CHAPTER 2

IT BEGAN WHEN the messenger appeared at the entrance of her tent.

"Lt. Lynara, sir. Queen Boudicea sends her regards and requests your presence."

She remembered smiling when he finished delivering the message. Requests from the supreme leader were actually orders but it made the queen appear more accessible.

"When and where is this meeting?" she asked, watching him fidget nervously a few feet away.

"Tonight, after the third watch takes over. Her majesty wishes you to meet her at the old ruins near the druids' circle."

"As she commands," Lynara said obediently. "Please tell her I'll be there."

The messenger nodded respectfully and departed.

Lynara called to her servant to bring her hot water. She would take a bath and dress appropriately for her meeting with the supreme commander. That was what was expected of her.

*  *  *

Five candlemarks later, dressed in her best breches, a doeskin slipover sleeveless tunic with a wide belt, leather boots and matching cloak, she strolled through the darkness toward the ruins. Occasionally, one of the Celtic guards challenged her, but it was merely a formality. Everyone knew the lieutenant was favored by their Queen. Few were willing to alienate the young officer. Besides, the prowess of Lt. Lynara as a warrior was legendary. Only the bravest and most intelligent became officers, unless they were from wealth or royalty.

A few campfires burned dimly around the encampment. Shadows danced eerily amongst the trees as the flames flickered in the cold winds blowing off the moors. The druids' circle was dark and quiet. It had been abandoned for a long time, when the Romans decided to exterminate them and their followers.

Looking around, Lynara discovered the site was vacant.

Good, she thought. Lynara loved the night. It reminded her of home, especially when the fires burned brightly. The dancing flames brought back the nostalgia felt by those who had been away from home too long but knew it would be even longer before they returned.

"Good evening, Lieutenant," spoke a woman's voice from the darkness.

"Your Highness," Lynara said, nodding her head respectfully.

"Thank you for coming."

"I am always at your command, My Queen."

Two women stepped from the shadows. The first, Lynara recognized instantly. No one could mistake the large woman with the flaming red hair. Boudicea was impressive as both a woman and a queen, but as a warrior she was magnificent.

The second woman was smaller and appeared a few years older. Her long dark hair was braided into one large strand and draped over her right shoulder. Black eyes gleamed brilliantly in the moonlight. Petite, she was dwarfed by Boudicea. Still, her bearing was enough to tell Lynara that the stranger was quite capable of handling most situations.

*  *  *

"This is Constance. She is a historian." Boudicea nudged Constance forward with her hand.

Lynara was surprised. The battlefield was no place for scholars.

"A historian, highness?"

"Yes. She has come to write our story. It's important our descendants know the truth about us and how this war started."

"Truth is illusive and rarely told accurately, My Queen."

Boudicea nodded.

"That's why I've asked you to come. Of all my commanders, you, I trust the most to tell how we got to this point."

"Me? I'm a warrior, not a scholar. Wouldn't it be better to get one of the tribal elders to tell your story? They are familiar with the art of storytelling and know more of your history."

"Pffft!" snorted the queen. "They embellish everything. Even I, who have been there, don't recognize the events when they tell their stories. No, Lieutenant, I want someone who doesn't have the imagination to make up stories. I mean that as a compliment, Lynara."

The use of her name surprised Lynara. Never had the queen referred to her by anything except her rank.

"Of course. I am yours to command, My Queen," she replied hesitantly.

"Good. Now take Constance to your tent and tell her everything you know to be true. The Romans are on the march and will be here within a fortnight. I want her gone by then."

"One question, My Queen. There's much I know and a lot I've heard. Should I tell her the latter?

"Tell her everything. She'll know what's true and what's not. Answer her questions as you would if it were I asking. Now, go. I'm late for a meeting with my generals."

*  *  *

Constance watched the Celtic queen and her young lieutenant with interest. It was obvious there was a great affection between them even though it was unspoken. Both had red hair, not uncommon amongst the Celts. Where Boudicea was big-boned with coarse features and a wild and unmanageable mane, the lieutenant was tall and muscular. Her hair was wavy with an unusual shine. Although it was cold, the warrior's arms were bare, revealing tattooed flames on both of her biceps. Even in the darkness they glowed brightly.

She must be very confident, Constance thought. An enemy would find her an easy target.

The historian also noticed that the woman spoke without the usual Celtic brogue and that her Gaelic was flawless. Boudicea, who had been born to aristocracy, didn't speak as well.

Bowing slightly, Lynara motioned for Constance to go ahead. After touching her fingertips to her forehead in a salute to her queen, the lieutenant followed the historian. Boudicea laughed quietly. The gesture was unique to Lynara and had always amused Boudicea. Several of her generals thought it disrespectful and occasionally objected. Boudicea knew otherwise and forbade them to say anything to the young warrior.