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Chapter 3
Londinium Awaits
Arthur and Tristan left the wall early the next morning. Marcus had explained they would find Lucilla in the company of a dozen Roman soldiers. But no other details were given.
Both were unhappy at the lack of facts, but were happy to get away from Marcus. All of the Knights believed that he was granted this post merely because of his status, which was probably true. He had no idea how to run a functioning fortress, let alone all of Britain.
The Knights even had a wager going to see how long Marcus would last, four months was the average time. Of course Arthur would never wager, but he thought four months was giving Marcus too much credit.
Arthur and Tristan made the five day journey to Londinium without incident with the Woads. The city was enormous on the horizon. A large citadel surrounded the flee infested city. There was a guard post at the entrance but no guard. So the two knights strode into the city. Both had been to the city only a few times in the 13 years and it was just as disgusting and vile as always.
"Wonder if our new commander is going to try and help the city." Tristan remarked as they directed the horses to the piers.
They stepped over human waste, the homeless and the dead. All that covered the streets. They could see the original Caer Londinium surrounded by the city. It was a decrepit fortress within a decrepit fortress. There were guards at that entrance turning merchants away.
"Any idea which ship is hers?" Arthur wondered out loud.
"A big one." Tristan comically retorted as Arthur chuckled.
There were twenty ships floating at or near the docks. Suddenly a Roman officer appeared in front of the two. He was Arthur's height, but at least five years younger. Curley black hair hung loosely next to the golden Roman armor.
"Are you here for the Lady Patrious?" His teenage voice asked.
"We are." Arthur replied.
The boy made the gesture to follow him. They were taken to a huge ship at the far end of the piers. Its white sails were down as the crew unloaded the chests.
"Doesn't exactly travel light." Arthur commented. This time Tristan gave a small chuckle.
"Wait here, I'll escort her out." He said to the two knights. Turning to the Centurion next to one of the three carriages he said, "Tell them proper protocol. She is still nobility even if she is no longer in Rome." The boy walked up the gangway into the ship.
The other man was a tall man, Dagonet's size with a chubby face. Gray hair poked out of his helmet, but a soothing tone spoke. "Don't mind Gaius. He takes this escorting business very seriously, when in fact the lady is in no danger. As for me I am Commander Flavius, Commander of Caer Londinium."
"I am Arthur Castus, leader of the Sarmatian Knights sent by Commander Marcus Patrious to escort his wife to Hadrian's Wall."
"Ah yes, very good." Flavius turned towards the ship as Gaius and the Lady walked out.
She looked like an angel in a fluttering ivory cloak. Gaius told them that she would share introductions once the city was behind them. They were pleased to leave the city.
Lucilla couldn't be happier to finally get off the ship and see Britain. She had stayed in her stateroom peering out the small porthole to the mists of the city. From what she could see, Lucilla knew that Londinium needed a new sanitation system to say the least.
She then saw Gaius leading two horsemen to the dock. Finally, Lucilla thought, I can get off the boat and start home. Home, would she really be calling Hadrian's Wall home? Lucilla instantly realized how nervous and anxious she really was. "Take it day by day." Her mother had told her and that is what Lucilla was going to do.
There came a knock on the door. Knowing it was Gaius she picked up a small rug sac from the bed and put on her ivory cloak. Not wanted to draw attention to herself she raised her hood. Hiding her features was a good way for people to leave her alone.
The bright sunlight felt amazing to Lucilla. The air was anything but clean, yet she knew by tonight Londinium would be leagues behind her. Lucilla noticed the two horsemen still atop their valiant steeds waiting for her.
One she knew immediately to be Sarmatian. His long hair, facial tattoos and dark skin told Lucilla he was fighting for Rome only because he must. She saw his eyes held something mysterious, the feeling sent shivers down her spine. The other was Roman; his silver armor contrasted his hazel eyes. He had shorter black hair but the same dark complexion.
"Gaius, tell them we shall share introductions once the city is well behind us. And thank them for coming to escort me." Lucilla whispered to the young soldier.
Arthur and Tristan watched intently as Lady Patrious walked down the gangway to the carriage waiting for her. She walked gracefully as if she was walking on a cloud. Stepping into the carriage just as gracefully as she had been walking, the knights had realized they were intrigued.
Arthur took the lead of the caravan, with Tristan behind and the dozen other soldiers flanking the three carriages. They received many curious stares, wondering who was in the carriage. It made Lucilla a bit uncomfortable. She had never been give these types of stares before, even in Rome.