Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 03] Invasion- Caledonia by Griff Hosker

Ignoring her comment he continued, “If you hope to hear me beg for my life you will be disappointed for in my death I will join my wife and child. You will be making me happy. And when I am dead my men will come and kill you.  You will be crucified. ”
    Her face showed more than a hint of irritation but she had expected nothing less of this man.  That was a good thing for her warriors would see it as an even more powerful sacrifice, a warrior who was fearless. “How you die is immaterial but I shall enjoy the anguish it causes your men when they arrive to see you burn!” Suddenly she was gone.
    That was their idea.  They were trying to demoralise his men and the rest of the Romans. Marcus smiled grimly.  They would be thwarted for his troopers would fight even harder to revenge themselves on those who had killed him. He idly wondered as he closed his eyes for a moment, what would happen to his sword. He was glad that they had not taken it and he wondered which of his men would claim the honour of wielding it. Perhaps Macro as the ala champion would want it but Marcus knew who he wanted to be the new owner, Gaius. Gaius had become the son who had died. He had replaced the young Ulpius and become Marcus’ hope for the future. He still regretted having to watch the innocent Gaius being flogged on the whim of an arrogant young patrician and he had sworn then to make it up to the fine young decurion that Gaius had grown into. Yes Gaius would do the sword justice and give it honour.
     
    Even as Marcus contemplated death and his reunion with Macha and Ulpius his men were already moving noiselessly along the shoreline. They were not moving swiftly for there were many rocks and inlets but those obstacles ensured that they arrived unseen behind a rock outcrop. Gaelwyn was in command, regardless of Gaius’ rank, and he signed for them to wait as he slipped into the water and, like an eel, disappeared beneath the waves.
    “He scares me he does.  Look at that you can’t see him. How does he do that?”
    “The same way, Macro that you are able to hurl a slingshot so accurately and I am not.  It is one of Gaelwyn’s skills; be glad for today they may save Marcus’ life.” Gaius had been particularly troubled by the kidnap for he blamed himself.  He had the tent next to Marcus and, had he not been drinking and carousing he might have heard the kidnappers and prevented this tragedy. He vowed he would never allow drink to interfere with his duties again.
    It seemed an age that Gaelwyn was away but Gaius could tell from the sun’s movement in the sky that it was a short time. When he returned dripping and breathing heavily he led them away from their rocky outcrop to a place where they could talk. Gaius could tell from the expression on the scout’s face that his news was not good and he braced himself for the worst.
    “He is on the cliff across the water,” he paused, “in a wicker cage.  He is to be burned alive.”
    Macro had not been expecting that, in reality this was beyond Macro’s comprehension but the thought of Marcus being burned alive evoked a gasp of shock. “The bastards let’s…”
    Gaius grabbed his young friend’s arm. “Let us hear what our friend has to say.” Turning to Gaelwyn he said, “What can we do? Can he be rescued?” None of the party was privy to the plans of Fainch and they had no idea that she would wait until the whole army appeared before igniting the unfortunate prisoner, as far as they were concerned speed was of the essence and delay would mean death for the decurion.
    “We could approach under the water, climb the cliffs, for they are not steep, and release him.”
    “Well let’s go then.”
    Gaelwyn restrained Macro this time with a paternal smile on his grizzled old face.”Be patient.  We will have to wait until dark.”
    Gaius asked the question which was on everyone’s minds. “When do they normally burn these… things?”
    After a pause Gaelwyn said, ominously,