XXVIThe Saxons and their allies of the Cantwara were encamped on the northern bank of the Kentwater, between two ancient Roman roads that ran southwards to the broad river. The scouting parties of the Cymry returned to say that their position was a good one, for there they could not be touched by the cavalry, since they had the forward protection of the river. Moreover, they had two good roads, one at either end of their elongated encampment, by which supplies might come to them and by which, should it be necessary, they might make their retreat to the north. Artos asked how many men they had and was told twice the number of the Legion.
He bent over the table, on which were spread maps and charts of the country. “The greater will be our honour, then,” he said.
That night the Legion bivou
