Free Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 04] Roman Retreat by Griff Hosker Page B

will return to Eboracum.”
    Marcus felt strange as he rode across the bridge at Morbium. It was so familiar and yet so strange.  He had seen the place as a rough little fort and bridge and now it was a powerful fort and thriving settlement.  It would make his villa more secure.  He had only seen the villa once and that was before he had had the buildings put up.  It had been three years since he had set his slaves to building it and he looked forward to seeing it.  As he emerged through the trees a couple of miles from the fort he caught his first glimpse of the small one storied villa Annius and his men had built.  Although small it looked quite substantial. Someone must have been keeping watch for, by the time he rode up to the imposing doors ,the ten men and women who made up his household were stood at attention, smiles covering their faces.
    Whilst one of the boys held his horse Annius, now older and greyer than when he had worked at Glanibanta, bowed.  “It is good to see you master. Will you be home for long?”
    “Just a week this time Annius but I am home for good soon.”
    “Excellent.  Could I apologise for the bath house is not yet finished.”
    Hiding his disappointment Marcus shrugged the apology away.  “You have done well old friend to do as much as you have.”
    The old man looked up.  “We did have encouragement from Gaelwyn, your friend.”
    Marcus laughed.  He should have known that his old scout, Gaelwyn would have had something to do with this. “I hope he was not too obtrusive?”
    “No sir.  Fortunately his visits were brief, but memorable. I suspect he will be calling today for he seems to know instinctively what is going on here.”
    Marcus remembered the uncanny sixth senses possessed by the fearsome Brigante who had sworn such allegiance to Marcus’ Horse and was now the guardian and protector of his niece, Ailis. “Well in that case we have better prepare food and drink.
    Marcus had barely had time to wash and change when he was greeted by, not only Gaelwyn but Ailis and her small child, Decius. “Good to see you prefect.  You should have warned us you were coming.”
    “You disappoint me old friend. I thought you had second sight and, Ailis, your husband sends his love and felicitations and asked me to do this.” He leant forward and kissed her on the forehead.
    “Thank you lord and how is my husband?”
    “He misses you but then most of the decurions miss you. They envy your husband. Let us adjourn to my solar for Annius has prepared some refreshments.”
    Marcus spent the next hour explaining his new role and his plans for the villa. “I hope to visit with you both often; if only to placate Gaius who worries.”
    Gaelwyn snorted.  “He is a warrior.  He is where he should be.”
    Ailis glanced down at the bump that would soon be a child and catching her eye Marcus inclined his head in sympathy. “How many local warriors remain Gaelwyn?”
    “Local warriors?”
    “Men who could fight to defend the land of the Brigante.”
    “Ah. We have ten at Stanwyck.  They work the farm and train with me. There are a few at Morbium but they need training. Why do you ask?”
    “It is no secret that the legions have departed south.  The only army which faces the Caledonii is that commanded by Strabo and Sura. You travelled that land.  Do you believe they can stop all the raids and attacks?”
    Gaelwyn shook his head. “Then we will spend the winter making our farms stronger.”
    “Begin with yours Gaelwyn. I will instruct Annius to bring over my workers for I want Gaius to be happy now that he is to be Decurion Princeps.”
    Gaelwyn grinned, obviously pleased with the decision. “That is good for it means more pay.”
    Marcus laughed.  “Not a great deal of pay.” The decurions of Marcus’ horse had done well, not from Roman pay, but from the booty they had looted from defeated foes. One torque alone had paid for Marcus’ farm and all the decurions had buried their