Dark Queen

By MysticAchemist

No stock arriving in their warehouse and still staff to pay leaves the crew little option other than to find the source of the trouble.
More recruit soldiers. More weapons. More battle chariots and wagons and another war boat set sail towards a land cloaked by magic and whispered to be controlled by a woman known as the Dark Queen who no one is able to, or wants to identify. With the added suspicion that there are spies within their staff, and the knowledge that their spirit wife is unable to help, Cal and his wives set sail to reclaim their trading empire or die in the process.

An easy to read fantasy adventure loosely set in the Ancient Roman Empire.

• Language: English
• Publisher: MysticAchemist
• Release date: May 24, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463984147

MysticAchemist

Writing the kind of books I want to read. Grabbing hold of an idea and immersing myself deeply into the characters, then allowing the alchemy of dreams and daydreams to shape and guide the story, and finally, typing that story out so you can read and enjoy it too.No AI is used in my stories and all text is hand written.

Book preview

Dark Queen

Tunis Takeover

A Swords & Stones Adventure

Book 5

MysticAlchemist

Copyright © 2018, 2020 MysticAlchemist

All rights reserved.

Written in Australian English

(Text version 3 2020)

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people living or dead, events or locales is purely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Chapter 1 - Chariots from Ancona

Chapter 2 - Port

Chapter 3 - Rome Chariots

Chapter 4 - Aquileia Warehouse

Chapter 5 - Departure

Chapter 6 - Storm

Chapter 7 - Tunis

Chapter 8 - First Patrol

Chapter 9 - Bait

Chapter 10 - Carthage

Chapter 11 - Weddings

Chapter 12 - First Day

Chapter 13 - New Preparations

Chapter 14 - Second Day on the Road

Chapter 15 - Arriving at Carthage

Chapter 16 - Storming the Capital

Chapter 17 - Taking Command

Chapter 18 - Return to Carthage

Chapter 19 - Final Battle

Chapter 20 - Recovery

Chapter 21 - Sailing to Rome

Chapter 22 - Reporting to Rome

Chapter 23 - Dining with Caesar

Chapter 24 - Being Caesar’s Friends

Chapter 25 - Sad Wolf

Chapter 26 - Wolf’s Homeland

Chapter 27 - Wolf Ring

Chapter 28 - Story Telling

Chapter 29 - Big Stones

Chapter 30 - Stone Glow

Chapter 31 - Convoy Northward

Chapter 32 - Barbarian Lands

Chapter 33 - Nerrina’s Search

Chapter 34 - Finding Family

Chapter 35 - Buying a Business

Chapter 36 - Buying a Province

Author Page

CHAPTER 1

Chariots from Ancona

You’re taking armed battle chariots to Rome painted in your colours? Maxim the chariot maker was in full flight. You’ve been in the desert too long and been touched with the sun.

They said he was full of sand, Sara said, pointing at Cal, pleased it wasn’t her in trouble.

The deserts of Tunis are not the same as the streets of Rome, Maxim said, Martina hovering alongside, her slate ready to amend the order.

We’ll just go around the walls, not through the city, Miena, Cal’s boss-wife said trying to keep the discussion on a sensible level.

It won’t matter, you’ll be seen and the Palace will know before you get half way round, you know the gossip in Rome.

One way is if we covered them then they wouldn’t know, Miena said.

Maybe we should’ve left the golden wolf’s head off the sides, Helga said.

Cana likes his picture on them, Karli said, holding baby Petra while Cana rubbed against her legs.

Mark my words, whatever you do, the Palace will know sooner or later and they won’t stand back and watch for long, Maxim said.

Luckily we always pay our bills in advance then, Cal said. They must know we’ve got soldiers in Tunis. The Governor there is taking coin from us each month and he must be reporting back to Rome.

Tunis is a long way from the city walls, Maxim said.

These chariots are for patrolling our port land south of the city. Everyone on the city walls will see so Rome will know exactly what we’ve got. I’m sure even Caesar himself will know that we’re got battle chariots before we unload them, so there’s no point in worrying, Cal said. And we need another of those orange passenger chariots we got last time for the girls in Rome, and two sets of the matching harness as well a harness for Petra.

Petra’s not a horse, Karli shot back.

A pretty harness to keep her safe in the wagon when we travel, something to stop her falling out.

I’ll help design it, Ameena said, now by Karli’s side ready to hold Petra if needed.

I’ll take you to our finest harness maker, Martina, Maxim’s wife said. I’ll get him to craft a perfect baby harness for your precious growing child.

All those that want to go to that farm we got those nice horses for those girls in Rome can go and get two more the same, Miena will sort coins, Cal said. That started a charge for the wagons. Everyone that wasn’t sorting baby harness was going.

Ava and me will drive, we know the way best, Sara yelled, running to get to the driver’s seat before anyone else could claim it.

Miena’s not on yet, Helga yelled as Sara started the wagon moving.

She can catch up, Sara yelled back.

She’s got the coins, we should wait, Heidi said. The wagon stopped.

Everyone else now occupied, Cal was able to take an empty wagon and slip away towards Ancona proper, heading to the business in the back streets that sold ex army equipment.

Welcome back my friend, the shop-keep said as Cal stepped into the front room, a scattering of scruffy stock spread around to make the room seem fuller than it was. I’ve managed to get a good amount of what you wanted, come through the back, the shop-keep waving Cal forward. This was only a small room, but it was well stacked. I’ve got tents, including two large ones. Spears and shields and some leather aprons. Good ones are getting harder to find but I’ll keep looking.

Helmets? Cal asked.

Only those in the front room. Not good enough for you Sir.

Crossbows?

The shop-keep’s eyes lit up. Only managed four, but they’re the best quality and piles of matching bolts too. A few long swords as well and a good selection of knives and daggers, some with holders. He was rummaging under a large cloth, pulling it back to reveal the mentioned weapons. I kept them out of sight as you requested. His left arm reaching up to touch the side of his nose. I can keep me mouth tight when it’s worth it.

You’ve done well. We better settle up.

I’ve kept the prices low since I know you always pays on time. If you like I’ll include those helmets out front, you might be able to fix some.

Cal walked out to inspect, doubting any would be able to be fixed and deciding it wasn’t worth asking where they came from either. I’ll take all that cooking gear too. Cal was pointing to a pile of assorted iron tripods and racks near the helmets.

The final bill was really quite reasonable and together they loaded it all on the single wagon, weapons hidden under the pile of tents.

More helmets, weapons and crossbows next time, Cal said as they finished.

I’ll try, the shop-keep said, smiling still from the easy sale. And I’ll look for more leathers too.

‘Make sure you wash the blood off first,’ Cal said under his breath as he drove away, heading back to Maxim’s Chariot Works to check on progress. The other wagon wasn’t back, but Karli and Ameena were taking turns in holding the lead on the harness fitted to baby Petra as she crawled around the back of the home wagon.

This is a great idea, Karli said when she saw Cal. Petra loves it too.

Where’s the others? Ameena asked.

Getting two horses for those girls with the delivery business in Rome, Cal said.

- - -

Cal had two of the six battle chariots loaded before the horse choosing crew returned, two majestic tan coloured horses tied to the back of the wagon.

They’re as good as the last ones, Sara yelled as they drove through the entrance to Maxim’s yard.

They were the same price, Miena said when the wagon stopped.

The commotion had brought Martina out to check, still carrying her slate. Cal thought she must sleep with it in case she got orders in her dreams.

Just magnificent animals. I’ll get our master harness maker to measure them to make the most perfect harness you’ll see. I picture extra frills around the joins and maybe tassels too. Make sure they turn people’s heads. Martina was in full flight, taking the others with her. If we used black leather it would highlight their colour and the cost is hardly any more. The other women were nodding agreement. It was then that Sara spotted the pile of goods in the other wagon and after poking Ava to join her, made a direct line to that wagon.

These helmets are no good, She yelled. We should have gone with you, we know what’s best.

Under the tents, Cal said quietly.

Can we try it on a chariot, Sara yelled when she saw the first crossbow. Cal nodded.

I’ve found the bolts, Ava said, nearly as loud as Sara. The two of them struggling to get the heavy weapon from the wagon back.

You’re not going to let them shoot it here, Miena said, coming to supervise.

Just a little test, Cal said.

We’ll test it good, Sara said, more quietly as she needed her breath to manoeuvre the crossbow towards the mounting post on one of the chariots waiting to be loaded.

Try not to shoot a horse, Miena muttered, shaking her head.

We won’t, Ava said, getting ready to help Sara arm the weapon.

By the time the two warriors were ready to fire the first test bolt, quite a crowd had gathered, even the slave who was looking after Maxim’s son was watching. Sara and Ava were discussing their first target, finally settling on a wooden fence post, Sara now on the trigger and Ava watching for problems.

Fire! Ava yelled.

Cal heard a twang as the bow string was released then the cheer as the pair yelled their success.

That’s enough, Miena said. We know it works now.

We need more practice so we can hit Roman soldiers every time, Sara yelled.

Barbarian soldiers, Miena corrected quickly.

That’s what she said, Ava said. Barbarians. That’s what we hit.

Enough fun, we need to get the rest of these chariots loaded, Cal said.

One more test, Ava hasn’t had a go, Sara said.

When we get to our port, Cal said. You can wait. It won’t be long.

Hurry up and get these chariots loaded, Sara yelled.

With help, Cal quickly had the remaining four battle chariots loaded and secured before he mentioned that the Chariot for the girls wouldn’t be ready until tomorrow.

- - -

Six days to Rome. They knew this road well. Regular places to stop and sites to camp for the night. Even though Sara tried to speed the trip, the rest held their pace.

We’ve got to go careful for the freight, Helga said, their wagon loaded with four chariots.

And the extra horses aren’t used to racing yet, her twin sister Heidi said.

The last night, while they camped on the hill overlooking the city, discussion turned to the path for tomorrow. Usually it was straight along the road, through the city wall east gate and onward to their agent’s home. This was the first time they’d needed to get to their new port land without going through the city.

I can’t see any roads going where we need to, Sara said, peering into the setting sun.

We could just go as normal and turn off at the city walls, and drive right around, Cal said.

The guards will see us, Karli said.

We’ll go so fast they won’t know what’s happening, Sara said.

We’ll go careful so we don’t attract attention, Miena said. Remember we’re just simple traders.

We should wear our oldest clothes, Ava said.

And leave our hair uncombed, Sara added.

We’ll do all that and just go careful and see what happens. No attacking if we get stopped. We’re just traders doing a delivery, Cal said.

CHAPTER 2

Port

The guards on the city wall eastern gate had to squint into the early morning sun to see the wagons arrive. That, and the stream of people going out to work farms meant there was no fuss as the load of battle chariots approached and then turned to follow a single width track off to the left that looked like it would follow the wall. Everyone silent and trying to look as inconspicuous as possible. Of course that made some look even more suspect but Cal, who was last in the home wagon, saw no issues with the guards.

Even Sara managed to stay silent as she guided the wagons onward. The track was well made and heading in the right direction and there was no one coming towards them. Things were going well.

The main southern wall gate was approaching on their right. Their whole caravan would cross directly in front of it, no sun for diversion here. Cal hoped the others wouldn’t stare at the guards. He tried very hard not to when it was his turn to cross. Nothing. A good way further Sara stopped and the wagons bunched, most hopped down to talk.

That went better than I thought, Miena said.

We’re the best leaders, Sara said.

Well can those best leaders get us to our port without racing, Cal said.

Sara had the reins flicked and her wagon moving while everyone was scrambling to get back to theirs. It was a long straggly procession of wagons that continued along the city’s southern wall, then turned south to drive around the swamp area that marked the beginning of their land, then along the coast toward their new port.

Cal spotted changes as they came closer. A field of old army tents alongside the six stone houses that had been there before. On the beach opposite, was the beginnings of a stone wharf extending out into the blue ocean, groups of people working around it. A large two-horse wagon by the wharf unloading stones. The closer they got, the more people Cal saw. The whole place was alive. Sara had stopped near the wharf, her wagon pulled off the side of the track, everyone else copying her in a tight line then getting down to inspect.

There’s a chariot coming, Ava yelled, pointing back the track they’d just driven, everyone turning to check.

It’s one of ours, Sara yelled. I can see the wolf.

Only a single occupant wearing one of their red soldier’s tops, part billowing out in the wind as the machine raced towards them.

Looks good, doesn’t it? Miena said to Cal.

Hope they haven’t been in the city.

Too late to worry.

I came as soon as I heard, the chariot driver yelled as he was slowing the horse. Definitely Victor, the lad Cal put in charge last time.

How did you hear? Miena asked as the horse came to a halt alongside her and Cal.

The whole city knows when you come, everyone talks about you. I see you’ve brought more chariots.

And crossbows for them too, Sara said. They’re the latest model and they go real fast.

Where can we park? Cal asked.

Still on the chariot, Victor beckoned them to follow, slowly taking the caravan to a grassed area away from the tents that had some posts to tie horses too.

A rush of activity while the horses were unharnessed and tied to graze, everyone keen to get gossip of what had been happening. Victor waiting until the last wagon was sorted before starting his report. I’ve moved half my people here to the tents now, the rest are still in the rented building. It’s been harder than I expected having separate places.

We’ve brought more tents, Sara said.

Two big ones, Ava added.

We should set those up first. If we can all move here we’ll save the rent money and I’ll be happier with all my people in one place.

Do your people like it here? Ameena asked.

Very much. Most love the water and some are learning to fish and others learning to grow vegetables. We’ve never been able to do that before.

How you going with food? Miena asked.

Some of the girls you taught last time have set up one tent as their kitchen and they do food for everyone. We all help them a bit, especially grinding the grain, but they’re doing a great job.

We’ll help them more, Helga said.

We should see them now, Heidi added.

Victor pointed to an end tent, and the twins were bounding towards it in moments.

They should’ve taken the cooking gear, Sara said.

Ava and you could take it for them while we decide where these tents are going, Cal said.

I’ll get some of my men, they’d like a change from carrying stone, Victor said, whistling to attract attention and then yelling for helpers. They came charging across the open ground. So many there was no need to move the wagon, they all carried bits and pieces and headed towards the main tent area, Cal’s women following behind.

While the workers sorted out tent pieces, Cal wandered the area noting the existing tents seemed to be bulging with sleeping gear. Surprised at the ages when he found the cooking tent. Most seemed far too young but they all seemed happy to be there and helping.

These girls are doing great, Heidi said when she saw Cal looking.

They’re feeding the whole town, Helga said.

And they’re doing it really well, Heidi added. The young cooks all looking admiringly at the twins.

We should see if we can design a uniform for these cooks, Helga said.

You both see what you can design, but don’t tell the others, Cal said, the twins smiling and nodding and glancing at each other.

- - -

We’ve decided to use those two big tents for the chariots. One for the battle chariots and one for the girl’s orange delivery service chariots, Sara reported before anyone else could get a word in. It had taken until noon to get all the tents set up, then most made a line for the cook’s tent looking for food. We can start unloading the chariots now.

Cal helped the women unload the wagons. Four of the battle chariots fitted with crossbows, that task keeping Sara and Ava occupied. Victor’s men came to help when they noticed, their attention also drawn to the used weapons by the loud voiced warriors. Cal and half the crew not involved with chariots took a walk towards the partly completed wharf that the lads had abandoned. There was one older man still working, fussing with finding a small stone to wedge between two larger ones.

You the stonemason? Cal asked as he approached the man.

It’s a big job.

Only you? Miena asked.

They want me to show them, but it takes time.

You from up near the swamp? Cal pointed.

Cheaper than inside the city.

Any others that know building?

Two more stone men and a carpenter. He’s good even though he’s getting old now. Still knows his stuff better than some of those young ones that think they know everything but wouldn’t know one end of a nail from the other.

They all good men? Miena asked. Men you would trust?

They be that.

Get them here, we’ll pay for good work. Got some more projects for you all, Cal said.

I can get them now, the worker said.

I’ll send a wagon back to take you, Cal said, looking around for who wanted the job. Mary was looking excited. Mary will drive you. That had Mary running back towards the wagons and horses.

We’ll take Petra in the water, Karli said and her and Ameena went down the beach looking for a good place to stop, Cana keeping watch behind, leaving Cal and Miena to plan the works.

- - -

Most were still playing with battle chariots when the lone wagon returned with the extra men. Cal and Miena had decided while they were waiting, so were able to start telling of their desires before any others could help.

Watch tower near the wharf. Covered platform up high for guards and two poles for banners so our boats know where to come, Cal said. Yards for horses and shelter for them too.

That be my job, an old weather-beaten man said as he paced around looking for the best site.

The wharf we need long enough for two boats each side. One small boat in front and one of our large ones behind, Cal said.

We’ll need a lot more stone, the original builder said.

Tell us where and we’ll try to get it for you. Then we need a good solid building for a kitchen and bakery. Good cooking fires and bread oven, nice floor and good for when it rains, Cal said. When that’s done, we need a warehouse for grain and goods. Big and solid and easy to get the wagons in and out, then we need good accommodation for all our people.

That be a lifetimes work, one man said.

Use the lads for what you can. Teach them a bit as you go, Cal said. Can you do that?

There were nods and mumbles all around before Cal started, Miena here will arrange wages and also getting anything you need, tools and timber. He left Miena surrounded by keen tradesman, all with requests, while he went to find Victor to tell him what he’d arranged.

The girls will like the kitchen, he said when Cal told him, although he seemed more interested in the battle chariots than anything else. I don’t want these leaving our lands here. I don’t want the city thinking we’re invading.

They’re better than any in the city and with the crossbows we have the best chariots in the whole Empire.

They stay on our land only, that’s most important. They’re for patrolling our lands and keeping our people safe. Can you do that?

Yes Sir. You want us to set up a guard post on the road in. We could make sure no one comes in uninvited.

That’s the best idea, Sara yelled.

When the carpenter’s finished the watch tower you can get him to make a shelter there for your men, Cal said.

We could go and design it now, Sara said.

Go, Cal said, shaking his head. It was a task that needed all six chariots and everyone that would fit on them.

I’m taking the carpenter to get some timber so he can start, Miena came to tell Cal. Only need one wagon.

- - -

Darkness drew the women back to the home wagon. Everyone had stories and some were determined to tell theirs first. Cal listened to them all, hearing about chariots and crossbows then about how great the cooks were and how Petra liked playing in the ocean. When things were eventually quietening he asked, Anyone hear about the girls with the chariots in the city? No one had. Tomorrow I’m taking the home wagon to find them. Anyone that wants to can come. Now sleep time.

Now cuddle time, Sara said. Me first since I thought of it first.

CHAPTER 3

Rome Chariots

A very full wagon set off for Rome. Not first thing. Not until everyone had looked around the port site and checked everything they could.

Victor’s sending their wagons to bring some more of his people here after they finish their work today, Miena said as they were driving along the coast track away from their port. He thinks there’s enough tents now for all his people.

That’s where we should build a shelter for our guards, Sara pointed as she drove the track alongside the city wall away from their land.

We marked it with stones, Ava said, pointing from the driving seat alongside Sara. See!

Further on, the guards on the southern gate waved as they passed through into the city itself heading towards Alexis’s original house as their first call. Cal was sure he’d get more information from Selene’s husband, Vitulus, than Alexis. The single wagon easily parked and everyone making for the front door. A slave answered Sara’s knock.

Here to see Vitulus, Cal said.

And Selene, Sara added.

The slave left them all waiting on the doorstep a time until Vitulus came to welcome them all inside, Selene in the main room waiting. We expected you yesterday, Vitulus said as he walked by Cal’s side through the entrance hall. Heard you were preparing an army to take over the city.

I didn’t know we were under so much surveillance, Cal said, Miena staying close by his side while the others were all making a line for Selene.

You’ve become someone to watch ever since stories started about you helping the army wipe out a group of Barbarians up on the northern border. Wild tales about killing a chief with magic and using wolves to slaughter their women and children. Vitulus was smiling as he spoke.

Just some wild stories, you know how they grow, Cal said.

I know, but others feed the tale and before you know it you’re the one that Rome fears the most, and with your new port, people are really taking notice.

Thanks for telling us.

Didn’t come from me. Alexis’s trying to play both sides, I’m sure he wouldn’t want me to tell you anything.

Should we be worried? Miena asked.

Yes, but not too much. Keep in the open and I think eventually the stories will die down once some new titbit comes along for the gossips.

I’ve told our people to keep the new battle chariots only on our land, Cal said.

They’ve got the best crossbows, Sara yelled across the room, her ears tuned to certain words.

Battle chariots with crossbows! Even the army don’t have that here, Vitulus said. I’ll get ready to hear the stories about you getting wilder.

Selene was entertaining the others and Miena whispered, We should see those girls in peace.

Cal looked around and nodded. We’ll walk there and come back for the others, he said to Vitulus.

- - -

Even though it was still early, most tables at the eatery near the Palace were occupied. Miena and Cal walked to where they thought the girls had set up their chariot service. No signs of chariots, but there was a girl in an orange top with a golden wolf’s head pattern on it standing by a crate with a slate in her hand.

Be a few more minutes if you care to wait, the girl said when Miena came close. Oh it’s you, she said when she recognised Cal.

You’re working early, Cal said.

Business is so good, but we’ve been working very long hours.

Got more girls helping? Miena asked.

Hard finding the time to train them.

We’ve brought an extra chariot and two horses, Cal said. One extra horse so you can give them all a turn to rest. Further conversation halted since a chariot had returned, two passengers and Victor’s oldest sister driving. Cal and Miena waited while she attended to her passengers.

They’ve brought another chariot and two horses, the first girl said.

You take over the driving and I’ll work here a while, the oldest sister said. You’ll want a talk, she said towards Cal.

Looks like you’ve got too much work, Cal said.

We’re coping and the extra chariot will help.

Would you like me to get some of my wives to help teach horses and driving to some more girls? He could see her face liven as he spoke. When do you finish for the day?

About an hour after dark usually. Two well dressed men were approaching the empty chariot as they spoke.

Port if you can. Double pay if you can get us there quickly.

She’s one of our best drivers, the oldest sister said to the man speaking, the driver guiding her passengers onto the chariot.

Fastest way girl, the man said, the girl driving flicking the reins and looking ahead for clear space to drive.

It’s like this all day. We’re really making good coin, and most give us extra. The food man is real pleased, he’s been giving us food for lunch and pots to take home at night for the others. He wants us to stay close for his customers.

Choose a few new girls you trust and send them to us and I’ll get the others to teach them the basics. Give you a chance to have a break, you look like you need it, Cal said.

My master wants two for lunch. It was a young woman, definitely a slave, giving instructions to the oldest daughter.

We’ll see you when you can, Cal said, moving away.

See her face? They’re working too hard, Miena whispered as they started back towards Alexis’s house.

- - -

We wanted to see those girls too, Sara said as Cal and Miena returned.

They’re coming to visit and bring some new girls for you all to train, Miena said.

We’ll train them best, Sara said.

We’ll teach them weapons, Helga said.

Weapons? Vitulus asked.

Those girls are all armed in case of trouble with passengers, Miena said.

I never knew, but I should have guessed, Vitulus was looking at the twins. He knew of their abilities from the time they travelled together to Rome.

Gather the rest, we should get back and see if the builders need any more supplies, Cal said.

Everyone back on the wagon, Miena yelled, startling Cal. I’ve been learning from Sara.

We’re coming back, aren’t we, Nerrina said as the women started to get ready.

We’ll drive, Sara yelled, leading the charge outside towards the wagon.

We’ll call by before we go, Cal shaking Vitulus’ hand.

- - -

Goats. That’s what you want, the carpenter working on the new watch tower said when Cal asked if he wanted anything. Milk for cheese. Handy that is.

We’d need a yard and pen to milk them in, Miena said.

Couple of days I could have that done.

Tell Miena what you need, Cal said. I’ll go and see who wants to become a goat milker.

The cooking tent seemed to be the happiest place, constant chatter interspersed with warm fragrant smells and