The Eagle In The Sand Read Free Page B

long as they fear me . . .’
    ‘That’s it!’ Macro slapped his hand down. ‘Bloody fine piece of advice that, even if Caligula was barking mad. Sounds as if it might be the best approach to these people, if they’re as difficult as you say.’
    ‘Take it from me,’ Florianus replied seriously. ‘They’re as difficult as I say. If not, worse. I blame that self-righteous religion of theirs. If there’s any slight to their faith they take to the streets and riot. A few years back, during the Passover, one of our men stuck his arse over the battlements and farted at the crowd. Just a crude soldier’s joke you might think, but not to that lot. Scores of deaths later we had to hand the soldier over for execution. Same thing with an optio up at some place near Capernaum who thought he would burn a village’s holy books to teach them a lesson. Nearly caused a revolt. So we let them have the optio and the crowd tore him to pieces. It was the only way to restore order. I warn you, the Judaeans are not prepared to compromise on the slightest detail of their religion. That’s why we have no cohort standards here and no images of the Emperor. They look down their nose at the rest of the world and cling to the idea that they have been singled out for some great purpose.’ Florianus laughed. ‘I mean, look at this place. It’s a dusty little rat-hole. Does it seem to you like the land of a chosen people?’
    Macro glanced at Cato and shrugged. ‘Perhaps not.’
    Florianus poured himself another cup of water, took a sip and considered his guests thoughtfully.
    ‘You’re wondering why we’re here.’ Cato smiled.
    Florianus shrugged. ‘It had crossed my mind. Since I doubt the Empire can spare the services of two centurions to nursemaid a column of recruits to their new postings. So, if you don’t mind my being blunt, why are you here?’
    ‘Not to replace you,’ said Macro and smiled. ‘Sorry, old son, but that’s not in the orders.’
    ‘Damn.’
    Cato coughed. ‘It seems that the imperial staff is not as ignorant of the situation in Judaea as you think.’
    Florianus raised his eyebrows. ‘Oh?’
    ‘The Imperial Secretary has heard some worrying reports from his agents in this part of the Empire.’
    ‘Really?’ Florianus looked steadily at Cato, his face expressionless.
    ‘More than enough to doubt the reports given out by the procurator. That’s why he sent us here. Narcissus wants the situation assessed with fresh eyes.We’ve already spoken to the procurator, and I think you’re right about him. He simply can’t afford to see things as they are. His staff are well aware of what is going on, but know that Alexander isn’t best pleased by any views that contradict his official line. That’s why we needed to see you. As Narcissus’ chief intelligence agent in the region, you would seem to be the best person to speak to.’
    There was a brief, tense silence before Florianus nodded his head slightly. ‘That’s right. I assume that you made no mention of this to the procurator.’
    ‘What do you take us for?’ Macro said flatly.
    ‘No disrespect, Centurion, but I have to guard my true role here very carefully. If the Judaean resistance movements got wind of it, I’d be food for the vultures before the day was out. Only after they’d tortured me to get hold of the names of my agents, of course. So you can see why I have to be sure that my secret is quite safe.’
    ‘It’s safe with us,’ Cato reassured him. ‘Quite safe. Otherwise Narcissus would never have told us.’
    Florianus nodded. ‘True . . .Very well then, what can I do for you?’
    Now that the air had been cleared Cato could speak freely. ‘Since much of the information Narcissus has gathered comes from your network you’ll be familiar with his most obvious concerns. The most dangerous threat comes from Parthia.’
    ‘And there’s nothing new there,’ Macro added. ‘As long as Rome has had an interest in the east we’ve