True Freedom by Carol Ashby

Author:Carol Ashby
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cerrillo Press

The back of Marcus’s neck tingled as they approached the entrance to the first ludus. There was no reason someone would be following them, but he glanced over his shoulder anyway.

What if they found Callidus here? Would he say something in front of Africanus and the lanista that could implicate Marcus in the kidnapping plot? How much did Brutus’s slave know already? He and Aulus were alone with Brutus when they revealed what they’d done that got Julia kidnapped.

Was there a risk if Africanus learned too much? Brutus must trust the big Nubian since he was sending him everywhere with them, but Marcus didn’t. Only deep friendship made a man trustworthy, and Brutus’s favorite gladiator did not like him.

The feeling was mutual.

Marcus’s gaze settled on the back of the gladiator’s head as he walked several paces ahead of Marcus and Aulus. He froze his face so Aulus wouldn’t ask why he was frowning.

Every time Africanus looked at him, there was disapproval in his eyes. He never said anything he shouldn’t, but he never seemed to speak to anyone without a particular reason. Even then, his words were few and to the point.

Those words were almost always addressed to Aulus, even when Marcus asked the question or made the comment that provoked Africanus to speak. Such disrespect from a slave was not something he normally tolerated.

But the gladiator was almost friendly toward Aulus. Anything Africanus might say that would get Marcus into trouble would drag Aulus right in with him. Maybe that would be enough to keep him from saying or doing anything to cause them problems.

Africanus stopped at the ludus doorway and waited for them to catch up. “It’s enough to ask if a new man has joined the ludus. Don’t explain why you’re asking the question. The lanista here knows me, so he’ll know Master Brutus wants you treated well. That should be enough to get an honest answer. If it’s yes, ask to see the man.” His unreadable eyes focused on Marcus. “You met him, so we’ll find him even if he’s using another name.”

What Africanus said was the wisest way to proceed, but it still felt wrong for a slave to be telling them what to do.

“I did, but it might put him on his guard if he sees me. I’d rather he remain ignorant of his discovery until we can have the Urban Cohort pick him up for interrogation. He hasn’t seen Aulus, so it’s safe for him to go in and ask.”

“I can ask, but I won’t know if it’s him.” Uncertainty clouded Aulus’s eyes.

Marcus’s gaze flicked to Africanus, then back to Aulus. “Africanus saw him.”

When he looked at Africanus again, he raised his eyebrows. “You do remember what he looks like, don’t you?”

Africanus’s mouth twitched. “Of course.”

“I’ll wait out here. Pretend you don’t recognize him if he’s there. Then come out here, and we’ll decide the next step.”

Aulus drew a deep breath and held it before releasing it. He directed a shaky smile at Africanus.

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