The Antonine Romans and Burnswark Hill

The Antonine Romans and Burnswark Hill

By

Andrew Boyce

Description:

A direct order from The Emperor - Antoninus Pius for the complete destruction of Burnswark Hill. Can Jamis be rescued before the brutal assault? The destruction of Burnswark Hill and the survival of Jamis with his Negotiation Skills, are seen as vital for success in The Northern Frontier. The sixth Novella. All of the Novellas standalone.

Chapter 1.
Jamis opened his eyes. After a moment he remembered where he was - Burnswark Hill Fort, in a locked room, awaiting execution, as a traitor to the Scots. He felt frustrated at his situation. He had more cause than many to hate the Romans, his father Boridan having been killed by their hand, but hate destroys and he chose to be a Peace Negotiator with the Romans, as his way to survive.
As the door to his room opened, Jamis sat up. If this was to be the time he was to be led away to his death, he at least wanted to appear ready and brave. The figure came into view and Jamis was surprised and overwhelmed that it was his brother, Raggus.
"It is so good to see you, Raggus! How did they let you in?"
"It is our cousin Serrast on guard duty, just now. Jamis, it doesn't look good. On the one hand, they want to kill you but on the other hand, they are reluctant to do so. They don't want peace with the Romans and you are the one person that might achieve it. Yet they don't want to kill a Scottish noble."
"How is Tabris?"
Raggus looked down on the floor and then back to his younger brother. "He has not taken this well. He has disappeared. I don't know where he has gone. I will try and find him."
Jamis was downcast. His youngest brother had not taken the events of his family well, be it the death of his father or Jamis's Roman position.
Raggus reached into his tunic and took out the family ceremonial dagger.
"Here, Jamis. Take this. Put it under your bed for an emergency. I am working on a plan to help you escape and so I hope you will not need to use it. I must go now. I will visit you soon."
The two brothers embraced and Raggus left. Jamis stared at the silver dagger, ornately carved with images of battle scenes and victories. He remembered the day his father bought it, from Demius The Trader. That day seemed long ago now and he carefully placed the dagger under his bed.
Jamis lay down and closed his eyes. So many thoughts whirled round his head, unsure how this could end well.

Chapter 2.
Legionary Nastin stood on the palisade of Balmuildy Fort, looking out towards the green countryside ahead. On calm days like these, this country was as beautiful as any he had been to and reminded him of the greenery outside Rome, on the rare occasions he had ventured outside the city.
Nastin laughed to himself. How easy it was to forget that for the most part he only managed to scrape by in the danger of Rome's streets as a poor, city child. There he would beg, steal and run, with the countryside offering him no home, unlike his street scene.
Nastin's final escape from the city came as a teenager as he followed the soldiers parade through the streets. Following them through the streets to their base, the Centurion had observed Nastin, able to keep pace with them or find short cuts to then catch them up.
Over time, the Centurion would have conversations with Nastin and got to know this street child, enjoying some jokes as they marched along.
Nastin smiled to himself, thinking about the day the Centurion asked him into the base and how it was not long before he was proudly marching behind the Centurion through the streets of Rome, that he had once called home.
As Nastin looked out over the palisade, he began thinking about how he fought at that Centurion's side and how the Centurion had saved his life on many early occasions. He then thought of the several later occasions where it was he that saved the Centurion's life and then the time where he could not.
After the Centurion's death, Nastin felt such grief that the only way he felt he could survive was to volunteer to go to the edge of the Empire, which on some occasions felt like a whole different world, whilst on some days, something could still remind him of home.
Deep in such thoughts, it was a few moments before Nastin became aware of the man standing on the track. Nastin bellowed. "One man standing on the track!" And again. "One man walking towards the Fort!"
The firm command. "Halt!" Nastin paused to see if the man halted and he did. "What is your business here?"
"My name is Raggus!"
Nastin thought to himself that he was none the wiser. "And what is your business here?"
"I am here to see Centurion Antallius. He knows who I am. I am Raggus, brother of Jamis."
Nastin and the other men were startled at the mention of Jamis, their Negotiator, who along with Centurion Antallius and Centurion Andronicus before, had already brought peace with many Scottish Tribes.
Nastin looked to his Centurion below.
Antallius nodded. "Bring him in, but under close guard!"
As the gates swung open, Antallius and Lacitus watched Raggus enter, wondering what was next in this strange life on the Northern Frontier.

Chapter 3.
Raggus sat facing Tribune Lacitus and Centurion Antallius. Legionary Castus stood guard by Raggus. Castus considered if he would react should Raggus pull a knife and concluded that he would, as he may receive a substantial reward, as a result. Castus was a secret agent for anyone who paid a high enough price and so he listened intently as to what was being said.
Raggus spoke first. "Jamis is being held at Burnswark Hill Fort. Ideally the tribe would like to kill him as a traitor for arranging so many Peace Deals. But they are reticent to kill a former King and a Son of King Boridan. Ideally they would like a Roman to kill Jamis, to solve this problem."
Legionary Castus took all of this in, pursing his lips and a slight raise of an eyebrow, before he cautioned himself to return to a neutral face.
Raggus continued. "They would also like to see you killed, Antallius. They see you and Jamis as instrumental in all of these Peace Deals."
Legionary Castus cautioned himself once more to show no difference to his face.
"Indeed," continued Raggus. "Be careful of lone attempts on your life, Antallius."
Antallius and Lacitus exchanged a look. "It has already happened recently, Raggus. I'm afraid it was your brother, Tabris. He tried to kill me. It was either him or me and I am sorry to say that he died of his injuries."
The colour had drained from Raggus. "No. Poor Tabris. He has lost his mind over the death of his father and Jamis's situation. Poor, poor, youngest brother."
"I will take you to his grave. We have buried him with respect and honour."
The mention of the word honour brought Tribune Lacitus back to the present. He had found that he was thinking of happier times, walking through the streets of Rome dressed smartly, with the sun on his face, watching the pretty ladies pass by.
How could Lacitus get this feeling of happier times back? He realised that it all came down to honour. If he could have this feeling of honour back, he could once again walk the streets of Rome with peace in his heart, like the carefree innocence of his youth. He knew what he must do.
Lacitus bowed his head respectively and smiled gently to Raggus, with a renewed determination of what must be done. Castus did the same, but with entirely different thoughts behind his facade, as Raggus and Antallius stood up and left the room.
Chapter 4.
In an unassuming building, along many long, narrow corridors, shone light around the edges of a closed door. Within, the long chamber of the Great Hall, the focal point of the Londinium Mithraeum.
Simitus, the high devotee of Mithras, gazed around the Hall, looking for answers. He stared at the marble carving of Mithras slaying the Bull and then to the opposite wall of the Mithras carving.
Simitus stood up from the long, side bench, his trusted Assistant - Andreah, raising her eyes from the opposite bench as he got up. Slowly, Simitus made his way to the stone altar and rested his hands against the sides.
"Andreah, please read out the final parts of the document again from Tribune Lacitus. Somehow, we must decide upon the correct answers, for the good of the Roman Empire."
Andreah nodded and prepared the papers, putting them in order, ready to speak out loud. Resting her finger at the appropriate place, Andreah began.
"Simitus - at Trimontium you spoke of Honour and how this is your guide for matters of the Empire and The Emperor. It is in this same spirit that I write of the importance to destroy the stronghold of Burnswark Hill, which is key to secure the Northern Frontier.
In this stronghold, our Chief Negotiator Jamis is held. Before this stronghold is destroyed, the Securement of The Future Peace and my Personal Honour, requires his rescue.
For the sake of the Empire and The Emperor and my Personal Honour, this is what I must write, to await The Emperor's Command on both counts, for Burnswark Hill and Jamis."
Andreah looked up from the document, awaiting Simitus's response.
"And so, Andreah. What is the final decision as to what we are to do? We must both agree."
"I think we are both agreed."
Simitus nodded, solemnly.
"Shall I prepare my writing materials for a document to our Emperor, Antoninus Pius?'
Simitus breathed in and out as calmly as possible. "Yes. The Title is what we are both agreed - Burnswark Hill and Jamis."


Chapter 5.
Legionary Castus looked out of his barracks to watch the Senior Clerk carry the latest post to Tribune Lacitus's Quarters. Castus could often tell how important the documents were by the walking speed of the Senior Clerk, who by his very advanced age easily signified the arrival of urgent documents, by a faster than usual walk. His eagerness of expression could also be gauged. Today's walk and expression seemed to indicate very important documents indeed.
Closing his door, Castus turned his thoughts to the very important secret document he had received from his tribal contact late last night. As arranged with his other barrack room-mates, this was the quiet time he had the barrack to himself.
Carefully, Castus eased the small floorboard up to reveal the secret document he had received. Taking the document out, he then sat on his bed and opened the ornate tribal seal.
Very interesting, thought Castus, as he re-read the coded document several times. The proposed plan, if successful, would make him extremely rich and give him safe passage to return to Rome with a new identity as a wealthy trader. Castus imagined himself on a leisurely journey back to his homeland and on arrival securing fine lodgings to make arrangements for a property purchase, for the rest of his comfortable life.
His pleasant thoughts, however were interrupted by the task that he would have to achieve, to fulfill his dreams. It was a task as fine as any Greek or Roman story and he was surprised that such ideas had spread to such a remote tribe.
The plan that had been put to him seemed plausible enough, he thought. Disguised in his full cavalry mask and helmet the following evening, Castus would be admitted to a Tribal Fort and taken to a room to kill its occupant, at all times wearing his mask and helmet. Castus smiled to himself - almost like a Trojan Horse, he thought. Admitted safe entry, to deliver a deadly surprise.
Castus paused for a moment to think of happier times, when as a child he delighted in being read the story of The Trojan Horse. He remembered his surprise of the wooden horse being opened up to reveal the deadly soldiers within and he remembered the joy of his present at the Festival time of Saturnalia, of the wooden horse that opened up, that he played with and with his friends.
His mind returned to the present. This would be no children's adventure story, toy or a game with his friends. This would be to kill Jamis, in Burnswark Hill Fort and all because the Tribe did not want to kill one of their Noble own.
Castus gently eased up the other small floorboard to reveal his writing materials and various seal rings. He took them out carefully, each gold seal ring confirming his identity to the recipient.
He was pleased with his steady handwriting and composition, considering the magnitude of the task and he hoped he had sealed his fate for the better as he secured the document with the correct gold seal ring. Castus also considered the fate of Jamis, but only for a moment and he didn't work through the implications, in case it should change his mind.
His deadly but potentially lucrative work done, Castus returned all to the floorboards, to remain until this evening, where in his quiet time in the barrack, he would once more take out his now sealed acceptance, to deliver to his contact late at night. The pretence of a midnight female assignation would as usual suffice for his barrack mates.

Chapter 6.
The Senior Clerk knocked at Tribune Lacitus's Quarters.
"Come!"
Immediately, the Senior Clerk entered and proceeded to Tribune Lacitus's desk.
Lacitus winked to his brother, Antallius, both trying to find some warmth from some heated wine. "You are looking very eager and enthusiastic today, Senior Clerk! It must signify good documents, I hope!"
"Very observant of you, Sir! I have a document sealed by the Emperor Antoninus Pius, himself. I have never seen such a document. I hope it is good news, Sir!"
Lacitus's heart raced. Had Simitus persuaded The Emperor of the importance of Burnswark Hill and The Chief Negotiator Jamis? "Thank you. That will be all for now. I will read this document at once and call for you in due course."
"Very good, Sir!"
Lacitus watched the Senior Clerk leave before breaking the seal and looking at Antallius. Carefully Lacitus read the document and nodded. Turning his eyes towards Antallius, the Tribune spoke calmly, trying not to show his racing pulse.
"It is on, Antallius. Direct permission from The Emperor himself to rescue Jamis and to destroy Burnswark Hill."
"My Jupiter!"
"Exactly. I have been working on a plan for both matters. It will involve you, me and Raggus directly. Are you ready and willing for possible close hand to hand combat and the possibility of not surviving?"
"I am ready. If we cannot try to save Jamis then life is not worth living anyway. It would be life without Honour."
Lacitus was surprised, though pleased, that Antallius had mentioned Honour, as that is what had guided Lacitus's letter to Simitus.
Antallius continued. "This direct order will give us time to get the men ready and formulate all the necessary plans. In a way it is also our chance to put right the murder of Centurion Andronicus as there is no peace with this tribe, no matter how much we have tried."
Lacitus looked at Antallius and Antallius could sense there was something more. "What is it Lacitus? There is something you are not telling me?"
"The orders are specific, Antallius. You say how these orders give us time to fully prepare. This is not the case."
"What do you mean, Lacitus?"
"The full scale battle is to happen four days after receipt of this order and all the features of the battle have all been specified, such as three large Ballista machines and the positioning of various Slingers, that we are to obtain from Centurion Aglastus of Barr Hill Fort."
The colour drained from Antallius's face. "My Jupiter!"
"Exactly."' replied Lacitus. "Let me tell you what the documents contain, then we will work out the details and tell Raggus. It would seem also that Centurion Aglastus will have justice for the murder of his brother, the great Centurion Andronicus."
Tribune Lacitus looked seriously at Antallius. "Are you ready, Centurion Antallius?"
Centurion Antallius considered the question. A small question with enormous consequences in many senses of the words.
"I am ready Tribune Lacitus. I am ready!"

Chapter 7.
Today had been a strange day, thought Legionary Castus. He had successfully met with his contact the night before, handing him the document agreeing to kill Jamis at Burnswark Hill in return to wealth for the rest of his life. However today, rather than being a quiet end to his Roman Army days, had turned out to be quite the opposite.
There had been orders in the morning for the Legionaries to prepare their kit and weapons, ready for inspection. They had also been told to be ready to march at short notice.
Even stranger had been the arrival of Centurion Aglastus and his Unit, from Barr Hill Fort. This included a Special Auxiliary Unit, noted for their Slingers and Ballista machines and sure enough three large Ballistas were brought through the Fort Gates.
This must be some mighty training exercise, thought Castus. It was a pity that no-one knew anything about where or when such exercise would take place. The order to march did not come and so after a busy day of preparing and drill, Legionary Castus was relieved to enter his barracks, quite possibly for the last time.
Legionary Castus gathered his barrack mates around him. "Lads! I have some money for each of you. I am going away tonight to meet and marry my woman."
"Well I never! So all these Midnight assignations that you go on have had an effect on you after all!"
Castus smiled. Little did the rest of his barrack mates know that such assignations and marriage was all a pack of lies. "It appears so. And so, like before, is it alright for you to cover me in any counts until I get back?"
"I suppose so. Although it's not easy keeping your absence a secret, you know!"
"I know! But you've all got used to it. Cheers, lads! I had better get on my way! I should be back by morning but if not, if you could cover me, that would be very much appreciated! "
Castus left his barrack quietly, turning to wave his final goodbye to his mates. They were a good bunch, thought Castus. It was a shame, he thought, that he would never see any of them again.
Moving easily through the Fort grounds, Castus then paused in the darkness until the two Guards had passed. Clutching his bag that contained his sword and ornate silvered Facemask, Castus slipped out of the Fort undetected, onwards in his journey to Burnswark Hill.

Chapter 8.
Tribune Lacitus knocked on the door of Centurion Aglastus's temporary Quarters. The reason for coming to see him was two-fold. Firstly, to go over the plans of Burnswark Hill and secondly, to see how Aglastus was after the death of his brother - Centurion Andronicus, who died saving a Tribal Leader from an attacker at a Peace Conference.
"Come!"
"Centurion Aglastus, good to see you. How are you?"
"I'm fine. How are you, Tribune Lacitus?"
"I am fine also, thank you. Before going over the plans for Burnswark Hill, I wanted to talk to you. I greatly admired your brother, Andronicus - he is a great miss to us all."
"Thank you, Tribune."
"I should think that this forthcoming battle at Burnswark Hill will be a fitting revenge for his death."
Centurion Aglastus considered the question and knew that he could speak openly to the Tribune. "It is strange. Perhaps that is how I should feel. However I see it that this is what happens when two sides fail to compromise."
"I didn't have you down as a Philosopher, Aglastus!"
"No, neither did I, Tribune. But having lost someone so close, this is how I feel. Without compromise, the matter can be taken out of our hands and lead to complete destruction. I hope that after this battle, both sides will be able to return to negotiations."
"I certainly see your point, Aglastus."
"I have a son and a wife in the South of Britannia, as you know. I will always teach him about his Uncle Andronicus, who in his own way, strove for peace. I hope that as my son grows, he sees a peace developing in this Northern Frontier and see how all our roles, in all our ways, eventually resulted in peace."
"I'm glad we had this talk, Aglastus."
"So am I, Tribune. So am I."
Centurion Aglastus turned his attention to the plans. "I am perhaps missing something in these plans, Tribune."
"Oh? What is that Centurion?"
"Well, I see that I am in overall charge of this assault, to be assisted by the re-enlisted Centurion Jose and Optio Sabis, as well as good, old reliable Centurion Scrivinus. However I cannot seem to find your name or Centurion Antallius. Am I missing part of the plans?"
Tribune Lacitus shook his head. "No, Centurion. You are quite correct in what you have been given. Centurion Antallius and myself have orders for another part of the plans."
"I don't understand, Tribune."
"Before you commence firing at Dawn, myself, Centurion Antallius and Jamis's brother Raggus are to rescue our Chief Negotiator - Jamis, who is being held at Burnswark Hill. Jamis is seen as vital to negotiate a future peace, just as he has done with several other Tribes."
"I see. And if you have not fled Burnswark Hill by Dawn?"
"You are to commence firing at Dawn. That is your Orders. As you have said, the failure of negotiations, is to lead to the complete destruction of this stronghold. For the sake of your great brother Andronicus, I hope, as do you, that Peace will be the eventual outcome."
"Is Antallius ready? And what of this Raggus?"
"Antallius is ready. And Raggus has his schemes to assist in the rescue of Jamis and to get us all out of there by Dawn."
"It all seems clear, Tribune Lacitus. I have one more question."
"Yes, Aglastus. What is that?"
"When do we leave for Burnswark Hill?"
"We leave tomorrow at Dawn, Centurion Antallius. Tomorrow at Dawn."
Tribune Lacitus smiled and saluted, turning quickly before anything else could be said.

Chapter 9.
Legionary Castus tried to make himself as comfortable as possible in the undergrowth near Burnswark Hill. He had arrived late afternoon from an untroubled journey, knowing the route from a previous training exercise, that stopped short of this stronghold, around a year ago.
Castus sat reasonably still. He didn't want to be seen. By nightfall he was to be admitted wearing his silvered Facemask on the password "Trojan". Once again, he smiled at the thought, but he had been assured of his safety and that the Fort was to be relatively quiet, recovering from a lavish feast this afternoon.
Certainly the smell of food and drink that wafted towards him was making him hungry. In his sack, he did not have much food left. Most of the weight was now accounted for by his Sword, Facemask and leather purse. He hoped that by the end of the evening he would never have a near empty purse ever again.
Looking up he saw a few figures walking about and indeed, it looked as if they were more staggering than walking.
Castus reflected on the next stage of the plan. He had been told that he would be accompanied to a building and let in, to kill Jamis. He had nothing against Jamis personally, it was what it was. Jamis's death promised Castus a new identity as a wealthy trader and a new, rich life in Rome, with all the money he could ever wish for. The Tribal Leader gave his word in the document that he would be taken care of, on this journey and in Rome.
As the sound of some singing reached his ears, Castus closed his eyes and tried to rest until nearer nightfall. Nothing personal, thought Castus as he tried to drift asleep.

Chapter 10.
Right, thought Castus - it was now or never. Reaching into his sack, Castus took out his Facemask and put it on. He was quite sore having sat in the undergrowth near Burnswark Hill Fort, until darkness came.
After a few deep breaths to try to calm himself, Castus stood up and began to make his way to the Fort entrance, knowing that he would be an alarming sight to the unexpected.
He knew however that to a chosen few, he was not to be the unexpected. As he reached the Fort entrance the guard noticed him. Rather unsteadily, as if he had been drinking, the Guard got off his seat and kind of smiled.
Castus was surprised that the Guard started to speak in Latin. "Ah, here is the Roman to do our dirty work! Go on Roman, tell me the password."
"Trojan."
"That will do. Come with me."
Castus could not quite believe the almost casual nature of the Guard or his apparent slight drunkenness. Did the Guard not appreciate the seriousness of the task before Castus? To kill someone that was once a Scottish King? Someone that may yet be a Scottish King again? Or someone that the Romans thought of as key to negotiate a lasting Peace in this Scottish, Northern Frontier of The Roman Empire?
The two men approached a small building and Castus followed the Guard in. The Guard nodded to a seated man, who got up and left. "He's in there. I'll see you when it's done."
Castus stared at the man through the slits of his Facemask. Just like that? To kill someone and then he would see me when it's done? Castus gripped his sword firmly and stepped past the Guard, his Facemask hiding his contempt of the Guard.
The room was barely lit and it took a few moments for Castus to become accustomed with the surroundings. Then, through his Facemask he saw Jamis staring at him from his bed in a state of shock.
"What the ...? Who are you!"
Castus did not reply, keeping his identity a secret behind his Facemask. He readied his sword.
"No! Stop! What is this?"
Jamis reached below his bed and gripped the dagger Raggus had left him. This was just in time and a shower of sparks flew as the two weapons clashed.
Underneath the Facemask, Castus's look of surprise and horror could not be seen. Why was it that nothing in his life ever came easy? One sword blow was meant to lead to his new life of wealth and stability.
Castus jumped backwards and Jamis, an expert fighter, immediately jumped out of bed.
"Who are you? Tell me who you are?"
Castus made no sound and slashed forwards with his sword. Once again Jamis was ready and the sparks flew across the room. Before the next exchange, Castus hit out with his leg. He, too was a fighter of many years experience and it was not just by chance that he had survived many battles along Hadrian's Wall or along The Antonine Wall, more recently.
Jamis was caught off-guard by this unexpected strike, falling backwards. His leg muscles had weakened in his enforced time in this room and for that matter, his other muscles, too.
Castus saw his opportunity and struck as Jamis fell onto the bed. The sword met flesh, striking Jamis in his side. The masked attacker moved in for the final thrust, the expressionless face concealing the grin of victory.
The final blow was prepared, Castus gripping his sword for the strike. No time to think about the wealth this would create for him for the rest of his life. Just do it.
Somehow the years of military training took over and Jamis struck his dagger once more, catching Castus in his side. Once more the expression remained the same whilst underneath Castus screamed silently in pain, his mouth fully open in searing agony.
Self preservation took over and Castus staggered out of the room. Unlike the Guard who staggered from drink, Castus staggered in pain. No-one was about, not even the Guard and Castus left the same way he came in, this time crumpled, holding his wound to the side.
Into the darkness, he collapsed back into the undergrowth, throwing off his Facemask and reaching into his bag for the lengths of cloth he had brought, to tie around any wounds. Awkwardly, Castus lifted his tunic and wrapped the lengths of cloth around his torso, before easing himself back onto the ground. There he lay, the smell of food and drink again drifting down from the Fort, oblivious to this evening's deadly events.
Inside, Jamis lay on the bed, trying his best to hold the wound to his side, the blood seeping through his fingers, his life in the balance, as his vision blurred and turned black.


Chapter 11.
In the early gloom before Dawn, Tribune Lacitus, his brother Centurion Antallius and the Scot Raggus, brother of Jamis, left the Roman Army that had assembled discreetly near Burnswark Hill.
The three had only a short amount of time before the Roman Army would unleash a deadly attack of Slingers and Ballistas at Dawn to destroy this Tribal stronghold, seen as one of the main obstacles of this Northern Frontier.
Raggus lead, his mind racing between the conflicting thoughts that he was betraying his Tribe and saving his brother, Jamis. His mind constantly tried to persuade his thoughts that Jamis was the key to obtaining eventual peace between the various Tribes and the Romans. This however, did not seem to make this task feel any easier in real time.
Soon Raggus could see the small gap that he had created at the rear of the Fort, which he had loosely covered in branches. He smiled, pleased that he had found his target, one more of the keys necessary to free Jamis.
Quietly the three men moved away the branches and stepped inside the Fort. Very little seemed to be happening inside, with nobody to be seen, only the smell of food and drink.
Raggus focused his eyes on the small building ahead where Jamis was being held. With any luck it would be their cousin Serrast guarding outside.
No matter how closely Raggus looked, no-one stood or sat outside the building. Raggus signalled for the other two men to follow him and the three made their way to the building. Stepping inside, light came through from the room that was being used to imprison Jamis, the door not fully closed.
Gently Raggus pushed the door in a little further, revealing his cousin Serrast standing over the bed. Raggus did not want to startle Serrast and so quietly he announced his presence. "Serrast, hello."
Serrast turned, recognising his cousin's voice and he had not got too much of a fright. Before them, the men could now see Jamis lying on the bed, the bloodied sheets having been wound around Jamis's torso to try stem the flow of blood. Jamis was motionless, unconscious.
"We don't have much time, cousin. We've got to get out of here now."
Raggus continued. Both Lacitus and Antallius spoke this Tribe's language and so no translation was needed. "We can all run and that is what all of you will have to do, soon. Even if I manage to carry Jamis for any distance, it could only be a short distance and only very slowly."
"So what are you saying?" asked Lacitus.
"I will need my horse, which is outside the next building. I'll ride with Jamis slung over the back. We can all get through the gap and away."
"Sounds alright, Raggus. Lead the way. You too, Serrast. Lacitus and I will carry Jamis to the horse."
Serrast was surprised that the Romans spoke his language so fluently. It would appear that there was much going on between his Tribe and the Romans that he did not know about and that this was his part in this complexity.
Still with no-one else around, the small group made their way tentatively to the next building. Raggus greeted his horse and untied the reins. "Hello there, Puzzle, my horse. Quietly now, Puzzle. Get us out of here. Quietly now."
Jamis had been slung over the back of the horse, behind Raggus and they were ready to go. Lacitus held the reins at the front of the group beside Antallius, with Serrast behind the horse.
The group started to walk the way they had came, passing by the building Jamis had been kept in. All was still, quiet, with no-one to be seen. As the gap came into view, Lacitus started to believe they could make it. A few more steps to the gap, leading Puzzle along.
It was almost as if Puzzle had understood what Raggus had asked, to quietly and determinedly reach the gap and beyond. A few more steps without being undetected and then they would be through the gap.
A large mob of the Tribe came out of the darkness behind them. "Halt! Stop! Don't move!"
Serrast was first to react. He unsheathed the sword he had taken from a dead Roman in a previous ambush. This time he would be protecting Romans, not trying to kill them. "I have thought about this over and over in the last few days. This is my duty, to protect Jamis. Go! This mob will have to get through me before getting through the gap, by which time you will all be long gone! Go! Now!"
Raggus called behind, looking at Serrast. "Thank you, Serrast. Try and survive! You will always be with us!"
The group made it through the gap, Puzzle now urged on from a walk, as the others began running. Serrast blocked the gap with his large frame, as the mob tried to attack, Serrast bravely deflecting the blows.
It had started to become lighter but now the sky turned darker again. Dawn had come and the hail of Slingers and Ballistas had begun.

Chapter 12.
"Fire!"
The Order came one after another from the Officers, in a relentless issue of commands to the Slingers.
Centurion Aglastus, in charge of this assault, was surprised at how such a primitive form of Artillery could do so much damage. The Slingers were all experienced and accurate and the Centurion watched how men in the Fort were suddenly floored by the Slingers attack.
One moment men were running around frantically in the Fort, the next they were on the ground, unmoving. One moment men peered behind walls, the next moment no men were to be seen.
Then there was the noise of the Slingers, too. A frightening whirring that must have been terrifying in the Fort. Centurion Aglastus had discovered that some of the Slinger Units had added holes to some of the Slingshot, which resulted in unnerving sounds through the air.
He also discovered that some of the Slingshot had simple messages carved into them. Each to their own, thought Centurion Aglastus. He did not interfere in something that worked.
Centurion Jose was in charge of the three Ballista machines. Assessing the situation of the Slingers and their success, he decided it was time for the Ballistas to take effect.
"Fire!"
The Order was taken on by Optio Scrivinus and Optio Sabis.
"Fire!"
Independently, all round the base of Burnswark Hill, Officers shouted their Orders, resulting in lethal destruction. The total destruction that the Orders from Antoninus Pius had commanded.
Centurion Aglastus watched as wall after wall was destroyed, along with the buildings. Sometimes he caught sight of someone running and sometimes he caught sight of someone dropping to the ground.
A small group of the Tribe broke out from behind a crumbled wall. The first few were floored by the accuracy of the Slingers and then by the Javelin throwers, the Officers putting into effect their skilled judgements of when to Order "Fire!".
A last few made it to one of the Roman Units, to charge into the raised shields of the Romans and to be then dispatched from the swords that protruded and jabbed in between.
Centurion Aglastus consoled himself that this devastation could lead to a quicker peace on this Northern Frontier. This was what happened when compromise and negotiation failed and when matters were taken out of their hands. Aglastus offered a silent prayer to Jupiter for both sides.
"Optio Sabis! Your report please on our casualties!"
"Very few, Sir! Three walking wounded, now on the Carts! Each, injuries from Scots that charged!"
"Do you have their names?"
"Yes, Sir! All Legionaries! Raddal, Grebbin and Castus. Castus seems to have the worst injury - a stab to the side. He seems to have been on a far flank."
"Very Good, Optio! Carry on with your duties!"
Centurion Aglastus was pleased with the Report. A quick, decisive victory looked to be the outcome. In between the unworldly whirring sounds and thumps, his thoughts turned to Tribune Lacitus, Centurion Antallius, Raggus and Jamis.
He had been careful not to commence the bombardment before Dawn, to give the Group every chance of fleeing out of the Fort, to the side and safety. No figures were seen scurrying before Dawn, though that did not prove any matters, as it would have been difficult, if not impossible, to have seen anyone in the distance, in this gloom.
The Officers around the Battleground had one eye on Centurion Aglastus, looking to see if the Command of "Cease Fire!" was imminent.
"Optio Scrivinus! Start the 'Cease Fire!' Commands!"
"Yes, Sir! Cease Fire! Cease Fire!"
The other Officers heard and saw the Commands and these were relayed by the others. Centurion Aglastus did not know which he disliked the most - the noise of the Slingers and Ballistas or the silence of the Cease Fire, intermingled with the occasional screams and groans.
Centurion Aglastus began to walk along the line, nodding occasionally to Officers and Men. All eyes now followed his walk, waiting for any further Orders. It was clear he had the respect of the Men, won by bravery in previous battles and the respect he showed to every Man in his Units.
Not easy to be in charge, he reflected, though today had been working out - so far. His thoughts again turned back to the Group - had they managed to escape the Fort before Dawn?
Chapter 13.
Tribune Lacitus and Centurion Antallius came into view in the distance. Centurion Aglastus breathed a visible sigh of relief.
A few moments later, their features, covered in blood reached Centurion Aglastus.
"We look worse than we are, Centurion. A few of the Slingshots gave us glancing blows. We'll soon be cleaned up."
Centurion Aglastus was not convinced. He could see for himself that some of the wounds were deep, their arms and legs caked with dark blood, punctuated with brighter streaks.
Sure enough, Tribune Lacitus began to stumble and his brother managed to react quickly enough to support him.
"Just feeling a little bit dizzy, that's all. No need to fuss. Now, there are two others that need greater attention."
Tribune Lacitus pointed to the horse - Puzzle - and the two men slumped over the horse's back.
Centurion Antallius took up the details. "This horse is called Puzzle and is really quite remarkable. Even with Raggus and Jamis out of it, somehow Puzzle kept with us, even when Puzzle became injured, too."
Tribune Lacitus had regained some of his composure. "Centurion Lacitus is quite right! A remarkable tale that I will be reminding you of, many times. Please ensure this horse receives the best of treatment."
Tribune Lacitus staggered once more. "I think if you could arrange the medical assistance Centurion Aglastus, I think now may be the appropriate time. I don't want the men to see me pass out."
"Of course, Sir!"
The medics and the carts approached. On one of the carts, Legionary Castus tried not to sneer, as he looked at Jamis and Raggus on Puzzle.
Castus reached into his bag, his fingers feeling the leather purse. His fingers closed into a tight fist around the leather purse, squeezing it with all his might.
Had Jamis been killed, Castus would be no more. He would now be a rich trader on his way back to Rome, a safe passage guaranteed by the Scots and their contacts. As it now was, Castus was an injured Legionary, with little money once more, especially once the cost for new equipment was deducted, having thrown away his helmet and facemask in disgust.
Tribune Lacitus called over to Castus. "Ah, Legionary Castus! Not too injured, I trust?"
"No, Sir!" Castus, once more tried not to sneer. "I'll survive!"

Chapter 14.
Legionary Castus kept his fist clenched around his empty leather purse in his bag for much of the journey back by medical cart to Trimontium Fort. Both physically and mentally, this was an unpleasant journey for him.
With Jamis next to Castus in the same medical cart, on several occasions Castus had to force himself not to try finish Jamis off completely. It would however have been too risky to do this as he would surely have been seen. Also there would have been no point to do so, the monetary reward now gone.
As the medical cart approached the Trimontium Fort Gates, Castus felt his fist clenching around his leather purse once again. This time, instead of slowly releasing his grip, he took the leather purse out of his bag and threw it down onto the ground in disgust.
Castus watched the leather purse sink into a puddle in the mud, until it was submerged. The next medical cart went over it, his dreams of wealth as squashed as the leather purse that should have contained them.
Jamis was in and out of consciousness throughout the journey, as was his brother Raggus.
"Raggus. Brother. Are you alright?"
"I am Jamis. I'll survive. And you?"
"I'll survive. I'm not sure what happened. Someone in a Roman Facemask attacked me in the room. I got badly stabbed but I got him, too. I seem to remember cousin Serrast attending to my wounds. Does this sound right?"
"It does. Lacitus, Antallius and I came to rescue you. Serrast helped us all get away."
"Did Serrast survive?"
"The truthful answer is I don't know. He held off a mob whilst we escaped through a gap."
"Are my eyes deceiving me? Is that Puzzle attached to this cart?"
"It is. A remarkable horse. Dodged the Slingshots and Ballistas. Kept going even though we were both out of it. Kept with Lacitus and Antallius who ran alongside."
Raggus reached out and gently ruffled Puzzle between the ears. "You're quite a horse, Puzzle. You're quite a horse."
Castus sneered to himself. It was me in the Facemask, you fool, that tried to kill you. And yes, you did get me too. My side aches. Foolish Tribe having your cousin Serrast guarding you. No wonder the plan was doomed to fail.
Castus smiled at Jamis and Jamis smiled back. Castus smiled, not out of any concern for Jamis, but because a pleasant thought had gone through his mind. I have other contacts that can make me money, thought Castus. All is not lost. Light duties whilst I recover and time to think of new opportunities. Castus continued smiling - all is not lost.

Chapter 15.
Centurion Jose sat in his Inn, in an area of Londinium, entertaining Centurion Aglastus and two children - Jose's son and Aglastus's son.
Several months had passed since the Battle of Burnswark Hill and the two men had been given special time off, to spend with their families, the importance of the Battle being recognised by the Emperor, Antoninus Pius, himself.
Centurion Jose and Centurion Aglastus, proudly wore Golden Laurel emblems. Indeed, Centurion Aglastus wore two, one being for his brother, Centurion Andronicus, who had bravely lost his life in this Northern Frontier campaign.
Centurion Aglastus had been waiting for this moment. "Children, it is time we told you about the Battle of Burnswark Hill and also the bravery of your Uncle Andronicus beforehand. We wear the Golden Laurels as instructed by the Emperor himself!"
The two children were aghast.
"Do you see that I wear two Golden Laurels? One is for my part and the other is for your Uncle - Centurion Andronicus, who bravely died for peace. None of us around this table will ever forget him. We'll make sure of that as you grow up to be fine men. Isn't that right, Jose?"
"Indeed it is."
The two men proceeded to tell their stories, beginning with how Centurion Andronicus had saved the life of the Scottish King - King Aritan and the Battle of Burnswark Hill, itself.
The two children were enthralled with the description of the Slingers and the Ballistas, with Aglastus and Jose replicating the sound of the whizzing Slingshots firing overhead, made by the holes cut into some of the many Slingshots used.
Dealing with this Tribal stronghold signified a new Dawn for this Northern Frontier, perhaps the beginning of the end, but knowing how this area operated, there would be still many obstacles to overcome. The fact that Jamis survived was another point in favour of peace.
Jose's son was the first to ask a question. "What happened to the two Senior Officers that you served with? The brothers Tribune Lacitus and Centurion Antallius?"
Centurion Jose and Centurion Aglastus looked at one another. After a few moments, Centurion Jose began his reply. "That children, is a whole different matter. A story that will have to wait, as that story is yet to reach its full conclusion - one that awaits our return to The Northern Frontier."
The End! Please leave a nice review!
If read on basic novellea.com perhaps buy me a coffee please at
Ko-fi.com/andrewboyce
Thanks!