Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 03] Invasion- Caledonia Read Online Free Page B

looking at the numbers we will be well outnumbered.”
    “I am not worried Marcus.  Our general is a calm man and a thinker.  We will beat them, of that I am sure.  I am just not certain if that will be tomorrow or another day.”
    Just then Gaelwyn arrived in the camp. He looked around at the wounded being tended and sniffed. “I see you missed my nose again.”
    Slightly irritated by the insensitive comment Marcus snapped.  “Well what did you find?”
    Ignoring the rebuke the Brigante warrior idly picked his nose and, examining the result said, “There are a few thousand tribesmen waiting all along the beaches of Mona. And before you ask there was no sign of the fleet. I found a stream a mile up the coast with a path going into the hills.” When Marcus looked him expectantly he carried on, “I only mention it because when I went up it I found the Ordovice camp.”Their faces showed their surprise.
    “Well thank you Gaelwyn, now go and have your food.”
    Turning to leave he added more seriously. “And there are thousands of them, a legion and half in your numbers.”
    “I think we had better find the general.”

Chapter 3
    The general was up well before dawn. The cold night had left more mist around the beach and the camp. As Marcus and the two prefects made their way to Agricola’s tent he wondered about the magic of the island. The mist did not seem natural for it also hung around the tops of the hills and mountains as though the gods were protecting this sacred and holy land.
    “Thank you gentlemen. Thanks to Marcus’ scout, a most interesting man by the way Decurion, we know where the enemy camp is.  I propose to attack at first light.”
    Cassius Bassus looked incredulous, “But they outnumber us by at least five to one and we will be attacking up hill!”
    “Do you doubt your men prefect?”
    “Well no sir but uphill and outnumbered!”
    “You forget our advantages. Arms, training and discipline with those we will win. Our plan of battle is quite simple. The legionaries will be in three lines in the centre, The Batavians on the right and your men Cassius Bassus on the left.  We have no artillery but I will require one cohort of your men Prefect Bassus to guard the wounded and the supplies. Decurion Princeps Maximunius will take his men on foot,” the gasp from Bassus was so loud they all looked at him, “will take his men on foot.” He repeated, “That is right prefect on foot. Have you a problem with that Decurion?”
    “No sir the men are all prepared.”
    “Good.  Your scout can take you behind their camp and when they engage my front line fall upon their rear.  Should be simple. Any questions?”
    Any questions they might have had died on their lips. As they left Bassus turned to Marcus.  “I’ll say this for him, he has balls of iron that one. Your lads manage the fighting on foot?”
    “It is not as if we have to make a frontal attack, ours is the easy part.”
    “Only if we win, if we don’t then this could be the end of the Pannonian cavalry.”
    Inir and his men were in position as the sun lit up the island of Mona gleaming like a jewel glinting in the west. The Ordovices took this to be a sign that the gods smiled upon them and they eagerly took up heir battle line. The Ordovice warrior was small and squat and whilst in many places this could be a disadvantage here on a steep slope it was an advantage. They could run quickly down the hill and be less likely to fall over. The speed down the hill would increase their momentum and Inir was certain that a pathetic three deep line could not stand against them.
    As his men marched down the hill he was shocked to find the Romans advancing towards him.  He had expected them to wait until he attacked but they were going to win the battle for him. If they were moving then it would be harder for them to stand their ground. With a roar his men crashed down the hill like rocks from an angry Wyddfa. If he thought this would intimidate