The Governor's Man by Jacquie Rogers (best beach reads TXT) 📕

‘Velvinna, I wondered what you might make of this?’ She reached into her bath bag, and pulled out a torn scrap of coarse white cloth. There were a few drops of some dried liquid, red-brown, smudged at one end. She also pulled out a piece of twig.

Her friend took them carefully. She sucked in her breath, and cast a glance around the alcove, pausing until the young hooded woman moved on. She looked worried.

‘This cloth is Druid-woven bleached linen. Blood-stained. And a crushed branch of mistletoe, as I guess you well know. Where did you come by these, Julia?’

Julia held her friend’s gaze. It wasn’t necessary to explain that she had picked the fabric scrap up from the morgue floor where it had fallen unnoticed as the dead boy’s head had been unwrapped. She was sure neither the Londinium stator nor his superior had fully understood the significance. Julia had, though, and was troubled enough to show Velvinna the worrying scrap.

‘I don’t want to upset you with all the distressing details, my dear. What I can tell you is that these were found at the scene of the death of a boy of my own people, someone I knew and cared for. He and his sister were of our Summer Country estate, and I feel some sense of continuing duty to them both. The boy was far from home, alone, and I believe was carrying an important message. He didn’t deserve the cruel attack that ended his life. He does deserve all my efforts as a noble of the Durotriges to avenge him.

‘I wanted to ask you, Velvinna - have you heard any rumours of trouble brewing lately? After this, I am worried for our tribespeople.’

Velvinna took her younger friend’s hands in her own.

‘That’s a terrible story, Julia. You must do the right thing in the eyes of the Goddess, and of course I’ll help as I can. Well, I have heard a few stray murmurs. In recent weeks there have been mutterings that some of the young folk seem dissatisfied. Difficult to know why — times are no harder than usual. We’ve had several good harvests, and the awful plague of my parents’ time seems to have died away. Thanks to the bountiful grace of our Lady the Goddess Sulis.’

Both women bowed their heads a moment.

‘And?’ prompted Julia.

Velvinna smiled. ‘You know me too well, oh sharp-eyed pupil! I am uneasy. Parents worried about their children. Odd comings and goings at night. The young men of the town, the worse for a few beers, marching down the street, knocking over market stalls and frightening people, shouting ‘Make the Dobunni great again!’ Some of us older ones spoke to the centurion at the garrison here. He soon sorted that lot out — banged a few heads together and took the ringleaders in for a talking-to and a night in the cells to cool off. He’s a good lad, Centurion Crispus, he handles matters well without causing resentment. ‘

Julia nodded and smiled. She too respected the quiet young red-headed soldier. It was Marcellus who had asked her to make discreet enquiries.

‘Yes, Marcellus Crispus is a good commander, and knows the people of Aquae Sulis well. But I sense there is something else on your mind. You know your confidences are safe with me.’

Her friend had a worried look on her face. ‘Well, Julia, I’ve heard there is a White One back here in our territory.‘

Julia recoiled. The White Ones, the Druids of old, had once been all-powerful. But since Rome came they had been outlawed, and banished from public view. It was generations ago since the last one had been whispered of. Especially in this town with its sacred spa, the home of the mighty Goddess Sulis Minerva. The Lady Minerva was revered by both British and Romans.

‘A White One?’ She repeated the words, shaken. So perhaps a Druid had been behind the attack on Catus, as the mistletoe and bleached linen cloth suggested. But why? If Quintus was right, that attack had been to prevent news of a fraud reaching Londinium. Why would Druids associate themselves with such matters?

Velvinna blew her nose, and nodded. ‘Only the merest word, my dear. Still, I’ve heard that same story from several sources, level-headed people I trust.’

Julia ran a smoothing hand across her forehead.

‘I’m happy to go with your instincts, Velvinna. There is no-one I trust better. But I need to know more, and quickly, if I’m to prevent trouble. My brother Marcus will need to know, too.’

Velvinna stood, shaking out her skirts.

‘Well, my dear, as always you remind me of what should be done. I will sound out some folk who might be in the know, including our Sisters here in Aquae Sulis.  How can I best reach you with any news?’

Julia thought. She trusted Anicius implicitly, but all sorts came and went through his hospital wards. This had to be handled discreetly. She would need to send word quickly to Marcellus if she did uncover anything.

She thought briefly of Quintus, the Imperial Investigator with the authority she might need; could she get a message to him? That thought was instantly dismissed. He didn’t trust her, and she wasn’t sure she could bear to ever see him again. Anyway, she had no idea where he was now, or how to safely contact him.

’Send to my house, Velvinna. And keep Centurion Crispus informed too. I need to go to Bo Gwelt soon to see my brother about this and other family matters, but I’ll delay leaving till tomorrow in case you need me. If I’m not at home, you can trust my staff to forward a message quickly.’

‘Thank you. I wish I had spoken to you sooner. Sometimes I think I’m just a silly old woman. But I know the Goddess Sulis Minerva is guiding our steps.