The Kin

by Elsye Harwood

  ***

  Marius took aim and, centring himself, concentrated all his anger into that one single throw. Then he threw the pilum and sent it flying. At least Celer had the courtesy to wait until after he’d thrown the pilum to ask his question.

  “Tribune Tullius Varens, where is Junius Silanus going? He’s taken a horse and ridden out of the fort.”

  Marius tried to control his anger and frustration. He didn’t want to snap at the young tribune, who’d done nothing wrong except to ask the question that was on everyone’s lips. He also needed time to think of a suitable reason why his commanding officer had just stolen a horse and left the fort without informing the general. It had to be a good answer, which would allow Junius to return if he finally saw some sense, but would also ensure that he was remembered with honour if he didn’t.

  He turned and looked Celer in the eye. “He believes that it’s the same infection that we came across in Parthia and we think that Salinae is the centre of the outbreak. Junius has gone to prove his theory. Time is of the essence, as the disease is spread by sexual contact.”

  The young man paled. “Have you told the general?”

  Marius shook his head and walked towards him. “Not yet, he asked me to wait in case the general recalled him. Tribune, this is serious, it’s why we were sent by the Emperor, he suspected it was the same disease, but we are the only people with direct contact with it.”

  Celer’s eyes widened as he took in the information. “But you must tell Sulpicius Rufus.”

  “Oh, I will,” said Marius. “But he’s not going to like what I say.”