Casca 45: Emperor's Mercenary

by Tony Roberts

  “Better, more so now we’re free. Did you get the artefact?”

  “I’ll tell you about it later,” Casca said. “Let’s go up to the main chamber. It’s going to be light in a few hours so we can set out once it’s light. Don’t want to fall down off the mountain in the dark.”

  The others agreed and they trooped up to the main cave. Helga was there, waiting. She had dragged the bodies out of the way and picked up the fallen furniture. She greeted Casca and the others and eyed the sole surviving member of the bandits warily.

  Casca did the introductions, but noted Helga was still reserved towards him. He guessed now the danger had passed she felt there was no further need to rely on him. She was already thinking of the future. He also noted with surprise Flora and Flavius sat next to one another holding hands. He looked at Geto with raised eyebrows.

  Geto caught his look, glanced at the two, then smiled and looked back at Casca. “Ah, yes. Developed during our voyage. She tended his injuries. Then... well you know how matters of the heart develop.”

  Casca nodded. He looked at Helga. “So what are your plans now things are sorted here?”

  “I don’t really know yet. I want to settle down and have a normal life. I don’t want to be on the move, like you. I want security and continuity. Maybe a rich man.”

  Geto looked at her with interest.

  Casca rolled his eyes and turned to the other woman. “And you?”

  She shrugged. “I’ve no place, known none since being here the last couple of years. Ran away from home. Drunken father used to beat me so I left. Guess I’ll have to beg for a roof over my head.”

  “What’s your name?”

  “Sabine. What’s yours?”

  “Casca. Mercenary, sword-for-hire. I travel from place to place, taking on jobs here and there.”

  “Sounds better than begging,” she replied.

  Casca eyed her, then picked up her spear and threw it at her. She caught it, blinked, then smiled. Her features lit up, a wide smile and flashing brown eyes. Plain-looking but she had character, and had lived a bit. Her dark hair was loose and shoulder-length. The eternal mercenary grinned, then turned back to the others. “Alright, the situation is that Pretaxis is dead, and his organization is no more. His house and property down there in the town is up for grabs. I’d suggest you go down there, Geto, and take over. The steward is looking after things, and a document can easily be drawn up transferring the business interests to you.”

  Geto stared at Casca for a moment. “You’re not seriously thinking I’m going to take his place as some kind of criminal overlord?”

  “No!” Casca shook his head vehemently. “There’s enough of those types around, and if you’re not fast enough one will take Pretaxis’ place. Get in there now, while the opportunity remains, and turn it into a legitimate business. He’s bound to have a monopoly on many things. All you’ve got to do is to present a much more reasonable face to them. You’ve got most of what you need in place already. I’m willing to bet there’s a substantial pot of money somewhere in the villa.”

  Geto breathed out mightily, then saw Helga smiling at him. He caught himself and sat there, clearly torn. Casca gently clapped him on the shoulder. “Helga’s got a good idea already. Speak to her about it. You’ll need people you can trust alongside you. You’ve got your son and daughter, and so why not Helga?”

  Flavius looked up and cleared his throat. “Ah, I was thinking, sir, that I might stay on here too.”

  “Yeah, I got that impression. Well, its your decision; if you’re happy to do so, I guess its time we parted. I’m not going to be staying here long anyway. I think the emperor’s not going to be happy I never got that artefact for him.”

  “Oh – then the mission is a failure, sir?”

  Casca nodded. In a manner of speaking it was. He wondered what do to with the map which was resting around his torso under his armor. It would have to be hidden somewhere. He eyed the tunnel leading down to the cells. “I don’t think this place should be used for these kind of activities. When we leave let’s set fire to it. Burn everything here. Come on, Flavius, let’s bring the transportable stuff from down there into this cave and we can set the lot on fire.”

  Sabine stood next to him. “And me? What do you see me doing in the meantime?”

  Casca saw she was challenging him; her attitude, expression and demeanour said it all. “Come join in; an extra pair of hands is always welcome.”

  She nodded, admonishing him. “I hope you’re not one of these men who think because I’m a woman I’m not capable of doing things you can!”

  “I’ll let you find that out in time,” Casca said over his shoulder, walking towards the tunnel.

  “Oh, promises, promises,” she said, then followed, a curious smile on her face.

  They took three trips to drag out the wooden furnishings and cages. The cages took a bit of time to demolish but a few hefty blows from their swords did the trick. The last time Casca remained behind for a few moments. He quickly pulled off his armor and undershirt and untied the map from his body, then placed it in its covering sheet in a niche he’d noted earlier. A handy rock blocked the hole and he stood back, looking in satisfaction at it. If he ever needed it again he’d know where to look.

  A treasure map of buried Roman coin hoards in Britannia. Loads of them. Maybe some would get discovered over the years but he was willing to bet many wouldn’t. He re-dressed and brought up the last of the wood. They piled it all in the center of the cave. By this time it was getting light, so they gathered at the entrance and watched as Casca set the pyre alight, then watched for a moment as the flames built up. The blaze began to get too big for them to remain where they were, so they trooped out and began their descent towards Ajax.

  Casca didn’t bother asking whether he was needed or what he could do around the villa on their return. He sequestered a bedroom, took his armor off and flung himself onto the bed and was asleep in moments.

  He awoke to see Sabine sat next to the bed looking down at him. He glanced at the single small window set high in the wall. It was still day. “I’ve been asleep for long?”

  “Most of the day,” she said. “I kept on checking in on you. You’ve got a set of interesting scars. Mind telling me how you got them?”

  Casca sprawled onto his back. “There’s more under this shirt.”

  “Is that an offer?”

  “If you like.”

  Sabine pursed her lips. “You don’t hang about. You like this with all the girls? Helga, for one? Mmm?”

  He grinned. “She’s history. She’s got her sights on Geto, the little opportunist.”

  “She’s been there already and conquered,” Sabine commented.

  “By Zeus’ gonads – that was fast!”

  “Blasphemy? You a pagan? You sound more interesting by the moment.”

  He peeled off his shirt. “There, now you can try counting.”

  “Sweet Jesus!” she was shocked. “What happened to you? Someone used you as practice in a barrack’s yard?”

  “All those vicious women I’ve bedded, clearly. They have claws you know.”

  She laughed out loud this time. “Ohh, I see. Modest as well, I see.”

  “As well as irresistibly handsome.”

  Sabine slapped him. “Oh you! Trying so hard to get me into that bed, aren’t you?”

  He shrugged. He badly needed a distraction in his head; now he’d sorted out the map, his mind had returned to the dark cloud of Rome’s decline and lingering death. He badly wanted a distraction and Sabine promised so much. “I’ve got the impression you’re not saying no.”

  Sabine turned and made for the door. She stopped by it and half-turned back to him. “You’re such an arrogant bastard.” She locked the door. “But I like that.” She peeled off her clothes. “I’m going to add my claws to those wounds, so be warned.”

  Casca held his arms out. Good. Anything to dull the pain he was feeling inside. Sabine would do good
for him in the short term. Maybe he could persuade her to come with him wherever he went next. She was homeless, with no plans. Perfect.

  Later as they lay together, eyes inches apart, he asked her. She thought for a moment, then nodded. “You seem to be the right move for me at the present time. Much better than the brutes I’ve been associated with in the recent past as well. You look a brute and are built like one, but you’re surprisingly gentle and considerate. You intrigue me.”

  “And you’re stronger than you look,” Casca said, looking over at his shoulder. It stung. She had dug deeply. “A pleasant way to get marks of battle.”

  Sabine chuckled. “A badge of honor? You men.”

  Casca shrugged slightly. “I can think of worse ways to get them. Good, so we find a ship in the harbor that’ll take us somewhere tomorrow. As long as its away from the recent areas of conflict. I don’t want to get caught up in the Empire’s internal squabbles. I’ve had enough for the moment. Besides, I’ve deserted the legion and I might be pursued by them in the next year or so.”

  “You a deserter? I don’t believe that!”

  “Well, thank you, Sabine, but it’s true. I have personal reasons and nothing to do with not wanting to face a battle. I’d readily do that, but its for other reasons I’ve quit. Let’s leave it at that.” He traced a finger down her face. “So, Helga has already bedded the lucky Geto? Hope she doesn’t kill him. He’s old enough to be her father.”

  “She’s so blatantly looking to get in with him and get her hands on his money.” She pouted for a moment. “So why did she jump into bed with you?”

  “Ha, thank you! She needed a protector at the time, so went along with me until she saw a better opportunity.”

  “Whore.”

  Casca grinned. So true. He didn’t mind. He’d got something from her, and she from him. Now he was with this small, dark-complexioned woman, for however long it would be. He knew it wouldn’t last, but he would do his best to make her time with him as enjoyable as possible. She also looked as if she could look after herself. She readily used a spear and had a small sword strapped to her left leg.

  The following morning they all sat round the table having breakfast. There was a bit of tension, directed by Flora towards Helga, but it was none of Casca’s business. If the girl was sore at the other for screwing her father, then it down to the two to sort it out. Anyway, it looked as if Flavius was going to settle down with Flora.

  Geto looked pleased with himself, as well he might. Helga was hanging off him, practically sitting in his lap. She caught Casca’s look and poked her tongue out at him. He grinned briefly and rolled his eyes towards Sabine. Helga followed his look and smiled cynically. Casca winked and Helga smiled widely. It was alright between them. Casca felt relieved – he didn’t want to leave her on bad terms.

  “So today I go see the notary,” Geto was saying. “I’ll make the succession of the business legal, and also the capital Pretaxis has stored here.” They had found a sizeable amount of money under the floor in Pretaxis’ room.

  Geto wanted to reward Casca for his part in rescuing him and the others but Casca was reluctant, and only gave in under pressure from the others, and in particular from Sabine. “Now I have a good excuse for screwing you,” she whispered into his ear. “I’m going to have every sestercii from you, you know.”

  “You harlot,” Casca murmured back.

  “Yes,” Sabine agreed. “You want me to change?”

  “No.”

  Casca had a few moments with Flavius outside in the garden shortly afterwards. The sun shone into the western half of the garden and they both stood there, in the shade, looking at the brightly-lit stones, fountain and walkways. “So this is it, sir, you’re going,” Flavius finally broke the silence.

  “Yes. It’s been good adventuring with you, Flavius. This place looks like a fine one to settle down in, and Flora seems a nice enough girl.”

  “She is,” he agreed. “Makes me feel so much better when she’s around. We’re planning on marrying some time next year. You be around then, maybe? It’d be good to have you there.”

  Casca shrugged. “Who knows? My path is a winding one and I have no idea where I shall be in a month’s time, let alone a year. But I’ll see what I can do. Trouble is, times are changing rapidly, both of us know that. Too many tribes on the loose within the empire’s boundaries, and there still don’t seem to be enough soldiers to fight them off. Gaul’s a mess, Britannia’s lost, Italia still has the Goths on the rampage and who knows what’s happened to Pannonia and Noricum. Spain’s at the mercy of the Vandals and Suebes, and only north Africa seems free at the moment. Maybe I’ll go there.”

  “You’ll be alright, sir. Something tells me whatever happens you’ll survive.”

  Casca turned and shook Flavius’ hand. “You take care. Don’t ever speak of the job we’ve been on, too many in high places are sore at it failing. They’re on the lookout for us, so keep your head down.”

  “Sure thing, sir. You have fun with that girl; she looks a handful.”

  “Yes she is, thankfully,” Casca added with a smile.

  Flavius chuckled, then Casca returned to the villa and picked up his meagre belongings. Sabine was waiting for him in the entrance, and they said their farewells to the others before walking out into the sunshine and down the street towards the port, and a ship out to somewhere together.

  EPILOGUE

  Danny’s mind returned to the present. He shook his head; listening to one of Carlos Romano’s tales always did that to him. He switched off the audio player, took off his headphones and stretched. His stick he would copy and sent Uncle Jules – Julius Goldman – that. He didn’t know how much longer the venerable man was going to last but he was hanging on, maybe only to hear the latest story of the remarkable man known as Casca Rufio Longinus.

  He flicked a few more switches, and got a crackling sound over the speakers. “Land to Air, Land to Air, how’s things going, over?”

  The reply came quickly enough, reassuringly. The tones of his wife Hayley soothed his anxieties. “Air to Land, all aboard and on way to drop off, over.”

  “Good to hear. No problems, over?”

  “None. Will report in later. Out.”

  Danny knew Hayley wasn’t all that talkative for now – just in case someone was listening in and zeroed in on them. He flicked off the radio transmitter and leaned back. Maybe he’d tune in on the latest World Series game. He could do with some relaxation.

  Half a world away, over the deserts of Syria, Hayley guided the chopper low over the dun-colored terrain, concentrating hard. A big shape came into her peripheral view and planted himself into the co-pilot’s chair. Carlos Romano – Casca Longinus.

  He grinned at her. “Danny checking all’s well?”

  Hayley nodded. “You know what he’s like.”

  “I do. Good man. Nice to know he’s back there looking out for us.”

  Hayley smiled briefly, then reverted to her serious face as she lifted the chopper over the top of a rise and down the other side, keeping to a height of around twenty to thirty feet. It had been a tight lift-off, as a few ISIL gunmen had closed in on the pick-up point but had been kept down by a sustained burst of fire from the group and the chopper.

  Now they were heading west towards Israel and the rendezvous with their paymasters, a museum intent on having the valuable artefact in Carlos’ hands the group had taken from the UNESCO site that ISIL were closing in on. Nobody doubted that should ISIL capture the place, then all would have been destroyed. Big money had been exchanged and the mercs contracted to do a snatch.

  Better in Tel Aviv than blown up in Syria.

  Carlos glanced at the object in his lap. Not quite the map he’d hidden in the cave in Corsica during the time of his story he’d sent Danny, but nonetheless an important historical item which many would mourn the loss of. He felt a sense of achievement – something of the past he’d saved. Sometimes his job did give him a sense of satisfaction.


  He grinned and eyed Hayley, who caught his look and looked at him sharply for a moment. “What?”

  “Just thinking, that’s all.”

  “Jeez,” Hayley rolled her eyes and resumed studying the land ahead. “Don’t go doing yourself an injury now.”

  Carlos chuckled. “If you weren’t flying I’d slap you for that.”

  Hayley’s green eyes crinkled. “I can always drop you off here and you can walk the rest of the way.”

  “You remind me of someone I once knew, you know.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yeah. Long ago.” Carlos’s mind drifted back to Sabine, the tough-talking bandit girl from Corsica he’d picked up. Now there’d been an interesting companion for a while. Maybe he’d tell Danny and Hayley about her in another tale. But not just yet – there were other stories that he had in mind first.

  Casca series available in ebooks

  By Barry Sadler

  Casca 1: The Eternal Mercenary

  Casca 2: God of Death

  Casca 3: The Warlord

  Casca 4: Panzer Soldier

  Casca 5: The Barbarian

  Casca 6: The Persian

  Casca 7: The Damned

  Casca 8: Soldier of Fortune

  Casca 9: The Sentinel

  Casca 10: The Conquistador

  Casca 11: The Legionnaire

  Casca 12: The African Mercenary

  Casca 13: The Assassin

  Casca 14: The Phoenix

  Casca 15: The Pirate

  Casca 16: Desert Mercenary

  Casca 17: The Warrior

  Casca 18: The Cursed

  Casca 19: The Samurai

  Casca 20: Soldier of Gideon

  Casca 21: The Trench Soldier

  Casca 22: The Mongol

  By Tony Roberts

  Casca 25: Halls of Montezuma

  Casca 26: Johnny Reb

  Casca 27: The Confederate

  Casca 28: The Avenger

  Casca 30: Napoleon’s Soldier

  Casca 31: The Conqueror