The Thrice Named Man XI: Barbarian by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub

Chapter 23 – Oath

Three days later, Hostilius and I once again strolled past the whorehouse on our way to meet with Pumilio.

Oengus, who loitered in the doorway, inclined his head and I reciprocated.

We found Pumilio and Silentus in their office, counting coin. After embracing Silentus, whom we had not seen for many years, Pumilio waved us to a couch.

“Her name is Julia”, he said, “Julia Pollia. And she rents a small apartment in the Subura on the top floor of an insula , three blocks from here.”

“It cannot be”, Hostilius said. “Decimus Pollia was a wealthy merchant. Gallienus chose him to be the ambassador to the court of the Kingdom of Cao Wei because of his experience in trading silk.”

“Pollia was a wealthy man”, Pumilio confirmed. “One of the richest merchants in Rome.”

“Was?” Hostilius asked, and took a swallow from his cup.

“Six months ago, he was exposed as a traitor”, Pumilio said. “Sealed letters were produced that proved that he had never intended to go to Serica, but actually travelled to Sasania, to the royal court, to incite Shahanshah Shapur to invade Roman lands.”

Hostilius choked on his wine.

“It is impossible”, I said. “Our paths crossed in the lands of Serica. He was on his way to complete the mission as the emperor had ordered.”

Pumilio shrugged. “All his possessions were sold on auction and the proceeds were paid to the imperial treasury.”

“Will you be able to find out who accused him?” I asked.

“Leave it with me, Umbra”, he said.

“We won’t be going anywhere soon, not until spring when the snow clears from the passes”, Hostilius said, “so take as much time as you need.”

* * *

Hostilius and I made our way up the creaking wooden staircase leading to the fourth floor of the timber and brick construction. Each floor of the insula consisted of a narrow corridor leading to a living area and latrines, which were shared among all the tenants of the five single-room apartments. We passed an open door where I spied a man snoring on a bedroll. At the foot of the bed, a woman was tending to a babe. Four more children sat cross-legged in a corner sharing a loaf while they played a game of dice.

“They can’t even afford to feed themselves”, Hostilius sneered, “but still they breed like rabbits.”

“Where do you think legionaries come from?” I asked, and Hostilius replied with a scowl.

“I think this is it”, he said, and came to a stop in front of a badly mended door which had undoubtedly been kicked open more than once.

I knocked three times.

No answer.

“Hostilius banged on the door with his fist. “Open up or I will do it for you!” he roared.

Five heartbeats later the door squeaked open. “Please sirs, I will do as you wish”, the voice of a woman said. She spoke in the way of the upper classes and there was no denying that she was of noble birth.

“Lady Julia Pollia?” I asked.

“It is me”, she said, and her eyes darted to the sealed scroll in my hand.

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