Altar of Blood: Empire IX by Anthony Riches Page B

back in her place, but there are one or two spots on the map where the sparks of resentment still burn brightly. Places where, in some cases, there are Varus family members serving their emperor, hence my father’s interest in the affairs both of those provinces and their neighbours as well.’
    He leaned forward in his chair.
    ‘Take me with you.’
    Scaurus stared at him for a moment in silence.
    ‘And your father? Where does he stand in all this? I’d be more than a little surprised if he were supportive of your disappearing from Rome just at the time when your exploits in the east have probably guaranteed you a favourable marriage, and made you the talk of the city?’
    Varus shook his head.
    ‘I’ve taken the precaution of not consulting him on the matter. He would most certainly say no.’ His face hardened. ‘And that wouldn’t end well.’
    Scaurus spread his hands wide.
    ‘And as a tribune I have no suitable rank to offer you.’ He saw a confident grin spread across the younger man’s face. ‘But you’ve already thought that through as well, haven’t you?’
    ‘Make me a centurion. You know I can carry it off.’
    Julius closed his eyes and muttered something unintelligible. Scaurus stared at Varus for a moment and then nodded slowly.
    ‘You might have something there, if you’re idiot enough to lower yourself to such a thing. You know this will be looked upon askance by the influential men who have been so much in your favour though, don’t you?’
    Varus waved the thought away.
    ‘Victory is a child with a thousand fathers, Tribune, you told me that some time ago. If I come back from wherever it is we’re going in the company of men who’ve achieved a great success for the empire, then all will be well, perhaps even better than now. And if I don’t come back? Well in that case you can be assured that no one’s going to be all that worried about the rank I was carrying when I died.’
    Scaurus looked at Marcus.
    ‘No view on this, Centurion?’
    His friend’s haunted face turned to match gazes with him.
    ‘We only have one life, and it’s better to have lived it the way that feels right. Even if only for a short time. And doubtless one or two of our men will be honoured to keep an eye on our colleague and ensure that he comes to no more harm than the rest of us.’
    Scaurus nodded decisively.
    ‘Very well. Get yourself kitted out tomorrow morning – I’m sure Julius will be delighted to help you make sure you look the part. Just don’t come complaining to me when there are hundreds of German tribesmen baying at the moon for your head.’
    Varus smiled beatifically.
    ‘Germania? I’d hoped as much. With a bit of luck you’ll be able to make your acquaintance of my cousin. I think you’ll find him a most entertaining and useful man to know.’
    ‘Thugs, Tribune?’
    Scaurus stared at Cotta for a moment before answering.
    ‘Your hearing clearly hasn’t deteriorated, Centurion Cotta, although what I actually specified was the Briton Lugos and some thugs. We can’t leave him here, he’ll be lost without us.’
    The veteran raised an eyebrow at the younger man.
    ‘Far be it from me to contradict as fine a specimen of the equestrian class as yourself, Tribune, but my impression was that you were planning a swift raid on these Bructeri, an in and out with as little noise as possible, and with the Germans not even knowing that we’re there until we’re back on the right side of the river with the prize.’
    The tribune nodded with an approving expression.
    ‘That’s exactly what I’m planning. My congratulations not only on the state of your hearing but your general cognitive powers as well.’
    Cotta shook his head with a look of mystification.
    ‘If it’s all got to be done on tiptoes then why would you be asking me to recruit thugs to bring along, given that we both know that thugs usually operate in a manner that’s the direct opposite of either subtle or restrained? Not