Chester Bentley and The Prize of Roman Britain: The Chester Bentley Mysteries, #4

By MJ Colewood

Meet schoolboy Chester Bentley, the world's most famous treasure hunter!

All heroes begin as ordinary children and that's how it was with Chester Bentley. Unsurprisingly, he made the pages of the national and international newspapers, and so began his journey into notoriety as everyone started to follow his many adventures and marvel at his incredible discoveries.

The Prize of Roman Britain

Bentley and his four trusty friends are now sent to the world's oldest and most extraordinary school and it is not long before the history of the ancient site reveals itself to the young treasure hunters.

From the balcony of the castle tower, where Bentley now resides, mysterious movements in the landscape below make their presence felt.

A local legend speaks of a hideous monster and buried kings, but what is the meaning of the strange markers they discover and why is there a witch trying to contact them?

Something from England's ancient past is calling Bentley, and yet he is not the only one that knows the land hides a remarkable secret. His sworn enemy, Lord Moreton, is determined Bentley will not to beat him to it this time.

But will Bentley ultimately risk his future, and even his life, to be the first to solve the mystery of the lost prize of Roman Britain?

About The Chester Bentley Mysteries:

Bentley has an almost magical gift for finding famous treasure... with a little help from his friends that is. And with each national treasure that Bentley uncovers, he soon becomes a household name, attracting the attention of a mysterious collector who turns against him. But why? And what is it he knows about Bentley's hidden childhood?

So will Bentley fulfill his destiny and the adventure of a lifetime by locating some of the greatest lost treasures from England's dramatic past? Or will he go on to fail when he learns the truth behind the strange dreams that haunt him and why his opponent is obsessed with stopping him?

The Chester Bentley Mysteries is a page-turning series for curious adventurers age 11+ (and their grown-ups). The Da Vinci code for kids.

If you are fascinated by clues and riddles and determined not to give up until you solve a mystery, then you're ready to join Chester Bentley, and begin his epic tales of history, mystery and adventure.

Readers who enjoyed the following series and books would also enjoy Chester Bentley:
Artemis Fowl
Alex Rider
Nancy Drew
Percy Jackson
The Famous Five
The Secret Seven
Treasure Hunters
The Virginia Mysteries
Michael Morpurgo
Holes by Louis Sachar
Hunter Street TV series

• Language: English
• Publisher: MJ Colewood
• Release date: Jul 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201870485

Book preview

CHESTER BENTLEY

AND THE

PRIZE OF ROMAN BRITAIN

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For:

Lin, Chris and the ‘boys’

Martin, Curtis & Greg

&

Mark, Robert & Zoe

Copyright © Mark Colenutt & Jacqueline Wood 2021

All rights reserved

The moral rights of the authors have been asserted

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser

Acknowledgements

The author would like to dedicate this space to express long-overdue gratitude to the following persons whose reading time, comments and corrections have proved invaluable in bringing this book to a military-grade of polish. Without their generous help Bentley would be

half the boy he is today. In no particular alphabetical order then:

Sam Ber & Brian Colenutt

Table of Contents

ON A DARK, DARK NIGHT

KING ALFRED’S

BOYS WILL BE BOYS

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

THE WITCH

THE  ICENI

KING PRASUTAGUS

A CALL FOR HELP

GAIUS SUETONIUS PAULINUS

THE MAZE

THE SECRET LIBRARY

THE DRUIDS

BOUDICCA

MIDNIGHT MEETING

GRIME’S GRAVES

THE BATTLE FOR BRITANNIA

CARTOGRAPHY

INHERITANCE

THE BLACK SHUCK

AFTERMATH

THE FULL MONTY

BURIED MOON

SNOOKERED

CLANDESTINE ENCOUNTER

THE MARSHES

CUT TO THE CHASE

STONES

ROMANS

CONFRONTATION

DIVULGENCES

THE CLASH

FINDERS, KEEPERS

THE ISLAND

THE BREAK THROUGH

THE PRIZE

RESOLUTION

LEAVING

- BOOK V –

CHESTER BENTLEY &

THE VIKING SAGA

CHAPTER I

ON A DARK, DARK NIGHT

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The horse trotted through the gateway of The Bell coaching inn and into its large courtyard, its hooves clashing across the cobbles. The rider dismounted beside a Royal Mail carriage that was being readied for the next stage of its journey. A crack of thunder rolled across the grey sky; an ominous sign of things to come. The nervous rider looked up at the threatening clouds as he threw aside his riding cloak and pulled out a coin. He tossed it to the stable hand for taking his horse and tipped his tricorn hat to him as he left to go inside.

The heavy door leading into the bar area opened as a drunk stumbled out. The rider made way for him and caught the door before it swung back. He stepped inside and was greeted by the pungent smell of damp clothing and dirty boots. The rider kept to the edge of the room, which was filled with pipe smoke and banter as beer was served and quickly enjoyed. He suddenly spotted the two men he had come to see, two large shadows sitting in a dark corner. He waded through the drinkers and slumped down onto the high-backed bench.

Grimes? asked one of them.

Tom Grimes, he answered. He held out his hand but neither offered theirs in return. He retracted it, almost regretting he had come, but he continued with his business nevertheless. The Braddock twins?

They both grunted in unison. Have you got the map?

What map? He didn’t remember having mentioned anything about a map. What were they playing at?

You said you had a map of this place.

The treasure map, insisted the other.

His brother, annoyed at his slip, jabbed him in the ribs.

Who said anything about treasure? asked Tom.

"That’s not what he meant. Forgive his excitement. We know you’re trying to find something buried, and that’s why you need our help. We know it’s not real treasure, is it?"

Tom fell silent, which only increased the twins’ anticipation.

If you want us to go there without you, continued the twin, so we don’t make anyone suspicious, then you will have to show us where it is.

Tom was right to have felt nervous about coming, but he hadn’t known who else to ask. He needed outsiders as anyone in his village would have been wary. They all knew he had spent years looking for it and now he was so close, even if no one would believe him. Ah, ye-yes the map, Tom replied, I have it here, he patted the pocket in his jacket, But first let’s talk details.

We know the job and the price has been agreed. Half now and half later.

No, that’s not what we agreed. I’ll pay the full amount once the rock has been removed. It’s only a rock.

Why all the secrecy then?

Yeah, why have you come to the next town and not found anyone in your area to do the job?

I don’t want any of my folk thinking I’m up to any funny business. That’s all.

But you are up to some funny business and that’s why you need strangers to come and do it for you.

Go easy there, said the other twin, grinning, as he calmed his brother. Your secret is safe with us, but we will want more payment. You can understand. It’s only reasonable.

Of course. I quite see your point, replied Tom, Discretion carries its own worth.

Exactly.

Couldn’t have said it better meself. Now what about that map, seeing as you agree to our conditions?

Right, said Tom, his nerves welling up inside him. He reached inside his jacket and pulled out the map.

One of them snatched it from him.

You know what; I think we’ll just keep whatever it is you have hidden here.

I think that’s only fair, added his brother, It’s gotta be worth a fair penny.

Tom stood up calmly. The twins were surprised by his sudden relaxed manner.

You’re right. You keep it. This was just a bad idea, Tom said and walked away towards the door.

The twins chuckled and pointed as Tom left them with what they had come for.

Well, that was the easiest business deal we’ve ever had.

Yeah, we should work like this more often, and they laughed even harder. Then the one holding the map spread it out across the table and both of them stopped laughing.

It’s a trick!

There’s nothing here. They looked up to see Tom grinning at them as he left the inn.

The twins jumped up, bashing their heads against the low-hanging beams. They grabbed their cloaks and pushed their way out of the bar and into the courtyard. But before they could go any further, the landlord was onto them. He grabbed one of them by the arm. You’ll be payin’ for yer beer before ya takes yer horses, gentlemen.

The twins stopped to dig into their pockets and find the money. As they did, there came a clatter of hooves and Tom burst into the courtyard from the stables. He galloped past the men, knocking them to the ground. Tom carried on through the coach gateway and met two other horsemen coming the other way. The collision saw Tom’s horse almost unseat him while the other two riders lost momentary control of their horses. The twins were quick to react and one of them ran to the gateway where he grabbed hold of one of the horses and wrested the reins from its rider. The other Braddock twin followed his brother’s lead and did the same to the second horseman. He knocked the man clean out of his saddle and the twins set off along the road taken by Tom.

Tom Grimes galloped on, fearing for his life. He felt for the map rolled up inside his cloak. He had it, it was still safe. The brothers were after it all right. Someone must have told them what he was really up to, and now he was being hunted like a wild animal.

That’s it, Bessy, don’t fail me now, Tom gasped, patting the neck of his faithful steed. The horse snorted fiercely as its muscles hurtled the two of them through the enclosing night. Tom looked behind but could see nothing in the darkness. He only hoped Bessy would keep to the well-worn path but then he noticed the sound of the hard-hitting hooves on the dry ground soften, as the animal veered onto the grass. Tom tried to steer the horse back onto a straight course and along the path, but it was too late and the unexpected happened. The pair of them disappeared.

They crashed through the earth and Bessy squealed as she fell to her death. Mercifully, the animal broke Tom’s fall with the force throwing him to one side. He rolled along the ground. It took a few moments for him to regain his breath and stand up. He could see a faint halo of light above him, filtering through the ground where he had fallen. Then he heard the galloping horses that were pursuing him. They raced on past. Tom gave a brief sigh, but it was short-lived. The horses did not run much further before he heard shouting and the voices coming back. They were looking for him. Tom moved away from under the opening above him. He felt his way round the earth and what seemed to be a tunnel. The voices were closing in on him. And then he heard someone dismounting. Tom looked around but could see nothing. He now felt rocky walls. What could he do? Then he heard someone striking flint in a tinderbox, followed by the sound of the man blowing and fanning the flame. One of the twins pulled out a candle. He lit it on the fire emanating from the brass box and closed the lid, extinguishing the flame. He placed the candle on top of the tinderbox and marched toward the gaping hole in the ground. Tom saw the threatening silhouette of the two men peering down. His hands came across a large hole in the wall; it was a tunnel. He stumbled noisily, alerting the twins.

Is that you, Tom?

We’re coming down to get you, you’d better have that map on you.

Tom turned into the tunnel and fumbled his way, desperately seeking an escape. As he made his way deeper and deeper into the darkness, the twins followed. Tom held one hand up in front of him as he passed his other along the wall, which discovered another hole in the side of the tunnel. Tom noticed a flickering light approaching from behind him. He had no choice; he turned and took the side passageway, scrambling as fast as he could. Then he stopped as the light grew stronger. He took out his map and scanned the wall, hoping for a lucky hiding place. He found a break in it and squeezed the map into the convenient nook. He then sat there, calmed his breathing and awaited his fate. The burning light appeared up ahead. Tom saw the large frames of the twins lumber right by without noticing the secondary tunnel. He waited as long as he dared before going back toward the entrance to the main passageway. When he did, he found it immersed in darkness; the twins were well out of sight, and so he began his way back. He could smell the night air rushing toward him and quickened his pace. His heart lifted as he thought of escape. He reached the opening in the earth above him, where he had fallen through, but a large hand came out and grabbed hold of his cloak.

Gotcha ya! and out of the darkness appeared the twins.

The tunnel went full circle, Tom.

Just our luck, and he struck up a flame with the tinder box again.

Not yours though, and the pair of them chuckled.

Tom took advantage of the mild distraction and jerked his cloak from the big man’s grip.

Just where do you think you’re goin’? He pulled Tom back violently. So, let’s be havin’ that map? He looked into Tom’s eyes and saw his expression change. Then he felt Tom’s body give way and he was unable to hold him up. As Tom fell to the ground, he noticed his brother’s dagger buried into Tom’s side. You idiot! he hissed.

Don’t worry, replied the killer, I’ll get the map off him, and he rummaged inside his cloak and jacket while Tom lay dying on the cold ground. Out of his frustration he grabbed Tom by his collar, Where is it, you weasel?!

Tom’s body hung weakly in the man’s tight grip. A trickle of blood seeped from his lips. As he spluttered his last breath, he managed one insolent smile. The man dropped him, no longer able to support the dead weight.

You imbecile! You killed him!

I didn’t know he didn’t have the map!

You’ve just lost our one chance at a fortune!

It’s not my fault!

Oh no? Then whose is it? The Black Shuck’s? You’re an idiot, Mother always said it.

Say that one more time and you’re next!

Ah, you’d kill me then, your own brother? You’re a snake as well as an idiot!

His brother lunged at his twin and there the two men, who had come to find their fortune, were now engaged in a fight to the death, as the pair had been overrun by greed.

As they struggled in the dead of night, Tom Grimes took his secret to the grave.

CHAPTER II

KING ALFRED’S

Pro Patria Populoque

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Now, do try and make an effort this year, Chester, insisted his mother, her voice laced with a lifetime of disappointment.

Chester Bentley sat on the back seat of the Jaguar while his father threaded the vehicle smoothly along the narrow country lanes. Bentley, as everyone called him, had grown markedly over the summer and not just from over indulgence in his favourite fare from the southwest, namely pasties from Cornwall, clotted cream from Devon and cheddar cheese from Somerset. Bentley had made the transformation from boy to young man. His innocent looks had gone, and in their place were a rougher complexion and right-angled jaw bones. His shoulders had filled out, and he stood taller than ever.

Don’t be so hard on the young lad, said his father in a soothing voice, he may not ace his exams but no one else his age, or older, has solved half the mysteries he has. He’s doing grand. His father winked at his son in the rear-view mirror. Bentley smiled slightly.

That’s not the point, retorted Bentley’s mother. Bentley’s smile evaporated. The boy should be flying his exams, not just scraping past. What university will take him, if not? It’ll be a family scandal!

His father took his eye off the road momentarily to look at his wife, Talking of family scandals—

Not a word, Jarrod! she shrieked.

Bentley jumped on the backseat. His father didn’t even bat an eyelid and returned to looking at the road.

You didn’t go to university, Kalla, he continued, as if she had said nothing, and it didn’t do you any harm.

The air in the car stopped moving. Bentley’s mother looked like she was struggling to breathe.

Bentley’s father then fixed his son’s stare sternly in the rearview mirror, These last two years of yours in the Sixth Form, son, will be amongst your finest, whatever grades you leave with. Let no opportunity go to waste, do your best at all times and we can ask nothing more of you.

Just then his father stopped the car. A small road led off to the left. There was no signpost.

I don’t get all the secrecy surrounding this place, said his father, happy to change the subject. I mean, everyone knows the place exists, but it’s not signposted or even on the map, it seems.

Bentley’s mother appeared to be breathing again, albeit in short breaths. His father revved the engine and turned down the tight lane, which was barely wide enough for one car, let alone another coming in the opposite direction. Everyone looked for signs of life as they drove past the high hedgerows. Then trees rose on either side, submerging them in semi-darkness. A little further along came the first inclination that the area was inhabited; a brick wall appeared as if out of nowhere, replacing the hedgerow on the left. The wall carried on and on, and not a single brick was out of place.

That was it, blurted Bentley.

What was? asked his mother, finally able to speak.

The entrance.

What entrance? asked his father.

I didn’t see a thing, said his mother.

Neither did I.

The entrance that goes through the wall.

Are you sure? asked his mother.

Bentley sat there in silence.

All right, we’ll go back and check, his father said.

He soon found a mud track and turned round. They returned slowly this time.

There it is, said Bentley, you’ve missed it again.

His father stopped the car, threw it into reverse and backed up along the road. There, hidden amongst the overgrown vegetation hanging down from the hedgerows, was a small opening that led into the woodland.

Preposterous! exclaimed his mother. How in the blazes is one supposed to see that?

Amazing! replied his father in boyish wonder. He turned the car in through the entrance, and they were swallowed up by soaring woodland pines and a carpeted forest floor from the fallen dried pine needles. Stubborn sunlight pushed its way through the dense canopy above and danced across the shiny car bonnet. The summer heat had given way to a welcome cool breeze and everyone fell silent, impressed by the surrounding nature and theatrical approach to the school.

Haven’t even seen the place yet, interrupted his father, and I like this new school of yours already.

The light grew stronger and the branches thinned as they neared the edge of the forest. In the distance, stone walls loomed.

Is that what I think it is? said Kalla, catching her breath.

It can’t be, added Bentley’s father.

Bentley was speechless.

I’d heard rumours, continued his mother, but I had no idea it was like this.

A castle, said Bentley.

It’s more than that son, it’s an entire medieval town, the castle is in the middle of it.

Where’s the entrance? asked Bentley.

Where else? said his father, through the drawbridge, across the moat.

Sitting in the pretty clearing was a wide, fortified wall with medieval battlements running its full length. Turrets were spaced along the wall at equal distances, and behind it sat a large castle with seven larger towers. Bentley wanted to go back and repeat the whole experience.

The car rumbled across the drawbridge. Everyone looked down into the moat where punting boats sat in the calm water. The car passed through the imposing gate and into the cobbled streets of a hidden historic town with houses, shops and timber-framed buildings in pastel colours, all squeezed together. A few people were going about their business, but the place was mostly quiet.

The car came into a large square and before them stood the imposing castle. Bentley had never seen a castle like it. It was a heptagon with a tower on each of its seven corners and in its centre the largest tower of all. A covered set of doors signalled the main entrance, a ‘modern’ addition to a castle transformed for the purpose of a stately school. It had given up its defensive pretensions long ago and gone over to preparing its young to do battle in the world of business, science and the arts.

The car skidded slightly as it came to a stop on the gravel. They got out slowly, straining their necks as they looked up at the dizzying height of the castle towers and crenellated walls.

Well, if you don’t come out of this place in good shape, then there’s no hope for you, my dear.

Thanks Mother.

Chester’s already shining brightly, said his father, the trick is to make sure he doesn’t lose that sheen as he gets older.

Not a philosophy I sign up to, said his mother.

Just then a matte green army Land Rover arrived alongside.

Montague!

Bentley! replied his friend, leaning out of the passenger window. What do you make of this place?

Not bad.

Not bad? This no time for understatement.

If Bentley had become a young man over the summer, then Montague was now a man. Bigger in build and serious in every aspect, mature beyond his years.

Before they could say much more, a troop of boys filed out from the entrance and set about helping them and the other arrivals to move their trunks and tucks boxes inside.

Just then the two boys glimpsed some familiar faces in the distance. It’s Cora and Iona, whispered Bentley to Montague and the boys waved. The girls grinned and signalled that they would talk later and then they were gone.

Montague turned and introduced Bentley to his grandfather as they walked inside. Bentley had never met any of Montague’s family. Strangely, he felt privileged. The man was tall but beginning to bend with age. His light grey hair was military and brushed back. In fact, his whole demeanour had something regimented about it. Everything he did seemed deliberate and purposeful.

Eliot, he barked, introducing