Kyla - Virgin Warrior (Closed for Umyes)

[Iwasagoodgirl]

Kyla

Kyla was stunned to hear of the death of Boudica, it was so unexpected after her stunning victories at Camulodunum, Londinium and Verulamium. Kyla had hoped to lead her own troops to link up with both the Icenis and Cantis but dysentery not the Romans had changed those plans, weakened Boudicas’s forces and by the time the Legions struck the resistance was over.

Kyla had a choice now either return to her home in Caledonia and marry a local chieftain of a rival tribe or continue leading her people South in the hope of driving the invaders back to Anglesey. The heavy rain delayed the option of returning North long enough for the decision to be taken out of her hands.

Gara, the widow of one of Caledonian leaders came running into their encampment saying a small group of Romans was less than half a day away. Kyla quickly summoned her warriors and told them of the threat. Slowly they drew up a plan of attack and that night they struck while the Roman party were off guard. Kyla herself crept up on the unsuspecting lookout thrusting her dagger into his neck severing his trachea so fast he couldn't even raise an alarm.

Her archers were given the signal and simultaneously half of the Roman contingent were despatched to the afterlife. Sounds of alarm were heard in the brothel tents but by the time the Romans realised what had happened Kyla and her warriors were on them showing no mercy.

By morning the smoke from the ruins were all that was left of the Roman encampment. Kyla’s group had sufficient food, weapons and horses to get them back to Caledonia. But they had also committed the ultimate crime against their conquerors and the Romans would not allow matters to go unpunished.

One of the Legions returning from the battle with Boudica came across the ruined encampment and immediately sent word to the head quarters in Westwic. The order went out to capture the young warrior and make an example of her.

http://orig00.deviantart.net/cc81/f/2013/277/6/8/celtic_woman_warrior_by_art_dewhill-d4nr33v.jpg

 

[Elvenoff1]

Umyes with respect, Iwasagoodgirl has given me permission to continue with this story. Thank you.


Marcus Acilius brother to Gaius was sent to the northern kingdom with his Fifth legionnaires, one of the most feared Roman legions of the Eastern providence, to quell the uprising of the famous Queen Boudicca and her rebellious tribes. The defeat was shocking to those of this land, rightly so for the Britton rebels out numbered them twenty to one, his legion didn’t come out of that battle unscathed he lost ten good polearm soldiers and ten times more injured, however they survived their wounds and rejoined his ranks.

The night was coming quick as he was making his way back to the lower midlands he had orders to merge with the thirteenth legionnaires to reinforce their ranks and to continue to sequester any further uprisings. This order was a slap to his legions face which brought disturbing waves of upheaval among his own soldiers. His past nights been labored at the war table listening to the centurions discussing how the upheaval should be dealt with. Marcus stood firmly on keeping discipline and those that continued to speak against the orders giving to them by the Prefect will be flogged.

The sight that welcomed them upon cresting the hill was one of gruesome carnage. There before them was a massacre of at least a century of men. Their markings aliened them to the tenth legion which took heavy casualties in the battle of Watling Street. He moved his forces in a encirclement of the destroyed camp his Calvary at the outer rim for quick deployment incase this was a staging for another ambush. He immediately sent a runner to the Prefect to inform him of this massacre.

He made camp here burying the bodies and refurbishing the weapons and equipment. His forces needed the rest for the march thus far was long and hard for the orders were marked with the terminology immediately to merge with the Thirteenth legionaries, that is where this Century of men must have been heading. Marcus looked out of his tent watching his soldiers securing trip lines and formation breaking pits. “We must be ready just incase this was a force larger than a tribe. He looked to his second which remained quite but gave a nod of agreement.

Upon morning the runner was back with new orders to find this rebel force and destroy them. Marcus smiled for this new set of orders from the Prefect would end the upheaval among his ranks. I want to disperse squads to question the clansmen of this area. I want to know who was responsible for this massacre. We will stay here and set up portcullises walls just under the crest of the hills to give any attacking surprise upon coming over the hill. He smiled as the images of impelled rebellious cavalry units.

He ordered his Centurions to send out squads of men to villages and press to find out whom did this. He himself mounted and took a quarter of a century with him. He decided to head to the fort of Flintshire in hopes to gather news from there. His column moved out after he sent scouts out ahead of them by an hour …

 

[Iwasagoodgirl]

Kyla was leading her people North towards Venta Icenorum to link further with the Iceni Tribe and encourage them to further fortify their defences. From there she hoped to lead her people up through the northern region and back to Caledonia.

Some of the women they had rescued from the Romans were heavily pregnant and although they were not Icenis she knew she could rely on Boudica's people to support them until they had given birth and absorb them into their ranks. That was the plan, but plans don't always work out.

Gara helped marshal the group which numbered some fifty men and three hundred women. Kyla tried to teach any able bodied woman how to fight while the men assisted her. When they were about two days from Venta Icenorum a shout went out that a small group of women had been seen in the surrounded wooded area. As night fell and the group made camp guards were set to ensure against surprise attack.

After the night meal was nearly over one of the guards brought two women to see Kyla. They told her the Romans were attacking villages and demanding to know who was responsible for the attack of a few days ago. The leading woman who called herself Rowena told how her husband had been cut in two along with most of the men of the village. The elderly women had been killed and most of the younger women taken for the brothel tent. Rowena and five others had escaped. She told how village after village was facing the same fate.

Kyla called a council of elders and told them the situation. "We cannot allow this to continue" she said "I will lead a group to take on the Romans while some of the men escort the vulnerable to Venta Icenorum. Maybe the Icenis can send an army to support us."

Row a stepped forward and warned "I hear the Romans have sent Marcus Acilius to put down the rebellion once and for all. He's a ruthless man who will not stop until he has destroyed this uprising and has the leader in chains. My advice is for you to head home to Caledonia while you can."

Kyla stood up and addressed her people. "Those of you who want to try to make their way back to Caledonia are free to go. I've decided to meet this threat head on. It might even buy you some time." All the able bodied members of her group said they would fight alongside her and only those unfit to fight sought shelter with the Icenis.

The following morning Kyla led a dozen warriors back to Rowna's settlement where they found half a dozen Romans looting the area. Using arrows and slingshot they sent them to the afterlife, all bar one, a wounded centurion. Kyla had him brought to her and soon realised he could understand some Gaelic. Tying him to his horse she said "Tell Marcus Acilius he has a week to leave this area. Otherwise Kyla,the Virgin Caledonian Warrior will remove his head from his shoulders!"

Gara called Kyla to one side "Was that wise? Among us Caledonians virginity is a sign of strength and power but the Romans will see it as a challenge. He might make it his mission to take your purity as an example to all who challenge Rome."

"O he can try" Kyla said "I hope he does because it will make capturing him easier" then she drew her sword and sliced through an apple "But as for taking me" she laughed "How will he do that after I've sliced his cock in two?" They both laughed.

 

[Elvenoff1]

Sweat rolled down Marcus’s back as he pushed his cock deep into the pussy of his claimed whore from the village he liberated from the uprising tribes. His seed was heavy and seeped out when he pushed himself up from her. His eyes admiring the glistering body of his new sex slave. “So you say her name is Kyla.” He reached down and pulled her head up and to his cock. “Clean your filth from me.” he barked while he was forming a plan to make this Kyla pay for her crimes against the Empire.

He pushed her away when she finished cleansing his cock from her heavy cream. He dressed himself back into his armor when he turned toward the opening of his command tent from the commotion that was occurring outside of his tent. He looked back at the slave before walking to the flaps, looking over his shoulders. “Stay as you are, I will return soon.” He barked before stepping out of his tent. His body shivered slightly when the cool breeze raked across his skin.

His eyes grew hard when his gaze fell upon the tied Centurion whom was gagged like a slave. Marcus bit back the anger that was swelling up in his chest. He looked down to the ground for a moment trying to find the words that would describe the anger that was boiling his blood, but the words would not come to him so he let out a heavy sigh. “What do we have here?” He hissed while stepping up to the centurion. “By the Gods what is this? One of my centurion tied up like some pig stuffed for the pit!” He yanked the Centurion for the horse and watched as the man’s body bounced off the ground. The moaning of the pain shoot through his body only brought him a kick in the gut by Marcus. “What a disgrace… Deliver your message!” He bellowed out.

The centurion pushed himself up from the ground. “I have been informed to report to you that you have a week to leave this land or Kyla, The Virgin Caledonian warrior will remove your head from your shoulders.” The Centurion was pulled up from the ground by one strong arm of Marcus. “Where did this happen!” he looked into the pain ridden eyes of the Centurion. “I was with the Northern advance, a small Village just a half day ride from here.” Replied the Centurion as he was released and pushed away.

Marcus looked to the guards that escorted the centurion to him. “Thirty flogs if he lives the night he may rejoin the ranks as a polearm carrier. If he dies tie him to a pole and show everyone that I don’t accept failure or uprising without taking lives.” He ordered. His face stern as the Centurion was dragged away. His words of mercy were ignored. He moved off from the camp toward the north. His eyes scanned over the horizon. “We change course in the morning. I want scouts sent out to the north at first light.” He spoke to who ever was nearby.

“So, Kyla my Virgin Queen, You wish to test my steel. I shall show you my steel as I use it to take your purity!” He smiled at the thought. He slowly turned back and walked to his tent. He looked at his newly whore as she remained where she when he left her. “So you do speak the truth. This Kyla does she have family?” He grew angered when the woman shrugged her shoulders. He smiled ‘No, matter we will find her and she will be joining you in my bed by this time plus two days.” He removed his attire once more and climbed into bed when her. She only fought a short time when he brought his dagger to her throat once again. He entered her hard as he was imagining he was fucking this Kyla the virgin queen.

When the morning came, he ordered all the whores to be tied at the neck and bound to horse but they were to march in front and on the sides of his columns. This would hinder some of her use of archery, which she seems to rely on and will be her ending… “I want all the slain females to be hung on poles for all to see what happens when you raise arms to the Empire.”

He marched north to find this Virgin Queen…

 

[Iwasagoodgirl]

Kyla gathered as much intelligence as she could on Acilius and his methods, his troops and the make up of his army. She knew it was Roman practice to use native Italians in their regular army supplemented by mercenaries who sold themselves to Rome in the hope of gaining Roman Citizenship and all the benefits it brought. This caused problems in the ranks because not every mercenary understood Latin, a requirement for citizenship, which meant orders were not always understood. This was a weakness she could exploit.

The Iceni Warriors were a very strong loyal group with a web of information and although the Caledonians and Icenis had history they had not fought each other since before the Roman invasion. So not only did Icenis send troop reinforcements they made their information web available to Kyla. It was from them she heard of Acilius using the whore slaves as human shield. She expected something like this and knew she had to find an alternative means of defeating her foe.

Kyler knew the Romans would have to follow the course of the River Idle to keep their horses, men and slaves well watered and the source of the river was near the village she had seen wiped out the previous day. By now some of the dead Roman bodies were in an advance state of decomposition. Leading a group back to the village she brought two corpses and dropped them into the source of the River Idle. The infection released into the water would be tasteless and in some cases deadly. Even those who did not die would become sick and weak delaying any meaningful advance. That delay would give Kyla time to muster her troops for battle.

Marcus Acilius was going to have the fight of his life.

Meanwhile the Iceni reinforcements had set their eyes on a nearby encampment the property of the local Legate Appius Vorenius Collatinus where he and his beautiful wife Aurelian and his children lived. The Legate was currently with the prefect responding to the fall of Boudica. Capturing the home would make Collatinus force the prefect put extra pressure on Acilius to bring a swift end to the rebellion. And men under pressure, especially men weakened by poisoned water make mistakes.

Foolishly the Legate had left only a token force guarding his home and they were overrun within an hour. The slaves were released and joined the rebellion while Aurelian and her three children were taken prisoner and brought to Kyla. The Iceni troops wanted to murder the children and rape Aurelian but Kyla was firm. "What have we become? Are we all Romans now that we murder defenceless children and rape women?" She turned to Aurelian and said "I think you understand my language" Aurelian nodded through the tears "you will get no special privileges, your children will be safe with ours while you will be with me. You understand Latin?" Aurelian nodded again "Then you will be useful to me. You will write to your husband informing him we have you and your children hostage. We'll exchange you for Marcus Acilius."

One of Kyla's generals interrupted "Any messenger we send will be crucified, you'll be sending them to their death."

Kyla turned to Aurelian "You'll add a note saying if my messenger does not return safe within three sunsets you will be put to the sword. Do you understand?" Aurelian again nodded and Kyla shouted "THEN GET WRITING."

When Aurelian had finished Kyla called Gara "You can read Latin, has she written what we ask?" Gara nodded and Kyla turned to Aurelian "Then you may eat with me. And in three days I will feast on roasted Roman cock once Marcus Acilius has been handed over and you've been released. Shame you won't be able to join me."

The messenger, a young Caledonian warrior was sent on his way while Kyla and her growing army made the Legate's former settlement her new headquarters.

 

[Elvenoff1]

The march of the fifth legionnaires came to a crawl, for several hours into the forced march, his men were tired, the water wagons needed filling and Marcus was horny from watching the female slaves marching along side of them. It would be dark in a few hours so Marcus decided to take those few hours to fill the wagon and send out more scouts for they were nearing the first ambush site.

Marcus ordered up his wagon along with his favorite slave, but this time he wanted another slave to be brought up with his favorite. His eyes were set upon the red head that he has been eyeing all day. He smiled when she fought his aid while he was trying to get her into the wagon. This is going to be the best of nights he mused himself.

His fantastic night wasn’t what he expected when the forward scouts returned with news of what has been done to the river. Marcus pushed the women to the side to get a better view of the scout. "How long did the tracker say the bodies been there " Marcus asked, the reply of four maybe five hours didn't settle with him well. He pushed past his scout and moved outside, his breathing was heavy. "Dump the water from the wagons it’s infected, have all men dump their water skins." He took a few more steps away before turning toward the scout, "I need you to find another water supply." The scout nodded.

Marcus turned toward the scout "Send another scout to find the new water source. I want you to take seven woman to the river have them drink the water then take those seven women and show them the dead bodies and allow them to form their own opinion that this terrible deed was done by their beloved Kyla, The Virgin Queen. Then let them go to spread the rumor that she has gone mad and is trying to poison everyone south of Caledonia. I will have her own people flocking to my ranks."

Marcus stood looking over his camp he knew that at least over two thirds of his men have drank the foul water and would either die from disease or would be too ill to fight. This was only a set back for he would pull back and treat the disease while allowing the rumor to spread about Kayla killing many villagers for they too drink from the water. He would form a line across the area and stop all that come from the north to stop the news of not drinking the water that way all from the south would fall under this same illness.

He ordered the legion to set up an encampment with Calvary poles set up around the camp. He wanted archery walls set up around sleeping tents. They were to clear the wooded area a few hundred paces to create a kill zone for his archers incase the Queen decides to try a mass assault against his position. He himself went to help this get completed instead of moving going to his slave and getting some extra enjoyment from them both.

Later after the encampment was completed and the day was coming to an end. A runner from the Queen was brought to him. He wanted to slice the head off the body and send that back to her but the fact that she held the children and the Prefect’s wife hostage caused him hesitation. He knew that the prefect would order him to deal with this but it would be a suicide move with his men soon falling ill. He looked at the messenger with a smile. “Tell the Queen if she doesn’t release her hostages I shall release my army on every village south of this line. I will treat every person as an enemy to the Roman Empire and kill them with gut wounds.”

“Also let her know that I know what she did with the Dead Romans in the water and well as you see her ruse didn’t work. Now return to you soon to be slave of mine and tell her what I have said.” He motioned for the messenger to be set free. He moved back into his tent and summoned for his two slaves once more. It was time for his bath…

 

[Iwasagoodgirl]

Kyla was surprised her messenger returned so quickly which showed Marcus Acilius was nearer than first thought. But that was not the object of the exercise. She had sent him to the Prefect not to Acilius. But maybe the gods were with her because she learned what her enemy planned to do about the river. Not that it mattered because the tribes used the waters of the River Tas, considered sacred, for drinking and not the Idle which was the only fresh water on the route the Romans were taking.

“Did you notice anything else?” She asked and in reply the messenger gave details of the encampment and the drew a rough map and described the layout. “You go and eat, drink and enjoy yourself with your woman” Kyla said. “Meanwhile we need to call the council.”

In what was the Legate's dinning room Kyla met with Gara and three of her fellow Caledonians and the Iceni leaders. She drew a map pointing out where they were, the position of the local settlements and where Acilius was almost certainly encamped. “We know he won't be taking water from the Idle anymore and to go for the streams from the Tas will expose his troops to hostile fire. He has one source” she pointed to the map “this wooded area here. It gives protection, the only protection nature affords.” She looked round the room “We have about six hours to remove that protection. Our Iceni allies can place archers at the entrance and exits to the woods? The Iceni chieftain nodded. "Gara can position sling shots etc behind them. I’ll lead a fire party to start fires here” she pointed to the map “here and there.”

The attack was planned with precision and within two hours the whole wooded area was set ablaze. No doubt news reached Acilius but with his army no suffering from the water poisoning he would be able to offer little immediate resistance. The archers and sling shots weren’t needed and by day break the army had returned to base.

Next morning Aurelian could smell the burning in the air and warned “You know your actions will bring my husband rushing back here don’t you?”

“We’ll worry about that when it happens, no doubt he’ll want Marcus Acilius to explain how this has happened. So much for my new ‘Master’”.

Aurelian asked “Is it true you're still a virgin?” Kyla nodded “You know as soon as you're captured that situation will be changed don’t you?” Without giving Kyla a chance to respond she asked “Why? Is it your choice or what?”

Kyla sat her hostage down "In our tribal custom female virginity is a sign of strength, the fact I'm completely untouched inspires my people. I know one day I’ll marry but it will only be to fellow chieftain and only after he has completed the required courtship. That is defeat me in one on one conflict.”

Aurelian shook her head “When you’re captured you'll be dragged kicking and screaming to bed to make an example of you. But you won't be killed, your Master will want you in the arena fighting. You’ll be worth a fortune.” Then she dropped a bomb shell “You know I'm not a Roman don't you?” Kyla shook her head “My father was a prince in Gaul, when the Romans came they spared his life on the understanding I marry Appius Vorenius Collatinus, the Legate. I didn't want to at the time but now I have three children I love.”

Kyla looked at the woman in a different light “So in a sense you’re a slave too.” Aurelian nodded “and do you love your new life?”

Before she could answer word came the Romans were taking slave girls to the polluted water and forcing them to drink. Kyla stood up and asked what other news there was. The messenger replied “Appius Vorenius Collatinus is on his way to meet up with Acilius. He’ll want explanations.”

Aurelian interrupted “I get the feeling your enemy will be replaced by someone far more fierce than Acilius. My husband has been humiliated, he’ll want someone to pay. Be on your guard.”

 

[Elvenoff1]

The smoke wafted up from the wooded area just over the horizon a few hours ride from the center of Marcus’s encampment. He knew exactly what this meant and smiled. This action of hers showed him that this Queen fears a crash with his army, very wise sentiment on her part. She must know that his Prefect is a rambunctious man whom has no patients and would be ordering him to send his troops in regardless of the illness nor the fact that they would be marching against a wall of arrows, which normally wouldn’t be a problem for he used the tower shields in his formations which would eliminate the arrow threat, however most of the tower shield bearers in his army were the first ones that drank from the poisoned water. He had his shield bearers specifically trained for this action so just giving any solider a tower shield wouldn’t work efficiently as a well trained shield bearer would, therefore the shield wall wouldn’t eliminate the threat of archers.

He pulled away from the site of the smoke as a messenger from the First Legionnaires rode into his encampment. Marcus stomached churned for he knew he would be summoned to go to the Prefect’s army encampment to get his orders to compromise his troops just to service the ego of the humiliated acts of his Prefect by leaving his family undefended. This was the reason why so many good roman soldiers were being slaughtered by these barbaric tribes for ignorant leaders whom were more worried about their glamour than the troops they ordered to attack foolishly. Not this time Marcus determined while moving toward the messenger.

The messenger dismounted and gave his respect to Marcus. “General Marcus Acilius you are hereby summoned to attend a meeting with the Lord of the land, Appius Vorenius Collatinus prefect this day to discuss your failure to bring an end to the rebellious tribes of the barbaric lands of England.” The messenger saluted then stood waiting for Marcus to accompany him back to the Prefect’s encampment.

Marcus just looked at the messenger for a long moment, then looked about his Centurion leaders that were moving to stand by him before bellowing out a laughter. “Yes, I see ..” He looked at his men whom was also was enjoying the amusement of the calling. “Well, I must not delay his highness.” Marcus quelled the laughter with a hand motion then turned away from the messenger. “I shall be with you in a few moments.” Marcus motioned for his top Centurion to follow.

Turning toward his Second in command. “I will be ordered to attack this Queen regardless of the state of our men. I will not lead our men to their deaths over the bruised ego of our Prefect. I will be relieved of command and replaced.” he clamped down upon this Seconds shoulder “Do what you must to save as much men as you can. Hesitate till the shield bearers are well before you attack.” He looked and nodded when his second nodded his understanding to him. “If you are not put in command and they send someone to command you.. You know what you must do to protect our men!” Marcus eyed him and was concerned from the hesitation from his Second. “I understand..” Marcus slapped him upon his shoulder.. “Just do what you can to save as many as you can.” Marcus nodded to him before moving away toward his command tent.

He walked in looking at his favorite slave. “Pack your things. You come with me this night.” He began packing his equipment and most of his personal stuff for he knew he wouldn’t be coming back here. When he departed from his tent most of his men that wasn’t ill was standing around his tent giving their respect to him. He nodded to them as he made his way through them, his name being chanted out as he mounted his horse and pulled up his slave behind him. He looked to his Second.. “Take care of our men.” With that he rode off with the messenger.

Once he was over the hill he stopped his mount and dismounted. He reached up and helped his slave down. “I set you free.” He looked at her while he unbound her. “Go north..” He looked at her hoping to see an understanding, but he was looked at with confusion. “Go to the north.” Marcus told her once more, she nodded her understanding but still held the confusion of why he was setting her free. He cupped her chin before turning away and remounting. “Good luck.” He moved off with the messenger once more.

It was evening when Marcus and the messenger entered the encampment of the Prefect. His eyes moved over the men , noting they where with multiple legionnaires. This man was mixing the legions which was a mistake, for each legion had different fighting styles and would be crashing against one another. What a fool this man was, but politics put him in control regardless of his skill at war. He knew now that he wouldn’t be returning to his men for he wouldn’t bring his troops here under this mad man’s command.

He entered the tent and looked upon the fool whom instantly began to degrade him. “So the great General Marcus Acilius stands before me as a failure to accomplish a task given to him from the Emperor of Rome.” The man walked around and stood in front of Marcus “You will fall into your ranks and fall under the command of Marcus Valerius Corvus. You will attack this Queen Kyla immediately!”

Marcus knew his men would be slaughtered under this new commander and he wasn’t going to allow this to happen. He drew his dagger and lunged at the Prefect slicing the man across the chest before he was subdued by the centurion guards. The Prefect managed to avoid the full attack and wasn’t slain, but was badly hurt. Upon orders of the commanding General Marcus was dragged out and flogged. He was then hoisted up and bound for the buzzards to have upon his death.

Later, before passing out Marcus was being lowered from his bindings.

 

[Iwasagoodgirl]

Kyla continued to prepare her troops for the expected attack by giving lessons in archery, sling shot and the digging of ditches as well as the use of fire. The latter was on her mind especially as the smoke from the burning woodlands was hanging around. It was just as the sun was setting that one of the guards came into her quarters “We have a guest” he said as he brought in a mid twenty year old woman who had blood on her feet caused by running through woodland and dried tears on her smoke stained face. “She claims to be Ikala, a slave captured from the Canti Tribe and assigned to General Marcus Acilius as his personal bed slave.”

Kyla moved forward as the girl fell to he knees begging for mercy. Reaching out Kyla helped her to her feet “We don't do that sort of thing here, we’re not Romans. But I do need to know what you want.” She turned to the messenger “Have you at least given our guest some water? Food? Offered a change of clothes?”

Before the messenger could answer Aurelian stepped in “Allow me to help.” Kyla looked at the Legate’s wife and nodded. The two women disappeared and an hour later they returned “Ikala has some news about Acilius you might find interesting.”

Kyla called the leaders together and bade them sit down. Ikala told the Britons what had happened and how Acilius had given her her freedom. She told how she watched as he attacked the Legate and was restrained before being left to die of exposure. “You will not believe this Majesty” Ikala said “but he does have some good points, he was good to me!”

"The only good Roman is a dead Roman" one of the Iceni leaders interrupted “at the end of the day it's one less to worry about.”

Not bothering to reply Kyla asked Aurelian if she knew how long it would take a man to die of exposure like that. “Sometimes three, four days. With someone strong like that it could be a week. It's a horrible death.” Then she added “You're not thinking of rescuing him are you?”

Ikala interrupted “Please Majesty, try to save him. He’s a good man, and now he's an enemy of Rome he could be a good ally.”

The room was full of arguments before Kyla stood up “I'm going to send a scouting party to spy out what is happening and report back.” Naturally there were objections but she insisted it happened. “We need to know what is happening there and if we can get a Roman on our side, especially someone like Acilius it could be priceless.”

It was obvious her decision was not popular but Kyla insisted she wanted to try to at least investigate the situation. The scouting party left and returned just after noon to report Acilius was still alive and guarded by a dozen mercenaries from different countries.

Getting into her battle dress Kyla called for a team of archers and swordsman. An hour later they were looking at the small encampment and a man strung up waiting for death. At her signal the archers struck and eight Romans entered the afterlife. Leading her troops forward they engaged the remaining Romans in sword fights but the battle was over in seconds. Kyla supervised the lowering of Acilius and seeing a small open wagon she arranged for the wounded man to be placed on it.

Just before sunset the party arrived back. Ikala rushed out and climbed into the wagon and tried to bring some comfort to her former master but he was unconscious. Kyla arranged for Acilius to receive some treatment ensuring he was well guarded. “Let me know the minute he regains consciousness” she ordered as she led Ikala and Aurelian away.

Late at night Gara woke Kyla telling her Acilius was awake but very weak. After sending for Ikala and Aurelian Kyla approached the weakened man “Your senators in Rome and the military leaders wouldn't have sent you here if you didn't understand Celtic” she said professionally “so I know you can understand what I'm saying.” She stood above the man on the bed “I am the Virgin Warrior Chief Kyla of Caledonia. And you are a prisoner of the combined forces of the Free Britannia Rebel Army.”

 

[Elvenoff1]

His limbs ached but wasn’t in pain, he was not bound to poles hanging like a segment of drying vegetables, instead he was on a pile of furs upon some crude crafted bed made from limbs of the northern trees. His mouth parched, the sting of the flogging still riddled his body but he managed to focus upon the face of his previous enemy instead of the pain. His face showed no emotion to her decrement of him being a prisoner of the Britannia Rebels.

A movement caught his eye as the beautiful face of his favorite slave came into his view. Her hands clasping his, her eyes filled with tears. He squeezed her hand softly and nodded to her. “It’s nice to wake to such a beautiful face.” he responded to her with a smile. His eyes taking a moment of exploration at the cleaned up face of his former slave. “I hope you have been treated with respect here. You deserve no shame for you fought me every passing moment.” He wanted to ensure the rebels knew she didn’t surrender to him willingly.

He nodded to her once more with a smile before turning to face the other very appealing female whom was ruthless in the acts of war. He had respect for her strength and cunning. Many of the northern woman impressed him in the way they held themselves against his army, but his life was for the good of Rome and now even after being betrayed he still held the desire to uphold the good of Rome for it wasn’t Rome that betrayed him, it was a very egoistical Legate that left him to die.

“So you know the ways of the Roman Empire, but yet you have this foolish notion that you can defeat the marching flags of the Roman Empire. It seems with your knowledge of our enemy that resistance is a foolish hope to hold onto. Much blood will be shed before you breath the air of freedom you so desperately seek.” His gaze searched her face and he found himself captured by her beauty.

“I want you to know, that I hold no value to Rome now. Your wish to hold a taunt to them will not work, for they wish to see me dead as you do. So why Queen do I still draw breath?” He wanted to get the mind games over with and get to the meat of the situation. “What is it that you think you will get by keeping me alive?” He looked sternly toward her.

His hand still held the hand of Ikala with a gentle squeeze now and then to show his caring of her to her. He was surprised by her actions, but was pleased that he must have had an impact on her for her willing to come to his side and remain with him while being a free woman.

 

[Iwasagoodgirl]

Kyla turned to Marcus Acilius and said “All you’ve said is true, we know we will not defeat Rome’s armies or their legions. Not yet, but one day your empire will crumble because people like us will resist you and drive you out of our land. Even now your Emperor is trying to build a wall to divide us. It won’t work. And each minute, each moment we keep your armies tied up down here buys time for our fellow rebels.” She handed him some water “Sip it slowly you’re very dehydrated.”

She turned to Ikala and pointing to her added “You have to thank this woman for your life. She told me how you gave her her freedom before your clash with the Legate. And you can thank Aurelian the Legate’s wife for telling me about you. Now rest and we’ll speak in the morning.” She turned to two of the Iceni warriors “Guard him, and if there is any trouble you know what to do.”

+*+*+*+*

The next morning Kyla went back to see Acilius who was sitting up. “Breakfast won’t be long. You must be hungry.” Sitting next to him she added “The way I see it you have three choices. I can set you free to look after yourself but that takes you out of my protection and any member of our army can take your life. Or I can ensure you get handed over to the Romans but I wouldn’t fancy your chances there. Your final choice is to stay with us. With that choice I can at least promise you a warrior’s death as you join our struggle.” Three women came in with Ikala and some food. “I don’t expect an answer yet, eat, make yourself at home and let Ikala make comfortable …”

She was interrupted by a messenger “The Legate and about fifteen of his guard have been seen just off the quarry. What do you want to do?”

“Send out some scouts, observe what’s happening and keep me informed.” Kyla barked back at him.

+*+*+*+*

Kyla left Acilius to have time with his ex slave and returned to him in the afternoon to find him washed, changed and sitting in a chair. She was going to ask him his decision when a scout came in. “The Legate and his soldiers are on their way to Arbeia. The Icenis have reported sighting around a dozen Roman ships heading for port no doubt bringing reinforcements. The weather is too rough for them to dock but it won’t be long before they arrive.”

Turning to Acilius she said “Just when I was going to ask you your decision we get interrupted again. It seems I have to help organise a welcoming party. If you were fit I’d invite you to ride with me. That’s if you’ve decided to stay. But seems like I’ll have to wait.” She turned one of her generals “Get my armour ready and organise a party of say thirty.” She turned back to her prisoner “You’ll have to excuse me I’ve got some sabotaging to organise.”

 

[Elvenoff1]

Marcus’s eyes rolled from the aphrodisiacal form of Kyla to the leather bindings that held the tent to the support pole. Her words were nothing more than ravings of a woman’s dying hope. The Roman Empire would flourish here once the backs of the rebel force were broken. Their false praise that they can once again rule their lands were the words that would mark their own deaths. There isn’t a better life than what Rome was trying to bring to these savages. They should be thankful for the knowledge and culture that Rome has brought to these backward desiccants.

He turned when she spoke of the two women that he would have to thank for his life. His eyes focused upon them. “Why I wonder did you step up and save my life? Do you feel the defeat will soon be upon your people and you seek solace from the one that might have been able to save you. I fear we are now in the same boat.” Marcus looked away from them. “I am no more the man whom can save you from your coming deaths. Leave me!” Marcus turned away from the glare of the Legate’s wife for in her eyes he seen the burning of anger that wanted to strike out at him.

He looked to Kyla upon her words to rest and they would speak in the morning as if he wanted that, but he was a prisoner for the time being and would have to stomach her ways of addressing him. He wanted to tell her to enjoy the power that granted her the right to speak to him in this manner but this power was slowly going to fade and she will be calling him master. He smiled at the thought of having two of the finest women at his feet.

He instantly turned as Ikala was moving toward the opening in the tent, his hand managed to take a gentle hold of her arm. She turned toward him, her glare stemming from a set of angered eyes had him withdrawing his hand from her arm. His eyes shifting over to the sentries whom was palming the pommel of their swords. “I’m sorry. He held his hands up and pulled them away from her. “I know your angered with the words that I have spoken, but I will never be a Roman citizen again and with that I will not be able to speak for you.” Marcus didn’t know why but he was worried about her being angered with him but it did bother him.

“I did not try to save your life for you to spare mine. I didn’t want death to claim you for you are a good man just fighting for the wrong people. This is our land, we didn’t ask you to come north and enslave us. What if this was Rome and the tides were turned would you be fighting against us to save your homeland? Yes, you would just like we.” She reached out and took Marcus’s hand. “I told Kyla that maybe you would see us in a different way now that your homeland turned against you. I would welcome you with open arms if you wish to pick up sword and fight for your northern people now.” She released his hand and moved away.

Words of vileness came from the sentries as she passed them. Turning toward them, “That man along with Kyla will bring our freedom, it would be wise not to piss him off by bring rude to his woman.” She raised a brow to them before moving on to do her duties. They only looked at each other than over to Marcus whom was smiling at them.

The sounds of morning activity woke Marcus from a restless dream. A dream that brought anger and confusion. But before he could ponder upon the meaning of the dream Kyla entered his tent and in her rough way informed him that breakfast would be given to quench his hunger. A thin smile formed while looking at her for she was in his dream at the beginning. His eyes judged to see if his dream held the true proportions of her figure, they did, hence the smile grew a little, that smile faltered when she spoke of his choices.

He smiled and nodded to Ikala when she placed some apples and grapes at his side table. Her smile brought a warmth to him but than his attention fell to Kyla when she began to speak with the messenger. He stiffened at the sound of the Legates name, his anger flourished to the wounds about his body bring a sting to him. He gritted his teeth but spoke out to her and the messenger.. “Do nothing, this is what he wants,.. for if he sees one of your scouts he knows that you and your rebel force is close by. You already know where he and his army are at now. Let him find nothing, he will foolish bring his army forward without pushing individual scouts out. He is posturing for his troops. Your safe for now.”

He only got a glare from Kyla before she left the tent. He looked over to Ikala. “I’m not sure I can help to kill my own countrymen but I will help her in foiling the tricks and tactics that the Legionnaires will be using.” He informed her but a brow raised when she said nothing to him but took a seat next to him and started to cover his wounds with some kind of plant paste. “I understand that and I make no ill gesture toward you for feeling that way.” She touched his cheek then continued to cover the flogging wounds. “After this dries and turns white I shall give you a bath at that time. It should help you relax.” She smiled

Once again Marcus was greeted by the beauty of the Warrior Queen. His eyes once again enjoyed the fullness of her figure but his gaze left her for the messenger that entered the tent to inform her of what they had came across. His brow arched upon hearing the news. He only smiled at her when she made the remark if he has chosen his destiny yet or would he still need time. He looked at her. I will not kill my countrymen but I will help you defuse their traps and tricks and help you make tactical assumptions, but I will not help you kill any Roman.” He barked to her.. “Your making a mistake if you respond to those boats. Once you get there you will face the archers from the boats and the Legate’s army that will be marching up your arse. Your best bet is to oil the beaches this will make the Roman fleet move away, maybe even back across the channel to wait for better weather or til they find a better place to land either way it gives you time to set up your defenses and it allows no reinforcements to the Legate.” He looked at her with that burning anger he has for the Legate and the army that is following him.

 

[Iwasagoodgirl]

Kyla listened to Acilius advice and sat down next to him. “The Romans have no idea how we always seem to be one step ahead when it comes to intelligence. Our tribal system is honeycombed with cells and connections that means we can get messages and warnings from one end of the country to the other. If those ships don’t land near here we’ll be able to warn our fellow rebels to be prepared”. She held his gaze “I respect your statement that you will not kill a fellow Roman and I will not expect you to. But if you decide to stay with us your knowledge of Roman thought will be very welcome.”

As she spoke Gara entered the tent with the face paints in her hand but Kyla refused them “Not yet, this won't be the final battle.” She turned to Acilius “You call us Caledonians ‘Pics’ because you think we are always covered in face paint. But it isn't a true reflection of us. We only put our paint on when it's what we call ‘death or glory’. If we were surrounded with no hope of escape we’d put the paint on to show that we are ready to die. If you ever see us wear this paint then you will know we are fighting for our very lives.”

Suddenly a messenger came in “Majesty, we have an unarmed Roman delegation of three men wanting an audience. What do we do? Arrest them, kill them or just refuse them?”

“Where are your manners?” Kyla replied. “These men have obviously come here under the protection of an act of truce. The least we can do is to listen to what they have to say.” The messenger saluted and withdrew. Turning to Acilius she said “Seems you’re going to have some company.”

The messenger returned with the three men. The most senior stepped forward “My name is Iovianus Januarius Herminius Commander of the Combined Legions. I bring greetings from the Legate Appius Vorenius Collatinus in who’s home you and your army are encamped. The Legate is willing to give you and your people safe conduct back to Caledonia on the understanding that you agree to remain north of the wall which will be the northern outpost of the Empire.”

Kyla stood straight and held the commander’s gaze “Now why would the Legate be so thoughtful and generous? What would he want in return?”

“The Legate asks for three things. First you hand over your prisoner Marcus Acilius for punishment by the Roman authorities. Second you release into my custody the Legate’s wife and children, and third you use your influence to persuade the Iceni people to surrender to Rome.”

By now Gara was in the room and Kyla turned to her and said “Send for Aurelian and bring her here.” Turning to the Romans she said “It won’t be long she’ll be here in a moment. Meanwhile can I offer you some refreshment?” The Romans refused. As soon as Aurelian arrived Kyla told her what the Romans wanted but did not mention the offer of safe passage in case it influenced her decision and finished by saying “The choice is yours. You have been no threat to us and neither have your children. If you wish to return to your husband you can go.”

Aurelian looked at the soldiers, then at Acilius before replying “I was forced into that marriage and each night my husband has forced himself on me to demonstrate how Rome treats princesses. I do not want to go back to that life and I will not allow my children to either”.

Turning to the Romans Kyla said “There! You have your first answer. As for General Acilius here” she pointed at Marcus “he is my enemy but he is also a very brave man. While he is my prisoner I will not hand him over to be butchered by your Legate who doesn’t know one end of a sword from another. He is under my protection. And as for the third condition although the Icenis and ourselves have had our fights in the past and may well do so again right now we have a common enemy. I will never abandon them to be tortured and raped by the dregs of Rome.”

She went to the door and called for three sentries “Escort these gentlemen off the premises and allow them until the sun is at the meridian before you pursue them. If they are still near us at that time KILL THEM!” Turning to the Commander she said “If you ever come back here again or we meet in battle I’ll kill you. BE GONE!”

After the sentries left with their charges Kyla turned to Acilius “I think it will soon be time for me to wear my paint. Don’t you?”