The Crossroads Brotherhood by Robert Fabbri Page B

shrugged. ‘He’s got a point Brother; and besides, we can’t let an attack like that in our area go unpunished – but how do we do it without starting a war?’
    The counsellor thought for a few moments looking at Terentius. ‘How well protected are these Albanians?’
    ‘They have the best protection: the Vigiles. One of their Tribunes has been using the Albanians as a way to ingratiate himself with the Praetorian Guard. So the Vigiles ensure there’s never any trouble near the house and provide an escort for the boys to and from the Praetorian camp should an officer wish to enjoy them in the comfort of his own bed and suchlike services.’
    Magnus stared hard at Terentius and sucked in his breath through his teeth. ‘This is a big favour. If we do it we’ll have the Vigiles and the Praetorians as well as the West Viminal Crossroads after us.’
    Servius smirked coldly. ‘You’ve got it Brother: If we do it. We’ll just have to make sure that it looks like we didn’t.’
    Magnus turned slowly to his counsellor; a trace of a smile cracked his lips. ‘You’re right. So first we need to get Terentius’ two boys back and bring the matter to an honourable conclusion so everyone can see that we have no more interest in it. Then we set someone else up.’
    Terentius bowed his head in gratitude. ‘Thank you, Patronus.’
    Servius looked thoughtfully at his fingernails. ‘And who will seem to be responsible for the Albanian’s demise, Brother?’
    ‘It has to be a group that’s untouchable but one that could logically have done it. People who hate both the Vigiles and the Guard as much as they’re hated by them in return.’
    Servius raised his eyebrows. ‘Your old mates?’
    ‘Exactly; the Urban Cohort. I think that we should call a meeting of all the neighbouring Brotherhood chiefs for tomorrow.’
    ‘I think so too. And I think that we should take a gift to show our good intentions.’
    ‘I’ll leave you in charge of the arrangements, Brother.’
    ‘I’ll send the invitations out immediately. Usual time and place?’
    ‘Usual time and place.’
    M AGNUS WAS WOKEN by a knock on the door of the small room that he called home, above the tavern that was the headquarters of his Brotherhood.
    ‘Magnus?’ A voice called from beyond the door.
    ‘Yeah, what is it? It’s still dark,’ Magnus replied sleepily, feeling the warmth of a woman in the bed beside him and trying to recollect her name.
    ‘It’s Marius, Brother. Servius says that you should come down and take a look at what Sextus, me and some lads brought in just now.’
    Magnus grunted and eased out a fart. ‘Alright, bring me a lamp.’
    The door swung open and the silhouetted bulk of Marius filled its frame with a lamp in his right hand – his left hand was missing.
    ‘Leave it on the table, Marius,’ Magnus said sitting up.
    As Marius walked across the room Magnus pointed to the sleeping form beside him and mouthed: ‘What’s her name?’
    ‘Dunno, she’s new, just turned up last night.’
    ‘Thanks Brother, very helpful. I’ll be down in a moment.’
    Magnus slapped the woman’s arse and got out of bed as Marius left the room. ‘Up and at ’em, my girl. I’ve got to go. What do I owe you?’
    The woman rolled over sleepily and peered at him through a tangle of well-ravaged black hair. ‘It was a free one, Magnus. Aquilina, remember? I said I’d do you for free if you’d let me work the tavern.’
    ‘Ah, that’s right, you’re new,’ Magnus replied, trying to remember the conversation through the haze of last night’s wine. ‘Well you’ve passed the test. See old Jovita later and tell her that I said it was fine for you to work here. She watches the girls; you report to her if you leave with a customer or if you’re just giving your favours in a dark corner. We take twenty percent of everything you earn from the tavern, payable in cash the following morning. If you try and cheat us, you’re out on your ear and you