CHAPTER 8
Leaving HomeThe journey across Gaul proved as hazardous as Bladud expected. As they entered the territory of each different tribe, they were inevitably accosted in a less than friendly manner, sometimes threatened until they parted with valuables. Occasionally they had to battle their way free. The river routes were well used and the Gaulish captain had been plying his trade up and down for more than twenty years, so seemed to know exactly what reception to expect from each tribe, and exactly how to handle them all. Before ever they had set off, he obtained from all his passengers, most of whom were merchants, sufficient stock of booty to satisfy the demands of even the most rapacious he expected to encounter. Iron daggers were particularly welcomed by the rough and violent men
