[Marcus Flavius Severus 07] - The Persian Assassin by Alan Scribner

Author:Alan Scribner [Scribner, Alan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Goodreads: 52668649
Publisher: Independently published
Published: 2019-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

XVI

WHAT PUBLIUS PUDENS Said

Judge Severus waited in his chambers for Pudens to visit the prisoners Obesus and Nush and then come back to him with a story. It was already the 1st night hour when Pudens began, so Severus had dinner ordered into his chambers from the restaurant Subura, located just behind the Forum of Augustus at the entrance to the Subura section of the City. It was a favorite lunch spot for court personnel and still open for dinner.

Severus invited Vulso, Straton, Alexander and Proculus to dine with him, while court slaves fetched their food. A patina of red mullets cooked in wine with pepper for the judge; anchovies with eggs for Straton; asparagus in wine, pepper, coriander and salty liquamen dressing for Alexander; Lucanian sausages with pepper, cumin and liquamen for Vulso; green beans in a sweet and sour sauce of mustard, honey, cumin and vinegar for Proculus. Both red and white wines were served with the food

Lively conversation accompanied the meal, with talk turning from chariot racing to Greek literature to the latest theater productions in the City. Talk of the case, of crime, of the law was somehow avoided, a silent conspiracy among the diners.

As they were finishing with a dessert of figs, dates and apples, Pudens returned and asked to see the judge. He was invited in join everyone for dessert and wine and asked then and there to say what he wanted to say. Pudens looked at everyone having a good time and in a jolly mood, saw that no one was going to leave, had a sip of wine and began.

“Judge, I’ve talked with both Obesus and Nush. After much convincing on my part, the slave finally confided in me. He told me the whole story, the truthful story. And I can say without reservation that you will not have to torture him. He is relieved to tell the truth.”

“I’m happy to hear that,” said Severus. “What did he have to say?”

“He admitted that he was the person who stole the missing Egyptian cobra. He said he sold it to a worker at the amphitheater for 5 gold aurei.”

“Is that so? What was the name of the person he sold the snake to?”

“He doesn’t know the man’s name, but he can identify him by sight if he sees him.”

“What did he do with the money?”

“He spent it all on food, on wine, on brothels.”

“And what about Obesus? What added light did he have to shine on this story?”

“Nothing. He never saw the snakes after they were put in storage. I, it goes without saying, knew nothing about any of this. It is all the fault of the slave, Nush, as he will now freely admit to you. You will get the same confession with torture or without it. So in the name of humanity and mercy, I ask you not to torture him. He’s admits his crime.”

Severus looked at his aides. “Did you ever hear such drivel?” He turned to Pudens. “You expect me to believe this? It’s pure nugax, nonsense.

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