Читать книгу Arthur, King - William Speir - Страница 17

Ambrosius spent his time strengthening the defenses along the Saxon frontier and fighting the occasional skirmish against Vortigern and his supporters.

Vortigern had retreated to his fortress at Carn Fadrun shortly after the Council stripped him of the High Kingship of Britain. He never accepted the Council’s decision, but he lacked the support of the other kings to challenge Ambrosius seriously.

Ambrosius knew that it was only a matter of time before Vortigern would send messengers to Hengist and Horsa to enlist their help in restoring his title. To prevent any of Vortigern’s messages from reaching the Saxons, Ambrosius posted soldiers along all of the roads leading to Saxon-controlled lands. Their orders were to intercept and detain any messengers. He also posted soldiers on the roads leading to Colgrin’s lands, so no messengers from Vortigern would reach the Anglians.

It was clear that Hengist and Horsa were building up their strength. Longboats arrived often, carrying fresh warriors and settlers. Ambrosius knew that there wasn’t enough land inside Hengist’s territory to support the ever-increasing Saxon population. The Saxons would have to attempt to expand their territories; it was just a question of when.

In the autumn of 466 AD, three months before Arthur’s second birthday, Ygerna discovered that she was pregnant again. Uther was overjoyed, and he did everything he could think of to help Ygerna. He didn’t want her to suffer another miscarriage.

Winter came and went, and Uther stayed in close contact with his neighboring kingdoms. Strathclyde was no longer an enemy of Gododdin, but relations with Rheged remained chilly at best because of the Council meeting. However, when Colgrin and his Anglians attempted to expand their territory, King Gwrast of Rheged sent a thousand soldiers to join Uther and Nudd-Lludd’s forces to help King Mor drive them back. Mor wasn’t able to re-take any of the lands he had lost when the Anglians first invaded, but he managed to keep Colgrin from gaining any new lands.

Ambrosius arrived with his cavalry on the last day of fighting, turning Colgrin’s left flank and forcing the Anglians to retreat in confusion. The Rheged soldiers stayed in Ebrauc long enough to make certain that Colgrin wasn’t going to start fighting again, and then they returned home without acknowledging Ambrosius or his forces.

When Uther returned to Din Eidyn in early June, it was nearly time for Ygerna to deliver the baby. A week later, Ygerna gave birth to a girl.

“She’s beautiful,” Uther said, kissing Ygerna’s forehead while the midwives cleaned the baby. “What shall we name her?”

Ygerna smiled weakly. “I like the name Anna.”

“Then that’s what we’ll call her, my darling.”

Lucilia, one of Ygerna’s midwives, gently handed the baby to her queen. “She seems perfectly healthy, my Lady.”

Ygerna nodded and pulled Anna close to her. The baby cooed softly.

Uther looked up and saw Arthur at the door with his nurse. He motioned for Arthur to come to him.

“This is your baby sister Anna,” he said after Arthur climbed up on Ygerna’s bed.

Arthur stared at the baby and then looked up at his father. “Anna?” he asked with a grin.

Uther nodded.

Arthur looked back at the baby. “Anna.”

“That’s right, Arthur,” Ygerna said. “This is Anna.”

Arthur grinned again and crawled to the edge of the bed. He jumped down and ran across the room to his nurse, who took him back to the nursery.

“I think he likes his sister’s name,” Uther commented.

Ygerna nodded, too happy and weary to say anything.

In August of 469 AD, just after Anna’s second birthday, Ambrosius’ men intercepted a messenger from Queen Rowenna carrying letters from Vortigern to Hengist. This was the first messenger that they’d intercepted since Ambrosius began watching the roads leading to the Saxon-held lands.

Ambrosius read the letters several times. The first letter was from Vortigern, reminding Hengist of their alliance and asking the Saxon King to come to his aid in reclaiming the High Kingship. The second was from Rowenna, but it was written in her native Saxon tongue. Ambrosius had to wait while someone translated it, but when he was finally able to read its contents, he became enraged.

Rowenna suggested that Hengist form alliances with the Picts, Caledonians, and the Irish to attack Britain at the same time as the Saxons and the Anglians. “Once the kingdoms loyal to Ambrosius have been quelled, the kingdoms loyal to Vortigern will be unable to offer any defense against you. You can destroy Ambrosius and Vortigern at the same time, claiming your rightful lordship over all of Britain with ease. You can offer the Picts, Caledonians, and Irish a share of the spoils for their help. And once I’m widowed, you can marry me to Colgrin’s son to strengthen your alliance with the Anglians. You need not concern yourself with Vortigern’s young son. He will have no sons to trouble you once you’ve conquered Britain.”

Ambrosius immediately sent copies of the letters to every member of the Council of Kings except for Vortigern.

Over the next three months, four other messengers from Vortigern were intercepted heading for Hengist, and two were intercepted heading for Colgrin. Each message begged for aid in putting down what Vortigern referred to as “Ambrosius’ Rebellion,” and offering more lands as payment.

Ambrosius was concerned that one of Vortigern’s messages might reach Hengist or Colgrin. I should move against Vortigern now, but it’s too late in the year to mount that kind of campaign. The armies will get caught in that rocky terrain and covered in snow while Vortigern stays warm in his fortress. As soon as the spring thaws arrive, I’ll move against him and smoke him out into the open where he can’t hide.

Ambrosius prepared letters to the kings loyal to him as High King, instructing them to bring their armies to the border of Gwynedd by the end of March. He also prepared additional letters to Uther, Nudd-Lludd, and Mor. They’d have to cross Rheged to reach Gwynedd, and Ambrosius wanted them to know that he’d help them safely bring their armies across King Gwrast’s lands.

Uther read the letters from Ambrosius and then handed them to Merlin.

“I can’t believe that Ambrosius is going to risk open war with Vortigern,” Merlin said when he finished reading.

“You read the copies of his letters to Hengist and that letter from Rowenna,” Uther reminded him. “What choice does Ambrosius have? Either he crushes the red dragon now, or he risks Britain being conquered at Vortigern’s invitation.”

“I still can’t believe that Rowenna would kill her own son just to make certain that none of Vortigern’s sons survive,” Merlin said.

Uther snorted. “She’s Hengist’s daughter first and foremost. She’ll do whatever is in his best interests.”

“What will Strathclyde do? King Ceretic sided with Vortigern at the Council meeting.”

“True, but when he read the letters from Vortigern to Hengist and Colgrin, he broke his alliance with Vortigern. I don’t know if he’ll fight alongside Ambrosius and the rest of us, but he won’t fight against us.”

“And Rheged?” Merlin asked.

“I don’t know,” Uther looked troubled. “It’s the largest kingdom in Britain, and we have to cross it to get to Gwynedd by the date that Ambrosius has set. If we try to go around Rheged, it’ll take nearly two weeks longer, and my soldiers will be exhausted by the time we reach Vortigern’s fortress.

Merlin nodded. “What do you need me to do?”

“Watch over my kingdom, Merlin. You’ll be in charge while I’m away. And if I don’t return from Gwynedd, then you’re to assume the post of regent until Arthur comes of age. As regent, you’ll have full authority to act on my behalf and on Arthur’s behalf until he turns sixteen. I’ll write everything out so there’ll be no doubts about the source of your authority and your responsibilities. For instance, you’ll have to present Caliburn to Arthur on his sixteenth birthday when he’s crowned king, but Ygerna is responsible for all betrothals and marriage contracts related to Arthur and Anna.”

Merlin smiled. “I’ll see to it, Uther, but I’m not worried. You’ll return from Gwynedd victorious as always.”

As winter set in, Ygerna became more and more concerned for her husband. She tried not to show it; she didn’t want to distract Uther. His primary focus was on preparing for the campaign against Vortigern.

Arthur turned five on Christmas Eve. Uther and Ygerna gave him a bearskin cloak to keep him warm during the cold winters. Uther also gave him a small wooden sword.

“Will you teach me to use it, Papa?” Arthur asked, holding the sword gingerly.

Uther laughed. “Of course I will, Son. And my master-at-arms will teach you when I can’t. But there’s something more important that I must teach you.”

“What’s that, Papa?”

“Someday, you’re going to be King of Gododdin – the leader of your people. A leader sets the example and then inspires his men to follow that example. You’ll be that leader when you’re older. Never forget that you’re the example the people of Gododdin will look to.”

“I don’t understand, Papa.” Arthur said, sounding confused.

Uther smiled “You will, son. You will.”

Later that night, when Uther and Ygerna were alone in their bed, Uther pulled her close. “Blessed Christmas, my darling.”

Ygerna wished him a blessed Christmas, but he could tell that something troubled her.

“What is it, Ygerna? You haven’t seemed happy for weeks.”

Ygerna looked away. “Winter’s here, Uther. When spring comes, you’re going to war. But it’s not a war against invaders. You’re going to war against your fellow kings!”

“Only a few of them,” Uther reassured her. “Most of the armies will be on our side.”

“And if our enemies attack while you’re gone?” Ygerna asked.

“Then I’ll bring Ambrosius’ entire army up here with me to drive them back.”

Uther leaned over and kissed Ygerna. “Don’t worry, my darling. We’ll deal with Vortigern, and then turn our eyes toward Colgrin, Hengist, and Horsa. Once Ambrosius is the undisputed High King of Britain, we’ll send our enemies back across the channel forever.”

Ygerna’s shoulders shook, and Uther realized that she was crying. He held her tightly, letting her know that she was loved.

“What will I do if you don’t come back?” she whispered finally.

“If that happens, you’ll raise our children and help Merlin keep an eye on things until Arthur is ready to be king.”

“I know my duty, Uther. I mean, how will I live without you?”

Uther kissed her shoulder. “You just take each day as it comes. Then you’ll look back one day and realize that years have passed, and you’re still alive and well.”

Ygerna turned and kissed her husband. “I love you.”

Uther kissed her and ran his fingers through her hair. “And I love and adore you.”

Spring arrived early, and all of Gododdin was consumed with preparations for war. Uther was taking two-thirds of his soldiers with him against Vortigern, but he was leaving a sizable force along his northern borders in case the Picts and Caledonians attempted to exploit his absence. Ceretic was going to do the same, keeping a strong force along the northern borders of Strathclyde.

When the day arrived for the soldiers of Gododdin to leave, Ygerna put on a brave face and said her farewells in the great hall. “I wish you victories and safe journeys, my Lord.”

Uther smiled and kissed her. Then he kissed Arthur and Anna on their foreheads. “You three are the reason I can’t wait to return home.”

Turning to Merlin, he said, “Watch over them, Merlin. They’re my kingdom, my treasure, and my heart.”

“I will, Lord Uther.”

Uther turned and left the great hall, followed by his captains and his standard-bearer. Ygerna, Arthur, and Anna followed him and stood with Merlin on the steps of the great house as Uther mounted his horse. With his banner unfurled, he led the cavalry down the causeway. Uther’s foot soldiers waited at the bottom of the causeway, and soon the army of Gododdin headed south to war.

Ygerna watched until the last cavalryman was through the gates. Then she took the children back into the great house. Merlin followed, concerned for Ygerna.

After the children were in the nursery, Ygerna sat down with Merlin in the great hall. “Why am I so afraid for Uther, Merlin? It’s not like this is the first time he’s gone to war. Why do I fear the worst?”

“I don’t know, my Lady,” Merlin replied. “There’s been little open conflict between Britain’s kingdoms since before the Legions first arrived. It’s unsettling. We should be uniting the kingdoms, not tearing them apart. We’re stronger together.”

Ygerna looked at Merlin sharply. “Do you think Britain should be one kingdom under a single king?”

Merlin nodded. “I’ve always thought so.”

“And what about Gododdin? What about Uther?”

Merlin smiled. “Whoever is the King of Britain will need help ruling his kingdom. The current kings will be nobles in the King’s court. They’ll help him govern the people and defend the land, but they’ll obey his commands.”

Ygerna scowled at Merlin.

He continued. “There isn’t a single kingdom in Britain that can stand on its own against our enemies. We have to unite in times of war to survive. Why can’t we unite in times of peace as well? If we can do more as one when facing an enemy, why can’t we also do more as one when facing peace and prosperity? What couldn’t we accomplish if we all worked as one to achieve it?”

“The kings would never go for that,” Ygerna pointed out.

Merlin nodded. “I know, but that doesn’t mean it’s not right.”

“Don’t let Uther hear you say that.”

“Oh, he knows my beliefs, my Lady.”

“And what did he say about Britain having one king?” Ygerna asked.

Merlin chucked. “He said, ‘As long as it’s not me and it’s not anyone allied with our enemies, I’m all for it’.”

Ygerna looked shocked. “He said that?”

Merlin nodded.

Ygerna laughed. “Thank you, Merlin. This is the best I’ve felt for weeks.”

“You’re welcome, my Lady. Would you like to hear my other ideas for improving things around here?”

The sound of their laughter echoed throughout the great hall.

Uther’s forces rode south to Bryneich. King Nudd-Lludd forces joined Uther’s, and the two kings led their armies to Ebrauc. King Mor remained in Ebrauc to keep an eye on Colgrin, but he sent half of his army under his son, Arthwys, with Uther and Nudd-Lludd.

The three armies traveled southwest toward the border of Rheged. Their destination was one of the Roman roads that cut across King Gwrast’s kingdom to Gwynedd. Ambrosius was supposed to have soldiers waiting there to escort them in case Gwrast decided to attack – doing his part to help Vortigern by preventing the northern armies from joining with Ambrosius.

As the Roman road came into view, so did the soldiers that Ambrosius sent. Their commander, a young general named Galerius, greeted the leaders of the northern armies. There were now four armies traveling together. After stopping for the night to rest, the armies set out before first light. They crossed the border into Rheged unchallenged, but all of the soldiers kept a sharp eye out for Rheged soldiers.

Uther’s cavalry acted as scouts, checking the roads ahead for signs of traps and riding out across the countryside to see if Rheged soldiers were concentrating. Rheged soldiers watched the armies from a distance, but they did nothing to stop them from reaching Gwynedd.

By the next morning, the armies had crossed Rheged and entered Gwynedd. Ambrosius was bringing the southern armies into Gwynedd from the south, and the two forces were to meet up at Carn Fadrun, Vortigern’s main fortress.

The captain responsible for Vortigern’s eastern borders nearly killed his horse riding to Carn Fadrun. He dismounted inside the gates and was escorted to Vortigern.

“My King, Ambrosius’ northern armies have crossed your eastern border!”

Vortigern dropped his goblet. “Northern armies? Where are his southern armies?”

“I don’t know, my King. I only recognized the badges of Gododdin, Bryneich, and Ebrauc. Ambrosius’ soldiers were with them, but not enough to be his entire army.”

“How many soldiers altogether?” Vortigern demanded.

“I’d estimate six to seven thousand, my King.”

That’s more soldiers than I have, and Ambrosius’ southern armies are surely moving in this direction. He doesn’t mean to depose me; he means to obliterate me.

Vortigern looked over to Rowenna, who sat across the room. Ambrosius knows. He knows that I sent for reinforcements from Hengist and Colgrin. He’s here to kill me before my allies can move against him. And he’s been planning this for a while, since the northern snows haven’t been melted for long. Strathclyde has abandoned me, and Rheged hasn’t moved to help me yet.

“What do you want me to do, my King?” the captain asked.

Vortigern looked around and pointed to the map of Gwynedd on the wall. “We can’t let them trap us here, captain. We’re located on the edge of a forest that our enemies can use to approach unseen. And this fortress was built by the Romans as a barracks for the legions and the military headquarters in Britain. It wasn’t designed to withstand a siege.”

He pointed to the hillfort on Dinas Emrys. “We need to fall back to Dinas Emrys. There’s nothing around that hill, so we’ll see the enemy coming for miles. It has its own water supply, and it’s well-stocked with provisions. We can hold out there for months until help comes. Send messengers to my army to head for Dinas Emrys immediately!”

“Yes, my King!”

After the captain had left, Rowenna stood. “Do I have to go with you to Dinas Emrys, my King? I’d rather stay here.”

Vortigern laughed. “Are you insane? The only person that Ambrosius and his allies want dead as much as me is you. If I leave you here, they’ll burn this place to the ground with you in it. No, I’m sending you to Dinas Emrys today. I’ll wait for my army and join you in a day or two.”

“Yes, my King,” Rowenna said.

Rowenna left the great hall. Vortigern picked up the goblet that he had dropped and stared at the map.

Where are you, Ambrosius? Where are your southern armies?

“Why haven’t Vortigern’s soldiers challenged us yet?” Uther asked as the four armies rode deeper into Gwynedd.

“Good question,” Nudd-Lludd replied. “He surely knows we’re here by now.”

“And he should know that the rest of Ambrosius’ forces have crossed the southern border,” Galerius added.

“So if you’re Vortigern, what do you do?” Nudd-Lludd asked. “Do you stay at Carn Fadrun and wait for us?”

“That would be fortunate for us if he does,” Galerius replied. “That fortress could never withstand an attack by this many soldiers.”

“And Vortigern knows that,” Uther stated. “So if you were Vortigern, where would you go?”

“I’d look for open ground where I have room to fight, but close enough to one of my hillforts where I can retreat and hold out if I’m besieged,” Nudd-Lludd replied.

“Where’s the nearest place like that?” Uther asked.

“Dinas Emrys,” Galerius said. “It’s one of his largest hillforts, and the plains around it can’t be crossed unseen. It’s perfect for him.”

“Will Ambrosius’ southern forces pass near it?” Arthwys asked.

Galerius nodded. “They’ll pass close enough to see it.”

“Then that’s where we need to drive Vortigern, if he’s not heading there already,” Uther said.

“When will we reach Carn Fadrun?” Nudd-Lludd asked.

“Tomorrow morning,” Galerius replied.

Uther smiled. “That’s when the fun begins.”