A Bitter Chill Read Online Free PDF Page A

assassinate Domitian.”
    “ Merda! And is there a real conspiracy, or has the Shadow of Death made the whole story up?”
    “That’s where he’s been so clever. There isn’t any such plot that we know of, but there are whispers of trouble in the garrison at Eburacum, the kind of discontent that could develop into a full-blown plot, if it isn’t stopped.” He strode over to the hearth, picked up the pan of wine and brought it to the table, but didn’t sit down. “So far it’s only rumours, loose talk, and a higher than usual number of soldiers deserting from the garrison. But if the discontent gets more serious…. That’s why the Governor wants me to appear to be seriously discontented too, so I can find out what’s going on.”
    “It’s just the sort of assignment you do well,” Albia said. “But I still don’t see why you have to go through this play-acting about being in disgrace.”
    “Because I come from this area, and too many people know me, including the lads at Eburacum. They know I’m on the Governor’s staff, so I’m just the sort of man that conspirators would never confide in—unless I behave like a disgruntled former officer, wanting to get my own back and make some mischief.”
    I didn’t much like the sound of that. “This is devious business, even for you, brother. You’re accused of taking part in a conspiracy, so you pretend to be in disgrace and investigate it? If the Governor isn’t satisfied with the outcome, you’ll be in disgrace for ever. If the conspirators find out who you’re really working for, you’ll be dead.”
    Lucius grinned suddenly. “I never said it was easy. But I can do it.”
    I saw Albia’s face twitch into a smile, and I felt myself smiling too. This whole crazy assignment was the sort of adventure Lucius loved. He was brave, reckless, clever—and he was our brother.
    “Well, since you’re in this pickle, I suppose Albia and I had better help you out of it.” I glanced at my sister, who nodded. “What do you want us to do?”
    “Thank you.” He sat down again, making a visible effort to relax. “First and most important, I want you to be certain that I’m not doing anything dishonourable or treasonable. Whatever rumours you hear about my dreadful behaviour—and I need my character blackened, if I’m going to succeed—they won’t be true. I hope they won’t damage you and the Oak Tree too much, but what I care about most is that you shouldn’t be personally hurt by believing them.”
    “Where will these rumours be coming from?” Albia wanted to know.
    “My former colleagues in the Governor’s office, to begin with. Since I’ve been dismissed, they’ve been putting the word about that I’m no longer, as they term it, ‘completely sound’. That sort of bad news spreads quickly, and once the gossips get to work, you’ll hear all sorts of tales from unexpected sources.”
    “Right then. You said Albia and I are suspected of helping you, in other words we’re potential traitors too. Will anyone try to investigate us here at the mansio?”
    He nodded. “Quite likely, yes. A spy, perhaps more than one, may come snooping about, looking for anything that can be used against you. They’ll discover no evidence of treason, of course, but they could try to find or fake some other reason to get you thrown out of the Oak Tree. Stealing official transport. Not paying your taxes. Upsetting important travellers. Something serious enough to make the Governor sit up and take notice. So if you have any unusual guests, you’ll need to keep your wits about you, in case they’re looking for ways to catch you out. Luckily you don’t have many visitors in winter. By the spring I hope this will all have blown over.”
    “I’ll drink to that,” I said.
    “Now, there’s just one more thing you can help me with.” He sipped his wine. “Something that’s right up your street.”
    “You want a free cart-load of beer to help you get to know the