Cheers greeted the warrior’s promise, “We cannot allow ourselves to be divided by deceit or those corrupted by the pestilence of Rome, especially those whose aim it is to flourish on the people that gave them life. All those who ally themselves with those who threaten our shores are enemies of all our people. They will be destroyed as will all those who give them shelter.”
Warriors stood and began banging swords and spears as they cheered. The druid bowed to the warrior leader and turned to walk away.
“Wait druid!” Caratacus ordered, the man turned. “You spoke of others, what are their names and how do you know of these things?”
The druid faced him, “Two others are Verica of the Attrebates and Cogidubnus, the latter it is said was even taken in by Claudius the great emperor and taught their ways. It is believed he has been schooled for many years and now intends to return to Briton to make our people learn their ways. He talks their language and wears their robes, he doesn’t even sound like us anymore. He is a cross breed hound who has already sealed his own fate.”
He raised his eyebrows as if to emphasise his words but Caratacus felt there was no need, he knew these men, he had spared them but sent them across the water, expelling them as his father had exiled Adminius.
The druid continued, “These men will prove more lethal than swords lord, they have already betrayed their own kind and whored themselves to the Roman. Now they intend to persuade our brothers and sisters to suckle from them as well, to take their coin, dress as they do, drink their wine and prostitute our women and children.
They plan to become rulers on behalf of the invader, like a disease in our crops they intend to spread through the land. This is what the Roman does after conquering a tribe, he usurps the people and uses the weak minded to rule on their behalf. That way they think they ease themselves onto the population using a known face whilst robbing them through taxes, taking gold and silver, we have to unite to destroy them.”
Togodumnus smiled and approached the druid clearly impressed by the his knowledge and defiance. “What is your name druid?” He asked.
“Mersax my lord,” The hooded man replied, “Mersax of the Druidic Isle of Mona.”
“Not merely a druid then but a man that teaches, you are a high priest are you not?” Togodumnus asked.
“Yes lord some call me that and in answer to your other question, I have people amongst the enemy now. They have seen the three named and recognised them, you can rest assured this is true. It is how I know where they are and their numbers, weapons and horse. Anything that you need to know will be told to you to help push them back into the sea where they belong. I knew your father Cunobelinus well. He was a wise and gracious leader, a man who would have led his people against the invader had he been alive today. He was a good man who made the Catuvellauni one of the strongest and largest, most powerful tribe in our lands.” He looked away, “I’m just glad he isn’t here to see their armies march across our lands.”
Togodumnus studied the man’s face. “I owe you a debt of gratitude Mersax, your information is invaluable and I thank you for your kind words. Our father was a great leader and I hope we can prove ourselves worthy of being his sons. I will give everything to fight no matter what it takes, where it takes me or how long. These Romans think they can come taking what they wish, killing without cost to their own but they will learn otherwise. I shall break this beasts teeth, I will blind its eyes and I shall rip out its heart and destroy its soul. I will not stop until there isn’t a drop of their blood left and if I die my brother shall fight them as will our brothers and sons.
Take these words back to your priests and to the great tribes of the west, the Silures, the Demeta, the Ordovices and the Deceangli. Tell them all that Togodumnus and Caratacus of the Catuvellauni will smash these fools who come to take everything from us. Our neighbouring tribes who have been our enemies in the past and cannot be relied upon now will also die if they side with them. They envy our power and have fallen to our swords before.” Mersax saw the determination in his eyes.
He continued, “I too have scouts where they are on our shores, one will return soon and I’m sure will confirm your words. I owe you a debt Mersax and my thanks.” He extended his arm, Mersax took it.
“You are not indebted to me lord Togodumnus or you Caratacus, we fight the same enemy. If we don’t we are all doomed. Even with some tribes united some will help and even assist those we are now at war with. We are merely at the beginning of a great and long journey and some of us will not see its end and those that do will endure great hardship and loss.”
He smiled, “You are courageous and noble leaders and your own journeys are difficult. They are long and hard but you will see them through, you will live long and prosperous lives.” A slight break in his expression betrayed something he knew as he spoke the words but he continued, “My people will keep you informed of anything that may be of use. I myself must return to the west, I have duties to attend to and other leaders to speak with as I travel West. I will ensure that my tendrils spread amongst our common enemies for all our sakes and I will seek out the chieftains of the tribes you named and warn them, they will know of your names as friends.”
Mersax turned and walked through the gathered warriors to find his horse as did two men dressed in the same robes who had been sat around the fire previously unseen. Togodumnus turned his attention to his people and spoke of his plan to lead the Romans West for another day and then back to the North East as far as possible before engaging them. Riders would be sent to the southern tribes to warn them of the threat they faced.
By midday as the sun was high, thousands of warriors were ready to move. Chariots carried men and women, small horses pulled carts carrying families and mules and oxen dragged larger carts containing food and weapons. At the rear of the large train of humanity and animals, boys herded cattle, pigs and goats. Riders had been sent forward to Camulodunum to warn the occupants of the forthcoming battle and to prepare for war, forge weapons and re-enforce defences. Caratacus estimated that it would take three days to get back to his home land where he had grown up as a boy. He and Togodumnus already knew where they planned to take the war to the enemy.
Miles to the east Togun watched as the Romans made firm their landing area, they had only been there a matter of days but had already built a wooden fortification beyond the cliffs where they had landed. He had been a scout for Caratacus for a number of years but had never seen anything as formidable as the sight that now met his eyes. Large towers stood tall at all four corners as did two at either side in the middle walls, below which huge doors had been constructed. Sentries walked the walls and watched from the towers where ballista, were now positioned.
Palisades had been dug outside the fortification where other soldiers patrolled and scrubland had been cleared enabling the defenders a clear view of anyone or anything that approached the location. From his vantage point Togun could see Britons approaching the soldiers, he could also see Britons talking to others and passing the time of day. Anger welled up inside his chest as he watched the exchanges. He found it hard to comprehend how his own people could accept these killers of his tribal brothers and sisters. Clearly there were people who were prepared to accept them, to buy and sell and trade with them. They would share their fate. He mounted his horse and galloped off in search of Togodumnus to report his findings.