“You may have a point,” said Lucas. “It might be worth atry. Only if we’re dealing with the S.O.G.. that could tip our hand.”
“May
be,” Delaney replied.”But it would also tell us what weneed to know, wouldn’t it?”
“That’s like standing up in the trench to find out if thesnipers on the other side are paying attention,” Lucas said.
“So? Since when were you afraid of snipers?”
Lucas gave him a sour look.
“Sorry. Bad joke.”
“Did I miss something?” Travers said.
“It’s another long story,” Lucas replied. “I’d tell you,except I still don’t know how it’s going to turn out.”
“I’m hoping for a happy ending,” Andre said.
“So am I,” said Lucas with a tight grimace. “So am I.”
Dinner in the Imperial Palace, Steiger thought. I’m movingup in the world. Caesar had been so amused at Antony losing a fortune to him atthe races that he had invited “Creon Sabinus” to dine with him that evening.Being an excellent rider, Caesar was also interested in talking abouthorsemanship. Fortunately. Steiger was qualified to discuss the subjectknowledgeably. Not only was he a member of the Pendleton Base Polo Club, butduring various assignments in Minus Time, he had also served with some of thefinest cavalry detachments in history, from the Mongol hordes of Genghis Khanto Jeb Stuart’s 1st. Virginia Cavalry. The only thing that gave him any troubleWas the Roman custom of eating in the prone position while lying on a couch. Hekept wanting to sit up.
“You should have been a soldier. Sabinus,” said Caesar. laughingas he watched him shift his position uncomfortably. “Like me, you havedifficulty keeping still. I can see that you are not one who is accustomed topampered luxury. A fit. strong man such as yourself, it is a pity that younever joined the legions. You understand a great deal about horses and you seemto have an instinctive grasp of cavalry maneuvers. I could have used a man likeyou in my campaigns.”
“I would have been proud to serve with Caesar,” Steigersaid. “But my father died young and it fell to me to manage the estate.Besides, I am undoubtedly more useful as a breeder of fine horses for Rome’slegions than I would have been as a ordinary soldier in the cavalry.”
“I do not believe that you would have been merely anordinary soldier.” Caesar said. “You have intelligence and wit, all the makingsof a fine officer.”
“I thank Caesar for the compliment. However, my destiny tooka different course. I could not change it now.”
“I have heard it said that a man could change his destiny.”said Caesar. smiling. “Now that Marcian is purchasing your estate perhaps youwill have the chance to alter yours. I will soon be embarking upon newcampaigns of conquest, adding to Rome’s territories. I will require able men.Why not come with me? I promise you that you would not be an ordinary soldier.For your knowledge and ability, I would make you a tribune with my cavalry.”
“I am indeed honored,” Steiger said. “When do you intend toleave on your next campaign?”
“I have an old debt to pay the Parthians, to avenge thedeath of my old friend, Crassus. I plan to depart from Rome on the eighteenthof the month. That should give you sufficient time to conclude your business withMarcian.”
“But I had planned to engage Sabinus to manage the estate,”Marshall protested.
“I am certain that Sabinus has slaves and freedmen overseerswho could manage it for you equally well. Marcian,” said Caesar. “And doubtlessyou could pay them less. I have greater need of able men than you. What sayyou, Sabinus? You have already increased your fortune at my friend Marc Antony’sexpense, and you shall increase it further when your business with Marcian isconcluded. Once that is done, you shall be relieved of your responsibilitiesand there will be nothing to prevent you from enlisting with my forces. Youcould arrange for your money to be invested wisely and when you return, youwill be a rich man. And you shall have your choice of properties from the landsthat we shall conquer. You may build a villa, start a farm and live there, oryou could live in Rome and hire a freedman to manage your property for you,along with the slaves you shall receive from among our prisoners. I treat mysoldiers well and reward them for their service. A man such as yourself coulddo well in the wars.”
“Such inducements would seem impossible to refuse,” saidSteiger. He smiled. “As it would be impossible to refuse Caesar.
“Splendid! Then let us drink a toast to your new destiny!”
Parthia?” said Steiger.
Caesar smiled and raised his goblet. “To Parthia!”
“What the hell was that all about?” asked Marshall. afterthe evening was concluded and they had left the palace.
There’s no need for you to join the legions. By the eighteenth.Caesar will be dead.”
“But what if he isn’t?” Steiger countered. “Suppose this anomalywith the Egyptians turns into a disruption and the conspirators fail to killhim? Then there will be nothing to prevent him from leaving on his new campaignagainst Parthia.”
“And you intend to be with him.” Marshall said. “So that thefirst chance you get …”
“You got it.”