Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 10] Roman Hawk Read Online Free Page A

had said too much and was relieved when they both smiled.
    “Oh the Emperor knows the situation.  Having nearly been caught in an ambush  by the Votadini he is acutely aware of the issues but, as Julius Demetrius told us, it is the money men in Rome who cause the problems. They believe that Britannia is conquered and want a return on Rome’s investment.  When the Emperor returns to Rome then expect more supplies, ships and men but until then, we will become the land borne Classis Britannica!”
    “It will be good to have a mobile force close to us.  I worry that my static little fort cannot react quickly enough to incursions.  By the time we get there then the raiders have departed.” He waved his arm at the flooded land which could be seen from the gates.”  With the extra rain it means they can get as far as us if they choose. The winter is the dangerous time for the rain from the hills makes the valley like a lake than a river.  Even here the river nearly topped the bridge.”
    “I think Prefect that your bolt throwers would tear them to shreds if they ventured this far.”
    The Prefect chuckled, “Yes it would be nice to see the look on their faces as Greek Fire poured on to them. “ They both knew the magic of both Greek Fire and bolt throwers when facing barbarians.  They thought it dishonourable to fight from a distance.  It was an edge the Romans did not want to lose. “Give my regards to your family.  My patrols check in on them regularly.  I think they see it as an outpost of this one.,”
    “After the last raid and the death of my father my brother increased the defences. He learned that we need stone walls and a double gate.  By spring the walls should be stone for the whole of its circumference and the ditches make it look like a smaller version of Morbium.”
    The ride from the fort to the farm was a short one.  The farm was south east of the fort and far enough away not to be affected by the flood plain. There was a stream on his brother’s land which afforded protection for three quarters of the perimeter and the last quarter had a formidable wall and gate. Much of the forest had been cleared to make grazing land for cattle while pigs were kept in large enclosures close to the main buildings.  It was a prosperous farm, as Marcus told Decius whilst they rode down the muddy trail, “It is more a collection of farms than one enterprise but my brother manages it all.”
    “Are you not envious of your brother’s riches?”
    Marcus shook his head, “My brother does it because he loves it and it is for the family.  Any riches we have are for the whole family and that includes those who work with us to till and harvest the land.” He could see that Decius was having problems with the concept. “My mother is Brigante as are the people who work the land. She sees it as looking after the land.  My mother adheres to the worship of the Mother.”
    Decius looked aghast.  “No, not the corrupted and warped form of Morwenna and her cult, but the true Brigante version which works in harmony with the land, not using it as an evil power.”
    Ailis and Decius were delighted by the bonus of a visit from their warrior.  They had all become far closer since the deaths of Macro and Gaius.  The five orphans were also a welcome delight and distraction for the grandmother as they played with and entertained Decius’ young son.  Ailis noticed Marcus’ look and smiled.  “The Allfather works in strange ways.  He took away two and gives us six.”
    “I would that he had left us the two as well.”
    Ailis shook her head.  “Your father was marked for death.  The harsh winter would have taken him and he would have died in a bed coughing out his life.  Better to die with a blade in his had as he lived.  As for your brother, we all know that his mother marked him for death the day that he was born.  At least he had more years to live the life he wanted and you know, son, that he always regarded