Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 11] Roman Treachery (7 page)

“My horse has a white blaze on his head and only one white foot.  He is the only one with such a blaze.”

“Good.  If you come to close to our camp we will ambush you.  Where does the patrol go?”

“We have been designated to travel the road between here and Morbium.  I think they will use two turmae from here to Cataractonium and two from there to Morbium.  They intend to hold the grain wagons in the city until your threat is eliminated.”

“So they still have wagons coming into the city?”

“Yes they have a century of guards waiting south of the fort at the river crossing to escort them he last ten miles.”

“Good then we shall have more grain.” He laughed.  “Even now my uncle is taking the grain over to Deva to sell it to the legion there.  As the price has risen it will cost them dear to buy back their own food.”

“I will have to go back soon or they will begin to suspect my prolonged absence.” He finished off his drink. “I will not be able to get a pass for another seven days and I may be on patrol.”

“I will return in seven days for three days. You are doing a noble thing my brother.”

“Until the Romans are driven from our land my father’s death will not be avenged.  I am resolute.”

The Camp Prefect at Eboracum was worried. “The problem, Livius, is that I only have one cohort at my disposal here and using one of them to protect the grain convoy into the city stretches them a little too far.” He held up his hand.  “I know, it is the legate’s decision and I agree that we do need the grain, without it our men will starve but ….”

“I agree Titus.  How about this as a strategy? After I have looked for these bandits I will detach two turmae to head south and meet the convoy below the river.”

“I will still be using one of my centuries though.”

“It will be just this once.  If our plans work then my horsemen can rotate.”

Titus Plauca breathed a sigh of relief. “But will that not stretch your men?”

“The advantage my men have is that they can evade trouble by riding away.  I am afraid the caligae of your men are not so swift.”

As Livius left to give his orders he wondered about this sudden upsurge in Brigante activity.  By the time he had reached his waiting men he had reached his decision. He smiled as he looked on the serried ranks of immaculately turned out troopers. They all looked ready for action.  They had been trained well.

“Officer’s call.” His officers dismounted to join him. He kept his voice lowered when he spoke, not because he doubted any of his own men but there were non-military workers in the fort and, until they found the spy, or the possible spy, then they had to be discreet. “Metellus take your turmae and patrol the road as we discussed. The first convoy will be leaving later today to head for Cataractonium. The men on the wall are on half rations and this precious cargo must be there within five days.”

“Sir.  What I think I will do is leave one turma just five miles from the fort and the other five miles from Cataractonium.  It will save the horses and still give close protection to the wagons and their drivers.”

“Good. “ He turned to the other officers. “We will be heading west to try to find the Brigante. We will not return here for eight days at least so make sure you have enough rations for that period.“ His officers saluted and turned to leave. “Marcus, a moment, if you please.”

“I have another task for you.  Once we are out of sight of the fort take your turma and head for Decius’ farm. We need a couple of Brigante scouts and I need intelligence about the mood of the Brigante.  Your brother may well be able to help.”

Marcus was dubious.  “The problem is, sir, that they all know he is my brother and they know who my father was.  I suspect that he would be the last person a rebel would approach.”

“I know that but women talk and your mother and your wife may also have heard things. Remember you were an Explorate; it was the little things which gave us our information.”

Marcus smiled, “You are right sir.  It is just that those days seem such a long time ago. And do I then join you?”

“No, head south and pick up the grain convoy, escort it to Eboracum; it should be an easier initiation for your three new lads eh?”

“Sir.”

The ala, all fourteen turmae, headed out of Eboracum heading west.  Metellus waved his goodbyes and his turmae trotted up the road. Once they were out of sight and closer to the hills Marcus also waved his goodbyes. As he watched the lone turma depart the spy wrinkled his brow.  This was not part of the Roman plan.  What did it mean? He had been pleased that he was with the Decurion Princeps for that meant the heart of the ala could be pierced with a successful ambush but the departure of the sword also created problems for every Brigante yearned for the blade. He would have to hope that Briac had seen the sign and had an ambush prepared.

Marcus rode hard to reach the farm.  It had been some time since he had visited and he wondered how much his son had grown. The farm was really a small fort for his father had created sound and effective defences to protect his family when he had been away and his brother, Decius, had continued with those improvements.  The farm workers also served as an unofficial militia and guards. Thanks to the money his father and he had acquired and accrued they were a well off family and could afford to pay their men rather than having them as tenants or thralls.  It bred loyalty and Marcus knew that they could fend off any bandit attack which dared to approach.

Decius had grown broader with a more pronounced paunch and Ailis, their mother, noticed the difference between her two boys for Marcus was like a lean and hungry wolf compared with his more comfortable brother. She had outlived all those she had loved, save her sons and, thanks to their wives and her grandchildren she was enjoying a new lease of life.  She still worried over Marcus; any mother would and she was grateful to see him safe and sound when he visited.

“Sextus let the men water their horses,“ he grinned, “and as I can smell bread baking, if you ask nicely at the kitchen door the cook may have something for the lads.” One of the bonuses of serving with Marcus was the hospitality of his home.

Frann, his wife, ran to greet him.  A freed slave from the land of the Tencteri she relished and appreciated every moment of her new life.  She accepted her husband’s absence but she was not lonely for Marcus’ mother were as protective as a she bear, as were the rest of the family. “Our son sleeps, I will wake him.”

Kissing her gently he said, “No I cannot stay long and I know that his sleeping moments are valuable.” His son, Macro, was just like his namesake, a bundle of energy when he was awake.

Decius and Ailis joined them, Ailis hugging him and kissing him, as she always did, on both cheeks twice. “Well brother what betokens this visit?” Decius loved his brother but he knew that bringing the turma meant trouble of some description.

Marcus sat at the family table with Frann on his knee.  “We have heard rumours that the Brigante are becoming restive.  Some bandits or rebels, we know not which, have captured supply convoys and the work on the wall is threatened. Have you heard aught?”

Decius shook his head.  “You know that any rebel would stay away from me but I will go and ask the men.  They have wider acquaintances.”

“I am happy to hear rumours.  Where is Drugi?”

“He is hunting in the western valley.  Should I send for him?”

“No I will visit with him after I have finished here.”

“You are leaving today my son?”

“Yes mother.  The ala is to be based here until the threat is nullified.  I meant to ask Decius if there were any of the men in the valley who would be suitable as scouts.”

His mother gave a sad smile, “You miss Uncle Gaelwyn then?”

Marcus looked through the door to the place where they had buried the legendary scout.”Every day.”

“I think there are a couple of boys towards Stanwyck. They like to work with Drugi and he has taken to them.  If you see him then he may have more information for you.”

By the time Decius returned, Macro had awoken and he and his father had enjoyed a playful tussle.  Frann shook her head.  “There will be no settling him now.  He will be crying for his dada all the time.”

Ailis smiled.  “It is the same for all the boys in this family.  One day we will have a girl and we will not know what to do.”

“The men have heard rumours of people being terrorised up the valleys to the south. Wagon tracks were seen but no-one dared say anything.  So your rumour may be true.” The brothers looked at each other with unspoken words in their eyes.  Decius would work on the security again and clear the trees back further. Rebels or bandits that close meant problems for the hardworking and loyal Brigante. In this area it paid to be careful.

“We have turmae on the road for a while so you can always send a messenger to Morbium.” The proximity of the fort afforded the farm more protection than most. “We have to go now but I will visit again, alone next time.” His last comment was for Frann.

Ailis nodded, “Good, it is time Macro had a sister.  I am getting no younger and I would like a granddaughter before I meet your father again!”

Chapter 5

As they left the farm Aneurin ventured, “Sir!”

Sextus snapped, “Not when we are on patrol son.  Save your questions for the halts.” He shook his head and said, to no-on in particular, “ I have never known such recruits for fucking questions.”

Marcus did not turn around but smiled.  Aneurin reminded him of himself riding with Rufius and Metellus all those long years ago.  “Just one question Aneurin.”

“Why doesn’t the ala patrol this part all the time?”

“That is a good question Aneurin and the answer is a simple one.  We are the only cavalry this side of the divide and the barbarians in the north fear us.  Once we have quashed this latest threat we will return home.” He saw Aneurin’s face drop.  “Where is your home?”

He pointed to the east.  “Over there by the hills, close to the old hill fort.”

“I know it. Well we may return but not for a while and now no more talk we have to find a giant who is invisible.”

Sextus saw the question rising into every face and he growled, “Not one fucking word!”

They reached the valley and Marcus held up his hand.  They just waited. There was total silence but all of the troopers, not just the new ones stared at each other.  Eventually Scanlan held up his hand and said, hesitantly, “You said a giant sir?”

Marcus laughed, “Just wait and see Scanlan.  We have time to wait so do not worry.  Out next journey is an easy one down the road towards the south.”

The troopers stared at the water.  Suddenly a figure stood next to Sextus, who drew his sword and said, “Fuck me!”

Marcus shouted, “Stand down! It is Drugi.” He smiled at the genial giant who stood taller than a horse’s head. “You have not lost your touch old friend.”

Drugi snorted, “Around these I could have worn full armour, banged a drum and they still would not have seen me.” He smiled at Marcus.  “How long since you saw me?”

“Had I had my bow, enough time to put three arrows into you when you moved behind the elm tree!”

“Hah! This land is making me soft.”

“What have you heard, Drugi the king of all trackers?”

He pointed to the west. “There are men with wagons in the high valley., to the south”

“Brigante?” The old scout nodded and Marcus turned to one of his more experienced troopers. “Livius, ride and find the prefect.  Tell him Drugi says they are in the high valley.  Stay with him.” Livius kicked his horse and trotted off. “Drugi, we need scouts.”

His face fell.  “You want Drugi to leave the farm and follow the wolf?” He pointed at the wolf standard carried by the signifier.

“No Drugi.  Your work is here, training my son and protecting my family.“ Drugi’s face split into a huge smile. “No, we need you to find us a couple of boys or young warriors who can scout.” He held up his hand.  “They will not be as good as you but we need someone who can follow trail.”

He looked away to the west, as though he had not heard the decurion’s words. Then he turned.  “I have two trackers in mind. I will bring them to your brother’s farm in a few days.”

Marcus leaned down to clasp the former slave’s arm.  “Thank you old friend. I can always rely on you.”

“Without you and the hawk I would not have a life.  My life is yours and it is now full.” In the blink of an eye he was gone.

Sextus looked around in amazement. “How in the Allfather’s name does he do that sir?”

“Practice, Sextus.  He was born to it.”

When Livius received the news from Marcus’ trooper he held a meeting with his officers. “If they are in the high valleys then we will have no cover and they will see us before we can see them. We only have three turmae which handicaps us a little.  Gnaeus you know this land as well as I do.  Take your turma on a long loop to the south and approach the valley from the southern side.  They used heavy wagons which means they could not get to the head of the valleys and I suspect that they will be where the wagon trail ends.  Lucius you are new to the region so you will be the bait.” The young decurion grinned; he liked living life on the edge. “You will ride up the wagon trail.  Follow the ruts.  It has been raining so even Julius Longinus could follow them.  I will approach from the north.  Remember that we want the wagons secured but, even more importantly we want these bandits caught.  Do not risk your men. If you can get prisoners then all well and good but I would rather have a turma whole than a prisoner caught.”

“Sir.”

The spy stared with eyes filled with hate at the back of the Prefect of Marcus’ Horse. Briac had hoped to ambush the horsemen but now it looked like his fellow warriors would be ambushed themselves. Now it was up to him to try to thwart the grey haired officer.

Briac and his men had seen the spy’s signal and had trailed him.  Briac was disturbed when one turma headed north, especially as it was led by the one with the sword.  He had been tempted to have him followed but he had decided that the three turmae merited his attention.  Now as the three turmae split up he was in a dilemma; whom should he follow.  The fact that his spy was in the leader’s turma determined him.  They would ambush that turma; without their leader they would flee. His men easily followed the horsemen for there was little cover on the fells. An occasional copse made them briefly disappear but they soon returned in sight.  He kept his men between the turma and his precious wagons.  The grain had long disappeared south but the cement he held close to the end of the wagon trail, guarded by his men.  His people had no use for it but the fact that the Romans wanted it made it precious.