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Chapter 3
Chapter 3
***
History of Albion
Volume 1
The Beginning of the Confederation of Genti-Morriganvantes saw immediate growth in population and the financial situation of the Southern kingdoms. Reconstruction of the old destroyed centers started to begin as people began to come in droves from hiding in their homes to start to rebuild. Regardless of status as Slaves, Freemen or Citizens, everyone pitched in to help the reconstruction. High King Cassibellanus was also extremely popular among the normal people as they saw him as their savior from Rome.
As Rome consolidated its hold over Gaul, many Celts from Gaul fled to the Pritanni islands where Cassibellanus allowed them to enter from the south. His treaty with the Romans stipulated to not aid the Gauls in their war against Rome, but nothing stipulated he couldn’t take them in and he allowed them to settle in the areas of Ceint and Iceni with the permission of the local kings. When Julius Caesar asked for known criminals who had fled to Genti-Morriganvantes to be handed over to Rome, Cassibellanus, who was still nominally a tributary to Roman agreed to send these criminals back in return for the others allowed to stay. Caesar allowed this.
However as prosperity grew among the people, so did conspiracies. The Genti-Morriganvantes Civil War was about to begin.
***
49 BC
Carvillius was annoyed beyond himself as he waited for the King of the Brigante King Lord Herne Brigante. This idea of a confederation, was totally ill-made in Carvillius’s opinion. Cassibellanus, Segovax and himself could have carved out a kingdom for themselves but no, Cassibellanus had to be kind and gentle, to show his allies so that he could peacefully create a confederation.
Of all things…..Did the man suddenly become naïve? Where was the great Cassibellanus, the fear warlord of the past? He was cut out of his thinking when Lord Herne Brigante entered his tent with his huge hulking figure and long white beard.
Carvillius stood up and respectfully bowed his head to the king. The Brigante did the same.
“Lord Carvillius, is there a reason as to why you have asked me for this meeting?” Herne asked as he sat down leisurely in front of him.
Carvillius spread his hands. “Lord Brigante, you control much of Northern Britannia. The Brigante tribe remains the strongest in the north unchallenged. Your allies the Silures also control a sizeable amount of land in Cymraeg. We all know that this confederation is a dagger headed for all of Albion. Why not take it out before it becomes a problem for all of us?”
Herne inclined his head towards his left side looking at Carvillius. “Are you not a part of this confederation yourself? Why disaffected?”
Carvillius clenched his hands. “My brothers in arms fought for Cassibellanus and died. The least he could have done was gain a favorable peace. Did he? No! We remains tributary states of Rome. He gives concessions to former enemies such as the Dutrogi, Dumnonii and Iceni who deserve none of the power he gives them.”
“Cassibellanus is known to be your childhood friend, why betray him?” Herne asked.
“For all the reasons I stipulated. Cassibellanus is dead to me. He is no longer the leader he once was, no longer the feared warlord of Britannia.” Carvillius growled out.
Herne laughed as he turned his head back in laughter. “I see. So a disaffected friend. How dirty politics is to see friend turn on friend. But that is our life is it not. Very well. Like you stated I am wary of this confederation and I wish to see this competition gone. If I had known what would arise when I sent my cavalry to aid Cassibellanus I would have forced them to return. My allies the Silures will stand with me against this confederation. I shall break the power of Cassibellanus with you. What are your terms after victory?”
“I wish to annex the lands of the former Trinovantes, Segovax, Dutrogi and southern Iceni.” Carvillius answered as he let a\n ambitious smile show.
“That is a lot. But it is deserved. You will of course be the spy king in the Confederation. I will gain all the northern lands and the Silures the eastern lands and northern Dumnonia, the lands of their rivals.” Herne replied and gave his arm to Carvillius. Carvillius smiled and grasped Herne’s shoulder shaking it in agreement.
“Oh what a fool. I have no intentions of allowing the rich southern lands go to this treasonous idiot.” Herne thought inwardly with a smile and left. He needed to mobilize his war bands. The time for war had come forward.
***
March 28th, 49 BC, Fort Tamesas.
Cassibellanus yawned as he looked at the early morning exercise of his retinue down in the fort armory. News had arrived from the mainland about a civil war in Rome. That was good news. Anything to weaken their tributary lord was good in his opinion.
Cassibellanus shook his head to get rid of his drowsiness and stood straight as he saw the warband of Queen Bodica of Iceni in the distance in the east. She was coming for the annual Confederation Kingly (In her case Queenly) Council meeting. He rode onto to a horse and trotted downwards towards the gates to welcome her. The doors of the fort opened and let her in. Queen Bodica dismounted from her horse and so did he.
Cassibellanus kissed her hands in greeting as she flurried her dress and curtsied before him.
“Queen Bodica, it is delightful to see you again. And I believe congratulations are in order?” Cassibellanus asked humorously as Queen Bodica’s swelling pregnant belly showed. She blushed slightly before composing herself and saying “Yes. I am with my third child.”
“The King-consort of Iceni must be busy planning the raising of his third child.” Cassibellanus remarked as he led her to the inner sanctum.
“Yes. I believe he wishes for a daughter after giving birth to two boys, I must agree with him.” Bodica replied with a light tone.
Cassibellanus laughed. “Yes I have met your sons. Two little rascals aren’t they? Kelwyn told me he wants to become the next High King of the federation. I didn’t have the heart to tell him your tribe is matriarchal.”
“Well laws can be bent. My kingdom is matriarchal, the Confederation is not.” Bodica replied slyly. Cassibellanus threw his head back in laughter muttering “True.”
They entered the inner sanctum where a maid hurried over to Bodica and gave her a glass of wine. Bodica declined as she rubbed her belly. The maid nodded in understanding and backed away before placing a plate of food in front of her seat before leaving.
“You have understanding maids and servants here Cassibellanus.” Bodica stated.
Cassibellanus nodded. “Yes. I handpicked them from the Trinovantes and Catuvellauni slaves. They are very good at their work. Queen Bodica I need to go and welcome the others, I trust you can see to yourself until then?”
Bodica nodded and Cassibellanus bid farewell temporarily as he went outside to welcome the other chiefs and kings. Two hours later he found himself seated with the other kings in the inner sanctum.
“Ah everyone is here again.” Cassibellanus murmured. “Is there anything of note to be said by any of you?”
“Yes.” Queen Bodica raised her hand. She stood up slowly and began to speak. “My northern citizens are getting extremely nervous of the increasing Brigante incursions and raids. The amount of Brigante incursions have increased at least three fold from last year.”
Cassibellanus nodded thoughtfully as he stroked his beard. He furrowed his bushy eyebrows as he saw Carvillius frown and become pale for a few seconds before recovering. “He is up to something……”
“She is correct Lord Catuvellauni. Brigante raids into my territory are increasing as well.” Lord Quinn Cassi of the Cassi Tribe spoke up. “They even got close to loot one of the mines used to mine the Cernunii before the local garrison and warbands managed to throw them out.”
“This becoming out of hand.” Segovax muttered. “Occasional incursions and raids can be overlooked as some rogue elements and hooligans but such raids clearly having some objective means that the Brigante tribal chiefs have clearly something to do with this.”
“Well in the least in honor of the Brigante aid during the war, we could send a letter telling him to stop.” Carvillius muttered.
“That would be foolishness.” Aodhan replied as he looked at the council. “Herne is no fool. He will keep delaying a response until his forces were up to notch and then strike us in surprise.”
“So what do we do? Attack first to pre-empt or to ask him to stop?” Cassibellanus asked as he stroked his beard. His critical eyes were focused on Carvillius.
“I propose a vote then.” Segovax stood up. “I vote pre-empt.”
“I vote pre-empt as well.” Aodhan stated as he looked at the kings and queen. Carvillius shook his head and said “I would like us to use the diplomatic options first. I vote for diplomacy.”
“I vote for diplomacy as well.” Bodica said. “My tribemen will be the first people to bear the brunt of attacks and I do not wish for my people to suffer a great deal.”
“I vote for pre-empt.” Cassibellanus muttered. “Herne is a cunning, shrewd and strong man. A dangerous man. He would have turned against us sooner or later.”
“I Vote for diplomacy.” Quinn Cassi voted as he drank from his goblet.
“Diplomacy.”
“Pre-Empt.”
“Pre-Empt.”
“Pre-Empt.”
“Diplomacy.”
“Pre-Empt.”
“7 to 5. I am sorry however the decision has been made. Pre-empt it is. Mobilize your war bands. Lord Dumnonii and Lord Durtrogii, mobilize your warbands, you two shall take care of the Silures, the allies of the Brigantes, we shall take care of the Brigantes.” Cassibellanus decreed as he stood up and whipped his cape along the way as he left.
Lord Durtrogii looked at Aodhan and said “A decade ago us being allies would have seemed impossible eh Aodhan?”
Aodhan chuckled and said “Yes. Back in those days I wanted nothing but to rip you apart limb from limb and sacrifice you to the god Camulos to bring me victory in war.”
Lord Durtrogii laughed and said “So did I. So did I. Events change things and change geopolitics. Look at us now. Former sworn enemies, sworn allies and dare I say it, friends. Let us go comrade. The future of our nations are at stake.”
The two strong monarchs shook their hands and left the sanctum to mobilize their war bands.
Segovax stretched his hands and legs as he said “Ah, to go to war again. The rush makes me so eager again. I wonder if I can take on the Silures myself. I heard they were fierce opponents.”
“You Segovax, you’ve grown old.” Carvillius muttered.
“Hah! As if you’re growing any younger Carvillius.” Segovax snorted and left followed by Carvillius.
Slowly one by one the monarchs left the inner sanctum to return to their kingdoms and mobilize for war.
***
“Finian?” Cassibellanus muttered.
“Yes milord?” Finian asked in hushed tones.
“I need you to keep an eye on Carvillius. Send your best spies. He’s up to something, I can see it.” Cassibellanus replied in the same hushed tones.
“Of course milord. As you wish.”
***
Varun wore his dress and equipment as he looked at the name on the paper in front of him. Why in the world did Lord Finian want him to trail after Lord Carvillius, the King of West Ceint? Ah well it didn’t matter. He wasn’t paid to ask questions.
***
History of Albion
Volume 1
The Beginning of the Confederation of Genti-Morriganvantes saw immediate growth in population and the financial situation of the Southern kingdoms. Reconstruction of the old destroyed centers started to begin as people began to come in droves from hiding in their homes to start to rebuild. Regardless of status as Slaves, Freemen or Citizens, everyone pitched in to help the reconstruction. High King Cassibellanus was also extremely popular among the normal people as they saw him as their savior from Rome.
As Rome consolidated its hold over Gaul, many Celts from Gaul fled to the Pritanni islands where Cassibellanus allowed them to enter from the south. His treaty with the Romans stipulated to not aid the Gauls in their war against Rome, but nothing stipulated he couldn’t take them in and he allowed them to settle in the areas of Ceint and Iceni with the permission of the local kings. When Julius Caesar asked for known criminals who had fled to Genti-Morriganvantes to be handed over to Rome, Cassibellanus, who was still nominally a tributary to Roman agreed to send these criminals back in return for the others allowed to stay. Caesar allowed this.
However as prosperity grew among the people, so did conspiracies. The Genti-Morriganvantes Civil War was about to begin.
***
49 BC
Carvillius was annoyed beyond himself as he waited for the King of the Brigante King Lord Herne Brigante. This idea of a confederation, was totally ill-made in Carvillius’s opinion. Cassibellanus, Segovax and himself could have carved out a kingdom for themselves but no, Cassibellanus had to be kind and gentle, to show his allies so that he could peacefully create a confederation.
Of all things…..Did the man suddenly become naïve? Where was the great Cassibellanus, the fear warlord of the past? He was cut out of his thinking when Lord Herne Brigante entered his tent with his huge hulking figure and long white beard.
Carvillius stood up and respectfully bowed his head to the king. The Brigante did the same.
“Lord Carvillius, is there a reason as to why you have asked me for this meeting?” Herne asked as he sat down leisurely in front of him.
Carvillius spread his hands. “Lord Brigante, you control much of Northern Britannia. The Brigante tribe remains the strongest in the north unchallenged. Your allies the Silures also control a sizeable amount of land in Cymraeg. We all know that this confederation is a dagger headed for all of Albion. Why not take it out before it becomes a problem for all of us?”
Herne inclined his head towards his left side looking at Carvillius. “Are you not a part of this confederation yourself? Why disaffected?”
Carvillius clenched his hands. “My brothers in arms fought for Cassibellanus and died. The least he could have done was gain a favorable peace. Did he? No! We remains tributary states of Rome. He gives concessions to former enemies such as the Dutrogi, Dumnonii and Iceni who deserve none of the power he gives them.”
“Cassibellanus is known to be your childhood friend, why betray him?” Herne asked.
“For all the reasons I stipulated. Cassibellanus is dead to me. He is no longer the leader he once was, no longer the feared warlord of Britannia.” Carvillius growled out.
Herne laughed as he turned his head back in laughter. “I see. So a disaffected friend. How dirty politics is to see friend turn on friend. But that is our life is it not. Very well. Like you stated I am wary of this confederation and I wish to see this competition gone. If I had known what would arise when I sent my cavalry to aid Cassibellanus I would have forced them to return. My allies the Silures will stand with me against this confederation. I shall break the power of Cassibellanus with you. What are your terms after victory?”
“I wish to annex the lands of the former Trinovantes, Segovax, Dutrogi and southern Iceni.” Carvillius answered as he let a\n ambitious smile show.
“That is a lot. But it is deserved. You will of course be the spy king in the Confederation. I will gain all the northern lands and the Silures the eastern lands and northern Dumnonia, the lands of their rivals.” Herne replied and gave his arm to Carvillius. Carvillius smiled and grasped Herne’s shoulder shaking it in agreement.
“Oh what a fool. I have no intentions of allowing the rich southern lands go to this treasonous idiot.” Herne thought inwardly with a smile and left. He needed to mobilize his war bands. The time for war had come forward.
***
March 28th, 49 BC, Fort Tamesas.
Cassibellanus yawned as he looked at the early morning exercise of his retinue down in the fort armory. News had arrived from the mainland about a civil war in Rome. That was good news. Anything to weaken their tributary lord was good in his opinion.
Cassibellanus shook his head to get rid of his drowsiness and stood straight as he saw the warband of Queen Bodica of Iceni in the distance in the east. She was coming for the annual Confederation Kingly (In her case Queenly) Council meeting. He rode onto to a horse and trotted downwards towards the gates to welcome her. The doors of the fort opened and let her in. Queen Bodica dismounted from her horse and so did he.
Cassibellanus kissed her hands in greeting as she flurried her dress and curtsied before him.
“Queen Bodica, it is delightful to see you again. And I believe congratulations are in order?” Cassibellanus asked humorously as Queen Bodica’s swelling pregnant belly showed. She blushed slightly before composing herself and saying “Yes. I am with my third child.”
“The King-consort of Iceni must be busy planning the raising of his third child.” Cassibellanus remarked as he led her to the inner sanctum.
“Yes. I believe he wishes for a daughter after giving birth to two boys, I must agree with him.” Bodica replied with a light tone.
Cassibellanus laughed. “Yes I have met your sons. Two little rascals aren’t they? Kelwyn told me he wants to become the next High King of the federation. I didn’t have the heart to tell him your tribe is matriarchal.”
“Well laws can be bent. My kingdom is matriarchal, the Confederation is not.” Bodica replied slyly. Cassibellanus threw his head back in laughter muttering “True.”
They entered the inner sanctum where a maid hurried over to Bodica and gave her a glass of wine. Bodica declined as she rubbed her belly. The maid nodded in understanding and backed away before placing a plate of food in front of her seat before leaving.
“You have understanding maids and servants here Cassibellanus.” Bodica stated.
Cassibellanus nodded. “Yes. I handpicked them from the Trinovantes and Catuvellauni slaves. They are very good at their work. Queen Bodica I need to go and welcome the others, I trust you can see to yourself until then?”
Bodica nodded and Cassibellanus bid farewell temporarily as he went outside to welcome the other chiefs and kings. Two hours later he found himself seated with the other kings in the inner sanctum.
“Ah everyone is here again.” Cassibellanus murmured. “Is there anything of note to be said by any of you?”
“Yes.” Queen Bodica raised her hand. She stood up slowly and began to speak. “My northern citizens are getting extremely nervous of the increasing Brigante incursions and raids. The amount of Brigante incursions have increased at least three fold from last year.”
Cassibellanus nodded thoughtfully as he stroked his beard. He furrowed his bushy eyebrows as he saw Carvillius frown and become pale for a few seconds before recovering. “He is up to something……”
“She is correct Lord Catuvellauni. Brigante raids into my territory are increasing as well.” Lord Quinn Cassi of the Cassi Tribe spoke up. “They even got close to loot one of the mines used to mine the Cernunii before the local garrison and warbands managed to throw them out.”
“This becoming out of hand.” Segovax muttered. “Occasional incursions and raids can be overlooked as some rogue elements and hooligans but such raids clearly having some objective means that the Brigante tribal chiefs have clearly something to do with this.”
“Well in the least in honor of the Brigante aid during the war, we could send a letter telling him to stop.” Carvillius muttered.
“That would be foolishness.” Aodhan replied as he looked at the council. “Herne is no fool. He will keep delaying a response until his forces were up to notch and then strike us in surprise.”
“So what do we do? Attack first to pre-empt or to ask him to stop?” Cassibellanus asked as he stroked his beard. His critical eyes were focused on Carvillius.
“I propose a vote then.” Segovax stood up. “I vote pre-empt.”
“I vote pre-empt as well.” Aodhan stated as he looked at the kings and queen. Carvillius shook his head and said “I would like us to use the diplomatic options first. I vote for diplomacy.”
“I vote for diplomacy as well.” Bodica said. “My tribemen will be the first people to bear the brunt of attacks and I do not wish for my people to suffer a great deal.”
“I vote for pre-empt.” Cassibellanus muttered. “Herne is a cunning, shrewd and strong man. A dangerous man. He would have turned against us sooner or later.”
“I Vote for diplomacy.” Quinn Cassi voted as he drank from his goblet.
“Diplomacy.”
“Pre-Empt.”
“Pre-Empt.”
“Pre-Empt.”
“Diplomacy.”
“Pre-Empt.”
“7 to 5. I am sorry however the decision has been made. Pre-empt it is. Mobilize your war bands. Lord Dumnonii and Lord Durtrogii, mobilize your warbands, you two shall take care of the Silures, the allies of the Brigantes, we shall take care of the Brigantes.” Cassibellanus decreed as he stood up and whipped his cape along the way as he left.
Lord Durtrogii looked at Aodhan and said “A decade ago us being allies would have seemed impossible eh Aodhan?”
Aodhan chuckled and said “Yes. Back in those days I wanted nothing but to rip you apart limb from limb and sacrifice you to the god Camulos to bring me victory in war.”
Lord Durtrogii laughed and said “So did I. So did I. Events change things and change geopolitics. Look at us now. Former sworn enemies, sworn allies and dare I say it, friends. Let us go comrade. The future of our nations are at stake.”
The two strong monarchs shook their hands and left the sanctum to mobilize their war bands.
Segovax stretched his hands and legs as he said “Ah, to go to war again. The rush makes me so eager again. I wonder if I can take on the Silures myself. I heard they were fierce opponents.”
“You Segovax, you’ve grown old.” Carvillius muttered.
“Hah! As if you’re growing any younger Carvillius.” Segovax snorted and left followed by Carvillius.
Slowly one by one the monarchs left the inner sanctum to return to their kingdoms and mobilize for war.
***
“Finian?” Cassibellanus muttered.
“Yes milord?” Finian asked in hushed tones.
“I need you to keep an eye on Carvillius. Send your best spies. He’s up to something, I can see it.” Cassibellanus replied in the same hushed tones.
“Of course milord. As you wish.”
***
Varun wore his dress and equipment as he looked at the name on the paper in front of him. Why in the world did Lord Finian want him to trail after Lord Carvillius, the King of West Ceint? Ah well it didn’t matter. He wasn’t paid to ask questions.
- Sārthākā
- Word Count: 2k