Chapter Four.
The romance had been going on for some three years now and to Tlachtga’s surprise no one had suspected anything, especially her father, who was usually very astute. Tlachtga was sitting in her private chamber contemplating the upcoming festival of Beltane, when Lhiannon walked in with two farmers, “Dear Queen, these two gentlemen have something important to say.”
“I’m always happy to hear my people’s thoughts,” she said sincerely. “How can I help?”
“Dear Queen, we have the most excellent news. My brother and I were out digging posts on our land when we came across copper, loads of it! The whole place is full of it.”
Tlachgra was stricken with fear. If Rome found out, they wouldn’t stop until they occupied the mine. A recipe for war. She had to get word to Publius as soon as possible.
“Lhiannon, go fetch my father the high priest, Caillean the high priestess and Caratacus the army general and bring them here.”
She turned to the two men. “Will you gentlemen take us to the site?”
“Yes, dear Queen.”
Within thirty minutes two chariots were on their way. Was this a day of rejoicing or a day of sorrow? Once at the site, it didn’t take half a brain to realize this was a major find. Tlachga was overcome with fear. The last thing she wanted was war with Rome. Yet her people were not about to roll over and let Rome take their possessions. She could hear the drums of war echoing across Avalon. When Tlachtga returned home, the first thing she did was grab Lhiannon.
“I want you to go and arrange a meeting with Publius and impress upon him the urgency of the situation.”
After a very restless night’s sleep, Tlachga met with her advisors, priests and priestesses in the war room. She was the first to speak.
“You know why you’re here. This is a major find; if Rome learns of this discovery, they won’t stop until they occupy the site. This is war, and we must prepare for it. I’ve arranged for a meeting with Publius. He has been good to us in the past and at least we’ll get a feel for what to expect." She turned to her general. “Caratacus, I want a twenty-four-hour guard around that mine. Absolute secrecy is our winning suit. Do nothing at the mine until I speak to Publius. But come hell or high water, the drums of war are beating.”
She took a deep breath and turned to the religious figures before her. “Caillean, I want you and your priestesses to divine the future.”
“If we keep this quiet, we should be able to get away with it,” ventured Oroveso.
“Father, you’re gullible. From what I gather, Rome is in financial trouble trying to pay their troops. This would be a gift from the Gods for them. They would descend like vultures upon a carcass. Anyway, go your separate ways. Pray for peace but prepare for war.”
Everyone dispersed, Tlachga retired to her inner sanctum. If the priestesses were to divine the future ,they would most surely discover her relationship with Publius. Her days were numbered. She knelt in front of the altar.
