Tlachtga stepped from her place of refuse to address her people. “Friends, Druids and countrymen lend me your ears. I come not to defend myself, for the good that men do is oftentimes buried with their bones while the evil attests for ever. I’ve desecrated your secred trust bestowed upon me by you all. This country has never enjoyed such peace or prosperity the result of my relationship with Publius. Remember this in your sentencing. If I was lascivious, it was a grievous sin. I retire and await your pleasure.”
Pandemonium erupted. Tlachtga was much loved by her people. During her tenure she had led her people to a new era of prosperity and become the envy of Britannia. She was idolized by the army. She had shown strength, fortitude and leadership in all their battles with the Romans. If the people decided to take the law into their own hands to rescue Tlachtga, it would be a blood bath. Shouts and yells filled the air: “She was a great queen, whence come another?”
“Remember her good!’
“God have mercy on her soul!!!”
More and more people took to their feet, waving their arms and shouting profanities. Oroveso feared for his life. The priests and priestesses sat white-faced. They had never witnessed such defiance. Tlachtga and Publius looked at one another, Tlachtga knew one wrong word and the whole situation would get out of hand. Oroveso rose and motioned his council to follow him into the temple. After they were seated ,Oroveso rose, “What in God’s name are we to do? We can’t send Tlachtga to the pyre.”
“We could give her a sentence,” said Lhiannon.
“Like what? Remember, the Romans have knowledge of our copper mine, so it’s only a matter of time before they try to occupy it. We can’t afford to have a rebellion on our hands. The Romans would love that,” cried Oroveso.
“If ever we needed Publius, we need him now,” cried Caratacus.
“Caillean, go fetch Tlachtga and Publius,” commanded Oroveso.
As she left the temple shouts of, “Don’t punish our queen!!!” rang out.
She walked over to where Tlachtga and Publius was sitting, “You and Publius are required inside, dear queen.”
Both rose and followed Caillean back into the temple.
As they entered, Oroveso stood and motioned for both to be seated.
“You two have created a crisis, and what are we to do? If we do anything we’ll have a rebellion on our hands. And it’s only a matter of time before the Roman army descends on our mine. Can we ask you both to discontinue your relationship?” cried Oroveso.
“I can’t live without Tlachtga. I’m going back to do all within my power to have a peaceful resolution to the mine,” stated Publius.
“And how about you, Tlachtga, what have you to say for yourself?”
“Like Publius, I can’t live without him,” she cried.
“Are you asking us to condone your relationship?" hollered Caillean.
Tlachtga hung her head and tears rolled down her face.
