‘But in five years you’ll be a very, very rich man.’
‘Such a risk might expose not only me but my entire family. I must consider it.’
‘I want to be there before that meeting. Which would give us only four days.’
‘We would need to leave tomorrow.’ Khalima fiddled with one of his bracelets for a while then looked up. ‘If I decline-’
‘We will discuss appropriate recompense for the information you have already provided. You have my word.’
‘I will give you an answer by sundown.’
Cassius felt numerous eyes upon him as he walked across the oasis. Khalima’s men were repairing the tents, the women preparing a fire. Perhaps still upset by the storm, the children were being allowed to play. To Cassius they seemed a healthy, harmonious group and every single one of Khalima’s clan wore clean, well-cut clothing and at least one piece of jewellery. The best clothes, however — soft, lustrous red robes — were reserved for a trio of lovely young women cleaning their hands in the pool. They were the only adults not working.
‘Well?’ said Indavara when Cassius reached him, Mercator and Ulixes.
‘Possibly an improvement in our fortunes.’
‘Better than having a sword stuck in your neck, you mean?’
‘Oh, certainly.’
Mercator had stationed the horses by the edge of the oasis so there was no risk of them fouling the water. They had been roped together and were being watched by a few of the auxiliaries. The rest of the men were washing and refilling their water skins.
‘You were in there a long time,’ said the optio.
‘Worth every minute, I assure you. Khalima has already provided me with some useful information and now we must wait to see if he will help us into Galanaq.’
‘Isn’t that what I’m supposed to be doing?’ asked Ulixes.
‘You may be able to find the place but getting inside might be difficult.’
‘You seem very trusting of a man who seemed about ready to chop off your head an hour ago. What have you offered him in return?’
‘That’s between him and me,’ said Cassius. ‘But given what he’s revealed about the man who may have the stone, I doubt we have much of a chance without him.’
‘All right if I send Yorvah to try and find those two last mules?’ asked Mercator.
‘Not yet. No one has witnessed this meeting and Khalima would prefer it to stay that way. Until we have a decision let’s keep our heads down and try not to annoy him.’
‘Very well.’ The optio walked away.
Ulixes was still glaring at Cassius. ‘You must have asked him about the stone.’
‘No. And I don’t intend to unless I have to. As far as he’s concerned I need intelligence for the governor, nothing more. You’ll get the money when I see the stone. But until then keep your mouth shut about it. Say nothing to anyone.’
‘What about giving me half now?’
‘No chance.’
Indavara stepped in front of him. ‘You heard the man.’
As Ulixes sloped off, Simo walked up from the pool. He was leading Patch, who was licking water off his snout.
‘Are you all right, sir?’ asked the attendant. ‘I was starting to wonder if you’d ever come out of that tent.’
‘Fine, Simo. And our furry friend?’
‘Better now, sir. He must have been so frightened during the sandstorm — he was still shaking.’
‘Well, he couldn’t have timed his return any better. And if we hadn’t gone after him, I would not have met Khalima.’
Cassius stepped forward and tried to stroke the mule but it veered away towards Indavara, who ruffled one of its ears.
‘You know who really likes you and who doesn’t, don’t you, Patch? Very good judges of character, mules.’
‘Ha bloody ha.’
XX
Cassius sat against a knobbly date palm, idly watching insects buzz around the pool. On the other side of the water, the fire was heating a steaming pot into which the women were dropping a seemingly endless series of ingredients. Most of the tents were now back up but the men continued with their repairs. Cassius guessed their horses had earlier been taken somewhere to shelter from the storm; a group of lads had just brought them back.
A few yards away, an old woman was supervising two young boys as they nimbly scaled another palm using belts. Given the season, Cassius knew they wouldn’t be collecting the dates but thinning them out to produce a better harvest later in the year. Their ascent had disturbed a small flock of colourful birds, some of which were now hunting in the reeds. According to Simo, they were bee-eaters: pretty little things with sky-blue chests, yellow throats and vicious-looking bills. Cassius knew of the breed; his grandfather had kept bees and once told him how they killed their prey. Once a bee was lodged in their bill, the birds would hammer it against something hard until the stinger fell out, then swallow their meal. Cassius was yet to see a single assassination.
The sun was currently veiled by cloud and, with the cooling effect of the water, the temperature was perfect. He might have dozed off had it not been for the anxious wait. Whatever Khalima’s decision, he at least knew something of his foe now: this warrior-priest Ilaha, who apparently wished to lead the Tanukh against Rome.
One thing was certain; the governor would have to know. A message wouldn’t reach him for at least three or four days and it would be two weeks before he could take any significant action in the area. So whatever Calvinus did, it would not interfere with the operation. But Cassius felt sure now that the nature of that operation had to change.
With what Khalima had revealed about the size of Ilaha’s force, it seemed doubtful they would be able to recover the stone. Even Abascantius wouldn’t expect him and the auxiliaries to mount a raid with no chance of success. Surely it made more sense to gather intelligence about Ilaha and the location of the stone, then return to Bostra. Perhaps Tribune Pontius would get his wish: march an army to Galanaq, reclaim the Emperor’s prize and regain control of the province.
Cassius was thinking how to word his letter to Calvinus when he noticed Mercator waving to him. The optio then pointed towards the camp. Khalima was striding across the sand.
Cassius felt even more eyes upon him this time and he wiped his clammy hands on his tunic. Sometimes he hated being in charge, making decisions, having such influence over the lives of others. Sometimes he wished he was a gardener or a scribe with no responsibility for anyone else. Just for a day, of course.
He met Khalima between the two camps.
‘I and a detachment of my men will escort you to Galanaq and get you inside the gates. The rest of my family will continue on to Petra.’
‘Excellent.’
‘I have some conditions.’
‘Go on.’
‘Firstly, our agreement must be laid down in writing and a copy despatched immediately to Governor Calvinus.’
‘Agreed.’
‘Secondly, we will add a clause that it remains valid even in the event of my death.’
‘Agreed.’
‘Thirdly, I am in charge until we reach Galanaq. Once there you must do what you have to without endangering me or my men.’
‘Of course. As you know, I simply wish to gather intelligence.’
‘If you or any of your men are caught or identified, I will deny all knowledge.’
‘Fair enough.’
‘Then we have an agreement. Can you have it drawn up in Greek tonight?’
‘Certainly.’
‘We will leave at first light,’ added Khalima. ‘But there are some practicalities to attend to.’ He looked past Cassius at the auxiliaries. ‘I have employed numerous sword-hands over the years. That should not arouse suspicion. Do they speak Nabatean?’
‘Every one.’
‘Who’s that fellow losing his hair?’
‘Ulixes. An associate.’
‘And the fat one?’
‘My attendant.’