Read Online Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 11] Roman Treachery by Griff Hosker - Free Book Online Page A

his brow.  This was not part of the Roman plan.  What did it mean? He had been pleased that he was with the Decurion Princeps for that meant the heart of the ala could be pierced with a successful ambush but the departure of the sword also created problems for every Brigante yearned for the blade. He would have to hope that Briac had seen the sign and had an ambush prepared.
    Marcus rode hard to reach the farm.  It had been some time since he had visited and he wondered how much his son had grown. The farm was really a small fort for his father had created sound and effective defences to protect his family when he had been away and his brother, Decius, had continued with those improvements.  The farm workers also served as an unofficial militia and guards. Thanks to the money his father and he had acquired and accrued they were a well off family and could afford to pay their men rather than having them as tenants or thralls.  It bred loyalty and Marcus knew that they could fend off any bandit attack which dared to approach.
    Decius had grown broader with a more pronounced paunch and Ailis, their mother, noticed the difference between her two boys for Marcus was like a lean and hungry wolf compared with his more comfortable brother. She had outlived all those she had loved, save her sons and, thanks to their wives and her grandchildren she was enjoying a new lease of life.  She still worried over Marcus; any mother would and she was grateful to see him safe and sound when he visited.
    “Sextus let the men water their horses,“ he grinned, “and as I can smell bread baking, if you ask nicely at the kitchen door the cook may have something for the lads.” One of the bonuses of serving with Marcus was the hospitality of his home.
    Frann, his wife, ran to greet him.  A freed slave from the land of the Tencteri she relished and appreciated every moment of her new life.  She accepted her husband’s absence but she was not lonely for Marcus’ mother were as protective as a she bear, as were the rest of the family. “Our son sleeps, I will wake him.”
    Kissing her gently he said, “No I cannot stay long and I know that his sleeping moments are valuable.” His son, Macro, was just like his namesake, a bundle of energy when he was awake.
    Decius and Ailis joined them, Ailis hugging him and kissing him, as she always did, on both cheeks twice. “Well brother what betokens this visit?” Decius loved his brother but he knew that bringing the turma meant trouble of some description.
    Marcus sat at the family table with Frann on his knee.  “We have heard rumours that the Brigante are becoming restive.  Some bandits or rebels, we know not which, have captured supply convoys and the work on the wall is threatened. Have you heard aught?”
    Decius shook his head.  “You know that any rebel would stay away from me but I will go and ask the men.  They have wider acquaintances.”
    “I am happy to hear rumours.  Where is Drugi?”
    “He is hunting in the western valley.  Should I send for him?”
    “No I will visit with him after I have finished here.”
    “You are leaving today my son?”
    “Yes mother.  The ala is to be based here until the threat is nullified.  I meant to ask Decius if there were any of the men in the valley who would be suitable as scouts.”
    His mother gave a sad smile, “You miss Uncle Gaelwyn then?”
    Marcus looked through the door to the place where they had buried the legendary scout.”Every day.”
    “I think there are a couple of boys towards Stanwyck. They like to work with Drugi and he has taken to them.  If you see him then he may have more information for you.”
    By the time Decius returned, Macro had awoken and he and his father had enjoyed a playful tussle.  Frann shook her head.  “There will be no settling him now.  He will be crying for his dada all the time.”
    Ailis smiled.  “It is the same for all the boys in this family.  One day we will have a girl and we