EPISODE 4: THE PEACE ## CHAPTER 1: SPRING Spring came early that year. The snows melted from Hadrian's Wall, revealing the scars of winter—broken stones, filled graves, and everywhere, the marks of desperate defense. But amid the damage, new growth emerged. Marcus watched from the ramparts as the first Pictish trading caravan approached the northern gate. Fifteen wagons loaded with furs, amber, and northern bronze. A delegation of merchants accompanied by Drest's personal guard. "I still don't trust them," Quintus muttered beside him. "You're not required to trust them. Just to work with them." "Is there a difference?" "Today there has to be." The caravan halted at the gate. Marcus descended to meet it, aware of eyes watching from both sides—Roman soldiers suspicious of the old enemy, Pictish warriors uncertain of the old oppressor. "Centurion." The lead merchant was a woman, gray-haired and sharp-eyed. "I am Maeve, chosen by Drest mac Erp to establish trade between our peoples." "Welcome to the wall, Maeve." Marcus gestured toward the gates. "The market has been prepared. You'll find our prices fair." "And your hospitality?" "Genuine, if cautious." Maeve smiled. "Caution is wisdom. We bring the same." The gates opened. History shifted on its hinges. --- ## CHAPTER 2: THE COUNCIL The first council meeting was awkward. They gathered in the principia—representatives from...