To Kill the Christ! - Epilogue

Cunobelin rode out from the gloom of Sherwood and paused to stare in wonder at the huge fortress sitting on a knoll about a mile away. Reports from spies had warned of its size, but to see it even at a distance was a revelation.

Without turning toward General Moldorion, his right hand man, he spoke: "Even from this distance I can tell the walls can't be breeched or surmounted. What are we to do?"

"Try. They expect us to assault the fortress, so we'll do so. But I've several men probing for weak spots. They may find something."

The inflection of his voice said they were doomed to fail. He had never seen such a large, well defended fortress, even in Gaul where he had volunteered to help tribesmen. "I think even the Romans could not overcome this."

Cunobelin dismounted, and an attendant ran up to hold the reins of his horse. "We'll camp here tonight," he said, expecting his orders to be passed on, "and scout the location of our siege camp tomorrow."

He looked up at his giant of a commander: "Bring Verica as quickly as possible."

His older brother soon arrived in a cloud of dust. "Verica," Cunobelin said, dismissing any brotherliness, "we'll pitch our tent near the river, with headquarters on the other side, near the bridge. Since their arrows reach so far, we can't get close until we attack, so only the infantry will be placed on this side. One wing of the cavalry will be situated across the river near headquarters. You and your men will camp in Nottingham. If you're needed, you can respond faster than foot soldiers."

"But, how will you contact us quickly?"

"Carl is not the only one to send signals. We'll alternate men on both banks of the river so they can always see each other and thus send signals quickly, day or night. They will carry the signal if you are needed here."

Cunobelin laughed, more to himself than to the others. He had taken a leaf from Carl's play book. In all but a fog, I can reach Verica for reinforcements and have them here in less than two hours. Verica's presence in Nottingham, meanwhile, will keep that village under control and him out of my way.

About noon the next day, the army moved into semi-permanent positions. Rebecca and Morius stood on the ramparts and watched the Catuvellauni and Trinovantes settle in. It was going to be a long siege.

In full view of the enemy, she personally sent an arrow toward the nearest tents. It penetrated the canvas of one in the first row, reinforcing Cunobelin's decision to leave a large space between the fortress walls and his camp.

The message, in Latin, on paper rolled around the shaft of the arrow, was taken to Cunobelin for action. He read the challenge.

"After this war is over," Rebecca wrote, "you will pay to complete the ramparts and watch towers of Fortress Long Reach.

"You will lose your kingdom, and it will be ruled by a stranger to the tribe, someone from Long Reach. You have forfeited your kingdom because you have betrayed your liege lord. If you leave now, your kingdom will be divided among your sons. If you choose to fight or form a siege, your kingship will end and your sons will be deprived of their rightful titles."

It was signed by the Queen.

Carl wasn't the only one who could play hardball.

Cunobelin crumpled the paper, flinging it to the ground. Aides were tempted to pick it up and read, but not until his anger had cooled and he had left the tent.

Challenge me, will she? No woman can stand against my wrath.