Saylor, Steven - Roma Sub Rosa 03 by Catilina's Riddle (v5.0)

Author:Catilina's Riddle (v5.0) [Riddle, Catilina's]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-05-19T06:15:10+00:00

XXII

We dined informally that evening, with everyone raiding the kitchen for leftovers from the day before. The heat of the day cast the whole household into a mood of easy lassitude. The slaves went sluggishly about their errands, and even Bethesda was too hot to reprimand them. The sun itself seemed lazy, and took an unusually long time to set beyond the horizon. The sky deepened to a rich, dark blue. Meto withdrew to his room to be alone. Diana snuggled against her mother and dozed on our sleeping couch. Eco and Menenia retired to another room at the back of the house to do whatever it is that young newlyweds do to amuse themselves on long, sultry summer evenings. I was left alone again in the garden, which suited my mood.

The first handful of stars were beginning to sparkle in the heavens when Belbo announced that there was a caller outside the front door.

'For Eco?' I asked, thinking he would hardly care to be disturbed at the moment.

'No, he's come to see you, Master. But I don't like the looks of

it.’

'Why is that, Belbo?'

'Too many bodyguards, for one thing — one for every finger at least — and they're all carrying big daggers in their hands, not even sheathed.'

My heartbeat sped up a bit What in Jupiter's name had I done now? Why could I not be left in peace? 'Who is this visitor, Belbo?'

'I'm not sure. He doesn't give a name, and he stands back among his bodyguards so that I can't see him properly. His toga has purple on it, though.'

'Yes?' I pursed my lips, puzzled.

'And he's armed himself. Or at least he's wearing armour. I can see what looks like a breastplate underneath his toga—'

'I see. Yes, Belbo, I suppose I had better see this visitor. But ask him to leave his bodyguards outside. He has nothing to fear in this house.'

Belbo withdrew. A few moments later I was joined in the garden by Marcus Tullius Cicero.

'Gordianus!' he said, giving me a warm, lingering look as if I were a long-lost friend, or perhaps an undecided voter. 'Such a long time since I've seen you!'

'Not so very long. You saw me yesterday on the path to the Arx.'

'I wouldn't count that, would you, given the circumstances? If I was brusque or distant yesterday — well, you understand. I was unable to acknowledge you as I should and will acknowledge you when all this is over.'

' "All this?"'

'You know what I mean.' 'Do I?'

'Gordianus!' he said in a sweetly chiding tone. 'Difficult as always.'

'What is it you want, Cicero?' 'And so very curt!'

'I'm not an orator, like you. I have to say what I mean.'

'Oh, Gordianus! You must still be very weary after the hard journey down from your beautiful farm. You must feel out of sorts here, away from the fields and the lowing oxen. I know how the rigors of the Forum wear on a man — believe me, I know! — not to mention the ordeal of election day.

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