The Winds of War.: The Iceni Chronicles, #4

By Ray Jones

These, are the Forth chronicles of the Iceni tribe which tell the story of Boudicca, and Prasutagus, who have become the King and Queen of the Iceni tribe, at the time of the second Roman invasion of Britain.  As the winds of War sweep across the lands of Britain, so must the Romans try to capture and destroy the druid sect at their Holy Island they know as Mona Insulis?

 A time when the might of Rome was to fall on the tribes there and attempt to destroy their holy men. The Druids of Gybi and their deep magic. A critical time in the histories of Britain when they must choose to submit to the legions of Rome or stand against them to protect their way of life.

This is a story Myriddin-Hu-Emery's shall tell in these chronicles as he is witness to the struggle between light and darkness, which begins with the Chosen.

It is also the fight for their independence against the might of Rome and here we shall meet 'The Chosen,' who will fight for their dark master Annwn and use the Talismans to destroy 'Avalon,' and thereby to return to the physical world. So must our Chronicler return to the life and times of the Chosen who serve the forces of Light and the Dark Seekers who would destroy the lands so that in the chaos they can bring forth their dark master from his prison.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ray Jones
• Release date: Nov 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386900429

Book preview

The Chapters and the Weavings,

Prologue.

The Guardians of Time.

The Deep Magic.

Mona Insulis.

Marcus Scapula.

The Bridge at Menai.

Paulinus.

The Chosen.

Brigantia.

Dracus-Hu-Araflon.

Avalon

Petronius of Persidian.

Septrine Fucillis.

The Rise of the Dark.

Lord Optimal.

Lossius Veda.

Damien-Hu-Cerddorion.

Chief Esupa-Astus.

The Market at Camulodunum.

Petros the Merchant.

Nemain. 

Catus.

Dorsa-Seen.

Eppilius-Eagle-Eye.

Petros.

Too High a Price.

Dracus.

Veda.

Nemain.

Arinrhod.

Stein Remus.

Decianus Catus.

Petros.

Marcus Scapula.

The General Paulinus.

In the Maidens Hold.

Princess Rowena.

The Queen of the Dance.

Mother Grogger.

The Naming Day.  

Dracus.

Esupa Astus.

Petros.

The naming of the Boudiga.

The Kings Champion.

Brius the Strong.

An Escape.

At the River.

The End of this Tapestry.

*

A Prologue.

1.The Guardians of Time,

It is the Guardian of the Tapestries of Avalon who has been the guide in these last chronicles of the Iceni. Myriddin, or Merlin, as he is sometimes called Emery’s, shall now show us this fourth set of weavings, and of how the deep magic of the Druids of Gybi, was almost lost to this world, as this tale is woven on the magical Tapestries of Danu. He shall show us what has transpired for the Chosen ones, who acts shape the histories of the past and present. The fate of the Children of light, and the dark seekers that are depicted on these tapestries. Here we shall come, to understand why the Roman legions tried to destroy the Druids of Britain...

*

For this is one of the worlds, where sentient life was to develop from the seeds sown by the creator, and as such it must be preserved and nourished beyond all else. However, those first beings were made immortal, and became to think of themselves as masters of this world, and as pride and greed came to bring division and then the war between them, this was to cause the first breaking.

It was then that they were punished by having to give up their corporal existence and ascend to a higher plane of existence. So was the dimension of space and time that is Avalon created?

However, the elemental Arawn refused to follow these gods by giving up their hold over the human race, or the power their worship gave him. Therefore did he create a magical jewel that would be a conduit into the hearts and souls of his people? For that act, he was sent to the other dimension of space and time which is Emania. The place of the dead awaiting rebirth and ascension. However, this amulet was stolen by the Elemental Amaethon and given to the first Druids. The Tuatha-De-Dannan, to hide away for all time. However, the mere existence of this amulet allowed Arawn to speak his evil words into the dreams of mankind and to corrupt the hearts and minds of those who would listen

At the same time did Danu create the Talisman of life a chair crafted from the great tree of life that would act as a counter to the amulet and its keeper will have the power of healing, the souls of those taken by Arawn and even to save a life at the time of passing. If its soul and spirit have not passed over.

All this Myriddin has shown in the previous weavings.

*

2.The Deep Magic,

Before anyone can begin to read or understand these Chronicles, they should know of the deep magic, and learn about the many levels of existence that was created at the birth of the matrix. The power of the earth mother and the matrix, which holds the heavens and all creation in balance.

For these weavings depict the continued story of the keepers of the ‘The chosen ones, those people who will fight for right or wrong. They are the ‘Children of Destiny. One such group of humans are the Children of the light who were chosen by fate deserve the light, and become a force for good. These souls can be used by the Guardians to maintain the balance in the matrix. And Myriddin shall be their guide. Another are those chosen by the evil one ‘Shaitain,’ who serves his master the man God Arawn. Those are the ‘Dark Seekers of Arawn,’ who were forced to serve the darkness of evil at the time of the great divide.

To do this, he shall look upon the tapestries that cover the year of 57AD as it will become known in the Christian calendar. Here we shall see if the message of the Redeemer, Jesus the Christos, can be preserved in this world, and the deep magic of the Druids is to be maintained.

All this has been shown on the other weavings, but at this is a moment in time, the use of the ‘Talismans of power,’ has disrupted the very seasons. And to bring about a series of harsh winters, and unless this can be reversed all the guardians have strived to achieve here in this world will be destroyed, along with the children of the light who serve them.

3. To Mona Insulis.

The weavings of Marcus had been in a state of flux ever since he was to take part in the Battle of Stonea and help his father, the Governor General Ostorius Scapula. There, to bring about the Peace between the Eastern tribes and the Legion. Now, once again he is about to place a crucial role in the lives of the Chosen. For unbeknown he has fallen in love with Septrine Fucillis who has promised to marry him once her father agrees. And when he returns from Mona. Septrine was the keeper of the Talisman of Life before it was taken by the minion of Esupa Astus and Nemain. However, Marcus does not yet know that Antonius Fucillis has been murdered on the orders of Lossius Veda.

All this was shown on the previous three tapestries which tell of Myriddin and the Chosen. The king of the Iceni, and The talismans of power.

Now things are about to come to a head, for all the Chosen souls who serve the Guardians and live in the light, and those who chose to serve the powers of darkness, which is Shaitain, and his followers.

Therefore, Myriddin must see if he can save the Druids of Gybi’ from the legions of Rome who are intent on wiping them from the face of this earth. To do so, he must look again at the Tapestries that show the fate of the Druids of Gybi, which is part of Mona Insulis. Its sixty years since the birth of the Redeemer and the year 60AD as recorded in these weavings which we first saw all those years ago, with Barach and Dracus, on the Tor of Araflon

*

It was at the ford of Stonea, and in the year forty-eight, that Marcus Scapula was forced to be a witness to the evil powers of the Seeress Nemain Du-Chille when she helped the rebel chieftains try to start another uprising amongst the Eastern tribes. Unfortunately, he was to come to believe that it was the Druids he saw there that day who had used their powers to kill his men. To burn them alive, as they were held as a helpless prisoner, in the large wicker cages, they were destined to become a sacrifice to their heathen Gods, as human torches. It was then that Marcus swore he would take revenge on this sect of priests no matter how long it took him.  But his father the General Governor had granted them amnesty, awaiting a ruling from Rome as to their complicity in these events. Since he had been convinced by the Druid Dracus –H-Araflon, that they could be a force for good in this province. However, now the Celtae tribes had broken the truce, and Emperor Nero had also decreed that they must be exterminated from his empire. Moreover, he also had good reason to believe his father had been wrong in his belief that these were holy men, who wanted only peace. For there had been two further encounters with the Druids and their magic. One such, was at the Ambush of his convoy which had been trapped on the road to Camulodunum, and more recently, the druids had prevented the arrest of the King Prasutagus. The Iceni warrior and chieftain who had been accused of breaking the truce of Stonea by ordering the killing of the tax inspectors, and the soldiers who had been sent into his lands to carry out the census ordered by Nero and the Procurator Catus. Once again a large number of the legionnaires had been taken and brutally murdered.

Now the Legions, we're poised at the edge of the Menai straights trying to find a way to cross this stretch of water that protected the Island of the Druid that was Mona Insulis. That was why general Suetonius Paulinus, had sent for Scapula who had previously commanded a section of Bavaria’s auxiliaries, whom, he had chosen to make the first assaults. Now, Marcus had to put all thought of his love for Septrine Fucillis aside, to leave her at Camulodunum and goes to the west to take command this force that was to make a bridgehead to the Island.

*

4.Marcus Scapula,

It is eleven years since Stonea, and that was how long he had held his hatred for these druids, who used their black magic to kill and maim. Seven years, since the Ambush on the Stane, and only last year, they had destroyed a full Centurion at the Bridge of Luxford. The priests said it was an act of their Gods, as punishment, for the desecration of their shrines, and holy groves!

So it may be, but he was not so sure. But it would seem they could control the weather now, and they had brought about a terrible series of long winters that had lasted for eighteen months with hardly a let-up. Only now had it abated enough for him to travel to Mona to take up his post.

In truth, the last winter of months spent with Septrine Fucillis, in Camulodunum had been the happiest he could remember, and the weakening of their friendship as it blossomed into love, and that, had caught him completely unprepared. But at least now she had his ring and a promise to return. A rash promise for any warrior, and now he had been given an all but impossible task.

*

Now as the winter abated slightly, Marcus was able to travel along the new roads and use the road forts built by Gallus to serve Deva and on to Segontium.  This new Castro Aestiva, had been built on a Celtae hill fort, they called, Caer-Segeint, sitting above the river Afon Seiont that emptied into the Menai straights, and it had been a hard journey through the snow-filled passes of the Llyn mountain range.

It was then that here in the safety of the road forts, he had reasonable cause to praise the road builders. For the well-built Via Devana, and to the roads and forts that were now possible thanks to the previous Governor Gallus diligence. Now it was possible to re-supply of the legions was possible during these harsh winters. However, Gallus had been recalled for spending so much money on his roads and forts here in this damp Island, a place which that Nero thought was hardly worth the trouble, and was so full of barbarians, who still resented the invasion and the protection of the empire. Now Gallus replacement Veranius Nepos had died under mysterious circumstances, and with him, had gone his last ally, and any hope of his, in bringing the Procurator Decianus Catus to account for his mistreatment of the tribes and his stealing from the treasury!

It was his father who first voiced his suspicions concerning for the way he had treated the tribes, and continued to line his own coffers with their treasure. That was why he had been posted to the Procurators staff. But Catus had become suspicious and had packed him off to Camulodunum, in a very poorly protected convoy. Perhaps that was why the tribes had attacked it and broke the peace treaty? He would have died that day, had it not been for the courage of the Tribuni Angusticavii, Antonius Fucillis that day. The father of Septrine Trius Fucillis, whom he had come to love more than life itself. For without her healing he would have died at the Bridge of Luxford. But even more for her wonderful and generous soul, as well as her incredible beauty.

Now Nepos was gone, the dispatches he carried, were to give new orders for General Gaius Suetonius Paulinus. Who had now been promoted to become the new governor of Britannica Secunda on the death of Quintus Veranius? He was not supposed to know their content, but he had been able to read some of it when they were sealed, and that last section from cats had heard his name!

But his progress had been painfully slow, for the mountain passes had frequently been closed, but now, at last, the spring had brought a small thaw, and he and the Batavians were able to force a path through the mountain pass of Llanberis, and their journey was coming to an end. Pausing on the heights above the new Castra he could see the beaches beneath the camp, was a hive of activity as the legions were building a vast amount of the flat-bottomed boats, he was expected to use to make a pontoon bridge across these straights? His companion Julius Agricola had risen up beside him.

By Jove Marcus, how in all Hades are we going to cross that? Just look at it, man. It is at least eleven hundred metres wide, just look at that swirling current, this was not nearly so strong the last time I was here. Or so deep, just look at the white water! Where have the fucking Islands gone?

That is due to the meltwater, there must be a narrow place where we can cross. Marcus answered, "But you are right, I fear Julius, it does indeed look to be near impossible at the moment. Besides, how else do the bloody Druids get across? Or the barbarians for that matter?"

Not in a fucking coracle that’s for sure. What of the Druids, we will need one of their bloody miracles. But you will not tell Paulinus I said that, since he needs a quick solution here, now that Nero has become involved in the fate of this Province. I suppose we have Catus to thank for that. I hear he has told our illustrious emperor that there is a vast reassure on this poxy Island.

The fact that Julius used the language of a common soldier was a constant surprise. However Agricola had come to Britain with Gaius Suetonius Paulinus, and this was his first posting. He was just a lowly ranked centurion then, but from a good family and Paulinus had soon seen his worth, and now he was a Primus prior and his right-hand man. Marcus had been grateful for his company as Julius was returning from leave, they had become good friends. Moreover, Julius had provided some useful insights into the ways of this new Governor of Britain.  And what he had discovered about the Island, it would seem that Catus had been right for once, in thinking that besides settling the hash of the Druids this land was a rich and bountiful place.  For as well as its religious status, it was rich in grain, and was good farmland, with some copper mines from which the Ordovices tribe, made their ornaments. There was also iron ore for weapons and even some lead. A virtual treasure trove in itself! Julius had also heard that there were a few hills, with vast expanses of lush plains, and some good fishing streams. There were some woodland and holy groves and the Druids of course, who were mainly to be found on a small peninsula called Gybi but as yet nothing was known of this part. For as yet, all this was just hearsay, taken from the few prisoners who could be pursued to talk and say how they got across the water.

Marcus turned to call up the Optio, Shanious Thalamus, who is in charge of his Batavians.  Shanious had been one of those who had used these flat bottom boats to cross the river made during the Claudian invasion. A mighty feat that had caught their king by surprise, and had cost him his life and a kingdom.

Optio Thalamus, See this water. Can we get across on your barges?

Not a chance in hell. You must send for Navy. They have bigger ships that can do this thing. We will all drown. Send for navy! Marcus looked at Julius for an answer.

We tried, they will not come until the summer. They are afraid of crossing the black waters in winter and risk the storms in the black sea. We cannot wait for the summer. Paulinus must get across now, or he will be judged a failure. By Nero. And you know what that would mean!

Yes, I see, well, we will give it a go, but Shanious is right, we are all dead men walking, and I will never get back to Camulodunum. It is a hard fact to swallow just when I have... Well never mind that. So be it.

As they rode down to the main camp, and the new Castra, which was being constructed on the banks of this section of water that separates the Island from the mountains of Cymru. Marcus had time to consider how he could persuade Suetonius to give him this young centurion as one of his officers, for he had been mightily impressed with the long man during their journey through the mountains. He had met up with Julius Agricola, who also was also en-route to Mona after taking some leave at Londinium. He also was waiting for the weather to clear at the Castra of Deva, and despite his attempts to convert him to the worship of this Mithras, they had become friends.

It was then that Gnaeus had told him of the problems they faced, to get the Army across the leagues that comprise the straights of Menai here at Segontium, as there was no bridge they could use. Marcus only knew of Paulinus, by his reputation as a hard taskmaster who was quick to anger, this was from his father, and they had always been Rivals and had never gotten along. To make matters worse, one of the Procurators with Ostorius Scapula one staff Julius Alpinus. He had written to the Senate complaining of the high handed manner in which Paulinus was conducting this campaign, and Nero had been forced to send one Polyclitus, to look into his complaints. The result was that it was, that Suetonius had been forced to return to Rome and face the Senate. It was then that Nepos was chosen to replace Scapula and not the general Suetonius. Now it would seem that Paulinus had weathered this storm. But this censure had caused a lot of bad blood between the General and the Scapula clan.

Having seen just how Agricola had gone about his business under these terrible winter conditions, an, it is evident that Julius was an able leader, and he had cause to like this staff officer in the Legio 11 Augusta.

As for the new Governor, Gaius Suetonius Paulinus Marcus, Julius, had warned him of his quick temper, and how he would never suffer fools or consider anything beyond him. Indeed, he had led his army across the Atlas Mountains, when everyone had said it was impossible. It would seem that Paulinus had the knack of doing the impossible! Even his own father Ostorius  Scapula had said he was in line for a post in Asia Minor, but it was refused because Ostorius, had backed  Domitus Corbulo for that posting, and Paulinus had never forgiven him for it, or his son. All in all, it was hardly surprising that Suetonius was chaffing at the endless delays the cold weather was causing him, and the delay in Marcus coming to fulfil his new post was the last stitch in the frayed blanket that held his temper in check. For the general badly needed his expertise gained in how to ford a river wide river that he had shown at Stonea. But that had only been shoulder high and in summer.

Perhaps that was why Paulinus had greeted his new officer so coolly when he finally presented himself at the place the barbarians named Mam, Cymru. The mother island, for the abundant produce it grew. How then did they get it across the waters? There must be a secret causeway, and he intended to find it! These thoughts were interrupted as he realised Paulinus was speaking to him and not Julius. He had been looking down on a drawing of the river mouth and the small bay here on the Seint estuary, which was now full of flat bottom boats.

All hail to you Scapula, you come at an opportune time, you were at Stonea and speak some Batavian do you not?

Indeed, general a little, but surely you do not need me when you have Agricola, he speaks their language far better than I can ever hope to do. Suetonius looked up, and the expression on his face was not that of someone who wanted to be told anything.

Do not presume to tell me what is what. Do not think I know Nero has sent you here to spy for him. Well, you both will have a rude awakening if you think to come here for an easy ride Scapula. I see you bear the scars of Loxley’s fort. How you come to survive when so many of my friends did not, is something we will discuss later. At least now that you have lost your pretty boy looks, you look like a soldier. And I have just the job for you.

Marcus had come to stand at full attention as these remarks and barbs were thrown at him. He was looking straight ahead with his arm across his breast in the full salute not daring to look down just in case his fury would show. Paulinus had not noticed his anger.

You will take these Batavian auxiliaries under your command, and you will get my legions across these pesky seas before we lose any more men trying to swim across. I order you to do this before the spring storms will come, and make it impossible.  I want to get across to that poxy island, and you are going to do it for me. I will not stay another winter locked up in these sodding mountains a moment longer. For some reason, I cannot understand Julius here has volunteered to be your second in command. Try not to drown him, I still have need of him. You both may go. You have four moons before the next high tides so get on with it. You are dismissed.

So it was that Marcus lent he was to lead the assault on Mona and knew that he may never see his Septrine again.

*

5. The Bridge at Menai

Now must the druid's face their greatest test, forward to save themselves, they must choose to allow the killing of the Roman legions that are poised to invade their holiest of holies the Island of Yens Mon. Myriddin has done all he can to guide them against using the deep magic in this way, but now they must be allowed free will to choose the way of Druantia or follow the Dark seeker Damien that will destroy all they hold sacred.

*

As the last of the pontoon boats floated away down the Menai, caught by the whirlpools and fast currents that flowed between the Isle and the mainland. It had taken Marcus and his men a full month, to survey these treacherous waters and to discover their secrets.

It was said that there were some Islands called Ynys Gored Goch, held within the waters and the Island, but if so the Druids had hidden them! Moreover, these waters had a strange magic that would alter the sandbars overnight and where once firm ground, was now shifting sand that would suck one under before a rescue could be mounted.  There were two different tides at the two ends of the straight that caused all sorts of different conditions, with strong currents that would flow in both directions at different times. The worst feature was the Pwll Ceris that had such terrible force to form whirlpools these the men had named the Swills! Because to become caught in them gave them the willies!

This was to be yet another attempt to use the flat bottom barges, to row across the water at the site Suetonius, had insisted was the shallowest point. But once again the sands had shifted, and the horses, who were roped together and forced to swim alongside the rowers, found nothing, but water, beneath their feet. And even the strongest swimmers, were taken away by a whirlpool, which had come from nowhere. Except, that on the opposite bank was a party of Druids, and their Sorceresses, who were shouting and chanting some sort of Incantation. Then, their Archers had the opportunity to use their men as practice target, as they floundered in the water. Marcus looked across to where Suetonius sat on his horse, looking at the drowning men, who could not escape this fate, as they tried in vain to swim back to the safety of the shore. The last body was the Optio Gaeta, his lifeless body so full of arrows, as it was swept away in the current.

Blast the man and his Pride! Marcus exclaimed to the men standing ready to make the next attempt. Stand down! There will be no more dead bodies here this day!

He had not meant to say this aloud, as he cursed the stupidity of this famous general who was too stubborn to see the obvious, that this section was too full and fast flowing. He had tried to suggest that they wait until the spring tides had passed, but Julius had been right, Paulinus was in a mighty hurry to settle for these Druids. At least they should have waited for the wait until the snow melt had passed and the waters would subside. Worse was that his Celtae prisoner