Buried Too Deep Read Online Free PDF

cloaks, they looked like soldiers, or possibly ex-soldiers. I stopped, wondering if these were the men who’d come to buy horses.
    Sure enough, as they dismounted, the older Roman said, “I’m Ostorius Magnus. Will you tell Aurelia Marcella we’re here?”
    “I’m Aurelia Marcella. Welcome to the Oak Tree.”
    “Thank you. Let me present my eldest nephew Vividus.”
    I hardly needed to be told they were related, the family likeness was so marked. They were a handsome pair, tall and sandy-haired, though Magnus’ hair had touches of grey. Their faces were similar, with bushy eyebrows and high cheekbones. Only one thing marred Vividus’ appearance. His left cheek was badly swollen, and when both men smiled pleasantly at me, Vividus’ smile was noticeably lop-sided.
    Magnus held out his hand. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance. I’ve heard plenty about you.”
    I made the stock response. “Not all bad, I hope?”
    “Quite the reverse.” Now Vividus took my hand, and he wasn’t in a hurry to let it go. “Your sister and brother-in-law have sung your praises.” He had an odd lisp to his speech, presumably caused by his swollen cheek. “Their farm is quite close to ours. But I have to say, now that I’ve met you, their descriptions haven’t done you justice.” He gave my hand a final squeeze and smiled into my eyes.
    Well well, I thought, this one fancies himself as a ladies’ man, doesn’t he? He’s certainly attractive, if you like military good looks, which I do, or he will be when his face isn’t swollen. But is he trying a bit too hard? Charm, as my grandmother used to say, should be sprinkled about like a rare spice, not ladled on like fish sauce.
    I suggested we share a jog of wine before we started our horse-trading, but to my surprise they both shook their heads.
    Magnus said, “Thank you, in due course, but business before pleasure, eh? And I think Vividus is anxious to see your doctor first, aren’t you?”
    Vividus nodded and smiled his uneven smile. He gestured towards his cheek, but didn’t touch it. “It’s quite painful, and seems to be getting worse. I think the tooth needs to come out.”
    “Bad luck. But you’ll be in good hands with Timaeus, he’s an excellent doctor. You’re sure you wouldn’t like a beaker of wine first?”
    “It’s tempting, but no, I’ll wait till he’s done his worst. It’ll give me something to look forward to afterwards. As well as the pleasure of your company, of course.” He gave me another oh-so-charming lop-sided smile. “Where will I find the medico?”
    I pointed the way. “He’s having a busy time at present. Several men have come down from the wold country to have wounds treated. I don’t know if you’ve come across Chief Bodvocus yet? His guard captain Coriu is the latest patient, he came to see Timaeus this morning to have a broken arm set. He’s probably still here.”
    Vividus scowled. “I hope I can avoid him. That would be worse than the toothache.”
    “You could break his other arm,” Magnus suggested, and they both laughed.
    Magnus said thoughtfully, “So there have been wounded natives, as well as wounded Romans? That’s interesting.”
    “Some of each. Timaeus doesn’t make any distinction. He treats anyone who needs him, as long as they can pay him something.”
    Vividus grimaced. “I’ll pay all right, if he can cure this pain. Well, here goes. Save me plenty of wine.” And he strode smartly off towards Timaeus’ house.

Chapter III
    Secundus was waiting for us in the stable yard, and I made the introductions.
    “The four yearlings we’re selling are in the small paddock there,” he said, pointing. “The four black ones wearing halters.”
    Magnus looked surprised. “Still running loose? I thought you’d have had them tied up here by the railings. Don’t they stand well?”
    The stable-master grinned, recognising the start of a hard bargaining session. “They do, and I could have tied them up here