Marius' Mules II: The Belgae (66 page)

Carbo nodded
professionally.

“
And that would be?”

“
Finding an excuse for me not to travel back to Rome with the
general.”

Carbo smiled
and refilled his commander’s cup.

“
Rome? Now? Not a hope, Marcus. You’ll be busy here for a
while. I have some new schedules, promotions, budgets and so on.
And we have to select a new training officer. And of course, you
need to be here during the hand-over between Priscus and myself.
Oh, no. You could be here for weeks.”

Fronto
grinned.

“
I was hoping you’d say that. A lot of the senior officers will
be here shortly, with enough wine to float a trireme. I think it’s
time they met you.”

He raised an
eyebrow humorously.

“
Can you play dice?”

* * * * *

The light of
the oil lamps and the fire in the hearth cast dancing golden waves
around the shadowy interior of the room. Crimson drapes covered the
leaded windows and one had to squint to pick out even the most
basic detail on the intricate wall paintings. From the corner of
the room in deep shadow, a strong hand reached out, a gold signet
ring on the little finger, and collected the jewelled glass from
the small table.

Publius
Clodius Pulcher raised his own glass in salute to his shadowy
companion and took a quick drink, frowning at the taste.

“
I distinctly remember telling Appio to get the best Falernian.
I suspect he bought a cheap substitute and pocketed the change. I
shall have him flogged until he is unrecognisable.”

The hidden
figure rumbled and chuckled in a deep voice.

“
You will set a dangerous precedent by punishing a man with
vision and a taste for profit. Most governors and senators are no
better.”

Clodius
smiled; a crocodile smile.

“
Perhaps. You’ve heard that, despite my best efforts, Cicero
has returned from exile?”

“
Yes. He will likely pick up where he left off in his attempts
to prosecute you.”

Clodius
laughed.

“
I have taken the first step there. I had him attacked and
beaten on the Clivus Scauri yesterday. We also wrecked his house
and burned down that of his brother. I trust now that he will think
twice before bringing up old cases.”

There was
another deep laugh from the shadows.

“
Burning down his brother’s house may have been a mistake. The
younger Cicero commands one of Caesar’s legions and the man has
already set his sight on you.”

Clodius shook
his head dismissively.

“
Caesar is a jumped up little fish trying to command a pond
full of pike. He seems to think he’s invincible, but I assure you,
he’s not. I have several people quite close the general, some of
whom are somewhat disaffected with him. I am aware of every move he
makes, often before he’s made it. No; Caesar’s not a worry to me.
My sister… now she’s a worry. I have to find a way to contain her
and dampen down her more excessive desires.”

The shadowy
figure laughed once more and replaced the glass on the table.

“
I had best leave. Terentius’ play will finish presently and
there will be comment if I am not seen to stand and applaud at the
end.”

As Clodius
nodded respectfully, the figure stood in the shadowy corner and
wrapped the toga more tightly about himself.

“
As always, this conversation never took place. I was never
here.”

Clodius nodded
again, leaning back on his couch.

“
Enjoy the post-theatre party.”

“
I shall,” the visitor yawned, “as much as possible. Remember:
be careful. And, regardless of what you say, watch Caesar. He may
yet surprise you.”

Clodius took
another sip of wine as the figure left the room. Moments later he
heard the door open and close and he was alone once more. Grinding
his teeth, he flung the glass at the fire.

“
To Hades Caesar. Damn the man.”

End