The Emperor's Silver: Agent of Rome 5 Read Online Free PDF Page A

couldn’t really ask him – you know what he’s like about that sort of thing – but, well, how do I know if it’s, er … you know …’
    ‘Functional?’
    ‘Exactly.’
    ‘Well, I wouldn’t advise getting a girl in here. I doubt you’re ready for that yet. You’ll have to try yourself.’
    ‘You mean …’
    ‘I don’t think we need to spell it out.’
    Indavara reached for his groin.
    ‘By the gods, at least let me get out of the room, man.’
    ‘I was just going to scratch it.’
    Cassius walked out. ‘Have fun.’
    ‘Corbulo, I was just going to scratch it. Corbulo!’

    Cassius was so keen to leave that he actually helped Simo pack and by the third hour of night they were just about ready. The morose attendant then departed to arrange the hire of the cart. Before he left, Cassius asked him to light a lamp in every room; despite the four sentries outside, he didn’t want to be jumping at shadows all night.
    Standing in the kitchen doorway, he stared down at the rectangle of light where he and Indavara had fought for their lives just hours ago. Simo had scrubbed the tiles for over an hour but a few obstinate smears of blood remained.
    Despite all the horrors Cassius had endured in the last three years, this was a different kind of fear. Someone out there wanted to capture him, almost certainly to do him harm. Even though he was leaving this place behind, Cassius knew he would not be able escape the two questions he had discussed with Leddicus in this very spot. Who? And why?
    Thoughts of the legionary sent him back into the kitchen. The least he could do for the soldiers who would spend their night guarding him was take them some (well-watered) wine. He grabbed a jug and two mugs and made his way out to the rear door. The two men seemed appreciative though he could tell they didn’t think much of their duty. To the average legionary, guarding a ‘grain man’ was not a particularly glorious task. As a long-standing rival of the regular army, the Service did not enjoy an enviable reputation among the ranks.
    The legionaries stationed at the front of the villa were more talkative. They and Cassius were discussing the possible booty to be had from the Palmyran and Egyptian campaigns when a large, familiar figure ambled out of the fortress, closely followed by another large, familiar figure.
    Knowing there was no escape, Cassius invited Abascantius in. Shostra – his thuggish and virtually mute Syrian attendant – was carrying a sack over one shoulder. Cassius led the way into the atrium, where he turned and faced his superior officer.
    ‘I owe you an apology, sir.’
    ‘Yes, but you wouldn’t mean it. You are fortunate that I have bigger fish to fry, Corbulo, or I might be devoting more energy to being annoyed with you or giving you the smack you deserve.’
    Cassius did not reply. From Indavara’s room came the sound of snoring.
    ‘I will, however, remind you of something. If Marshal Marcellinus was to learn of your two-year “holiday” in Cyzicus, he might not be quite so convinced that the sun shines out of your arsehole.’
    ‘Point taken, sir.’
    ‘I have seen Governor Calvinus. He wishes you well and agrees it’s best you should go. He is also of the opinion that you’ve not been yourself since returning from the south. Apparently you have kept up appearances but neglected your duties. Other sources tell me you have been drinking too much and whoring too much.’
    Cassius accepted all this with as much dignity as he could muster, though he wished the agent had dismissed his servant before discussing such a thing. ‘Galanaq, sir.’
    ‘You killed a man. I know. Not in battle. Not in a glorious charge or a heroic defence. But to save yourself. And if you hadn’t, what state would the province be in now? You did what you had to.’
    Cassius was looking at the darkened window beyond the agent.
    Abascantius reached up and gripped his arm. The gesture was one of kindness; and so utterly