with these invaders but once he had taken them away he would let the Romans know where they were. This was a time when he needed the Romans.
With two villagers in each boat to sail them, the ten vessels were fully laden. The headman, in whose boat Morwenna, her acolytes and Tadgh were travelling, expressed his doubts.”If we hit a strong sea up near Caledonia…”
“Do not worry, we are not sailing far.”
Shrugging he cast off. He assumed she wanted conveying a little way down the coast. He too had seen the pursuing Romans and thought that she was merely escaping her enemies. When he returned home he would soon tell them. “Which course then?”He spoke dismissively to the young red head. What did women know of the sea?
Her answer silenced him. “South west. There is an island. Do you know it?”
“Mona?”
She slapped him hard across the face and as he stiffened he felt Tadgh’s knife at his throat. “Do not play games with me or you will die. You know there is an isle closer than that.”
He nodded his face reddening, “You mean Manavia?”
“Yes land us on the north east coast and then go home suitably rewarded.”
Back at the settlement Livius watch the flotilla heading southwest. Marius nodded, “Ireland then?”