Asimov's ref 6 by Isaac Asimov et al

Author:Isaac Asimov et al
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science fiction
Publisher: Apus
Published: 2016-07-06T04:00:00+00:00

Night was just falling when Vicinius led Hunter and Gene back to the river. Before they actually left the trees for the river bank, however, Vicinius stopped.

“I hear horses,” he said. “That means Romans are present. I do not wish to speak with them.”

“No Roman will harm you while we are with them,” said Hunter, firmly. “I am sure of that. Also, I have heard their voices nearby. Jane is riding one of the horses we hear. We must meet her.”

“I understand.” Vicinius gave an abrupt nod. “I am glad she is well. I will return to the village now. You can find it on your own?”

“Yes.”

“Farewell. I will look for you later in the village.” Vicinius slipped away into the woods.

Hunter could not worry about him. In fact, this was good, because he did not want to cause more Roman and German contact than they had historically experienced. He nodded to Gene and started down the trail.

Jane and a Roman officer rode into view out of the trees a moment later.

“Hail, Jane,” said Hunter.

She laughed. “Hail, Hunter. Good to see you. This is Marcus, a Roman tribune. Marcus, this is the rest of my party, Hunter and Gene.”

“Hail, Tribune.”

“I give you greeting,” said Marcus formally. “I am Marcus Gaius Aemilianus.”

“Greetings,” said Gene.

Jane was looking around anxiously. “Hunter, Steve isn’t with you?”

“No,” said Hunter.

“Something’s wrong. We left him to meet you and started back for the fort. Then I... got worried.” Jane pointedly tapped her communicator pin.

“I understand,” said Hunter.

“I... turned around and came back, and Marcus was good enough to follow me.” Jane shrugged helplessly.

“She is very strong-willed,” said Marcus. “But I would not let her ride off alone. I must warn all of you, however, that the mood of the Cherusci is hostile. I suggest that we return to the safety of our camp.”

“Thank you for your concern and dedication,” said Hunter. “We are glad that Jane is safe.”

“Her slave was mounted. He may well have found his way back to the camp on his own.”

“Where did you leave him?” Gene asked.

“At the riverbank, right behind us just a few yards,” said Jane.

“What about his tracks?” Hunter asked. “He must have left tracks in the mud there.”

“It was too dark to see them when we got here,” said Marcus. “And now we must return to camp.”

Hunter knew that he could not argue very hard with Marcus without behaving unlike a trader from Gaul. On the other hand, he could not ignore Steve’s disappearance. He was certain that Steve must have had a surprise confrontation with some German warriors, or possibly even some Romans. That meant that Hunter could not risk calling him on his communicator, for fear the others would overhear him.

“Thank you, Tribune,” said Hunter. “Please take Jane and Gene back to your camp.”

“You should come, too.” Marcus spoke with the authority of an officer accustomed to obedience.

“I shall be fine,” said Hunter patiently. “We appreciate your concern, Tribune. Please see that Jane and Gene are safe for the night.

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