Rhys waited impatiently outside the Queen's Council Chamber. If her guard didn't return in a few minutes, he'd pound on the door himself. Protocol be damned. Turning to his seatmate, Rhys allowed himself a small smile. Tuccianus and he had come to agreement easily and quickly. It was important for the Ordo and the Catuvellauni Council to present a united front. They must speak as if with one voice.

Fidgeting uncomfortably on his seat, Rhys thought about the Celts in the city of Verulamium. They were susceptible to innuendo and rumour, particularly if it was against the Romans. The Roman hand had not lain on them long enough for there to be trust between the two peoples in time of trouble. There were plenty of greybeards around, and some not so grey, who were all too ready to advise a return to the old ways.

Grimly, Rhys acknowledged that there were plenty of young hotheads, too. And they were all too ready to capitalise on an incident such as this if it would further their rebellious efforts. Not that the Catuvellauni had ever been known to turn away from a fight.

At that moment, the Queen's personal guard, Lancelos, appeared in the doorway and motioned both men to follow him into the chamber. As Rhys and Tuccianus followed close on Lance's heels, the Catuvellauni Headman acknowledged that the help of the stiff-necked Roman had been willingly given.

Stopping a few feet from the Queen, Rhys bowed deeply, and was gratified to see that Tuccianus' nod was lower than usual. That augured well for any discussion there might be.

Looking into the Queen's face and that of Aonghais, seeing the pain and grief etched there, Rhys felt his anger rising in spite of himself.

How could this have happened? An attack on the ruler of the Catuvellauni; it didn't bear thinking on. What were these Romans about that they couldn't keep the roads and the countryside safe? They certainly had the manpower. Ask any Celt who paid their exorbitant taxes.

Fists clenching and unclenching, he fought to regain control of himself. If he, who knew the whole story, was so outraged, what must be the mood of the man in the street?