Rowena’s hair was like living flames. Gold of every shade mixed with fiery reds that fell in waves across her shoulders. The dark green of the knotworked overdress a sharp contrast to the soft safron of her close fitting underdress. The silver of her belt flashed in the fire lights of the hall.
Arthur tried, quite unsuccessfully, not to stare. Bedwyr was surprised. Arthur usually ignored women. Not that Arthur disliked women, he simply did not have the time. Bedwyr coughed for Gawains attention. Openly pointing at the bespelled Arthur. Gawain grinned at the look on Arthur’s face, smile broadening until Gawain saw who Arthur was so enamored with. ” It figures it would be trouble...” Gawain grimaced and muttered to Bedwyr.“Does he know who she is?” Bedwyr asked. “He doesn’t care.” Gawain flatly stated as he walked away, looking for Myrddyn.
Myrddyn had already seen. The white raven had already warned Myrddyn that she had prepared a queen for Arthur. Myrddyn left the hall. He was not needed, as nature was clearly taking it’s course.
The day before, Rowena had seen Arthur, wondering who the tall Celt rough housing with the giant wolf hounds was. Arthur had not seen her yet, busy with being knocked about by his joyous hounds. Now she knew.
Rowena realized after a bit, that Arthur was not going to approach her. He was openly staring at her. It was embarrassing. Rowena’s mother, queen Branwen had noticed as well. Branwen was smiling, she approved. When Rowena could stand it no longer, she stalked over to Arthur. ” It is rude to stare. Has no one ever taught you that? At the least you should say hello if you would take such liberties!” She snapped in flawless Latin.
Arthur, the honey tongued, who’s eloquence had won himself an army Stammered” um...You have the most amazing eyes...” Blushing when he realized he’d said that aloud. He was looking directly into her eyes. Her left eye was blue, like polished lapis, and the right was a cut emerald. Arthur was sure he was drowning. Rowena was truly spectacular.
Of those gathered, only Arthur was taller. Arthur took her hand and kissed her finger tips. ” Forgive me milady. I forgot myself. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I am Arthur, and you must be Rowena, Cynrig Aelle’s daughter.” Rowena was nonplussed. From a courtier, such words were mere flattery. The intensity of Arthur’s gaze made her believe he meant it. Blushing, she murmmered ” Thank you milord. Thank you for gifting my father back to us as well” she murmured as she stared back into his eyes. They kept changing she thought, hazel green into blue and back , shifting in the light. Like magic she thought to herself. Arthur was speaking but she had not heard a word, lost in his eyes.
Cynrig Aelle with his queen, Branwen. Watched unsmiling. “This could be trouble...” Aelle sighed, unknowingly echoing Gawain. Branwen looked on, watching closely. Rowena was not being her normal outspoken headstrong self. Deciding there was nothing to be done about the clear attraction between Rowena and Arthur, knowing her daughters stubborn, single minded wilfulness Branwen smiled and watched.
Arthur and Rowena spent the rest of the feast absorbed in conversation. Ignoring everyone else in the hall. When Aelle noticed that neither Arthur or Rowena had touched their mead cups nor the food before them. Aelle sighed and grumbled to Branwen ” I thought we had come to make peace between us not make a wedding.” “Can you think of a better way to make the peace?” Branwen replied. Musing, Aelle chewed it over in his mind. There were certainly some advantages to the Rio-Thamus as son in law Aelle decided.
Of course, just as most of Arthurs decisions and actions, the marriage created outrage among some of the Britons though not with the majority.
Born on the solstice. Caradoc came into the world easily. Being married for four years, Ca myradoc was their fourth child. Arthur and Rowena were proving quite fertile. The first two daughters, Branwen and Gwynyfyr, were twins, identical in every way, with the exception, that Branwen had deep dark red hair. Gwynyfyr was flame haired like her mother Rowena. The middle child, Ygraine, was the spitting image of her mother. Caradoc was a big lusty boy, already with the Red gold hair of his father, and color shifting eyes, shared by all three of his sisters. Arthur’s stamp upon his children.“I have a son!” Arthur cried in awe, holding the bundled new born child tenderly.
Staring at the tiny face, feeling the wonder of it all being permanently burned into his heart. It had been the same intensity with all three of his daughters. Myrddyn smiled, trying in vain to get an opportunity to hold the babe, or at least get a clear look at the little wonders face. It would be days before Arthur began to settle down. Myrddyn wondered how Rowena coped with Arthur’s frantic hyper attentive over protective state. Probably with silent forbearance he surmised. The queen was head over heels for Arthur as Arthur was for her. Arthur loved with the same intensity of focus, and determined, decisive attitude that he approached everything else.
Britain was firmly in Arthurs hands. The wars had paused. Arthur began turning camel- lod into a town. Moving the bulk of his army to a nearby hill fort long abandoned. Settling in to raise his children, thinking thoughts of peace, when the Romans came calling. Arthur was twenty eight years old when the Roman emperor Procopius Anthemius asked for his help against Euric and his Visigoths.
AVALLON
Sidonius sat, stewing, muttering softly. The curses he muttered were certainly not what he had written. A letter, a humble request Ricimer had, suggested.“Be polite. Rome needs that cavalry, do anything you have to!” Anthemnius ordered. ” Get on your knees and beg if it comes to it!” Ricimer added.
Anthemius creeked and popped his way to his feet. Time and the friction of existence wears all men down, even the Emperor Procopius Anthemius of Rome. As the emperor left, Ricimer with Sidonius had stood up from the low couches they had been reclining on. Sidonius no longer had the sweet after taste of wine soaked figs and olives. That joy had turned to bitter ashes with the Emperor’s instruction.
To think, he must beg! Rome must beg help from an upstart arrogant barbarian. Especially the Riothamus Arthur, who had been a serious thorn in his side these last few years.
Sidonius drank the last in his cup, now silently rereading the letter. Ricimer, supreme commander of Romes Armies was thouroughly enjoying himself, watching that pretentious pig struggle. This was now the fourth attempt by Sidonius.
Stretching out his arm, Ricimer plucked the letter from the desk, reading it quietly. ” This is better, where is your apology? It seems to be missing.” Spluttering Sidonius nearly choked, ” I cannot apologize to that , that, that thief!” Ricimer chuckled, ” Such rage over a few escaped slaves? I would never have expected you to notice such trifles.”
Over the last Three years slaves had been running away, north to Amorica. Word had gotten out that the new King had banned slavery, any slave that reached that peninsula would find freedom. ” The Riothamus had refused to return any of the slaves that had fled to his realm. He had even been recruiting the fit among them for his army. “Trifles?! You call five thousand slaves over the last three years trifles? The landowners are screaming for me to march up there and take back their property, I have been writing letters demanding he return the slaves.” Raising an eyebrow at the number of escapees, Ricemer replied in a cold voice that tied Sidonius insides into knots. ” I do not care if he has stolen your wife and all of the slaves in Gaul, I do not care if he had raped and beaten you and your entire family in the ampitheater for amusement before the gladiators graced the sand. You will apologize, make it believable, and humble now, or you will be wearing slaves chains in the market. I will put you for sale to the lowest bidder myself!," Sidonius , head bowed, muttering as he went to work again.
Why could he not make himself write those words? Ricimer stood, snatching up the tablet as he turned on his heel to leave, ” Never mind I will write it, and we will deliver it in person so that you may speak your apology from you knees in his court.”
Sidonius called for a fresh tablet and more wine, ” Do not water it!” he ordered impatiently. Feeling the claws of panic at his throat, he sat thinking. That damned half Visigoth half Vandal upstart barbarian Ricimer was not one to disobey. Ricimer had arranged the replacement, of the last two emperors though he had yet to acquire a firm grip on this new one. As magister militum he held the loyalty of the legions.
A fresh pitcher of wine had found itself in Sidonius hands. Hands trembling ever so gently. With a grunt that faded into a resigned sigh, Sidonius began scratching away on the fresh wax tablet. As the visions of Ricimers threats played through his mind, he found inspiration. A short time later, he ordered a slave to deliver the tablet to his scribe to be copied by hand onto a fresh scraped vellum. Now , there was only the waiting. Waiting for Eurics horde to seize all of Gaul or the coming of this Riothamus. Sidonius randomly wondered for a moment, What kind of man is this king of the Britons. Are the rumours and whispers about him true or exagerations?
The vellum was hurled into the brazier. Arthur watched it blacken and burn on the coals. ” That for his command!"
Gawain nudged Bedwyr into speech. ” Arthur, you could secure the western coastlands all the way to the mountains. Ahhh Gods! You could demand all of Hispania and they would have to do it after they had licked your arse clean.”
" Aye Bedwyr, I probably could tho we will save the arse licking for you.” Sipping from the horn, of spicy now luke warm mulled mead he continued ”I do not care about Hispania. I do care about beating the Saecsens in their own lands.We do not have the forces to do so at once. If I must whittle them down one town or petty King at a time for the next decade or so, that would cost us as much as their raids in Britain has cost since the time of the Vortigern. ”
Arthur waved his hand motioning for Bedwyr to sit on one of the camp stools that nearly filled Arthurs pavilion. Taking a seat Bedwyr asked him, ” What is that sick dog of a governor demanding now?” “He demands that I return all of the escaped slaves, every single one. Give Rome our Horses. And all of Amorica or it will be war and Rome will take it back. He then proceeds to curse and try to insult me. My answer is the same, No, not today tomorrow or ever!”
" We cannot give them our horses, nor our lands. Is he that stupid to think we would even consider it?” Arthur returned to his pacing. The two old friends concentrated, each in their own private word. Arthur was frustrated because he knew that he really had no choice. With the Saecsen raiding westward into Armorica, the rampaging Goths pillaging their way across Gaul, Arthur knew there was war. How to avoid two fronts at once? How to stop Euric should he move towards Armorica. The Britons with the Dal Riata, the Armoricans as well as Aelle’s men all together were not enough to fight both. In truth, while Arthur knew he could crush the Saecsen with the forces at his disposal. He was still sadly out numbered by Eurics forces.
Autumn turned to frost early that year. Ricimer sent the letters of Sidonius along with one of his own to Arthur. The courier rode through the early morning fog. He could not see more than an arms length around him. The fog was dense and freezing. Leaving an icy rime on everything it touched. The courier kept his eyes to the road. As long as he stayed on the road he would not get lost in this fog. He wondered why anyone would want to live in this place at the edge of the world. When Arthurs patrol challenged him, a great relief swept over him. Deliver the saddle bag, and wait for the reply. The courier hoped for a warm fire, some hot mulled wine and that Riothamus would take awhile to answer.
Upon opening the saddle bag, an oath ring tumbled out along with the sealed messages. Reading Ricimers message first, anything from Sidonius could wait, Arthur raised both eyebrows as a smile spread across his face. He offered the vellum to Bedwyr then eagerly opened the ones from the right and proper:
“Senator Gaius Sollius Nodesrus Apollinaris Sidoniu: Prefect of Rome, Comes of Gaul, Bishop of Averna greets you Riothamus Arthur King of the Britons.” Arthur read aloud. Bedwyr and Gawain laughed at the long mouth full of titles. Arthur continued over the occasional laughter. “My lord, I write to you in the greatest of hope that you could forgive my short sided arrogant insulting letters. It was beyond my station to address the Riothamus in such a manner especially concerning such trivial matters. Should you require it, I Gaius Sollius Nodesrus Apollinaris Sidoniu will journey to your kingdom at your whim in order to humble my self and beg of your forgiveness and mercy upon my knees.
Sealed by
Senator Gaius Sollius Nodesrus Apollinaris Sidoniu: Prefect of Rome, Comes of Gaul, Bishop of Averna
Arthur laughed as he threw the second letter from Sidonius onto the brazier. The other one however he would make a keepsake. Arthur looked at his friends smiling. ” It is war. Ricimer has promised a legion along with the Auxiliaries in Gaul to reinforce Arthurs forces. Further promising that he, Ricemer would be coming to the party with all of the legions under his command. He was taking all of the troops in Cisalpine Gaul along with forces from Dacia and Hispania. Let Euric sit for the winter, come the spring all will be ready and together, they would trap Euric between them. After Euric is defeated and sent in chains to the emperor Anthmius in Ravena. Together Arthur and Ricimer would subdue the Franks, and the Saecsens. It was a wonderful plan. Upon reflection, Arthur should have known better. When the universe hands you all you desire, there is always a catch.
" Riothamus a messenger!” one of the guards announced. “Is he swarthy and short?” Arthur asked, feeling a bit irritated at the interuption. The guard stood at attention , eyes forward ” Not at all my king ” he replied. Before he could continue, The other Guard on post flew though the drawn curtain entrance, landing face first nearly striking the brazier. Myrddyn was right behind him. ” We have no time to argue amongst ourselves ”
Stopping a few feet away from Arthur, ” We must strike soon, or we need not worry about Britain or any of our allies.” Arthur stood , and stretched. ” Myrddyn, we have 11,000 cavalry, the bulk of our infantry here are untrained escaped slaves., Altogether we can field only about sixteen thousand men. Euric has all of the Visigoth people with almost seven times that. They have Calvary, they know Roman tactics, we are out matched. I will not send my men into a needless suicidal slaughter. Make no mistakes, attacking Euric without the promised auxiliaries and legions Rome promised us is suicide. Where are they? Sidonius wanting us destroyed, that I understand, General Ricimer failing is a mystery.
The problem was that Anthimius did not trust Ricimer. Sidonius had been writing him warning of Ricimers alliance with Arthur and that Ricemer planned to declare himself Imperator, together with the Riothamus they would seize Ravena deposing Anthimius. The emperor believed him. Anthimius began Ordering the legions to move into Dacia to prevent Ricimer from using them. Anthimius then fled Ravena for the ruins of Rome to hide until he could raise or find legions loyal to him not Ricimer.
Anthimius’ victories had been long ago. The legions no longer remembered them. The legions, were loyal to Ricimer. None came to aid the Emperor, leaving him to hide in the wreck of Rome. Ricimer was furious. Ricimer was in Dacia organizing the chaos Anthimius had managed to wreak when Arthur and his forces sailed up the Loire river, on his way to Avallon, there to join with Ricemer.
The white raven launched from her perch on Myrddyns shoulder, landing on the make shift tent entrance, hesitating in thoughtonly a moment she launched into the crisp night air.
Arthur looked up at the two guards, thought a moment deciding to send the one that was somewhat worse for the wear. “Cambrogi, go amongst the new men, ask if any of them know about a place called Avallon. If any do, bring them back here, as quickly as possible. Turning to his best friend and Commander of the armies, ” Bedwyr, We must prepare for a war.” With a smile Bedwyr left to be about the business of the commander. He detested the record keeping, the endless briefings on supply, inventory. Bedwyr much preferred the chaos of war, the uncertainty, the challenge, and the release of victory. Aahch, but First we must know what we have so we may know what we need. Bedwyr began calling for his quarter masters the engineers, he was content in the moment of action. It is the waiting Bedwyr cannot abide.
The White raven cawed as he left the tent. She thought for a moment about going with Bedwyr, sighed and resigned herself to stay. One she made her choice to stay, she hopped off the edge of the table, transformed before her feet touched the ground.
Aeron stretched as she looked down at the map.
" I assume you already have a plan? Will you share it with us miLady? ” Aeron brushed a wayward braid back over her shoulder. ” Yes, I do. ” she answered. Arthur and Myrddyn watched her in silence awaiting a more informative answer While she was focused on the maps. Arthur cleared his throat, ” Not to disturb you Milady, but, are you going to share more with us? What is it that must do?” “Go to Avallon. Leave as quickly as you can.” With that she changed back into the White Raven, dodging between the flaps at the entrance, free into the sky. Spotting Bedwyr, she circled down cawing , Bedwyr cawed back as she settled onto his shoulder and began nuzzling his neck. ” That is too distracting Anwlyd.”
Bedwyr whispered to her as he tried to focus on the task at hand. She was having none of it. Speaking sofly , directly into his ear, ” Go on then, give your orders, then let your staff follow them. Come away Fy n ghariad I have need of you, they do not.” Bedwyr did not try and talk her out of it. If he tried she would only pester him ceaselessly nipping at his ear, head butting his jaw, pecking at his head. He had learned that lesson already. There was no telling her no when she desired ...anything. He gave out the orders, for inventory, and assembly, then asked her, “which way Anywlyd ?” She transformed to walk next to him. ” It matters not. choose.”
Oh great, now he has to figure out where an immortal Goddess would want to go. Bedwyr shrugged and asked her “What is your need?” Aeron smiled her terrifying smile. Bedwyr shuddered. She has this evil predatory, I am smiling because I am eating your heart after I nail you to a tree and set you on fire. That, I just crushed your army, sacked your city, sold your people into slavery, isnt life grand smile.
Blindly walking, he set out.
Aeron enjoyed teasing Bedwyr. Being around him had rewoken her mischievous aspect. However she could not get distracted so she must focus on her task. She had a plan.
Everyone must play their part to perfection , or , the world would be changed into a thing of disease, madness, meaningless wars, horrors that a death Goddess could not fathom. Now, this time, it will work she told herself, this time all is ready. She was certain that everything in her complicated multi dimensional web was doing exactly as she had instructed them.
Not like before.