Or, "Will they won't they"...
Day 17 continued:
So, as we left it, Caeog was convening with his fellows to decide what to do, with the nearest Romans hunkered down in their camp. This was NOT a good meeting, and went on for nearly four hours.
Caeog was for pushing south to raise more zones (and men), Cyfwlch did eventually agree with him, but his sub-chief and one the late Tewdrig's surviving sub-chief were for scattering to the hills (had they heard rumours of the Roman forces nearby, but were keeping it from Caeog? We know that some of THEIR home areas were now back under Roman control. Was this a factor?).
One of Caeog's sub-chiefs wanted to attack the fort, but he was eventually, reluctantly, bought round to Caeog's way of thinking.
At one point it looked like the homesick sub-chiefs would walk out of the meeting, and take their men with them, but with both Caeog and Cyfwlch singing from the same songsheet, they eventually gave way. The army would march to raise the valleys to the south and west. However, what with the fight, the caring for the fallen, and the talking (talking, talking), it was early afternoon before they set out.
[Technical Note: as usual, my "Council of War" playing card procedure was used, each "round" taking between half an hour to three quarters of an hour's discussion.]
Meanwhile: Caninia's men stood nervously at their ditch and stakes....
At Fort Ninednum Albinius was considering HIS options, having received Caninia's message about Caeog's army during the night. As dawn approaches his instincts were to press towards the known enemy. His men had rested, after their march the day before, and had had a peaceful, stress-free night in the security of the fort. If he asked them to march to the relief of their fellows to the north they would do so. Thus, at about 09:00hrs, Albinius marches to seek Caninia - and possible battle.
Albinus has 3rd cohort II Augusta (actual strength unknown) and 1st Morini (paper strength of 500 foot) with him, along with the three turmae from Difforum, which he has retained.
An hour into Albinius's march a further courier arrives from Caninia, giving an account of the "battle" and updating that he is now holed-up in his camp, menaced by superior numbers. This changes things. Even with Caninia's men Albinius will be outnumbered. He hesitates - and calls his own Council of War, while pushing scouts ahead and sending a reassuring, yet noncommittal, message to Albinius.
[Technical Note: all of the above needed careful note-taking - basically an hour by hour War Diary - and dice tests for leaders, courier progress etc.]
At Albinius's meeting all of his legionary centurions are for pressing ahead, as are the majority of the Auxiliary centurions. However, those who are against proceeding have convincing arguments, and Albinius is indecisive. After nearly three hours Albinius is persuaded that his good name depends on acting aggressively. He orders the march to continue, but cautiously.
Towards mid afternoon he arrives at Caninia's camp. Apart from a few stragglers Caeog's men have already left, heading west and south for the friendly, upper valley of the Tawa - watched by Caninia's scouts.
The two Tribunes seem to have several choices:
a) To chase Caeog and bring him to battle (risky, as they are outnumbered).
b) To march for one of the forts.
c) To stay put, and try to get in touch with Caesetius, currently thought to be operating east of their position, bringing him to join them.
While these officers discuss how to proceed what they (and, indeed, I) do NOT know is that Caesetius is already marching.
Sweeping south and then west, by early afternoon he is in Hillfort Cluster XIX, and being informed of Caeog and Albinius passing though there the day before. He presses on, following the trail of the two forces: his own outriders approaching Albinius's camp late in the afternoon.
By evening he is with the other Tribunes. More by luck than judgement, the Romans now have combined their forces.
The Tribunes hold a quick conference, but Caesetius (IInd Cohort II Aug.) who has seniority, presses for aggressive action. They will pursue Caeog on the morrow....
Meanwhile, unknown to EVERYONE a vexilliation (strength currently unknown) has been sent from Isca westwards. By nightfall it will reach Fort Bovium.
[Technical Note: As throughout Caesetius's and other commander decisions are dice-driven, based on IMP options. The results were VERY lucky for the Romans..]
Caeog leaves the Tawa valley and moves though the hills south westwards, trying to raise support. He succeeds in attracting another 150 men to his banner, moves on, then camps overlooking the Leuca Valley (leading to Fort Leuca,) and sends scouts to ascertain the garrison strength. When he stops to camp he does not know that there is a large Roman force behind him.
Caesetius's force follows Caeog's trail and erupts into the rebellious zone at the headwaters of the Tawa. The locals here scatter to their homes - but some individuals scurry west to inform Caeog of the Roman presence. Caesetius presses on, ending his march some four miles from Caeog's camp.
By nightfall Caeog knows that, again, he has an enemy force within striking distance. He has some idea of the size of their force, and still outnumbers them. Should he fight? Part of him says "Yes". Part of him says to push into the Leuca Valley to see if he can raise more men before confronting the enemy. He calls another Council.
The wrangling goes on into the night, but, despite some serious opposition, he gains a majority; the army will march into the valley and try to rally supporters. Two sub-chiefs are VERY unhappy; they want to attack the Romans at first light; but they are not daft enough to go it alone.
The force from Isca arrives at Fort Ociamium at the end of the day. They will march for Leuca in the morning. Caoeg still doesn't know this.
Movements day 17 and 18
Day 19:
Caeog marches into the Leuca valley - but as with the hill zone he spent the night in, the locals do NOT want to get involved with the revolt. Caesetius is hard on his heels (the Romans got up nice and early and sent out a cavalry screen to stop any scouting from Caeog) having marched out an hour after Caeog had moved off.
 |
| The River. |
Mid morning, aware the Romans are close on his heels, Caeog crosses the Leuca and forms line of battle. Most of the valley is pretty flat - Caeog has perhaps gone further south than he ought - and the river really no more than a stream.
However, he is confident, as are his chiefs. He finds a slope fronting the river and deploys his men. We have The Battle of The Leuca to fight.
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