Regnum Iudaeorum - The Lost Ten Tribes Of Israel

[gis]

Then the Brittans are gonna get converted, instead of winning all the tribes? and the tribes moving to join the Bosporen Empire to the east?

[Enewald]

gratz crusaderknight!

[crusaderknight]

AlexanderPrimus: Remarkable indeed!

Enewald: Hehe, not quite. You'll have to wait and see. Remember, we're still 11 years from game-start. A lot can happen in 11 years.

robou: Thankyou for passing on the awAARd to me! I am honoured! (I'll make a bigger speech in the appropriat thread ). By the way, don't wait 'till you're caught up. Feel free to comment as you catch up and let me know what you think.

gis: As I told Enewald, you'll have to wait and see. Jehu has 11 years. You'll see what he can do.

Enewald: Thanks!

[DSMyers1]

Excellent work, CrusaderKnight! I enjoy your writing style and your knowledge of history (and pseudo-history). This seems to be an interesting twist on British Israelism, just altered so as to set the arrival of Judaism to the start of the game time.

Keep up the good work!

[Snugglie]

Once again, congratulations on WoW, and you've now got me reading this. Three chapters read this far, looking very good indeed.

[AlexanderPrimus]

I can't wait to see what happens next, in Britannia!

[crusaderknight]

DSMyers1: Thankyou!

Actually, it has nothing to do with British Israelism. Its all coincidence (or seredipity). I actually did not even know there was such a thing as British Israelism until after I had started making my mod and writing this AAR. I stumbled upon British Israelism a few weeks after I started the AAR.

I will endeavour to keep up the good work!

Snugglie: Thanks again for the congrats! Glad to have you aboard! Feel free to comment as you catch up!

AlexanderPrimus: Glad you're so excited about Britannia! We'll be spending a lot of time there.




To all readAARs, the next update should be up no later than Tuesday night (which would probably be Wednesday morning for those of you in Europe). But I plan to have it up before then.

[crusaderknight]

Hey, sorry this one is late, too. I think I should just stop predicting when I will be able to update, as things always come up! *sighs* "The Best Laid Plans..." But, I do promise to be more regular about chapters.
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BOOK I
The Second Exodus



CHAPTER XIV – In The Court of Kimarcus

The journey to Pretannia had not been too difficult. The remainder of their time spent in Germania went quietly. Apparently, the Sweboz now feared and respected Jehu, because he had slain their mightiest of warriors. The other Germanic tribes also left the Hebrews alone, because anyone who could make the Sweboz cringe, was definitely a force to be reckoned with.

As they crossed from Germania into Gaul, they encountered a band of Regnensian warriors who had been sent by Chief Kimarcus to find Commius and bring him back. At first, these warriors thought that the Hebrews had taken Commius captive, but the lad explained to them that the Hebrews were in fact his rescuers. After this, the warriors thanked each of the Hebrews. Commius told the warriors that the Hebrews were to be his guests in Noviomagus, the tribe’s capital.

And so the group had been conducted across the channel. They landed upon a sandy beach, and were almost instantly confronted with a dense forest. Commius leapt off the boat and said, “Welcome, friends, to Pretannia! You will not find a more beautiful land in all the world!”

Though the Hebrews had seen many dense forests in their lifetimes, indeed, Germania was practically one large forest in those days, they had never encountered something like this before. As they disembarked from the Regnensian boat, Caleb remarked, “Never in all my life have I felt such a strong spiritual presence… It is almost ethereal… there are spirits of great power here.”

Jehu looked up to Caleb and asked, hoping for reassurance, “But there is nothing stronger than Adonai here, is there?”

Caleb shook his head, still in awe of the otherworldly feelings of this island. He said, “No, nothing stronger than Adonai. But I will say this, the gods of Canaan, Egypt, Greece, and Rome all pale in comparison to whatever spirits dwell here.”

Commius smiled and said, “I don’t know of Canaan, Egypt, or Rome, or of their gods. But I would be willing to bet that you are right, Caleb. The Druids say that there are more spirits here than just gods. There are spirits in the trees, in the animals, in the wind, the water, the sky, even the rocks and dirt. Pretannia is a land filled with spirits. Most of them are good, but a few are evil.”

“There are evil spirits here?” asked Benoni.

Commius nodded and said, “A few, yes. Most of them are harmless, however. The Druids are always in contact with the spirits of nature, and they are able to keep these spirits at bay. But there is one… a dark spirit… an evil god… and not even the Druids can overcome his power.”

“Our people have encountered many evil gods,” said Caleb, “from Ra, to Baal, to Molech. None of them can stand against Adonai.”

“You don’t know Dumnonos,” was Commius’ reply.

“Dumnonos?” asked the Benjamite.

Commius nodded, “The god of the Dumnonii. He is a dark, evil entity. He gives power to the Dumnonii, and to their Chiefs. Power to do evil to the people of Pretannia. It is because of Dumnonos that Dumnorix, Chief of the Dumnonii, is so feared amongst the Pretani.”

Pekah snorted, “Nonsense. Just a bunch of made up stories. Besides, I’m sensing a naming pattern here.”

“As you should, Pekah,” said the Prince of the Regnenses, “The Dumnonii are the People of Dumnonos. It is what their name means, just as my own people’s name, Regnenses, means the People of the Kingdom. And Dumnorix is the Chief of the Dumnonii. Ever since they came here from Armorica, every Chief of the Dumnonii has been named Dumnorix.”

“And these are the people who want to tyrannize Pretannia?” asked Jehu.

“Indeed,” chimed in one of the Regnensian warriors, “And they are doing a damn good job of it, too. With their slaves, the Durotriges, at their side, the Dumnonii have already brought several other tribes into their confederation, either by force or coercion. The Dobunni, the Silures, the Demetae, and the Ordovices. The Catuvellauni, the Trinovantes, and the Iceni have confederated to defend against Dumnorix, and the Cantii remain aloof, for they are furthest from Dumnorix’s grasp, and think they have nothing to fear. Our own confederation, of the Atrebates and the Regnenses, is the weakest of the three confederacies, as Commius well knows.”

Commius nodded, “You are right. Our situation is dire, indeed. The Northern Confederation, that is, the Catuvellauni and their allies, are too short-sighted. If Dumnorix comes for us, the Northern Confederation will turn a blind eye. But then who will fight for them when he comes to take away their lands, their homes, their wives, and their children? No one.”

---

Noviomagus was not far from the coast. The Hebrews were surprised when they arrived at the Regnensian capital after only two hours of tramping through the forest. The entire city was made of wood. It was surrounded by a wooden stockade. Three gates allowed entrance to the city, one large gate facing south, and two smaller gates facing to the east and west. There was no northern gate.

As the Hebrews entered the city, following their host and guide, Commius, they stood in awe at how remarkably different Noviomagus was to any other regal city, yet how strangely it mirrored their own culture in regards to royalty. This distinction was especially evident to Caleb. He remembered how whenever Seleukos would make public appearances in a town or city, everyone who saw him was required to bow. Seleukos lorded over his people like a god. And he made certain that the people gave the same respect to his heirs. And this was not unique to Seleukos’ domain. The other Diadochi were the same. The Persian Shah’s had been worse. And even in Rome, a Republic of supposed equality, Consuls were treated every bit like the kings they were, even if they were only kings for a year. But here in Noviomagus, as they people saw Commius, their prince of royal blood, they all ran to greet him. Friends embraced him. People cried tears of joy at his return. There was no reverence, rather, camaraderie. This was also how things had evolved with the Hebrews during the Second Exodus. This was how the Hebrews had treated Ahaz for the thirty-nine years that he had led them. They respected his authority and his position, but they also saw him as one of their own, not some distant god-like overlord. He was their leader, their chief, but not their despot.

Kimarcus himself stood amongst the crowd. When Commius saw his father’s thick red beard, and the balding head of that great chief, he shouted at the top of his lungs, “Father!” Forgetting that he was fifteen years old, and therefore a man in his tribe’s society, he ran to greet his father like a little boy. Kimarcus embraced him tightly and said, “My son! I am so glad that you have been returned safe unto us! I am sorry that this had to happen to you!”

Commius said, “It is okay, father!”

The Chief then looked up from his embrace and saw the band of Hebrews standing not too far off. “Who are these?” he asked his son.

Commius replied, “Father, these are my friends and rescuers. Their leader is that lad there. His name is Jehu, and he is the rightful Chief of ten tribes. But they have been exiled for reasons I can explain later. They seek a place of refuge. I was hoping, father, that because they rescued me from the Sweboz, you could grant them the refuge they so eagerly desire.”

Kimarcus smiled and said, “By all means, my son! Anyone who has saved you, my only son and heir, is deserving of any reward I am capable of granting! Chief Jehu and his loyal followers may stay with us as long as they please. They are now and evermore friends of the Regnenses!”

Cheers erupted from the crowd. They welcomed their prince’s rescuers with joy. Chief Kimarcus gave orders for the Hebrews to be given quarters within the Great Hall, the Chief’s own residence. He also declared that a feast was to be held tonight, both to celebrate the safe return of his son, and to honour the heroes who delivered him safe home.

---

The feast was extravagant. There were close to two-hundred guests, as many as the Great Hall could fit. There was dancing and singing. Several of the warriors became drunk and sang old war songs. The food was delicious. However, as when they had visited Kerkinitis, the Hebrews could not eat many of the delicacies which were offered to them. As soon as the reasons why had been explained, Kimarcus understood, and declared no insult had been felt from their refusal to eat the many foods offered to them.

At one point, Kimarcus took Caleb aside and said, “My friend, I know that the lad Jehu is your Chief, but I sense that you are the wisest of your group, and that he looks to you for guidance. That is why I speak to you now. I need to make certain you understand the political situation here. Yes, I am more than happy to grant refuge to my son’s saviours, but you must understand that this is not the safest place in which to seek refuge.”

“If you are referring to Dumnorix and his men, we have heard from Commius and your warriors that he is the most powerful lord in these isles,” replied the Benjamite.

Kimarcus nodded, and said, “But what they don’t know, is just how powerful he really is. If he so wanted, Dumnorix could crush the Atrebates and the Regnenses like ants under his boots. He could be master of all Pretannia by now If he so desired.”

“Then why has he not done this?”

“Cartimandua,” was the reply.

Caleb shook his head, “I’m afraid I don’t understand. Cartimandua?”

“Yes,” said the Chief, “The Oracle. She lives to the north lands, north of the Ordovices, on the Dark Island. The spirits are strongest there. The Dark Island is a centre for all the Druids of Pretannia, it is the holiest place for our people. No man may bring a quarrel onto that island, nor may he brings weapons, except when explicitly commanded by the oracle to do so.”

“But what does this Cartimandua have to do with Dumnorix?”

“She has spoken a prophecy. Dumnorix asked of her whether he should move swiftly to control all of Pretannia or whether he should conquer slowly, consolidating as he went. Her response was this prophecy, which all Pretani know by heart now, ‘Fast or slow, it will avail you nothing, for one is coming who will bring an end to your reign of evil. You, your evil god, and your evil people, shall be driven from this land for eternity. And he shall come out of a tribe of the south, and he shall smite you down.’ It is for this reason alone that Dumnorix is cautious when dealing with us. He fears this deliverer which has been promised to us.”

Caleb nodded and said, almost to himself, “Mashiach…”

“What did you say?” asked the Chief.

“I apologize,” said Caleb, “It was a word of my own tongue, Hebrew. It means ‘anointed one’. Throughout my people’s history, our God, Adonai, has sent those whom He anointed to deliver us from one foe or another. Because they are anointed by Adonai, they are called by our people ‘Mashiach’. This deliverer which Cartimandua has prophesied about sounds similar the many men throughout my people’s history who have been called ‘Mashiach. Such men always inspire fear into their enemies. I can understand why Dumnorix is so frightened. A prophesy about a deliverer is never to be underestimated.”

“Indeed. But just because Dumnorix is afraid to act at the moment, that does not mean that he will not act. Plus, the prophecy is open to interpretation. ‘The Tribes of the South’. What does that mean? Does it mean the tribes south of the Great River? If so, then this deliverer will either be an Atrebate, a Regnensian, or a Cantishman. But, what if it is referring to the tribes of southern Pretannia? Then it includes the Catuvellauni, the Trinovantes, and the Iceni. Still others say that by ‘The Tribes of the South’ she meant he will come from Gaul. Right now, Dumnorix is debating with his own Druids which interpretation is correct. For the moment, we are safe. But when he reaches a decision, it may spell our doom.”

Caleb nodded in assent, “I can understand your point. You can ask Jehu himself, but I believe I speak for him when I say that because you have given us refuge, then if Dumnorix comes for you, you can count on us to fight by your side in defense of your tribe.”

The elderly chief embraced Caleb and said, “Thankyou, friend.”

---

Meanwhile, at the feast, Kimarcus’ thirteen year-old daughter, Gwendolen, had taken notice of Jehu. He was taller than most of the boys of Noviomagus, and a bit darker skinned, too. This added a feel of mystery to him that she simply could not deny. And that beard! He was no older than she, yet he had more hair on his face than Commius! Most of the Regnensian boys had not yet grown more than stubble by this age, yet Jehu already had a wonderful, albeit still somewhat thin, beard. And that black hair! All the boys of her tribe were blonde or red-haired, with the occasional brunette. But no black-haired boys. This was a man for her.

She walked over to him, curtsied, and said, “Greetings, Jehu, saviour of my brother. I hear you are a Chieftain like my father?”

Jehu smiled, “I am.” He noticed what a beautiful specimen she was: her freckled face, her piercing green eyes, and her dirty blonde hair. Her skirt went down to just below her knees, and her shirt only covered down to just above her stomach. She was a very fit young woman, already with powerful muscles. Yet she still had that gentle touch of femininity.

Gwendolen giggled and said, “If you are a Chieftain, where is your tribe?”

Jehu grew very somber, “I am the rightful Chief of ten tribes. But my father was murdered by a villain and an apostate, who has taken his place. For my own safety, these, my few loyal followers, have helped me to escape. But even though I am the rightful Chief of ten tribes, in reality, I am only Chief of six people.”

The girl pouted and said, “I’m sorry to hear that, Jehu.” Suddenly she collapsed onto the couch and lay next to him and said, “Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?”

Beautiful though she was, this was a bit too close for comfort. But he didn’t want to be rude. He simply smiled and said, “I’m fine for the moment, thank you. I don’t believe I’ve learnt your name, though, my dear.”

He could see the disappointment on her face. But she quickly hid it, smiled, and said, “I’m Gwendolen.” Then she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek and said, “Let me know if you need anything.” With that she giggled and left. Jehu smiled after her. She was beautiful.

He did not notice that Larissa’s face was burning red with jealousy...

[GhostWriter]

crusaderknight: ...Caleb nodded and said, almost to himself, “Moshiach…”

Jehu

crusaderknight: ...“I apologize,” said Caleb, “...A prophesy about a deliverer is never to be underestimated.”

truer words were never spoken ! !

crusaderknight: ...Caleb nodded in assent, “I can understand your point. .. you can count on us to fight by your side in defense of your tribe.”

that is good ! !

crusaderknight: ...He did not notice that Larissa’s face was burning red with jealousy...

hmmm. not good ! !

magnificent updates ! !

[Enewald]

Uuuh.

Btw, what language are the jews and the bretons using?

So Jehu shall make be king of Pretannia?

But what shall happen to the other tribes?

And what route were they using from Pontic Sea to Pretannia?

Quite fast.

[gis]

Heh, So thats why Jehu doesn't start with a wife in the Mod!

Amazing update, just amazing.

Oh, and Moshiach is in Yiddish I think in Hebrew it's Mashiach.

[crusaderknight]

GhostWriter: You have some good insights there, GhostWriter. I always like to see your comments. They are not only insightful, but also colourful (in more ways than one!).

Enewald: They're speaking Greek. Pytheas taught it to the Britons on his journey. You'll have to wait and see what happens with the Lost Tribes of Israel. Don't worry, they'll show up again. This is an AAR about the Lost Tribes, not about Jehu becoming a British King. From the Krimea, Jehu and his followers traveled into Germania and from there to Gaul and Britannia with Commius. It took about a year to do that. But I did not recount much of that year because the journey from the Krimea to Britannia was not that important. The important thing was getting them to Britannia.

gis: Hehe! Yeah. Thanks for the high praise, too! I'm glad that my writing is amazing! That is very encouraging to hear! Thankyou!

Oh, and Moshiach is in Yiddish I think in Hebrew it's Mashiach.

Spelling corrected.

[crusaderknight]

BOOK I
The Second Exodus



CHAPTER XV – Lessons Learned

Jehu and Commius crept through the woods. It had been two years now since the Hebrews had arrived in Pretannia. Jehu was now fifteen, and was considered to be a man by the Regnenses. By Hebrew standards, he had been a man since his thirteenth birthday. Although there had been no official ceremony, this did not matter. Jehu was still "Bar Mitzvah" or "Son of Obligation". However, Caleb had declared that his education would continue until age sixteen. In the two years since they had arrived in Pretannia, Jehu had grown taller, and though many had not thought it possible, he had also grown more handsome. His beard was now thick and dark, giving him an air of power, and yet at the same time… gentleness.

Jehu had also learnt the language of the Pretani in these two years. And so had the other Hebrews. Now, they only spoke Hebrew when alone with each other. When they were amongst the Regnenses, they spoke Pretannic.

Commius, too, had grown. At seventeen, he was now a bundle of thick, blonde hair. His beard was even thicker than Jehu’s, and he had developed into quite the ladies man. But Jehu had also learned that his friend had a powerful temper and a short fuse. The Regnensian Prince was not a man to be crossed.

As they made their way through the forests in search of a buck, Jehu thought back over the past two years. He had learnt much from Caleb, and from Benoni. He did not know why, but his mind was now inexorably drawn back to the memory of a single lesson that had once been given to him…

---

SIX MONTHS EARLIER

Jehu ducked as Benoni swung his wooden sword. The mock blade whooshed harmlessly over the lad’s head. As the lad then backed away, he shouted, tauntingly, “I’m fifteen, now, Benoni! You’ll have to fight harder than that to best me!”

The Manassite laughed and said, “You’ve still got a month left until your fifteen! Until then, you’re not allowed to be that smart! Now next time I swing at you, stand there and take it!”

Jehu held his arms open, and said with mock-welcoming, “Here I am! Come and get me!”

Benoni snickered and said, “Alright. But I’m not going to go easy on you, you know!”

A sneer crawled across Jehu’s face, “You won’t have to.”

Benoni knew what Jehu was planning, and so crept slowly up, wooden sword and shield at the ready. The forest they were sparing in provided a lot of shade, too, which help to hide the minute movements Benoni made in preparation for his own strike. When he had closed in, he feinted, pretend to thrust at Jehu’s stomach. The lad leapt to the right, and was about to swing his own wooden blade when Benoni’s left hand struck him in the cheek. Before Jehu could react, the Manassite’s sword collided with his forehead. The boy fell backward onto the ground.

Before Jehu could get up, Benoni put his blade to the lad’s throat and said, “Game over. I told you you weren’t going to win.”

Jehu sighed and said, “Good match all the same.” Then he rubbed his forehead, “You don’t have to swing so hard you know!”

Benoni laughed and held out his hand to help Jehu up. The lad took it, but instead of allowing himself to be helped up, he pulled and brought the Manassite down. Benoni fell right on top of Jehu, and quite literally knocked the wind out of him. As he rolled off of the lad, he said, “Jehu, are you alright?”

The boy took a deep breath and said, “I’ll be fine.”

This time, when Benoni helped him up, Jehu gladly accepted. Benoni smiled and said, “That’s the folly of trying to bring a victorious opponent down with you. It only makes it hurt you more.”

Jehu turned very somber, “Then what’s the point of keeping hope that I can one day return to the Krimea, kill Elihu, and free our people? Elihu has already won. Why should I try to bring him down with me, if it will only bring more suffering?”

“That’s different,” said Benoni.

“How?” asked Jehu.

Benoni took a deep breath, and exhaled it. Then he said, “If you were all alone, if Elihu had completely taken away from you every last thing that was yours, then you’d be right. There’d be no point in opposing him further. He would have won the battle. But he hasn’t knocked you off your feet just yet.”

“What do you mean? Haven’t I already lost everything?”

“No, you haven’t,” was Benoni’s response. “You still have us, your loyal followers. Would you say that Larissa, Caleb, Micah, Joab, Pekah, and myself are all nothing?”

Jehu shook his head, “No, ofcourse not!”

“And your new friends? Commius, and his father Kimarcus? And indeed, all of the Regnenses? Are they nothing?”

“No, ofcourse not.”

“Then,” said Benoni, “Elihu has not yet taken everything away from you. You may be shaken, you may be weakened, but you are still on your feet, to continue using the metaphor. Elihu hasn’t knocked you down just yet. And as long as you are on your feet, you keep on fighting!”

After Benoni had finished saying this, the two could hear Caleb calling for Jehu. It was time for Caleb to teach, and for Benoni to return to Noviomagus. Jehu’s combat lesson was done for today. Now Caleb would speak to him of what the Benjamite called the “more delicate matters of education”. These “delicate” matters were none other than philosophy.

Benoni said, “Well, I’ll leave you and Caleb to discuss those exciting ‘delicate matters’. I’ll see you tonight at supper.”

The two said goodbye, and Benoni left as Caleb arrived. Caleb smiled at Jehu and said, “So, are you ready to discuss the delicate matters of education today?”

Jehu smiled, “I am, Rabbi.”

Caleb the Benjamite

Caleb motioned towards a stump lying on the ground, and the two sat down on it. Once they were seated, Caleb asked, “Is there anything in particular you wanted to discuss today?”

Jehu nodded, “I want to know what makes men do the things they do.”

“In what way?” asked Caleb.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, there are many different ways of interpreting that statement. Do you mean you want to understand the physiology of Man? What causes certain body parts to move a certain way?”

“No,” said Jehu, “I want to know why one man behaves a certain way while another man behaves in another way.”

“Ah!” said Caleb, “You want to understand what motivates men?”

“Yes! That’s it!”

“Well,” began the Benjamite, “There are a great many motivators for man. But they can all be summed up into one of two things: The Selfish Motivations and the Un-Selfish Motivations. Obviously, the Selfish Motivations are those things which offer the greatest benefit to a man in one way or another. Such motivators are feelings like greed, lust, hate, and fear. In contrast, the Un-Selfish Motivations are those things which offer the greatest benefit to someone other than the man, and sometimes the cost of that benefit to others is detrimental to the man. These are motivators such as loyalty, honour, and love. Men with dark or weak hearts will be motivated by the Selfish reasons, whereas men with good and strong hearts will be motivated by the Un-Selfish reasons.”

“So why do some men, like Elihu, give in to the Selfish Motivators, while other men, such as yourself, give in to the Un-Selfish Motivators?” asked Jehu.

Caleb replied, “It is Mankind’s nature to be selfish. It is easy to give in to those motivators, but it is a struggle to follow the higher, Un-Selfish ones. Few men are truly evil at heart, though. Most, though at times they give in to Selfish Motivators, struggle to do what it right. Elihu is one of those rare breeds who lives for nothing and no one but himself. He is truly a man who has given in to his nature. Most men are not like him. They are a mixture of both. Sometimes they do what is right, because they have given in to an Un-Selfish Motivator, such as loyalty, honour, or love. And at times they are weak, and give in to the Selfish Motivators. But do not judge the hearts of these men and say that they are evil for it. For even you and I are not perfect, and even we have at times given in to these Selfish Motivators. Yet are we evil? No. Rather, we are human.”

---

Jehu was startled from his memory by a foreign voice. It was an unfriendly voice, which said, “What are you doing trespassing on the lands of the Catuvellauni?”

Jehu looked around. Commius was at his side. And standing not ten feet away were three young warriors. It was their leader who had spoken. He was tall with dark hair. He wore a coat of iron chain mail, and over that a suit of leather armour. At his side was a beautifully ornamented sword, and on his face was war paint. Jehu understood now why Pytheas had called these people Pretani-the Painted Ones.

Jehu understood now why Pytheas had called these people Pretani-the Painted Ones...

Commius sneered at the man and said, “I don’t recall seeing a sign that said in big letters, ‘Now Entering the Lands of the Catuvellauni’!”

“You insolent little southern dog!” shouted the man, “Do you know who it is you are speaking with? I am Cassivelaunos, son of Chief Cingeto of the Catuvellauni!”

“Oh, forgive me,” said Commius in mock repentance, “I did not realise I was speaking with the Prince of Fools! Where are my manners?”

Cassivelaunos drew his sword and said, “I’ll cut your throat for that, Regnensian cur!”

Commius drew his own sword and shouted, “Not before I’ve spilt your own blood all over the forest floor, you swine!”

Jehu moved between them and shouted, “Friends! Please! Do not fight!”

“And just who is this who dares to command me?” asked the Catuvellaunid Prince.

“I am Jehu Bar-Ahaz,” came the reply.

“Oh! So you’re that foreign dog turd that’s hiding among the Regnenses! And what gives you, a boy who isn’t even from Pretannia, the right to command the Prince of the Catuvellauni?”

“Common sense!” said Jehu.

“What do you mean?” asked Cassivelaunos.

“Think of it, you two. If you fight now, and one of you is injured, or killed, it will mean war. And neither side will be content to fight alone! The Catuvellauni will call in their confederates and the Regnenses will call in theirs! If the Northern and Southern Confederations fight each other, you will all be weakened, and then Dumnorix can come in and enslave you all, and there will be nothing to stop him!” Jehu spoke firmly.

Cassivelaunos said, “You don’t understand the hatred that runs between my tribe and his! This trespassing is a grave insult. One which must be repaid in blood!”

“Indeed,” said Commius to Cassivelaunos, “yours!”

“Friends!” cried Jehu, “No! This is just what Dumnorix wants! Listen to me! I understand the deep hatred between the Catuvellauni and the Regnenses. But in other parts of the world where such rivalries exist, hated enemies are able to set aside their differences when faced with a common enemy. You may hate each other, but I’m sure you all hate Dumnorix more! While he poses a threat to us all, we cannot afford to risk in a foolish war lives which would be better spent fighting the evil of the Dumnonii! I beg of you! Don’t be rash!”

“I hate to admit it,” said Cassivelaunos through gritted teeth, “but the little spit wad is right.” With that, he backed down, and sheathed his sword. As he and his companions walked away, he called back, “Besides, spilling your blood here wouldn’t be worth the effort! I’d rather save myself for a real opponent!”

At this, Commius began to surge forth after the Catuvellaunid Prince, but Jehu held him back, shouting, “No, Commius! He’s not worth it! Save your wrath for Dumnorix! He’s the real enemy!”

“Just you wait!” called Commius after Cassivelaunos, “Just you wait! One of these days! One of these days! You’ll see!”

Once the Regnensian had calmed down, he thanked Jehu for restraining him, and the two of them walked back. They were several days away from Noviomagus, but there was a small Regnensian town just a few hours away. That was where they would stay for the night. The sighed. This had been their last chance to catch anything. Their hunt was over. It was time to head back, for they would be expected in Noviomagus soon. No time to dilly-dally.

[Rensslaer]

CrusaderKnight,

I don't guess I stopped to drop a line before now. Checked this out primarily to decide my votes for the AARLand Choice Awards (where I voted for you! For Favorite Rome AAR, even!), but this is great writing!

I'll attempt to devote some time to catching up and seeing what's going on as you press forward!

Rensslaer

[crusaderknight]

Rensslaer: Glad to have you aboard! Thankyou very much for your vote. It is very much appreciated. Sadly, I won no awAARds this round, but hey, those who beat me definitely deserved their victory, so I can't complain. But I've got my fingers crossed for Q3!

I'm glad that you think I have such great writing. It is always encouraging to hear that, and I appreciate it very much. Feel free to comment as you catch up. Just like canonized, I like to get fresh outlooks on past chapters.





By the way, I'm not sure if anyone has yet read the latest chapter, but for those of you who may have already done so, I re-wrote the first paragraph so that it makes more sense culturally. So, if you have already read this chapter before I posted this message, please, re-read the first paragraph. If not, then disregard this comment, as if you are coming in after I wrote this message, you will only have read the corrected version.

[Woody Man]

This is a subscription marker I really should be reading this, and I'll certainly spend some time catching up, what you've got so far is great

Keep up the good work!

[Enewald]

Btw, in which Pretannii area do these events occur?

And isn't Jehu yet married?

What causes certain body parts to move a certain way?”

This was odd.

[AlexanderPrimus]

Btw, in which Pretannii area do these events occur?

The capital of the Regnenses is Noviomagus Reginorum, which in modern England is known as Chichester, a city in West Sussex. I've been there before.

In fact, earlier this summer, I went to the ruined Roman palace at Fishbourne, a town just outside of Chichester. It seems that in Roman times, the Regnenses became Roman collaborators, and thus their king was able to build a palatial villa out in the countryside.

Amazing place.


And by the way, crusaderknight: terrific update as usual! Your narrative is as compelling as ever. Though I do find myself wondering what has become of Larissa in the past two years, her devotion to Jehu was matchless.

[GhostWriter]

crusaderknight: ...It had been two years now since the Hebrews had arrived in Pretannia. Jehu was now fifteen...

so, Jehu has not married ? ?

crusaderknight: ...Jehu had also learnt the language of the Pretani in these two years. And so had the other Hebrews. Now, they only spoke Hebrew when alone with each other.

splendid ! !

crusaderknight: ...“..Would you say that Larissa, Caleb, Micah, Joab, Pekah, and myself are all nothing?”

hmmm. i just realized that Larissa is the only "Hebrew" female (in Pretannia)...

crusaderknight: ...“Oh, forgive me,” said Commius in mock repentance, “I did not realize I was speaking with the Prince of Fools! Where are my manners?”

where are your brains ? ? and, leadership ? ?

crusaderknight: ...Once the Regnensian had calmed down, he thanked Jehu for restraining him, and the two of them walked back.

better ! !

wonderful update ! !


Enewald: RE: What causes certain body parts to move a certain way?”

This was odd. /Enewald

that also struck me as odd. then, when i saw your remark, i realized that a study of the body could be a great asset when in hand-to-hand (and, other?) combat... thanks for the insight ! !

[crusaderknight]

English Patriot: Glad to have you aboard! Feel free to comment as you catch up!

Enewald: AlexanderPrimus excellently answered your question as to where these events are taking place, so I will not be answering that, to avoid redundancy. But I will reply to the rest of your comment. No, he's not married yet. You'll just have to wait and see what happens there. As to that last thing, I must say I did not intend to write anything which could be interpreted as "odd", though now that I think about it, that writing could indeed lead to a double entendre. But trust me, it was the innocent meaning, referring to such things as an elbow joint, that was intended.

AlexanderPrimus: You are quite correct in your answer to Enewald about where these events are taking place. Good job, mate! Thanks for the compliments on the chapter. Don't worry, you'll find out in the next chapter what happens with Larissa.

GhostWriter: No, Jehu is not yet married. Though you are correct, Larissa is the only "Hebrew" female in Pretannia, you are also correct to put "Hebrew" in quotes, since she is indeed ethnically Greek. Commius... he's more of the philosophy, if it can be called that, of "act before you think".


To all my readAARs, I apologize for the delay in another update. I have been very busy lately, getting ready for school and all. I leave for school this Thursday, and will probably be rather busy getting situated over the following week or so, so within that timeframe, I cannot guarantee any updates. If I can update, I will, but as I said, for the next two weeks or so, I can make no promises. Thankyou for your patientce.