“We can’t say that,” Ardwen replied, “they may not have been as important to you where you come from Caradoc, but to speak in such a way would only bring destruction on all we are trying to do.”
“How?” Caradoc asked, “How will they bring destruction to us?” He raised his sword, “With these? I don’t think so. Will they call their gods from the underworld or the heavens to strike me down?” He smiled, “It’s a chance I’m willing to take because if they don’t do as I ask, we’re all doomed anyway.” He replaced his sword and began to walk away, “Get it done Ardwen. I want those soldiers back here within three days.”
Grattius and Varro led the way west with Brenna and Lita slightly behind them, “I suppose I’ve got the blonde one then?” The optio asked, “Seeing as you’re in love with Raven hair.”
“What?” Varro asked turning his head.
“Blondie, I said, I suppose I’m left with the blond one.”
Varro turned around and looked at Lita, “What makes you think she’ll be interested?”
Grattius looked hurt, “Ugh,” he almost choked out, “stands to reason doesn’t it.”
The centurion looked confused, Grattius continued, “She’s helping us, must be a reason which more than likely means she wants a bit of Roman steel inside her.”
Varro scowled, “I don’t think the two necessarily go together but you can always give it a try if you like, just don’t come running to me if she turns feral on you.”
Grattius glanced backwards at Lita and smiled, she returned a glare, “Mm maybe you’re right.” He said, “So what about you and the beautiful Brenna then? She’s a bit small for me mind you. I prefer ‘em a bit taller, you know longer legs.”
“That’s good to know, I’ll bear that in mind once we’re in the mountains and leave the longer legged ones to you, they’ll catch you quicker.” Varro said.
“Oh, you had to do it didn’t you? Now you’ve reminded me of where we’re going.” He closed an eye and looked up trying to find the sun through the grey cloud. “It might be my last chance to get close to a woman then.”
I wouldn’t say that,” Varro replied, “if we get captured and tortured, they’ll get close to you alright.”
Grattius contorted his face, “I don’t mean like that.” He looked up again, “Anyway we’d better start looking for somewhere to camp for the night before we lose the light.”
Varro looked around, “Mm well at least you’re right about that.” He said, “The next good place we find will do, sheltered and covered if possible.”
They rode on slowly for a while along the track they’d been following until they came to a small outpost where messengers exchanged horses and rested for the night. It was manned by an optio and three soldiers but there was no space available, the optio suggested that they could use the tents at the rear of the small building or the stable. The stables were full of horses and smelt quite badly, so they went and had a look at the tents. They were packed with dry goods, barrels, spare equipment, saddles and bridles but there was enough space in both to lie down, just, as long as you didn’t mind being cosy.
“Gods breath, that does it.” Grattius said, “Lita and I will take this one,” he said pointing, “and you and Brenna can share the other.” He turned to the others smiling, eyebrows raised. Lita’s expression was that of utter rage.
“If you think I’m going to lie with you, you stinking excuse of a man, you’ve got another thing coming, I’d rather mate with a dog.” She spat.
“Mm,” he murmured turning to look at Varro, “Looks like you and I are stuck with each other then, Centurion.”
“So it would seem.” Varro replied, “Come on let’s get the horses settled and get some food sorted out. There’s bound to be rations inside the post, maybe some relatively fresh wine as well, not that vinegar we had in Londinium.”
“Fussy for a soldier aren’t you Centurion?” Grattius said.
“Not really Optio,” he said emphasising the others rank, I just have a discerning taste.” Varro caught Brenna’s eye as he said it and saw what he thought was a faint smile cross her lips.
“Will they have baths?” She asked.
“Doubtful, very doubtful,” Varro said, “Although they could have a tub or something to squeeze into if you’re lucky.”
“Anything would do, just to get the dirt off from the ride today.” She said. It was the first time she had spoken since they had left earlier that day, the first time she had spoken to him anyway and somehow it made him feel better.
“Come on then let’s get sorted out.” Grattius said leaving the tent, “horses first as always.”
Optio Vidus, the outpost’s temporary commander turned out to be a veteran from Hispania. He was around thirty years of age and had spent most of his adult life in the army, twelve years. The same height as Varro with a slightly darker complexion, the only other noticeable difference was the almost white grey hair around his ears. Varro looked around the small interior of the outpost and spoke to Vidus.
“Thank you for the hospitality, we’d have spent a night under the stars if we hadn’t found you.” He said. In reality the outpost was little more than a stone hut, albeit a large one. Inside there was space for five cots, three for those stationed there and two for soldiers, predominantly messengers passing through, they were currently occupied by sleeping men. With nine people inside there was virtually no room to move around, to one side in a corner there were two tables with small tools around them.
“We’re just about to start the evening meal if you’d like to join us?” Vidus asked, “It won’t be much but here,” he waved at a legionary preparing food, “is a very good cook and we get fresh rations every three days, so there’s plenty to go around.”
Varro smiled, “That would be most welcome, thank you,” Varro said pointing at the stools, “We’ll take a seat over here out of the way.”
“Please help yourselves.” Vidus said, “Who are the females, Britons I presume?” He asked.
Brenna and Lita turned but Varro answered before they could say anything, “Yes allies, they’ve worked closely with us for a while now, a number of years.” He lied in Lita’s case, “and can speak our language very well.” He warned just in case the optio said something derogatory.
Vidus motioned towards the stools, “Well you’re all welcome, please take a seat while Helco works some magic.”
They did as they were asked and whilst they chatted quietly about their mission Vidus brought some wine over as the smell of freshly cooked bread wafted around the room. Vidus saw their faces light up.
“We may be in the middle of nowhere but there’s always a place for fresh bread.” All legionaries were well versed in bread making and it had become an essential ingredient of their daily food intake, often supplementing their rations. “We only have a small oven but it can make a few little loaves at a time.” Vidus remarked as Helco chopped some onions whilst humming and then threw some vegetables into a pot. “It won’t be long.” He took a stool and sat down next to Varro. “So where are you headed?” He asked.
“Back to Isca.” Varro lied, “We’re taking Brenna and Lita there as they know the lay of the land. They’re going to be helping the scouts as we prepare to move west when the campaigning season begins again.” He took a sip of his wine, “Mm that’s better than the last drop I had back in Londinium.”
Grattius gave him a frown, “I’ll just check on the horses quickly.” He said standing up and draining his cup and walking to the door, “That smells good my friend.” He added to Helco nodding at the bubbling pot, the legionary smiled and sprinkled some herbs into the food he was preparing, “I’m starving.” He was heard saying as he closed the door.
Soon after Grattius returned, they were joined by the messengers who had been woken up for their supper and they enjoyed the meal prepared by Helco. They talked of their experiences in Britannia both good and bad and even Lita lightened up and joined in the conversation. They talked of their fears and expectations and compared some of the island to northern Gaul, which Brenna and Lita found intriguing, having never been there. Afterwards Varro’s group thanked the outpost’s men once more for their hospitality and made their way outside.