Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 05] Revolt of the Red Witch Read Online Free PDF

Ailis’ mind she was just hoping that Gaius and Marcus would return, and return soon. It was later that she became glad that her wish had not come true. As they turned the corner, towards the rear gate, Ailis’ hopes began to rise; once through the gate there were many places they could hide until the terror was gone. Suddenly ten bearded and heavily armed warriors stepped in front to them.  The children and their protectors were all unceremoniously grabbed and in a few moments their hands were tied and halters tightened around their necks.  The cook was sobbing uncontrollably but miraculously the boys were too shocked to react and Ailis was determined to keep as calm as possible to avoid upsetting her children.
    The warband quickly set fire to the homestead and then, with captives tied together, and the captured animals herded, began to trot back north up the Roman road towards Morbium.  The leaders sat astride Gaius’ and Gaelwyn’s precious horses carrying their spare weapons.  It had been a good haul, a better haul than they had hoped. Lulach would be pleased and they only had a few miles to go to get to Morbium where others held the bridge for them to cross in safety.  It was as they were struggling up the road that Ailis realised that the warband was not hurrying but making their way purposefully up the Roman road to the Roman fort.  If they were bold enough to come down the road and travel back so leisurely then they had no fear of the Romans, Morbium had been captured.
     
    It was Gaelwyn who knew something was amiss when he saw the glow in the night sky.  The journey back had indeed taken longer than they would have hoped and it was very dark with a heavy overcast sky when they finally arrived at the track which led the two miles to the settlement.
    “There is a fire and it is at the farm.” The three men dropped their boar and ran up the lane. What greeted them was an even bigger shock than it had been for Ailis.  They could see, even as they approached, the bodies littered around the perimeter lit by the light from the raging inferno which had engulfed the main building..
    “Ailis!” Gaius’ piteous cry erupted from his throat as though ripped by some unseen hand. The three of them ran to each body to see who it was and if they were alive. By the time they had searched the whole complex the fire had abated somewhat and Gaelwyn made his assessment.  “It is only the men who are dead, no boys and no women.” He looked at Gaius, “Unless we find bodies in the main house.”
    Marcus shook his head. “No Gaelwyn, we saw this in the north west.  It is a captive raid.  The Caledonii have come for slaves.”
    Gaelwyn nodded his agreement.  “ I have found Caledonii weapons. But I cannot understand why they were not stopped at the fort, unless they headed south.”
    “Let us go to my farm”, said Marcus. “It may tell us more.” As they jogged their way the five miles to his farm Marcus just worried that his farm manager and all his people would be dead.  They had been with him for a long time. The dogs began howling when they approached and Annius and the salves were armed and prepared.
    “Oh it is you master.  We thought it was those raiders.”
    “Did they come here?”
    “No, a rider came from Morbium.  It has been surrounded and many of the garrison put to the sword. There are a few men in the fort holding on but the road to the north is no longer guarded and the messenger said that Coriosopitum had fallen too.”
    Gaelwyn and Marcus both looked intently at Gaius. “We can do nothing tonight.  We will leave in the morning and follow.”
    “I cannot ask you two to come into such danger. They are my family.  I will follow alone.”
    Gaelwyn’s face became suffused with anger. “Your family! Is not Ailis my sister son? And are not her children my family? Besides, boy, you could not follow their trail, you need Gaelwyn.”
    “And remember Gaius that Ailis was Macha’s cousin it is