“I hadn’t thought of it that way.” He replied. “I suppose that my lands were the same once, many years ago divided by tribal boundaries. Even Rome was said to have been segregated by the seven hills that initially made up the city and look at it now.”
She smiled, “I hope to one day.”
He let his hand touch hers briefly, “That makes me happy, happier than you know, maybe one day we will see it together.” He led her away from the praetorian and to where he knew the baths were. There were numerous rooms containing large wooden baths served by slaves from Gaul. He knew it would be quiet at the moment as the men of the Second Augusta toiled working to build the camp. Later the rooms would be packed with men queuing to clean themselves.
They entered one of the many wooden structures set aside for bathing and removed their outing clothing and hung them on pegs on the walls. She followed him into another area where dozens of large wooden baths sat on sturdy looking iron legs. A slave approached and Varro asked him to bring hot water for two baths.
“Two baths?” Brenna asked looking at him disappointed.
He smirked as he started to remove the rest of his clothes, “The first is to wash the dirt and grime off our clothes, the second is for us to enjoy together.” He leaned forward and kissed her lips as the slave returned with another, carrying a large bucket of steaming water. They walked to the edge of the nearest bath and poured the hot contents into it, before they turned to walk away. Two more men appeared carrying another bucket. In minutes the bath was two feet deep, steaming and ready to use. He told the slaves he would call them when they were ready for the second bath to be filled.
Brenna removed her clothing as the slaves left, he took in her beauty and together they dipped their hands in the water testing its temperature, it was just right having cooled a little against the wood.
“Mm that feels good,” she gave him a smile and reached out holding onto him as she climbed in, “I want you to make me feel even better though.”
They splashed into the water gasping as the heat took their breath away, “I’m sure that can be arranged my lady.” He said as he reached out wrapping his arms around her.
Construction of the fort’s interior and the surrounding area continued unhindered by Caratacus throughout the winter and as the trees began to grow fresh green leaves and birdsong could be heard, the men of the Second Augusta prepared to face their enemies again. Training had intensified as the New Year was born and the sound of wooden training swords and men’s efforts to fight each other, echoed around the newly constructed buildings. The fort now covered a large area but it was small in comparison to the planned forty two acre site that would dominate the landscape for miles around.
Nevertheless, the Roman settlement was now a huge busy rectangle of buildings, shops, forges, sleeping quarters, training and parade grounds and there were even plans for a Temple to be built. Seeds were planted outside the forts walls with the local population in an attempt to close the gap between the two people. Any attack on them was also an attack on the local folk who had worked with their new Roman friends so hard to cultivate and grow them.
Patrols were sent further and further into previously unexplored territory, there were no signs of hostile activity, but where there were, they were put down. Surveyors were sent out to plan routes and roads, the river was cleared of the wreckage from the attack during the winter and supplies once again were brought directly to Isca as it was now known by most, shortening the settlements name.
Although the weather and conditions had improved there was still a cloud on the horizon in the form of Caratacus and he and his warriors were never far from the soldiers thoughts. Nothing had been seen of the Britons warlord since the attack, although rumours were a constant source of chatter amongst the locals. Relations were improving slowly between soldier and civilian however, as the first benefits of their crops came to fruition and local dignitaries were allowed access to the fort once more.
As a sign of their successful co-operation, Vespasian suggested that a feast be organised which Plautius had agreed to. Rows of tables were set out and both military and local dignitaries enjoyed a day and night of entertainment together. Plans were made and possibilities were discussed for Britons to join auxiliary cohorts as free men but not in Britannia, they would serve elsewhere, Hispania, Gaul or maybe even Italia itself. The Britons had proved they were proud and fierce warriors second to none, that the soldiers had faced in battle and so with professional training they would be invaluable serving next to the legions. Those plans would have to wait for the time being and days after the feast, Legate Titus Vespasian led a column of thousands of men northward in search of Caratacus.
Varro and his small party of scouts had left at first light, it had been decided that he would take Decimus and his men as well as Brenna and Tevelgus. They were ordered to ride ahead of the column but not to get more than a day ahead of the slower moving main body. The countryside had been transformed from a white rolling blanket to a lush green landscape. Shepherds herded their sheep with bleating new lambs as they crossed the land and rode through small settlements where the inhabitants stopped their daily chores to stare at the strangely dressed travellers.
Once in a while Brenna and her brother would ride ahead and ask the locals how they had faired through the winter and ask if they had sighted any armed men from the north, none had been seen. They were warned of the advancing army and told not to be afraid and as long as they weren’t hostile, they would be left alone to live in peace.
Most inhabitants weren’t actually particularly interested in their presence especially when they were told that they would be left alone and wouldn’t be hurt or have their livestock taken. They had enough to occupy their daily lives as things were, with crops, hunting and maintaining their homes, just surviving from day to day was a battle in itself.
On some occasions they would offer water which was plentiful as most villages were near rivers or streams and when they did, Varro and his men joined them. The Britons gazed at the men curiously as they were in shining chainmail, red cloaks and helmets. Most of them were invariably taller than their guests, excluding Tevelgus who stood taller than even most from Britannia. Small children looked at them in wide eyed fascination, some afraid, who ran away hiding in their homes and some laughing and pointing at their equipment and clothing.
No Briton showed them any hostility, they were actually hospitable and Varro couldn’t help wishing that they had found some of these places when they were frozen to the core during the winter and their foray into the wilds. He always carried a pouch of coins hung from his belt and as a sign of friendship, he gave them out before they left. The Britons especially the children looked upon them with glee as they saw the faces printed on them surrounded by strange marks they didn’t understand.
People who lived in isolated areas had probably never seen coins before and would depend on bartering if they wanted goods from others. Cattle, chickens, pigs, hares, crops and even ornaments fashioned from bronze or other metals were used to exchange property in the world where they lived. Varro knew that every time he encountered such people, their lives were about to change but he believed that it would be for the better.
He admired those who lived secluded, far outside settlements because they lived truly independently, sometimes in groups of roundhouses as small as two or three buildings, originally they must have been family settlements. They lived hard lives where their mortally was high with the young. Women especially were at risk during childbirth and many didn’t survive, it was a sad fact of life but also something else that would be improved in time.