“Of course friend, I’m sure we could come to some arrangement.” Caradoc replied knowing that no such deal would ever be struck and wishing he could cut the fat man’s throat. “Now is there somewhere we could get some refreshment? It’s been a long couple of days.”
“Yes, yes follow me.” Nynniaw said turning. “You can stable your horses and we’ll take you to where you can have your fill of food and brew, as much as you like and all for little expense.”
Brennus got down off his horse and they led them to a corralled area where the locals had their own horses. A young man came out of a roundhouse near the gate and Nynniaw arranged for stabling. Caradoc and his men removed their saddles which the young man took inside the roundhouse after which the horses were led into the field. A few of those already there came over to see who the new arrivals were.
“We can arrange for lodging if you wish?” Nynniaw said. “I don’t know how long you intend to stay but it may take a while for one of the administrators to come and see you, I can’t guarantee it will be today, we have a roundhouse for guests you can use.”
“That will be fine, we’re in no rush.” Caradoc replied. “Besides it will give us time to see how things are here with your guests. I hear they are intending to push into other territories to establish more encampments and roads.”
Nynniaw replied, “Yes I suppose they are, they’ve already taken over the slate quarry to the west and I hear they’re digging into the salt mine further south somewhere.” He led them further along the track past other thatched houses until they got to an area that was distinctly starting to look different. Men wore togas and had short hair, buildings were made of wood and groups of soldiers marched in sets of eight or more.
“It took some getting used to but the men of the Twentieth Legion aren’t bad. We still have problems from time to time but they’re showing us different methods of farming and medicine. Things are improving for everyone.” Nynniaw said. He took them to a stall further along the street with a broad bench outside. Amphorae vessels were propped up against a corner.
“What will it be gentlemen?” Asked a man from behind the counter, speaking with a strange accent, he was about thirty years of age and obviously Roman. Caradoc studied his face and clothing. He had intelligent eyes and a pleasant demeanour. He wore an almost white coloured toga that was belted at the waist. He wore no blade or dagger.
“I have wine fresh off the boat,” The man continued as he held out his hand indicating the amphorae, or if you want something more local, I can arrange that as well?”
Brennus looked at Ardwen and Caradoc, “Wine, not watered I think,” The other two nodded agreeing, “Three then.”
The man behind the stall put four kiln made cups onto the bench, Caradoc picked one up. Of late he was used to using wooden cups or those made from horn although they had previously had Roman made drinking vessels before the invasion, when the Catuvellauni still traded with them, but that was a few years ago. It was smooth and cold to the touch, he examined it expecting it to be engraved with ornate hunting scenes or something else but it was plain. The stall holder picked up a medium sized amphora and filled their cups, clear golden liquid poured into them. He put the base of the jug into a hole drilled into the bench so they could help themselves.
He saw Caradoc looking at the cups. “They’re locally produced.” He said. “The clay along the estuary is just the right consistency.” If you go further along the river past the garrison you’ll see where it’s found.” He smiled at Caradoc. “If you want anything else, just ask.” He smiled again and went into the back of the stall.
“We thought they would treat us badly when they first arrived,” Nynniaw said. “Well you hear all sorts of tales don’t you? Raping women, killing the men or taking them for slaves but to be honest we haven’t experienced anything like that. Yes there are a few that are unhappy with their presence and they want their tribute obviously in the way of crops and slaves, but if they leave us alone I’m happy. I just don’t understand why some resist, we can all get along.”
“Isn’t them being here enough?” Brennus cut in. He looked Nynniaw directly in the eye.
“We don’t want trouble here.” He said taking a mouth full of wine. “We’re content as long as they leave us to get on with life.” He looked around. “And generally they do.” He wiped his mouth and put his cup down. Turning to Caradoc he said. “I’ll see if I can find an administrator and see what can be done about the livestock you want to trade.” He stood. “In the meantime please enjoy our hospitality.”
He left taking his friends with him. Brennus finished his cup of wine and half whispered. “Did you hear the way he said ‘our hospitality’ they’ve accepted the occupiers already, I doubt we’d get much help here if we decided to attack Deva. These sheep would probably fight on their side instead of helping us.”
“They aren’t like us that’s for sure,” Caradoc said, “but I wouldn’t condemn so quickly though. We were given no choice but to fight. They came looking for us because we wouldn’t bow to them and wanted to live independently. These people didn’t have the same problems and probably rarely saw anything other than goods or trading by the sound of things.” He finished his wine and filled their cups. “We’ll speak with this administrator and get a lay of the land and see how things are from their point of view, you never know we might end up the same as these people.” He smirked.
Ardwen said. “That will never happen for one thing I doubt they’ll ever forgive us for giving the Second Augusta a bloody nose and we wouldn’t want to live like this anyway, second to their whims and orders and paying tribute.”
“If these people choose to live with them then as far as I’m concerned they are as bad as them and will be treated as such.” Brennus said.
“If they ally themselves with them then yes you’re right but if they have chosen to live like this, so they are not destroyed then we shouldn’t hold that against them.” Caradoc said. “We’ll see how things are but for the time being our best target is the fort to the south in Cornovii territory, if we can hit that hard it will be a good start. With Dumnoc attacking in the south, it will unbalance them and they won’t know where they’re safe. A major victory is something we need though like this garrison at Deva. But in the meantime hitting their patrols and villas will have to suffice. Impatience will get us nowhere except dead, patience is an ally and we have to use it well just as they do.”
“I understand what you’re saying Caradoc.” Brennus said, “It just turns my stomach to see our people welcoming them as they have.”
“It does mine as well but for the time being we’ll enjoy our wine and find out as much as we can. Why don’t you go and see if you can find somewhere for us to stay tonight, that house the fat one spoke of?” Caradoc asked Brennus.
“Me?” He asked. “I’d prefer to wait until Nynniaw gets back and taste more of this wine, he said he knows somewhere, he can show us where it is.”
“Alright but in the meantime no more talk about what our intentions are, understood?” Caradoc asked.
“Don’t worry I don’t intend to risk our lives so easily.” Brennus answered.
The days of confinement in the garrison had finally passed and Varro was able to ride free to a degree with his men once more. He had come to terms with the death of Decimus as best he could and realised that Brenna had no choice in the matter, if she hadn’t taken his life, she would be dead also. He didn’t like the circumstances of how it had come about or why but there was nothing he could do about it.
With all their equipment checked, cleaned and polished and any defects replaced, they rode south to liaise with the forts, villas and settlements to make sure everything was in order. With no specific plans to march against the Silures for the time being, they were to consolidate the ground they had already taken, which for small squads like his own could prove equally as dangerous as open warfare, if not more so.