Warrior: The story of Waldere by Webster Christopher

Author:Webster, Christopher [Webster, Christopher]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Christopher Webster for East Keswick Press
Published: 2022-03-20T00:00:00+00:00

I n Osismis, Aurelius found refuge in the monastery where he was given a new habit and become Brother Ambrosius again. From there, it was only a day’s journey to Ludia, which he made in the company of a brotherhood of monks who were visiting his old monastery. Another day’s journey took him to Riedonum.

How pleasant it was to see the distinctive red brick walls of the city; home at last! He had only just dismounted, tired and travel-weary, and looking forward to refreshment in the hospitium , when he was approached by a messenger from his brother. The messenger seemed to be in hurry and there was an anxious look in his eyes. He made his bow, then rapped out his message: “My lord, Uther, requests your immediate presence in the palace on an urgent affair of state!”

“How does he know I am here?”

“News travels fast my lord, and monks are slow.”

Brother Ambrosius realized that he was Aurelius once again and must prepare himself to take up the cares of kingship-in-waiting. He sighed. “How urgent? Can he wait until I have taken some refreshment.”

“My lord,” said the servant, nervously. “He has been fretting over this matter for days, and I believe he would wish you to come at once.”

Aurelius sighed again and climbed back onto his mule.

“No need,” said the messenger. “My lord, Uther, has sent an escort.”

At that moment, two cavalrymen on fine horses, leading his own horse, Achilles , clattered into the courtyard. Aurelius welcomed Achilles like an old friend, patted his muzzle, and climbed into the saddle. He had no time to change his clothes, and laughed to himself as he thought what an incongruous sight he would be to the people – a poor, travel-stained monk on a horse fit for a king.

He found his brother pacing up and down in the audience chamber of the royal apartments. Uther turned round at the sound of footsteps, and hurried to embrace him. “At last!” he said, sounding much relieved. “I thought you would never come! There is an urgent matter...”

“But don’t you want to hear about...” began Aurelius, thinking that nothing could be more important than his tragic news about Merlin’s death.

“Later, later...” said Uther, consumed with the urgency of his own problem. “There’s a messenger from Flavius Aetius, and he won’t go away. I keep telling him he is wasting his time, but he won’t take no for an answer. He’s an important man, the Praetorian Prefect of Gallia, so we mustn’t keep him waiting any longer. But it’s better if you deal with him. I’m no diplomat. I am a man of action. In any case, it’s your decision. You are the future king.”

“But what is it all about?” said Aurelius.

“It will ruin all our plans,” said Uther, not making the matter any clearer.

Aurelius realised he would get nowhere with Uther while he was in this excitable mood, so he decided to get to the heart of the matter himself.

“I will see this messenger...”

Uther breathed an audible sigh of relief.

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