The Emperor's Silver: Agent of Rome 5 Read Free Page A

Abascantius’s desk and the only one Cassius could find was Vitalian’s. By the time he’d sat down on the stool, the agent had unrolled the scroll and spread it across the desk. It was a very new-looking map and – even examining it upside down – Cassius could see that it showed the south-east corner of the Empire, including Arabia and Egypt.
    ‘You’ll be staying with the grand army, sir?’
    ‘Looks like it.’ Abascantius studied the map. ‘The route is yet to be finalised and trying to get the general staff to agree is like trying to balance small marbles on a big marble.’
    When he took his hands off, the scroll rolled itself up. ‘Anyway, that can wait.’ The agent lowered his heavy frame on to a chair nothing like big enough for him. ‘I’m more concerned with what happened last night.’
    Cassius was about to suggest that he be relocated as swiftly as possible but Abascantius hadn’t finished.
    ‘This morning I checked the bodies and their gear as you requested. I agree that there’s nothing there to help us, presumably as intended. Did you say they spoke Greek?’
    ‘Yes, sir. Which doesn’t tell us much. No discernible accent either.’
    ‘So, any ideas?’
    ‘Dozens, sir. They kept me awake all night. That and the atrium. Despite Simo’s best efforts it still smells of blood.’
    Abascantius grabbed the plate, then picked a corner off a wedge of cheese and popped it in his mouth. ‘Can’t be because of the business with the Persian flag, or that rogue centurion you took care of in Africa: I can’t see who would be left alive to bother with you, and even if there were they’d want you dead, not captured.’ He noted Cassius’s expression. ‘You don’t agree?’
    ‘If it was someone seeking revenge, they might have wanted to hurt me … torture me.’
    ‘Possible, I suppose, but surely it’s more likely to be connected to this Tanukh business.’
    ‘Yes, sir. Given the timing, that is the logical conclusion.’
    ‘Specifically?’ Abascantius scratched a nasty-looking rash on his forearm then picked up a roll.
    ‘I see two alternatives, sir. The person behind this could be someone left over from Ilaha’s forces. Perhaps even the German mercenary or Ethnarch Kalderon – seeking revenge for my role in foiling their plans. Or it could be some faction within the Tanukh – I promised them a permanent deal on the import tax and now the talks have stalled. I presented myself as an envoy of Rome. I gave my word.’
    Abascantius deployed a cynical look. ‘You said what you needed to at the time – to get yourself out of there and stop that deluded charlatan Ilaha. The Tanukh are realists. They know as well as we do that they’re not going to revolt. Especially with the Emperor and four legions coming their way.’
    ‘Sir, once order has been restored in Egypt the Emperor will return to Rome and the legions will leave. This province and Governor Calvinus will still be stuck with the same old problems. Men gave their lives to create this opportunity. There is a chance for a real solution, one that will—’
    Abascantius – now devouring the roll – held up a hand. ‘Not your problem, young man. Especially as you’re not going to be around much longer. I’m sure you concur that it’s best to get you away from here for the time being.’
    Cassius’s commitment to a peaceful Arabia did not extend to risking his life again. ‘Absolutely, sir.’
    ‘And I can’t think of a more secure posting than with the grand army.’
    Cassius’s stomach quivered. ‘Sir?’
    Abascantius pointed at the map. ‘I have a couple of men in Egypt already but another intelligence officer wouldn’t go amiss.’
    Cassius folded his hands across his stomach but it didn’t reduce the quivering. ‘Egypt?’
    The revolt there had already claimed the lives of hundreds of legionaries. Taking on the rebellious tribes and their charismatic leader Firmus would be a far bloodier affair than cleaning up the