The Black Stone: Agent of Rome 4 (The Agent of Rome) by Brown Nick

Author:Brown, Nick
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Published: 2014-06-04T16:00:00+00:00

Cassius felt numerous eyes upon him as he walked across the oasis. Khalima’s men were repairing the tents, the women preparing a fire. Perhaps still upset by the storm, the children were being allowed to play. To Cassius they seemed a healthy, harmonious group and every single one of Khalima’s clan wore clean, well-cut clothing and at least one piece of jewellery. The best clothes, however – soft, lustrous red robes – were reserved for a trio of lovely young women cleaning their hands in the pool. They were the only adults not working.

‘Well?’ said Indavara when Cassius reached him, Mercator and Ulixes.

‘Possibly an improvement in our fortunes.’

‘Better than having a sword stuck in your neck, you mean?’

‘Oh, certainly.’

Mercator had stationed the horses by the edge of the oasis so there was no risk of them fouling the water. They had been roped together and were being watched by a few of the auxiliaries. The rest of the men were washing and refilling their water skins.

‘You were in there a long time,’ said the optio.

‘Worth every minute, I assure you. Khalima has already provided me with some useful information and now we must wait to see if he will help us into Galanaq.’

‘Isn’t that what I’m supposed to be doing?’ asked Ulixes.

‘You may be able to find the place but getting inside might be difficult.’

‘You seem very trusting of a man who seemed about ready to chop off your head an hour ago. What have you offered him in return?’

‘That’s between him and me,’ said Cassius. ‘But given what he’s revealed about the man who may have the stone, I doubt we have much of a chance without him.’

‘All right if I send Yorvah to try and find those two last mules?’ asked Mercator.

‘Not yet. No one has witnessed this meeting and Khalima would prefer it to stay that way. Until we have a decision let’s keep our heads down and try not to annoy him.’

‘Very well.’ The optio walked away.

Ulixes was still glaring at Cassius. ‘You must have asked him about the stone.’

‘No. And I don’t intend to unless I have to. As far as he’s concerned I need intelligence for the governor, nothing more. You’ll get the money when I see the stone. But until then keep your mouth shut about it. Say nothing to anyone.’

‘What about giving me half now?’

‘No chance.’

Indavara stepped in front of him. ‘You heard the man.’

As Ulixes sloped off, Simo walked up from the pool. He was leading Patch, who was licking water off his snout.

‘Are you all right, sir?’ asked the attendant. ‘I was starting to wonder if you’d ever come out of that tent.’

‘Fine, Simo. And our furry friend?’

‘Better now, sir. He must have been so frightened during the sandstorm – he was still shaking.’

‘Well, he couldn’t have timed his return any better. And if we hadn’t gone after him, I would not have met Khalima.’

Cassius stepped forward and tried to stroke the mule but it veered away towards Indavara, who ruffled one of its ears.

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