Dark Omens (7 page)

He had a point, of course, and the crowd – elated by the news from Rome – was clearly on his side. There were even some whistles of support and shouts of, ‘What do you say to that?’

It was causing a commotion and the commander of the garrison was already making signals to the guard to have my neighbour dragged away. Even Cantalarius could see that it was dangerous to stay and he allowed his new supporters to take him by the arms and hustle him back down into the throng – but at the bottom of the temple steps he turned, and shouted over his shoulder, ‘You haven’t heard the last of me, I’m warning you! I want an assurance that something will be done within a day or two.’

More shouts and hollers. The crowd was restive now. The old priest raised his hand. ‘Very well,’ he murmured, smiling vaguely at the seething populace. ‘For a little fee, I’m sure that some kind of arrangement can be made.’

There were whoops of joy at this victory and people turned away. Cantalarius – though clearly none too happy at the mention of a fee – was obliged to pretend to be content. ‘Very well. Then I accept your promise.’ He shook himself free from the restraining hands and disappeared into the crowd. No doubt he was wise. The mob was satisfied and he’d lost their sympathy. Any further protest would have led to his arrest.

The little breach of public order, however, made me think again. Marcus was not looking very pleased and was tapping his baton against his leg in a way that I knew of old. Obviously his patience was wearing very thin. I decided that discretion was the better path, and was about to melt away into the crowd when I heard my patron calling after me.

‘Libertus! My old friend!’ I turned. He had parted company with his companions now and was walking down the steps towards me with his slaves. ‘Had you come to look for me? Do not fear to interrupt, I have finished all my current business here.’ He paused and extended a ringed hand for me to kiss. ‘What think you of the news?’

There was no escaping now. I went down on one knee at once to make obeisance. It wasn’t easy, on a flight of narrow steps, and I was glad when he permitted me to rise – saying as I did so, ‘Patron! Hearty congratulations on your likely rise to power. What a blessing for the Empire if Pertinax succeeds.’

He flicked his baton hard against his leg. ‘Libertus, you are no doubt a very clever man – indeed I have often relied upon your intellect. But if you really think that I find this welcome news, it shows that you know nothing of Roman politics.’

‘But Pertinax will make a splendid Emperor!’ I said. I spoke with feeling. I had met the man myself and had a high opinion of his intelligence.

Marcus shook his head. ‘Of course he would, if all he had to do was rule.’ He looked around and pulled me to one side, murmuring softly so that only I could hear. ‘The trouble is, he’s far too honest for the role. If he’s confirmed as Emperor – as he no doubt he will be, as he’s highly regarded in the capital – he’ll refuse to bribe the soldiers of the Pretorian Guard, and they will turn against him in no time at all; they are used to having handsome bonuses from the Imperial purse.’

I stared at him. ‘But surely they are the Emperor’s private guard?’ I said.

‘Exactly! Which is why it’s so important to ensure their loyalty. But Pertinax would never dream of offering them cash – for him a soldier’s duty is unquestioning. He would not think additional inducements were required.’ He sighed. ‘So there is nothing for it. I shall have to go to Rome – assuming that I get there soon enough. I have to make him listen to rational advice.’

‘But surely a letter – if there is such haste? Nothing moves faster than the Imperial Post.’

He shook his head. ‘It’s too dangerous to write – someone is almost certain to intercept the messenger. A man who becomes Emperor has enemies at once – though Pertinax will take some time to understand that truth. I shall have to go and warn him. I only hope I can persuade him to do what’s sensible. He’s upright but he’s stubborn and will do his duty – as he sees it – come what may! Even Commodus came to realize that. That’s why he raised him to the Prefecture of Rome.’

‘Of course,’ I said sagely, to show I understood. ‘Though at one time …’ I was about to add that Pertinax had once been exiled in disgrace, but it occurred to me that – now that he was likely to be Emperor – it might be more prudent not to mention that. ‘… His father was a slave,’ I finished unconvincingly.

Marcus looked at me as if he’d just remembered I was there. ‘Forgive me, Libertus. I had forgotten how little you knew of politics. And this is really no concern of yours – except insofar as the Emperor is everyone’s concern.’

‘My patron’s safety is of some concern to me, especially on a long and hazardous journey such as you propose,’ I ventured, earning a reluctant smile for my flattery. ‘The weather has been dreadful and the roads are treacherous. When do you hope to leave?’

He waved an airy hand. ‘As soon as possible – once the news is definite – though arrangements will obviously take a little time. A half a moon or so at most: though no doubt my wife will argue otherwise and say that, since our son is very young, we should wait until the weather turns more fair. However, this is urgent and it cannot wait. I shall simply have to persuade her of the fact tonight. In the meantime you can escort me to a carrying-chair. Come!’ He strode off down the remainder of the temple steps and into the crowded forum area. People fell back on either side as he strode through the crush, and I was obliged to potter after him.

As slave boys hurried off to find a chair for him, he turned to me and smiled. Marcus could be very charming when he chose. ‘I’ll have to get your wife to come and talk to mine – I know your Gwellia has a persuasive tongue. Of course, the women will not know about the Emperor’s death as yet but I will send word to your house as soon as I get back, though – since I am providing the sacrifice myself – I can’t leave town until the offering is made.’

I seized the moment. ‘Then, before you go, perhaps you could tell me where I can find two officials of the curia: Alfredus Allius and Bernadus?’ I explained the circumstance. ‘I have fulfilled the contract, but Genialis isn’t here and they would be the obvious ones to witness that the work’s been done. If you are able to tell me where they live, I can go and find them and request that they should come – supposing that they find it possible today.’

Marcus surprised me. ‘I’ll do more than that. I will come and see the work myself – I don’t suppose your Genialis is going to question my word on the affair?’ He saw that I was ready to protest, and added with a smile, ‘There’s an hour or two to fill before the feast begins and though I shall have to pay for the sacrificial beasts, I can’t do that until the garrison has found me some appropriate animals. That will take a little time. I don’t want to be drawn into local politics meanwhile.’

Of course, my patron’s word was better than a raft of councillors. I stammered out my thanks. ‘But if you’re going abroad in half a moon or so …’ I ventured. ‘Perhaps, if Genialis is delayed by snow, you will not be able to tell him what you’ve seen?’

Once Marcus had decided on a scheme, he was not easy to dissuade. ‘Oh, I’m sure he’ll be here in a day or two. If not, I’ll report my findings to the market police,’ he said. ‘Under my seal, should the need arise. I trust that will suffice? Now, my slaves will be here with that litter very soon. Where exactly is this pavement?’

I gave him directions. ‘I will meet you there. I have my son and servants with me,’ I said, before he could suggest that I should take a litter too (which I could ill afford) or – worse – expect me to accompany his own. I am far too old to run along, keeping up with bearers and his fit young slaves, so I added hastily, ‘There is a doorkeeper in residence; he’ll let you in and show you where the pavement is, I’m sure. I won’t be long behind you.’

‘Ulpius’s house! I think I know the place.’ His slaves had found a litter by this time (not difficult when you represent His Excellence) and the bearers were already waiting at his side. He climbed on to the cushions and drew the curtains closed, and I saw the carriers hoist him shoulder-high and go loping off with him, his scarlet-suited servants trotting after them.

I struggled through the crowd again, rounded up my little party and we set off ourselves. Away from the forum the streets were very quiet – everyone was at the basilica by now – and now that the worst of the snow had slightly thawed, it did not take us long to reach the house. So I was astonished to discover a brace of slaves outside of it, each of them holding a handsome horse. There was no sign of any litter and these were not my patron’s slaves – though they seemed to be guarding the entrance to the house.

They looked up as we approached. ‘Do you have business here?’ The sulky one with acne was quite belligerent.

‘I was expecting to find Marcus Septimus Aurelius,’ I said.

‘Why, it’s the pavement-maker, isn’t it?’ The younger slave flashed a languid smile at me, and I recognized him as the handsome Syrian I had seen attending Genialis when he called on me.

‘Ah, Adonisius, I see that it is you!’ That rather altered things. ‘Has your master managed to return himself?’ That would be even better for my purposes, of course, though Marcus would be irritated by a wasted trip.

The slave was flattered that I’d called him by his name. ‘So you remember me? But you’ll be disappointed, citizen, I fear. We presumed that my master had returned to town – he set off with that intention several days ago – and we came in to meet him as arranged. But it seems he isn’t here.’ He saw me glance towards the horses and explained, ‘These are the animals that we two used ourselves. Bernadus lent them to us.’

‘You two?’ I nodded at the other waiting slave, surprised to find mere servants charged with such splendid mounts.

He shook his head and laughed. ‘Of course not, citizen. Myself and my new mistress: that is what I meant. This slave, Pistis, and his master came over here on foot.’

I was hardly listening. ‘You mean the lady Silvia has come?’ I was even more surprised. It is not unknown for well-born females to learn to ride, but since they do so sideways it is not usual for them to venture very far. Yet it seemed that plucky Silvia had been brave enough to ride a dozen miles, on roads still difficult with snow – and with only her guardian’s slave attending her. ‘It’s a long way for a lady of her rank to ride, especially with so little bodyguard. Though I suppose there was no real alternative. I remember Genialis telling me that he had sold off all her slaves when they were setting off for Dorn.’

Adonisius made a little face. ‘I am officially assigned to her while my master is away, and we did have extra escort in Bernadus and his page. He came out to the villa the day after New Year – I think he felt obliged to, since we were staying there – but he always intended coming here today.’

‘To attend the Janus festival! Of course!’ I should have thought of that. ‘I’m sure the lady was grateful for the protection on the road. No doubt that’s why this day was chosen for her to return?’

The Syrian nodded. ‘Though in fact her coming here was rather a mistake. The place is cold and empty, and the only servant here – a wretched doorkeeper – declares that he was not expecting us and he hasn’t heard from Genialis since the day he left. It’s quite a mystery: he should have been here several days ago. Always supposing that this doorman’s story is the truth. Ulpius’s business partner is questioning him now – and fortunately there’s some hugely important magistrate who’s just arrived and who could order more rigorous interrogation if …’ He broke off suddenly. ‘That wouldn’t be this Marcus you were looking for?’

‘That’s right. My patron,’ I explained. I saw a new respect dawn on the slave boy’s face, and some wicked instinct made me add, ‘Rumoured to be related to the last Imperial house and certainly a favourite of the incoming Emperor. He came here at my request. I had better go inside and talk to him. But there’s no need to order any torturers. The doorkeeper is right. There’s been no sign of Genialis. I can testify to that. You said he should have been here several days ago. Well, I have been working in this house from dawn to dusk – laying the pavement that I contracted for – right up to the morning before yesterday. In all that time there has not even been a messenger.’

The two servants exchanged a glance at this.

‘Dear Mercury!’ the pimply one exclaimed. ‘He must have changed his mind and gone to Dorn instead. Whatever is my master going to do?’

‘Your master? You belong to this partner of Ulpius’s, I presume?’

He looked at me as if I ought to know. ‘That’s right, citizen. Lucius Tertius he’s called, and of course he half-owned everything with Ulpius. There are already problems over the estate. Of course, as Silvia’s legal guardian Genialis has the running of her share. He wants to close the business down – sell the ships and rent the warehouse out. Says it is a way of making money without risk.’

I nodded. ‘But Lucius isn’t happy?’

‘He wants to buy him out and purchase Sylvia’s share – he’s even found a sponsor who might come in with him, but the man will only do so if it gives a quick return. The would-be partner has no other source of funds at all – he’s dependent on the income from his capital – and there’s something else he might invest in if this business takes too long.’

‘But does Genialis have the right to sell off Silvia’s share, in any case? I thought he only got the profits on her capital?’

Lucius’s servant gave a knowing smile. ‘Only after they are married, citizen. Until then he can dispose of it if she agrees in front of witnesses, and – though I’m certain that she would fight him all the way – in the end he could compel her to do that. Though she’d gladly give consent for him to sell to my master, I am sure; she’s fond of him and knows that Ulpius trusted him.’

‘How do you know all this?’ I asked, but I knew the answer as I spoke. ‘You were there when the matter was discussed and you couldn’t help but overhear, I suppose?’ I’ve been a slave myself and understand these things – owners think that servants have no eyes or ears.

‘That’s right, citizen.’ He was unaware of any irony. ‘And this arrangement would be the answer for everyone, I’m sure. The trouble is, I don’t think Genialis knows about it yet – Lucius was hoping to talk him into it – and if he’s gone back to Dorn instead of coming here, it is almost certain that the arrangement will fall through.’