John Salter - Retribution

“Caradoc,” Varro said stopping him, “I can’t even begin to understand how you must feel, but please know that we knew nothing of the fleet, I promise you.”

“In another life,” Caradoc said, “we could have been friends, brothers. If your leaders were like you, there would be no war, of that I’m certain. I believe you and I think that you’re a man of honour.” He looked at Grattius and the others, “Of the company you keep, I couldn’t say the same, but I have been known to be wrong, I can admit that.” Grattius was tempted to speak but didn’t.

“Goodbye Centurion Varro, may your gods go with you, and watch over you and your friends here, but for the others, I will show no mercy. No act will be beyond my reach or conscience now. I will seek to destroy everything that Rome stands for here in Albion. My warriors will strive to strike at the very heart of everything they hold dear.” He smiled, “It’s probably better this way, no more pretence with dreams of peace. Plautius will either die or return to Rome having failed, empty handed. I vow this will happen on my father’s spirit.” He took one last look at those listening to his words and then ducked under the door skin and left the roundhouse.

An eerie silence fell over those sat near the table, no-one spoke for a while, Grattius poured some water from a jug into a cup and drank it, not saying a word. Brenna stared at the table, Lita looked at her and Varro gazed at the floor.

“Well,” he said eventually, “we’d better get our things packed up and get ready to move out tomorrow.”

“Thank Mithras I say,” Grattius said, “the sooner we’re back behind our lines the better, no offence ladies but you know what I mean.”

“None taken,” Brenna said quietly, “the sooner we’re out of here the better. Ardwen and the others may be content to listen to Caradoc for now, but it wouldn’t take much for them to turn and take matters into their own hands.”

“Do you think we’re safe tonight?” Lita asked.

“I think we’ll be safe until we get across the mountains and back into friendly territory, you heard what he said. It’s after that I’m more concerned with.” Varro said.

“What do you mean by that?” Grattius asked.

“He’s already struck at will along the border and deep into Roman occupied lands but now, now he knows it’s a fight to the death. He’s got nothing to lose, one way or another he that knows Rome wants this land and will do anything to get it. If that means wiping out all those that live here, then so be it. There’s nothing to hold him back anymore, or others. Word will spread of the failed attempt by the fleet, of the trick that Plautius tried to employ, even if it’s not true. It will give them heart and encouragement to rise against us and they are everywhere we are. If every Celt here decides to rebel, there’s nothing, even five legions could do about it and the Governor may have just given them the reason that helps them decide to do it.”

Brenna stood up, “What you say is correct, but it won’t happen, not with all the tribes anyway, some are more than happy to live this way, under Roman rule, but others will never stop fighting. I’ve told you before that this war will go on for as long as you Romans are here. Some battles they will win, others you will be the victors, but you will never completely dominate a people that don’t want to be beaten. It’s not in our nature to lie down and let ourselves be kicked and beaten, we fight back, we always will.”

“And yet you work with us.” Grattius said.

“I work alongside you Optio, there is a difference, I want peace, but not through any means. I can live side by side with any kind of people, irrespective of where they come from as long as there is harmony, some sort of common understanding. What I will not do is live as a slave or as something thought of as inferior. Centurion Varro has shown me that not all Romans are evil and wicked, we have spoken of this many times and I believe his words, but there is still doubt. Not that he is lying or is trying to deceive me or my people but that those above him, your superiors, have different plans for Albion and her tribes. Your Emperor Claudius clearly thought that invading this island would be easy and yet he’s already been proven wrong. Four long years ago, the legions arrived on our soil and still you haven’t taken the southern shores entirely, never mind the west and the north. I doubt that we’ll ever see an end to the conflict here during our lives if Rome decides to stay. As it is, the Roman way is to dominate and take from others, so it is the way of the Celts to resist and to fight until our dying breath. We are a proud people and will not, cannot live like animals, ruled over by others. This is what you face Optio, we accept the fate the gods have given us and although I want peace and will work by your side to achieve it, others will not, ever.”

The rest of the evening was spent in virtual silence, Caradoc had arranged for food to be brought to them and some rations were packed away for their journey the following morning. They ate with little conversation between them, except for Grattius who occasionally spoke about the food they consumed. No-one was drawn into replying however, a depression had fallen over the others as they realised for the first time, there was now little hope of a lasting peace.