LIThat year’s harvest was a good one. Men blessed Artorius for their prosperity. In some temples he was hailed as a God Emperor. When he was told this, he was amused at first; but Thykristion pointed out to him ironically that it was the custom of such gods to die for their people. That was the other part of the contract, so to speak. Artorius said that after all he would prefer to be the plain Count of Britain!
Bedwyr had been highly successful in Caledonia, and now the Picts had withdrawn back across the Bodotria estuary, shattered, to build themselves new homes before the northern winter set in. As a sign of good faith for the future they had sent three of their princes to be educated at Eburacum, as hostages, more or less. Artorius was satisfied so far as the Picts were concerned.
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