Beric the Briton : a Story of the Roman Invasion eBook

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“So the storm is about to burst,” Cneius said thoughtfully when he had read it.  “I thought so.  I was sure that if the Britons had a spark of manhood left in them they would avenge the cruel wrongs of their queen.  I am rejoiced to read Beric’s words, and to see that he has, as I felt sure he had, a grateful heart.  He would save us from the fate that he clearly thinks is about to overwhelm this place.  The omens have not lied then—­not that I believe in them; they are for the most part the offspring of men’s fancy, but at any rate they will come true this time.  I care little for myself, but I must do as he bids me for the sake of the girl.  I doubt, though whether Beric can save her.  These people have terrible wrongs to avenge, and at their first outburst will spare none.  Well, I must do my best, and late as it is I will go out and purchase these garments.  It is not likely that the danger will come tonight, for he would have given us longer notice.  Still he may have had no opportunity, and may not have known until the last moment when the attack was to take place.  He says ‘lose no time.’”

Cneius at once went to one of the traders who dealt with the natives who came into the town, and procured the garments for himself and Berenice.  The trader, who knew him by sight, remarked, “Have you been purchasing more slaves?”

“No, but I have need for dresses for two persons who have done me some service.”

“I should have thought,” the trader said, “they would have preferred lighter colours.  These cloths are sombre, and the natives, although their own cloths are for the most part dark, prefer, when they buy of me, brighter colours.”

“These will do very well,” Cneius said, “just at present Roman colours and cloths are not likely to be in demand among them.”

“No, the times are bad,” the trader said; “there has been scarce a native in my shop for the last ten days, and even among the townspeople there has been little buying or selling.”

Cneius returned to the house, a slave carrying his purchases behind him.  On reaching home he took the parcel from him, and carried it to his own cubicule, and then ordered a slave to beg Berenice to come down from her apartment as he desired to speak with her.

CHAPTER V:  THE SACK OF CAMALODUNUM

Upon the morning of the day fixed for the gathering of the Iceni preparations were begun early at Cardun.  Oxen and swine were slaughtered, great fires made, and the women in the village were all employed in making and baking oaten cakes upon the hearth.  For some days many of them had been employed in making a great store of fermented honey and water.  Men began to flock in from an early hour, and by midday every male of the Sarci capable of bearing arms had come in.  Each brought with him a supply of cooked meat and cakes sufficient to last for three or four