Chapter 5 | The Roman Guy

The air hummed with anticipation. The crisp wind whipped around the hillfort, carrying the scent of roasting meat and nervous excitement. I looked down at the River Boyne, which like a silver ribbon, snaked along one side, while majestic mountains guarded two others.

The chief's family and their kin gathered from all sides, overlooking a panoramic vista. They appeared to be wearing their best outfits; tartan woven skirts or long trousers, fur cloaks, brooches, armlets, and torcs. 

"There they are!" Iona exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement.

Goosebumps erupted in my skin as I followed her gaze to the distant procession snaking its way towards us, litters and carriages pulled by snorting horses and burly mules, and impossibly handsome horseback riders.

"And there he is! Isn't he gorgeous?" Iona nudged me with a mischievous grin.

A shiver ran down my spine as my eyes landed on a man riding ahead of the others. He emanated an aura of raw power, his face etched with a scowl that sent my stomach into a tailspin.

"Jeez! He looks pissed, doesn't he? Like he'd rather be anywhere else."

"Makes him even hotter," Iona replied, a sly grin spreading across her face.

I couldn't help but steal another glance. He was undeniably handsome, his green eyes so intense and intimidating! There was a flicker of something in them that made my stomach clench in a way I couldn't quite define.  

The arrival of the Roman folks was a spectacle in itself. The men, clad in simple yet elegant tunics and togas, exuded an air of quiet confidence that contrasted sharply with the boisterous Celts. The women, adorned in shimmering silks and jewels, were visions of opulence and quiet power. Even their hairstyles were elaborate with jeweled hairpins and hairnets of gold or silver.

Marcus was sporting all black except for his sword which was brass or bronze; I could never tell the difference between those two. His mocha brown horse looked strong and mean, just like him. My breath hitched as he dismounted, his powerful frame dwarfing mine. Our eyes met for a fleeting moment, his gaze holding a hint of something... was it disappointment?

"Well, screw you too, Marcus!" I muttered under my breath, feeling a surge of defiance.

Marcus's grandparents, Vitus and Juno, emerged from their litter carried by four men. His parents, Domitius and Maia, followed. Maia could be my older sister, and no one would question it. She looked young with large green eyes that complemented her palla's emerald color. Marcus also had green eyes, but they did not look gentle like hers.

The introductions continued, a blur of names and faces as Marcus's siblings and their families stepped down from their carriages, their faces a mix of curiosity and arrogance.

As everyone settled, Maia took my hand, her voice laced with concern. "Marcus, what do you think?"

Her question sent a blush to my cheeks until I heard Marcus's response. "She's acceptable, I guess." He stared at me, his scowl deepening.

"And what do you have to say about my Allena?"

   Why ask now? Is there a way for me to get out of this alive? My gaze darted to Marcus. His brow furrowed in a way that sent shivers down my spine. He took a menacing step forward, causing me to instinctively take a step back. But he wasn't looking at me but at someone beyond the crowd. He turned sharply and grabbed someone's arm.

"So you still like this loser?" he demanded; his voice laced with a barely contained fury.

    Who the hell was he talking about? Neill? Maybe. Allena had good taste. Neill looked like the boy-next-door type, and I could see myself dating him if we both were in college.

    Marcus snapped his fingers loudly in front of my face, breaking my eye contact with Neill.

    "That settles it then! I don't want her." Marcus sounded like he just needed an excuse to break off this arrangement.

    I heard loud gasps and murmurs on either side before my father stepped forward.

    "Let's not be hasty. I assure you, son, she is not that smitten teenager anymore. She understands her responsibilities towards her people. I have made this decision only after talking to her. You are the only one that she wants to get married to." His voice was strained.

    "All right, the first sign I see of her meeting him in secret, I will bring her back right the next second. But before that, I will chop his balls off," Marcus spat as Aiden signaled Neill to get out of sight. 

Quintus, Marcus's brother, placed a calming hand on his shoulder, leading him away from the escalating situation.

"Shall we begin the ceremony?" Vitus boomed, his voice commanding attention.

The druids began the ceremony. Prayers were offered to the Lieu, God of storms and lightning, and Goddess of River Boyne. There were several other wooden idols placed under a sacred tree as the druids chanted in unison. A tingling sensation shot through me as the druid tied a cord around my hand and Marcus's, his grip tightening noticeably when he perceived my involuntary tremble.

"This knot," the druid boomed, "represents the endless circle of life and the unwavering bond of marriage."

    We were led down the hillfort, with our hands still bound, to a towering standing stone with a single, gaping hole. The Druid untied our hands and asked us to stand on either side of the stone. As we reached through the hole to clasp hands once more, a joyous cheer erupted from the crowd. I guess the stone symbolically sealed our fate and marked the end of the ceremony.

Several cases of metal were presented to the Roman family, along with two dozen slaves as the bride price. Then came the armored aurochs that had me gasping. These massive wild cows were almost seven feet tall, with long pointy horns and enormous heads. I wondered if these were to fight the gladiators or for use on the battlefields instead of elephants.

   "Alright, everyone! Time to start the bonfire. Let the feasting begin!" My dad announced, a smile lighting up his face.