Beric the Briton : a Story of the Roman Invasion eBook

“In that case, sir, they sometimes make what they call a tortoise.  The soldiers link their broad shields together, so as to form a complete covering, resembling the back of a tortoise, and under shelter of this they advance to the attack.  When they reach the foot of the wall all remain immovable save those in the front line, who labour with iron bars to loosen the stones at the foot of the wall, protected from missiles from above by the shields of their comrades.  From time to time they are relieved by fresh workers until the foundations of the wall are deeply undermined.  As they proceed they erect massive props to keep up the wall, and finally fill up the hole with combustibles.  After lighting these they retire.  When the props are consumed the wall of course falls, and they then rush forward and climb the breach.”

“Truly, Beric, you have profited by your lessons,” Aska said, laying his hand kindly on the lad’s shoulder.  “The Druids spoke wisely when they prophesied a great future for you.  Before we have done we may have many Roman strongholds to capture, and when we do I will see that the council order that your advice be taken as to how they shall be attacked; but in this matter tomorrow things must remain as they are.  Unser is a proud chief, and headstrong, and would not brook any interference.  Should he be repulsed in the assault, I will advise the queen to call up the Sarci, and allow you to proceed in your own manner.”

“I will do my best, sir; but time is needed for proceeding according to the first Roman method, and our shields are too small for the second.  The place should be taken by tomorrow night, for Cerealis will assuredly move with his legion to relieve it as soon as he hears the news of our attack.”

“That is what has been in our minds,” Aska said.  “Well, what do you say, Beric?  After what I saw the other day of the movements you have taught your tribe I should be sorry to have their ranks thinned in a hopeless attack upon the temple.  I would rather that we should leave it for the present and march out to meet Cerealis, leaving a guard here to keep the Romans hemmed in until we have time to deal with them.”

Beric stood for a minute or two without answering, and then said, “I will undertake it, sir, with the Sarci should Unser’s attack fail.”

CHAPTER VI:  FIRST SUCCESSES

Upon leaving his mother, Beric returned to the spot where the Sarci were lying.  Some of the chiefs were sitting round a fire made of beams and woodwork dragged from the ruins of the Roman houses.

“We must be up an hour before daybreak; I think that there will be work for us tomorrow.  If Unser and his tribe fail in capturing the temple we are to try; and there will be preparations to make.”  And he explained the plan upon which he had determined.