Which might be no bad thing-although Drumold and Tylara weren't likely to see it that way.
"If Tamaerthon is threatened, how long before Drantos falls?" Ganton asked.
Smart lad, Rich thought. Ganton seemed more sure of himself, now that he'd led troops in a battle. It hadn't been much of a battle, nor had Ganton played a large part in it, but he'd been at the head of his Guards, right alongside Drumold and Balquhain.
"What should we do, then?" Rick demanded.
"What we should have done before," Drumold said. "Take hostages. Think, lad. They have here the whole strength of Tamaerthon, and Wanax Ganton to boot. Surely Publius has thought of this. And 'tis Publius who will remain, while Marselius marches on to Rome.
"Without us," Camithon added. "Without us."
"You yourself refused his offer to take us to Rome," Rick protested.
"And what of that?" Drumold demanded. "Should we put our heads deeper in a noose? Protector Camithon did well to refuse such a dangerous offer."
"And you genuinely fear for our lives?"
Drumold shrugged. "Perhaps not now. But later, when Publius realizes that he holds all the strength of Rome? What will happen to Tamaerthon then? Aye, and to Drantos as well. You ask it yourself, lad-what happens when the Romans have star weapons for themselves? We can no conquer Rome. We can no destroy the Romans. We can take hostages. Take them, lad. Now. While we yet can."
"Is that your advice also?" Rick asked Camithon.
"Aye."
"Elliot?"
Sergeant Major Elliot shrugged. "You know these people better than I do, sir. But I'd feel some better if we could be sure we'll get home-and after, who knows what they might do? How can it hurt?"
"Majesty?"
Ganton shrugged. "I must heed the advice of those wiser than I."
Rick sighed. "It's no substitute for a policy," he said. "Even if it is traditional. But I dine tonight with Marselius, and I'll see what I can do."
There were only Rick, Marselius, and Lucius at the dinner; Publius had to see to the ordering of the troops and the final surrender of Frugi's camp.
Rick waited until the dinner was finished and they had both had wine. "Some of my officers are concerned," he said.
Marselius frowned. "About what?" he demanded.
"Loot, for one thing."
"Ah. There was little fighting, thus few fallen enemies to despoil." Marselius shrugged. "I will see to it. There should be ample gold in Titus Frugi's camp. I will arrange a donative to our gallant allies."
"Thank you. There is another concern."
Marselius looked puzzled. "Of what? The victory could not be more complete. With few casualties on either side. A brilliant stroke-"
"Which increased the size of your army," Rick said. "But leaves us in desolate territory, dependent on rations we do not have."
"Food is coming," Marselius protested. "Wagon-loads of grain. The first arrive tomorrow." He drained a goblet of wine. "What are you saying?"
"That some of my soldiers are afraid they'll never leave Roman territory alive," Rick said. "And Drumold fears that the strength of Rome may be sent against Tamaerthon, now that Rome has no civil strife. My apologies, Caesar, for being so blunt."
"Better to be blunt," Lucius said, "Tell me, Caesar, would you not be, ah, concerned, also, were you in his situation?"
"I suppose I might," Marselius said. "And what do you suggest I do?"
"Drumold wants hostages," Rick said.
"And you?"
"I want only to return to my University. There is much more I must do before The Time-"
"But you do not protest. You prefer to take hostages."
Rick said nothing.
Marselius frowned. "Then you do not trust me-"
"Nonsense," Lucius said. "Caesar, are you under the illusion that you are immortal?"
Marselius looked thoughtful. "I think I see an answer," he said at last. "My granddaughter has asked me to visit the Lady Gwen. Now I shall let her. Lucius, ride to Benevenutum, and inform Octavia that it is my desire that she continue her studies in Tamaerthon. Choose suitable companions and servants to join her- but she is to meet the Lord Rick's forces and accompany them on their return. It is fitting that she be escorted by our allies." He turned to Rick. "Will that be satisfactory?"
"Certainly."
For a few moments the room seemed cold; then Lucius smiled broadly. "It is a scheme that has merit. May I join her, after we have taken Rome?" The old man sighed. "I have often dreamed of retiring to some center of learning. I would appreciate the opportunity to see this place. And the Lady Octavia will be very pleased."
"You will always be welcome," Rick said. "Caesar, this is inspired. The Lady Octavia can learn much to aid Rome during The Time; and not even the most suspicious will believe that you or your son would endanger her."
And beyond that, Rick thought. Beyond that, she'll meet young Ganton-and who knows what might come of that. It's time Ganton got a systematic education. Golden years and all that-he can't object to being a student prince for a while. Where he'll be with Octavia. Gwen says she's intelligent and attractive, and Ganton's young.
"An excellent plan," Rick said again.
INTERLUDE
18
Earth, blue and fragile and lovely, swirling storms and shining seas, filled one wall of the office. Les had seen half a hundred planets, and none were lovelier,
I suppose it could depend on your viewpoint, he thought. Humanity came from there. A lot longer ago than most of them suspect. But home is always the nicest place…
Stupid thought. I haven't got a home.
Les stood in the doorway a moment longer, then entered the office. The room was panelled in wood, with a Kashdan carpet and luxurious furniture; but Les noticed little of that. Despite the opulence, the office was dominated by the Earth.
The colors swirled gently. Earth wasn't really visible from that office, but a real-time holographic display was trivial among the honors and privileges earned by the man Rick Galloway had known as Inspector Agzaral.
Even so, neither Agzaral nor any other human had earned the right to do what Agzaral did next. He opened his desk drawer and took out a small electronic device. After inspecting it carefully, he nodded to Les. "Hail, Slave," Agzaral said.
"I greet you, Important Slave," Les replied formally. He fell silent as Agzaral adjusted the electronic gear. After a moment, Les could hear faint voices: his and Agzaral's, speaking meaningless pleasantries in the official Confederation Standard tongue for civil servants.
Agzaral nodded in satisfaction and leaned, back in his chair. "That should be sufficient," he said. "Sit down. Have some sherry. I regret that the shipment of Praither's Amontillado has been delayed, but Hawkers is a substitute I have found acceptable. Did you have a pleasant journey?"
Les waited as Agzaral poured sherry into a crystal glass, then solemnly tasted it. "Excellent," he said. He glanced at his hands, No tremble. Voice all right. Emotions nicely under control. It was difficult to deceive Agzaral, but not impossible. "Pleasant enough trip going," he said. "Dull coming back."
Agzaral smiled faintly. "Ah. You found it pleasant to learn that the woman was pregnant?"
"How the hell-?"
"Gently," Agzaral cautioned. "That goblet would be difficult to replace. There is no cause for alarm. Our employers do not know. Your efforts to deceive the recorders were entirely successful with regard to the Shalnuksis. But tell me, did you really expect to deceive me?"