by Griff Hosker
I knew that we were coming close to the land of the Ribble. Although we would have no difficulty crossing it I knew that the Saxons were not far away at Prestune and we had not investigated the land to the east. I spied a forest and led my scouts towards it. I knew that we could hide within its trees and we might manage to get some game. As soon as we entered we saw animal tracks, which we followed, and then human tracks. I held up my hand and dismounted. The hunters were on foot and were tracking the animals. It meant they were probably Saxon although there were still pockets of people whom the Saxons had ignored. We would find soon enough. I sent Tadgh and Gwillim to the east; Adair and Rowan to the west and I kept Rafe with me. Their orders were simple. Follow the hunters. If they were Saxon we would kill them and if not then we would talk.
We rode our horses for a while and then we dismounted and tied the animals to a tree. I notched my bow as did Rafe. The last spoor had been fresh which meant the hunters were closing on their prey. Suddenly there was a crash in the brush ahead and then the death squeal of at least one animal. We both went even more cautiously then. I saw a lighter area ahead and I began to creep, one step at a time. I saw the hunters, there were five of them and they had killed two deer. They were clearly Saxons.
I did not know where the others were but I trusted their ears. They would have heard the noise in the silent forest and they would be close. If Rafe and I could kill two with arrows then I knew that we could finish the other three off with swords if needs be. I pointed to the man on the right and then at Rafe. He nodded. I drew back. At twenty yards there was no way that I could miss. The arrow took him in the back a heartbeat before his companion died. I loosed my second which struck a third man and then a flurry of arrows killed the last two.
When we reached them one was still alive and Rafe reached for his dagger. I shook my head. I spoke in Saxon to the dying man. “Where are you from?”
He looked at me uncomprehendingly. “Who is your chief?”
“Where are you from?”
He pointed to the south. “The Roman fort.” He still looked puzzled as he died.
As the others arrived we stripped the dead and prepared the animals. I also wracked my brains. I remembered that the map Myrddyn had shown us had a major fort at a place marked as Bremetennacum. It was situated where five roads met. We had not seen it when we came south but it was close and now it was occupied.
“Rafe you and Rowan ride back with the deer to the column. Tell Myrddyn and Tuanthal that we are heading for the Roman fort called Bremetennacum and we will return before dark. Tell them that there are Saxons there!”
We left the woods and headed south. Soon we found their tracks. We saw the main road to the west. It headed towards the river and what had once been a Roman fort although now most of the stones had been taken. There was a small stream which ran parallel to the road and it entered a wood. We took advantage of the shelter of the small valley and rode in the middle of the stream to confuse any trackers. When we reached the woods we dismounted and made our way to the edge. We could see the fort some forty paces from the bridge. The fort had had most of its stones removed and looked to be a ruin which explains why we had not noticed it on our way south but now I saw a new stockade and wooden wall much closer to the bridge and there were Saxons there now. It seems the Saxons had seen the potential of the site and were exploiting it. Leaving our horses in the trees we made our way cautiously down the stream. There were bushes and trees lining it and we would be invisible to all but someone in the stream as well. I had an arrow ready in case of that eventuality.
We met no one. The cover ended just thirty paces from the wooden ramparts of the Saxon settlement. I could see a couple of men at the gate but they were not heavily armed; they looked to have a spear and an old and somewhat rusted sword. There looked to be twenty huts which put the number of people at a hundred or more. There were no horses and so we left. After we had mounted our horses I led us directly south to the river. It was less than twenty yards wide at this point. I had Tadgh keep watch while I urged my horse into the current. It was shallow, apart from the middle three paces, where we had to swim. I made my way back and we explored the river further downstream. It was the same the whole way. We had a problem. I led us back to the column.
“And so we have two solutions,” I smiled as I glanced over to Myrddyn, “unless our wizard has a third, to this thorny problem. We can attempt a crossing at night of a narrow river but our people may have to swim a few paces or…”
“Or?” asked Aelle, fearful of my tone.
“Or we massacre a Saxon village!”
Aelle shook his head, “As much as I hate the Saxons that is a step too far.”
I nodded. Aelle was half Saxon himself and had Saxon blood in his veins and I agreed with him. However I also knew that ruthless decisions had to be made.
“I for one would happily slaughter the Saxons.” I nodded at Prince Pasgen to acknowledge his views. I could have predicted his reply.
There was silence. “And the rest of you?”
Myrddyn gave an apologetic smile. “I think most of us would baulk at slaughtering villagers just to keep them silent but I know that a night crossing would cause great risk and danger to our people without the guarantee that the Saxons would not discover us the next day.”
Again there was silence. “So the Warlord makes the decision?”
“You are Warlord, brother and we support whatever you decide for the best of us all.”
“However,” interrupted Myrddyn with an apologetic wave of the hand to Raibeart. “I do not think that you heard me correctly. I was saying that all of us thought that the river crossing was the only solution but it does, perhaps, need refining.”
He had everyone’s attention now. “Explain wizard!”
“The river is less than twenty paces wide?” I nodded. “Then we create a bridge.”
Everyone gasped but it was Miach who spoke for all of us. “Build a bridge! At night! You have taken too many of your own potions wizard!”
“Firstly I do not take potions either mine or others but we do not build a bridge. I said create. We have a bridge already. Much like the one we used at the Narrows.”
I suddenly saw it! Of course! The wagons and two ropes!”
“Well done Warlord. Except that it will not be hard to get the ropes over as it is so narrow.”
“I am sorry, “said Prince Pasgen. “What am I missing? Bridge? Wagon? Rope?”
Myrddyn explained by drawing in the soil around the fire. “Here is the river. Two men cross with two or more heavy ropes. They secure the ropes to solid objects; perhaps a tree or a rock. We put people in a wagon and men pull the wagon across. The people stay dry and they could be across in less than an hour.”
Aelle almost shouted for joy. He jumped up. “That is an amazing idea. It will work.” One by one they all nodded. Even Miach, with a wry grin and nod to Myrddyn were in favour.
“Tuanthal, we will need you men to form a skirmish line to prevent us being seen and your men and Aedh’s scouts will need to be in place by tomorrow afternoon.”
As we rode south we refined the plan. We had six wagons which meant that each one would just need to make two trips. This would speed things up as we could load one wagon whilst another was crossing. Aedh met us when we reached the river just after dark. “I have two men at the village. If anyone leaves they will tell Captain Tuanthal who is just a mile from the walls. We will have ample warning.
As I watched I reflected that this would also cause some confusion for the Saxons. They would see where we had crossed but not see how we had managed to do so. It would add to the myth of Myrddyn’s magic. We still had the problem of game as the two deer had soon been devoured and I knew that there were few forests to the south. We would be travelling through the open land where game was scarce and farms more likely. We had to rely on the fact that farmers bothered themselves with their own business. We now had a mere five days to reach the vicinity of the Dee.
Although that would bring its own problems, one we were beyond that barrier then the Saxons could chase all they liked; we would be within reach of my army. The next few days would be critical.
Chapter 6
We reached the land close to the Dee estuary without further incident. Having lost no-one in the crossing of the Ribble, the spirits of the people were high. The bridge at Wilderspool was still guarded by a Saxon warband and as there were also Saxons at Deva we could not risk being halted and trapped north of the river. Aedh and Myrddyn had scouted to the east and found a small settlement and an easy ford. Myrddyn would, once again, play a Saxon if it was needed. When he returned, his face told me that it was not.
“They are of our people Warlord. It is called Caedwalestate and was built by an ancient lord called Caedwal. They too fear the Saxons. I gave them some coins but they would have helped us anyway. They say that there are over five hundred Saxons at Wilderspool. They are not bothered by them but they fear that when more come then their homes will be taken.” He hesitated. “I promised them sanctuary on Mona if they needed it in the future.”
“You did right. Well done.” I turned to my brothers and Pasgen. “We are now on the last part of our journey. The danger is not over but we are now within three or four days of home; your new home.”
Once we crossed the Maeresea I felt happier. The Dee was now our next obstacle and, so long as there were no Saxons nearby we should make it to Bishop Asaph’s vale and safety. We kept the river to our right as we headed through the low lying land. We needed as easy a route as possible; our hastily constructed wagons and wheels were beginning to show signs of wear and tear. Rather than risking the Saxons who were threatening Iago’s borders we would skirt Deva and hope that the Saxons were not scouting far from their castle.
We had travelled about twenty miles since crossing the river and we were tired. As we were making camp Aedh rode in fast and his face told the story before he had opened his mouth. “There are Saxons on the ridge and they have a fort.”
We had gambled and it looked as though we had lost. Our choices were: to backtrack and find a route to the east of this place and risk passing the castle or head to Deva. None of them was particularly appealing. I summoned our leaders for a counsel of war. I gave them the three options and watched their faces. None of us could agree on a satisfactory plan of action.
Myrddyn came up with a solution, or at least the beginnings of one. “We had intended on passing the Saxons close to the east of Deva. The maps show flat land to the east of this place. If we sent out a scout we might find a route to the other side of this ridge. Aedh tells me that he thinks it is to control the land between here and the sea.”
“Very well. Aedh see to it but the rest of us had better prepare for war. Unless we get a miracle then we will be fighting tomorrow.” A sudden thought occurred to me. “How far to the monastery?”
Myrddyn checked his maps and his journal in which he had noted, as we had travelled, the distances. “As near as I can work it out about forty miles.”
My shoulders sagged in disappointment. “That is too far to get in one day. We need somewhere to camp tomorrow which is safe.” As everyone busied themselves preparing for the next day I looked north. Would Aethelfrith be following us? We had been lucky and avoided detection but, even on foot, his men could travel faster than we could with the families and the old. If we were held up by this fort then that might give the Saxon the time he needed to catch up.
Myrddyn found me. “There is a place here.” He pointed at the map. I recall we passed it when travelling south. I believe it is called Haordine and there were people there but they had been our people then. When the men of Strathclyde joined us they too spoke warmly of the welcome they received. It is but twenty miles from here.”
“And from there to the monastery?”
“Another twenty miles.”
“In two days then we should be safe.”
“I think so.”
“Tuanthal!”
The tall equite was at my side almost instantly. “I want your best rider to get to the Narrows. I want a hundred of our warriors to be sent to the monastery. They have to be there in two days. Give your man a spare horse. He has to get through!”
“Yes Warlord.”
Aedh brought some good news. “There is a good track to the east of the ridge and it will not damage the wagons too much.”
“Good you have done well.” I waved over Pasgen, Raibeart and Aelle. “We leave before dawn tomorrow and in silence.” We had journeyed south in relatively high spirits with the children singing and playing as we lumbered through the land but we would need to hide on the morrow. There might be no one looking at night time but there would during the day. I wanted to be away from this potential death trap while we were still hidden from prying eyes. I watched the rider as he left with his spare horse. All our hopes now rested on one man and he was moving through a countryside riddled with danger.
The track was almost as good as a Roman road and that should have been a warning as it meant it was well used. We had our usual formation and the scouts could warn us quickly of danger. We had travelled about four miles when one of Tuanthal’s men rode in. “Warlord, Captain Tuanthal sent me. There is a Saxon settlement yonder. There is a small warband heading this way.”
“Have you been seen?”
The man looked worried, “I do not know Warlord. They may have seen me as I saw them.”
I forced a smile. “It matters not. Ask the captain to watch them.” I rode to the front of the column where Raibeart was leading. “Saxons are heading this way we need to hurry them up. It may be nothing. It is a small warband but I do not like it.”
“I will do as you ask.” He smiled, “There is not far to go. Look here comes the scout.”
The scout reined in. “Have you found the place Myrddyn seeks?”
“Yes Warlord. There are the remains of a Roman fort but of the people there is nothing save some bones and burnt out huts.”
My heart fell. The Saxons had been there and my hopes for a safe night were dashed. “You have done well. Scout two miles behind us. I would know if we are pursued.”
I saw Miach on the left of the column and I approached him. “Pol, come with me.” When we reached Miach I told him of the dilemma. “Ride with half of your archers and prepare the fort for defence. Pol, go with him and report back to me. I need to know if it is defensible. We may need it.”
As the two riders left me I felt alone. I knew Aelle and Raibeart were good leaders but they had fought a defensive war hidden behind sound and safe defences. In the battle which was to come they needed quick minds and the courage to take risks. Would they take such risks with their families watching? I remembered how Ywain had changed when he married. Prince Pasgen would take risks and I sought him out. I trusted my brothers but I needed someone who would not be worrying about his family when he fought. He was riding ahead of the column and on the right.
The prince and his men all had grim determination written all over their faces. “Prince Pasgen. There is a warband to the east. It is not large but I like it not. I have sent Miach to fortify our camp for tonight but I need you and your men, should the need arise, to discourage them from following us.”
“That would be a pleasure.” He began to tug on his reins.
“Not yet, my prince, I await Captain Tuanthal. They may not be heading here after all and I do not wish to poke a wasp’s nest until I have to. No matter how small the nest may be.”
Tuanthal’s rider returned. His face showed that he was happier. “They have continued west. Even if they have seen us we do not appear to interest them. The captain is watching them as you asked.”
As he rode back I turned my horse to follow the column. Myrddyn had seen my comings and goings and he rode his mare next to mine. “Problems Warlord?”
“There is a small Saxon band. We think they have seen us but they appear to be heading west. I have asked Miach to fortify our camp for ton
ight.” I pointed in the distance. “The Saxons have destroyed the people who lived there. There will be a cold welcome for us.”
“Still, Roman walls are always welcome. They always choose a good position and will give us shelter.” He looked across to the ridge. “They will either be going to Deva or that hill fort. If it is the hill fort then we may be in trouble; they could reach us tomorrow.”
“I know. I contemplated attacking the warband but we would have had to destroy it completely and this close to the hill fort we couldn’t guarantee it.”
Pol galloped up and wheeled his horse around. “Captain Miach has fortified the hill. He says there is a good place for the wagons to the south and they will be out of sight of the Saxons.”
As the afternoon drifted towards dusk I was relieved to see Miach and his men standing guard at the hill side Roman fort. Raibeart and Aelle put their wagons into a defensive formation on the Welsh side of the fort and away from any Saxon eyes. We ate our cold meal watching for the return of Tuanthal’s men.
His news was the worst we could have expected. “They went directly to the hill fort. I left a couple of men watching them but I fear they are reporting our presence.”
I knew that we could not leave early again; the people would not be able to manage two forced marches. “It looks like we may have to fight our way out of this. Keep all the horses on the other side of the fort. If they do come, and they may not, then they will come from the north. We can disguise our numbers and the secret weapon of the equites.” I had no idea how many Saxons were at the occupied hill fort but we were in no condition to fight our way through a large number.
“We are down to thirty flights each Warlord. We have plenty of stones for the slingers but….”
“I know.”
He shrugged and went off to organise his men. He would fight as hard for me no matter how many mistakes I made. It’s just that he would let me know of my errors too! “Raibeart and Aelle you will need to be with the warriors tomorrow.”
