Free Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 03] Invasion- Caledonia by Griff Hosker Page B

it has not changed your impulsive nature,” the blushing decurion had to endure hoots and laughs from his peers. “No we are going back to the land of the lakes.”All laughs, smiles and snickers stopped in an instant for they all knew they were returning to face the Brigante again. If he had demanded close attention Marcus could not have achieved it more effectively. “We are going back to Glanibanta.”
    “Shit! That means building a frigging fort again!”
    Even Marcus joined in the laughter. “Eloquently put Decius. The Senate missed a fine speaker when you chose the auxilia over politics.” Marcus waited until the laughter had died down before he continued. “We will have to rebuild the fort first and then our task is to destroy the warband which is rampaging through the north.” He paused to allow the words to sink in. “Yes we will destroy them. As with the Ordovices there will be no prisoners taken. Rebels now will pay the full price of their crimes.” He was pleased that they all nodded in agreement. “Sergeant Cato please let me know of any deficiencies in mounts. Quartermaster Verres we will need to get as many supplies as possible. We may not be re-supplied for some time.”Again he paused for effect and he said with great emphasis on every word, “Scour the fortress for anything you think we might need. Understood?”
    The huge man grinned, tapped the side of his nose and said, “Understood, sir.”
    “Well if there is nothing else we leave in the morning.” There were gasps as the gathering realised the short time scale. The room emptied much quicker than it had filled.
    The first part of their journey was over the familiar territory they had traversed heading south with Agricola the last year.  They were even able to use one of the camps they had made which made that day, at least slightly easier. They were encumbered this time by pack mules and a couple of wagons for Porcius Verres had outdone himself with his scavenging. Decius had been delighted to see many amphora of wine disappearing into the wagons and from the look of the one carrying their armour it suggested that the quartermaster had taken Marcus at his word and obtained spares of everything. As it was spring the weather was unpredictable but for the first few days they were lucky to find either sunny or cloudy skies beneath which they could plod their way north.
    They reached the first major river since leaving Mamucium and they were in unfamiliar territory for the first time. The prefect ordered the camp built south of the river close to the point they had turned south the previous year. North east they knew for the next thirty or so miles, according to the basic map Marcus was reading, and after that they would be in unfamiliar land. The furthest they had patrolled, all those years ago, was the southern edge of the lake upon which Glanibanta stood. Once they reached that point Marcus would be content for then he would know the land. The next thirty miles were potentially the most dangerous for he knew nothing of the land or the brigands who waited there.
    As the camp was being set up he sent for Gaelwyn and Decius. Gaelwyn had not mentioned the rescue of Marcus despite the profuse thanks offered by Marcus and the offer of any reward. It was not in the Brigante warrior’s nature to expect reward.  He had rescued Marcus because he liked him, he owed him loyalty and in a barbarian way he was his chief. When he married into the Brigante royal family then Gaelwyn owed him more than loyalty he owed him fealty. When a Brigante, a true Brigante, gave you his oath it was for life and death. “Do you know the land north of here Gaelwyn?”
    He nodded and looked at the map not understanding its writing. Instead he pointed due north, “There are hills with forests and woods.” He pointed north west, “There it is flat with woods, some farms.” He then pointed further west, “There lies the sea with dangerous beaches which eat both men