Sons of Morrigan

[Sārthākā]

Aed Catuvellaunii broke down to his knees as he stared at the remnants of what had been Fort Tamesas. Vespasian trotted upto him and dismounted his horse surrounded by three centurions.

Aed made no move to stop them as he continued to stare in morbid fascination at the dead fortress. Vespasian looked at him and the destroyed fort before saying “You have fought well. I can understand why your ancestors pushed Caesar out.”

“Fought well? We failed to defeat you. Our lives are gone!” Aed replied in perfect latin with tears streaming down his cheeks.

Vespasian chuckled. “You should not have challenged Rome High King of Genti-Morriganvantes.”

Aed moved to quick for the Centurions to react as his dagger pushed at Vespasian’s neck. Vespasian raised his arm to stop the centurions.

“Don’t you dare mock me and my title. I earned it through blood and steel in wars unlike anything you’ve fought.” Aed growled.

Vespasian laughed. “Perhaps that is true. But that does not mean that you won in the end, eh?”

Aed growled before he pushed the roman back and rubbed his eyes to quell the tears. He fell to the ground in anguish and punched the earth in desperation.

“Why? WHY? All our hard work, all our blood, was it all for nothing Morrigan? Camulos? Lugh? Dagda? Dana? Why have you abandoned us! You Morrigan! You saved us a century ago and now you abandon us! We are your people! We are your subjects and yet you abandon us and everything we built in your name! The King of Dumnonia, my uncle lying in some field dead. My cousin Boudicca, Queen of Iceni sold as a common prostitute and my nieces, her daughters, raped like common whores. Lord Durtrogii, fought till the end like a true Celt and fought a losing fight to let his royal court escape. Now his body hangs in the streets like a common criminal! Why have you abandoned us?! Did we do something wrong? Something deserving of this? If so tell me! Tell me so I can take my punishment like a true Celt!”

Vespasian looked at the humbled High King and sighed. “Your ancestor was perhaps the greatest man from Britannia you know. From what I know you are increasingly alike to the man.”

Aed turned around with his bloodshot eyes. “I am nothing like my great grandfather. He was Cassibellanus the Great, the first High King of Genti-Morriganvantes. Who am I? The one who foolishly led us to death, misery and tragedy!”

Aed sobbed like a child. He hadn’t sobbed like this for 11 years when he had been elected High King at the age of 17. Aed looked up at the Roman and stood up. He unclasped his armor and mail letting it fall to the ground showing his bare chest to all. He threw his helmet away and said “Give me a death worthy of a Celt.”

“Stand up then.” Vespasian ordered. Aed stood up. Vespasian handed him his sword. Aed smiled a watery smile. He took his stance as did Vespasian.

He went on the offensive and tried to stab the roman in the abdomen. Vespasian parried the strike and forced Aed to duck from an attack. Aed rolled away and struck Vespasian at his left bicep. As the blood seeped from Vespasian’s bicep Aed withdrew the sword and took the blood. He splattered it on his face and looked up at the statue of Morrigan, the only statue still standing in Fort Tamesas. “This is in your honor Lady Morrigan! For you we give our lives!”

Aed looked at Vespasian and charged. Vespasian sidestepped and stabbed him in the gut. Aed writhed as he splat blood.

“Boudicca I’m sorry. Uncle Aodh I’m sorry. Mentor Durtrogii I’m sorry. I’m so sorry……” Aed muttered.

“Sleep, descendant of Cassibellanus the Great. You have fought bravely. Your ancestor would be proud of you. Do not go to Pluto and Charon. Go to Arawn. Sleep. We shall take care of your land and traditions.” Vespasian spoke softly.

“Thank…Thank you.” Aed muttered before the light left him.

 

[Sārthākā]

POD – During Caesar’s second Invasion of Britain, there was one major plan from the Celts which could have derailed the entire Roman invasion. Had the Cenimagni, Segontiaci, Ancalites, Bibroci, and Cassi not surrendered to Caesar and the 4 kings of Kent; Cingetorix, Carvillius, Taximagulus, and Segovax initiated the attack on Caesar’s foothold on Dover, Caesar’s entire campaign would have had come down tumbling hard. Caesar himself would have been captured and the tribes such as the Trinovantes who sided with him would have been subjugated for betraying the Britons. This timeline is here to explore this POD

Prologue Part 2

Julius Caesar sat down in his war tent looking at the maps and scrolls his military advisors had brought with them regarding Britannia. The multitude of tribes located in Britannia was astounding and almost equivalent to Germania itself with its fragmented states. Julius sighed and rubbed his foreheads. He might seem confident and jolly in front of his troops outside but his campaign was holding itself together by a thin thread. Should the fates prove to be in a mood of folly, the island of Britannia would come tumbling down against him.

He jerked his head as his advisor from outside asked permission to enter.

“You may.” Julius replied.

The advisor entered the small tent nervously as he saluted the Imperator and said “Imperator!”

“Stand at ease. What is the news?”

“Imperator…..I am sorry to say that the infidel Cassivellaunus has seemed to have bribed the tribes." The Advisor mumbled.“Cennimagni, Cassi and the other tribes will not surrender…in the name of…..Morrigan?”

Julius sighed again and rubbed his forehead again. Damn it all! He sighed and smiled wanly at his advisor. “So this Morrigan? I hear she is this mysterious goddess of war and fate here in Britannia.”

“Uh, yes Imperator. They consider her to be a fickle goddess, messing and interfering in mortal lives now and then.” The advisor replied in an unsure voice.

“Indeed. I wonder…..is this the work of a god or goddess?” Julius murmured. “The Greeks believed that all pantheons were true and that the Persian and Egyptian pantheons were just as true as the Olympian pantheon. Could a Celt Pantheon exist as well? Interfere in mortal affairs and repulse invaders?”

“Imperator, if such a thing were true then those gods would have interfered already in the Gallic Wars, which you won! This obviously shows that the Celtic barbarian faiths aren’t true. Our faith is stronger!” The advisor replied in a stricken tone.

“Perhaps.” Julius replied. “Thank you. You may leave.”

The advisor nodded, saluted and left. Julius sat down on his makeshift bed and rubbed his entire face. He looked upwards towards the upside of his tent and murmured “What is true? Olympus, Zoroastrianism, Isis? Or this…..Morrigan? What in the world is true? This invasion is going on barely held by a sliver of a thread. Only one smart move by Cassibellaunus can change the tide totally against the campaign.”

He didn’t know that his words would come true back then.

***

Segovax, one of the famed 4 Kings of Ceint was standing at the ready about 15 miles away from Dover with his army of 1000 men as he remained still waiting for his messenger to arrive. After a few minutes of waiting, a small man scurried across the field and said “Your Majesty! A letter! For you!”

Segovax nodded and took the letter from the man. He opened the letter and as he read the letter he started to smile. The tribes had refused to surrender. This was great news!

He laughed and in a high voice addressed his men. “Men of Prittani. The tribes have refused to surrender! They are willing to commit the last of their men for the defense of Pritanni. This a sign! A sign from Morrigan! We are to win today! We win today and tomorrow and we shall push the Roman invaders out of our lands! To arms men!”

His men roared in warlust in return as they banged their shields and rapped their swords and axes. Segovax laughed. He kicked his horse and galloped across the field. His three other contemporaries were probably doing the same and whipping up their own men in a frenzy to attack the Roman beachheads.

He needn’t had worried. About 20 minutes after whipping his men into a frenzy the war cry of Carvillius roared across the field. Segovax tightened his grip on his horse and whipped around “That is our signal men! We attack the Romans now! Forward men!”

He men roared and began to advance. Segovax unsheathed his sword and pointed it at the distant roman camps.

“For Pritanni!” Segovax shouted.

“For Pritanni!” His men roared and charged down towards the beach. The Romans clearly caught by surprise scrambled into defensive lines as his men began to hack into the lines of the Romans. The Roman centurion galloped across the field making the lines coherent. Segovax frowned as he saw the centurion being able to make the lines sturdier.

“That centurion needs to die.” Segovax murmured and charged. He leveled his sword and attacked. The centurion who clearly saw him coming ducked and reared his horse towards his left and tried to stab him. Thankfully, Segovax had been able to turn his horse away as well. In one clean motion, Segovax’s sword hit the neck of the centurion and he crumbled down.

As the blood dripped from his sword, Segovax saw a peculiar sight in the distance. In the trees, among the very periphery of the battlefield, a pale faced woman wearing dark robes. Her eyes……Her eyes were as red as the fabled rubies of the east. She smiled and Segovax blinked. The next moment she was gone. The cry of the crow pierced the skies as Segovax jerked his sword out of the neck of the dead centurion.

“Morrigan is with us!” He roared.

His men roared with him. Segovax dismounted his horse and charged as one with his men.

History would be made today.

***

 

[Sārthākā]

Chapter 1

Cassibellaunus drummed his fingers on the desk as he sat down in thought regarding the ongoing siege of his fort near the Tamesas River (Thames). Julius Caesar, that wretched Roman general had laid siege for weeks to make him submit and install that Roman fiend’s puppet as King of the Trinovantes again. Well he wouldn’t. End of story. He had already sent a missive asking his allies to attack the Roman beachheads and supply routes and it would be only a few hours until he received the outcome of that encounter. He had faith in his old allies. Segovax in particular was an old comrade in arms of his.

A portrait of Cassibellanus

He cut out of his musings when he heard someone knock at his door.

“Come in.” Cassibellanus replied as the door opened to show the looming figure of his top general, Finian Creel.

“Ah Finian!” Cassibellanus murmured as he gestured towards the chair in front of him. “Sit down, sit down. I believe you have news for me.”

“Yes, chief.” Finian replied with a small smile under his orange beard. “I bear good news from Segovax and our other friends.”

Cassibelanus let his hopes rise. “Did they succeed?”

“Yes, chief. However unfortunately for us, Cingetorix and Taximagulus fell in the line of battle. Carvillius and Segovax are fine however. They both have taken command of the remanants of the deceased king’s kingdom and army as they had the nearest stakes to them.” Finian replied dipping his head in respect for the deceased kings.

Cassibellanus did not know whether to laugh in joy or cry out of despair and frustration. He had won his gambit, but at the cost of loyal compatriots. He let a few tears cascade across his cheeks. Crying was no sign of weakness. It was simply a sign that he was still human, but for how long, he knew not.

“I….see.” Cassibellanus croaked out. “I cannot let their sacrifice go mistaken and broken. Now that the supply route of Caesar is broken, we can attack immediately and lift the pressure off us and push that Latinized bastard off our island. Mobilize the men for an offensive maneuver! This whole campaign had us on the defensive………It’s time to turn the tables on that little roman!”

***

Julius Caesar watched the fortress of Cassibellanus withstand the siegeworks again and again yet smiled. Cassibellanus was growing weaker every day and he knew it. It would only be a matter of a few days, at maximum, a few weeks before he would be forced to bow down to Rome.

His advisor galloped across the fields and rode along the lines as he came up to him. His advisor saluted him in a hurry and gasped out “Imperator! I bear bad news!”

“Bad news?” Julius frowned. Why must the gods scoff at his hard work and bring in wrenches in his works at moments like these? He sighed mentally and motioned the advisor or in this case, messenger to continue.

Julius Caesar

“Imperator, the Kings of Ceint managed to take our beachheads. We are encircled!”

Julius’s blood ran cold. Of all the damned things that could have happened……

He whipped around and called to his generals. “Lift the siege. We must link up with the coastline again. We cannot remain encircled for long. We need to retreat for the time being.”

His generals nodded in understanding and started to gallop across the field as they informed the lesser Centurions. He gritted his teeth as he gripped his sword. Damn these Celts. They were a headache in Gaul and they were a bigger headache in Britannia.

He whipped around and walked towards his tent. He needed to improvise in a better method.

***

Cassibellanus in the inner palisade of his fort trotted upon his horse as he looked at his troops. He looked at them directly in the eyes. Troops had every right in their tradition to challenge their commander if they felt their commander was too weak willed. Meeting them by looking them at the eye was considered to be a direct challenge to them and to stop any thoughts of revolt. His men visibly stiffened as he walked looking at the men in the eyes. He unsheathed his sword and raised it in the air.

“Men of Pritanni, we face an opponent like no other. You have all followed me, when I was once a warlord, a chieftain, but today I stand as a commander and leader of men. We are united despite being fractured. I am a Coritani. How many among you are Iceni? Brigante? Dumnonii? Yet we are all here to fight because we face a common enemy. Despite our differences, we all remain Pritanni! Tell me men. Will you surrender to these bastards of Rome?” Cassibellanus bellowed.

“NEVER!” His men shouted back as they thumped their shields and swords in response.

Cassibellanus grinned. “Then what are you waiting for? Our enemy lies just outside those gates. Attack at will! No mercy! For Pritanni! For Morrigan! For Camulos!”

His men roared in response as the gates of the fortress opened. The Birgante light cavalry roared and galloped outside first brandishing their spears and javelins. The Dumnonii light infantry poured out after them.

Cassibellanus grinned. Perhaps, just perhaps, unity among all the warring Celtic tribes was possible.

***

Corvix felt uplifted as the winds blew past him and his sword. It seemed that the Latins were in the process of retreating when him and his forces rolled down upon the Roman Legions. Not to say that the Roman bastards weren’t tough, but they had the advantage.

Corvix laughed in warlust as he stabbed a Roman through the chest with his spear. Ah what a good day it was to fight out in the open. The siege had been extremely boring for the wargoing Birgante.

A roman legionnaire stabbed his horse with a spear in the stomach. His horse whinnied before tumbling down. Corvix smiled insanely as he rolled over to the side fine and brandished his dual swords.

“Well well, looky here. It seems we have a brave yet foolish Roman here.” Corvix spoke in halting Latin.

“Go back where you belong barbarian.” The legionnaire snarled and leveled his spatha before charging at him. Corvix deflected the spatha and kicked the man in his left knee which forced him to crunch downwards.

“Goodbye Roman.” Corvix murmured and the legionnaire’s head burst open in a rain of blood, internals and gore. Corvix grinned madly as he licked some of the blood that had fallen on his lips.

“Hm…..even the blood of these men are not worthy of being sacrificed to the gods.” Corvix muttered as the bitter taste of the blood passed through him. As he surveyed the carnage around him he laughed in delight and advanced on the romans slashing and hacking his way through. What a delightful day. It had been months before he had fought in a pitched battle. Cassibellanus was always like ‘No…..we cannot defeat the Romans in a pitched battle….’ Yada yada that did not make sense to Corvix’s war addled mind.

He hacked his way through the battle lines as he was confronted by a centurion on a horse. The centurion stabbed at his chest as Corvix rolled to the side to dodge at. The centurion reared his horse towards the heavens as the horse’s hoofs came down at him. The force of the impact sent him some 20 yards away. As his chest started to bleed, Corvix blinked in confusion.

The roman trotted towards him before saying “May Pluto have mercy on your soul.”

That was the last thing he heard as he felt a spear pierce his lungs.

***



Cassibellanus trotted down the battlefield as the battle winded down. He grimaced as he saw the piles of bodies in the ground, both Pritanni and Roman. The worst thing apart from a battle lost, was a battle won.

He trotted upwards to his fort and waved his sword in the skies and said “Men! Assemble!”

His men who were celebrating their victory from the battle started to line up as they heard their commander’s voice. Cassibellanus waited until they were in good order before speaking up. “We have won a great victory today men. Rest. Celebrate. For tonight we dine like kings!”

His men cheered in response. Cassibellanus smiled. However he was distracted by a tap on his shoulder.

“Finian. What is the matter?” Cassibellanus asked his general. Finian replied “Caesar is seeking terms.”

Cassibellanus let a smile filter on his face and nodded. “Very well. Set up a camp in a neutral zone. We will meet tomorrow then.”

***

The next day.

Julius sat down burning with shame and humiliation as he sat down in front of Cassibellanus. The Celt was nearly a foot taller than him and it was clear that he was still flush with his victory.

“What are your terms?” Julius gritted through his teeth.

Cassibellanus spread his hands and spoke in decent Latin. “I really have only two wishes and terms really. The first is that you stop your claim of that bastard to the Trinovante crown. The second is you leave this island.”

Julius stared at the man in front of him and asked “What about the tribute?”

“The tribute was cancelled in protest against your claims of aiding that idiot gain the Trinovante crown. Should you stop your claims, the tribute will come to Rome again.” Cassibellanus replied in a light diplomatic tone.

Julius sighed internally and closed his eyes before speaking again. “I have a term as well.”

“Really? You believe you are in a position to act?” Cassibellanus replied with a tone of humor.

“Yes. Unless you are blind you can see that I still have 3 legions with me. I could attempt a break out attack can’t I? Do you really wish to force my hand, Celt?” Julius snarled quietly in reponse.

Cassibellanus looked alarmed for the first time since Julius saw him before he calmed down and looked at the Imperator. “Fine. What is your term, great Imperator?”

Ignoring the remark, Julius replied “Stop your aid to the Gallic Celts. That is my demand.”

“Not a hard one to accept either. Our lands have been ravaged by your legions. We need everything we have here, and not on the continent. I accept your term.” Cassibellanus replied in a neutral tone.

Both leaders of men stood up and held out their hands to each other. They shook it as both men then turned and marched out of the tents.

Julius sighed as he galloped on his horse to his army’s makeshift camp. They had been defeated militarily, but had failed in only one of the claims in which they had invaded Britain. All was not lost. He could spin this as a victory back in Rome. His position was still strong and without opposition. However despite that Julius turned back to look at Cassibellanus in the far distance and grudgingly nodded at the man. He knew not whether he saw it, however Julius Caesar left Britannia with a grudging respect of its inhabitants.

***

 

[Sārthākā]

Chapter 2

Cassibellanus sat down in front of Segovax and Carvillius in his room in his fort on the banks of Tamesas, the place where a brutal siege had taken place a mere few days earlier.

“Segovax, Carvillius, I would like to personally thank you for your contribution, without your attacks at the beachhead, my position would have been lost.” Cassibellanus thanked the two Kings of Ceint.

“Ah, old friend, no need to worry.” Segovax replied in good humor while Carvillius simply nodded.

“Carvillius, anything disturbing you my old friend?” Cassibellanus asked in slight concern over the man’s stoic face.

“Why didn’t you annul our tribute to Rome?” Carvillius asked sternly.

Cassibellanus sighed. “My friend, doing so would have signed our death warrants to the Romans.”

“What do you mean?”

“We won, true. But if Rome brought their full strength to bear, I do not think we would have won, far from it, we would have been crushed.” Cassibellanus replied in a somber tone. “If we annulled our tribute to Rome, they would do just that my friend, we were devastated by this sideshow war for the Romans, what do you think would happen if their full force came on our island?”

Carvillius snorted before nodding reluctantly.

“Onto other matters, what do we do about the Trinovantes?” Segovax questioned as he ate a piece of fried lamb.

“Well, I was going to give them to Taximagulus because he did have the dynastic right to it, however he is dead so I think we should divide them up between my realm, the Iceni and you two.” Cassibellanus replied thoughtfully.

“I agree. The Trinovante lands are fertile and strong for population growth and economic recovery.” Carvillius answered.

“True indeed my friend.” Cassibellanus replied with a smile before becoming serious. “However we have other things to do as well.”

“Such as…..?” Segovax questioned.

“We need to unite politically. This war was close strung thing. If the Romans intervene in the future to find us divided, it would be catastrophic for us.” Cassibellanus said as he looked at a map detailing the entire Roman Empire from Gaul to Greece.

“Unite?” Carvillius snorted. “Surely you mean alliance?”

“No. I mean unite. Alliance will never last. The Ordvices, for example, were my enemies before the Roman Invasion, but now they are my allies. Allies can become enemies and vice versa in the blink of an eye.” Cassibellanus replied. “I was thinking of a confederation.”

“A confederation…..hmmmm….” Segovax murmured as he leaned back on his chair.

“Are you bloody mad Cassibellanus?” Carvillius looked at him in incredulity. “The idea of a confederation is purely theoretical (AN: It was at this point of time). There is no bloody way it is practical or pragmatic in the real world.”

“Carvillius, the idea of a republic was theoretical on a large scale other than small city states. However look at Rome. No such idea can remain theoretical if we can implement them in a good manner.” Cassibellanus soothed Carvillius.

“And who would lead this confederation, you?” Carvillius asked with contempt.

“What is wrong with you today Carvillius?” Segovax questioned slightly angry. “At least hear the man out.”

“My friends, my comrades and my army died that’s what!” Carvillius exploded. “Never have I lost so many men, and we get a half arsed peace in return and then we have Cassibellanus proposing a ridiculous plan. I don’t see why you’re blaming me for being hard!”

“Carvillius, I propose a compromise then. I have spoken with the other chieftains and kings, they are in agreement that we need a confederation of sorts. However this was simple planning and we have no real diagnosis and basis to go on. How about an elected leader for the confederation from among the Kings and Chieftains? That does sound like a good compromise no?” Cassibellanus asked as he looked at the red bearded King of Ceint.

Carvillius hesitated before nodding slowly. “Perhaps. However if this confederation becomes an idiots purpose, my Kingdom will secede immediately, do you understand, Cassibellanus?”

“Yes I do. Crystal clear old friend.” Cassibellanus answered as Carvillius stood up and exited the room.

“Well, that went over nicely didn’t it old friend?” Segovax rumbled as he continued to eat.

“Your ability to understate things never ceases to amaze me Segovax.” Cassibellanus said in a dry tone before continuing in a somber tone. “I am sorry for your loss Segovax.”

Segovax waved it away. “My cousin brother Taximagulus was a man who knew what he was getting into. I am proud of him.”

“Still, he was your brother and you have my condolences.” Cassibellanus murmured as he stared at the fire in the small fireplace.

“True true….” Segovax mumbled. “We fought side by side for 25 years you know, ever since we were 7 year old young boys.”

“Yes I know. I joined your gang of idiots when I was ten.” Cassibellanus replied dryly.

“The five of us against the world!” Segovax chuckled. “We were naïve then weren’t we?”

“Indeed…” Cassibellanus replied as his eyes went glassy remembering old days.

“You know Cassibellanus, I saw a very peculiar omen in the battle.” Segovax mumbled.

“Really, what kind of omen?”

“I believe I saw Morrigan during the battle.” Segovax muttered.

“Morrigan, the goddess? And you won the battle. Perhaps she has blessed you.” Cassibellanus answered as he clasped his hands on Segovax.

“Perhaps. She was……was the palest woman I ever saw. Lips as red as blood, robes as black as night…..and eyes like the fabled rubies of the east. She smiled…..” Segovax shuddered. “And she disappeared. Then I heard the cry of a crow. Perhaps she was there with us during that battle.”

“Then you saw something rarely ever seen Segovax.” Cassibellanus said joyfully. “Your battle is the battle that turned the tide. Perhaps it was Morrigan all along. You gave me a splendid idea indeed!”

“An idea?” Segovax asked looking at Cassibellanus questioningly.

“I still didn’t have an idea what the hell to name the confederation. It is obvious now that we won due to the blessing of Morrigan. It shall be named the Confederation of Genti-Morriganvantes or The Confederation of the Children of Morrigan!”

“Well you certainly have a flair for the dramatic, old friend.” Segovax murmured. “Well what tribes and kingdoms are joining this confederation?”

“Well obviously your, mine and Carivllius’s. The Iceni, Cenimagni, Segontiaci, Ancalites, Bibroci, Cassi, Dumnonia, Durotriga and Dobbunia have agreed to join the confederation.”

“I see, so all the kingdoms and tribes directly affected by the invasion and located in the south….” Segovax muttered.

“Indeed. I hope we can expand it further, but for now it is a good starting position.” Cassibellanus replied.

“Indeed.”

***

That evening, Cassibellanus sat down on his throne overseeing the other kings and chiefs on their thrones. As everyone quieted down, he stood up. “My friends and comrades, we have won!”

A loud cheer grew among the people as they cheered at his proclamation. “However it is won at great cost. It is becoming evidently obvious that in the future, if we remain fractured, we will not be able to defeat the Romans again. Thus the idea of this confederation took root. We are all kings of domains hit hardest by the invasion. It is time we looked past our rivalries and look forward for our future. We are here to write the charter that will define the confederation. We have already decided upon a name; Genti-Morriganvantes. Now we need to lay out the rules. According to my friends, the Kings of Ceint, they wish the confederation to be led by a leader amongst us. When that leader dies, a vote will be held for the new leader amongst us. The leaders cannot vote for themselves. Today we vote!”

Segovax stood up and said “I choose the candidate Cassibellanus, Ruler of the Catuvellauni. The one who led us to victory!”

“Hear hear!” The leader of the segontiaci cried. “I vote for Cassibellanus as well!”

“So do I!”

“So do I!”

“So do I!”

“So do I!”

The kings of the tribes that had refused to surrender all threw their support behind him. Cassibellanus looked bemused before he coughed and said “I vote for, Aodhan Dumnonii, the King of Dumnonia, perhaps one of the greatest kingdoms in our island, and one of the most experienced.”

Aodhan bowed to Cassibellanus in gratitude as his greying hair swayed in the candle lit darkness. “I am sorry Lord Catuvellauni, but while it is true I am much more experienced than other man here, you led us to victory, not me. I vote for you.”

Evan Durtrogii, of Durotriga smiled and said “I concur with my rival here. I vote for you as well, Lord Catuvellauni.”

The last person left to vote was now Carvillius. Cassibellanus narrowed his eyes slightly as he saw Carvillius seem a little nervous before he slowly nodded and said “Ye-yes. I vote for Cassibellanus, my old friend.”

Segovax clapped in approval. “Then it is done. Cassibellanus, you are High King of Genti-Morriganvantes.”

Cassibellanus coughed to gain the attention of the men again before speaking up. “Well I must say I am deeply honored for you all to elect me. Now however we must forward. I believe our dear scribe writing the charter is bored to no ends with our cheering and mocking.”

All the kings turned their heads to the scribe who was snoring with a trail of drool running down his chin. Laughter erupted all around as Aodhan stood up and slapped the back of the scribe waking him up. The scribe looked at the laughing kings and his face went red with embarrassment.

“Dear scribe, we are sorry if we bored you.” Cassibellanus laughed. “However we need you to write. I have been elected High King of Genti-Morriganvantes. We are about to decide upon the major points of this confederation.”

“Yes…Yes Milord. I am sorry milord.” The Scribe muttered as he scribbled away on the parchment.

“Now we need to discuss our internal structure. From this moment on, we will not have any internal wars between us, doing so would make this confederation obsolete.” Cassibellanus stated.

“True….However how will we decide our problems regarding each other?” Aodhan asked as he swirled wine in his goblet.

“Every year we will meet in this fort, Fort Tamesas to gather and put forth our grievances. We will hear out both cases and put forward a vote amongst us. It is only fair.” Cassibellanus replied. Aodhan shrugged and nodded. “Indeed. That does sound like a good compromise.”

“I also believe that we should have the same military structure to prevent confusion during wars. War Bands need to be same.” Bodica, the Queen of the matriarchal Iceni Queendom put forward.

“Indeed, such confusions could lead us to defeat in any kind of war.” Segovax concurred.

“Very well.” Cassibellanus clasped his hands. “Further than that, the final issue is economics. Lord Dumnonii, I believe this is the stage for you.”

Aodhan nodded and stood up to speak. “The southern Kingdoms have always used minted coins for economics since Rome appeared on the opposite ends of our shores. However Dumnonia is the only one which uses them permanently, the others use them and throw them away. However my economists have determined that the use of the coinage is far better than our old barter system. It would be a massive boon to our finances to utilize the coinage system.”

“Indeed. Like Lord Dumnonii said, we need to utilize the coinage system in a more permanent manner. However the coins we use are the Denarii, the Roman coins, we cannot allow that. We have the resources to mint our own coins. And we shall do so. We shall name it Cernunii after the Cernuunos, our god of Wealth, in his honor.” Cassibellanus replied.

“Other than that, do we have anything else to discuss?” Cassibellanus asked.

None of the other Kings and the Queen spoke up and shook their heads. Cassibellanus nodded and then said “Then what are you waiting for? Your men are partying outside like the end of the world is coming! Its about time we joined the festivities!”

The council cheered.

 

[Sārthākā]

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.

 

[Sārthākā]

Chapter 4

1 month later

Finian Creel was eating a good few vegetables as a part of his dinner and relishing it. His war tent in northern Catuvellauni lands with his warband was a cold, wet and arid place. Finian shivered as the cold wind whipped across his back. He continued to eat his meal before being cut out by shouts outside his tent.

Shaking his head, he exited the tent and looked at the commotion. Lying on the floor with a dagger stuck to his back, was a young man with a blonde mop of hair. The soldiers were trying to debate on how to take the knife out without making the young man suffer death due to blood loss. Finian pinched his nose and asked “Does anyone know this man?”

“No your highness. His face his turned to the ground. We can’t recognize him like that.” One of the soldiers replied. Finian nodded and said “Upturn the body so that we can see his face. Carefully, we don’t want him to die.”

The soldiers nodded and slowly lifted the blonde and turned his body so that his face could be seen. Upturned blue eyes like that of the blue sky, soft chiseled cheeks and a small scar on his left eyebrow. The man was already dead. And Finian knew the man. This was Varun, the spy he had sent against Carvillius. He cursed internally and said “The man is dead. Carry the body into my tent and lay the body on my table.”

His soldiers nodded. One of them jerked the dagger out of Varun’s body as the others lifted him and carried him towards Finian’s tent. After five minutes after his troops had laid the body on his table inside his tent Finian looked at his second in command and said “No one is to come near my tent, make a 10 feet parameter, is that understood?”

The man hesitated and asked “Do you know this man?”

“Unfortunately for him and me, yes. Now follow my orders!”

The man scurried as he did so. Finian looked at Varun and sighed and rubbed his eyes in weariness. Varun was the son of one of finest officers, Cadell Deere. How was he to tell Cadell about this?

He sighed and started to feel Varun’s pockets and clothes for any clues as to what happened. After five minutes, Finian felt the rough touch of a parchment inside Varun’s inner coat. He took the parchment out. Ogham script runes were littered across the parchment in writing format. Finian was a literate man; a rarity in Britannia, however he was not the best and was quite slow in reading. He sighed and thought “This is going to be a long night.”

He slowly started to read through the letter.

General Creel,

As I write this, my pursuers follow me like wolves with the scent of prey. I will hide this letter in my secret pocket which only you and father know about. I will make it to camp, if that’s the last thing I do. General Creel, I am your finest spy, and I find the workings of a conspiracy. The Lord of West Ceint harbors ill intent, I beg of you, inform High King Cassibellanus about this.

Carvillius intends to betray the Confederation in favor of the Brigantes and Silures. These raids the past years, they were not random, they were orchestrated by the Brigantes and Carvillius along with the Silures. They planned this for who knows how many years. Carvillius has recruited the masses and trained them for war with thousands of men ready. He had 30,000 spears divided into 30 warbands while making known only 12 warbands to the Confederation. I know not how he managed to hide the warbands, but according to my findings, he used his relative isolation from the rest of the Confederation to his advantage in this one manner. As soon as the main Confederation warbands head north and east to fight the Silures and Brigantes, Carvillius’s 30 warbands will turn on the Confederation and seek to destroy the Confederation armies in one pitched battle. Plus his documents also read of possible Pictish aid as well. Some members of the Picts are angry that their leader did not attack us when we were weak fighting against Rome. They seek to send a good amount of warbands to aid the Brigantes in return for settlement in fertile lands in one of our northern kingdoms in the Confederation forming a Pictish state in South Britannia. I need not stress how disastrous this would be for our people. Now I must flee Lord Creel. If you find this letter, that means I have fulfilled my duty and go to the Death God Arawn in peace of mind. Please burn my body in the old Druidic rites and please…..tell my father not to be sad, tell him that I did my duty for Lord Cassibellanus in honor and that my death was no one’s fault but my own carelessness.

Yours sincerely,

Varun Deere.

The last sentences of the letter had a few dampness in them indicating tears had fallen on the parchments as Varun wrote the letter. Finian sighed in sadness. Such a useful spy, dead. He was a good man as well. He put the letter in his pocket and exited his tent and called for Cadell. He appeared before him in a few minutes.

“My liege, how can I be of help?” Cadell asked as he stood at attention in front of Finian. Finian looked at the man in his early forties with some trepidation. The man’s slightly greying hair and slight laugh lines aside, the man looked exactly like his son. Finian simply gestured for the man to enter his tent.

Cadell looked at him with confusion visible in his eyes and entered the tent. His eyes immediately went to Varun lying dead on the table and gasped.

“I am sorry, Cadell……but your son died in the line of duty.” Finian said softly. Cadell sobbed as his knees gave out beneath him as his draped his hands over Varun’s bodies and started to wail. His piercing wail of despair made Finian cringe as the man’s tears flowed in abundance.

“I told you….I told you, you idiot to not become a spy……” Cadell murmured and croaked between sobs. “I told you…..”

Finian sat quietly on the side keeping one calm hand on Cadell’s shoulder.

“What was he doing?” Cadell asked between sobs.

Finian hesitated. He couldn’t give the full truth, but at least some parts could be divulged. “Civil War within the confederation is coming. We know this now due to your son’s efforts. He will go down in history as perhaps the savior of the Confederation.”

Cadell sobs renewed as he stuttered. “As he should….As he should…..”

Finian stayed the whole night in the tent laying a comforting presence for the grieving father.

“It is a sad sight to see.” Finian thought sadly. “For a father must now give the last rites of his son. No parent wishes for that to ever happen."

***

The Next Day

Cadell’s tears had dried out by the morning. Finian murmured calming words to his ears. When dawn came, Finian rose and said “Cadell, you need not take part in the war coming on. Take your son’s body, perform the last rites, and mourn with your wife. No doubt she needs to be informed as well, of this tragedy.”

Cadell nodded silently. He stood up silently and unsheathed his sword. He offered it to Finian. Finian nodded as he grasped the sword and took it. Cadell had resigned from military life for the time being.

“Go and pack your things.” Finian spoke gently. “I will order a cart for your son’s body. And remember, he is a martyr.”

“Thank you.” Cadell replied just as softly as he lumbered towards his own tent.

Finian sighed in sadness as he looked at the body one last time before calling for his attendant.

“Arrange a cart for the body. Escort Cadell with the cart. Also arrange a horse for me. I need to go back to Fort Tamesas. I have urgent news for Lord Catuvellauni.” Finian ordered.

His attendant nodded. Half an hour later, Finian was riding across the paths towards Fort Tamesas.

***

4 days later

Cassibellanus was sitting in his room looking at his maps as he heard the knocks on his door.

“Who is it?” He asked as he continued to look at the maps trying to determine a good strategy for the upcoming war.

“It’s General Finian Creel, sire. I have news from your erm, private request.” Finian’s voice came through the door. Cassibellanus jerked forward as he heard Finian’s voice. Finally some news! He opened the door and saw the somber face of his general.

“What happened? Why so somber?” Cassibellanus asked concerned.

Finian said nothing. He entered the room and sat down in one of the chairs. He rubbed his entire face before he took out a piece of parchment out from his robes. He handed it to Cassibellanus and said “My Lord, read.”

Cassibellanus nodded and started to read. With every sentence, Cassibellanus’s horror grew. He lowered the parchment onto the table atop one of his maps and sat down in shock in front of Finian.

He shook his head and asked “What happened to the spy?”

“Varun Deere was stabbed in the back in a dagger. According to my troops he stumbled into the camp and fell down face first into the ground and died. I found the parchment in a hidden pocket in his sleeves. He is dead. I have given his father leave from the army.” Finian murmured.

Cassibellanus nodded mutedly. He sighed and murmured. “To think, Carvillius would stoop so low……”

“The man was always jealous of you. Even when you were a simple warlord.” Finian replied. “He didn’t see eye to eye with you unlike Segovax and Taximagulus. He is a radical. His 30,000 spears will be a challenge for us.”

“Yes indeed.” Cassibellanus murmured. “I had suspicions. I think Segovax and Bodica did as well considering the less amount of West Ceint traders and merchants arriving from West Ceint. My guess is that they were conscripted then.”

“Indeed.” Finian nodded in agreement.

“Altogether the entire Confederation barring Carvillius can raise 80,000 men divided into 80 warbands. The Brigantes can muster up around 50,000 men from themselves and their allies and vassals. The Silures can muster up 20,000. Carvillius 30,000. We do not know how much Picts will aid Herne and Carvillius, but I would estimate at least 5000. Altogether estimates would be 105,000 men against our 80,000. This is not good.” Cassibellanus stated as he rubbed his head in frustration.

“What is our new strategy then?” Finian asked.

“I would like to ask the others first but my own would be to attack and neutralize the Silures first and then Carvillius while remaining on the defensive in the north. After that take on the Birgantes.” Cassibellanus murmured as he added a piece of wooden square in the position of West Ceint marking the area as an enemy.

Finian nodded. “Shall I go and order the men to escort the other Kings and Queen here?”

“Yes, that would prudent. Work fast as possible Finian.” Cassibellanus replied. Finian nodded. He bowed to Cassibellanus and then exited the room.

Cassibellanus sighed as he looked at the roof. Flashbacks of his younger days spent with Taximagulus, Segovax, Carvillius and Cingetorix raided his mind. The five of them against the world it had been, the five of them vowed to be friends forever that fateful day 26 years ago. Cassibellanus clenched his hands. Politics, dirty politics, those were all to blame. And Cassibellanus hesitantly conceded, Carvillius, envy and greed. He let a few tears stream down his eyes before clearing his eyes of them.

In his place no longer stood, Cassibellanus, the kind High King and benefactor. Now stood Cassibellanus, the warlord and conqueror.

 

[Sārthākā]

Chapter 5

Finian Creel stood at the ready as Cassibellanus surveyed his troops. All of them loyal to Cassibellanus and only Cassibellanus. For a high King, Cassibellanus did not have the largest army, indeed the Iceni and Dumnoni largely held that spot, however Cassibellanus’s army of 15,000 men were mostly veterans of his warlord days and Cassibellanus knew a lot of them personally and the men were fiercely loyal to the High King. Cassibellanus walked alongside his men as he looked at each of them in the eye. Finian knew that the kind middle aged man that the High King seemed on normal days was long gone. The Warlord of Britannia had taken his place.

Cassibellanus swept from the third lines after looking at the armies and then came walking towards Finian. Finian looked at Cassibellanus and asked “Where will you attack, the Silures or West Ceint?”

“West Ceint.” Cassibellanus’s grip on his reins on his horse tightened. “I think I need to have a good conversation with my old ‘friend’.”

“Of course milord.” Finian murmured. Cassibellanus looked at Finian and said “Finian, the other Kings and the Queen, and especially the King of East Ceint, Segovax was astonished at the news of Carvillius’s betrayal. Emotion is needed my friend, but it has no place in the battlefield. I fear only I can take on that duty in the battlefield.”

Finian nodded sagely. Both Finian and Cassibellanus were broken out of their conversation after a young man, bearing the light orange beard that was so reminiscent of his father galloped up towards them.

Cassibellanus smiled at his son. “Emrys, are all the preparations complete?”

Emrys Catuvellauni, the Crown Prince of the Catuvellauni Kingdom and son of Cassibellanus nodded. He disembarked from his horse and bowed to his father.

“Yes Father.” Emrys replied. “Of course most of the men are shocked that Lord Carvillius would betray us, however we understand the need to put him down quickly. They are ready to march at your signal father.”

Cassibellanus nodded. “Emrys, you shall take command of my left flank. Finian you will take my right. I have complete faith in both of you that you shall protect my flanks, eh?”

“Of course father/milord.” Both men murmured. They both stood up and swung onto their horses. Cassibellanus looked towards Fort Tamesas and saw his daughter-in-law Iona holding a very pregnant stomach as she looked at the slowly march away from the fort. Troubled thoughts erupted in his mind as he looked at his son. Just 18 summers old, exactly half Cassibellanus’s age. Cassibellanus sighed and said “Emrys, your wife is pregnant, perhaps you should stay back. There is a possibility you will die. I do not wish for my grandchild to grow up fatherless.”

Emrys snorted and said “Duty calls father. Arawn would never forgive me in the Otherworld if I went back on my duty. Besides, if Arawn claims my soul for his own, then my child shall grow up knowing about their brave father who died in the line of duty. I see no greater glory than that.”

“You know as anyone else that true glory on the battlefield exists nowhere, Emrys.” Cassibellanus murmured as they marched away and away.

Emrys shook his head. “Father, I know you are worried, however I will not back down. Whatever you or Lord Creel say, I will not back down.”

“He is your son after all, your majesty.” Finian quipped.

Cassibellanus chuckled at the quip. “Perhaps. But truly I see his mother’s stubbornness more than me. Very well Emrys, it is your decision after all.”

Emrys nodded and said nothing. With the three of them in the front, the army started to march in earnest.

***

Carvillius angrily threw his goblet to the other side of the tent. How in the world had his men allowed the spy to survive. In hindsight, Carvillius should have known, Cassibellanus always stood on the principle to trust all, but keep everyone at arm’s length; even his own childhood friends.

Now a declaration had already passed to the Confederation that the King of West Ceint had seceded from the Confederation and that they were in a state of war. The good news was that Herne was already pressing in the north to lift the pressure of men against him. However there was one thing he feared most……Cassibellanus’s loyal men and veteran army of around 15,000 was extremely well trained and equipped. They were veterans of Cassibellanus’s old warlord days and knew how to fight professionally. The same could only be said for about a third of his own army.

Carvillius looked at his lieutenant and barked “What is the situation?”

“Your highness, according to scouts, Lord Catuvellauni is advancing through the Watling Street path. We are at the southern end of the street after all. We must choose a suitable area for a battle and push the Warlord back.” His lieutenant replied.

Carvillius nodded and said “Send scouts out to bring reports of the terrain back to me. Then I shall choose our battlefield. I will force Cassibellanus to my terms of battle, not his. If I give in to his terms of battle, then I am done for.”

“Of course your majesty.”

“Of course it is! Have you given the sacrifice to Lord Camulos?” Carvillius asked.

“Yes.” His lieutenant replied stoically. “The Druids were a little squeamish about sacrificing the Ambassador of Lord Catuvellauni to Lord Camulos, however after some hesitance, they agreed and the blood of the Ambassador has been split.”

“Good. What of his family?”

“His wife was apparently….made use off before being killed by the troops. His son castrated and thrown to the sea. His daughter sold to the slave market for the highest bidder.” His lieutenant replied in an even tone.

“Good. The old bastard was a pain in the arse to keep.” Carvillius murmured. “Now go and bring me those terrain reports.”

“Yes Milord.”

***

“Byrgin’s Hill. (OTL Biggin’s hill.). That’s the place where the battle should take place.” Carvillius stated as he pointed at the hill in the map. “We face north from the southern slopes. We will have the numerical as well as terrain advantage. Cassibellanus will be forced to attack in small numbers and be unable to attack my flanks.”

“That is a good proposal your majesty. Shall we march for Burgin’s Hill? It is merely a day’s march from our position while it will take 3 days for Lord Catuvellauni to reach the position.”

“Yes. Gather the troops. By nightfall, I need us to be on that hill!”

***

As night fell, Finian received disturbing news from his scouts. He stood up, exited his tent, and entered Cassibellanus’s tent where father and son were sparring with each other (read: brawling). Emrys was clearly more powerful however Cassibellanus was not giving an inch with his superior experience.

Both of them stopped slogging each other as they saw Finian look at them with amusement. Cassibellanus stood up and threw the dust of his clothes off as Emrys did the same.

Cassibellanus looked at Finian and asked “I believe you bear news on Carvillius’s men?”

“Yes milord.” Finian bowed his head slightly. “They have made camp at Byrgin’s Hill with no intent of going any further. They are going to make their battle on that hill.”

“Curses!” Cassibellanus swore. “I would use the old strategy of waiting the man out, I however cannot afford that, my veteran men must be north against the Brigantes as fast as possible. I cannot just sit and test Carvillius’s patience. What is your opinion, Finian?”

“Honestly, milord the patiently sitting it out plan would be the best and less costly option milord.” Finian muttered back.

“Yes.” Emrys sighed. “However like father said, time is of the essence. We must be able to draw Carvillius out of his defenses and rout his army so that we can press onto more pressing matters.”

“How?” Finian asked.

Cassibellanus walked back and forth folding his hands on his back. He sighed and rubbed his eyes. “Emrys, Finian, I believe that waiting it out is the best strategy, and knowing Carvillius’s impatient nature, I know we can lure him out given time, however we need to be able to dramatically reduce the amount of time needed to lure him out.”

“Missile fire.” Emrys muttered. “Arrows, javelins, the such. We can irritate him to come out of his positions.”

“Perhaps. I will give only two days for this. We shall go for the waiting out tactic for the first day of the battle. If it does not prove fruitful then the next day; well you know what will happen the next day.” Cassibellanus ordered.

Both his son and commander bowed their heads in recognition of his orders.

***

2 Days Later on Brygin’s Hill

Cassibellanus looked at the bluffs and cliffs of Brygin’s hill in the distance and sighed and ribbed his forehead in consternation. Carvillius had been a close commander of his for a reason; he was smart and pragmatic. However Cassibellanus knew his old friend, he was quick to anger and his impatience was always his undoing. Cassibellanus would make it sure that impatience was once again his undoing.

His men were all in formation. His lieutenants and commanders knew the plan for the first day. He reared his horse and galloped across the field observing his veteran troops. They all stood at the ready and stared ahead unflinchingly despite the glaring obviousness that Carvillius commanded a far greater force. This pleased Cassibellanus greatly. He galloped back to his original position just as Carvillius’s war drums started to begin their performance Carvillius’s camp. Cassibellanus reared his horse and turned to his troops.

“Men!” He shouted. “When we fought against the Romans, we did so to bring peace to the South! But we were betrayed! By a man we thought our brother! Our comrade in arms! Why don’t you all enlighten me, what the punishment for betrayal is?”

“DEATH! DEATH! DEATH!” His men thumped their weapons and bellowed.

“Indeed. Death.” Cassibellanus replied. “Those men are standing in our path towards Peace and Prosperity. Will you allow them to stay in the way indefinitely?”

“NEVER!” His men bellowed again.

“Then let us begin the battle!” Cassibellanus bellowed as the morning rays of light hit his face. His men roared as they balanced their javelins and the archers pulled the strings of their bows.

“Fire!” Emrys bellowed from the left flank. A volley of javelins and arrows were released from the left and fell down upon Carvillius’s left entrance towards the hill’s bluffs and narrow pass.

Finian followed by motioning his hand towards the enemy right flank and entrance. Javelins and arrows fell down on the right as well.

Cassibellanus looked at his center and raised his hand. Carvillius was moving his men towards the damaged left and right flanks to plug the holes of the damage of the volleys. His keen eyes saw an opportunity. He turned his hand towards the left. The pointed direction of his missile troops also started to turn towards the left. Cassibellanus looked at the marching men at the other side of the battlefield for a few more quiet minutes before jerking his hand forward. His men unleashed their volley fire slightly towards the left side of the enemy center. Men fell in droves. Cassibellanus grinned. As they marched their left center had become perilously thin. Now perilously thin had become extremely thin.

***

“Damn it!” Carvillius swore as his left center fell. He pushed men forward as he said “Forward! Forward! Plug the hole! Plug the hole in the defenses!”

His men grumbled and took up their positions.

“Shield walls! Do not let those missile fires take you by surprise!”

Carvillius calmed down for a few seconds before looking at the small figure his old friend made from this far away.

“What is his plan?” Carvillius gritted.

***

Cassibellanus looked towards his commanders, Finian and Emrys. “Continue the barrage for an hour. Let us see how long Carvillius’s patience lasts! Start using fire arrows and javelins half an hour into the hour.”

Finian nodded and started to relay the order. Cassibellanus leaned back and looked at the opposing army.

“The call is in your front Carvillius. Now it is time for you to fall into my trap.” Cassibellanus thought.

***

4 Hours later

Carvillius was nearing the end of his patience. Men were falling left and right and the flame arrows of Cassibellanus were becoming a right pickle to his men. He ordered most of them to retreat behind the bluff keeping only his own missile men in the forefront.

Around this time, Carvillius saw something peculiar on the other side of the field.

The missile fire! It had stopped. Cassibellanus’s army was turning back into the forest. Carvillius let out a sigh of relief. He knew his old friend. If Cassibellanus was retreating back into the forest, then that meant he was going to seek another battle on his own terms and fight another day.

He looked at his men and raised his sword.

“Men! The enemy is retreating! We have won!” Carvillius cheered. His cheer was followed through with the cheering of his own men as well. Carvillius looked with smugness as the last of Cassibellanus’s men slinked back into the path leading to the forest. After an hour around 2 PM in the afternoon, did Carvillius dare march. Cassibellanus had left all his heavy equipment and camp materials. Perhaps Herne or the Silures had created a diversion to make Cassibellanus hurriedly leave? Well that mattered not to Carvillius, this just meant that his troops now had extra weapons and supplies!

“Plunder those supplies men!” Carvillius ordered. His troops poured out of the hills onto the plains below. Carvillius himself rode out with his men. Just as they came to the camp, some 20 meters away from the forest, Carvillius looked at all the supplies left behind and smiled in triumph.

Then all havoc reigned supreme. Arrows came flying out. Javelins, spears all came out from the foliage of the forest. A spear buried itself into Carvillius’s right shoulder as he fell down. Carvillius grunted as he clutched the spear and took it out. He rode his horse again and galloped backwards yelling “Ambush! Get ready for combat!”

But it was useless. Cassibellanus’s chariots roared out of the forest and cut down all his men. Missile fire continued to come out of the forest. His men started to die left, right and center. Then he saw the spears. Emrys, Cassibellanus’s son was leading a warband towards his position.

Emrys roared and shouted “CHARGE!”

His men roared as well and came crashing down on the disoriented army of Carvillius. Carvillius himself was flung out of his horse as someone attacked him from behind. He fell down to the ground receiving the butt end of a spear. He groaned in pain and turned to look at his attacker.

He paled as he saw him. Cassibellanus smiled coldly and said “My my, Carvillius, this is quite the reunion, don’t you think?”

 

[Sārthākā]

Chapter 6

Carvillius did not know how long it had been since he had seen the outside world other than the dreaded walls of the dungeons of Fort Tamesas. He had lost count after 12 days. Cassibellanus had routed his men, captured him and killed any other survivor of the battle. He had hauled him to Fort Tamesas where Carvillius was now imprisoned.

He sighed and looked at the single window in the entire jail on the far side of the Fort dungeon pavilion. Voices were erupting there. Perhaps this was a good sign? Perhaps Herne had succeeded and entered the fort? His hopes were dashed when he saw Queen Bodica of the Iceni walk towards his cell with Emrys Catuvellauni in tow.

Emrys looked tired and his eyes were red, probably from crying. Crying for what or who, Carvillius knew not. He looked at the Queen of Iceni Bodica who was looking at him in stony silence.

Carvillius decided to break the silence. “Lady Iceni, to what do I owe this pleasure?”

“The end of this war it seems Lord Carvillius.” Bodica replied. Her previously pregnant stomach was no longer as such, Carvillius nodded. “I see your body is back to normal. Is it a boy or girl?”

“That is none of your concern.” Bodica bit out. “The matter is, you have been imprisoned for 6 moons. And now we need to know what to do with you.”

Carvillius blinked. 6 moons, by the gods had it been such a long time? He sighed and looked at the queen. “And, what has the High Council decided?”

“Death by sacrifice.” Emrys snarled.

Carvillius sighed and rubbed his eyes. Well, not the most glorious or painless way to go, but at least his body was being cleansed of its sins before going to Arawn. “Where is Cassibellanus? I would like to talk to him one last time before my untimely death.”

“Father is dead. I am the New Lord Catuvellauni. Lady Iceni has been elected High Queen of the Confederation.” Emrys bit out.

Ah, that explained the puffed out red eyes. “How did he die?”

“In battle, against Herne. The man was too cowardly to attack in a frontal assault. He sent an assassin and killed Cassibellanus. The next day Herne was killed by Finian Creel in the Battle of Brygrin’s Heights. The Silures and Brigantes are now suing for peace.” Bodica replied stiffly.

“Ah….so even Herne is dead.” Carvillius muttered. “Very well then, let me speak to Segovax before being sacrificed. That is my last wish.”

“Very well.” Bodica replied. She informed a messenger to bring the now King of all Ceint to the dungeons. A few minutes later Segovax stumbled down the stairs to the dungeons.

Bodica propped a chair for Segovax on the other side of the cell and together with Emrys left the dungeons to give the two men privacy.

Segovax sat down and looked at Carvillius with cold eyes. “Why?”

Carvillius laughed softly at the question. He looked at Segovax and said “Did you really believe Segovax that this confederation would last?”

“It is still standing.” Segovax countered.

“Today yes. Tommorow maybe. But the future is fickle old friend. This confederation will not last.” Carvillius muttered.

“It will not.” Segovax agreed. “It wasn’t meant to last.”

“What do you mean?” Carvillius asked surprised.

“Cassibellanu’s wished to maintain the confederation for a good few generations. By then he surmised, that the old enmities would die out and all of our kingdoms could unite into one kingdom displacing the old confederation. The Confederation was meant to be a stepping stone.” Segovax replied in a murmur.

“Then he was a bigger fool than I thought he was.” Carvillius sneered. “Do you really believe that all the other kings of the High Council would allow themselves to become second fiddle to the High King who would undoubtedly become the King of this new kingdom?”

“No you are the fool.” Segovax shot back. “The Kingship of the new Kingdom according to his plan wasn’t to be hereditary. It was to be an elected Gavelkind monarchy. All the Kings on the council would be ‘Low Kings’ and when the King died one would be elected from the Low Kings. It was to be a fair system with equal opportunity for all.”

“Huh. It would still end in failure. You forget one thing, old friend.” Carvillius muttered.

“And what is that?” Segovax asked with a snarl present on his face.

“Human nature. It is not within our nature to be subservient and it is within our nature to be envious, greedy and the such. This confederation or this new kingdom or whatever, will eventually fall to Human Nature sooner or later Segovax.” Carvillius stated with a cold smile on his face. “Perhaps not in your generation or not even in Emrys’s generation. But after that, it is anyone’s guess old friend.”

“You overestimate such things, Carvillius.” Segovax replied with a slight trepidation entering his tone.

“Ah, but I hear doubt in your voice already old friend.” Carvillius stated with a smirk. “But, oh well, I failed in my endevour to bring this confederation down. It is still standing after all. And of all things…..you people elected a woman as High Queen? Where is your dignity?”

Segovax shot him an angry look. “She proved herself in mind, and body to be as worthy of the title as all of us.”

“Ah body~” Carvillius swooned. “Did she give herself to you for one night, old friend, to all of you kings in the council? Is that why you voted for her, because I will freely admit she does have a…..very passionate body if I say so myself.”

“You disgust me.” Segovax retorted with anger rumbling his voice. “Where is my old friend Carvillius? What have you done to him you bastard?!”

Carvillius’s swooning face dissipated into a ferocious snarl. “He grew up that’s what Segovax! Something that you apparently forgot like the idiot that you are!”

Segovax looked at him with despair abundantly present in his face. “Carvillius, do you remember the old days……?”

“Of course I do.”

“When we fought against the Ordovices, the Trinovantes, the Belgae and the Cornovii…..There were five of us…..five of us against the world, do you remember?” Segovax mumbled with melancholy.

Carvillius leaned back and murmured. “Yes, of course I do.”

“We plundered, looted received women. Then we settled down. Then when the Romans came we banded together again. We fought together for more than two decades, and you threw it away, for nothing…” Segovax mumbled sadly.

Carvillius huffed and said “I did not throw it away for nothing. On the contrary you will find I did it for us. But you and Cassibellanus simply grew too soft in these recent years to see reason.”

“Perhaps, but is that so wrong?” Segovax asked back.

“Yes. I do not recognize you now Segovax. I remember the old bloodthirsty King of East Ceint, not this old lackluster and somber King of Ceint.” Carvillius retorted.

Segovax closed his eyes for a few seconds before opening them again. “Why did you call me here Carvillius? To dredge up old wounds?”

“No. I asked you to come here to ask you for a favor.”

“A favor? After all you have done?” Segovax asked with incredulity.

“Yes. My daughter, how is she?” Carvillius asked in a smaller voice.

“I do not know.” Segovax answered back. “She apparently fled your palace before we could apprehend her. She is probably hiding in plain sight as we speak.”

“Good. Good, at least she is safe. What of my family??” Carvillius asked. “Do not sugar the words, I want the truth.”

Segovax flinched and nodded. “Your mother and father were impaled. Your brother tied to a rock and stampeded by three horses. Your wife…..taken advantage off by some men before being gagged to death.”

Carvillius frowned slightly before sighing and leaning back. “I want you to find my daughter and take her in safely Segovax.”

“Why?”

“In the name of our old friendship that’s why.” Carvillius muttered.

Segovax looked at Carvillius for a few quiet few seconds before sighing. “Fine.”

“Swear it on Lady Morrigan. Swear it on your honor.”

“I swear it on Lady Morrigan and my honor, I shall find your daughter and take her in and keep her safe.” Segovax replied. Carvillius relaxed himself. He looked at Segovax and said “thank you old friend, thank you.”

Segovax said nothing.

“I am ready.” Carvillius mumbled.

Segovax nodded and stood up.

***

Carvillius was wincing in slight pain as the armed men dragged him up to the platform. The druid dressed in greenish black looked at him impassively. He then turned to the men gathered and said “This is a religious night! We have a human sacrifice today for the gods!”

The men and women cheered as mead and wine passed, splashed and sloshed all around. Carvillius looked at the far end of the small temple where all the kings and the High Queen were seated. They were looking at him impassively.

The armed men dragged him and placed him in front of the statue of Morrigan. They chiseled portions of the statue looked down upon, perhaps in disdain.

The Druid started to stoke his blade in the fire. The heat radiating off the fire was enough to make Carvillius wince. He was dragged upwards and tied to a pillar by one of the men.

“Oi. A warning would be appreciated.” Carvillius groused. The men simply ignored him.

The Druid looked at him and said “Carvillius, King of West Ceint, this sacrifice shall cleanse you of all your sins, and you shall depart this world clean, unless of course you deny this sacrifice. Do you accept this sacrifice?”

Carvillius felt a lump build up in his throat. He looked at the figure of Segovax in the distance. They locked eyes. Segovax nodded at him just slightly, but enough for Carvillius to see. Relief flooded his heart. Carvillius jutted his chin out and looked at the Druid in the eye.

“I am Lord Carvillius, King of West Ceint, Conqueror of the Cornovii. I accept the sacrifice and plead to enter the Otherworld clean so that Lord Arawn shall judge me favorably!” Carvillius stated in a strong voice.

“Then so be it child…..” The Druid murmured. “You have chosen wisely.”

The heated metal was slowly applied to Carvillius’s bare chest. Carvillius bit his tongue as he felt the pain course through his body. The priestesses started to sing as the knife and its metal was exposed to Carvillius.

Carvillius drew blood from his tongue as another metallic surface heated up by fire was exposed to his bare back as well. Blood invaded his taste buds. His breathing had gotten hard. However he would not scream. He would not scream. He would not scream.

The Druids withdrew the knives. The lead Druid looked at him with something akin to respect before nodding at one of the armed men.

A hulking figure around 6 feet tall walked towards him with a gaint axe in stow. The edge of the axe was shining, meaning that it had been sharpened recently.

Carvillius drew in a sharp breath as he saw the axe. The Druid looked at Carvillius and asked “Do you have any last words?”

The priestesses stopped singing at the question.

Carvillius spat some of the blood out of his mouth. He looked at the Kings and men gathered here. He opened his mouth and said “Long Live Cassibellanus the Great! Long Live Cassibellanus the Warlord! Long Live Cassibellanus….my Friend!”

The Druid nodded at his words and said “Now…..rest my child. Arawn awaits you.”

Carvillius clenched his eyes shut. He heard the man raise his axe into the skies. And then the swoosh of the wind. And then nothing.

He was free.

***

2 Days later

Segovax stood quietly as he looked at the four runestones depicting four graves in front of him. Cingetorix, Taximagulus, Cassibellanus, and Carvillius. Who would have known all those years ago in the midst of battle, that Segovax, the most least careful warrior among them would be the last remaining left. Segovax sighed. He took the dagger with which all 5 of them had proclaimed their friendship 20 years ago. He smiled with a fit of nostalgia. He placed the dagger in front of the runestones and left. He had a promise to fulfill after all.