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

out of character that Cassius didn’t know how to respond.
    ‘This work of ours takes us to some nasty places, lad.’ Abascantius nodded over his shoulder at Shostra. ‘He and I know them well. Sometimes there’s just no way around them. Only through. You’ve got through; and you’re stronger for it.’
    ‘Yes, sir.’
    ‘All things considered, this counterfeit job might be a good fit at the moment. And knowing you, you just might crack it. But be under no illusions that you will be in for an easy ride. The treasury are only a little more well inclined towards us than the army and you will face the usual problems getting the locals to cooperate. I want you to remember one thing more. You belong to me and Chief Pulcher the way that Gaul of yours belongs to you. Is that clear?’
    ‘Yes, sir.’
    ‘I expect to hear from you every ten days. Address your letters to the governor’s office in Alexandria – they will be forwarded to me from there. Whether you receive replies or not, continue to write. If and when the investigation is concluded, either I or Chief Pulcher will notify you of your next assignment.’
    Abascantius clicked his fingers. Shostra reached into the sack and pulled out three bulging bags of coins. He then retrieved a thin stick of charcoal and a small paper receipt. He offered them to Cassius, who signed for the money.
    ‘Pay for the next two quarters,’ said Abascantius. ‘The two big bags are yours, the smaller is Indavara’s. Believe it or not I’ve given you a raise.’
    ‘Thank you, sir.’
    ‘Don’t thank me, thank the Palmyrans. I doubt there’s a single pound of gold or silver left in the place.’
    Cassius shook the hefty forearm offered to him.
    ‘Marcellinus was right about being careful,’ added the agent. ‘Chances are you’ll be safe once you’re away from here but keep that one-man army of yours close.’
    ‘Best of luck in Egypt, sir.’
    Abascantius prodded him in the chest. ‘Every ten days. Without fail.’
    ‘Yes, sir.’

II
    Alexon liked the villa but he liked the location even more. There wasn’t another property within half a mile and the grounds were enclosed by stone walls and rows of closely packed conifers. Much of the surrounding forest was cedar; a favourite of his, with its refreshing aroma and sprawling, luxuriant foliage. And thanks to the hill on which the villa had been built, there was an excellent view down to the vineyards, the city and the coast beyond.
    It was peaceful here. They had privacy, they had time and Alexon had done his best to ensure they were safe; he hoped they could stay for a while.
    He alternated three different routes for his morning walk: today’s took him alongside a lovely stream then past a farmhouse and oil press where the entire family were working hard. Alexon now made a habit of greeting them and often gave a few coins to the children. It was important to make a good impression. Once past the farmhouse, he met a shepherd driving a small flock up the hill. The white-bearded old man doffed his cloth cap and remarked that it was another fine day. Alexon agreed. He leaped nimbly over a stile and cut across the meadow towards the villa.
    The owner had told them that it was exactly a hundred feet wide and fifty deep, a two-storey building bookended by modest but elegant towers with a fine terrace overlooking the drive. Ivy covered much of the brickwork, providing a home for dozens of pretty little birds. Above the front door was an old carving of some local god; a female figure reaching for the heavens.
    His sister was already on the terrace, awaiting their visitor. Alexon glanced down at the main gate. Kallikres had just tethered his horse. He shut the gate behind him and started up the sloping drive, head bowed.
    ‘A pleasant walk, brother?’ asked Amathea.
    ‘Very, thank you.’
    Alexon sat next to her, under a parasol.
    Skiron, their steward, looked on silently from the side of the terrace. He was fifty-something