The Centurion by Oswald Rivera

Author:Oswald Rivera
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Pegasus Books
Published: 2016-12-07T13:00:09+00:00

CHAPTER THREE

FORTRESS ANTONIA WAS the seat of Roman power in Judea.

Marcus Valerianus resonated in its power every time he entered the citadel. Yet as his men trailed into the outer courtyard, trying to keep a decent cadence that resembled something like a soldier’s march, Marcus aimed a sidelong glance at his second-in-command. Malko seemed to be sulking—something that didn’t bode well with Marcus.

After he ordered a halt, his men formed in rows of twos on the cobblestones facing the vast armory compound. Malko trotted forward, his horse’s hoofs tapping on the cobblestone yard.

Marcus dismounted just as another man approached from inside the armory gate. The man conveyed an easy familiarity with a wide grin on his face.

“So, the praetorian guard has returned. Did the noble Marcus and his fellow fellators have fun in the desert?”

Marcus handed his reins to one of the slave attendants who had come from the armory to meet the returning column.

“Your humor leaves much to be desired,” he responded. “How have you been keeping busy—by violating desert sheep?”

The other man retained his easy smile.

“Violating desert sheep is a practiced art in these parts—and only the most noble of lineage can aspire to its perfection.”

Marcus made a skeptical sound.

“Quintus, if you weren’t the senior centurion here, I swear you would’ve been sent back to Rome in chains years ago.”

“My dear Marcus,” Quintus jaunted, “Rome knows better than to squander one of its treasures—” he waved his hand to implicate his surroundings,—“even if he is confined to this hellhole.”

Quintus turned to Malko who had also dismounted.

“And, speaking of hell holes, how did you enjoy your time in the desert, friend Malko?”

“I didn’t,” Malko sneered, shooting a look at Marcus.

Quintus could not hide his amusement.

“And why not?”

Malko cocked his head toward Marcus.

“Speak to my superior.”

“Are we dissatisfied with our assignment, friend Malko?”

16

Oswald Rivera

“I’m here to report back,” Malko retorted. “Not to suffer stupid insults.”

Quintus showed feigned surprise.

“Oh, my deepest apologies, friend Malko. I would never insult one of Rome’s finest.”

“If you don’t need me here,” Malko said with conviction, “I’ll report to the Tribune. I’m sure he would like our report.”

“Oh, I’m sure the Tribune is waiting for your report with bated breath,” Quintus needled.

“With your permission,” Malko said to Marcus.

“As you wish,” Marcus responded.

The men watched as Malko ascended the steps to the armory and the offices within. When he was out of sight, Marcus turned to Quintus.

“You shouldn’t goad him like that. I hear he’s got influence in Rome, as you well know.”

“Everyone has got influence in Rome,” Quintus snorted. “My wife’s mother has influence in Rome. If he’s so well connected, then how come he’s here eating dust like the rest of us? The fact that his uncle is a senator doesn’t wash with me. I don’t like the man. There’s something about him that’s not quite right.”

“That’s what you say about everyone,” Marcus accused.

“Yes. And most times, I’m right.”

“Quintus, I’m tired. What I need is some good wine and a bath.”

“That can be arranged.”

Quintus took stock of the men as they sat on the courtyard drinking from water jars that attendants offered.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.