In Britannia Salutem
- Thread starter Lindseyman
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- 5th century aetius arthur
453 AD
Polonius
Polonius sat in his chair at the back of the hall in the Basilica and thought long and hard. Guitolinus/Myrddin was right about these petty Lords in Britannia and Anthimus had been wrong! They were not consumed with their self-importance but actually wanted to make Britannia safe and stable. He was beginning to think that Anthimus’ plans for the reabsorption of Britannia into the Empire wouldn’t have worked even if Vortigern had still been in charge. The countless refusals of their pleas for help had made these Britannians more self-reliant and competent. He actually wondered if a Roman Army would make any headway, especially if it was opposed by Artos and his cavalry, even if commanded by Aetius or Majorian!
He was also quite frankly amazed at how pragmatic these Lords were when faced with difficult decisions. They had accepted Aelle as one of their own even though he had started out as an invader, similarly Rodmunt of the Geats was treated as an equal, albeit he was not trusted as much as Aelle. The real eye opener however had been the meeting with Ebissa’s embassy which had just finished.
It was obvious that the Britons didn’t trust Ebissa one little bit (he was after all the son of Hengist the Oathbreaker) but that hadn’t stopped them receiving his embassy and his plea for help. The leader of the Embassy, Ceolfrith, had stated Ebissa’s proposal of an alliance of convenience without much flourish. His translator, Wulfhere, had added a few embellishments to make it sound right to the Britons but the message was still the same. Neither of us would trust the others oath of alliance so let us not make one. You cannot let these Suetids consolidate their hold on Caledonia as at some point they will march south and the wall will not stop them and you will have years of slaughter with no certainty of winning. We cannot defeat them as we have neither the cavalry nor the discipline to do so. So whilst they are trying to defeat the Picts let us join forces and attack them whilst they are distracted. It is our best chance of eradicating this menace. What happens after then is in the hands of Woden and your Jesus. We all know what it will be, however it will be a straight fight between us with no outside forces.
Polonius had smiled at this last statement. If Anthimus’ plans all came to fruition there would be an external force to worry about! He quickly wiped the smile from his face as some of the Britons had seen it and had glared at him. He would have to stop thinking of them as simple rustic yokels! They were remarkably quick on the uptake and could read between the lines.
The debate which had followed the request had been noisy and heated. However remarkably quickly a consensus had been reached. A force would be sent north in the spring under the command of Artos to defeat these Suetids. It had been done with less anger than the Senate discussing food prices, even though there were obviously differences of opinion! These people could actually become dangerous if left to their own devices to sort themselves out and if they then decided to support their cousins in Armorica and other parts of Gaul.
After the meeting had finished Polonius was brought before Utha and a few others. Utha had been very frank with him.
“Part of me thinks that you are far too dangerous to allow you to return to your Masters in Ravenna. However you will report what you have seen and eye witnesses are more readily believed than written messages.
So you will be escorted to Glevum where your boat and servant await you.”
Utha smiled slightly
“Sa, we captured your servant waiting for you in the woods, and the boat was raising suspicion even with Vortix’s Commander as it was staying in the harbour for no apparent reason.
So have a good voyage, and if you ever come back to Britannia and we find you then your life expectancy will be very short.”
With that Polonius was marched away.
Polonius sat in his chair at the back of the hall in the Basilica and thought long and hard. Guitolinus/Myrddin was right about these petty Lords in Britannia and Anthimus had been wrong! They were not consumed with their self-importance but actually wanted to make Britannia safe and stable. He was beginning to think that Anthimus’ plans for the reabsorption of Britannia into the Empire wouldn’t have worked even if Vortigern had still been in charge. The countless refusals of their pleas for help had made these Britannians more self-reliant and competent. He actually wondered if a Roman Army would make any headway, especially if it was opposed by Artos and his cavalry, even if commanded by Aetius or Majorian!
He was also quite frankly amazed at how pragmatic these Lords were when faced with difficult decisions. They had accepted Aelle as one of their own even though he had started out as an invader, similarly Rodmunt of the Geats was treated as an equal, albeit he was not trusted as much as Aelle. The real eye opener however had been the meeting with Ebissa’s embassy which had just finished.
It was obvious that the Britons didn’t trust Ebissa one little bit (he was after all the son of Hengist the Oathbreaker) but that hadn’t stopped them receiving his embassy and his plea for help. The leader of the Embassy, Ceolfrith, had stated Ebissa’s proposal of an alliance of convenience without much flourish. His translator, Wulfhere, had added a few embellishments to make it sound right to the Britons but the message was still the same. Neither of us would trust the others oath of alliance so let us not make one. You cannot let these Suetids consolidate their hold on Caledonia as at some point they will march south and the wall will not stop them and you will have years of slaughter with no certainty of winning. We cannot defeat them as we have neither the cavalry nor the discipline to do so. So whilst they are trying to defeat the Picts let us join forces and attack them whilst they are distracted. It is our best chance of eradicating this menace. What happens after then is in the hands of Woden and your Jesus. We all know what it will be, however it will be a straight fight between us with no outside forces.
Polonius had smiled at this last statement. If Anthimus’ plans all came to fruition there would be an external force to worry about! He quickly wiped the smile from his face as some of the Britons had seen it and had glared at him. He would have to stop thinking of them as simple rustic yokels! They were remarkably quick on the uptake and could read between the lines.
The debate which had followed the request had been noisy and heated. However remarkably quickly a consensus had been reached. A force would be sent north in the spring under the command of Artos to defeat these Suetids. It had been done with less anger than the Senate discussing food prices, even though there were obviously differences of opinion! These people could actually become dangerous if left to their own devices to sort themselves out and if they then decided to support their cousins in Armorica and other parts of Gaul.
After the meeting had finished Polonius was brought before Utha and a few others. Utha had been very frank with him.
“Part of me thinks that you are far too dangerous to allow you to return to your Masters in Ravenna. However you will report what you have seen and eye witnesses are more readily believed than written messages.
So you will be escorted to Glevum where your boat and servant await you.”
Utha smiled slightly
“Sa, we captured your servant waiting for you in the woods, and the boat was raising suspicion even with Vortix’s Commander as it was staying in the harbour for no apparent reason.
So have a good voyage, and if you ever come back to Britannia and we find you then your life expectancy will be very short.”
With that Polonius was marched away.
454 AD
Ebissa
It had turned into an extremely bitter winter. There were weeks on end when the temperatures did not rise above freezing. Luckily this also meant that there was not too much snow so hunting, although much colder than usual, was no worse than during the spring or autumn.
One day about half a moon after the Winter Solstice Ebissa stood with his advisor Ceolfrith on the top battlement of what had been the Votadini citadel.
“At least those damn Suetids have had snow to deal with in those Caledonian Hills as well as the Picts!” muttered Ceolfrith nearly stammering with the cold.
“Ja” replied Ebissa.
He wanted to rub his hands together to keep the circulation going but he was the leader and so shouldn’t show any such weakness.
“However what little news we have had from those hills would seem to indicate that they are finding the Picts as difficult to defeat as everybody else!”
Ceolfrith nodded and rubbed his hands together. He wasn’t the leader and at his age he didn’t care if it showed weakness. He actually wanted to wander over to the brazier that had been lit to keep the sentries from freezing. However as Ebissa showed no inclination to do so nor could he.
“Are you sure that it’s wise to have Wulfhere guard those Britons who wanted to search through what remains of Lot’s records?”
Ebissa frowned
“Are you accusing Wulfhere of treachery, Ceolfrith?”
“Na” replied Ceolfrith “He would lay his life down for you on the battlefield or when scouting. However he doesn’t think entirely like a Saxon in other circumstances thanks to his Loki be damned mother.”
Ebissa smiled
“True, especially when a child when being teased he would react more like a Briton or even a Roman! However that ability to think like one of them has stood him in good stead in battle and even more so when scouting. Remember he was the only survivor from the scouting party that ran into the Suetids!”
“Ja” admitted Ceolfrith
“But there is still something that never seems quite right about him. You didn’t see how Artos’ second Marius did a double take on meeting him for the first time. Apparently he looks amazingly like the old Ambrosius in his younger days.”
“I thought that Ambrosius was an only child?”
“Na, he had a younger sister who was supposed to have been killed in one of our raids about thirty years ago.”
Ebissa looked thoughtful
“You don’t suppose that his mother was Ambrosius’ sister? I thought that his father always said that she claimed to be some sort of handmaiden to their Christ.”
“He did, but she wouldn’t be the first to claim something that wasn’t true to save her skin!”
“Well neither of them is here to question about it now. Even if Wulfhere knows, he’s stayed with us and never tried to escape to her people.”
“Ja” replied Ceolfrith” but up until now he would have been killed just for being a Saxon. The Britons are judging more on character nowadays, especially since they found that there were quite a few half Britons amongst Aelle’s people! However even I don’t think that he would break his oath to you whilst you are alive.”
Ebissa shook his head
“It doesn’t really matter. Any way why do the Britons want to search Lot’s records?” It doesn’t matter why the Suetids are here, just that they are and need to be dealt with, fast!”
“Oh, they have some half cooked idea, that if they know why they are here they may find a way to get them to go back!”
Ceolfrith grinned at this and continued
“What they haven’t quite grasped is that even Eastern Caledonia is a damn sight better than their old homeland. However even they will come to realise that the Suetids will all have to be killed if we are to have anything approaching peace in these lands.”
It had turned into an extremely bitter winter. There were weeks on end when the temperatures did not rise above freezing. Luckily this also meant that there was not too much snow so hunting, although much colder than usual, was no worse than during the spring or autumn.
One day about half a moon after the Winter Solstice Ebissa stood with his advisor Ceolfrith on the top battlement of what had been the Votadini citadel.
“At least those damn Suetids have had snow to deal with in those Caledonian Hills as well as the Picts!” muttered Ceolfrith nearly stammering with the cold.
“Ja” replied Ebissa.
He wanted to rub his hands together to keep the circulation going but he was the leader and so shouldn’t show any such weakness.
“However what little news we have had from those hills would seem to indicate that they are finding the Picts as difficult to defeat as everybody else!”
Ceolfrith nodded and rubbed his hands together. He wasn’t the leader and at his age he didn’t care if it showed weakness. He actually wanted to wander over to the brazier that had been lit to keep the sentries from freezing. However as Ebissa showed no inclination to do so nor could he.
“Are you sure that it’s wise to have Wulfhere guard those Britons who wanted to search through what remains of Lot’s records?”
Ebissa frowned
“Are you accusing Wulfhere of treachery, Ceolfrith?”
“Na” replied Ceolfrith “He would lay his life down for you on the battlefield or when scouting. However he doesn’t think entirely like a Saxon in other circumstances thanks to his Loki be damned mother.”
Ebissa smiled
“True, especially when a child when being teased he would react more like a Briton or even a Roman! However that ability to think like one of them has stood him in good stead in battle and even more so when scouting. Remember he was the only survivor from the scouting party that ran into the Suetids!”
“Ja” admitted Ceolfrith
“But there is still something that never seems quite right about him. You didn’t see how Artos’ second Marius did a double take on meeting him for the first time. Apparently he looks amazingly like the old Ambrosius in his younger days.”
“I thought that Ambrosius was an only child?”
“Na, he had a younger sister who was supposed to have been killed in one of our raids about thirty years ago.”
Ebissa looked thoughtful
“You don’t suppose that his mother was Ambrosius’ sister? I thought that his father always said that she claimed to be some sort of handmaiden to their Christ.”
“He did, but she wouldn’t be the first to claim something that wasn’t true to save her skin!”
“Well neither of them is here to question about it now. Even if Wulfhere knows, he’s stayed with us and never tried to escape to her people.”
“Ja” replied Ceolfrith” but up until now he would have been killed just for being a Saxon. The Britons are judging more on character nowadays, especially since they found that there were quite a few half Britons amongst Aelle’s people! However even I don’t think that he would break his oath to you whilst you are alive.”
Ebissa shook his head
“It doesn’t really matter. Any way why do the Britons want to search Lot’s records?” It doesn’t matter why the Suetids are here, just that they are and need to be dealt with, fast!”
“Oh, they have some half cooked idea, that if they know why they are here they may find a way to get them to go back!”
Ceolfrith grinned at this and continued
“What they haven’t quite grasped is that even Eastern Caledonia is a damn sight better than their old homeland. However even they will come to realise that the Suetids will all have to be killed if we are to have anything approaching peace in these lands.”
454 AD
Myrddin
Myrddin was rudely awakened by a hand going over his mouth. He lay still and a moment or two later a small lamp was lit.
“Lay still and don’t say anything” whispered a familiar voice.
Myrddin did as he was told.
There came odd sounds from outside his room, then a second person entered his bedchamber and a whispered conversation took place.
“We won’t be disturbed for a while now” resumed the whispered voice and a second lamp was lit. Myrddin was astonished to find Polonius sitting in the chair near the window. The second man was stood at the doorway obviously keeping a lookout.
“Why all this?” queried Myrddin
“Because my life will be measured in minutes once Anthimus hears my report from Britannia, as will yours!” replied Polonius.
“I don’t know how you arranged it but my mission to that meeting in Viroconium turned into a fiasco as soon as that Utha had read your message. They trapped me in a manner befitting one of our operations, not what we would have expected from a bunch of abandoned rustic provincials!”
“I did warn you “Myrddin answered equably “that you shouldn’t underestimate them.”
“You did “sighed Polonius “but Anthimus persuaded me otherwise!”
“Anyway, I’ve got to get you out of Ravenna and safely on your way to Armorica and then Britannia.”
Myrddin was surprised at this last statement.
“Why help me? Anthimus isn’t totally stupid. Operations do fail despite all best efforts.”
“True, but this one failed because you got a message out despite Anthimus and myself checking your letter. Anthimus will blame me not himself and you know what happens to people who fail him in this manner!”
Myrddin grimaced
“Not first hand, but I have heard things. How do you plan to get me out of Ravenna?”
“The less you know, the less you can tell Anthimus if his men capture us. Now hurry up and get dressed.”
Myrddin did so and the three men crept out of the villa and around the back to where three horses were waiting. They mounted and rode steadily to a small gate on the city walls. There was a hushed conversation and money changed hands. The guards waved the three men through. They kept riding at a steady pace for about 5 stadia and then Polonius turned round and said
“Now we ride like the wind. As long as we can keep ahead of any men that Anthimus sends after us we should get away.”
They picked up their speed to a gallop. However early the next morning they ran into a patrol. The leader of the patrol grinned and said
“Three men riding swiftly away from Ravenna! We’ve been expecting you! Now don’t try anything stupid such as trying to fight your way out. I have orders to bring you in unharmed.”
Polonius and Myrddin exchanged glances and shrugged their shoulders. They had failed but at least they had tried. The patrol formed up around them and they were escorted to a nearby villa. They dismounted and were marched rather quickly into the tablinium. There they both stood in shock. It was not Anthimus who was waiting for them but both Aetius and Majorian!
Myrddin was rudely awakened by a hand going over his mouth. He lay still and a moment or two later a small lamp was lit.
“Lay still and don’t say anything” whispered a familiar voice.
Myrddin did as he was told.
There came odd sounds from outside his room, then a second person entered his bedchamber and a whispered conversation took place.
“We won’t be disturbed for a while now” resumed the whispered voice and a second lamp was lit. Myrddin was astonished to find Polonius sitting in the chair near the window. The second man was stood at the doorway obviously keeping a lookout.
“Why all this?” queried Myrddin
“Because my life will be measured in minutes once Anthimus hears my report from Britannia, as will yours!” replied Polonius.
“I don’t know how you arranged it but my mission to that meeting in Viroconium turned into a fiasco as soon as that Utha had read your message. They trapped me in a manner befitting one of our operations, not what we would have expected from a bunch of abandoned rustic provincials!”
“I did warn you “Myrddin answered equably “that you shouldn’t underestimate them.”
“You did “sighed Polonius “but Anthimus persuaded me otherwise!”
“Anyway, I’ve got to get you out of Ravenna and safely on your way to Armorica and then Britannia.”
Myrddin was surprised at this last statement.
“Why help me? Anthimus isn’t totally stupid. Operations do fail despite all best efforts.”
“True, but this one failed because you got a message out despite Anthimus and myself checking your letter. Anthimus will blame me not himself and you know what happens to people who fail him in this manner!”
Myrddin grimaced
“Not first hand, but I have heard things. How do you plan to get me out of Ravenna?”
“The less you know, the less you can tell Anthimus if his men capture us. Now hurry up and get dressed.”
Myrddin did so and the three men crept out of the villa and around the back to where three horses were waiting. They mounted and rode steadily to a small gate on the city walls. There was a hushed conversation and money changed hands. The guards waved the three men through. They kept riding at a steady pace for about 5 stadia and then Polonius turned round and said
“Now we ride like the wind. As long as we can keep ahead of any men that Anthimus sends after us we should get away.”
They picked up their speed to a gallop. However early the next morning they ran into a patrol. The leader of the patrol grinned and said
“Three men riding swiftly away from Ravenna! We’ve been expecting you! Now don’t try anything stupid such as trying to fight your way out. I have orders to bring you in unharmed.”
Polonius and Myrddin exchanged glances and shrugged their shoulders. They had failed but at least they had tried. The patrol formed up around them and they were escorted to a nearby villa. They dismounted and were marched rather quickly into the tablinium. There they both stood in shock. It was not Anthimus who was waiting for them but both Aetius and Majorian!
454 AD
It was bitterly cold in the chamber where what survived of the Votadini records were stored despite there being a roaring fire. Marcus sat with Wulfhere drinking some warm Saxon alcoholic concoction. He didn’t want to ask what went into it as Wulfhere would spin some tall tale but it certainly warmed him up.
Despite some initial misunderstandings, Marcus and Wulfhere had become friends. Marcus never ceased to be amazed at Wulfhere. Most of the time he would act like the Saxon that he appeared to be, but occasionally he would show a dry sense of humour much like a Briton. This coupled with his uncanny resemblance to a younger Ambrosius, both physically and in some of his mannerisms, had given Marcus much cause for thought. However Wulfhere was very reticent about his mother only saying that she had been captured on a raid and that his father had become enamoured with her and taken her as his wife.
The once that Marcus had pressed him on the matter Wulfhere had grown very angry and had stormed off. They had both apologised to the other later. Although Marcus still wondered especially about Wulfhere’s reaction, Wulfhere obviously knew a lot more but was unwilling to divulge it to anybody and so Marcus let the matter drop.
Suddenly there was a stir amongst the party searching through the records. Both Marcus and Wulfhere looked at each other and Marcus, rather unwillingly (because it was nice and warm and they were comfortable), got up and wandered over to the person who had caused the commotion.
The “guilty” party was one of Decidivatus’ assistants who had come north as they had experience in sifting through documents. They all looked the same, slight of build and as if a breeze would blow them over, so Marcus had some trouble remembering this one’s name.
“What is it?” he asked.
“It’s a document detailing the initial contact with the Suetids!” replied the assistant.
“Lot offered them land around the Abus and a large amount of gold!”
Marcus took the proffered document
“Thank you, err”
“Flavius, Sir”
“Thank You, Flavius, well done. Now see what else you can find.”
Flavius turned back to the disorganised pile of documents and Marcus hurried back to the fire.
Wulfhere looked at him quizzically
“What does it actually say?”
Marcus was silent for a bit as he quickly scanned the document. Then he answered
“Well, it appears that a Suetid trading vessel called here about 7 years ago and Lot on hearing about the Suetids and their problems put out feelers to their leadership. The next year one of the Suetid leaders came with the ship and he and Lot had long discussions. Lot seems to have felt that these Suetids would be useful allies if south of the wall and made promises which he was strictly unable to keep although he hoped that the Suetids would not realise this until after they had committed themselves.
It would seem that Ebissa saved the Suetids the bother of killing Lot as they obviously did not trust him given where you encountered them!”
“Ja” replied Wulfhere “Although I was in no fit state at the time, others have mentioned that they seemed surprised to see our banners rather than Lot’s when they swung west presumably to deal with the Picts.”
Marcus sighed
“Although this confirms one reason that they’re here in Britannia, it still does not give us a clue on how to resolve this peacefully.”
Marcus looked at Wulfhere and continued
“And yes I know that you Saxons think that the only solution is to destroy them so you can take over more of Caledonia and then turn on us!”
He said this with a smile but was worried by Wulfhere’s expression
“There’s more truth in that than you realise, Marcus!”
Despite some initial misunderstandings, Marcus and Wulfhere had become friends. Marcus never ceased to be amazed at Wulfhere. Most of the time he would act like the Saxon that he appeared to be, but occasionally he would show a dry sense of humour much like a Briton. This coupled with his uncanny resemblance to a younger Ambrosius, both physically and in some of his mannerisms, had given Marcus much cause for thought. However Wulfhere was very reticent about his mother only saying that she had been captured on a raid and that his father had become enamoured with her and taken her as his wife.
The once that Marcus had pressed him on the matter Wulfhere had grown very angry and had stormed off. They had both apologised to the other later. Although Marcus still wondered especially about Wulfhere’s reaction, Wulfhere obviously knew a lot more but was unwilling to divulge it to anybody and so Marcus let the matter drop.
Suddenly there was a stir amongst the party searching through the records. Both Marcus and Wulfhere looked at each other and Marcus, rather unwillingly (because it was nice and warm and they were comfortable), got up and wandered over to the person who had caused the commotion.
The “guilty” party was one of Decidivatus’ assistants who had come north as they had experience in sifting through documents. They all looked the same, slight of build and as if a breeze would blow them over, so Marcus had some trouble remembering this one’s name.
“What is it?” he asked.
“It’s a document detailing the initial contact with the Suetids!” replied the assistant.
“Lot offered them land around the Abus and a large amount of gold!”
Marcus took the proffered document
“Thank you, err”
“Flavius, Sir”
“Thank You, Flavius, well done. Now see what else you can find.”
Flavius turned back to the disorganised pile of documents and Marcus hurried back to the fire.
Wulfhere looked at him quizzically
“What does it actually say?”
Marcus was silent for a bit as he quickly scanned the document. Then he answered
“Well, it appears that a Suetid trading vessel called here about 7 years ago and Lot on hearing about the Suetids and their problems put out feelers to their leadership. The next year one of the Suetid leaders came with the ship and he and Lot had long discussions. Lot seems to have felt that these Suetids would be useful allies if south of the wall and made promises which he was strictly unable to keep although he hoped that the Suetids would not realise this until after they had committed themselves.
It would seem that Ebissa saved the Suetids the bother of killing Lot as they obviously did not trust him given where you encountered them!”
“Ja” replied Wulfhere “Although I was in no fit state at the time, others have mentioned that they seemed surprised to see our banners rather than Lot’s when they swung west presumably to deal with the Picts.”
Marcus sighed
“Although this confirms one reason that they’re here in Britannia, it still does not give us a clue on how to resolve this peacefully.”
Marcus looked at Wulfhere and continued
“And yes I know that you Saxons think that the only solution is to destroy them so you can take over more of Caledonia and then turn on us!”
He said this with a smile but was worried by Wulfhere’s expression
“There’s more truth in that than you realise, Marcus!”
454 AD
Caddo
It was a bright but cold morning as Caddo rode at the head of the column of supplies. This column served a threefold purpose, firstly it was taking some supplies to the Damnoni in the area around Bremetennacum, secondly supplies that were intended for storage in Luguvallium for that summer’s campaign against the Suetids and thirdly and most importantly as far as Caddo was concerned extra training for his cavalry.
One of the sayings that his father had impressed upon him was
“You can never have too much training”
Caddo had seized upon Utha’s recent conversion to the need for extra training with a vengeance. He had run drills every day and more often when possible. There had been murmurings of discontent until on an exercise near the coast they had run into a Hibernian raid. Now usually these were easily dealt with but could take some time and several deaths. However this time, the patrol had just gone through the raiders as if they weren’t there and even more remarkably had taken no casualties. There were just some minor cuts and bruises.
This had quelled the murmurs, but acceptance had turned into enthusiasm after a trip to Arfon. The local princeling’s troops were a headstrong lot and very boisterous (although good in a fight) and always pushed their luck and picked on troops from Deva as they knew that these were under strict instructions not to react nor retaliate. At first Caddo’s small contingent had reacted as they normally did but then one local officer had made some disparaging remarks about their lack of reaction. It had been too much and a brawl had ensued. About ten of Caddo’s troops had beaten not only the initial instigators but also it had taken all of the princeling’s guard to subdue them as well!
When the story reached Deva and Utha had complained Caddo quietly pointed out that his men had restrained themselves as their attackers had suffered nothing more than a severe beating and no serious wounds! An unexpected outcome was that the next month a batch of troops from Arfon had appeared requesting this training as well! There were also no further complaints from any of Caddo’s troops. By the Midwinter Solstice the only troops that were as well trained as Utha’s were some of Quintus’ infantry and Artos’ cavalry and Caddo had upped the training even more!
So Caddo rode with the column supervising the extra training and feeling relatively happy about the state of his troops. They would be no match for an old legion (but then even Aetius’ troops in Italia wouldn’t be either!) but they would, Caddo was sure, make even that hypothetical legion know that it had been in a fight. If the stories about the Suetid’s discipline were even half right then his men needed all the training that they had received and more.
It was a bright but cold morning as Caddo rode at the head of the column of supplies. This column served a threefold purpose, firstly it was taking some supplies to the Damnoni in the area around Bremetennacum, secondly supplies that were intended for storage in Luguvallium for that summer’s campaign against the Suetids and thirdly and most importantly as far as Caddo was concerned extra training for his cavalry.
One of the sayings that his father had impressed upon him was
“You can never have too much training”
Caddo had seized upon Utha’s recent conversion to the need for extra training with a vengeance. He had run drills every day and more often when possible. There had been murmurings of discontent until on an exercise near the coast they had run into a Hibernian raid. Now usually these were easily dealt with but could take some time and several deaths. However this time, the patrol had just gone through the raiders as if they weren’t there and even more remarkably had taken no casualties. There were just some minor cuts and bruises.
This had quelled the murmurs, but acceptance had turned into enthusiasm after a trip to Arfon. The local princeling’s troops were a headstrong lot and very boisterous (although good in a fight) and always pushed their luck and picked on troops from Deva as they knew that these were under strict instructions not to react nor retaliate. At first Caddo’s small contingent had reacted as they normally did but then one local officer had made some disparaging remarks about their lack of reaction. It had been too much and a brawl had ensued. About ten of Caddo’s troops had beaten not only the initial instigators but also it had taken all of the princeling’s guard to subdue them as well!
When the story reached Deva and Utha had complained Caddo quietly pointed out that his men had restrained themselves as their attackers had suffered nothing more than a severe beating and no serious wounds! An unexpected outcome was that the next month a batch of troops from Arfon had appeared requesting this training as well! There were also no further complaints from any of Caddo’s troops. By the Midwinter Solstice the only troops that were as well trained as Utha’s were some of Quintus’ infantry and Artos’ cavalry and Caddo had upped the training even more!
So Caddo rode with the column supervising the extra training and feeling relatively happy about the state of his troops. They would be no match for an old legion (but then even Aetius’ troops in Italia wouldn’t be either!) but they would, Caddo was sure, make even that hypothetical legion know that it had been in a fight. If the stories about the Suetid’s discipline were even half right then his men needed all the training that they had received and more.
454 AD
Myrddin
It was still a wet spring in Italia after what had been a cold winter. Myrddin stretched his legs and yawned. He had spent the last few hours reviewing all the latest information that the Empire had managed to collect on the situation in Gaul, apparently the Franks were getting restless again! It had been a rather interesting winter and early spring! Aetius had hidden both Polonius and Myrddin in one of his villas whilst Anthimus was told that their bodies had been found drowned in a flood of the Padus whilst trying to flee north. Why Aetius and Majorian had done this was beyond Myrddin but he wasn’t going to look such a gift horse in the mouth!
Then Genseric had struck. It must have been obvious to him why Aetius and Majorian were building up a fleet. Armies could be needed on the Limes or to bring the Goths (both sorts!) and/or Franks under control. However a fleet would be needed for only one thing, to retake Carthage and the African grain supply. He used the pretence that Eudokia, Valentinian’s daughter had been promised to his son Huneric and was now married to Gaudentius but in reality, it was an attempt to pre-empt the invasion of Africa.
The Vandals had landed near Ostia but were hit by two armies whilst they were still sorting themselves out. Aetius struck from the north and Majorian from the south. It had been a near complete rout and even better from the Roman point of view they managed to seize the Vandal Fleet. Both Genseric and Huneric had been killed as had a lot of the Vandal leadership. There were few Roman casualties but they had for some reason included Anthimus! A stray Vandal detachment apparently found its way to the Finance Offices and slew all they found there. Of course that detachment was caught fleeing and was killed to a man! However that had left Rome’s espionage network without a leader. Much to Myrddin’s surprise Aetius had installed him as the new Chief of Rome’s spy network. However it had been made clear that there had better be no surprises (nor any attempts to return to Britannia).
Bowing to the inevitable Myrddin was doing as good a job as he was able in his unwanted role. He had managed to establish contacts with the Berbers and they had expressed enthusiasm for the plans to recover Africa for the Empire. It appeared that the Vandals had not endeared themselves to either the remaining Roman population or the Berbers and both would welcome a return to Roman rule.
Myrddin had also kept close tabs on many of the Senators who were unhappy at the way they were now being taxed to pay for the recruitment and training of new armies and a fleet. Despite the fact that Aetius and Majorian knew that they really needed more time to train their forces, they also knew that they needed another victory to cement their hold on power. So the invasion of Africa was planned for as early in the summer as could conceivably be managed, whilst what Vandal leadership that was left tried to sort themselves out and deal with the Berber unrest as well.
The time was now approaching for the force to set sail. It had been decided that Majorian would attack Carthage whilst Aetius would remain to deal with any other problems. Neither wanted the East deciding to try to take Carthage! They would be worse to deal with than the Vandals! Before reading about the Franks, Myrddin had just been checking the latest information and thought that the plan was likely to succeed. However it was out of his control, he hoped it worked. A stable Rome would lead to a stable west and hence a better chance of stability in Britannia. He wondered what was happening there now.
It was still a wet spring in Italia after what had been a cold winter. Myrddin stretched his legs and yawned. He had spent the last few hours reviewing all the latest information that the Empire had managed to collect on the situation in Gaul, apparently the Franks were getting restless again! It had been a rather interesting winter and early spring! Aetius had hidden both Polonius and Myrddin in one of his villas whilst Anthimus was told that their bodies had been found drowned in a flood of the Padus whilst trying to flee north. Why Aetius and Majorian had done this was beyond Myrddin but he wasn’t going to look such a gift horse in the mouth!
Then Genseric had struck. It must have been obvious to him why Aetius and Majorian were building up a fleet. Armies could be needed on the Limes or to bring the Goths (both sorts!) and/or Franks under control. However a fleet would be needed for only one thing, to retake Carthage and the African grain supply. He used the pretence that Eudokia, Valentinian’s daughter had been promised to his son Huneric and was now married to Gaudentius but in reality, it was an attempt to pre-empt the invasion of Africa.
The Vandals had landed near Ostia but were hit by two armies whilst they were still sorting themselves out. Aetius struck from the north and Majorian from the south. It had been a near complete rout and even better from the Roman point of view they managed to seize the Vandal Fleet. Both Genseric and Huneric had been killed as had a lot of the Vandal leadership. There were few Roman casualties but they had for some reason included Anthimus! A stray Vandal detachment apparently found its way to the Finance Offices and slew all they found there. Of course that detachment was caught fleeing and was killed to a man! However that had left Rome’s espionage network without a leader. Much to Myrddin’s surprise Aetius had installed him as the new Chief of Rome’s spy network. However it had been made clear that there had better be no surprises (nor any attempts to return to Britannia).
Bowing to the inevitable Myrddin was doing as good a job as he was able in his unwanted role. He had managed to establish contacts with the Berbers and they had expressed enthusiasm for the plans to recover Africa for the Empire. It appeared that the Vandals had not endeared themselves to either the remaining Roman population or the Berbers and both would welcome a return to Roman rule.
Myrddin had also kept close tabs on many of the Senators who were unhappy at the way they were now being taxed to pay for the recruitment and training of new armies and a fleet. Despite the fact that Aetius and Majorian knew that they really needed more time to train their forces, they also knew that they needed another victory to cement their hold on power. So the invasion of Africa was planned for as early in the summer as could conceivably be managed, whilst what Vandal leadership that was left tried to sort themselves out and deal with the Berber unrest as well.
The time was now approaching for the force to set sail. It had been decided that Majorian would attack Carthage whilst Aetius would remain to deal with any other problems. Neither wanted the East deciding to try to take Carthage! They would be worse to deal with than the Vandals! Before reading about the Franks, Myrddin had just been checking the latest information and thought that the plan was likely to succeed. However it was out of his control, he hoped it worked. A stable Rome would lead to a stable west and hence a better chance of stability in Britannia. He wondered what was happening there now.
Perhaps not!
There are a lot of disgruntled senators at this moment in time, being forced to actually pay taxes isn't helping them get richer
There is also a slightly unhappy General shunted out to the Danubian Limes (not very unhappy but feeling a bit peeved that he isn't in charge of retaking Carthage).
Nobody is going to attempt anything whilst Aetius is alive, but nobody lives forever!
There are a lot of disgruntled senators at this moment in time, being forced to actually pay taxes isn't helping them get richer
There is also a slightly unhappy General shunted out to the Danubian Limes (not very unhappy but feeling a bit peeved that he isn't in charge of retaking Carthage).
Nobody is going to attempt anything whilst Aetius is alive, but nobody lives forever!
Hecatee
Donor
Indeed but every year with less war and more trade means less destruction and potentially some repairs to the infrastructure : feudalism was in part a consequence of the decay of the roman road system (less communications) and the densification of forests that overtook abandonned fields making it necessary to deforest large swaths of lands in the carolingian period : here every year of peace make this issue appear later, if it does, even if Aetius doesn't live that much longer
The basis of the socio economic system
Nice and interesting update.
Not to generalize, despite the lack of conflict that eventually wear out and destroy loyalties and institutional infrastructure of the Roman state, it is very beneficial and auspicious despite uncertainty about whether will survive after the death of Aetius ...
The basis of the socio economic system that has named 'the Feudalism' were already firmly in place in the European society in the late WRE: from the Diocletian rule at least, existed a system of hereditary servitude in exchange for the land utilization and the protection that large landowners was give in exchange for part of the production, a barter economy firmly installed at local and intra-regional level and finally the ban on any economic activity other than that made by his father and grandfather, stratifying and making effectively ossify to*society.
Given this feudalism as is known only gave a new legal framework to a pre existing situation exacerbated by the effective impotence and dissolution of the state and state structures that had survived until the end of the 'State' Carolingian, so as institutional fragmentation with the collapse of trade networks to medium and long distance with them the whole economic system beyond the autarchism necessary for the survival of the various regional communities.
Nice and interesting update.
Not to generalize, despite the lack of conflict that eventually wear out and destroy loyalties and institutional infrastructure of the Roman state, it is very beneficial and auspicious despite uncertainty about whether will survive after the death of Aetius ...
The basis of the socio economic system that has named 'the Feudalism' were already firmly in place in the European society in the late WRE: from the Diocletian rule at least, existed a system of hereditary servitude in exchange for the land utilization and the protection that large landowners was give in exchange for part of the production, a barter economy firmly installed at local and intra-regional level and finally the ban on any economic activity other than that made by his father and grandfather, stratifying and making effectively ossify to*society.
Given this feudalism as is known only gave a new legal framework to a pre existing situation exacerbated by the effective impotence and dissolution of the state and state structures that had survived until the end of the 'State' Carolingian, so as institutional fragmentation with the collapse of trade networks to medium and long distance with them the whole economic system beyond the autarchism necessary for the survival of the various regional communities.
454 AD
Quintus
Quintus rode into the great marshalling camp that had been created to the southwest of Eboracum. It was situated just as the land started to rise above the floodplain of the Abus on an old Roman road, but there was also a small stream which would supply fresh water (The Abus could be a bit brackish especially at this time of year). It was a great flurry of activity as the troops from Elmet, Eboracum and even Deira and Lindsey were coming together and being organised.
The smithies of Eboracum were being overwhelmed with the need to supply the arms and armour for this army, but luckily Aelle had brought smiths with him and these were able to make up the slack together with the limited armourers still available in Elmet. Quintus was astonished with the ease at which the Britons and Angles mingled. After all it was just over a year since they had been enemies. However the battles fought against the Suetids last year had eased a lot of the mistrust and there were no more scuffles than would break out when troops of British leaders came together.
He eased his horse past a dice game between some of his soldiers and some Angles when he was stopped by a shout.
“Quintus, you old goat aren’t you going to say hello?”
Quintus pulled up his horse and looked around. He had been addressed by one of the Angles! He looked more closely and then dismounted and grasped the old Angle’s arm in the warriors grasp.
“My god, it’s Constans! I thought that you died years ago!”
“No such luck, old friend. Although it was a close run thing!”
“I spent ages looking for you after that battle, but all I ever found was your horse and some of your weapons!”
Constans grimaced
“Sa, that wasn’t my best hour! I was badly wounded and fell off my horse. I managed to crawl and hide in some bushes. I must have then fallen unconscious because it was the next day when I came too. I didn’t remember much but staggered around until I stumbled into an Angle settlement. The woman who took me in wasn’t bothered about my being a Briton but nursed me back to health and things just went from there. She was an attractive woman and I found that I wanted to come back less and less as time went on. The rest of the settlement accepted me and I fell into the life of an Angle farmer. When they moved east away from the border with Eboracum I went with them. I had a good woman and was the happiest I had been for years! It was a lot easier than trying to impose army discipline on recalcitrant idiots who only thought about glory! Because we moved so far east I never had to worry about bearing arms against you. Indeed it was only the arrival of those Suetids that caused me to take up arms again when they tried to burn my village!”
Quintus smiled but then added
“Why are you here? We’re of an age when we wouldn’t normally go to war unless we have a good reason.”
“I do” replied Constans
“The bastards killed my wife, daughter and grandsons. All I have left is my youngest son who is part of Aelle’s household. He knows next to nothing about surviving in a proper battle, so I’m here to make sure that he stays as safe as possible. When Aelle found out about my history last month he appointed me as Commander of the eastern levies. I only accepted because of my son and because we would be fighting with rather than against you. Actually you would be surprised at how many Britons there are in Aelle’s forces, there are farming families who remained on their lands as well as the odd old soldier such as myself. I’ve pulled as many of those as I can find into my command and we’re trying to at least get our levies to follow simple commands and not break ranks just because they think the opposition is fleeing!”
“Good luck on that one!” replied Quintus. “It’s bad enough with my infantry and they’ve been properly drilled! When Artos broke the Suetids last year my officers had the devil’s own job keeping them in line.”
“I heard about that” smiled Constans.
“The Angles were amazed at how your troops kept their formation. Anyway, are you going to meet Aelle?”
“Sa” replied Quintus.
“In which case I’ll come with you. It will stop some hot head doing something stupid and anyway I need to report to him about my troops”
With that the reunited old friends headed towards Aelle’s tent.
Quintus rode into the great marshalling camp that had been created to the southwest of Eboracum. It was situated just as the land started to rise above the floodplain of the Abus on an old Roman road, but there was also a small stream which would supply fresh water (The Abus could be a bit brackish especially at this time of year). It was a great flurry of activity as the troops from Elmet, Eboracum and even Deira and Lindsey were coming together and being organised.
The smithies of Eboracum were being overwhelmed with the need to supply the arms and armour for this army, but luckily Aelle had brought smiths with him and these were able to make up the slack together with the limited armourers still available in Elmet. Quintus was astonished with the ease at which the Britons and Angles mingled. After all it was just over a year since they had been enemies. However the battles fought against the Suetids last year had eased a lot of the mistrust and there were no more scuffles than would break out when troops of British leaders came together.
He eased his horse past a dice game between some of his soldiers and some Angles when he was stopped by a shout.
“Quintus, you old goat aren’t you going to say hello?”
Quintus pulled up his horse and looked around. He had been addressed by one of the Angles! He looked more closely and then dismounted and grasped the old Angle’s arm in the warriors grasp.
“My god, it’s Constans! I thought that you died years ago!”
“No such luck, old friend. Although it was a close run thing!”
“I spent ages looking for you after that battle, but all I ever found was your horse and some of your weapons!”
Constans grimaced
“Sa, that wasn’t my best hour! I was badly wounded and fell off my horse. I managed to crawl and hide in some bushes. I must have then fallen unconscious because it was the next day when I came too. I didn’t remember much but staggered around until I stumbled into an Angle settlement. The woman who took me in wasn’t bothered about my being a Briton but nursed me back to health and things just went from there. She was an attractive woman and I found that I wanted to come back less and less as time went on. The rest of the settlement accepted me and I fell into the life of an Angle farmer. When they moved east away from the border with Eboracum I went with them. I had a good woman and was the happiest I had been for years! It was a lot easier than trying to impose army discipline on recalcitrant idiots who only thought about glory! Because we moved so far east I never had to worry about bearing arms against you. Indeed it was only the arrival of those Suetids that caused me to take up arms again when they tried to burn my village!”
Quintus smiled but then added
“Why are you here? We’re of an age when we wouldn’t normally go to war unless we have a good reason.”
“I do” replied Constans
“The bastards killed my wife, daughter and grandsons. All I have left is my youngest son who is part of Aelle’s household. He knows next to nothing about surviving in a proper battle, so I’m here to make sure that he stays as safe as possible. When Aelle found out about my history last month he appointed me as Commander of the eastern levies. I only accepted because of my son and because we would be fighting with rather than against you. Actually you would be surprised at how many Britons there are in Aelle’s forces, there are farming families who remained on their lands as well as the odd old soldier such as myself. I’ve pulled as many of those as I can find into my command and we’re trying to at least get our levies to follow simple commands and not break ranks just because they think the opposition is fleeing!”
“Good luck on that one!” replied Quintus. “It’s bad enough with my infantry and they’ve been properly drilled! When Artos broke the Suetids last year my officers had the devil’s own job keeping them in line.”
“I heard about that” smiled Constans.
“The Angles were amazed at how your troops kept their formation. Anyway, are you going to meet Aelle?”
“Sa” replied Quintus.
“In which case I’ll come with you. It will stop some hot head doing something stupid and anyway I need to report to him about my troops”
With that the reunited old friends headed towards Aelle’s tent.
454 AD
Myrddin
Myrddin sat in his office and read the latest report which had reached him from Polonius who had accompanied Majorian on the invasion of the Vandal Kingdom. It appeared that the death of Genseric and Huneric had thrown the Vandals into disarray. One of Genseric’s other sons Theodoric had become King but he was faced with uprisings in all of his territories. Although Theodoric had been able to regain control of Carthage and its immediate environs the capture of the Vandal Fleet during Genseric’s abortive attack on Rome left him unable to establish his control elsewhere although Sardinia apparently remained loyal.
Majorian’s expedition had set sail in late May, and after a sea voyage along the coasts of Sicily and Malta, landed on the African coast at Caputvada in early June, to Theodoric's apparent surprise (Theodoric had expected the Romans to land much nearer Carthage). Theodoric gathered what forces he could and met the Roman army at the Battle of Ad Decimum, near Carthage, on 13 June. His elaborate plan to encircle and destroy the Roman army came close to success, but Majorian was able to drive the Vandal army to flight and occupy Carthage.
Theodoric withdrew to Bulla Regia, where he gathered his remaining strength, including an army from Sardinia which managed to get to to Carthage by commandeering every seaworthy vessel on that island. In July, Theodoric advanced towards Carthage and met the Romans at the Battle of Tricamarum. The battle resulted in a Roman victory and the death of Theodoric. The few remaining vandal leaders had promptly surrendered to Majorian.
Polonius further reported that Majorian had been greeted as a liberator by the remaining Romans in the area and that he had managed to come to an agreement with the Berbers. Polonius expected that Majorian would return to Rome in September after he had overseen the reorganisation of the area around Carthage into a Roman Province. He expected that Majorian would leave his second in command, Aegidius, in charge.
Myrddin then turned his attention to the latest reports from Gaul. The Franks had become more than restless, under Childeric (who had just succeeded his father Merovech) they had moved over the Rhenus and were beginning to settle in Belgica. This situation could not be allowed to continue so Aetius had recalled Ricimer from the Danubian Limes and placed him in charge of dealing with the Franks.
Myrddin thought that it would have been better if Aetius had commanded the operations against the Franks but fully understood Aetius’ reasons for not wanting to be too far from Rome. Certain senators were doing more than grumble about taxes. They were beginning to have meetings with the aim of overthrowing Aetius and Gaudentius and replacing them with Libius Severus. Unfortunately for the would be conspirators, Myrddin had thoroughly infiltrated their movement and was just waiting for the right moment to strike.
He then looked at a message that he had just received from Huil in Armorica (well it had been intended for Anthimus but he was no in no condition to read it). Huil was being driven to his wit’s end by Rowena and her demands and wanted to know if he could offload her to anybody else! Myrddin grinned, Rowena knew exactly what she was doing! Well he would have her brought to Rome. She and her sons would be out of Huil’s hair and could be more easily watched. It would also have the added bonus of getting her even further away from her brother.
Then his thoughts turned to Britannia. No messages had been received from Britannia since early spring. He really did wonder what was going on with the campaign against the Suetids.
.
Myrddin sat in his office and read the latest report which had reached him from Polonius who had accompanied Majorian on the invasion of the Vandal Kingdom. It appeared that the death of Genseric and Huneric had thrown the Vandals into disarray. One of Genseric’s other sons Theodoric had become King but he was faced with uprisings in all of his territories. Although Theodoric had been able to regain control of Carthage and its immediate environs the capture of the Vandal Fleet during Genseric’s abortive attack on Rome left him unable to establish his control elsewhere although Sardinia apparently remained loyal.
Majorian’s expedition had set sail in late May, and after a sea voyage along the coasts of Sicily and Malta, landed on the African coast at Caputvada in early June, to Theodoric's apparent surprise (Theodoric had expected the Romans to land much nearer Carthage). Theodoric gathered what forces he could and met the Roman army at the Battle of Ad Decimum, near Carthage, on 13 June. His elaborate plan to encircle and destroy the Roman army came close to success, but Majorian was able to drive the Vandal army to flight and occupy Carthage.
Theodoric withdrew to Bulla Regia, where he gathered his remaining strength, including an army from Sardinia which managed to get to to Carthage by commandeering every seaworthy vessel on that island. In July, Theodoric advanced towards Carthage and met the Romans at the Battle of Tricamarum. The battle resulted in a Roman victory and the death of Theodoric. The few remaining vandal leaders had promptly surrendered to Majorian.
Polonius further reported that Majorian had been greeted as a liberator by the remaining Romans in the area and that he had managed to come to an agreement with the Berbers. Polonius expected that Majorian would return to Rome in September after he had overseen the reorganisation of the area around Carthage into a Roman Province. He expected that Majorian would leave his second in command, Aegidius, in charge.
Myrddin then turned his attention to the latest reports from Gaul. The Franks had become more than restless, under Childeric (who had just succeeded his father Merovech) they had moved over the Rhenus and were beginning to settle in Belgica. This situation could not be allowed to continue so Aetius had recalled Ricimer from the Danubian Limes and placed him in charge of dealing with the Franks.
Myrddin thought that it would have been better if Aetius had commanded the operations against the Franks but fully understood Aetius’ reasons for not wanting to be too far from Rome. Certain senators were doing more than grumble about taxes. They were beginning to have meetings with the aim of overthrowing Aetius and Gaudentius and replacing them with Libius Severus. Unfortunately for the would be conspirators, Myrddin had thoroughly infiltrated their movement and was just waiting for the right moment to strike.
He then looked at a message that he had just received from Huil in Armorica (well it had been intended for Anthimus but he was no in no condition to read it). Huil was being driven to his wit’s end by Rowena and her demands and wanted to know if he could offload her to anybody else! Myrddin grinned, Rowena knew exactly what she was doing! Well he would have her brought to Rome. She and her sons would be out of Huil’s hair and could be more easily watched. It would also have the added bonus of getting her even further away from her brother.
Then his thoughts turned to Britannia. No messages had been received from Britannia since early spring. He really did wonder what was going on with the campaign against the Suetids.
.
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The Franks.
Other interesting update.
It's symptomatic of the progressive recovery of of the Roman State, the fact that the Franks have gone from beings guardians and defenders of Roman and protectors of the Church to become the TTL in an obstacle and a threat to a resurgent Romanness ; they have come to be rivals to Aetius will need to defeat.
Other interesting update.
It's symptomatic of the progressive recovery of of the Roman State, the fact that the Franks have gone from beings guardians and defenders of Roman and protectors of the Church to become the TTL in an obstacle and a threat to a resurgent Romanness ; they have come to be rivals to Aetius will need to defeat.
454 AD
Cador
It was now late spring and the forces heading north to deal with the Suetids had been gone for two weeks. The crops had been planted and hopefully enough men had been left to bring in the harvest (also perhaps the army would be back).
Cador smiled wryly to himself as he rode at the head of the column towards Portus Aderni. He had to admit that Utha and Artos had got it right! Putting him in charge of the defence of the south coast against the Suetids was the sensible thing to do. If he had gone north with Artos and the Suetids had landed on the south coast he would just have hightailed it back south to defend Dumnonia. This way he had a vested interest in defeating them as soon as possible. In fact he was so impressed by the logic that he had applied it himself to the defence of Dumnonia against any Hibernian raids. He had placed Marcus of Kernow in charge (albeit with his brother Gerontius keeping an eye on him).
Marius Gratianus had been tasked with patrolling south of the wall down to the Tamesis. Cador had been surprised at how mildly he had accepted the task but put it down to Marius now feeling his age and accepting that there was enough infantry in the army under the command of Quintus plus the Angle Fyrrd and whatever Ebissa had available. They were in regular contact, messages passing between them every few days. So far apart from a minor Hibernian raid in the new Damnoni lands which had been swiftly dealt with by Constantine nothing untoward had happened.
Cador intended to keep patrolling along the south coast all summer. It kept the local garrisons on their toes because they never knew when he was going to turn up and it also enabled him to keep in close contact with Huil in Armorica. Interesting news had been coming north since the snows had melted on the lower passes to Italia. It would seem that there had been a purge of the Roman Espionage system. The rumours would seem to indicate that whoever was now in charge made the previous administrator look incompetent which was more than a little worrying as far as Cador was concerned. The previous administrator had been adept enough!
Also it would seem that the Romans were intending to retake Carthage and its grain. That made sense but it would have seem to have indicated to Childeric that he could expand his Franks over the Rhenus. Huil was worried by this and had asked Cador for some troops to help defend Armorica if necessary. Cador had agreed to send some if it proved that they were needed but Huil accepted his reasons for not sending any immediately.
Cador used his regular patrols to improve the efficiency of the troops under his command. The news of how disciplined the Suetids had been had even caused him to accept that his troops could not just depend on raw courage alone. Also the news of how Caddo’s training had improved Utha’s troops hadn’t hurt and indeed Caddo had lent him his second in command, a rather taciturn Coritani called Peretur, to help. Peretur hadn’t been impressed on first seeing Cador’s men but had been pleasantly surprised at how well they had taken to his training regimes. Indeed he had told Cador that they were far better than the Arfon troops who had undertaken the same training.
So Cador rode on in the pleasant sunshine. His reverie was interrupted by a messenger from Tanatus of all places. That small Saxon enclave, now being run by the old Frank Dagobert, had sighted sails passing them along the coast. It seemed as if Utha’s and Artos’ fears were coming to pass!
It was now late spring and the forces heading north to deal with the Suetids had been gone for two weeks. The crops had been planted and hopefully enough men had been left to bring in the harvest (also perhaps the army would be back).
Cador smiled wryly to himself as he rode at the head of the column towards Portus Aderni. He had to admit that Utha and Artos had got it right! Putting him in charge of the defence of the south coast against the Suetids was the sensible thing to do. If he had gone north with Artos and the Suetids had landed on the south coast he would just have hightailed it back south to defend Dumnonia. This way he had a vested interest in defeating them as soon as possible. In fact he was so impressed by the logic that he had applied it himself to the defence of Dumnonia against any Hibernian raids. He had placed Marcus of Kernow in charge (albeit with his brother Gerontius keeping an eye on him).
Marius Gratianus had been tasked with patrolling south of the wall down to the Tamesis. Cador had been surprised at how mildly he had accepted the task but put it down to Marius now feeling his age and accepting that there was enough infantry in the army under the command of Quintus plus the Angle Fyrrd and whatever Ebissa had available. They were in regular contact, messages passing between them every few days. So far apart from a minor Hibernian raid in the new Damnoni lands which had been swiftly dealt with by Constantine nothing untoward had happened.
Cador intended to keep patrolling along the south coast all summer. It kept the local garrisons on their toes because they never knew when he was going to turn up and it also enabled him to keep in close contact with Huil in Armorica. Interesting news had been coming north since the snows had melted on the lower passes to Italia. It would seem that there had been a purge of the Roman Espionage system. The rumours would seem to indicate that whoever was now in charge made the previous administrator look incompetent which was more than a little worrying as far as Cador was concerned. The previous administrator had been adept enough!
Also it would seem that the Romans were intending to retake Carthage and its grain. That made sense but it would have seem to have indicated to Childeric that he could expand his Franks over the Rhenus. Huil was worried by this and had asked Cador for some troops to help defend Armorica if necessary. Cador had agreed to send some if it proved that they were needed but Huil accepted his reasons for not sending any immediately.
Cador used his regular patrols to improve the efficiency of the troops under his command. The news of how disciplined the Suetids had been had even caused him to accept that his troops could not just depend on raw courage alone. Also the news of how Caddo’s training had improved Utha’s troops hadn’t hurt and indeed Caddo had lent him his second in command, a rather taciturn Coritani called Peretur, to help. Peretur hadn’t been impressed on first seeing Cador’s men but had been pleasantly surprised at how well they had taken to his training regimes. Indeed he had told Cador that they were far better than the Arfon troops who had undertaken the same training.
So Cador rode on in the pleasant sunshine. His reverie was interrupted by a messenger from Tanatus of all places. That small Saxon enclave, now being run by the old Frank Dagobert, had sighted sails passing them along the coast. It seemed as if Utha’s and Artos’ fears were coming to pass!
454 AD
Dagobert
Dagobert was worried. In the past week the Saxons remaining in Tanatus had seen three sets of sails each of about forty ships passing their island. Two had been heading south but one had been heading north.
He did not worry too much about the two heading south. Cador had obviously organised the defence of the south quite well and Dagobert did not think that the Suetids (at least that was whom he assumed that they were) would be able to establish any long lasting landing. However the ones heading north were a different matter. Marius had been left a lot of the island south of the wall to cover and all it would take would be for him to be near the wall and this fleet to land near Caer Lond. No matter how fast Marius marched south, this group would have time to establish themselves and thus make defeating them that much harder.
So Dagobert, as well as sending messengers to Marius and Utha (who had remained in Deva) decided that he was going to have to get more involved than he would like. He had not really born arms since he was a young man and had fallen out with Merovech and as a result had had to flee to the Saxons.
However he had made a new life with these people and he had been recently amazed at how fairly the Britons had behaved towards those who had remained on Tanatus. He did not want this peaceful life to be ended by a new set of invaders. So he hunted out his old arms and armour (he struggled a bit to put it on. It must have shrunk over the years!) and called together all the men capable of bearing arms that the island could spare.
He spoke to his men
“Under no circumstances must we engage with these people. However we will shadow that fleet and when we know where they have landed send messages to Cador, Utha and Marius.”
“Why should we help the Britons?” queried one of the men. “It serves them right if these Suetids cause slaughter amongst them and take their lands.”
Dagobert squinted and saw that it was Aelwine who had spoken. He was one of the young hotheads who had only not left to join Ebissa because his wife was near to term.
“And who was it who helped when your wife had problems giving birth Aelwine? It wasn’t the Suetids but the military surgeon in Regulbium! The Britons have not refused one request for help in the last year. We owe them despite being their foes until recently!”
There was a general murmur of assent and Aelwine although he scowled accepted the general point of view.
So it was the next morning a motley band of greybeards, young men and some boys set out from Tanatus.
Dagobert was worried. In the past week the Saxons remaining in Tanatus had seen three sets of sails each of about forty ships passing their island. Two had been heading south but one had been heading north.
He did not worry too much about the two heading south. Cador had obviously organised the defence of the south quite well and Dagobert did not think that the Suetids (at least that was whom he assumed that they were) would be able to establish any long lasting landing. However the ones heading north were a different matter. Marius had been left a lot of the island south of the wall to cover and all it would take would be for him to be near the wall and this fleet to land near Caer Lond. No matter how fast Marius marched south, this group would have time to establish themselves and thus make defeating them that much harder.
So Dagobert, as well as sending messengers to Marius and Utha (who had remained in Deva) decided that he was going to have to get more involved than he would like. He had not really born arms since he was a young man and had fallen out with Merovech and as a result had had to flee to the Saxons.
However he had made a new life with these people and he had been recently amazed at how fairly the Britons had behaved towards those who had remained on Tanatus. He did not want this peaceful life to be ended by a new set of invaders. So he hunted out his old arms and armour (he struggled a bit to put it on. It must have shrunk over the years!) and called together all the men capable of bearing arms that the island could spare.
He spoke to his men
“Under no circumstances must we engage with these people. However we will shadow that fleet and when we know where they have landed send messages to Cador, Utha and Marius.”
“Why should we help the Britons?” queried one of the men. “It serves them right if these Suetids cause slaughter amongst them and take their lands.”
Dagobert squinted and saw that it was Aelwine who had spoken. He was one of the young hotheads who had only not left to join Ebissa because his wife was near to term.
“And who was it who helped when your wife had problems giving birth Aelwine? It wasn’t the Suetids but the military surgeon in Regulbium! The Britons have not refused one request for help in the last year. We owe them despite being their foes until recently!”
There was a general murmur of assent and Aelwine although he scowled accepted the general point of view.
So it was the next morning a motley band of greybeards, young men and some boys set out from Tanatus.
Looking ahead...
Interesting updates.
Looking ahead to the likely battle where Dagobert and his men sealed with blood their alliance with the Britons.
Winning, this group of Saxons their right to remain on their land... in alliance with the Roman-Britons.
Interesting updates.
Looking ahead to the likely battle where Dagobert and his men sealed with blood their alliance with the Britons.
Winning, this group of Saxons their right to remain on their land... in alliance with the Roman-Britons.