When they found a quiet nook, they sat down and resumed their passionate embrace. After some ten minutes, Publius pulled away. “So when will I see you again?”
“Saturday in two weeks at our usual place in the afternoon. We'd better be getting back.”
When they returned, the Roman visitors were at the wharf preparing to set sail. Publius did the honours by kissing all the priestesses, hugging the priests and a firm embrace for Oroveso. One of the crew members was saying his own farewell to his own sweetheart at the quayside.
Well, things were going along hunky dory, both at the mine and between the lovers. The Druids were getting their copper to market and filling their coffers. There were never any skirmishes between the Romans and the Druid warriors and any that there were, were quickly resolved. This was the longest spell of peace in living memory. Oroveso and Caratacus were just flabbergasted.
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O let the Druid anthem of victory soar above every hill and valley.
A cry from the Iceni people roar across the land “Freedom!”
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Chapter Five.
Long runs the fox but you always catch them in the long grass. Tlachtga was surprised no one had detected their love affair before now, especially her father. The copper mine was proving lucrative beyond their wildest dreams. That was the problem. It was only a matter of time before the wolves of Rome lay claim to such a fortune. When Publius learned of Rome’s jaundiced eye, he knew he had to warn the queen, so he sent Flavio the centurion to tell Tlachtga he would arrive on Saturday afternoon.
As promised, the might of Rome pulled up alongside the wharf. Chariots and servants were there to escort them to the temple. When they arrived, the war counsel was there to greet them. The frowns on the faces of the hosts portrayed their sombre welcome. Tlachtga thought, was this the beginning of the end? The guests stepped down from their chariots and marched quickly to the assembly hall. They sat down to a table replete with food and drinks. There was a moment of silence, then Tlachtga asked the inevitable. “So, what sad tidings are you the purveyor of?”
“It’s not good,” Publius said bluntly. The powers-that-be have wind of your good fortune. That’s as far as I can tell you. How they found out is beyond me. The bottom line is that Rome will want to occupy the mine. What happens from now on is out of my hands. God have mercy on our souls. I’ll propose that they take a royalty, that way we’ll avoid a war. Would you settle for that?”
“I wonder what kind of royalty they’ll demand?" Oroveso mused.
“God only knows. Lets leave everything for now, and I’ll keep you posted.”
“That seems the best solution for now. Would you like to go for a walk in the gardens before dinner, Publius?” asked Tlachtga.
Publius was already on his feet.
