CHAPTER 46
Nicadea sat cross-legged around the fire, listening to the elders tell stories about what had been going on since the beginning of the rebellion and its fearless female heroine, Boadicea. Her army had been raising troops
of soldiers across Britain to fight against Roman rule. The woman was called the Queen of the Iceni. She led a rebellion against the Roman authorities as a result of their mistreatment of her family and people after the death of her husband, Prasutagus, who may have been a Roman client-ruler, in 60 AD. Boudicca, assisted by other disaffected tribes, sacked the cities of Colchester, St. Albans and London and, it is estimated, massacred approximately 70,000 Roman soldiers and civilians so far in the course of the glorious cause.
Nicadea listened in awe as Evian told stories of bravery and tales of heroism. Her mind filled with pictures of men and women fighting for what they believed. She envied them and what they accomplished for her country. Evian filled her head with ideas and ambitions. More than anything, she wanted to join the ranks of those who fought for their beliefs. She wanted to join Boadicea’s army.
“They seem so glorious and brave. I wish I were with them.”
Evian grinned at her enthusiasm. “We could go together. I would be glad to take you.”
“Would you? That would be wonderful. I would be in your debt.”
“We could leave tomorrow night.”
“Why not tonight?”
Her fervor was infectious. He had always been fond of Nicadea, but she had been too young to notice. Now, however, things were different. She was old enough to be a woman—to become married. He would make the most of this opportunity and not allow her to slip away again.
“I would like to, but we should really get a good night’s sleep.”
“But the soldiers will be looking for me. They will be here soon.”
Evian considered the situation. She had left the company of the woman slaves of a Roman General. Then, disguised as a man, she had struck and possibly killed a Roman officer. If the soldiers found her there, she would be taken back and beaten. If the people of the settlement secreted her away, they ran the risk of being punished—possibly even killed for their defiance.
“Riding at night would not be easy.”
“I would rather face the darkness than the Romans. They are a heathen people.”
He looked around. People were talking among themselves—not paying much attention to them. Slipping away unnoticed would be easy. If they rode all night, they might be as far as the Delom Hills by morning. Hiding there would be easy.
Mikelle pushed back the flap on Anthony’s tent. His friend was still lying across the pillows giving him the impression, that Anthony had not been alone for long. “Busy evening?”
His friend grinned. “She was comely and enthusiastic. For what more could a man ask?”
Mikelle walked inside. “That a certain disobedient Priestess be found and returned to him.”
Anthony sat up and belted out a loud laugh. “The little Celt has escaped you again?”
Mikelle’s face darkened. “This is not a laughing matter, my friend. She attacked one of my men before she left.”
“He probably deserved it.”
“I’m sure, but the sentence for attacking a Roman soldier is death. My men are out for blood.”
CHAPTER 47
Michael watched the helicopter circle the landing pad before its descent. Niki still rested on the couch where he had first moved her, her eyes closed. The blood had caked in her hair around the nasty lump forming on the side of her head. The wound looked bad, but not fatal. She would probably sustain a wrenching headache for a day or so and be fine.
The question was not whether or not she would survive, but who had attacked her in the first place. He had contacted his security man on the island and instructed him to begin an investigation. The idea that one of his enemies would have followed him to the island on his honeymoon was absurd. On the other hand, the bump on her head was real enough.
Moments later the doctor arrived carrying a large black bag. He examined Niki with gentle fingers, pressing gingerly along the side of the wound. She flinched and tried to pull away, but didn’t cry out. He shined the light from a small flashlight into her eyes.
“Pretty nasty blow. You didn’t hit her, did you? What did she do? Burn the beans?” He chuckled at his small joke and took her temperature. “She has a slightly elevated temp, but other than that she seems fine.”
Michael felt himself relax. “Is she asleep?”
“Yes. Probably will be until morning. Call me if she has any unusual symptoms.”
Michael nodded and poured himself a glass of scotch. “I don’t suppose there’s any way the wound could have been self-inflicted.”
The doctor’s eyes opened wide. “I should think it would have been impossible to have inflicted the wound herself.”
“Yes, of course you’re right.” He downed the scotch.
After the doctor had gone, Michael poured another glass and moved toward the sliding glass door, staring into the darkness. After a moment, he went outside. The moonlight shining on the water was too inviting to resist. With scarcely a backward glance, he threaded his way down to the beach.
When Niki had first suggested they get married, he had been against the idea, but had soon warmed to the idea. She was after his company, of that he was sure, and was willing to pay a high price to get it. But why? And why marriage? She was probably responsible for the embezzlement and possibly the selling of company secrets as well. But why marriage? How could that strengthen her position? He could only assume she had a more hidden agenda.
The waves coming into the shore were lengthening under the slight breeze. He walked faster, his feet keeping pace with his thoughts. The attack had certainly not been a part of her plan. Who would have hated her enough to have followed her here? Or was the attack random. That didn’t seem likely. He turned back toward the house. There was one person whose name came to mind. Cassandra. But even she wouldn’t have gone this far. Would she?
