A Noble Captive by Michelle Styles Page B

shoulders showed the slightest of hunches before righting themselves. ‘She liked it. I could tell. I have a sixth sense about these things.’
    Tullio hooked his thumbs through his belt and hoped his advice would be heeded. Quintus had only spoken a few words, tried a little coarse flattery. Nothing more.
    ‘Watch your step, centurion. Do not let your desire outrun your common sense. We are guests here and must abide by the rules of hospitality. You could jeopardise everything wehave worked for. There still might be an opportunity to save our mission. I refuse to allow any banter to put it at risk—not from anyone, especially not a highly decorated centurion who should know better.’
    ‘My mind is always on my duty…to Rome.’ Quintus stood to the strictest attention but Tullio could tell that he had taken the kindly meant words as a gross insult. ‘It is not my fault that my mouth is not perfumed like a bath house. I ain’t had no fancy education or nothing. But I am a Roman soldier, good and true.’
    ‘Be careful, Mustius Quintus. Remember that there is more at stake than your personal desire.’
    ‘It is never far from my mind.’ Quintus tucked his chin into his neck. ‘But still she was a pretty thing, not in the first blush of youth, mind. Mature, the way I like ’em. I fancy my chances.’
    Tullio stared at Quintus. The centurion was close to insubordination. If they were on Roman territory, he would not hesitate to punish him, but out here he needed all the men he could get. Punishing Quintus would only inflame the situation and he didn’t dare take the risk of allowing Quintus to apologise. The image was not a pretty one. His earlier apology to Helena would have to suffice.
    ‘You will desist, centurion. That is a direct order.’
    ‘Very good, Tribune.’
    ‘The gods have granted us an opportunity and I for one intend to take it.
    ‘What do you think this island is, Tribune?’
    ‘It is an important staging post for the pirates’ captured goods. Helena showed me some of the warehouse complex.’ Tullio looked Quintus directly in the eye. ‘There is a possibility of turning the temple towards Rome. Neither the sibyl nor Helena appear to be overly enamoured with the pirates.’
    ‘The sibyl is in with the pirates up to her pretty neck. You remember that, Livius Tullio, next time you speak to that assistant of theirs.’ Quintus’s low voice just reached Tullio’s ears. ‘Do you understand what that lady is mixed up with? Think about that before you think about your nether regions. Always one rule for the officers and another for the enlisted men.’
    Tullio advanced towards Quintus. His shoulders were square and his footstep firm despite the pain in his leg. He only knew that he had to reassert his authority or face more insubordination. Quintus seemed determined to challenge his leadership. He did not want to fight Quintus, but if he had to, he would. ‘Who is the tribune here, Quintus?’
    The centurion took a step backwards. ‘I was only joking, Livius Tullio. Can’t you take a joke?’
    ‘We are in a very dangerous situation, Quintus. I have looked into the jaws of Hades because of your mouth. You will obey me in this matter. This is the Army, not the senate.’
    Tullio stared at Quintus, daring him. The centurion looked away. ‘As you say, sir.’
    ‘Very well, if there are no other objections, we shall play this my way.’
     
    Helena slammed her stylus down. She had hoped several hours of hard work would clear her mind, but her thoughts kept straying back to Tullio and his offer. Without a doubt, the temple could use the manpower. The seafarers had first pick of all the villagers and there were a thousand jobs that should have been done six months ago. But she had to beware of Romans bearing gifts.
    Anything the Romans did to help the temple could be misinterpreted by Androceles. But all it would be was an excuse. He had made no secret of his desire to influence temple