‘Why Crannicus, I feel if everyone greeted each other in such a way there would be little war in the world,’ Cassian replied.
‘Well said my dear Cassian! Now tell me, how are the boys and my dear sister Epionne?’
‘She and the boys are well thank you, but my dear wife becomes ever more annoyed that she cannot compete with your wonderful gardens,’ Cassian winked as he replied.
‘Now she should leave an older sister something to cling to, after all my younger sister got the beauty, at least let an old maid keep her garden. Besides I have told you that villa of yours is built on dust, fit for nothing.’ She teased Cassian.
‘As for looks both sisters were blessed and as for my villa, well on that score you may well be right. Maybe next year you can help me find a new place to build.’ Flora erupted into exited giggling, clapping her hands together.
‘Oooo, yes, yes!’
Spartacus knew what Cassian meant now. Each action, each word that Flora performed kept every man, woman and child completely transfixed. She was like a ball of energy, each person watched her hoping to catch hold of a single burst of energy and ride it.
Eventually all were seated and much food and drink was consumed except, Spartacus noticed, Cassian who seemed to drink slower and slower, but seemed to become more and more slurred in his speech, a fact that was lost on the rapidly becoming intoxicated host. As the night wore on the ladies, slaves and men left them. Those remaining were few and even those who seemed to hold high office with Crannicus slipped away. Seated now at the table were Crannicus, to his right sat Cassian so, if need be, both could whisper comment without fear of being overheard, Crannicus’ eldest son from a previous marriage Tictus, and what Spartacus supposed was advisor to Crannicus, a slim, wily looking gentlemen by the name of Veotus. All were listening closely to Crannicus.
‘You come to my home, make demands of me, the cargo you brought with you can only be guarded by your own men and you will not even tell me what you're up to. Seems a pretty poor state of affairs Cassian.’ Crannicus sneered as he spoke and his words were met with nods of approval from both Tictus and Veotus.
‘The reason for my men guarding the cargo is because they have fought and some have died to get it thus far. It would seem disrespectful to simply hand it over to someone else's care when they have no understanding of your worth Crannicus.’
‘What! Men do as they are told or they face the whip, you're too soft Cassian.’
‘And the reason I do not enlighten you further is because I will not place your home at risk.’
‘Risk. No fool would dare raise a hand to,’ Crannicus began but was interrupted by Cassian,
‘You know the type of men I deal with Crannicus, they could snuff out your lives and business as quickly as extinguishing a candle flame. I have no wish to tell my wife of her sister's death.’ At Cassian's words Crannicus just grumbled his discontent but no more was said on the matter.
The night wore on, and with consternation, Spartacus noticed Cassian was letting slip certain details of the mission ahead. Damn fool he thought, if you cannot hold your tongue when you drink you should not hold a goblet. It was not long before the party disbanded completely with the mask of over friendliness descending again. Crannicus was hugging and slapping his fellow party goers upon the back with gestures of never ending loyalty. In a short while Spartacus found that he and Cassian were walking in the cool night breeze totally alone, the villa slipping into slumber.
‘Well that went well,’ Cassian stated, still slurring his words.
‘You think so, you bloody idiot,’ Spartacus struggled to keep his anger in check. ‘Why did you go blurting all that stuff out, you may well have killed us all.’
Cassian stood straight as if to argue, then a broad smile stretched across his face.
‘Yes I was convincing.’
Spartacus checked himself. Gone was the slurring and the silly manner in which Cassian had held himself, now stood in front of him the calm, calculating Cassian of old.
‘For some time Spartacus I have known that within this household there is a traitor. I believe it to be one of the three men we have just spent time with. I decided to use that. What happens next will determine which of the men is our enemy.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Simple, if it's Crannicus it is unlikely we shall leave this place tonight, he has many men and will most likely kill us all in a few hours. If it's the son Tictus he too will use men, although I doubt he will have more than twenty he can call on who would not go running to the boy's father and he would need to take what we have away from the villa. Then finally there is Veotus. He would be the information gatherer, those snippets of information would not have passed him by. He will most likely excuse himself within an hour of us leaving tomorrow and then give that information to our enemies.’
‘Or it could be two of them, or all three.’
‘Possibly. There is no way of knowing, but I do know this; if it is the information they wanted they now believe we are heading for the wrong port, to board the wrong ship, to an incorrect location.’
‘So now what do we do?’ Spartacus enquired, marvelling at the man's forethought.
‘Why my dear man, now we go to sleep. I have been holding my breath most of the night rather than take in the foul wind that Crannicus emits, it's left me rather tired.’ With that he gave Spartacus a gentle slap upon the shoulder wished him good night and retired. Spartacus thought: sleep you have just told us we may well be murdered in our beds. At what point would that enable any man to sleep?
Chapter 7
The night passed without incident which still did not prevent Spartacus awaiting one. He slept very little, constantly aware of every sound that could be the tell tale sign of impending attack. The night though eventually turned to sunrise, and the beautiful gardens turned wondrous as they were bathed in the golden red of the early sun. He paced the preparations which were already in full swing for the convoy to make its next journey. Fresh oxen and wagons would help prevent delays. Cassian joined him half way round, they discussed the new wagons and the supplies that would be needed. Flora and Tictus entered the courtyard.
‘You will have to forgive my father for not being here to say farewell, unfortunately too much wine has had its effect,’ Tictus said without too much conviction. Flora launched herself at Cassian and embraced him deeply, her mouth close to his ear she whispered.
‘Be careful dear friend, the path ahead may be dangerous and not all in this house may wish you to succeed as much as Crannicus and myself.’ Cassian spoke quietly and without really thinking.
‘Crannicus?’ He said questioningly. She guided Cassian away from the others and chastised him as a mother would a small child.
‘You never understood did you? Crannicus only wants to make me happy and if helping you makes me happy he will do whatever it takes.’
‘Forgive me, my words were unkind. May I kiss my favourite sister goodbye?’
‘I would consider it a great insult if you did not.’ They kissed and once again she hugged him tightly. ‘Please be careful.’
The convoy trundled on, the already warm sun soaking the men's bodies, making them feel at peace with the world. Both Spartacus and Cassian barked out orders, both knew they could ill afford the men to slip into melancholy.
Cassian had private words with Plinius and once the convoy was clear from view of the villa the boy mounted a horse and sped away from the convoy. Cassian noticed Spartacus watching.
‘He goes to see who leaves the villa.’
‘You chose the boy?’ Spartacus asked, as if questioning the choice.
‘He is a fine rider and I have given him instruction only to watch and bring back news of potential threats, that is all. Besides, we cannot carry passengers, all must do their bit.’
Spartacus made to answer back but realised Cassian was right, the boy needed to earn the respect of the men but, more than that, the boy needed to prove to himself t
hat he belonged within the group.
Plinius noted the two men leaving the villa, they were heading towards him. He dismounted and hid in the shadows, there was plenty of cover and the men seemed locked in conversation and as they drew closer he recognised the men as Tictus and Veotus.
‘You should go back my young master, I feel these lands are a dangerous place while that convoy travels through it.’
‘I do not fear my own lands Veotus,’ Tictus replied. ‘What I fear is the reason you leave so early and to what end?’
‘I simply have a personal matter to deal with and wished to complete it before my duties at the villa begin.’ Veotus spoke calmly but Plinius could tell he was uneasy.
‘I saw you last night speaking with that man from the convoy, what was your business with him?’ Tictus pressed.
‘Business? No business merely conversing with the man.’
‘If you go against my father's wishes you will be made to pay Veotus, my father…’ The words were cut short. Tictus never saw the blade concealed in Veotus’ sleeve, it ripped into his side, tearing muscle and sinew.
Tictus managed to push himself away from his attacker, falling from his horse and landing heavily upon the ground. Veotus laughed and dismounted.
‘You think I fear your father, the bloated puss filled leech? The man I work for could buy your father twenty times over! I am sick of listening to your family, so full of self importance, you're just scum.’ With that he pulled back the head of the young Tictus. ‘Now the only question is, do I kill you quick or slow?’
He never saw the heavy branch being swung but he did indeed feel it land. It knocked Veotus sideways, making him sprawl across the dusty track, landing heavily in a clump.
‘You're one of Cassian's men,’ Tictus spoke though gasping for breath.
‘Yes! My lord we must get you back to the villa,’ Plinius replied.
‘No! Cassian, he must know of the treachery of Veotus and one of his own men – is Veotus dead?’
‘No I am not. It seems I will kill two boys today.’ Veotus spoke the words as he climbed to his feet and, as he did so, the familiar scraping of a sword from scabbard accompanied it.
Plinius rose, he too drawing his sword. He thought of what Spartacus had told him; observe your opponent, use his failings against him, whilst maximising your own strengths. He looked at Veotus, he seemed bigger somehow. This, he thought to himself, is probably going to hurt.
‘Well boy! It seems you have joined a man's game, what a pity to die so young.’
‘I don't like being called boy and before this day is out you will give me the name of the traitor,’ Plinius spat the words back at Veotus.
Veotus attacked, his superior strength forcing Plinius to keep parrying and retreating, time and time again the boy was forced to yield ground.
‘Throw down your sword boy, I was slitting throats before you were born, do it and I shall kill you quick.’ Veotus continued, ‘what could you do to this traitor anyway, you will never leave this place?’
‘Then tell me his name,’ Plinius replied, narrowly avoiding a slash directed towards his throat, ‘or do you have so little confidence in your own ability?’
‘Why surely you already know, who is the man who helped kick your brother to death? Oh I know everything about you boy, your optio spills information as a cow spills milk. For a little money he tells a wondrous story.’
‘The optio?’ As the words issued from his own mouth, Plinius realised he had always known.
‘Too bad that information will have to keep you company in the afterlife,’ Veotus sneered. Plinius smiled.
‘I think not.’
Veotus could not believe it, the boy was moving so quickly and gone were the defensive moves, this was a full blown attack. Veotus screamed his anger and tried to cleave the boy in two with one blow. He missed by a hair but the swing unbalanced him, sending him sprawling to the dust. As he rose he felt burning agony as steel ripped through his ankle bone. He turned and fell flat onto his back, screaming his woe as he tried in vain to reattach the severed foot, and looked in fear at the approaching boy. Plinius kicked Veotus’ sword away and plucked the dagger from within Veotus’ sleeve, bringing an elbow crashing against the nose of his opponent as he did so.
‘Well old man it seems this is a game I play well and, do you know, I like it.’
Aegis spotted the approaching horseman and informed Cassian of their arrival. He moved to the back of the convoy trying to work out the figures. One was sitting upright, one was slumped in his saddle and the third seemed to be tied to the horse. He wondered what on earth was going on. As they drew nearer he recognised Plinius. Spartacus joined him, an equally confused look on his face, Plinius called for help as well as wondering why they all stood there, with their mouths gaping.
‘Plinius! What in the name of Gods has happened?’ Cassian demanded.
‘Do not blame Plinius, he did well today.’ The gasping voice came from Tictus as he half climbed, half fell from his horse. Cassian rushed to his aid.
‘Tictus, what happened?’ He questioned, as he saw the blood drenched tunic.
‘I accompanied Veotus from the villa as I was suspicious to the reasons he left so early. A short time later I pressed him for answers but was too slow to see the danger. If it had not been for Plinius here, I would be dead.’ As Tictus spoke Aegis worked on his wound, using unknown herbs from the satchel which never left his side.
‘I am sorry my lord, I went against your wishes but, upon hearing the conversation, I thought it best to intercede.’ Plinius spoke not knowing if Cassian would be angry or not. He knew that Tictus was family but he also knew there was no love lost between the two.
‘Your actions were that of a true warrior Plinius, you saved a man and killed his attacker,’ Cassian replied.
‘Oh he's not dead, he passed out from loss of blood but I tied the wound. I thought you would have need to speak to him and the man from whom he gained information.’ Plinius gazed around as he spoke but could not see the optio.
‘Your optio has proven to be less than reliable Cassian. Veotus gave him up as he thought he had Plinius, over confidence seemed to be his downfall.’ Tictus spoke casting a loathing eye towards the figure now starting a low moan.
Cassian gave orders that Veotus should be taken down and restrained and Aegis should go and fetch the optio who would be blissfully unaware of the proceedings as he was scouting to the front of the convoy.
‘Bull if you would be so kind, I believe you will probably find certain monies within the belongings of the optio, paid to him by this scum to deliver all of us to the afterlife.’ Cassian gave the order as calmly as ever, but it was clear there was a rage growing within him. Then he sent a messenger to Crannicus to inform him of what had happened.
The optio was in a chirpy mood. He tied his horse against a tree and strolled to the small stream. As he bent and drank some of the clear fresh water he thought of the stupidity of Cassian. Why the hell should he risk his life on a suicide mission? He would wait until they reached the port, slip away unnoticed when it was convenient and catch some small boat to some god forsaken place. With the money he had procured from Veotus it would be the easy life from now on, and he might even slit that little bastard Plinius’ throat before he went. He noticed the shadow looming over him and looked up to find the foreboding figure of Aegis.
‘You silly big bastard you scared me half to death what do you…‘ The phrase was never finished, the large powerful fist connected with his jaw and darkness overtook him. The next time he opened his eyes it took a while to shake the dizziness from his head. He tried to focus, his eyes slow to adjust. When they were finally clear they were met only with horror. He was staring directly at the beaten and bloodied face of Veotus. He tried to turn away but had been tied so that he could not move. His entire field of vision was that of the crumpled corpse, fear began to rise within him.
‘Ah good, our guest of honour is awake. I was worried yo
u would sleep all day and miss the proceedings – it seems Veotus chose eternal sleep.’ The voice was Cassian's and it was clear to the optio that his fate was sealed.
‘I am a soldier of Rome, there are rules,’ the optio argued, but even to himself he knew it was a forlorn hope.
‘Indeed you are and, believe me, I am all for Roman military tradition. Let me see, what is tradition within the military for a man who places his comrades at risk, who would rather see their deaths than do his duty?’
The fear spread clearly across the optio's face for he knew of a punishment, a punishment which brought pain like no other. He had seen it a few times within the service, he could remember smirking at a prisoner as he had soiled himself in preparation for what was to happen.
‘Ah I see the practice of bastinado is not lost upon you, that is good.’ With that Cassian leaned in closer so only the optio could hear him. ‘You would see your comrades die, you would risk my family for a few coin, think on that with every bone that breaks, you treacherous bastard.’
The optio was pulled to his feet and led to an alley, but the alley was not lined with buildings instead it was lined with men, each armed with a large cudgel. The optio stared around. He saw Cassian join Crannicus, Spartacus and Flora who had gathered to see his punishment. He heard Cassian tell Flora she should not watch but she refused his advice, stating that she would happily watch any man die who would place her family's lives in danger.
Aegis prevented the optio from moving backwards with a blade held up against his back. He watched for the signal and it was not long before it came. The optio was pushed into the alley. He raised his arms to cover his head and felt some relief as he realised the first blow had missed, but then there was agony as timber met bone. His forearm was smashed and, as he stumbled, another blow took three ribs. He moved ever on, blow after blow landing. He could no longer protect his head and it too was opened to the onslaught. Finally he fell but still the blows rained in until, at the end, just one shadow appeared over him. The shadow was just a blur and the optio could not recognise who stood above him but he did know the voice.
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