Read Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 12] Roman Wall for Free Online Page B

which climbed alongside the waterfall known as Roaring Waters.  He had run almost the whole way.  His only worry had been when he had crossed the roads but there were no Roman patrols. He remained unseen. He crossed the river by the stepping stones and headed across the trail towards the distant camp. There was no wall around the camp; that would have alerted the Romans.  Instead there were crude shelters dotting the flat areas and guards hid and observed all who approached. The spear in his back told Scanlan that he had been seen.
    “So you return with your tail between your legs.  Where is the whelp Carac?”
    “If you do not take that spear from my back you will find yourself growing another apology for your manhood, Aed the Lame.” He whipped around and knocked the spear to the ground.  The guard was well known to Scanlan.  He had been crippled by a Roman gladius and was now fit only for guard duty. “Where is Briac?”
    The surly Aed pointed with his arm.  “He is over there.”
    Scanlan followed the line of Aed’s arm and saw a huddle of warriors seated on some rocks. He strode off towards them. He frowned as he approached.  He could see a Roman with them. What was the wily Briac up to?  As he walked across the open ground he could sense the hostility from some of the warriors.  Aed the Lame was not alone. Briac’s face appeared to be without expression.
    He laid down his shield and his sword and dropped to one knee. “I beg your forgiveness, Chief Briac.” He looked up into the face of his leader. “I made a mistake and I am here to atone for that error of judgement.”
    Briac nodded.  “It is the mark of a warrior that he can admit when he makes a mistake.  You are welcome.” He stood and raised his voice. “Scanlan son of Tadgh is welcome here in our camp.  Let no man offend him.” He smiled at Scanlan.  Scanlan, for his part was studying the Roman who was sharpening his gladius.  Briac noticed the attention.  “This is someone who will help us to defeat the Romans.” Scanlan nodded. “But tell me Scanlan, where are Carac and the other warriors?”
    A small crowd had gathered.  Scanlan stood. This was a tale which needed telling carefully. “Carac decided to attack a wagon on the road to the east.  There were just fifteen soldiers guarding it.”
    The Roman looked interest and spoke for the first time.  His Brigante was awkward and halting. “Horse warriors or men on foot?”
    “Marcus’ Horse.”
    There was a gasp from the warriors. Briac shook his head.  “Carac was reckless but even he should have known better than to take on such warriors. How many died?”
    “Carac and the rest.”
    The Roman spoke again. “And yet you survived.”
    Scanlan’s hand went to the hilt of his sword. Carac and the others were already dead when I left. I did not leave the field of battle whilst any lived.” There was a challenge in his voice and the Roman shrugged.
    “I mean no disrespect. I have not heard of such a thing before. The horse warriors either kill all or take prisoners.”
    Briac put his hand out to calm Scanlan. “Scanlan is one of the best warriors we have.  Look at the warrior bands on his sword.  No man has killed more in single combat than he has.”
    The Roman nodded.  “How did this Carac attack?”
    “We hid on each side of the road and he and his men charged the wagons.”
    “But you did not?”
    “I had bowmen and I used them.”
    “Good.” The Roman gestured to Scanlan.  “This man shows he has a mind.”
    Briac smiled. “And how many did our warriors kill?”
    The silence hung in the air like a sword about to behead a prisoner. “None. We wounded a couple and a horse but that was all.”
    Scanlan expected censure but Briac stood and shouted to all who could hear.  “Now you see why we need to think like the Romans.  It is the only way we will defeat them. That is why the Romans are here.  Heed their words and take what they teach.” He stepped