Read Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 01] The Sword of Cartimandua for Free Online Page A

approaching from the west.
    “Enter decurion.” The voice came from a holy man, an old holy man. His hair was not limed as the warriors, it was shorter, cropped but he was a whitebeard and lacked any jewellery. Ulpius detected something about him; he was not a Brigante for he had recognised his rank. “The Queen awaits.” His Latin was flawless and as Ulpius followed he noticed the tattoo. The man had been a legionary.
    Queen Cartimandua had been a strikingly beautiful warrior queen in her time.  She had fought in many battles and held off rival armies very successfully. When she first met the Romans she realised that they were here to stay and that diplomacy was the best course of action. She dismayed not only other Celts but also her own Brigante people when she treacherously handed over Caractacus to the invaders. She was pragmatic and politic, a rare thing in a Celtic leaders. She had further alienated her people when, following her husband divorcing her she took up with Vellocatus her shield bearer. This had outraged and shocked her most supportive followers. It was a measure of her character and charisma that she had ruled for a further fourteen years without the support of many of her people.  Two things had been in her favour; firstly the support of the Romans through a series of indifferent governors and, perhaps more importantly, the fact that she held most of her ex-husband’s family hostage. The threat of their death kept Venutius and his horde at bay.
    So it was that Ulpius first met the mighty Cartimandua.  Both her beauty and sexual appetites were legendary. It was said that Caractacus had been a lover before he was despatched. Some of the ninth legion from Spain had compared her to the spider called the Black Widow which mated and then consumed her consort. She certainly had a dark look about her but age was creeping up on her. Her raven black hair was now riven with grey. Her eyes, still beautiful were sinking into a sea of lines. Her once taut cheekbones were now puffy and sagged a little.  Even though she was a shadow of her former self Ulpius found himself dropping to one knee in awe of this woman who exuded both sex and power, an irresistible combination. As he knelt his good eye took in the powerful warrior behind her.  He was obviously Vellocatus the shield bearer. Although no longer young he stilled looked to be a formidable ally and a foe to be avoided.
    Ulpius rose and bowed and waited. “So Roman you are here for what purpose?”
    “To warn you mighty Queen that Venutius approaches with an army. He intends to destroy you and this citadel.”
    Whilst the rest of the court displayed various degrees of shock Cartimandua appeared calm. Inside she was deciding what to do.  Here in the citadel she might be safe for a while but she knew that her support was waning. She glanced around her nobles and wondered just how many would stay loyal. Her bluff had been called.  All this time Venutius had not attacked for fear of his family.  He must have realised that she could never carry out her threat for it would result in her own demise. It was obvious she would have to leave. She looked again at the tall Roman auxiliary before her. Even though her life was in danger she could not help being attracted to this warrior; her sexual drive was still as potent as ever. Perhaps she would see what he was like in bed, but not yet.
    “Where are they?”
    “My scouts reported them to the south.” There was a pause.  “They will be here very soon; we barely made it here before them.”
    “How many men do you have with you?”
    “Thirty. Not enough to defend these walls my lady.” He added to avoid the follow up question.  He was anxious to leave. “To be blunt your highness I have not seen enough men within these walls to be able to defend them.  If I had a legion I might succeed but with my handful. “He paused to let the facts sink in.”We should leave quickly before they are upon us. “
    She