Hadrian's Trader by Richard Yeo

Author:Richard Yeo [Yeo, Richard]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-78099-635-6
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing
Published: 2013-06-28T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 24

(Going Home)

Devana was a sizeable fort at the mouth of the River Don. Outside its high, turf walls clustered a settlement of thatched huts. Beyond the huts rose the masts of three trading vessels gently rocking beside a wooden jetty. Grey clouds scudded low from the west. The light was starting to fail as they led the mule strings up the final half-mile slope to the gates of the rest house.

It had been a wet two days march from Inverurie. At the start, despite a few sore heads and a misty drizzle, there had been a holiday mood among the group. Now everyone was tired as well as soaked to the skin. Lucius found himself in a strange mood. His thoughts kept harking back to the summer just past: the sights, the people, the achievements. At the same time he found himself looking forward to the next market, only to realize that there were no more, for this year at least. He felt deflated.

From their conversation it was plain that the slaves were looking forward to their winter quarters at Trimontium. Josephus had been careful not to say as much but Lucius had little doubt that he too yearned for his snug villa in the Northern Vicus with its fire of apple logs and its elegant furniture. Yet Lucius was not at all sure he too wanted to return to Trimontium. How would that first sight of the Eildons affect him? How would it be to visit Aithne’s lonely hillside grave? Did he really wish to meet again his old colleagues?

His orders were to complete this year’s trading trip and then report to Sixth Legion headquarters at Eboracum. There he would receive discrete briefing as well as assistance in setting up as a trader. Common sense would indicate bypassing Trimontium and heading straight for headquarters yet he was still, nominally at least, Josephus’ guard. The Syrian was heading home with a small fortune in precious metals and coin. He would be at his most vulnerable on this last leg of the journey and the slaves would be little protection. Adolphus, who had the strength to take on ten men, lacked any aggressive instinct and, in any case, slaves were not allowed arms more dangerous than a stout staff.

No, it seemed that he must deliver the rest of the party to Trimontium. Perhaps he could make his stay as short as possible but, then, he would have to visit Aithne. Yet what could he say to her? Although logic told him otherwise his heart told him that he had betrayed her.

Josephus and Lucius stood in the shelter of the entrance to the guesthouse while the slaves led the mules through to the stables. The Syrian had noted his friend’s withdrawn expression. So here was the crisis. The hawk was nearly ready to fly. Well, so be it. He, Josephus, would do his part.

After they had eaten and he had seen the slaves bedded down, Josephus sat once again with Lucius in front of a log fire.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.