Simo dropped a cape on the dirty pile then looked at his master and rubbed the back of his neck.
Cassius knew what that meant. ‘What is it?’
‘A difficult matter, sir.’
‘Your father? Didn’t you say all’s well with him?’
‘It’s not that, sir. What I told you about why I was late.’
‘Spit it out, Simo.’
‘I lied, sir.’
Cassius put the water down. ‘By Jupiter, first you disappear and now this. What’s happening to you?’
‘I barely slept, sir, thinking of how I deceived you. I thought it better to tell the truth now.’
‘I suppose that’s something. Well?’
‘As you know, I have now reached the stage where I can receive direct instruction about the teachings of the Lord. I should have done so far earlier but we have been rather busy of late. I needed a letter of recommendation from Antioch so that I might be taught here in Bostra. Elder Nura was away so I had to wait for him to return and sign the letter. It delayed me by four days. I am sorry, sir. Deeply sorry.’
Cassius threw his blanket aside and got up, naked but for his loincloth. ‘I wonder sometimes if you know how lucky you are. Upon hearing something like that, many a master would take a whip to your back. Lies, deceit — just the beginning, I expect. Soon you’ll be running off to join your Christian “brothers” permanently.’
‘No, sir. I would not do that.’
‘Perhaps I have been too weak. Allowing you the leave seems only to have encouraged disobedience. Well, you can forget getting any more coin for the time being. I expect you wasted everything I gave you on charity as usual.’
‘Not entirely, sir. I bought two medical texts.’
Cassius crossed his arms. ‘We have always been open with each other, Simo.’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘If we lose that, we lose trust. I have enough uncertainty around me. Can I be certain of you?’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Do you know, yesterday I thought I might have to go and find myself another attendant. Buy a new man at an auction.’
The very mention of the word drew a marked reaction from the Gaul. Satisfied he’d made his point, Cassius pointed at the pile of dirty clothes. ‘They’re not going to wash themselves.’
‘Shall I fetch your hot water first, sir?’
‘Do so.’
‘Well, well. Reunited at last.’
Abascantius walked into the atrium and inspected the trio, then pointed at Simo. ‘So what happened to you? You had your master very worried.’
‘Sir, I-’
‘Simo was unlucky with transportation,’ interjected Cassius. ‘But now he’s back with us I’m sure he hasn’t a minute to spare.’
With a bow to the agent, Simo hurried out through the front door clutching a list of supplies.
Abascantius wore his riding trousers and a light cloak over his tunic. He had dispensed with his helmet and was now virtually unidentifiable as a military man. He turned his attention to Indavara. ‘And how’s the Fourth Legion’s newest recruit?’
Indavara offered a cordial nod.
‘Not saying much today, eh? All that talking last night perhaps. Corbulo, the auxiliaries have been paid and the rest of the money is with Pontius’s clerk. Mercator assures me they’ll all be ready tomorrow morning and he’ll be along presently. He has a few questions for you.’
‘And I for him.’
‘Any for me? Last chance.’
‘This Ulixes character, sir. He didn’t sound particularly reliable. What if he’s not in Petra or his information turns out to be false?’
Abascantius took a step forward. ‘Let’s be clear, Corbulo. You must do your utmost to locate and recover that stone, whatever happens in Petra. I expect your next letter to me to be one that brings a smile to my face.’
‘On that subject, sir, where should letters to you be directed? I assume you’ll be on the move.’
‘Address them to the chief clerk of the Fourth at Raphanea. I will ensure he knows where I am at all times.’
‘Sir, if we do recover the stone — where should it be taken?’
‘Ultimately, here. But considering where you’re going, the fortress at Humeima should perhaps be your first stop. It’s just south of Petra. The walls are three feet thick and there are never less than two centuries stationed there.’
‘One other thing, sir — Mercator. Seems rather odd for an ambitious optio to leave his cohort for an assignment with us. Any explanation?’
‘It’s very simple. Inside the headquarters office is a list — a list of those optios ready to take over when one of the legion’s centurions is killed, gets ill, or retires. Despite the resistance of Chief Nerva, I have successfully moved Mercator from somewhere near the bottom to somewhere near the top.’
‘I see.’
‘It’s interesting,’ said Abascantius, struggling to straighten the lines of his cloak around his paunch, ‘I found our little ceremony in the shrine rather inspiring. Last night I gave offerings to the great gods, asking them to assist this operation. It’s been a while since I did that.’
He grasped Cassius’s forearm. ‘Remember what you stand to gain, Corbulo; the appreciation of the Emperor and some time to yourself. That enough for you?’
‘Yes, sir.’
Abascantius held onto his arm. ‘For Rome.’
Despite himself — and the usual whiff of rancid breath — Cassius felt a brief surge of enthusiasm. ‘For Rome.’
‘Here!’ The shout came from outside.
Abascantius shook his head. ‘At least that Gaul of yours has some manners.’ He bellowed a reply towards the street. ‘Out in a moment!’
The agent then put a hand on Indavara’s shoulder and nodded at Cassius. ‘You watch his back. Anything happens to him and I’ll make sure something happens to you.’ He grinned. ‘And try not to argue. He’s usually right.’
‘Usually,’ said Indavara.
Abascantius turned to Cassius. ‘And the “wine” is safe?’
‘Yes, sir.’
Indavara frowned.
‘I’ll show you later.’
Abascantius let out a long sigh as they walked outside. ‘Ah, shit, another week in the saddle.’
Shostra was standing at the end of the path, trying to control the two horses, who’d been disturbed by a squad of cavalry trotting out of the fortress. Abascantius took charge of his mount, the same sturdy black stallion he’d been riding when Cassius had first met him the previous summer.
‘He looks like he could do a fair few miles a day.’
‘Antheon? Yes, he’s served me well.’
Abascantius took hold of the saddle and hauled his heavy frame up. Once settled, he patted the horse’s sleek shoulder. ‘Farts every ten paces but that’s not my concern. Old Shostra gets the worst of it.’
The attendant muttered something as he mounted up.
‘Farewell, then, you two,’ said the agent. ‘May the gods favour you.’
‘Farewell, sir,’ said Cassius and Indavara.
As usual, Shostra ignored them.
Cassius tutted. ‘The miles must fly by, sir, what with such stimulating company.’
Abascantius turned around and glanced at Shostra. ‘Oh, he’s not so bad. If you ask him nicely, he’ll tell you one of his wrestling stories.’
‘Really?’ said Cassius. ‘Interesting, are they?’
‘Boring as shit. He lost most of his fights — why do you think he works for me?’
With Shostra still muttering — and Cassius and Indavara laughing — Abascantius guided Antheon away along the Via Cappadocia.
‘So, what’s this about wine?’ asked Indavara.
‘Ah yes, come, I’ll show you.’ Cassius was already on his way back inside. ‘You may have to keep an eye on me, but we both have to keep an eye on this.’
Mercator called in later as agreed. With Indavara busy cleaning his weaponry and Muranda out fetching firewood, Cassius spoke to him in the courtyard. The trusty charcoal and paper were already on the table. With time so short, almost everything had to be organised by the end of the day. He checked his notes.