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Janus grinned at Marcus. ‘I do so love it when we are able to
order the likes of Longinius and Milenius around. Buglers and standard-bearers
– pah! They think they are as godly as Saturn himself. It is a shame that we
can only do this for seven days.’ He sighed theatrically, and beckoned Marcus
over to him. ‘So.’ He lowered his voice. ‘Whilst my slaves are otherwise
engaged, let me discuss some interesting information with you. Not only does
our new Commandant seemingly worship the Christian God, but he is a firm
follower of the Emperor.’
    ‘No!’ cried Marcus, opening his eyes wide. ‘So all this...’
he gestured around the fort. ‘All the celebrations will be stopped once he
comes? And that is definite?’
    Janus nodded.
    ‘I am afraid it seems that will be the case. Theodosius’
people have already been despatched to break up certain temples. It is he we
must thank for criminalising our sacrifices. We might be fortunate and maintain
some of our Saturnalia celebrations, as it co-incides with the Christian
Yuletide celebrations. But I fear for our shrines and our Mithraeum once he
arrives.’ Janus pulled a face. ‘I can only hope that the information is
incorrect on some level. For the likes of you, this will make your next step up
the Mithraic ladder seem further away than ever. It seemed as if you had your
name down for months, before your initiation as a Corax.’ His face fell. ‘I
suppose it is no good me putting my name forward to follow you, if this is
going to happen. I might as well go back to Rome and throw myself to the lions
if I will be forced to become a Christian.’
    ‘I don’t know what to say,’ whispered Marcus. ‘It is wrong.
We have been sent to this outpost, forced to retreat from Caledonia and now we
have to bow to this man. It is all wrong.’ He balled his fist and punched it
off his thigh. ‘Janus, let me speak to the Pater. He may be able to initiate
you as a favour to me, if I tell him this news...’
    ‘No!’ hissed Janus looking worried. ‘You can’t tell him the
information came from me. He might think that I used to my advantage, to ensure
I was initiated. Please. Do not mention it to anyone. Just – just take my name
to him and let him know I am interested. At least I will be on record. And if
all this comes to nothing, I may eventually be able to worship inside the
temple with you.’ He smiled at Marcus, and clapped him on the shoulder. ‘Would
you do that for me?’
    Marcus nodded.
    ‘Certainly, my friend. I shall let it be known you are
interested. And if our god wills it, you shall be initiated as a Corax and we
shall work together in the service of Mithras.’
    ‘Thank you,’ said Janus. ‘I appreciate it. I shall offer
something to Coventina and the water nymphs next time I am passing. It cannot
do any harm to have them on my side, can it?’
    ‘Not at all,’ replied Marcus. He looked up. The two officers
were coming back with glasses of wine and a plate of food. They looked
preposterous, dressed up as women and doing the work of a slave; Marcus
couldn’t help but laugh at them.
    ‘Thank you my dear slaves,’ he called. ‘I shall recommend you
to your master.’
    Milenius, a standard-bearer and therefore a highly privileged
man in the cohort laughed good-naturedly.
    ‘Enjoy it, Marcus Simplicius Simplex. I shall store all this
up here,’ he tapped his head with his forefinger, ‘and remember it. Six more
days, my friend. Only six more days!’
    ‘Ah, and what a wonderful six days it shall be,’ retorted
Marcus taking a glass and raising it to Milenius. He took a sip and rolled the
wine around his mouth, tasting the rich berries. ‘Is this your best wine,
Slave? If I find you are giving me the dregs from your amphoras, I shall be
forced to make a complaint to your master.’
    ‘Only the best for you, Sir,’ said Milenius and bowed low.
‘Would I ever give you bad wine?’
    ‘Am I able to trust you, then?’ asked Marcus, taking