“Toutatis Favours The Brave” (A Nervii CiG AAR.)
Chapter 24: The Rear Guard
As Belenus' bright chariot begins it's journey back towards the earth once more, it seems that he too smiles upon our journey. The sky is clear, the light he casts down upon us warm yet not too hot. Ideal conditions for a tribe on the march and we are making good time because of it.
As I smile at the thought I also quicken my step a little. It is a long way from the rear of our column to the front, and some might question why as Warlord I would make this journey at all. I could certainly send runners to check on the rear if I wished. But I will not have my people thinking I have abandoned them or taken them for granted, even those that drive the ox carts on which our supplies are carried and the rearguard beyond.
I know some warriors view being assigned to the rear guard as a punishment, robbed of the chance to draw first blood in battle and at times forced to wade through the mud churned up by many warriors footsteps. But to me it has always been a place of honour, where I once stood and watched as others raced into the fight. They may not be the first to enter battle, but they are often the last to leave a battlefield, standing guard whilst others take a drink and rest. And should the Remi or some other threat choose to attack our flank, it will fall upon them to hold the line till their brothers and sisters can come to their aid or stand and die so they may leave to fight another day.
As I stride forward I begin to notice new sounds joining those of an army on the march. Singing carried upon the breeze like the lightest of feathers. It is a good sound to hear, for it means the warriors are in good spirits and ready to face whatever challenges await them.
As I get closer still, the sound resolve into words. Something about a Remi Chieftain's daughter and her impressive... attributes. But I only hear a few lines before they come to an abrupt end, replaced by guffaws of laughter and a familiar voice asking for the next request.
“So what'll it be next gentlemen? Perhaps a little something I heard about a Trevarii Tribesman with a talented tongue?”
I really shouldn't be too surprised. Tanco always did pick up the most scandalous tavern drinking songs on his travels and he uses every opportunity to show them off. A trait he and Gwydion shared I might add, especially as they taught each other half of them.
Though I have sent out more scouts to track the Remi's advance and perhaps gain some idea of their numbers, this time I have kept Tanco close at hand. Though some warriors look down upon him and the other scouts as somehow weaker, for they do not usually fight amongst the warriors in battle, his singing has always been good for morale. But my main reason is that his recent knowledge of these lands may prove invaluable and whilst he is younger than Caxtos or I, I also trust his council.
Others I cannot be so certain of.
I have seen little of Liscos since we departed Noviodunon. But what I have tells a story all of its own. Though the Angry Beasts are clearly pleased to be heading off to battle once more, their leader continues to boil with rage at the way our argument ended. I think he cannot even stand to look at me more than honour demands, for fear of what he may do. Such rage can only be contained for so long. Perhaps the Remi will provide battle enough to douse the flames, but I have my doubts. It is not in Liscos's nature to back down from a fight and I will have to keep an eye on him I'm sure.
Cambo too may be a concern. The Sly Wolves have perhaps the strongest ties to the Remi of any Nervii clan, having traded with them for many years even before Cambo rose to lead the clan. It is a relationship I may be able to take advantage of should the opportunity present itself. But equally I cannot help but remember the way that he and Liscos acted together at the Tribal Council. If Liscos were to openly challenge me for the position of Warlord would Cambo and his Sly Wolves support him? Would others? I shake my head, for this I cannot know. At other times I would relish the chance to prove myself once more against such a fearsome opponent as Liscos. But we have far greater enemies to face right now than each other.
There are at least some for whom I have no such concerns. Caxtos and his Hill Warriors are as always unwavering in their support. They are one tribe who have never complained at taking their turn to guard the rear, or stay behind and defend our settlements whilst other go to war. Always a staunch line of spears in defence of their brothers, their homes and their tribe.
I think the day I have to worry about them turning their weapons upon their fellow Nervii is the day I know the gods have truly abandoned us all. I pray such a thing never comes to pass.
Nimo and his small band of Eburones also continue to impress me. They acquitted themselves well against the Suessiones, fighting alongside the Hill Warriors and earning their respect. Not an easy task. In Nimo they also have a leader who while lacking in experience, is young and willing to learn, not just from other chieftains but his fellow warriors as well. Much to my surprise One-Eye has also proven himself to be an able second, handling small matters and troublemakers so Nimo can focus on leading their tribe. The two make an unlikely pair, but one which may lead the Eburones back to their former glory.
However my main concern is still the Remi. They surely must seek to profit from facing us, as why else would they have entered the lands of the Suessiones in force? Even the largest trade convoy would not need such protection, and why would they make war against the Suessiones when the two tribes have such a strong bond between them? Although I do not yet know exactly how many warriors they bring, if they are as flush with these strange coins as the Suessiones were they can afford to send many warriors and mercenaries to claim their prize.
Perhaps too many... It is a worry.
But I am interrupted from my thoughts by one of the young warriors from the vanguard. A slinger if I am not mistaken, as I can see the pouch in which he carries the small stones which are his chosen weapon. A humble weapon, but no less deadly because of it.
“Report from the scouts Warlord. They found a messenger on the road ahead. From the Remi. Says he has a message he'll only give to you.”
I raise an eyebrow. The Remi wish to talk it seems. That is... unexpected.
“Search him, then have him brought to me,” I reply. “Let's see what the Remi want.”
*
Authors Notes:
All the Best,
Welsh Dragon.