Boudicca, the Warrior Queen.: The Iceni Chronicles, #1

Boudiga, Warrior Queen.

(Boudicca, of the Iceni.)

Book 6. Of The Chronicles of the Iceni.

Raymond Leonard Jones.

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Chapter list.

Prologue’s:- The Breaking of Time, The Guardians of Avalon, Myriddin-Hu-Merlyn.

Chapter 1. A new War Chief.

Chapter 2.  The power of Love.

Chapter 3.  At Scole.

Chapter 4.  The Ninth Legion Hispania.

Chapter 5. The Trial of Lossius Veda.

Chapter 6. At Mona Insulis.

Chapter 7. Only a Small Chance.

Chapter 8. On Silbury Hill.

Chapter 9.  Rate-Coritanorum.

Chapter 11. To Isca Dumnoniorum.

Chapter 12. A council of War.

Chapter 13. Londinium.

Chapter 14 Mancetter.

Chapter 15. After the Battle.

Chapter 16. Hard Choices.

Chapter 17. Araflon.

Chapter 18. The Menai Massacre.

Chapter 19. A last refuge.

Chapter 20. The last of the Iceni.

Chapter 21. Suetonius.

Epilogue.

Prologues.

The Breaking of Time. The Guardians of Avalon, Myriddin-Hu-Merlyn.

It was at the time of the breaking, and when the peace between the first people, that the gods were forced to leave the first humans to live out their lives alone in this world that was to bring forth sentient beings in the firmaments of space, and time.

It is in these six chronicles, which shall show why they were forced to give up their corporal existence, and to ascend to a higher plane of existence, to save themselves, and the human race from destruction. For their peace, was broken by greed and jealousy among these elementals, who brought forth the weapons of power, so that they would become all powerful among the Gods. Since then they could demand obedience from them and the other elementals who had been given the task of monitoring and preserving this precocious gift of life, and the free will to follow their destiny as they learn and progress, and so that they would learn to use the Deep Magic of the matrix and so gain, spiritual enlightenment.

For it is this astral power, and the Deep magic and the Gia of nature’s bounty that comprises the Gia of all things.

As the Gods created these weapons of power and the Talisman which would allow them to use them. As they became ever more powerful and dangerous, became so did the Celtae God Dagda, see, it would end in their extermination, and the breaking of Time!

Who, then, are these elemental’s that wished to become the all-powerful

Gods, who have many names in different cultures, but their histories and powers are much the same.

In the Celtae world, of the Brythonic tribes, of Gaul and Germania, Britain and Ireland, the Gods have many names, and powers, as the people shall attribute their past and future destiny is subject to the whim of their almighty powers.

‘Danu ’the earth mother and son is worshipped as the mother of the elementals and with her son Dagda, they forced the Gods, to agree to leave the first plane of existence to the second which is Nivernais. As spiritual existence where they can use the deep magic, leaving the mortals to learn how and why they became to think of themselves as divine beings and needed to be worshipped by the people they considered lesser mortals, and mere humans.

However Danu saw that they would need help and guidance to achieve their incredible destiny which will allow them to use the deep magic to do wonderful things. To develop their paranormal abilities, she first gave these powers to the first Druids. The Tuatha -De-Danann.

However, by doing so, she also had incurred the wrath of Annwn, the God who realm is Emania, the dimension that is neither the Hell which is Hades, or Nivernais the heaven of ascension? Emania is the netherworld of the souls of humans awaiting rebirth or damnation. Some call it Purgatory where Arawn and Hafgan rule

Arawn or Annwwfn to some, is the son of Nodens, and the leader of the wild hunt.  He is seen as the God of the dead and the undead and has ruled in this underworld and from there he can reach into the dreams of humans and so enjoy their astral powers.  Another son of Annwn, is Hafgan the rival to Arawn and his rival for dominion in this black underworld of lost souls, spirits and demons, and all such evil elemental forces and creatures. That Arawn can control with the Amulet he has created at the breaking so that will be a counter to the powers of the Tuatha-De-Dannan. This means the people of Danu and they are the first Druids to live on this earth.

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The Guardians of Avalon,

It was Danu and her daughter Druantia, who saw a way to save themselves and the humans. These Godlike beings must ascend to a higher plane of existence, and there, to monitor the growth of these beings who provided the astral power they so badly needed to maintain their own life force. Since it was the astral power which allowed them to touch the Gaia that flowed with the matrix of the universe.

So were the first Druids created and given some of her powers, and when Annwn created his Talisman, which would allow him to communicate with the dreams of these humans, so that he could draw their power and corrupt their minds so that they would follow only him and fulfil his evil desires. So were the Dark seekers of Arawn chosen, and some were given the use of this new black magic that was hidden in the Amulet of Arwan.

Therefore, the Tuatha, were chosen to become the Guardians of Time, because of the need to ensure the humans continued to follow their pre-determined destiny, and their advancement towards accession and enter the dimension that is Nivernais. So were these guardians, also given the task of monitoring the life threads of those special people who would and could affect the events in this first world that was given sentient life. This would be achieved as their life choices were displayed on a vast panoply that would display the life strands of the chosen ones. These weavings, are known here, as the Tapestries of Danu.

It is here in Avalon, that the Guardians, shall monitor these events and using the Chosen ones, to try to maintain the balance and future of humankind, whilst allowing them the choice of free will to live out their short lives.

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Myriddin-Hu-Merlyn.

It is Myriddin, who is one of the Guardians who are the last of the Tuatha-De-Danann, one of the other first people that were chosen to serve the Goddess Danu as her priests. When the tapestries had shown the Guardians the rise of the Roman Empire, and also its decline after six millennia, so did the guardians discover that during this time they would change the fate of humankind?

For Annwn had devised a plan where he can use them to escape his prison and enter Avalon, to once again have dominion of over space and time. To do this he will use the power of the Roman legions to destroy the only force, which can prevent this. The holy priests and Druids who have the power of the deep magic that he must destroy if he is to steal the souls and minds of these incredible humans.

Now at this time of Rome has the creator brought forth another great power the spirit of love made flesh, in the form of the divine soul that is Jesus of Nazareth? However, there is another problem the Romans bring with them and that is their drive for power and material things which if they succeed in destroying the deep magic of Druantia, they will eventually send the people along a false road of the search for the secrets of the technical world where might is right and the spiritual world of Danu is abandoned. A world where avarice and power is everything and that road will lead to Armageddon, as they will unlock the powers of creation itself.

In the previous chronicles Myriddin has shown how the redeemer Jesu, was hounded to death, at the hands of Bigots and the Roman legions. But his message of love and redemption must be allowed to thrive and grow in the hearts and minds of mankind. In a similar way shall the Deep magic of Druantia be preserved on their holy Island of Gybi, which exists in Britain?

These Chronicles, or his record of the incredible events that were to transpire on the island of Britannia, at the time of the second invasion by the legions of Rome. Myriddin-Hu-Merlyn, was once a human being, and lived a normal life on Gybi as the keeper of the histories of these humans, whom are the first life form to be given sentient life, and the free will to act according to their hearts and minds.

Now, as he shall set down these pages of this the sixth set of Chronicles, to show the incredible events that transpired on the Island of Britain, at the time of the second Roman invasion of this small Island. But now, after the events at Camulodunum, it is necessary to write them down so that they can be held safe in the last refuge of the Druids.

For now must the Guardians try to save the deep magic for the future is no longer certain, the tapestries are in flux, and the future of humanity, is no longer clear.

All this has been shown in the previous chronicles Myriddin has set down the life and times of the Children of light, that are Dracus-Hu-Araflon one of the Druids of Gybi, and  Petronius of Presidia, The roman woman  Septrine Fucillis, and now Brigantia of the Iceni. Also of the Dark seekers of the Talismans of power, those souls who remain to serve him are Shaitain, Nemain, Catus, Lossius Veda, and even the leader of Rome its mad Emperor Nero.

In those chronicles we have witnessed their struggle to find a way to avoid the Destruction of the holy Druids and their own peaceful way of life.

We have also seen how the meaning of Annwn, The elemental Shaitain, has been given the task of recovering the ‘Talismans of power’ which he can use to allow Annwn to escape from the prison in Emania and enter Avalon to destroy it and remake the world so that he will regain his power as a God.

Now with the Romans about to enter the holy island of Mona Insulis, all this is about to come about. Moreover, now Boudicca has succumbed to her passion for revenge at her treatment at the hands of The Procurator Catus, and as the warrior Queen, she has also abandoned her husband’s goal, to find a way to live with these invaders. And the Guardians must we see what can be done to save just a small Remnant of the Deep magic That will need the chosen ones to use the greatest gift they possess. The power of love.

Chapter 1. A new War Chieftain.

These are the weavings which will describe how Boudicca and her warriors shell return from the fight at Camulos. They return to their holdfast as victors, but their lives will never be the same. But first, they must choose a new War Chieftain to replace Fabliaux of Scole who fell at the fighting at Camulos.

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Petros, after failing to Find Veda or Catus, Petros' head made his way to the boats but he had chosen the one that did not carry the Queen for she was not going to like what he was to say, for he had destroyed the paper holding the formulae, and he intended to destroy the last of the Greek Fine.

However that day on seeing the look of the face of the Iceni champion, he did not relish being any roman or any of the rebel Iceni should he ever get his huge hands on them, as he was again told of their ordeal, and the death of the chieftains that Boudicca had taken to Camulodunum.

Now they were all gathered in the great hall to learn what the Queen was going to do next, but he was sitting with Chief Theroux, had been one of the men in charge of the force left in the woods. When Boudicca told him of the fate of the chieftains, who had gone with her to the Circus feast, his cry of anger and despair, was hard to hear. But he also was the first to regain his strength and voice his concerns.

"My Queen, I fear we may have stirred up a hornet's nest there that day. Are we really going to war? Despite all that has happened to you, I feel this is not what Prasutagus would want.

We have no choice, I did not want this, but I was not going to stand by and let Catus send Astus to rule us as his Overseer, and neither would you!

An overseer, what is that.

It is someone who looks after slaves. But the first thing he would do is to kill all those who support me and mine. If Catus wants a war, I fear I may have started on at Camulos, and there is no turning back now.

Yes, I see that now, and this War band you intend to form at Scole. Who will command this? Not I hope?

No, not you, but someone who knows how to win a battle against the legions. But first, he must be chosen by the chieftains’ council. Petros turned away since she was looking at him. He had to find a way that would force her to release him from the sacred oath he had taken to serve her husband. He would find Dracus he would know if that was possible?

But, as Queen Boudicca cast her eyes along the line of her friends, and rescuers she had to realise what a sorry sight they made. Most of her shields bore a wound of some sort, and she had lost near to a hundred shields, to the flames Of Camulos. How this band of ragamuffins considered that they could ever overthrow the might of Rome, she could not countenance at this time. But First Boudicca sat upright to look at her lover and try to see him as a warrior and War chieftain.

"Brius, I want you to become our new War chieftain. But before we can plan for war first, we need to find a druid to look after my daughters, and our injured. I fear she is still too frail to travel very far or take her place in a shield wall. They must stay here at Caister Venta until they are well enough to Scole.

Rowena knew that Brius would never wish this, and he said so.

No, my lady, my Queen please do not ask this of me. Yes, it is a great honour and one that I have wanted. But my Queen, I fear I cannot be... I cannot find your friend and war captain. If you insist, you must choose one of these roles, but not both."

She had not realised that he could not sleep with her as her lover and also as her War chief. For then, how could he say what she needed to hear how now that they had found each other can she risks his life? Then Rowena stood up and to astound them all.

Mother am I not a shield of the Iceni. Am I not also named as the Boudiga that terrible day...? She paused as the memory of the scourging seemed to come across her face. Then to straighten her shoulders and to say. Am I not the daughter-heir? If these chieftains agree, I will be our war chief! She saw they were looking bemused at this suggestion that a woman could do so, so she said. But only if Brius will stand at my side and tell me what must be done! Only if your mother will swear to listen to his advice!

The look on Brius face was a beaming agreement, and he said to the chieftains.  Well said, Rowena. I name you our war chief of the Iceni. What say all here? Then before Boudicca could object their Ayes’ filled the hall, and all Boudicca could say was

So is it said so shall it be? So now we all shall leave this place and meet again at Scole. As for your daughter, I could not be more proud at this moment. And with Brius and me at your side, we shall make a great team. But your sister Frayr is still so sick in her heart, I fear she will kill herself should we leave her alone."

It was Riac, who had asked to come to stay at the Caister hold so that he could be with her with her and was representing his father at the council, and he could be near Frayr, who stood to say.

If you will allow it, I will send for my sister Fern. She is also a healer.

I have a healer here, and I know she will recover her body, I am sure of it.

Why she is not badly hurt, and I know just how strong she is.

In body yes, but her mind... You do know what happened to us do you not?

Not all of it, only that you all were whipped and tortured.

They were both raped many times but to do that to my dear Frayr, someone who hated to be touched.  It was just too much, and her mind snapped as she tried to hid her pain.

I see, but Fern is a fey healer, and was to train as a seeress. She is someone who can speak to the heart and souls of the mad ...Who are, hurt in their minds? Let me bring her, and we will look after her. When she is... when she is stronger, we will join you at Scole as will my father, and our war bands.

Thank you Riac, she will be most welcome, as will you. You have been a good son to your father, and friend to my daughters. I will send our healer to care for her. But you should know Frayr’s broken mind may not survive this ordeal.

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Well, that was not the worst of it for my daughters, for they had to see the Roman bastard try to break me. But that tale is for another day. And that is for Frayr to speak of. Look, man, we have much to do this day, Come Row, and you Brius, we must send out riders to gather the clans at Scole. And hold the chieftain’s war council there...

All this time, Petros had been standing waiting to speak with Boudicca about what she intended. For to try to take on the legions was madness. But he was forestalled in this, as the queen took a spear, and thrust it into the ground before him.

As for you Petronius, I must ask more of you, my loyal friend. You once told me that you could show our warriors how to fight the Romans, and win! Well, I trust that was no idle boast, for now, is that time to honour your pledge, and to do so as a shield of the Iceni. I ask you to take up this spear and follow me to Scole. However, I will not ask you to kill anyone. But are you still willing to teach your skills of total warfare?

Petros felt the grip of destiny closing on his heart once again as he nodded his accent, wondering what he had agreed to now. But to capture Veda, and Catus, he needed these women and her warriors.

I will say, my Queen. But my heart is sad at what we have done at Camulodunum. For I fear you have lit such a fire, that an ocean of blood will not put out.

I also see that, and Prasutagus is turning in his grave at what I must do as the Boudiga. But we cannot undo those days. Well, you have already earned my gratitude, but once again, I fear I must ask for more. I must ask you to show us how to defeat the Roman Legions. I fear that I am building up such an honour debt to you, I will have to marry you to fulfil it.

Boudicca had meant this a joke to raise their spirits, and she bursts out laughing at the look of absolute horror on the faces of the Syrian. Then he also saw the irony of it, and their smiles lifted all their hearts and spirits.

Never fear Syrian you are not my type, and I hear your heart lies with a certain dark-skinned slave does it not? How is Colis?

At the mention of Colis, his heart skipped a beat as her memory came flooding back Well he had killed Astus for what he had done to her, and that was perhaps a fitting end to him.

Colis was murdered by Esupa Astus my lady, but now he is dead, and I have my revenge. As you shall have yours, for the death of your husband, and the lovely Brigitte.

Well said Petros, and so it shall be with your help.

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Chapter 2. The Power of Love.

Now all Myriddin must hope for is that the power of the love and the bond between Petros and Colis find a way to heal his mind and body and so also must Septrine and Marcus come together to reconcile their love and marriage.

That the love Boudicca had found with her Champion Brius would also soften her resolve to be the Boudiga.

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The return home,

As the Viking long-ship set out for home, from the destroyed Roman town of Camulodunum, it was rowed by the Iceni, and Trinovantes warriors for the Norse men had fled into the woods the moment the fighting had started. They would have taken the ship if the guard that Brius had left made it clear they would have to fight for it. Even so, the War chief Fabliaux of Scole was lost his life in the struggle to stop the Frisians crew from talking the ships to sea.

Now it was a very different return to the Holdfast. Where they had set out to take part in the games, and have their queen recognised as their new leader and Queen, the Games had been a trap where she was to have been made to submit to the Roman Procurator Decanius Catus and give up her rights to the throne of the Iceni tribes. To avoid this, she had instead chosen to become the Boudiga of the prophecies. But that had come at a terrible cost.

Now as they sailed home, Boudicca was silent and withdrawn as she tried to hide her own injuries console her daughters. For once the bloodlust of battle had subsided, they had time to remember their time in the animal pens. However, ever since Camulos, Rowena would not look at her, or let her mother console her. For she also had been raped by the foul Roman guards. As had her sister Frayr. And now they both feared that they were pregnant with a Roman child? Rowena however, had seen the futility of trying to resist her attackers, and she had decided to submit and endure the Roman beast’s attacks, and the many rapes to survive and try to save her mother from that fate. But Frayr had fought them like a wildcat, and now she had withdrawn into herself, her eyes staring and lost.

After Badvoc had come to their rescue, the sisters had not gone to fight with her mother in the township, Badvoc had left them with Riac and Astius, his sons and they had taken the two women to the boats, and they would be kept safe there. Ever since then, Riac had tried to console his love, but Frayer had repelled his advances so strongly, he had at first been angry, but then he had seen her hurting and allowed her to grieve. It was only later when Badvoc and Boudicca came to find them again that they saw just how traumatised the princess were.

Brius was tending his Queen and wondering how he could help her overcome this terrible ordeal, but his anger was of a different sort it was cold fury that these bastards could treat her like this and break