Retribution

Chapter Six

Caradoc woke with a start, sitting up suddenly and breathing heavily, cold sweat on his brow and chest, his pillow damp, it had been a dream, but it had been so real. He remembered back to the day when the girl had told him of the treachery of Adminius, why had it now come to him in his sleep? All those years ago, he had been warned, and although he had felt that what she had said was true, he had ignored her warning, how was this possible? He pushed himself off the bed, his naked skin felt cold due to the sheen of perspiration and reached for the ladle in the pail of water beside the bed. He poured some into a wooden cup and drank. He thought back again to that day, when his world began to change and nothing would be the same again with his older brother. Another incident returned to his thoughts and he wondered why he had now begun to think of these things again. His brother was a traitor and he had paid for his betrayal with his life, a life he had taken not long after the death of Tog.

Adminius had slowly grown distant after that day and sought companionship from others, while he and Tog had stayed together, growing older. It was three years later when reports began to come in that Adminius and his new found friends were crossing into other tribal lands. He had also started to drift away from their close-knit family as well and although it was clear that the King was unhappy about his behaviour, he never discussed it with his other sons. Cunobelin had worked tirelessly to ensure a peaceful existence after years of inter-tribal conflict between the Catuvellauni and surrounding lands. Trade had slowly prospered and treaties were agreed, even marriages took place and there was a melding of the people. More traders soon began to arrive from across the water to the east, and for the first time in memory his people could concentrate on their daily chores without a threat from outside.

One day, during the start of winter, he had seen an emissary arrive from a neighbouring tribe. The rider had dismounted from his horse and had been quickly ushered in for an audience with his Father. He had sat listening outside, leaning against the wall and watching leaves as they fell from nearby trees, trying to overhear the conversation. He had heard his Father raising his voice and the name Adminius was mentioned again and again. Soon after, the rider had departed looking flushed and had left the settlement quickly.

“Find my sons.” He had heard his Father shout from within the great hall where he received guests. Startled he turned quickly and began to walk away then he realised he had nothing to be guilty of. Before the warrior who had been ordered to find him and Tog could say a word, he pre-empted his request.

“I heard my Father. You will find Togodumnus gelding the colts in the lower pasture.” He had told the guard as he went inside.

His father was a large man, both in height and breadth and had been a great warrior in years gone by. The seasons however, had begun to take their toll and his hair and beard were flecked with grey, he walked awkwardly, limping slightly from an injury caused whilst falling from a horse, but he still had the bearing and power of a man not to be reckoned with.

“Ah Caratacus there you are, where is your brother?” The King asked his voice booming in the large room. He had fixed him with a stare that made him feel slightly un-comfortable. He wasn’t used to seeing his Father angry, as he clearly was now. He wore a large silver torc around his neck that overlapped his brown tunic, matching leggings and dark leather boots.

“Tog is with the foals Father. I told Werewik where to find him.” He replied referring to the warrior he had spoken with.

“Mm yes of course he is, with all these other things to deal with,” he waved an arm at things unseen, “I often forget about the gelding.” He answered. Seeing the look on his son’s face he continued, “Best to get it done now with the onset of winter, less flies you see, always remember that, otherwise the dirty little bastards can cause you all sorts of problems, disease and the like.”

“Yes Father of course.” He stood waiting for Cunobelin to go on.

“Where’s your older brother, that rancid little turd Adminius?” The king asked, he had a way with language.

Caratacus hesitated, he knew that both of his parents were aware of the distance that had developed between their sons but they had never spoken of it openly.

“I think he left a few days ago, hunting I believe with his friends,” Caratacus replied.

“Where? Where did he go hunting, do you know?” The King asked.

“South but I don’t know where exactly, he hardly ever talks to Tog and I anymore, he’s more interested in his friends.” Caratacus said.

“Mm really.” The King replied pushing himself off his chair with a sigh. “Maybe I should have Togodumnus geld that little prick as well eh?” Caratacus grimaced, although he knew his Father was joking, the gelding of men had been known to happen. Rapists or those who interfered with the young, both male and female were known to be treated this way.

“What’s happened? What has he done Father?” Caratacus asked as his Father poured some wine into a large wooden flask and took a mouthful. He walked to the table and poured himself some. “Roman?” He asked.

“Yes it is, nice eh? I must admit those skirt wearers know how to make a nice drop, we must try to make our own.” His Father said as he stalked around the room. “Wait until Tog gets here and I’ll tell you what that weasel turd has been doing now. Gods, why can’t he be like you and your brother?”

Caratacus looked away peering into his wine, he took a sip. “The Romans’ warm theirs and water it down, they say.”

Cunobelin tipped his flask draining the contents into his mouth, he poured another. “Mm, so I hear. Something to do with avoiding drinking the water pure, that’s often full of things to make you ill, or maybe it’s because their strange bodies can’t take it.” He laughed. “Ah Togodumnus, good.” He said as Caradoc’s brother entered the room, he was breathing heavily having run from the pasture.

“What is it Father, trouble?” Tog asked.

“You could say that,” he said, “take a seat both of you.” They did as they were told sitting on a smooth wooden bench against the wall. “I want you to go and find your brother.”

“I’ve still got colts to geld Father. They have to be done now because they’re starting to cause problems with each other and the females.” Tog said.

“That can be done by others, you don’t have to do everything yourself, I’ll find someone else to do that, there are plenty who know how.”

The young horses, those aged between twelve to eighteen months were at an age where they were now challenging each other and were getting dangerous. Fighting between dominant males could become a serious problem and so they were gelded before animals were injured or killed.

“What’s our brother done now?” Tog asked.

“They say he’s been taking liberties, drinking, whoring, taking property, fucking girls who don’t want his maggot inside them, getting into fights with that band of bastards he rides with, you know the ones.” He sat down. “It’s no way to behave, at least on the lands of others with their folk. If he were here, inside our territory, I could settle the matter quietly but he’s bringing shame on us and I won’t have it.” He took another drink, “I especially won’t have it when he’s doing it outside the tribe on Regni land, the stupid, reckless fool.”

The Regni were the tribe to the south who lived along the coastline. Problems with them could mean a restriction on trade from over the sea and that couldn’t be allowed to happen.

“I want you to go and find him and bring him back as soon as you can.” The King ordered.

“What if he refuses? Tog asked.

The King leaned forward, “You tell him that I sent you and that if he refuses I will come for him and if that happens he’ll be glad to have just his balls removed.” He stared at both sons sat before him. “I’m running out of patience with Adminius, ever since he met those Romans all those years ago, he has been a problem. He must think that because he’s first in line that no matter what he does, he’ll become king when I’m dead, well it doesn’t always happen that way. He needs to change and change quickly, he needs to earn respect, not have contempt and hatred from those around him. How old is he now?”

“He’s twenty years Father, one year older than me.” Tog said.

“Yes, yes that’s right, three older than you Caratacus and you’re more reliable as a son.” Tog and Cara had never heard their Father say anything like this about Adminius before but he was clearly very unhappy and angry.

“Take some of the men with you, and bring that despicable little runt back here and if he refuses, use force and if that fails, tell him his life won’t be worth living if I have to come looking for him.”

They left their brooding Father alone, “It’s not worth leaving now.” Tog said looking up at the sky, “It’ll be dark soon but we can get things ready for tomorrow and find some suitable riders to come with us. We’ll leave at first light in the morning, try and get a good night’s sleep I think we’ll need it.”

They set off the next day after a hot breakfast of pork and vegetable broth that their Father had insisted upon. Riding with twenty seasoned warriors of the King’s personal guard, they headed south at a steady trot. The weather was turning now, with grey skies overhead and leaves falling from the trees all around them. The men were wrapped up against the cold wearing heavy cloaks and long animal skin boots. Caratacus cursed silently to himself as he felt the breeze wash through his outer layers.

Tog saw his discomfort, “Don’t worry little brother we’ll be back in a few days.”

Cara looked over to him riding at his side at the head of their small group, “That may be but if it wasn’t for that fool Adminius, we wouldn’t be riding out at all in this weather.” He replied guiding his horse with his upper legs. “I can’t understand why he has to cause so many problems. I couldn’t sleep properly thinking about it last night. He has everything he could need or want and he’s going to inherit all that Father owns in time, yet he shames him all the time, why do you think that is?”

Tog pursed his lips, “I really don’t know, but he’s always been the odd one out of all of us. He’s always gone his own way it must be in his nature or something. I’ve never heard Father so angry before, he’s never spoken of this with me but it seems his patience has been exhausted this time. If our brother had done these things that he’s accused of in our territory, it wouldn’t be that bad, bad enough I’ll grant you, but recompense could have been offered. Shaming us in front of the Regni is a different matter altogether, it makes us all look like fools and makes it seem as if Adminius is above the rule of anyone including Father. He has to be brought in line and quickly.”

Caratacus shook his head, “What do you think he’ll do when he sees we’ve been sent to get him?”

“I’m sure I don’t know but if he refuses to comply with our Father’s wishes, he’ll make him wish he was never born.” Tog replied.

“I heard him talking to the men before we set out,” he indicated to those riding behind them with a nod of his head, “he told them to make sure we return with Adminius and those he has with him or not to return at all.”

Tog smiled, “Father is just angry, he’ll come back with us don’t worry about that, even if he has no wish to do so, we’ll make him. If he resists, those with him will be cut down and we’ll strap him to a horse if we have to.”

“And what of later, when he becomes king? How will he treat his kin then, us I mean?” Caratacus asked as a gust of wind blew his long hair into his face. “Curse this weather.”

“We shall worry about that when the time comes but I hope it’s not for many years. Our king has a while before he passes,” he looked at Caratacus smiling, “I hope anyway, so our good brother won’t take his place for many years. Maybe by then he’ll behave in a manner more fitting to rule the land. Mother told me that some take longer to mature but that she thought he was actually getting worse not better, if we were all the same, life would be a little drab though eh?”

“He cannot become king as he is. Everything Father has worked so hard for would be ruined.” Caratacus looked at Tog, real anger in his eyes.

“I agree and together we will make sure that doesn’t happen believe me, he must change or we will have little choice. I have no wish to take Father’s place but I will not see Adminius take his seat unless things change and change for the better.”

“Are you saying we kill him?” Caratacus asked. “Kill our own brother?”

“We would have no choice as things are. Can you imagine him as king as he is? He already takes women because of his position, thinking he has a right because of his family; he shames us all. He’s disruptive to those around him as if he enjoys their pain, just look at his attitude to the Romans? He does it to hurt Father I’m certain, dressing like them, cutting his hair like them, always talking of Rome and how we should be more like them. If he became king what would he do concerning Rome? Hand over lands, become one of them totally, a puppet ruler on behalf of their empire? No, he has to change not just for our people but for us as well Cara, I won’t live like that.”

“Nor I brother but how has it come to this?” Caratacus asked.

“I don’t think the how is what matters anymore, it’s what we do about it that counts.” Tog answered.

“Remember that girl a few years ago, when we were out hunting and I had just met Mo? She warned us about him even then, that must have been three summers ago now.” Caratacus said. In the intervening years his relationship with Mott had grown and they had become very close.

“The girl with dark eyes, yes I remember, her brother had said she was to become a Shaman. Even she, who didn’t know him, recognised the deceit inside.” He shook his head, “I thought she was a mad woman at the time, how wrong I was.”

That night they camped by the side of a river in a shallow ravine. It afforded them some shelter from the wind that hadn’t let up all day. A fire pit was dug a few feet deep to keep the draft away and some of their group went hunting before they settled down for the night. For supper they shared wild boar roasted over the flames before wrapping themselves in thick woollen blankets and trying to get some sleep.

When they awoke early the next morning, the wind seemed to have blown itself out but it was still cold, at least it was dry. After packing their belongings, they set out again heading further south and around midday crossed the border between their lands and those of the Regni. There was no immediate difference to their surroundings but a short time later they came across a group of armed riders, clearly Regni from their clothing.

Tog raised an arm halting his men, “Greetings Regni warriors, I am Togodumnus, son of Cunobelin King of the Catuvellauni, we come in search of a party led by my brother Adminius. Your own king sent a messenger north, saying that there have been problems, we come to return him.”

A man at the head of their band, clearly their leader spoke, “We seek him ourselves. He and his men have behaved like animals since they crossed onto our land. We were told they were last seen nearby heading towards the next settlement.” He pointed along a track away to the left. “Our people here are farmers with few goods or things of value, yet they steal and take anything they choose, they use our women and behave almost as if there were war between us.”

Caratacus saw the Regni were well armed, they carried bows as well as swords, shields and some had spears.

“We can find him together.” Tog suggested. “He has brought shame upon our people and my Father wants him to pay for the insult he has shown you by behaving like this.”

“I am Colgan.” their leader said, “We are tasked with dealing with this Adminius and his men. We do not need your help.” He began to turn his horse.

“Colgan,” Tog shouted, “I know my brother is a fool and has broken the treaty between our two peoples but if you take matters into your own hands, the situation will become worse.” He raised an eyebrow emphasising his words. The Catuvellauni were a much larger tribe than the Regni, he didn’t need to explain the consequences of what hostile action against Adminius would cost.

Colgan looked around at the faces of those with him and then answered reluctantly, “Very well, we will go together, but I want anything that he and his men have taken. It will be returned to those he has stolen from, this is not a request, do you understand?”

Caratacus felt the tension rise and knew that in the blink of an eye, men could be dying.

“Very well, agreed.” Tog said, “But no harm is to come to him, our Father and king will determine his punishment.”

“Agreed.” Colgan said, “But if they draw arms, we will defend ourselves.”

“If they draw their weapons, we will deal with them. You and your men can stay behind us. If we are attacked, you will see us deal with them. My brother may be a fool but he has never been a fighter……or a good one at least.”

Colgan nodded his agreement and the Regni fell in behind the Catuvellauni riders heading in the direction that he had indicated.

A short time later, they heard screaming and kicked their horses into a gallop. Caratacus kept pace with Tog as they approached the village where smoke was rising but not from fires within the roundhouse, they saw, instead that its roof was ablaze. As they rounded a corner, he saw a line of people standing against an animal pen being guarded by young Catuvellauni warriors. Adminius ripped the dress of a young girl exposing her breasts.

“STOP.” Tog shouted pulling his horse up. “Stop this now.”

Adminius turned, clearly shocked, “Brother! What are you doing here?”

Tog jumped from his horse and walked quickly to Adminius, who began to move backwards but not far enough to avoid the back handed strike from his younger sibling. His head jerked backwards with the force of the blow, one of Adminius’ companions moved as if to attack Tog but Cara leapt from his horse knocking him to the ground.

“How dare you strike me!” Adminius shouted, blood dripping from the side of his mouth. The youth on the ground underneath Caratacus struggled trying to get up.

“Stay down.” Cara warned him as Adminius’ companions approached in a threatening manner. Tog drew his blade, a sharp dagger and put it to his older brother’s throat.

“Our Father wants you home, now! We have been told to bring you back,” He looked around at those beginning to surround him, his own men dismounting to protect him. “He didn’t say anything about bringing your friends home,” he lied, “Maybe Colgan here, could find a use for them.”

The youth under Caratacus struggled again and managed to un-sheath a knife he had hidden in a boot. Caratacus grabbed his wrist and slammed the hand holding the blade into the ground. He shuffled his body up, placing his knees against his opponent’s throat. The boy gurgled struggling for breath, red faced.

“I appreciate your loyalty to my brother but believe me, if you struggle anymore, I will kill you where you lie.” Caratacus said determination in his stare.

“Leave it Smydion.” Adminius said to the boy underneath his brother, “my Father will hear of this insult.”

Tog moved closer to Adminius, “And what of this insult brother?” He looked to the girl with the ripped clothing, now covering her breasts, “You cross the border and treat these people like this? You risk war, after all that our Father has done to ensure peace?” He grabbed Adminius by the throat, his strong fingers gripping the flesh and tightening. Adminius gasped.

“You are a disgrace to the Catuvellauni and if you weren’t my brother, you would die right here like the dog you are.” Adminius couldn’t respond, Tog nodded at one of his men who came forward, as he threw Adminius to the side, he began choking immediately struggling for breath.

“Bind them all.” Tog instructed. “The King will deal with them when we return. He looked at the youth still underneath Caratacus. “One word from you and you won’t live to see your homeland again, understand?” The stricken friend of Adminius could just nod his understanding.

With Adminius and his group bound, Tog turned to Colgan. “My brother won’t disturb you or your people again. I will take him north where my Father will deal with him and his unruly friends.”

Colgan looked at him with suspicion, “And how will I know there will be justice? You could ride back and nothing would be done.” He looked at Adminius,” This one your brother, is their leader but the others were as bad, what do I tell my chieftain…..that your word is good?”

Tog stared at the Regni warrior and knew if the situation were reversed, it would be unlikely he would let a band of riders just ride away. He looked at the group who had trespassed onto this land, their heads bowed except for Adminius.

“Choose one.” He said to Colgan. Adminius struggled but was held firm by one of Tog’s men.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Adminius demanded but Tog didn’t answer. Colgan pointed at the young man who had grappled with Caratacus on the ground.

“This one,” he said, “I choose him.” Colgan said pointing at Smydion, who lifted his head, concern growing on his face.

“What are you going to do?” Smydion asked beginning to struggle with the bindings holding his hands together, as he was shoved forward away from the others.

“Take him there,” Tog said, “where your people can see.”

Colgan grabbed him by the shoulder and marched him into the centre of those gathered all around. He stopped and looked at Tog, “Well?” He asked.

“You want a guarantee of justice?” Tog said striding toward Smydion. “On your knees.” He commanded as he pushed him down to the floor.

“Stop now, stop what you are doing.” Adminius shouted. Tog turned to his brother.

“You are responsible for this.” He pointed at Smydion and then took out his dagger. He walked behind him as he began to scream but it was too late, the cry was cut off as Tog sliced into Smydion’s throat and ripped his blade through his flesh from ear to ear. Colgan jumped backwards trying to avoid the gush of fluid but his legs were instantly covered. Blood shot out of the open wound spraying the soil dark red as the gash widened, white flesh stark against the awful image. Smydion’s eyes rolled backward into his head, he tried to speak, to say something but no words came out. His body began to jerk unnaturally, then spasm uncontrollably. Blood continued to spurt hitting the ground like heavy rain until it slowed. Tog pushed him forward and he landed with a wet thump onto his own life’s blood now pooled on the floor, he was dead.

Colgan looked up at Tog, shock over his face.

“Do you require further guarantees?” Tog asked the Regni. He turned and pointed at the others, hands bound behind their backs now standing trembling. “Choose another.” He said, “Any except for my brother.”

Colgan backed away, “No, that was enough, I believe you, and I don’t want any more bloodshed.” He turned to his men, “Come.” He ordered as he jumped onto his horse, “King Cunobelin will deal with the rest of these savages.”

Tog ensured that Smydion was buried in a ditch on the outskirts of the settlement before they left and headed north. They rode slowly through the night crossing the border before the sun rose and headed home.

Cunobelin stared at Adminius, his eyes boring into his very soul as he stood in front of his reckless band. They had been taken directly to the hall the King used for large gatherings, a place normally reserved for official meetings, celebrations and festive occasions. The King stood up from his large wooden chair and walked towards his errant son, Adminius couldn’t look him in the eye.

“So tell me,” he said his deep voice calm and deliberate, “what shall I do with you?” He walked closer. “Rape, theft, brutality and worse, you did it inside Regni lands, you crossed the border like some uncivilised barbarian. What were you thinking?”

“Father I…” He spluttered.

“SHUT UP,” Cunobelin ordered his voice booming, Adminius lowered his head. “It was not a question for you to answer boy.”

“Tog killed Smydion.” He whispered.

“I told you to shut up!” The King shouted. “Your brother here,” he pointed to Tog, “probably prevented a war between us and the Regni or at least stopped them from taking retribution on our own people.” He turned back to Adminius. “He did the right thing, you,” he said leaning into him, “are lucky that I didn’t come to get you or the rest of your little war band here would be buried along with the other one.” The King moved away and looked at the others. “Talking of which,” he said, “get them out of my sight. If they ever come to my attention again I’ll have the flesh torn from their bodies and what remains fed to the pigs. The only thing that’s saving that from happening now is that you were following this fool.” He stared at Adminius again. “Now take them away.” The others were escorted out of the hall leaving the King with his three sons, Cunobelin returned to his chair.

“How can I ever trust you again?” He asked. “My oldest son and heir behaving in such a way, is this how you will rule when I’m dead? You would bring war to the tribes after all we’ve done to ensure peace, a good way of life.” Adminius didn’t answer. “I must have done something wrong with you,” the King continued, “why can’t you be more like your brothers?” He raised his head looking at the high roof. “Gods I’m just glad your Mother isn’t alive to see how you have turned out, a vile, treacherous sliver of weasel dung that would ruin everything we’ve worked for over the years.” He stared at his son who stood head down. “Look at me when I’m talking to you!” He shouted. “At least demonstrate some real kind of courage.” Adminius looked up his face red.

“So tell me, why did you do it?” The King asked of his son. Cara and Tog looked from one to the other.

“We should take their land.” He replied almost whispering.

“What?” His Father asked.

“We should take their land Father.” He found his voice. “Are we not the stronger, the larger, most dominant tribe?” He looked at his brothers. “We aren’t all farmers, glad to work the land, rely on others to allow trade. The Regni control the coast where the goods come from Rome and Gaul. They could hold us to ransom, stop the imports, how would we live then?”

“What, what are you saying, can you hear yourself?” The King asked. “We have lived in peace with our neighbours for many years. They have never tried to stop the traders, messengers or anything else. We freely take goods to the coast to board the ships bound for Rome and elsewhere across the water, why would the Regni suddenly stop that? If they did, we would then do something about it but have they? Do they obstruct the flow of goods going either way? Is there something my son is aware of that I am not?”

“The Romans wouldn’t allow this.” Adminius said. “They wouldn’t let a lesser people dictate their commerce, their trade, who was allowed to barter with them, to reach their lands. They would crush them, so the problem didn’t exist.”

“We are not Romans Adminius, you are not Roman. For generations the different peoples of Albion fought and killed each other for land and where did it get them? I’ll tell you, nowhere, except for the borders we now see between us. Even they had to stop the fighting, the killing and slaughter eventually. In the end there was peace, no cross border attacks, no more wars and bloodshed and trade grew, peaceful co-existence, we’ve changed, we live side by side now and it is better this way. We no longer have to look to defend ourselves, trying to sleep at night wondering if we’re going to be attacked. You have never had to live like that, and for that you should be thankful, not go on about the mighty Roman way of life. Do you really believe they would let us live like we do if they came to Albion?”

“It is weak.” Adminius said. “And they aren’t as you say, you have never been there, how would you know?”

“How would I know? Did I not send you to Rome to study when you were younger?”

“Yes you did Father and I’m grateful, more so than you’ll ever know but we can’t carry on living like this. One day they’ll cross the channel with their legions and what will they find? They’ll find divided people with no unity, tribes that, as big as they are, are not one people.” Adminius said. “I’ve always said that we should be more like them and this is our chance but we have to be bigger, stronger and if we take the Regni lands and do with them as we please, the empire will respect us more so than they do now.”

The King sat shaking his head, “Where has this nonsense come from? Why now do you of all people decide that this should happen? There is no threat from Rome, why would they send their soldiers to Albion, they already trade with us.”

“Did we not send warriors to Gaul to fight against them?” Adminius asked.

“That was years ago. What relevance does that have to us now, today?” The king asked.

“Did Albion send warriors to fight against Rome in Gaul?” Adminius asked again, without waiting for a reply he continued, “The answer Father is yes and once the Gaul’s were defeated, the legions came to Albion.”

“And they were defeated.” The King said. “They were thrown back into the sea, twice they came and twice they lost, their great General, victor of Gaul, Caesar himself.”

“But Albion was not divided then as it is now, don’t you see? If we are stronger, they are more likely to be our allies, friends rather than our enemies.” Adminius said. “All we have to do is defeat the likes of the Regni and the lands all the way to the coast are ours. No longer would we have to rely on their goodwill, we would rule most of the south the most important part of the land as far as the empire is concerned. We can give them that step to the rest of the island.”

“What are you saying, give them our land? Why would we do this? Do you realise that what you’re saying isn’t real, there is no threat from Rome, there are no legions waiting to board ships and go to war, we are at peace with them.” The King repeated his frustration growing.

“No Father, the last thing I’m saying is that we should give them our lands but we can prevent them from trying to take them. Here let me show you.” Adminius said. Cunobelin bit his lip and nodded his permission as Adminius plucked a spear from the wall and began drawing in the earth.

“This is Rome,” he said sketching a long piece of land with a foot at the bottom, “here is Gaul, Germania and Hispania.” He drew a rough map of the known world. “Now years and years ago, the influence of the empire was here,” he indicated a line on the map, “but today,” he drew another, “it is here.” The drawing showed that the Roman Empire had come to their door and that only the channel and the Regni lands now separated them. For the first time that day the King was silent. He sat staring at the floor, at the rough map drawn by his son.

***

After the conversation with Adminius that day, Cunobelin became sullen and withdrawn. He had ordered that his unruly son be confined to their own borders and was not to be in the company of more than five of his friends or companions again. Still, the years passed and the events of the infringement into Regni territory were forgotten and life went on peacefully. There were no disputes with other tribes, reparations were made to the Regni King and his people and trading grew with Rome. The Catuevellauni even began minting their own coins, a lesson learned from traders and instead of bartering, many people then traded coins for goods.

In time, the restrictions on Adminius were all but forgotten as crops, herding, trading and the very chore of existing continued, life could be difficult enough as it was without keeping an eye on him. Cunobelin even began to let him meet with outsiders and to cross the border once more as the years took their toll and he began to age.

Things had never been the same between the brothers after that day years before. Adminius never forgave Tog for the death of his friend Smydion and Caratacus had just happened to be there, so he was equally blamed for undermining him. As the influence of Adminius grew, the warning signs were there for all to see except for the King, who had taken to his bed and could no longer govern effectively and so left the running of the land to his sons.

And so it was a few years later that another dispute occurred once more concerning the Regni when it was claimed that a herd of cattle had been stolen from a settlement in Catuvellauni territory and driven south. Adminius seized the opportunity to ride across the border with two hundred warriors and raised three settlements to the ground, killing those who had lived there and leaving nothing in his wake. He had returned home telling every one of his triumph and began making plans to conquer the Regni completely. Togodumnus and Caratacus were appalled by this and informed their king who was equally angered by his oldest son’s further betrayal.

Subsequently, Adminius was once again brought before his Father and King in the large hall, with his other sons present. As his eldest son tried to argue and give reasons for the attack, Cunobelin sat listening with tired eyes. When his heir was finished Cunobelin spoke.

“I have been too ill of late to keep a close watch on you as I promised I would, just a few years ago and you have betrayed me for the last time. Maybe you saw me getting frailer and reasoned that you could do as you pleased as you have once more, but I am not too old to see the evil in you.” Adminius tried to speak but his Father raised a hand silencing him.

“I am told that you have slaughtered nearly a hundred people of the Regni and they are now gathering warriors as I speak to retaliate.” He took a sip from a large wooden mug. “They intend to ride north and take vengeance for your actions, no doubt intending to do what you did to their people to ours and I cannot allow that.” He looked at each son in turn.

“Why you could never be like your brothers, is beyond my ability to understand, you have always been so. How many times I have lain in my bed worrying about how you would behave if I died and you became king, I could not say. The nightmares you have given me I couldn’t count, you are like a shadow to my thoughts and a dark cloud waiting to hover over these rich lands.” He drank again his voice getting faint.

“In many ways you have made my decision for me, so I thank you for that. You have given me no choice in coming to the conclusion I have reached, that I had to reach for the future of our tribe and for those who live by our sides. If you were any other man you would be dead already, but as much as it hurts me to say it you are still my son and so shall live.”

Adminius saw some hope and his expression began to lighten but his Father continued, “Togodumnus is now my heir and will become the next leader of the people being the next son in my line. You Adminius will finally have your way and you can go live amongst your Roman friends as you will be banished from Albion. When I have finished speaking, you will be escorted from this place and will be taken to the coast where, if the Regni don’t kill you, you will be taken to Gaul never to return.”

Adminius was white with shock at his Father’s words and started to tremble, everything that he had ever wanted, everything that he was going to have, had just been removed and there wasn’t anything he could do to retrieve it.

“You can’t do this.” He shouted, “I am to become King, me….not him.” He said pointing to Togodumnus who looked as shocked as he. “I did what anyone would do. I was merely protecting our people because you couldn’t.” He shouted.

“Take him south and round up his close friends, they are to be banished also, I don’t want them here, poisoning others with their words.” The King ordered not looking at anyone except his soon to be exiled kin. “I will mourn you Adminius as you are no longer my son, this you have brought upon yourself, now go. Leave this place while you are still able.” The King struggled to his feet as Adminius continued to shout trying desperately to change his Father’s mind but it was to no avail. As the king slowly walked towards the door at the rear of the hall, Adminius tried to run towards him but was stopped by Togodumnus and Caratacus. He tried to resist, screaming and shouting at his Father but they were too strong and held him firm. As the King left without looking back, Adminius began to sob as he realised his life with his family was over.

Togodumnus immediately sent a messenger south trying desperately to avoid the blood bath that would surely come if the Regni weren’t told of Cunobelin’s decision to exile his son. He gathered as many warriors as he could for the journey, he and Caratacus would themselves escort Adminius to the port where a vessel would carry him across the channel.

Content that the rebel who had taken so many lives was to be sent across the water, the Regni king allowed safe passage for the Catuvellauni party as they journeyed to the Roman merchant vessel that stood at anchor unloading goods. Also exiled but at a time of their own choosing, would be the warriors who had followed Adminius and carried out the atrocities.

Negotiations were made with the captain of the ship, who agreed to take Adminius east when he saw the Regni tribesmen waiting nearby, ensuring that the deal was done. He didn’t want to become embroiled in an internal dispute involving angry Britons who it seemed were ready to kill each other.

“Despite all the differences between us brother, I’m sorry it has come to this.” Togodumnus said. “I never wanted to inherit Father’s title, I hope you know that?”

Adminius looked at both his siblings, tears in his eyes, “I know that Tog and I swear to you that I was only doing what I thought was right.” He looked at Caratacus, “Well little brother this is goodbye, look after him won’t you?” He said looking at Tog who was standing to one side. “I will miss you both, please tell Father that I’m truly sorry for any hurt I’ve caused.”

Caratacus let the tears roll freely down his face as he hugged his brother, “Goodbye Adminius, take care. One day I’m sure we’ll see each other again.”

Adminius leant back, “Be certain of that.” He straightened looking at Togodumnus once more serious. “One day I shall return.”