THE CROSSROADS BROTHERHOOD by Fabbri Robert

Author:Fabbri, Robert [Fabbri, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9780857897251
Publisher: Atlantic Books
Published: 2011-12-25T05:00:00+00:00

THE FORUM ROMANUM was packed – three treason trials were being conducted simultaneously, part of a recent upsurge in the legal hounding of enemies of the emperor or the rivals of his praetorian prefect. To Magnus, how the equestrian or senatorial classes treated each other meant nothing, provided it did not affect the daily running of the city’s institutions that were close to his heart: the games and the grain dole.

Pushing his way through the mass of spectators, food vendors, beggars and jurists Magnus eventually came to the steps of the Curia, the Senate House. The doors were open and the senate was in session. Magnus peered into the gloomy interior and, once his eyes had adjusted to the light, soon made out the corpulent figure of Gaius Vespasius Pollo. Knowing that he had no right to enter the building he descended the steps, bought a grilled sausage and a hunk of bread from a street vendor and settled down to wait.

Prodded by a red-shoed foot, Magnus awoke to the booming voice of Gaius. ‘Sleeping on the senate house steps like some vagrant? Have your brethren finally kicked you out as you did your predecessor?’

‘Yeah, but less violently it would seem, seeing as I’m still alive.’ Magnus grinned and got to his feet, rubbing his numb behind. ‘Actually I was waiting for you, Senator.’

‘Is there a problem with our business? It’s meant to be done by tomorrow at the latest.’

‘Not as such. I have a question for you.’

‘Walk with me,’ Gaius requested, turning right along the front of the Curia, heading for the Quirinal.

Magnus fell in step and explained Servius’ plan.

‘I see,’ Gaius mused as they started to climb the hill. ‘That counsellor of yours is shrewd. Suspicious circumstances, very good.’

‘So what do you know about this Blandinus? What doesn’t he do?’

‘I’m afraid he does most things: goes to the games and the theatre, he drinks, he gambles, he goes whoring; in fact he frequents an establishment in your area, owned by Terentius.’

‘But that’s just boys; does he like women?’

‘I think so; he’s married and has children.’

Magnus looked disappointed. ‘There must be something that he wouldn’t be seen dead doing.’

Gaius’ flabby face, glistening with sweat from the exertion of the uphill walk, suddenly brightened. ‘Of course there is: men!’

‘Men?’

‘Yes, men. I can almost guarantee you that he has never even contemplated being buggered, let alone countenanced it.’

Magnus smiled. ‘Of course; so simple that it was too obvious. Thank you Senator, I’d best be going.’

‘Won’t you have some honeyed cakes and wine, we’re almost at my house?’

‘No time Senator, I’ve got a lot to organise; it seems that I can wash two tunics in one tub.’ He ran off leaving Gaius wondering just what he had been talking about.

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