by Griff Hosker
“Why wait by the river? Why not head into Eboracum?”
Decius could hear from Centurion’s tone that he was not questioning or challenging merely clarifying. “South of Eboracum the river is wide enough for quite large ships we will take a ship which can take from the quays at Eboracum and head for Gaul or Hispana.”
“Which was the original plan.”
“True but now we have better men, better equipment and as much gold as we had before. Our brief alliance has proved successful.”
Centurion looked shrewdly at Decius. “You are planning to leave come what may.”
“Let us just say that even if we win I may end up with a Brigante blade in my back and I would like to plan for all eventualities.”
“So we keep a low profile in any battle?”
“We take the best horses and, if we are away from the main army then how will any one know if we fight or no. These Brigantes don’t know a horse’s arse from its head. We and those we choose will be the cavalry so choose our loyal men. Now off you go Tiny and Nuada. We may soon be free of this land.”
*
Rufius liked the two boys who were but a few years younger than he. They had decided to call Decius Macro just Macro as he had grown tired of giving a mouthful of names when he wanted the boy to do something and the boy seemed to grow uncia with pride at being called by his father’s name. Marcus Gaius would just be Gaius. As Rufius explained, “We have to do things quickly in the Explorates and shouting a list of names can cost a man his life. Also do not wear your bow about your body. It stretches and does the bowstring no good and you waste time unslinging it. Keep it across your saddle cloth.”
The two boys did all that Rufius said. Keen to learn from someone they were rapidly looking up to. Gaelwyn had told them that he was the best tracker he had ever seen and that was praise indeed. “We picked up the trail here Rufius and followed them there.”
“I can see the tracks. You two keep going as you did before. I will scout around and catch up with you. Have your bows ready for our enemies may have decided to wait and ambush us.”
They watched as Rufius quickly disappeared down a gully. Now apprehensive they kept watch on both sides for an ambush. Their horses neighed as they trotted along the heather littered hillside. Suddenly Rufius appeared in front of them and both of them had an arrow notched in a heartbeat.
“Well done but boys your horses told you I was there. Listen to your mount for he is as much a warrior as you are. I found their trail and saw the hoof prints of the ones who laid the ambush. Follow me and you will see your handiwork.” Both boys were annoyed with their lax behaviour which Rufius had seemed to criticise.
Half a mile up the trail they saw the two men they had first slain and, a little further on the dead horse. Already the scavengers had pecked out the eyes of the dead and other creatures had invested the bodies. “The men we fight are not honourable or they would have buried their comrades. We have no time but we will pause to say a few words. Allfather take these treacherous men and decide if they are worthy enough to join the warriors in the hereafter. Look over us and these warriors.” He looked at the boys. “It does not do to offend the Allfather.”
Macro said, “It was a little further up where Agrippa died.” They soon found the bloodied patch of grass.
“Let us find which way the herd went and then you can return home.”
“But Rufius,” they both began.
He held his hand up. “I promised your parents.”
They rode down a dell and began to work their way up a steep slope. The hoof prints showed quite clearly the direction the herd had taken. Suddenly Rufius’ horse’s ears pricked up and, in an instant, he had an arrow notched and his hand held up to halt the two boys. He slid off his horse and gestured for them to keep watch. He bellied up to the ridge and after a moment or two slithered down and remounted his horse. “Well boys we not only have the herd, we have the whole Brigante army. I will be riding back to the farm with you.”
The three riders turned their horses around and headed back down the trail. Rufius kept them in the lowest parts of the shallow valley, avoiding the skyline. The track led through scrubby hawthorn, elder and blackthorn which masked and hid them from view. Part of Rufius wanted to stay and scout but he had been the only one to see the army and he needed to report as soon as possible to a superior. Morbium was only half a day’s ride away and the army he had seen had been so large that it would be easy to find again. Even one of the boys could find it.
He had been impressed with the boys; they had not panicked or become over excited and had followed his orders to the letter. Their reactions had been so sharp it was like looking at himself. They would make good Explorates and he would tell Livius as soon as he saw him.
*
Livius had found the Brigante army again. He sat with Cassius and Decius watching the huge horde snake its way northwards. Although huge it was moving quite quickly and Livius could sense urgency about the way it was hurrying. They had to know there were no enemies close by, there had to be another reason for their speed.
“Sir?”
“Yes Cassius, they are no longer heading to Eboracum. That suggests a meeting or they have sighted our forces.”
“Could the Prefect have reached here in such a short space of time?”
“Possibly. They were travelling on roads and when they put their minds to it legionaries can eat up the ground but I don’t think it is the Prefect. They are not preparing for a battle. Look, the Brigantes are not wearing their helmets or carrying their battle standards but I would like to know who they are meeting. Decius, you continue to follow them. As soon as you come across either Eboracum or any of our forces join them. If they suddenly head for Eboracum or south then find me, quickly.”
“And where will you be sir?”
“Cassius and I will head north west and skirt around them. There is higher ground there and we can make good time.”
Riding along the ridge they could see how vast the army now was its numbers swollen in recent days by rebels and deserters heading from the south. They were easily identified by their lack of weaponry. When the battle was imminent they would be armed and organised. Morwenna could be clearly seen on the pure white mount and surrounded by the six huge Irishmen who looked to be uncomfortable sitting on their horses. They might be fearsome warriors but on a horse they would be no challenge even for a lightly armed Explorate.
“Sir!”
Cassius’ sharp eyes had pickled something out in the distance and, shading his eyes from the light Livius peered in the direction of Cassius’ pointed finger. “Horses. That is why they have changed direction. That is a big herd.”
Cassius suddenly looked worried. “Sir that herd has come from the north. The Prefect and Gaius…”
With a sinking heart Livius knew that Cassius could be right. The best horses were just south of Morbium and that was but half a day’s ride from where they were. “We cannot worry about that yet Cassius. Let us circle the herd and then decide what the information means.” In his mind Livius had a couple of options and, having Cassius with him allowed him to pursue both. He could send a rider to Morbium to inform the prefect of the situation, although he was confident that the Batavian would know and, at the same time contact and warn Eboracum.
*
Casca was the deserter guarding the northern end of the herd. He had really sharp eyes and, as he scanned the tree line, a movement caught his eye. He kept his head still not making the mistake of looking around for what he though he had seen. If there was something out there it would move again and he knew where he was looking. A few heartbeats later and he saw it, this time much clearer. It was at least one horse and a rider. He risked a glance over his shoulder. Centurion was close by and another twenty riders. He turned back to his prey and quickly located it. He then saw a second horse. These could be the scouts who had killed his good friend Massilius. “Sir! I have something.” He kept his eyes fixed, not daring to
move and lose them.
He felt a horse rumble up next to him. “What is it Casca?” Centurion liked Casca who was a hard working and uncomplaining soldier. He was the kind who would have been a chosen man when Centurion had fought for Rome. More importantly he had good eyes and it was obvious that he had seen something. He was like a dog on point with an unwavering stare.
“Saw at least two riders sir. There, about half a mile away. No uniforms so it could be those scouts we ran into the other day.”
“Well done.” Now that Centurion had more men these insects which had dogged and annoyed them for so long would be squashed. He turned in the saddle. You six men come with Casca and me. You,” he gestured at the nearest guard, “tell the General we have gone to catch some scouts.”
Centurion smiled a cruel, grim smile; that fool Nuada had allowed them to escape the last time and it could have resulted in disaster. The fact that they were heading away from the army meant they were heading somewhere to report, probably Morbium and the last thing they needed was for a cohort of auxiliaries to be loose on their left flank when they attacked Eboracum. He would easily catch and kill these spies but not before he had extracted information. He was intrigued about them as a force. They were not like the alae he had fought alongside for so many years and yet they were organised and they, he had to admit, were very effective.
He gestured for Casca and two men to head east and cut off the scouts while he and the others headed west up the slope. He could see from the movements of the birds and the bushes that the scouts were moving slowly so as not to attract attention. That suited him for they could move faster and now they were in the perfect position for a pincer movement. They were his for the taking.
Rufius had sharp ears as had his horse and when Blackie’s ears pricked up so did Rufius’. He leaned forward to stroke its head. “Well done!” He hissed to Marcus riding in front of him and held his hand for halt. Marcus repeated and Rufius was pleased to se instant obedience and no questions. He was also pleased to see the bows appear instantly in their hands with an arrow notched. The grins told him they were not afraid.
Now that Rufius was still he could hear and see better. A quick glance to his right identified at least two soldiers and another to the left spotted one high up on the ridge. He was under no illusions; they had been spotted and would have to move soon. The two boys were watching Rufius intently waiting for instructions. He pointed to his right and then at his bow. He mimed riding and shooting. When they nodded he knew they understood. He was gambling that, if they charged whoever was on their right they might be lucky and hit a couple and make their escape. He did not know how many there were and, if it were a large column they would be cut down but he was confident that the three of them could react quicker than the deserters and he had already seen what good riders they were. It was a gamble but then wasn’t life?
He kicked his horse hard right and Blackie responded leaping out. The two boys followed closely. Casca and the two men with him were taken by surprise. None of them was armed with a missile weapon but they all drew their swords. Casca’s companions both fell to the ground one pierced by two arrows from the boys and the other by Rufius’. Casca turned his horse to face Rufius but the scout jinked his horse around and was beyond the startled soldier in a couple of strides. By the time Casca had turned his horse the three scouts were racing east. Behind Rufius heard the roar of rage as Centurion and his men hurtled through the hedgerow in pursuit.
The three lightly armed boys began to draw away from Casca. Rufius was confident that they would outrun their pursuers. They would head east for a while and then return to their northern route. They rode down a small, shallow valley and up on to a ridge. As they reached the top Rufius realised to his dismay that the Brigante army had been moving steadily in that direction and as they crested the ridge they could see, less than half a mile away, the outriders of the Brigante army. They were trapped. They would have to outrun their pursuers who could now cut them off. “Right boys. Head left and keep your eyes on the men on your left.” Rufius loosened his sword. Soon he might need it.
Chapter 18
Livius saw the pursuit of the three men just as he saw Drusus and his man Lepidus. “Cassius follow those deserters while I attract Drusus’ attention. Cassius kicked his mount on and Livius gave the Explorate whistle. Drusus raised his arm in acknowledgement and they galloped over.
“Someone is in trouble down there. I can’t see who it is but if those deserters are following them then they must be friends of ours.”
“Yes sir.”
“Sir, the one at the back is Rufius.”
“You are right Lepidus. I don’t think the three on this side have seen us. Let us hope that we can reach them in time.”
Livius could see the gap between Rufius and his two companions and the three Roman deserters who were pursuing them narrowing moment by moment. The warrior behind them was urging his mount on supremely confident that he would soon be in range and would be able to use his spatha to strike them. To his amazement Livius saw the figure in front of Rufius turn in his saddle and fire an arrow at the eager pursuer. Although the arrow missed the man it forced him to swerve to one side and bought them time. “Good lad! It is Decius Macro.” He shouted to Drusus, “It is Macro’s son and that must be Gaius’ son.”
The three men were now even more frantic to stop the deserters catching them. Cassius was within bow range and he began shooting arrows, more in hope than expectation but it made Centurion and his companions look around. At first they only saw Cassius but Livius saw that they had been seen. Although they only slowed up for a moment Rufius and his two companions managed to stretch their lead a little. Centurion could see that he was outnumbered but what worried him most was the fact that so many scouts had appeared at the same time. Did it presage the Ninth? “Leave them. We will return to the main column.” As he rode back the warrior stared at the scouts etching their faces into his memory. Lightly armed scouts were something he would have to mention to Decius. Even as the thought came into his head he laughed. He and Decius would not be with the army long enough to form another unit. They would be taking their gold and living the life of luxury. The men formed a column behind him and they kept glancing over their shoulders. They had seen enough of the scout’s ability with arrows to worry that they might be attacked but it soon became clear that pursuit was not on their minds.
Rufius had a grin from ear to ear when Livius rode up. “Am I glad to see you sir, a few more minutes and we would have all been with the Allfather.”
Livius shook his head, “With young Decius Macro shooting like that I think you might have evened the odds. Good shooting Decius Macro.”
“Er just Macro sir.”
“Just like your father eh? Well your father would have been proud of that shot but I think Ailis would have had kittens if she had seen you out of the saddle like that. What news Rufius?”
“The boys and I were trailing the horse herd; it was stolen a few days ago.” His face became serious as he remembered the other news. “And Agrippa died. He was with the boys here.”
“He died well?”
Marcus Gaius nodded the memory still fresh. “He took an arrow intended for Macro here. We took him back to the farm.”
Cassius shook his head in amazement. Young boys and they still have the ability to save a comrades body and honour the dead. “It must run in the blood Cassius. And you Drusus. What news?”
“I was on my way to find you. Prefect Fulvius is over there, “he pointed towards Derventio, “with the Second cohort and a cohort of Batavians from Morbium. He is trying to get between the Queen and Eboracum. The Tribune is force marching to help with the First Cohort. They are half a day away.”
“Good. You said find me. Was there a reason?”
“Yes sir he needs all the Explorates so that we can share the information we have.”
Livius could see the wisdom in the Prefect’s thinking. They had been out of touch for some t
ime and even he did not know all that his men knew. “Very well. Decius round up the rest. I suspect Marius will be south of here and probably the others too so you will need to take a wide sweep and then come up Ermine Way it will bring you to Eboracum. If we are not there keep heading north.”
After Decius had ridden off, Livius took the small group east, keeping a keen eye to the south and the Brigante army. Rufius rode next to Livius. “Er sir, the boys?”
“What about them?”
“Well I took them with me so that we could find the horse herd easily and I told their parents that I would return them as soon as…”
“But Rufius...”
Rufius turned around and snapped,” What did I say about following orders?” He turned back to Livius giving him a wink. “Should we send them back?”
Livius tried hard to keep a straight face when he turned to see the tormented boys behind, both dreading the order to return home. “I am not sure that it will be safe for them to do so. They are safer with us and, when we reach the Prefect they can always look after the horses.”
If Livius thought that such a demeaning role would be beneath the boys he was wrong for they both gave a whoop of delight. “I think they quite like that idea sir.”
*
A day’s ride to the south Nuada and the wagon were approaching a bend in the river. If they went any further they would meet the road, Ermine Street and that might bring them into contact with Romans. Nuada found a small wood with willows overhanging the river. He ordered his men to make a camp and they prepared to wait. When it was dark he would send a man back to Decius with details of their location. He still not know how Decius would get a ship but he appeared to be quite resourceful and for Nuada his change in circumstance was definitely a change for the better.
*
They found Prefect Fulvius just building his camp. Livius wondered why he had not just stayed at the fort at Cataractonium, just ten miles north but he knew that the legionary would have had a good reason. The Prefect was genuinely pleased to see Livius. “I am glad that you and your men made it.” He held him at arm’s length and frowned. “But the journey has taken it out of you and your men. You look like wraiths.” He seemed to notice the boys for the first time. “And who are these?”
