Page 102 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

Conall laughed. “Well, we can’t leave without Fabius. We may never survive an onslaught without his…prowess.”

I chuckled, then said, “He is hopeless with a sword, but something tells me Fabius may be our greatest asset in the future.”

“May the twin goddesses help us if that is the case,” Conall replied, making us laugh.

Once Fabius finally joined us,we headed out. We rode throughout the day, arriving at Isurium Brigantum by nightfall. As I had requested, Aedan had called in some of his retainers. Isurium Brigantum was swimming with warriors.

Aedan greeted us warmly, and his servants worked quickly to prepare everything for us.

I smiled at Aerin. “I thought you would be in Dardani lands with your mother, Aerin.”

“I convinced her to let me stay here with my uncle.”

“He covets my seat,” Aedan told me. “I hoped he’d start dreaming of supplanting Eddin, but alas, he is Brigantes through and through.”

Patting the young man on the shoulder, I smiled. “Good.”

Aedan’s servants brought food and drink. After the long ride, I was glad of it. Settling in, I helped myself to a warm stew, brown bread, heady cheese, and ale. The gambit I was about to pull had me feeling hungry.

“Ah,” Fabius said, sliding his seat forward and downing a cup of cider only to pour himself another. “What a fine meal, Chieftain. And a warm hall. They told me we would sleep in the forest,” Fabius said, mock-scowling at Conall, who chuckled. “I am glad to be here in your fair city.”

“I am surprised you are at all,” Aedan replied, giving me a questioning look.

“Our queen wanted a riding companion,” Fabius said, emptying another cup. “But all she wanted to do was talk Roman military structure—ranks, legions, legionnaires, prefects, cohorts, calvary, centurions, generals, and on and on. Icould not convince the woman to talk about a single topic that wasactuallyinteresting.”

“But you are so well versed,” I teased.

“Well,” he said, heaping more meat onto his plate, “I am an artistandintellectual.”

“Interesting topic,” Aedan told me. “Timely?”

I lifted my cup, toasting to him, then said, “One problem at a time. I see you have rallied your men.”

Aedan nodded. “As you requested.”

“Good.”

“Any reply from King Ruith about Chieftain Remick’s behavior?” Aedan asked.

“I did not write to King Ruith,” I replied. “How far to Remick’s lands?”

“Three hours.”

“His household… How large?”

“It is himself, his two grown sons, a dozen servants, and some farm workers. The village is very small. Maybe fifty people.”

“Aside from the chieftain, any trouble with the villagers?”

“No. Only Remick and his boys are bold. His anger over his brother’s death leaves him justifying his crimes against us.”

“When did your men ride in?”

“This afternoon.”

I nodded. “Very well. Finish up. We will ride out within the hour.”

“Queen Cartimandua?”

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