Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 02] The Horsewarriors

by Griff Hosker

  I expect them in the next day or so. My scouts have not found them yet.”

  “I do hope nothing untoward has occurred. It would not be helpful if half our cavalry had been eliminated before the battle. Oh and Julius you had better let the prefect have his turma back. He appears short of men.” The officers in the room all laughed gently while Fabius and Rufius reddened angrily. “I want to make short work of this fort and then the ninth will return to Eboracum and the twentieth will go into winter quarters at Cataractonium. Your Batavians can erect a fort here which will help protect Isurium and then in the spring we can advance north and rid this land of the Brigantes once and for all. Questions? None? Good. Get to it gentlemen.”

  Fainch

  Fainch was having her work cut out to soothe King Maeve. He had begun to worry now that the Romans were outside his fortress. “I think we should move the whole army to the land of the lakes. It swill suit us there.”

  “I have told you before oh mighty king that the Romans could surround that land, supply themselves from the sea and you would have your whole army trapped. The Romans could then conquer all your lands. Keep to the plan. When Aed is rescued retreat north. The Romans will think they have won. While they rest in the winter we will build up our army and you will send small bands to destroy the isolated settlements. It will drive those who waver to our side when they see they cannot be protected.

  Mollified the king lay back in her arms and she continued to run her tapered nails up and down his chest gradually arousing him. “You must learn to relax and be more patient. The war band is in position and will attack the Roman engine the day after tomorrow, be patient for just a little while longer.

  Chapter 10

  North of Stanwyck

  The journey back to the Roman controlled parts of the province was slower than Marcus wanted. The mules and pack horses did not like the rough terrain over which they travelled. In addition Marcus had to be certain that the Roman right flank was secure. These were some of the reasons the scout failed to find them. It was Gaelwyn who did so. “News Decurion.”

  “Good to see you Gaelwyn.”

  “The prefect has riders looking for you. He needs your turma. The prefect has arrived with the legions.”

  Marcus nodded. “Do we head for Stanwyck?”

  “The orders were for the cavalry to protect the north west of the fortress.”

  How far are we from there?”

  The scout looked with distaste at the pack animals. “With those at least a day.”

  “Well we are with those so let us be about our business.”

  Stanwyck

  The newly built defences did not last long and Quintus looked with pleasure at the gaping holes. The defenders had kept well hidden, especially when the bolts began to fly. The Governor conferred with the engineers about the time it might take and he was hopeful that it would be soon. Decius Brutus, the Princeps Piles entered the headquarters. “Sir?”

  Yes Decius, things are going well are they not?”

  “Yes sir really well. I think we can take these today. Those gates are almost in. The defenders keep hiding. I think today.”

  Cerialis pondered Decius’ words. He had known him a long time and trusted his judgement implicitly. He had fought at Glanibanta and was the nearest he had to an expert in the Brigante and the way they fought. “What about casualties? We only have three legions in the north.”

  “They don’t have the artillery to cause us problems sir and they are brave but disorganised.”

  Vespasian would be happier with a speedier return to peace and whilst the action would not end the war it would bring it considerably closer. Ever the decisive general he nodded. “Assault when you are ready. “ He turned to his aides. Find the prefect and the general let them know we assault now. There may be survivors heading their way.”

  Aed watched with interest the legionaries beginning their preparations for assault. His men were becoming increasingly nervous about their predicament and he wanted it ended sooner rather than later. He turned to the man next to him. He had a highly polished shield. “Send the signal now.”

  On the nearby hills the one thousand horsemen saw the signal and prepared for their moment of glory. While the onagers and ballistae at the northern section between them and Stanwyck were attacking the walls they would charge them and destroy them. As soon as the weapons were destroyed, along with the auxiliaries who guarded them, Aed would leave the fortress and escape.

  Rufius Demetrius had received his orders with disgust. The last thing he wanted was to chase after the few survivors. He addressed his decurions. “We will position ourselves at the eastern end of the fortress just in front of those onagers then when the legionaries go over the wall we can support them.”

  All the decurions apart from Fabius looked aghast at this. Only Julius had the courage to speak. “But sir, I thought we were to pursue survivors. If we are here we will not be able to get passed the machines.”

  The prefect smiled in a patronising way, “But if we are in the fortress then there will be no survivors, we can move more quickly than the legionaries.”

  Decius Brutus led his men from the front. They moved in a steady line their javelins ready and their shields held tightly. As he looked down the line he was proud. There was not a foot out of step or a man who was not looking eager. “Be ready for the arrows lads. They should launch them soon.” He heard a cheer from behind him as a mighty rock finally knocked down the gates. There was no defence left from the Brigante. Decius smiled grimly; they would all die. A few arrows were fired and he heard the thud of slingshots but only one or two of his men fell and Decius noticed that only one stayed down. He had been right the fruit was ripe for plucking.

  The Batavians were so intent on watching the walls crumble that they failed to hear the thunder of hooves. The first they knew of the attack was when the horses thundered into their unprepared backs. Dozens were killed without seeing the enemy. The centurions quickly shouted their orders, “Form ranks.”

  They had time because the Brigante were throwing lighted torches onto the onagers and smashing the ballistae with axes, their crews slaughtered besides them.

  Fabius shouted, “Sir, look to the north. They are attacking the engines.”

  “Damn!” The prefect realised he was in the wrong place he would have to ride in front of the ballistae and onagers. He had no choice, “Pannonians follow me.” The artillery managed to stop firing when they saw their own cavalry ride in front of them but then looked in amazement as the mighty northern gates opened and the garrison emerged to charge the Batavians and artillery being assaulted fro outside.

  The Governor could not see what was happening. His only view was of the ninth clambering through the gate and over the ramparts to a seemingly deserted fort. An aide rushed up to him. “Sir the Brigante are attacking the artillery to the north.”

  “Where are the cavalry?” The aide pointed and Cerialis could see the turmae trying to make up ground and help the beleaguered Batavians for the artillery was now burning mightily. “Damn the man!” This was the unexpected turn in events which Cerialis had not anticipated. If he lost the Batavians and the legionaries who manned the artillery it would diminish his force added to which it looked like his quarry from the fortress would escape relatively unharmed. Had the prefect obeyed orders then some of the enemy might have been captured and some of the Roman losses might not have happened.

  Gaelwyn brought the news to Marcus. “The Carvetii are attacking the Romans! The Batavian auxiliaries are being slaughtered! It looks like a large force of cavalry, probably an ala.”

  Ever decisive Marcus shouted, “Hobble the pack animals. Weapons only. Decurions to me!” When Decius and Lentius arrived he quickly outlined his plan.” Looks like we are in the right place at the right time again. The Brigante will have their backs to us but they outnumber us ten to one. The advantage we had is that there is a legion just the other side of them and, I assume, the prefect with the r
est of the cavalry. We go in the same way and hit them hard. Don’t bother chasing those escaping for our mounts are exhausted just protect the Batavians.”

  They quickly mounted and formed their line. They could not see the battlefield but they could see the smoke rising from the burning engines. “Ride for the smoke!” They rode in three columns for speed and soon found themselves riding up a low embankment. At the top they could see the force of cavalry charging from the fortress and the Batavians in hollow squares fighting for their lives. In the distance Marcus could just make out the rest of the ala trying to cover the ground to their auxiliary comrades. “Form line!” Marcus could see that they could not defeat the enemy but perhaps they could save roman lives. “Charge!”

  The Pannonians were on the downhill slope and quickly gained momentum. When they were just a hundred paces they gave an enormous roar which could be heard across the battlefield. The Batavians saw the standards of the Pannonians and took heart. The Carvetii suddenly heard an enemy force to their rear. Aed saw the cavalry and decided that discretion was the better part of valour. He took the Stanwyck defenders through the gap in the western corner of the Roman assault works for there the siege engines had burned away.

  Marcus and his line hit the disjointed Brigante in a solid line for they were riding knee to knee. Their javelins were thrust before them like lances and they hit the unprepared Carvetii like a tidal wave. The barbarians were stationary whilst the Pannonians had great speed; those not speared were crushed and trampled to the ground. The three turmae crashed through the whole line in less than a heartbeat. Although the Carvetii outnumbered their attackers they had been split in two and, worst of all the war chief had fallen in this first attack. The two bands of Carvetii milled around uncertain of their course of action.

  Marcus reined up next to the Batavians who had lost half their number. A centurion with a split helmet and blood running down his head greeted him. “Good timing!”

  Marcus nodded. “We will attack this band.” He gestured to the warband to his right. “Just hold the other one. Help is coming from the fortress.” They both glanced up to see the larger half of the ala thundering towards the remaining Carvetii. “Pannonians form line.” The experience turmae formed line in quick time.” Charge!” The horses were tired now and the charge was delivered at little more than a trot. The Carvetii were more prepared and Marcus found himself facing a mailed war chief with a huge sword. The first blow almost shattered his shield and Marcus knew he would have to end this sooner rather than later. He slashed with his sword not at the man but at his horse. He half severed the head and the horse crashed to the ground taking the warrior with it. As he groggily rose to his feet Marcus stabbed down at the gap between his helmet and mail shirt. The eruption of blood told the decurion that the man was dead. The battle however was swinging in the direction of the Carvetii and although the Pannonians had killed many enemies they were still outnumbered and on blown horses. There could be no retreat. As the auxiliary cavalry fought desperately their numbers were being whittle down inexorably.

  Gaius watched in wonder as the decurion wielded the sword of Cartimandua calmly and efficiently. Although his shield was shattered his enemies were scattered by the blade which seemed to sing. Gaius edged his mount to the left, more vulnerable side of his mentor as did Macro who was tucked in behind him. The three of them were carving their way through the diminishing ranks of broken barbarians. Macro was thoroughly enjoying himself and his mighty arm hacked and slashed almost without effort. His blade went through shields and mail, bone and bodies.

  Suddenly out of the corner of his eye Gaius detected a movement, a Carvetii warrior armed with an axe was charging towards Marcus unprotected right side. Gaius could not manoeuvre his mount to that side and he did the only thing he could he launched himself from his horse with his sword held before him like a spear. His blade went straight through the unprotected neck of the warrior and Gaius crashed to the ground. Macros saw his friend fall and saw the Carvetii racing to finish him off. Screaming in anger Macro wheeled his horse around and rode straight for them. Before any blade or spear could touch the auxiliary who was dragging himself to his feet Macro had killed two one with a forehand and one with a backhand slash. “Come on you bastards! Who thinks they can take me?”

  Even as he was rising to his feet Gaius was amazed to find that Macro knew enough Carvetii to insult them. He quickly thrust his sword into the side of the man who was trying to spear Macro’s horse and the two of them made a killing circle as the wary warriors tried to approach the two blades of death. This might have gone on for some time but for the sound of the buccina. Glancing over Macro saw the soldiers moving from the fortress in two columns. “It’s the legions!”

  The Carvetii had seen them and they began to disengage and follow the fleeing Brigante. “That’s right run away. You survive today but I’ll have you yet.”

  Looking up Gaius saw that Macro was grinning with delight as he hurled insults after the routing warriors. He then turned to survey the battlefield. He could see little islands of Pannonians with seas of bodies spread around them. Marcus had survived and as he scanned the field he saw Decius and Lentius waving at him. Once again they had defied the odds and emerged victorious. He looked up at the exultant Macro, “Thanks Macro I owe you.”

  “And thank you Gaius once again I am indebted to you. You are making a habit of saving my life.”

  The front ranks of the legionaries had just arrived and Marcus heard a familiar voice shout out orders. “Open order. Kill any bastard who moves!”

  “Decius Brutus! Good to see you.” Leaping down from his horse he grasped the First Spear by the shoulders.

  “And you too Marcus and Gaius,” he looked up at Macro who loomed above him, “and who in Hades name is this giant?”

  “This is one of our recruits, Macro.”

  “Did you see that sir took one out with the forehand and one the backhand?”

  Gaius patted Macro on the leg, “You’ll have to excuse him Decius he has a tendency to relive every action blow by blow.” He lowered his voice, “but he is a good soldier.”

  “Thank you sir!”

  “Never mind that go and find my horse!”

  “Sir, yes sir.”

  Decius Brutus drew Marcus aside. “Very close call that. I don’t think the general would have been pleased if one of his only two auxiliary units had been slaughtered.” He gestured over his shoulder to where Rufius and the rest of the ala were chasing down survivors. “He’s a funny bugger. I hope he has a good story for the general.” Marcus looked at him quizzically. “He was supposed to be behind the Batavians to support them. Looks like he was after glory and was trying to get in the fortress after my lads had cleared the ramparts.”

  “He does like his glory but he is a good cavalryman. The thing is, Decius, he is no Ulpius.”

  “Well who is? Although from what I have heard you aren’t doing a bad job.”

  “The prefect doesn’t think so. I was demoted from Decurion Princeps.”

  “No? So he has no common sense either?” They both laughed and then Decius became serious. “Sorry to hear about the princess and her sister. I liked them and your son…”

  Marcus face hardened as he steeled himself no to show emotion. “I will avenge them Decius I swear by the Allfather. The men who did it are even now fleeing west. It will be a long war but I will avenge them.” He looked down at the battle hardened veteran. “Did you lose many men?”

  “A handful wounded and that is all. I don’t think they ever planned to hold us for long.”

  “That’s probably our fault.” Decius looked up quizzically. “The Brigante we thought were allies; we helped to train them and we told them of the prowess of the legions. Don’t you remember the Brigante who fought with us at Glanibanta? They would have remembered how effective artillery can be.”

  “You are probably right but there has to come a time when we will fight alongside them. That is the way Rome wo
rks. The Pannonians fought hard against Rome but now provides warriors. These are but setbacks. And now I must get back to my men.”

  Aed halted his fleeing warriors just north of the river. He had been right to leave the fortress when he did for the trap had nearly been sprung on them. He rued the fact that the Pannonians had managed to intervene again. It was time they were eliminated. He looked down as the survivors of the Carvetii began to trickle in. There were not many of them. One of them a huge man who was bleeding from a scalp wound spat out blood and teeth and then snarled up at the mounted Aed. “I see you did not lose many men Brigante. Are you Roman now?”

  Riding up to the warrior Aed kicked him hard in the face and then shouted to the Carvetii who were arriving. “We obeyed orders; you were the diversion to allow us to escape. You should have been better prepared. My warriors will now protect you on the way back to the west.” He turned to one of his trusted warriors. “Ride back and watch the Romans. If they pursue come immediately if not then watch them for a few days and report to me.”

  Riding away Aed reflected that, while they had not had the success they hoped they had had a success of kind. The two auxiliary units had been badly mauled and the elite fighters, those of Aed’s warband had survived unscathed. It all depended now upon what the Romans did. He found himself eager to hear the words of Fainch for so far her prophesies, predictions and plans had all borne fruit.