Page 130 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

Slipping on my diadem with the onyx and moonstones, I inhaled deeply and rolled my shoulders back.

Corva gave me a gentle smile, and we made our way downstairs.

I found all the chieftains gathered in the great hall along with Mael Muire, Eddin, and Fabius. I went to Mael Muire first, pausing to kiss her cheek. She looked tired and aged by the loss of her son. I felt her pain deeply.

“Daughter,” she said softly.

I squeezed her hand, then went to Eddin.

“I am sorry, my friend. I have not had a chance to properly thank you for your help.”

“Oh, Carti,” Eddin said, his words soft. “I am sorry for your loss.”

“I… I fear I may have ruined your wedding plans.”

Eddin gave a soft smile. “It was settled before you called.”

“Then, I congratulate you and Amma on your wedding.”

“Thank you, Cartimandua.”

I set a gentle kiss on his cheek, then turned from him, willing all the emotions rumbling below the pain of my loss to stay quiet.

Everything was over.

All hopes of happiness were dead.

Now, it was only myself and the Brigantes.

I went to the front of the room.

“Good chieftains and trusted friends, thank you for being here this day. I thank you for your efforts in this campaign against the Setantii and for your shows of love and respect for Cormag,” I said. “I… We have suffered a terrible loss,” I said, my words faltering. Clearing my throat, I continued, “But we must put our pain aside for a moment. The dark future the gods have long warned of has come to pass. Rome has landed in Cantiaci lands at the head of a vast army.”

At that, the others began to mutter in disdain and surprise.

“How vast?” Chieftain Calos called.

“Twenty thousand strong.”

The room went silent.

I met Fabius’s gaze. His expression told me that I was right to fear.

“We have been tracking their movements for some time now,” I continued, then motioned to Corva, who rolled out a map on the table. “They have been building up Gaul as their forces marched north. General Aulus Plautius is at the head of the army, and General Vespasian along with him. They are experienced generals with a long history of winning and have many important ties in Rome. They ride alongside King Verica of the Atrebates, and the banner of Aedd Mawr of the Trinovantes flies on the field. Although the ancient king is too old to reclaim his throne, he has heirs.”

“Then, Rome comes to help Verica and Aedd Mawr reclaim their lands?” Chieftain Argenorix asked.

“So they will say,” I replied. “But when has Rome ever helped out a petty king out of the goodness of their own hearts?”

That brought a murmur from the room.

“They have landed here,” Corva said, gesturing to the mouth of the Thames. We believe they will fight—and defeat—the Cantiaci, then march to retake Verica’s lands as well as the Trinovantes.”

“What of the other southern tribes?” Venu asked.

“That is yet to be determined,” Corva replied. “There is disarray in the south. King Aesunos of the Northern Iceni is dead, murdered by his brother. Prince Caturix, who is wed to a Coritani princess, has taken his father’s throne. There is a civil war amongst the Northern Iceni. And now, a Northern Iceni princess, Boudica, has wed King Prasutagus of the Greater Iceni.We do not yet know what the Coritani, Dobunni, Belgae, or other tribes will do.”

“When Caesar came, many southern tribes promised to pay Rome tribute in coin and slaves. Not all have upheld their promises,” Mael Muire told us.

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