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

but had the upright stance and muscled physique of a man half that age. He had no hair upon his head and a pair of bulging, piercing, bright blue eyes. He had been with them for years.
    ‘Oh, you’ve almost finished it,’ said Alexon, looking at the sewing draped across Amathea’s lap. She had been working on the tablecloth for some time and he was pleased she had persisted; it seemed to help her relax. She smiled and pushed the needle into the cotton once more.
    Though they were not identical twins, the resemblance was obvious. Both were slim and tall, with less than an inch of difference in height and only four at the waist. They had the same flawless skin, green eyes and dark brown hair. In Alexon’s experience, everyone found one of them attractive, many people both. It had often occurred to him that even naked their superior breeding and status would have been clear. In their clothes of Egyptian linen and Oriental silk, and with their jewellery of gold and silver, it was unmistakable.
    ‘They’re here,’ said the steward. ‘In case we need them.’
    ‘Thank you, Skiron,’ said Alexon.
    Kallikres came up the steps warily. He was wearing a well-made tunic and a wide-brimmed hat which he now removed. He ran a hand through his curly black hair – which glistened with sweat – and offered a thin smile.
    ‘Good day to you.’
    Alexon nodded.
    ‘Good day,’ said Amathea.
    Alexon gestured at the chair opposite them. Kallikres found himself facing the sun; he had to squint just to look at them.
    ‘Wine?’ asked Alexon.
    ‘Thank you.’
    Skiron came forward and poured it from a silver jug into a multicoloured glass. Kallikres drank half of it in one go.
    ‘Well?’ said Alexon. ‘You wanted to see us?’
    ‘Yes. One of your men was spotted at the market yesterday. By a Milanese clerk who remembered his face. The clerk told the procurator. The procurator told the magistrate.’
    ‘We are aware of this situation,’ replied Alexon calmly.
    Kallikres leaned back and crossed his arms. ‘I told you to be careful. And yet there he was, walking around in broad daylight without a care in the world.’
    ‘Steps have been taken,’ said Alexon. ‘There won’t be any more mistakes like that.’
    ‘One is enough. I thought you people were professional.’
    Alexon kept his tone conciliatory. ‘Not everything can be foreseen. That’s why we have you – to keep us informed. What action is being taken?’
    ‘Nothing specific that I have heard about yet.’
    ‘Hardly any need to panic then,’ said Alexon. ‘So the man was spotted. Taken alone, his presence here means little. They may well assume that he was simply passing through.’
    ‘Perhaps you’re right. Perhaps the magistrate will do nothing. But if there’s another “mistake” then things could get very difficult very quickly. Sorry, but I’ve made my decision.’
    Kallikres reached into his tunic, retrieved a bag of coins and put it on the table. ‘I haven’t taken a single one. Count them if you wish. Let’s just pretend this never happened.’
    Alexon glanced at his sister. She pushed her hair away from her face and discarded her sewing.
    ‘I think we all know it’s a little late for that,’ said Alexon.
    ‘You have my word. I’ll say nothing. Here.’ Kallikres pushed the bag across the table and got to his feet.
    ‘Stay where you are.’
    Alexon was sure Kallikres had never exchanged more than a greeting with his sister. Her words halted him.
    Skiron walked around the terrace and stood behind their guest.
    ‘With respect,’ said Kallikres, ‘I am a city sergeant. I can do as I please.’
    Amathea gestured at the meadow below them. ‘We’re a long way from the city. This is not going well for you. Sit down, or I promise you it will get a good deal worse.’
    Alexon kept quiet. He supposed other men might have felt ashamed. But not him; he loved and admired her too much.
    Kallikres looked at him, then back at Amathea, who pointed at