Page 132 of Queen of the Hollow Hills

Great Mother Brigantia, be with us.

And even you, dark mother Cailleach, if you love my people at all, watch over us in the days ahead…

“Cartimandua, be as strong as the hollow hills, for the ground quakes where Rome steps.”

CHAPTER 37

In the weeks that followed, I kept my mind on one thing, strengthening the Brigantes in every possible way. I began my quest to solidify the north. My messengers were sent northward, summoning the other kings and queens to a great meeting at Midsummer at Din Eydin, Mael Muire’s capital on the Firth of Forth. I had been clear in my message. Rome had come. While we were far to the north, a long way from Rome’s gaze, we would not remain so for long.

Thus far, my messengers had been met with hesitant acceptance.

To my west, Chieftains Maelgwyn and Aedan worked tirelessly to get the Setantii lands under control and keep the trade routes open. I installed one of Aedan’s retainers, a man named Reed, who was considered loyal and honest by all, as the new chieftain of what was once the Setantii. Never would they be called that again.

And then, I waited.

As I had expected, mere days after the Roman landing, I received the first—but not the last—messenger from the Catuvellauni asking for Brigantes’ aid.

“Queen Cartimandua, King Togodumnus and King Caratacus beseech your help. We must unite to drive the Romans from these lands now before it is too late!” the Catuvellauni messenger cried passionately.

I was seated on my high seat in my formal meeting room.

Behind me, Fabius swallowed a snicker.

While I felt more sympathetic, I watched the man plead with what felt something like detachment.

When he was done delivering his request, I replied, “The Catuvellauni kings did not ask the opinion of the Brigantes when they decided to make war on the Atrebates and Trinovantes. Neither my father nor my grandfather were consulted in such matters. If we had been, we would have advised against it. King Verica and the heirs of Aedd Mawr have the right to reclaim their lands. It is no business of the Brigantes.”

“But, Queen Cartimandua, if the Romans get a foothold on this island, then?—”

“Then your masters are to blame. I will not shed Brigantes’ blood cleaning up your messes. Once again, my answer to Togodumnus and Caratacus is no.”

“What about your ally, King Ord? He, too, is in jeopardy. For King Ord’s sake, you must?—”

“Youwill tellmewhat I must do?”

“My apologies, Queen Cartimandua, it is only?—”

“Have you had any luck convincing the Iceni? The Coritani? How about my dear friends, the Parisii?”

“They all ask first what the Brigantes will do. Ifyoujoin us, the others will join as well.”

I turned to Conall. “See that he has a hearty meal and ample drink. It is a long way back to Catuvellauni lands.”

“This way, sir,” Conall told him, gesturing for the messenger to follow along.

After he left, I exhaled heavily and then poured myself a drink.

“He is no doubt telling the truth. If the Brigantes joined the battle, the other southern tribes would follow,” Corva said.

“Hmm,” I mused.

“I am not suggesting you join. Only be aware that there is some truth to his words,” Corva replied.

“Won’t this King Ord expect you to help?” Fabius asked.

“I advised King Ord to abandon his Catuvellauni allies and deal with Rome himself. Otherwise, he will bleed.” I sighed. “Verica played the game well. He won the strongest ally in the world to help him take back his seat. He will return to his lands a rich puppet of Rome. But he will return, and he will be king again. The Catuvellauni will eventually lose. Unfortunately, we are already in the game whether we want to be or not. This time, I will choose the path of least bloodshed. After all our losses…” I said, then cleared my throat, pushing my pain away. “I owe it to the Brigantes.”

“I hope you are right,” Corva said, sounding unconvinced.

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