Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 03] Invasion- Caledonia by Griff Hosker Read Free Book Online Page A

dawn that Marcus’ disappearance came to light. Decius and the other senior decurions had gone to wake him when he did not come for his food. This was not the Marcus they knew for he was always the first up, organising and chivvying. At first they thought he had gone to an early meeting with the general but when the general sent for him they knew that something was amiss.
    When Decius entered the tent he could see the covers on the floor and footprints in the dirt. “Get Gaelwyn. That old dog will sniff what went on here or I’m a Greek bum boy.” When Gaelwyn arrived , unusually, he did not make a disparaging comment or give one of his usual sniffs instead he began to feel around the edge of the tent and then under the bed.  He quickly leapt to his feet and set off like a greyhound around the outside of the tent. The auxiliaries followed as quickly as they could. When he came to the palisade he amazed them by lithely leaping over the barrier as though it was not there. By the time they had exited the gate and caught up with him he was down by the beach. “Well?”
    “Four men came into the camp and captured the decurion. They climbed the wall and met others. Half went in a boat and the rest went along the coast. Probably to the isle.” He gestured to Caer Gybi.
    Showing more affection than he normally did Decius put his arm around the scout’s shoulders. “Well you have earned your pay today old lad. Tell me is he still alive?”
    He looked straight at Decius, “I did not see any blood. He could be.” Closing his eyes for a moment he said, “And I do not feel his death.  He lives.”
    Decius went straight to the general as the other decurions roused their turmae. “General!” His guards tried to stop the intrusion but Decius was in no mood to be halted and he pushed aside their spears.
    Agricola looked up more bemused than angry at the interruption. “Yes Decurion?”
    “The Ordovice. They have captured Decurion Princeps Maximunius.”
    Had he slapped the general in the face he could not have a greater impact. For the first time since he had seen him Decius saw a man not in command of himself. “Are you sure? Of course you are. Tell me.”
    “Looks like four came in last night, hit him and then took him to their island.”
    “So still alive, “he put his hands together and half closed his eyes. “They want him for something which means he may be kept alive for a little longer. Oh tribune, have all the guards from last night flogged, this should not have happened. Now where was I, ah yes, what do they want him for? The sword. That damned sword. Is the sword still there?”
    Confused Decius looked around as though the sword was behind him. “I er, I don’t know. I’ll find out.” Forgetting to salute he raced out.
    “I think gentlemen that; until we have a better picture of what they have taken him for we will put off the assault until tomorrow.  It isn’t as though they are going anywhere and it will give us time to reflect on this disturbing turn of events. Oh and send for that barbarian they like to keep with them, the scout.”
    Gaelwyn arrived with Decius and the sword. “Well that answers one question. They didn’t get the sword. Decurion you are to take charge of that thing until we get the Decurion Princeps back. Now, “his clerk whispered in his ear, “er Gaelwyn. You probably know these people better than we do. I know you are not of this tribe but you know their ways.”
    Gaelwyn nodded, “I know the Ordovice. They are rats, for they live in holes.”
    Smiling the general continued, “Quite. I would like you to find out what has happened to the Decurion Princeps. Can you do that?”
    “Yes.”
    “Good. Decurion have an escort get him as close to that isle as possible without showing yourselves and make sure he gets back here right?”
    “Yes sir.”
    “Oh and decurion do not go yourself.  I don’t want to lose all my senior officers.” The disappointment showed like cracks