Boudicca Queen of the Iceni: The Iceni Chronicles, #3

By Ray Jones

This book continues the Saga of the Iceni, and tells of the Roman  invasion of Britain and  the life and times of Boudicca and Prasutagus. The King and Queen who have been chosen to lead the Iceni tribe at this critical time in their lives when they must try to prevent an all out war with the Roman legions. A war they know they cannot win.

It is also the Story of the Roman soldiers and their leaders who have been given the task of sujugating this tribe, and to destroy their druids. We meet again Septrine Fucillis,  who has grown up in Britain and lives with her father  and the Legion that is his life. A life that was taken from him in the ambush on the Stane.

 Now shall they all be tested,  as they continue the fight both phisically, and on the spritual level, when Esupa Astus and Nemain will bring the Amulet of Arawn into play. So must the Syrian Antonius try to survive as his slave.

All this is set against the rich backdrop of the lands of Cetic Britain,and as we learn of their life, and times, their loves and passions, the power, which will drive hem to win out against the evil that pervades this land, and the greed of Rome.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ray Jones
• Release date: Nov 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386529088

Book preview

Prologues.

The Druids of Gybi, and their Deep Magic.

These, are the Chronicles of the ‘Deep Magic’ which tell of the life and times of the Druids of Gybi, and, continue the chronicles of the tribes of Britain. They also show the events in Britain, at the time of the coming of the Roman legions. And the lives of those ‘Chosen People,’ who are to play such an important part in the events that will lead to the revolt of the Iceni tribe. All this is shown on the ‘Tapestries of Danu,’ which are held safe in the realm of Avalon?

In the previous Chronicles, the chronicler Myriddin-Hu-Merlyn has set down the changes that were made in the destiny of the people of Britain since the Roman legions had come to bring this island, and their attempts to bring this barbaric Island into their Empire. This is the story of Boudicca and the Talismans of power.

***

It was Emperor Claudius, who, after reading the scrolls of Julius Caesar, saw this Island as a fertile and prosperous Island, where crops would prosper, and the people would be easy pickings.  It was when the chieftain of the Atrebates tribe sent a message to Rome, and their chieftain Verica asked for his help in a dispute with his neighbours. It was then that the emperor Claudius saw a fertile land, where a quick victory would enhance his standing in the Senate.

However, after the welcome provided by Verica, the legions were to come across the forces of the warriors of the Catuvellauni tribe, Cunobelinus led this, and his sons, Togodumnus, and Caratacus. Now the legions were soon to find that these so called Barbarians, were not going to submit without a fight, and apart from the easy landings, his legions had to fight for this land. Even so, his Generals had said it was rich in minerals, and fertile land where one only had to plant a crop to see it grow and prosper. But they were also finding it hard to hold onto this damp and barbaric Island, located in the far reaches of his empire, was to prove a difficult task, even for some of his best Generals. However, with their discipline and training that was soon to have half the Island under their control, or so they thought.

For this Island was also home to the Druids and their deep magic, and they knew they could never win here until the last druid had been killed. For this was also a land of the Sorcerers and Seeresses. Those people who could do magical things with the powers of the talismans, and the deep magic they hold. For these were a gift from the old Gods, the elementals who rule their lives. With these magical talismans and the power of their minds some of the Druids can use them to bring mists to cloak, and fire to burn, rains drown, and the winds blow. They could speak in dreams and whisper secrets that will allow their chosen ones to do great things, which should be beyond their powers. However, these Druids had long been a source of unrest in Gaul, and elsewhere, especially in the barbaric nations of Germania. Now the Legions have orders to destroy them at their heartlands and most holy places. One of which is the small Island of Mona. Now must their sacred groves be burnt and their shrines and Henges destroyed wherever they are found, leaving no Druid alive. This is something the Guardians in Avalon, must prevent at all cost! For this sect of holy men, and women had another greater destiny, which was to use these God-given gifts to advance their knowledge of the occult and their paranormal abilities to such an extent they would become almost godlike.  For the deep magic of the matrix was a force that could lead them to discover ever more secrets of life and follow the path of peace towards ultimate enlightenment. While the Romans had started down on the opposite way, towards the search for the knowledge of science and materialism that would lead humanity to destroy it, as they began to harness this knowledge, without the control of one’s inner self that could temper knowledge with an understanding of the matrix. A path where greed and the lust for power, will lead them to believe might is right and the devil take the rest. It was a path that Arawn wanted them to follow so that he could have dominion over all the universes.

All this, Myriddin-Hu-Emery’s, or Merlyn, as he will become known in these Chronicles, which have been set down to tell of the life and times of  the Celtae tribes who tried to defend their lands, and their holy men, at the time of this the second Roman invasion, in the year  of 43 as you know it. All this has seen depicted, and shown on the Tapestries of Danu a magical gift of the Gods that show the life strands and destiny of the Chosen.

These are those souls who shall be forced to play a significant part in the game of life, which was given to them by the creator of all things. For these humans are among the first to be sentient. To know that they exist and have a soul and mind to reason and learn so that he can see where he need to act to maintain there will while still keeping to the precepts of free will for all the ‘Chosen’ who shall shape the events on this land.

It was in the first tapestries he was to see these people who were to become the Chosen children of the light or the opposite, those souls chosen by Arawn to become The Seekers of the Talismans. In the second weavings, he was to see how the Druids were to ensure that they, would choose The King of the Iceni and how he is destined to save them all. It was then, that Shaitain, a minion of the god Arawn, an elemental being who was worshipped as a godlike like him. Now, his task was to see those Myriddin had chosen to defeat his plans. His aims to bring chaos to the lands, and to bring about, the fall of the Druids, who stood in his way. His ultimate goal is to be able to enter Avalon, and then to use its power to free his master from his prison in Emania.

Here are the third weavings, wherein this land where the Romans have stolen and named as ‘Provincia Britanniae.’ So shall the Guardians, continue both the physical battle between the forces of Rome, and their struggle with the Celtae tribes. There is also another battle, against the forces of evil, that will bring death and chaos to this land. This fight is it woven in the ‘Tapestries of Danu,’ that it is the keepers of the Talismans of power, who shall decide the outcome of this battle between the forces of good and evil? These tapestries are held in a separate section of space and time, within the matrix that is Avalon.

Avalon is one of the four dimensions of space and time. It is there that the Guardians exist, and Myriddin is to be found.

The Tuatha-De Danann.

Merlyn is the last of the Tuatha-De-Dannan, who were the first human Druids, the people of Danu who were created by the Goddess Danu to worship only her. This was to become yet another cause of conflict between the gods and was to bring about the breaking and force the gods to ascend from their physical existence. Therefore, things must change before these powerful elementals, would destroy themselves, and this world.  To suppress this sentient race, before Humanity, could fulfil its destiny as the birthplace of the spirit that would seed the universes of the matrix. The matrix which bound everything in the design of its creation.

It was because of what they could do, using these Talismans and weapons that were created with the ‘Deep Magic’ of the matrix. It was their pride and envy, which was to destroy them. These conflicts were soon to bring about the opposing forces of good and evil among them. It was these feelings, which was to lead to their downfall in the war of the Trees. A battle where ever more powerful weapons were forged and used in this fight for supremacy, over the souls and minds of the humans who they were supposed to guard and cherish.

Therefore, must the elementals come to realise the danger of using these powers without control, and so were they forced to give up their corporal existence, and ascend to the second plane of existence. There, to await the fulfilment of the grand design that is the Gaia of the matrix. However the elemental ‘Annwn-Hu- Arawn,’ saw a way where he could to still maintain his hold over the souls of the humans. Therefore, when Danu, told him about the creation of the Tuatha-De-Dannan, his anger knew no bounds, and he devised a plan to avoid the ascension and to stay in the corporeal world, and so that these humans, could continue their worship of him, and he would gain the Astral power he needed,  he forged the Amulet of power. This Talisman is a time key, which would allow him to break the hold over this dimension of time and space. This amulet was a powerful talisman, and one that would allow him to reach into the minds and souls of those that were not protected by the protection their Druids and priests could provide. This he would achieve by reaching into their dreams, of those who would hear his false words and promises. All this has been shown in the previous weavings and chronicles, entitled ‘The Chosen.’ But now, the amulet has been found by the dark seekers, and it is back in the third dimension of time and space where the humans, live out their lives. Now can the other, ‘Talismans of Power,’ also be found and brought into play once again. Now must the ‘Children of light,’ and the, ‘Dark Seekers, who comprise the forces of Arawn, must once again do battle, to see who will win this war for the souls of Humankind.

For this is one of the critical moments in time, where Humanity, can be forced to divert from their pathway towards enlightenment, and to achieve their full potential, which is their destiny that is shown on the Tapestries. For with the arrival of the legions, they will be forced to or follow the false road towards Materialism and the use of power without the controls and guidance provided by their Druids, and their priest’s. For should the Romans succeed in destroying the Druids here in these Northern lands, there will be nothing the other guardians can do to prevent the destruction of this world, as it falls under the dominion of Arawn and his minions. A fate that will mean the end of free will that is another of the precious gifts of the creation of this species.

Chapter One. The Census.

It was then Esupa Astus had been told that he must bring chaos and war to these lands in such a way that they would once again have dominion over the tribes and do this he must recover the jewel and talisman of power that was the fabled Amulet of Arawn. With this weapon, he and the other Seekers of Arawn would bring about the fall of Avalon and allow Arawn to escape his prison in Emania. However, if Astus had known the price he would pay for listening to the evil voice in his dreams he would not have chosen this life that was no longer his, as the power of the amulet controlled him and forced to follow the instructions of the other elemental beings Shaitain and the series, Nemain-Du-Chille! It had been Shaitain, and Nemain, who had forced him to ambush the Roman convoy that was headed for Camulos that day, five years ago now. An act which was designed to kill several of their enemies, and force the Romans to retaliate against the Iceni, forcing Prasutagus to agree to a new and start a new war with the Roman legions. But this had failed as Marcus Scapula and Antonius Fucillis had been spared the flames of Emania.

***

Esupa-Astus,

Now that he and the others of the chosen who serve Arawn had all suffered terribly at the hands of Shaitain after yet another failure to bring the war to this region. Nevertheless, he had been given another chance by Shaitain, and a way to redeem himself.  The killing of the roman Tax-gatherers was to have provided the legion commanders, with a reason to seek revenge against the Iceni king. However, once again the Druids had intervened, and they had advised the king to make reparations for the loss of their men, and apologise for this act. And, by sending the heads of his men who had carried out the ambush, in his name on his lands. In that way, the king was able to appease the Romans with a casket of gold and silver. Moreover, Prasutagus, knowing that the Romans would still not be satisfied with this, he had agreed to carry out a tally of all his lands, and wealth of the Iceni tribe, himself, and even worse, he had personally brought this to Camulos hoping to agree on a new treaty. The Druid Dracus was expected to help with this, as was his bondsman and scribe Petros who must help with this as he could speak and read the Roman words they loved so much. As a bribe for his compliance Esupa Astus was to be betrothed to the king’s eldest daughter Rowena. Therefore, as the king had no male heir with Boudicca, and was unwilling to put her aside to provide him with a son. The husband of Rowena would rule at her side. When the Druid Dracus-Hu-Araflon had explained all this to him, he had been furious at first considering the king weak and a Roman lackey. That all this was treason, and he would see that Prasutagus would be called to account at the next chieftains Moot. However, it was Nemain-Du-Chille, the seeress who was now always at his side, and his advisor, as they both tried to follow the instructions of their

Master. Nemain who was so strong in the black magic which saw how this could all be turned to their benefit. For should Prasutagus escape, what was an obvious trap he had now played right into their hands and Astus could demand that he be removed as king. This, then, is the reason that Esupa Astus has agreed to carry out the tally. But there is another secret reason, for he has been given a promise, by the Roman leader Lossius Veda, that when the king comes to Camulos-Camulodunum, he will not leave again, and then he will be appointed as king in his place!

***

Astus and the Roman Census.

The price of his marriage to Rowena of the Iceni was that Chief Esupa Astus had agreed to take part in the counting of the tribe. A Tally of the people and their wealth. A census that had been demanded by the Roman pigs he despised and hated so much A task he would use to destroy Prasutagus and all he stood for as their king. Now, as they set about the compilation of the tally of the wealth of all the clans, in the eastern lands, to do this Astus had called Calvetas and Eppilius into the hall, and they had been told to bring the slave Petros with them...

Astus was seated on his high seat and Nemain was at his side. Today he wore his chieftain’s regalia, and it was apparent this was to be a critical audience.

Once Esupa Astus had stood tall and lean with a sallow complexion, and a strong head of black hair. Now his skin seemed almost transparent as his veins stood out on his exposed arms and his neck. His hair was thin and seemed grey beyond his age. The worst feature was his eyes. Where they had once been full of fire and energy now, they were sunken beneath his high ridged eyebrows and were ringed with dark rings. It was openly said, he hardly slept these days, and was always clutching at his new amulet as if it would hold his soul. Only Petros knew that was the case, but he could not speak of it and neither would anyone else if the seeress was in attendance.

This day, she seemed ever more powerful, dressed as a Queen, in her black jewel’s, the heavy beaded necklace of jet stones hung around her head which was hidden beneath a black hood and sheer black cloak. Which fell to the ground, but did not touch it, or form, any shadow in the light of the braziers? Her full, and luscious body, with her rounded, firm breasts and delicious cleavage, was that of a Negress, but Nemain was a shapeshifter, and no one could tell what her true shape was. No one but Astus who knew her to be the oldest living person still alive and beneath her current persona was a withered old crone with dried up breasts and a toothless grin.

As the men came to kneel before the chieftain to give him the usual breast salute, Petros also knelt holding his eyes to the ground. Even so, what he had glimpsed, of the chieftain, it would seem he had still not come to terms with his nightmares and was looking to be near to madness.

I see you Calvetas, and you Eppilius, you may rise as I have a strange task for you. No, do not speak for this is a holy matter, and that is why the seeress Nemain is here. She will hear my words so that you know them to be true.

At that pronouncement, the warriors both looked uneasy, for they had seen what had happened to Astus, ever since the Seeress had become his advisor. Neither dared listen to the women standing in the shadows. Astus chose to ignore their looks of concern, to turn to Petros.

You also may rise Petros of many tongues, for your skill as a scribe, also are to be needed this day. As for you, Calvetas-the- strong, we will need your strength in this hated task. I must tell you that our king has agreed to perform terrible treason against all of the Iceni. What is worse is that I also shall become mired in this evil act.

By now everyone was hanging on every word.

No, do not speak. For this also involves you, Eppilius- eagle- eye, and this slave, you have befriended.  Eppilius was about to deny he had done any such thing. But Astus held up his hand to demand silence.

Be patient, and you both shall see why this conversation is sealed to this hall, and I have asked Nemain to ensure no one will disturb us. But before we can speak of this matter, I have also asked her to shut off the mind and ears of this Syrian.

With those words, Petros felt a buzzing in his ears and all he could hear, was a buzzing as if a swarm of bees had descended, onto his head. He could not listen to what was said. But he could lip read, and Nemain said, ‘It is done.’

Then come closer, and we shall speak of the evil that Prasutagus has ordered done. Nemain, you shall turn the slave to the wall, I do not want to see his evil eyes on me as now must tell you of the evil task that you must perform for this evil bastard Prasutagus.

As the two warriors waited for Astus to speak so did Nemain also stand at his side, and it was he who spoke next.

So my friends, I fear your king has gone mad. You know of the fight with the Roman pigs and the taking of hostages? They nodded their agreement.

Well, what you do not know is that Prasutagus has committed a heinous act of treason. He has killed order the death and beheading of our friends and sent them with our treasure to the Romans in payment for what we have done to their filthy tax collectors.

Now both Calvetas, and Eppilius had staggered back from her, and they put their hands over their ears as if to avoid hearing any more.

Well might you shudder at this betrayal but there is something even worse. But I will let Astus here, tell of it. So did Astus tell them that Prasutagus had agreed to do what the Romans could not and produce a tally of all the tribes here in the east, Moreover that he Esupa-Astus, was to do this terrible thing?

When he had finished, the two warriors were looking dumbfounded and were about to refuse to have anything to do with such a thing. But Astus went on to say.

Wait, yes I understand why you will feel sick in your hearts and minds as I am. But by doing so, the king has played right into my hands, and while I have agreed to prepare this tally, I will make sure that it will never reach the Romans. Yes, I will bring it to the next chieftain’s moot, but there I will bury it and destroy Prasutagus and anyone who supports him.

Now the warriors wanted to know how they would be involved.

You will take this train to visit the holdfasts and see that he can count the tally-sticks and mark them up on these clay tablets Nemain has prepared. They hold a spell which only the Syrian and I can read. So you must take care of them and it. This must be done before the winter makes it impossible. So is it said so must it be done."

Then all of a sudden, he could hear again.

I see you, Petros! I have told these warriors that from this moment, you shall become my trusted bondsman and my scribe. I have agreed with the Druid Dracus that we shall prepare a great tally of the Iceni. An accounting of all our villages and holdfasts that will be presented to the Roman Procurator before the next feast of Beltane. I require you to do this thing, for you can read and write these squiggles that the Romans use and love. Moreover, these Warriors will see that you shall be held safe and secure.

He was still a prisoner then! That was his first thought, but to meet with this druid again was something he had prayed for, but Astus had not noticed his attention had wandered.

It must be done in the time we have agreed. However, the headmen and chieftains will come here to Brettle with their tally sticks, and you shall write them down in the Roman way. I will find a Druid to be at your side so that our people will also know they cannot lie, or hide the true extent of their worth.

Eppilius had seemed to take this new task with his usual calm acceptance, but Calvetas was furious at what he had been told.

My lord Astus, how can we do this thing, it will take a year at least. I am sorry my lord; I fear it cannot be done before Beltime.

It will be done, or else you both shall suffer my wrath and that of Nemain. So is it said so shall it be done!

Therefore, and once Astus had given them their final instructions, it was left to Eppilius to see it done, and Astus had said he must go to meet with Prasutagus and would return before the next Samhain...

***

So it was that all that spring, and summer, a constant stream of visitors passed through the camp from every settlement and Hold on the Iceni lands. All had a verbal account, or a notched tally stick to describing their farms, settlements and holdings as well as the number of shield and spear warriors whom they could put in the field that year.

Much to the disappointment of Petros, the scribe, it was nor Dracus who came to oversee these proceedings, but a stranger, an Ovates, Eppilius called Mengis. He was a surly fellow, and kept himself away from them all, except when a tally had to be certified. Otherwise, it would seem he spent his time in constant prayer. However, and despite his pledge never to reveal, the chieftain's secret's Petros was always kept apart from the Druid, and the times he had tried to see him, he had been severely punished with a flogging. Or, he was forced to endure a spell clearing out the cesspit, and a loss of privileges, such as free exercise and the withholding of any proper food.

As usual, it was Calvetas who was eager to vent his spite and anger at having to do this task he considered to be treason, and beneath the dignity of a shield warrior. For the truth was that Calvetas often found a reason to vent his evil nature on this so-called scribe. The slave who dared to become so important, that he now stood before him in the eyes of the Chieftain. Perhaps that was why his food ration reduced so much. At the end of this task, Petros was barely skin and bones, by the end of the counting.

As the census was completed, the Druid Mengis was recalled to Gybi, without Petros is any wiser as to the Druid cult or where their base on this island near Mam Cymru or Ynys-Mons, could be found. Nevertheless, by then, he was so very sick with a fen fever, he could hardly stand. It was then as he became delirious with dysentery that he heard the voices again!

‘Petros, I am Barach, if you hear my voice, it is because you are near death and have crossed the thin divide between the living and the spirit world. Now that you have been bonded to the Amulet, the Guardian Myriddin, or Ambrosias as you know him, can no longer reach into your dreams. Yes, I know about your vision, dreams, and the god gave tasks you have been given. You see, I was once a Druid who served the Guardians’, and now my spirit has been torn from the realm of Emania as the Amulet of Arawn was brought into this world of men.  If you remember, we met before on the shores of Brittany. It was then that I sent you into the slave pens, so that you would be with Astus, and could prevent him from finding the Amulet. Now you must see that this has changed, and you must follow a different path.

I saw then that it was your destiny to go forth and spread the words of the Redeemer to the Gentiles, since I also have heard the voice of his angels, on the great Tor of Araflon, and have long sought to find the true redeemer that is the spirit made flesh.

Unfortunately, I arrived in the east too late to speak with him, but he came to me in my soul. Soon, you will encounter the king of the Iceni, and his Queen Boudicca. It is foreseen that one of her bloodlines will become the ‘Boudiga’! The ever-victorious one who the people believe will lead them to victory against the legions of Rome. But This belief is a false pathway and one that they must not follow.

Once before, you were told by Dorsa -seen, that you were one of the chosen. That it is your destiny to become as the guardian and Protector of the keeper of the Talisman of life, and all this was hidden from your mind until the time came when you must fulfil this new destiny.

Nevertheless, there is another task I would ask of you, and that is to become a shield to the Iceni and save them from falling under the spell of the amulet.

Soon, you must seek out the Iceni you will know as Brigantia. Remember this name, for you must save her also, and help her save the Iceni from extinction.’

Then the fever returned, and everything became a blur. However, the very next day the fever had broken, and with the help of Eppilius and his rabbit stews, he slowly regained his strength...

It was several days later that he had tried asking Eppilius when the chieftain would return, and when they would take the census to the king. For perhaps then he would find a way to speak with the king's Druid, Dracus, about this latest dream. Calvetas, had seen how ill, he was, and the fear of catching his illness had kept them both away from his hut, but at last Astus was to return, and Eppilius was forced to sit by his bedside, his face as grim as can be.

Dreams Petros, yes, I also have been having strange dreams again. You must not concern yourself about such matters, for I fear that your incredible luck may have run its path. A messenger has come from Esupa Astus. We are to take you to see the king and tell him of this counting. Here please try this broth. Nemain says it will stop the shits. By god, you do look ill Syrian! I curse Calvetas for insisting he punish you like this. Cal is all for cutting out your tongue to stop you telling of what you have seen and heard here this summer.

As those words sunk into his foggy brain, Petros tried to get up. But the warrior held him down with little effort. 

Do not look like that. I hear Astus has your oath, not to speak of it, so I have managed to hold him from coming here. But now Nemain and Astus has other plans for you.  Look, my friend; please drink this medicine. See I will taste it first. You have survived so much when others have thought you lost. You must know now, that I for one, will still try to be your friend. Come, man, you must try to eat something and get well, or all you have done will be for nothing...

So it was that Petros, did manage to eat a little broth, but the fever would not leave him as he was still as weak as a newborn lamb, having to be hand-fed, and forced to lay in his own mess when was sick. But, as to what the chieftain was up to, now he had the amulet, Petros was to learn something of this when his guards thought he was asleep, and he overheard his guards talking about their troubled chieftain. It was Calvetas, who first raised his concerns.

It is a curse I say. I fear Astus is going mad, what made him agree to this folly anyway. Surely, he does not intend to send this tally to the Roman pigs?

Of course not Cal, he is not that stupid. It is all a ruse to gain time and convince the other tribes to join us. Look, man; ever since the murder of Hasta, things have gone from bad to worse for us. It was terrible luck to have a Druid murdered in our hold, and we have all been dammed for it. Do not think I do not see you tossing and turning in your furs.

Calvetas, just grunted, wiping the beer from his beard before speaking.

Then why bother with this slave now he has done his evil work. I hate to see him gloating every time I look at his smug face. I believe that this new trouble is all his fault. Astus was almost sane before they went to Camulos, and he came back with that blasted jewel. As you know, I would have slit his Syrian throat long before this.  On hearing his name mentioned, Petros tried to edge closer, to hear more clearly.

I cannot answer that Cal. All I know is that Petros has some hold on Astus ever since that day. Did you not hear him say, we must keep him alive until he returns with Nemain?

That bloody old crone, she is at the bottom of it if you ask me! Always fussing around him, asking him about the bloody amulet. That thing is driving him mad. What with these nightmares and screaming. I fear you have the right of it. I saw that you do not sleep much either. It gives me the screaming hub-dabs, and that is for sure.

I agree, I want nothing to do with her black magic, or what Astus and her, are planning, but if it brings an end to the Roman pigs, who am I to argue?

I still do not know why we are kicking our heels here while Astus goes to see the other chieftains. I smell a fight on the wind, and it will not be with the legions this time!

Yes, I fear you are right Eppy. Prasutagus should never have killed Gummous and the others. Sending their heads to the legion, was an evil thing to do. Nemain said their souls cannot go to Emania now. I for one will never forget that for some of my best friends died in that fight with the Roman tax collectors, and now we have done their fucking work for them.

In truth, that was possibly the longest speech Petros had heard from this big oaf, someone whom, he had always thought to be as thick and slow as an oak tree. Nevertheless, at that, Eppilius got up and stoked the fire and pour himself another jug of beer.

Not all of it was for nothing. We got the hostages back, and the legion will think twice about marching into our lands again.

Calvetas was sitting warming his hands at the new flames and silent for a moment, as he remembered his dead friends who had paid the price for the attack that he, and Astus, had orchestrated that day.

Well, if you say so, but all I know was that was a foul thing to do, and I say Prasutagus and those who still stand with him, should have their head cut off. They can rot in limbo like those poor souls. And a lot of others, agree with me.

It is just as well we are alone Cal, for you will soon lose your head talking like that. I hope it is only the beer speaking, but I fear it is true. What do you think of this so called Tally?

Blast it Eppy, by the god’s, all I know is what he told us in the hall. This also is a ruse to be able to bring our warriors into his Hold. Once there he is going to challenge the king and before all the other chieftains. But we were told not to talk about this. So shut your mouth before you put your foot in it!

"Well, I know you well enough to trust you not to say anything. Besides, I am only saying what everyone is thinking. Even so, if you ask me, we have done the Romans work for them. You have your ear closer to the ground these days. What you have heard about Princess Rowena. Is it true they are to be married?

You listen to many tittles-tattle if you ask me, but she would be a prize worth waiting for, and that is why Astus is holding back with the Tally and this slave. He is the only one who can make any sense of these scribbles, and who knows what he has really put on them. Calvetas spat into the ashes, to emphasise his point and stood up to say.

I need a piss, but mark my words. From what I have heard we will not have to wait much longer, and then we will show that coward Prasutagus and his brood what for, and If what you say comes to pass, we will soon be rid of this piece of shit once we get to the kings' hold. And then when Astus is safely married, we will be free to act. Then just see if I am not right, and Astus will see to it that this lot of Roman lovers will get their throats slit. Look, it is late, and I am off to my bed, and you can see to your Syrian friend for by the smell he has been and soiled himself again.

However, with Eppilius care and some good food, Petros health did begin to improve, and as the fever abated, it was the next day his guards informed him the Tally was to be loaded into two large carts, and he was to accompany them to the holdfast of Prasutagus, at the Oppida of Venta Icenorum.

To meet a King,

However, the truth was, that Petros was in no fit state to travel, and the arduous journey was the last straw, but at least he was allowed to ride in the back of the two carts, that held the tally sticks, and the clay tablets onto which he had inscribed the census, with his best Latin.

In truth, this was a sad ending to his time in Britain and his holy quest to find the Druids of Britain and tell them of the words of Christ and the promise of a life after death. Something they already had a notion of just such a holy vow. Just how a Syrian charioteer and ex-gladiator, who had won his freedom in the great arenas and circus of Rome, had come to this pass is a magnificent story that has been told in the previous tapestries and weavings. Nevertheless, it would seem now, that his life was once again hanging on a thread. For Calvetas had let it slip that he was now expendable. Somehow he must find a way to speak to the Druid Dracus, or the king and tell them the truth, of why he was sent to Britain. And before it was too late for him, for without a tongue, his mission would be over.

However, he was where his lord wanted him to be, and all he could do was trust in the spirit, which had guided his footsteps ever since meeting Saul of Tarsus in Antioch. For now, he was but a