The Last Battle

by Nick Brown

  The woman reached for his right tunic sleeve and pushed it up to his shoulder. She ran her finger over one of his many scars and to a small mark that Cassius had never noticed.

  Her face cracked with emotion and she threw her arms around Indavara.

  From the Segusini came many cheers and shouts; and from Brogimarus a warm smile.

  Simo, his cheeks wet with tears, turned to Cassius, who was still struggling to take in what he was seeing.

  Indavara’s eyes were squeezed shut, and when they opened, he watched another figure come up to the ledge:

  A younger woman wearing a necklace of multi-coloured stones, also short and dark-haired. As she walked past Cassius, he glimpsed the green of her eyes. Just like Indavara’s.

  His mother turned, beaming, and gestured for the young woman to join them.

  Indavara pointed at her. The cave became silent again.

  ‘La … Lagasora.’

  Cassius knew she had to be his sister as she ran forward and embraced Indavara, who then pointed at his mother. ‘Agriet.’

  She nodded vigorously and the three wrapped their arms around each other, all overcome.

  Cassius exchanged a smile with Amarante, who wiped away a tear.

  Agriet, Indavara’s mother, seemed to be repeating the same words over and over again.

  ‘What’s she saying?’ Cassius asked Amarante.

  ‘My boy. My boy. My boy’s come home.’

  Cassius threw an arm over Simo’s shoulder and thumped a hand against his chest. ‘By the gods, Simo – we did it. We bloody well did it.’

  It seemed that the whole tribe wanted to share the happiness of the reunion. A pit close to the edge of the cave was filled with wood and a great fire lit. Wine and beer was shared out and the visitors – even Luko – were given a plate of food. Hides were laid out to sit on and Cassius found himself with the guide on one side and Brogimarus on the other. He spoke to them both but found it hard to take his eyes off Indavara and his family. Amarante and Simo were helping with translation but Indavara had stayed resolutely between his mother and sister. They continually ran their hands through his hair and touched his arms, as if constantly affirming that he was truly real.

  ‘Do they have other relations?’ Cassius asked Brogimarus.

  ‘Some cousins, I believe. I knew Agriet had lost her husband but not about her sons. There were numerous skirmishes at that time. We lost hundreds of our best men, my brother among them.’

  At this, Luko spoke up. ‘I’m no leader, but I hope we’ve seen the last of the fighting. When I’m back, I’ll talk to the elders, perhaps get an envoy up here.’

  Brogimarus gave an appreciative nod. ‘Thank you.’

  Cassius sipped some wine. It was awful stuff but he was careful not to show his distaste. ‘I’m glad to hear things are more peaceful now. There are no better fighters than Indavara but he has seen enough of battle to last a lifetime. Before I knew him, he was a gladiator. I believe he survived twenty bouts.’

  Brogimarus’s eyes widened as Cassius continued.

  ‘Please do what you can to give him some peace and quiet – for as long as possible.’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘He is an exceptional warrior. And it’s meant that he has often been … used by others, myself included.’

  ‘I’m sure his mother will look after him. She’s a strong character.’

  Cassius watched them again. Agriet was inspecting Indavara’s mangled left ear. He was usually very sensitive about it but now didn’t seem concerned at all.

  Cassius wondered what the poor woman was thinking. Here was her lost son, who had disappeared as a youth and returned a warrior, his body ravaged and disfigured.

  As the night wore on, Amarante and Simo came over to Cassius and finally had time to eat their food. Cassius thanked Brogimarus for his third mug of wine (he was getting used to the taste) and looked on as the Segusini began to withdraw to their sleeping quarters. Brogimarus had pointed out a line of wooden structures just below the caves. Here the tribe kept their animals, tools, weapons and valuables. The elderly, ill and women with young children also slept here but the rest were accommodated within the caves. Luko was involved in an intense discussion with the other senior men and Cassius was glad to see that the tone seemed amicable. Brogimarus then informed Cassius that he would go and arrange somewhere for them to sleep.

  Not long after they’d finished eating, Amarante and Simo dozed off, propped up against each other’s shoulder.

  Cassius stood and approached Indavara. He had seen him being introduced to numerous people and worried that his friend might be overwhelmed. Indavara was now standing with his mother and sister beside a torch. They were using the light to show him various objects. Cassius saw a hatchet and an arrow.

  When Indavara realised he was watching then, he smiled at his mother and put a hand on her shoulder. Agriet and Lagasora observed keenly as he turned to Cassius.

  ‘You all right?’

  Indavara let out a long breath. ‘I think so.’

  ‘Lot to take in. Do you remember any more words?’

  ‘Not yet.’

  ‘It was amazing – when you said their names.’

  ‘Once I saw their faces, they just came to me. How can you forget your own sister?’

  ‘You were badly injured. Your head. Some people forget everything and never recover. I’m sure the language will come.’

  Seeing the impatient expressions on the faces of his mother and sister, Cassius gestured to them.

  ‘Sorry. I didn’t want to interrupt.’

  ‘No,’ said Indavara. ‘I’d like to introduce you. Explain everything.’

  ‘Tomorrow, perhaps.’ Cassius aimed at thumb at Simo and Amarante. ‘Those two have gone. Pretty weary myself. Hope those caves are more comfortable than they look.’

  Indavara gripped his arm. ‘Cassius. I wouldn’t be here without you.’

  ‘I could say the same thing.’

  Agriet grabbed her son and showed him another item: a ragged little blanket, perhaps for a baby.

  Cassius clapped Indavara on the shoulder. ‘I’ll leave you to it.’

  When he awoke, the sun was surprisingly high, the ground beyond the caves bathed in light. Cassius found himself alone in one of the smaller caves, lying on two hides with a blanket covering him. He recalled settling down for the night with Simo and Amarante but there was no trace of them now. He supposed they had let him sleep late and he did feel pleasantly rested. Beyond that was a deep satisfaction that they had at last returned Indavara to his people. Cassius could not stop himself smiling, nor did he wish to. Nothing could have made him happier.

  Once out from under his blanket, he pulled on his boots and belt and made his way out of the cave, passing the ledge where the dramatic events of the previous night had unfolded. The Segusini camp was now a hive of activity: many were gathered around the firepit, cooking and preparing food; children sat playing upon the warm expanses of rock; below, the men tended the terraced fields. There were four of wheat and two of vegetables but it seemed like a paltry supply for so many people.

  Cassius was still searching for his companions when Luko intercepted him. He had his pack on and seemed ready to travel.

  ‘Morning, sir.’

  ‘Morning. You leaving?’

  ‘Yes, sir. Your attendant paid me the remaining money last night.’

  Cassius dimly recalled approving this. He’d downed a fourth mug of wine before bed and, judging by his head, the Segusini didn’t use much water in theirs.

  ‘Good. Please do what you can to improve relations.’

  ‘I will, sir. They’re doing well considering but they cannot survive up here forever. They need land. Good land.’

  ‘I agree. Thank you, Luko.’

  ‘Sir.’

  As the guide set off towards the fields, Cassius at last saw the other three. They were gathered outside one of the timber shacks, sitting on hides in the sunshine. Amarante w
as relaxing, arms planted behind her, legs crossed at the ankle. Cassius patted down his hair and straightened his crumpled tunic before approaching.

  ‘Morning.’

  Indavara looked up and grinned. ‘Almost afternoon.’

  ‘Morning, sir,’ said Simo.

  Amarante made space for him to sit down. ‘Hungry?’ She passed him a plate upon which were several varieties of berries.

  ‘No milk, sir, I’m afraid,’ added Simo. ‘But the water is very fresh. There is an excellent spring.’

  ‘That’ll do.’

  Simo reached for a nearby jug and filled a mug. Suddenly realising how thirsty he was, Cassius took it and downed half.

  ‘By Jupiter, that’s good.’

  ‘I like it up here,’ said Amarante. ‘It’s beautiful.’

  She looked as exquisite as ever and Cassius had to force himself not to comment. Only when he looked down at the thick forest and the distant glittering waters of the Durantio did he see what she meant.

  Simo caught his eye. ‘Sir, Agriet has been showing us a few things.’ He gestured at the items on the hide close to Indavara, who spoke up.

  ‘You saw the blanket and the arrow last night.’ Indavara pointed to a set of antlers.

  ‘The first stag I killed. Now I can remember carrying it back.’

  Indavara pointed to a spear, then a belt of rusting iron. ‘That was my father’s. This was my brother’s.’

  ‘More coming back to you?’

  ‘Yes. We talked about my dreams. My brother and I would help Father sell spare timber. And he told me off about the archery practice –

  I spent so much time on it that I neglected my work.’

  ‘Is that right? What about when you were with the other warriors, the village in the river bend?’

  ‘She says I fought in four battles with the Medulli before … before.’

  In the daylight, Cassius could better see the resemblance between Agriet and her children. For a woman she was quite broad, her body sturdily-built. Their eyes were indeed precisely the same shade of green, their hair thick and dark, though hers was laced with grey.

  She and Lagosora were now deep in conversation.

  Simo spoke up: ‘Sir, the stream’s not far away. We’ve already been down there to wash.’

  ‘Very good. I’ll do the same later.’

  ‘What … what then, sir?’

  Cassius noted that this query piqued Indavara’s interest.

  ‘Well, we’ve done a lot of travelling. I say we enjoy the sunshine for a bit.’

  Agriet now spoke to Amarante, who listened carefully then addressed Cassius.

  ‘She would like to give you something. A token of thanks.’

  Cassius smiled at Indavara’s mother. ‘Please tell her that’s really not necessary. Seeing them together is more than enough.’

  ‘She insists.’

  ‘Very well then.’

  Agriet reached into a bag and retrieved a little object wrapped in cloth. She unwrapped it to reveal a figurine carved from bone. When she stood and walked over, Cassius also got to his feet. Agriet handed him the figurine in both hands and Cassius took it carefully. The figurine was well carved and showed a woman cradling a newborn.

  Agriet spoke and Amarante translated once more. ‘A mother goddess. She knows that you have been away from home for many years. She hopes this will help you find your way back to your mother.’

  That afternoon, some of the men – one of Brogimarus’s deputies among them – came to ask if Indavara wished to accompany them on a hunt. His mother was against the idea; she seemed desperate to improve his language skills as quickly as possible. Cassius consulted Simo and they agreed that Indavara did indeed seem a little overwhelmed. Leaving Amarante with Agriet and Lugosara, the trio walked along to a promontory that edged one of the fields, where a dozen Segusini men were working.

  The morning had been spent lounging on the sun-warmed rocks and Cassius had enjoyed plenty of time to think. Though it was wonderful to be still and safe and comfortable, there were important matters to speak of.

  The promontory was clearly a well-used place. The shale-covered ground held many footmarks and several small rocks had been arranged as seats. Cassius was the first to sit.

  ‘Well, gentlemen, I believe we should all consider ourselves fortunate. Despite the best efforts of the Imperial Security Service, the Army, and enemies too numerous to mention, here we are.’

  Indavara gave a grim nod. Simo looked thoughtfully down at the endless swathes of forest below.

  Cassius continued: ‘Some advice, if you please. I plan to ask Amarante if she’ll come back with me to Ravenna. Bold, I know, but I don’t imagine I’ll ever meet another girl like her. What do you think?’

  Indavara grinned. ‘Should I pretend to be surprised?’

  Cassius shrugged. ‘Just hope she says yes.’

  ‘That the only question you’re going to ask?’

  ‘Bit early for a marriage proposal.’

  Simo interjected: ‘It might be best to do so before you reach home though, sir. Might ease your way with your parents.’

  ‘How do you mean?’ asked Indavara with a frown.

  Cassius explained: ‘For men of my class, marriages are often arranged. Suitable matches from similar families. If the decision has already been made, I might have more leverage. Perhaps you’re right, Simo. But what if she says no?’

  ‘Long way to Ravenna,’ said Indavara. ‘You’ll just have to charm her.’

  ‘I suppose I shall.’

  ‘Just don’t push your luck. Pretty sure she could take you in a fist fight.’

  ‘Most amusing.’ Cassius stood up. ‘It’s a long way to Ravenna. More than three hundred and fifty miles by my reckoning. Two weeks at least. That’s why I want to get underway tomorrow morning.’

  ‘Tomorrow?’ said Indavara, face suddenly serious.

  ‘Part of me would like to stay but … my family. It’s been so very long. I can go back and stay now.’

  Indavara eventually nodded. ‘And you’ve a nice golden armilla to show your father.’

  ‘That I have. You’re quiet, Simo. Thinking of your brother?’

  The attendant didn’t reply.

  ‘Listen, you can head on to Syria if you wish,’ added Cassius, knowing he had to confront the issue sooner or later. ‘I’ve not forgotten my pledge. You’ll be a slave no more. Just stay with me until Ravenna. I’ll pay you a good wage. It’s a fine city. You and I might even have some time for poetry. I’m sure you’ll find some fellow believers in no time. There might be an excellent life there for you.’

  Only when he spoke these words, did he realise his depth of feeling. To be without Indavara was one thing; to be without Simo was entirely something else.

  That evening, they were treated to several hours of Segusini dances and songs. There was even a ceremony conducted by an elderly holy man, who welcomed Indavara back to the tribe and blessed the others for their upcoming journey.

  Simo still seemed very quiet. Cassius guessed he didn’t want to go to Ravenna but was determined that he at least give it a chance. If the man still wished to follow his own path, so be it.

  When the festivities died down at sunset, Cassius asked Brogimarus for a lantern and took himself off to the stream. It had been busy all day and he wanted some privacy to bathe himself. It wasn’t easy to undress with one good hand but he got there eventually. Leaving his clothes and towel hanging from a branch, he tiptoed into the water, which was as chilly yet refreshing as he’d imagined. Used to cold rooms at the baths, he walked further in then dropped down until he was squatting. He washed himself quickly but was shivering when he came out.

  By the light of the lantern, he dried himself then pulled on his loincloth.

  ‘Gods!’

  Someone stepped out of the shadows. Amarante.

  ‘You are bit thin. But at least you have a handsome body to go with a handsome face.’

  Cassius was about to
reach for his tunic but it seemed a little late for that.

  ‘You appear to have me at a disadvantage.’

  ‘I just wanted to get a good look at you.’

  Cassius could not believe how direct this young woman was. ‘Well, now you have.’

  Amarante stepped closer. She smiled and reached for the narrow belt at her waist.

  ‘You don’t have to,’ said Cassius.

  ‘Maybe I want to.’

  He stepped closer, put a hand on her arm. ‘That will change things. Believe me, there’s nothing I want more but … Amarante, I have something to ask you.’

  ‘You can call me Ama.’

  ‘Very well.’

  She took her hand off her belt. ‘Go on.’

  ‘Will you come with me to Ravenna? It is a long way and we’ll have not much else to do but talk. We can get to know each other. When we’re close you can decide if … if you want to stay or go your own way. It’s not far from Rome. I’ll still be happy to take you there if it’s what you wish. I place no obligation upon you. I’m aware that you’ve been through so much and …’

  Amarante put a finger to his lips then kissed him: a long, passionate kiss that somehow felt even better than Cassius could have imagined. When their mouths parted, he held her close.

  ‘That was nice,’ she said.

  ‘Certainly was.’

  ‘Cassius, promise me you won’t ask about … before. Maybe I’ll tell you everything one day but for now please don’t ask. I want to forget it. I want to start again.’

  ‘I understand.’ He took her hand. ‘Shall we head back to the caves?’

  ‘I think you’d better put your clothes on first.’

  XXVIII

  Cassius awoke before dawn. All was quiet within the cave. He turned onto his side, propped his head up on his hand and gazed out at the darkness. Hundreds of stars were still visible and as his eyes roved across the sky, he thought back to the first time he’d met Indavara:

  The inn at Palmyra, the desert city that had rebelled against Rome under its ambitious queen. Cassius had fallen victim to drunken auxiliaries and was in grave danger: Indavara had taken four of them out in less than a minute. From there, their first days and weeks together had been difficult: full of suspicion and misunderstanding. Later, they had fallen out badly and gone their separate ways, only for Indavara to return and rescue Cassius from certain death once again.