by Griff Hosker
And then there were no more Carvetii before him. He reined Blackie and patted his neck. He turned and saw his men despatching the wounded. “Get their weapons. They are not as easy to get hold of and check for any bracelets and coins.” Marcus looked at him in surprise. “Better in our pockets son rather than being eaten with the bodies.” He looked to see if there were any empty saddles. There were none. “Gaius, any injuries?”
The voice called back from the darkness of the woods. “A couple of cuts, nothing too bad.” There was a pause. “The new lads have all had a valuable lesson.”
Wolf smiled. A light wound was a lesson well learned as the alternative was death. He glanced up at Marcus and Lucius who were still close by. “You did well. Good throw Marcus. How many did you kill?”
“Two sir.”
Lucius?”
His face fell in shame, “Just one I think.”
“One, even a possible one is better than a none and a dead trooper. Remember you are all worth ten dead barbarians at least.”
The troopers were rubbing down their horses when Wolf entered the Prefect’s office. “They knew we were coming. It was an ambush.”
“But the Queen herself told us that there were Carvetii there.”
“Sir, with due respect I don’t think the Queen saw them with her own eyes. Someone told her and I would like to ask them some questions.”
“You are suspicious Felix.”
“Sir I had a turma mainly made of recruits. If it were not for Gaelwyn and Osgar they could be dead and I hate wasting time training recruits for them to die on me the first timeout.”
“Point taken. I will visit Stanwyck myself and find out the truth.”
“Thank you sir. I hate being tricked.”
Prefect Proculus took Gerjen, Kadarcs and the Fifth Turma to visit the Queen when she had returned to her hill fort. Stanwyck was less a place of refuge and more a defensible settlement. The ditches and mounds had been built in antiquity but, as a busy stream ran through the middle of it the place could be used as a home as well. The Queen’s guards acted as sentries on the main gates although half a cohort could have taken it easily had they chosen to do so. The Romans were waved through by serious looking Brigantes who wore torcs and battle amulets. They did not scowl at the Romans but Marius could see they wished they could have tested their courage against the Roman war machine. The residence of the Queen was obvious. It was the only building which had any stone in its construction. The round huts of the Brigante were as their ancestors had lived but the Queen wished to live as a Roman and it was obvious that Imperial Engineers had designed the building.
“You lads water the horses and wait outside. I will not belong.”
Kadarcs and Gerjen looked longingly at the door. “Can we not join you sir. We have heard of the Queen but never seen her.”
“No Gerjen. This is an official visit. I don’t want the pair of you slobbering like horny ferrets in heat.”
“Sir!” They both returned to their horses in disgust.
Marius knew he was aggravating the situation for the mystery of the Queen grew each day. In truth she was a creature of mystery and myth. What other woman would take on her enemies and defeat them with a combination of guile and cunning. The Brigante had suffered fewer losses than any other tribe; mainly because Cartimandua had not fought the Romans and only the rebels who had sided with her husband had left her. It meant there was a huge untapped force of warriors. Should Rome want them they could be a great asset.
There was an antechamber and he waited there until the old centurion who had been left by Claudius as her adviser strode out. He still affected the grizzled hair cut of a centurion and a gladius hung at his waist. He nodded to Marius’ sword and Marius sighed as put the sword on the table placed there for that purpose. She was a careful Queen and even her allies had to meet her unarmed.
She lounged on her throne and the young warrior Vellocatus stood behind her, demonstrating his position in the court. He stroked her hair and she played with his hand, like a pair of young lovers although the Queen had to be in her thirties, at least.“Ah Prefect. I hear you caught those Carvetii. Give my thanks to the troopers who killed them.”
“Thank you your majesty. That is why I am here. Those Carvetii planned to ambush my men. Luckily our scouts spotted them.”
Suddenly she flicked Vellocatus’ hand away in irritation. “I see and what is the purpose of your visit?”
“We would like to know who told you that there were Carvetii seen.”
Her eyes narrowed and pierced Marius as though she was trying to see inside his head. “And what do you suspect? That I wished your men to be ambushed?”
“Of course not but it may be that someone deliberately planted that information with you which you, in good faith passed on.”
She waved an imperious finger at Gerantium who bowed and wandered forwards. “Where did the news come from?”
“It was your cousin, Brennus. He was travelling from his estates in the land of the lakes when he said he saw them.” He spread his arms in apology. “As he was your uncle we did not think that his word was to be doubted.”
“And where is he now?”
“He returned home the next day when your majesty left for Eboracum.”
“Apologies Prefect but as you suffered no losses we were lucky. However I will verify all information I pass on in future and I will have a word with my uncle soon.” There was an icy chill to her words and Marius reflected as he left the hall that she would be the wrong women to offend.
The work continued on the road and the Pannonian officers and men who had never seen the Romans building roads were impressed. By the time winter was drawing on they had build the road and were constructing the bridge. Tribune Celsus and his turma arrived and met with Flavius at the bridge works. “Your ala’s work here is finished Decurion Princeps. We will watch the construction but I am afraid we have extended your patrol area.”
Flavius gestured towards the wooden structure. “I think this is a mistake tribune. It just makes it easier for the barbarians to raid over the frontier and I know the Legate says they could swim over but they couldn’t do that with slaves or cattle could they?”
“I know Flavius but it is progress. The Empire must expand. The Emperor is thinking of cutting his losses and pulling back from the whole province. Think of all the sacrifices which have been made. They would all have been in vain. The veterans who have settled in this land would be slaughtered. No the Governor and the Legate have to make the Province profitable gain and this bridge will open up that trade.”
When Flavius returned he was just in time for the meeting Marius held, each week, with his officers. The mundane matters such as sentry duties and patrol areas had been assigned when Flavius walked in. “Sorry I am late sir but the Tribune was speaking with me. They are building the bridge.”
“I know Flavius and I know the reason he spoke with me. What you may not know is that the Emperor, for some reason loaned a large amount of money to the tribes for self improvement.” He grinned, “I saw how the Queen used it when I visited her home. And now, for another unknown reason, he wants it back. We now have to enforce the tax collection for some of the tribes. There will be unrest. I am keeping four turmae here and the rest of you will be assigned an area and a tax collector who will be responsible for collecting the Emperor’s loan.”
“That will cause problems sir.”
“I know Cava. I will send the turmae who have those volunteers from Britannia to police their own tribal areas. It may help to have someone with local knowledge.” He looked around at the depressed faces. He wished he had some good news to give. “Oh and Decurion Felix. You were right. There was a traitor who gave false information to lead you into an ambush. It was the Queen’s uncle Brennus.” He paused. “He is dead and his family and the relatives of Venutius are now hostages to the good behaviour of the others.” He sat down with a tired look. “She is a ruthless woman. Make no mistake. I woul
d not wish to get on the wrong side of that lady.”
The turmae left for their new patrol areas the following day. Decurion Ulpius Felix and Cava had the furthest to travel for they were based south of Lindum. The Second Turma would have to visit the land of the Iceni. As they rode south Cava was philosophical about the whole matter.”At least we get to spend some time in barracks and we won’t have to build camps.”
“I know Cava but I have spoken with Drusus and Lucius, both are Iceni and they have said that their people resent the Romans already. The Queen and the King do not agree on their policies. He is an old man. What happens when he dies?”
“I know not but remember when we were recruited; the Tribune was collecting taxes then in our land and our people paid.”
“Yes but we had been conquered for a whole generation. We are collecting taxes from the warriors we defeated, not their sons and grandsons.”
Chapter 12
They separated at Lindum each with an official, a body guard and driver and a cart. The Second Turma was heading for Venta Icenorum, the capital of the Iceni. Cava and his turma were set for Derventio, close to Carl Wark and the tribes who lived there. Wolf had never seen such flat land and they had a long time to appreciate it for, despite the excellent road, travelling at cart speed was slower than protecting the legions. The wind whistled from the east bringing the tang of the sea. It was strange to think that Germania Inferior was but a hundred miles, or so he had been told, due east of where he was. He had chosen not to lead, while on the road, but to ride at the rear and watch his turma. It would do Gaius good to be at the front as a leader. He would be the next Decurion, Wolf was in no doubt about that and then he would need another Chosen Man. The one he would choose would be Marcus but he could not due to his youth but he had every quality you wanted in a leader. He was clever, thoughtful, a superb horseman and an excellent warrior and he had something that you can not create in a leader, personality; the men liked him. It would probably be Tiberius who would follow Gaius. There were plenty of candidates for aquilifer. The cocky Drusus would be the one to have that honour. It would teach him a little more humility.
The Iceni capital was deep in the heart of the land of the Iceni and their journey seemed to last forever. Eventually they saw the settlement which showed clear evidence of the Roman influence. Brick built buildings stood cheek by jowl with round houses. Wolf trotted next to Drusus and Lucius. “Right lads what can you tell me?”
As he expected it was cocky Drusus who spoke first. “I didn’t come from this part of the land sir but I can tell you that the warriors here are the fiercest of the Iceni. They all believe they were never defeated and our, sorry sir, their king gave in too easily.” He shrugged. 2He likes all things Roman sir, what can I say?”
“Lucius?”
“I did live here sir. The Queen and her daughters choose not to live in the King’s home. They prefer the hut they used before the times of the Romans.” He hesitated.
“Come on Lucius out with it. I would rather I know the truth before I get there rather than find out the hard way.”
“Well sir Drusus is right. The Queen is the power in this land and some say she is a witch.”
“Drusus?”
“There are rumours that she journeys to Mona but…”
“Thank you for that intelligence. When we are there you two keep your ears open as well as your eyes. They may not know you are Iceni and say things they shouldn’t when you are near to them.”
The guards at the gates were contemptuous as they saw the Romans approach but their position as allies meant they had to allow the art and cavalry in. They said something and Wolf was pleased that neither Iceni trooper reacted. It was a good sign. The tax collector looked nervous and gestured for Wolf to approach. “I have been here before Decurion. Please keep your men close to the cart and I would appreciate a close escort.”
Looking at the cold stares they were getting Wolf could understand it. “I will come with you and three of my men. How is that?”
The official nodded gratefully. He had hoped that the tough looking Decurion would come with him. He had been afraid of him and he hoped that the Iceni would too. “I do appreciate that Decurion.”
The driver skilfully negotiated the crowds who jostled the busy streets. The big cavalry horses flanking the cart help to carve a path to the stone building ahead. As they dismounted Wolf turned to Gaius. “Watch the cart. I will leave Lucius with you, he may hear things. I will take Drusus, Marcus and Metellus with me.”
“Sir they are all young recruits.”
The Decurion grinned, “How touching Gaius. You are worried about me. Never fret. I have the easier task for the king apparently likes us.” He waved with his hand. “Every one of these bastards wants to slit your throat.”
Leaving a bemused Gaius he strode up the stairs with the tax collector and bodyguard. “Drusus, Marcus, Metellus, with me.” The three recruits raced after him and the diminutive tax collector gave a weak grateful smile as the four warriors surrounded him.
When they reached the door two Iceni warriors stood there with their spears crossed. “Leave your weapons before you go in.”
Wolf strode up to them. “I am Decurion Lupus Ulpius Felix of the Second Turma, First Pannonian Ala and the only man who tells me to take off my sword is my Prefect so step aside before I knock you down.”
Marcus had a sharp intake of breath and then he noticed that the Decurion was wearing his gladius and not his spatha. He was ready for trouble. One of the guards began to lower his hand to his sword and Wolf said quietly, “You will lose your fucking hand as well as your life if you draw that.”
Suddenly the tension was broken as an official came to the door and said something in Iceni. The two red faced warriors stepped back but the one Wolf had threatened said, “This is not finished Roman.”
“Don’t flatter yourself. If it was finished you would be dead.”
“Come with me officers and apologies for the guards,” he shrugged. “Men with swords eh?” Realising who he was talking to , he stammered, “Sorry Decurion, obviously I do not mean you and your men.”
“It does not matter. How is the King?”
“He is still unwell but he was insistent that I bring you to him.”
King Prasutagus was dressed like a Roman equestrian. Unlike his warriors he had short hair and his clothes were white expensive linen. He waved them forwards. “Welcome allies. How is the Emperor, the Divine Nero?”
Wolf looked at the tax collector who shrugged. “He is in good health your majesty. I am Decurion Lupus Ulpius Felix of the First Pannonian Ala and this is Quaestor Appius Sulpinus.”
“You are both welcome and what is the purpose of your visit?”
Appius gave an apologetic shrug, “We are here to collect the Emperor’s taxes.”
Wolf was as relieved as the Quaestor when the king gave a bored shrug. He turned to the official who had brought them in. “Arrange it.” Turning back to his guests as the official scurried out he said, “While we wait would you care to share an amphora of wine with me. This one comes all the way from Sicily. I think it travels particularly well.”
Grinning at his men Wolf took the proffered beaker. “The Quaestor and I will join you majesty but these boys are too young for such fine wine. It will be wasted on them.” He gave an imperceptible nod to Drusus and touched his ear. Drusus acknowledged it and he moved away from the king to stand closer to the guards who were talking furtively to each other. The wine was fine but their enjoyment was curtailed when the whirlwind called Boudicca burst into the room.
She was a wild looking woman and if the King looked like a Roman then Boudicca looked like an Amazon. Her red hair hung down her shoulders and her green eyes flared like her nostrils. She was armed with a pair of wicked looking daggers and she wore warrior amulets and a torc. This was a formidable woman. “What is this I hear? Not only do the Romans impose their will on us they ask us to pay for the privilege.”
; “It is taxes. Perfectly normal.” The king seemed uninterested in the Queen and her views. Behind her were her three daughters all of them looking equally as wild and untamed as their mother.
“It is not enough that you have left our land in your will to this Nero and me jointly. You are now giving away the money the people will need.”
Prasutagus stood and Wolf saw that he would have been a powerful warrior in his time. “I am king here and my word is law. Not the cult of the mother!”
She pointed a long nailed finger at him accusingly. “You blaspheme. It was the Mother who protected you. That protection is now no longer there. Beware my husband.” She turned to leave and then glowered at Appius and Wolf. Appius cowered behind the Decurion who met the glare of the Queen without flinching. “And you, Romans, your time is coming to an end.” She grinned evilly. “Go back home now while it is still safe.”
Wolf stepped forwards. “Until my Emperor tells me otherwise Queen Boudicca then my home is Britannia.”
She nodded a grudging acknowledgement. “Well at least one man in the room has balls!”
She strode out leaving all but Wolf reeling in her wake. “Apologies for my wife. She can be difficult.”
Appius nodded his agreement and Wolf added, “Which is why I have never married King Prasutagus.”
