The Snake Catcher

by Bilinmeyen

  “Grim,” she answered with a frown. “Familiar. Seen him with this one girl, and always the same one.”

  We made our way to the Block, and I asked her to wait. I entered the fort, and went to the barracks. There, I saw Grim, laying on his bed, and pushed down the impulse to murder him. His master would know he failed. He might be in danger. He should die, I thought, and again fought the urge not to kill him.

  And yet, after his betrayal, he had helped me.

  He had trapped me, and helped me. I frowned and decided to tell Adalwulf about it the next day.

  I woke up Gernot, and he gave me what I asked for, though he frowned heavily. I pushed Tudrus, who cursed me to Hades. His eyes flew open as he saw my disheveled condition. “What happened?”

  “I had to cut some men down,” I told him. “But, I’ll tell more when you come back. Take this to the girl at the gate.” He cursed, and left to pay the girl.

  I sat and stared at Grim, and he stared back at me, until he turned his back.

  I had a lead, or two, I thought. I’d get to the bottom of the matter. Gernot was staring at me, not asking anything. His eyes snaked to Grim’s back, and he was probably making very good guesses.

  Tudrus came back. There was an astonished look on his face as he sat next to Gernot and wrestled the pouch from him. He fished out another coin. He got up. He saw my incredulous look. I rubbed my face. “Seriously? You are paying … she … you are not—”

  “No!” he hissed. “Of course not!”

  “You have a history with whores,” I reminded him from our time in Castra Flamma. “You—”

  “I didn’t pay back then either,” he growled as he left. “Not all of us need to pay for a woman. And this one is like Sunna in her chariot, Hraban. Don’t you call her a whore.”

  I chuckled as he left. Gernot nodded towards Grim. “I’ll stay awake. Can’t sleep anyway. Wash and rest, brother.”

  “Thank you,” I answered.

  The next day, we would bury Drusus.

  And I would meet Julia, who would be sure to know everything about me. The Guard was rotten with treason.

  CHAPTER 8

  The morning was busy and chaotic. Men were rushing about, scrubbing armor, getting ready. Horses were saddled. Two hundred guards would ride out. All the details were being triple checked. Officers ran around, and Adalwulf poked his head to the barrack and gave us our orders. “Hora Quarta! Two hours! We have to be there in two hours! Stop dilly dallying. And don’t you dare to pick your nose while they give their speeches!”

  I gazed at the bunk of Grim.

  He had left to eat, and never came back.

  I cursed. There was no way Kleitos would allow him to remain in the Block after making a colossal mess of his orders. I also gazed at Rochus. I was in a dark mood, and wanted to blame someone for my near death. Even Rochus had left me to die. I had not seen Eyes that morning, but I had a notion I might slap his bottom as well.

  “Did you see Armin?” Wandal asked. “What did he say?”

  “He is planning and scheming as usual. And he pissed off Rochus in a huge way,” I answered. Rochus didn’t answer, but kept scrubbing his armor.

  Tudrus was adjusting his greaves. “And what happened in the night? The girl said you had an incident in her chamber.” He looked slightly critical and a bit jealous. “You killed men? What were you doing in her chamber?”

  Brimwulf and Wandal stared at me aghast. I pulled my tunic away and showed the wound on my side. It was shallow, and not bleeding, but would leave a scar.

  “Got lucky,” Wandal breathed.

  “I had an incident indeed,” I growled. “But, not an incident with the women of that establishment. Some of the Guard wanted me dead.” I looked at Grim’s bed. “That pig included.”

  “Pig?” Tudrus asked bewildered.

  “A boar, rather,” I said, and told them everything.

  They shook their heads. “They know about us,” Brimwulf said softly. “It’s useless.”

  I agreed. “I’m sure Julia won’t let us anywhere near her. But, at least we have some names.”

  Rochus rubbed his eyes. “Adalwulf told you to concentrate on Julia.”

  I ignored him, still angry at the bastard for abandoning me. “I will. But we’ll look into Kleitos and the gladiator, Istros.”

  Rochus opened his mouth to refute me, but changed his mind, smiling tiredly. “As you will, Lord of Our Wyrd. But you are collecting new scars. One day, it might be more than that.”

  I bit down an angry retort. “It’s something we will deal with later. But, if Kleitos is filthy and speaks with Julia, she won’t ever let her guard down, no matter who my father is. And I won’t sit on my hands, hoping she would open up to me. Today, we bury the great man.” I touched my side, and cursed.

  Rochus was right.

  Despite my brave words, that pugio could have slain me in a brothel. We were exposed, and even if we were not helpless, I felt the walls were falling in on us. We were surrounded by people we didn’t understand, men who wanted us dead; powerful, and ruthless nobles, some of whom were women.

  And we were soldiers. We were fighters, and had no way to survive if we—I—made too many mistakes. And I would. I was not the sort of a man to be led around like a cow on rope, and I knew I was not suited to catch snakes in the shadows.

  I had been thinking about something that night, when Gernot had stayed awake and I had struggled to fall asleep. Tudrus had suggested it, and I, finally, agreed. I’d have to trust Gernot. We needed something on our side. A plan none else knew about.

  And we could afford it.

  I looked at my brother. I took a deep breath, and called him. “Gernot.”

  He looked forlornly at the bustle around him. He had eaten focaccia and drank wine with the turma that morning, and had been issued the same orders as the others. He wore his pants and military tunic, the lorica hamata, and even a sword with the balteus, but it was clear he had no use for them. He sat, staring at the shield and the spear, tugging at a pugio.

  “Gernot,” I hissed again.

  He looked startled. “Hraban?” He was tired, having watched Grim. Perhaps he was also a bit drunk. He had been getting accustomed to wine, and while it had been watered down greatly during our meals, he had apparently had more than his share. I walked over to him and kneeled next to him. He spoke miserably. “I’m useless.”

  I shook my head. I picked up the sack of coins from his side and dropped it on his lap. “You are not. You are good with these, I bet. I have a hunch you already think how to make them last.”

  He grinned and rubbed his eyes. “No, brother. I’m thinking about how to multiply the sack. I have an idea, or two.”

  “So, leave me with some money,” I told him and leaned closer to him. “Then, go to Adalwulf, and tell him you are out. He’ll say ‘yes’ in a heartbeat. One less thing for him to worry about.”

  “And then?” Gernot asked, bewildered.

  “Tell him you are going back home,” I said.

  “But, I don’t want to go back home,” he said with a frown.

  I shook my head. “You are not going back home. Take a sword and a dagger, and find a place to live in. Find a house, a home, a business, even, and make yourself busy. Become a Roman, eh? A peregrinus, to be sure, despised by the Roman masses, but money will make it bearable. Build a life. And Gernot?”

  He nodded. “There is more to this than being rid of me.”

  I smiled. “We are in trouble, you know it,” I said. “We need someone to trust. Get to know people who can help, if we get into trouble. With this coin, you can do all of that. Invest it for us into our future.”

  He held the sack and sighed. “We just got back together.”

  “We did, sort of,” I said sheepishly. “We haven’t exactly been in speaking terms, but you spared and saved Lif, and that was a beginning. Will you do this? The Guard’s corrupt, and they know about me.”

  He nodded. “You are right. I’ll �
�� yes.” He looked at me carefully. “Kleitos is dirty. I’m not sure how many others are as well.”

  “I think he is,” I concurred. “And others are as well. Tiberius set us up in a viper’s nest.”

  “You have to learn how to act and cheat,” he said. “Don’t disobey too many rules.”

  “I will try,” I promised wryly.

  He looked thoughtful. “Tiberius and Livia want you to concentrate on Julia. I think Antius is still the key to all of it. I’ll find this Antius.”

  I shook my head. “No. They say there are no traces of him. He could be anywhere. Don’t get involved into that. Just build us a place to hide, should we need one. Go and live, for a change. I’ll stand by the Rostra, the first day of each month, at some point of the day, depending on the duty. If you see me, I have a need of you. Otherwise, stay hidden. Don’t let anyone know your name.”

  He smiled. He picked up a smaller bag from the side. “Guess I know what I’ll be doing every first day of each month, eh? Golden and silver coins, brother,” he said and jingled the bag. “Don’t use any of the aureus, the golden ones, unless you have to. There are a few.”

  “I’ll learn,” I said dryly. “You were already prepared?”

  He nodded. “I already anticipated this. I’ll find a place somewhere, and find my way. I’ll do what you say. You also find your place, and be safe, Hraban. Take care of Cassia. You don’t deserve her.”

  “Thank you,” I told him ominously. “I am worried for her.”

  He smiled at me. “Love her, but don’t tell her too much of what you find out. She might be in danger, if you do. Trust no one. Not even your allies.” We embraced briefly. I felt sorry for all the evil I had caused in his life, and I hoped he felt the same for me.

  Adalwulf entered.

  His short blond beard had been braided with silver wire, and he looked at us with a thin smile. I got up and so did Gernot. “You two making up? That’s a sight I thought I’d never see. I was sure you’d kill each other one day.” He nodded at Gernot’s hand. “Right. Time to talk about it. That’s going to be a problem.”

  “The issue’s been dealt with,” I grunted. “He’s leaving. Going back north. Trying to find a place for himself.”

  Adalwulf nodded, clearly relieved. “That is good. Very good.”

  Gernot gave me a long, approving glance. I’d trust no-one, not even my allies.

  I got up to finish armoring myself. Adalwulf followed, peering down at me. “So? There was trouble?”

  “Armin?” I asked. “Armin and Rochus didn’t get along. Armin barely spoke with me either.”

  “Right,” he muttered. “And was there something else?” His eyes flashed. “I’m no fool. I had a chat with Eyes. He said Rochus was upset, but you and Grim stayed behind. I also heard there were men killed by the Willing Mare last night. Inside it, in fact. By a guardsman. Two guardsmen, should I add. And someone said there was one more guardsman involved.”

  I frowned. “And where did you hear of this?”

  He grimaced. “I’m on your side. I know many things, and I know the girls in that establishment. And I also heard one of the girls saved your thin ass last night. Do not insult me.”

  “And did you know the Guard is corrupt?” I asked him thinly. “You sent me out with a traitor.”

  He frowned and clearly resisted the urge to push me. “You had better change your tone.”

  “No, you change yours, Decurion.” I bristled at him, and he stared right back. I spoke with a low voice. “If we ever have a fight, Adalwulf, you might not like it. You put Grim out there with me.”

  He chuckled darkly. “Well, Leuthard’s Bane, I’ll not underestimate you, if we do have an issue we have to solve with a sword. Yes, I put Grim out there with you. He was going that way anyway, and it made sense. You don’t move around in small group at night. And you are saying Grim—”

  “Yes,” I muttered, and shook my head at his incredulous look. “Your Grim tried to get me killed. There was one more, with red hair. I wounded him. Rochus was lucky to leave early. As it happened, the whore and I managed to sort the situation. We were lucky, and she was smart.”

  “She is,” he said. “And I know her. I don’t sleep with her. Or anyone else, for that matter. As I mentioned, I have someone. She’s with Livia.”

  “Yes, I know,” I said. “But, Grim is an enemy.” I hesitated, and decided I had to share something of the past night with him. “Armin told me Antius was picked up by Guardsmen. One was a hulking piece of shit. Like the one in the second turma. This shitty guard is full of vermin, Adalwulf. You said it must be Julia who sends messages left and right. You claim only she and the scribe know about the family’s business. But, no, of course the guard knows. If Kleitos is a traitor, Adalwulf, then Julia need send nothing anywhere. Kleitos must know everything the family does.”

  He nodded and rubbed his face. “It is reasonable to think if one is to kill Tiberius and Antonia, and gods know who else, then the Guard might be involved. Though,” he said with a small smile, “Kleitos comes from the Palatine, and you made him uncomfortable. He has been known to hire men to maim his enemies before.”

  “What about Antius?” I asked him. “What about the Guard picking him up? No, it’s more than a personal grudge. Watching after Julia is useless.”

  “Oh no,” he answered with a scowl. “I told you I shall look into these other matters. I will. I will look into Kleitos, and the Guard. And no matter what you think about the dangers in the Guard, no matter if you are right, Julia will not be ignored. That is still your job. Orders have been given. The fourth is in charge now, and you will get to know her. Silence,” he said and waved my protests down.

  “Right,” I said, settling down.

  “Listen. You will go and see how it goes. Maybe Kleitos was worried and tried to murder you. Whether or not he did it for some unknown conspirator, or on his own initiative, I know not. Everything’s possible. I’ll have men keep an eye on Grim and Kleitos, and any other of his cronies. I know a few, including the large man. You’ll go ahead. You complain about Tiberius, and look sour. If Julia rejects you, then we shall think of Kleitos and that gladiator as next steps. Get to know Julia. Win her trust. Win it. Nothing matters more. If you do, and manage it, then we are a step ahead in the game. It’s been frustrating Livia for so long, and losing Drusus was almost too much for her to handle.” Adalwulf frowned as he saw the look on my face. He waved at me to speak.

  “I didn’t see her cry when she spoke of him. Augustus did, but not her,” I said.

  He looked at me with disbelief. “Stop such speech. You don’t know her.” He pushed me to cheer me up. “Julia is the key. Kleitos—if guilty— has been bought by Julia’s conspirator friends. Kleitos is canny enough, but too cowardly to dream this big. He is but a tool. Like Julia.”

  “Fine,” I muttered. “But, if Julia knows of me, and keeps her guard up, then—”

  “We’ll change plans,” Adalwulf said reassuringly. “I’ll speak with Tiberius before he leaves. Now, get ready to sweat your ass off, and keep your eyes open. You’ll see her in the funeral.”

  Unhappy, I turned away from him. “Come, friends,” I told them. They had been hanging in a table not too far, avoiding the discussion. “We need to leave. You, too, Quadi.” I told the two brutish twins. “And the lover.” I grinned at Tudrus, Brimwulf chuckled, and we hefted our gear and moved out.

  We found the turma nearly ready. They were checking their horses, the bridles silvery and golden. Many saddles were crafted of expensive leather and inlaid with metals. Adalwulf gave me a grin. “There’s a duplicarius, meaning my optio. He is sick. We have a sesquplicarius, but he is on a leave. And the signifier is there, a lad your age.” The man, blond and tall like Adalwulf, nodded gravely, holding his standard high. “He is called Sextus here in Rome, but his real name is Cuthbert.” Never had I seen a more martial troop of men. Cuthbert hefted his standard, and the fist on top proudly glittered in the sun. It was gi
lded, and a red cloth, with the number four, ruffled in the wind.

  I felt totally out of my depth. I saw Maximus near, leading his men with happy banter. “Where do we go? Will you help me?”

  “I will,” Adalwulf said. He looked around at our troop. “Take your place behind me and we will keep you in line. Hmm. You are missing some familiar faces. I just realized. Ansbor and … Ansigar? They were your friends, right? What happened to them?”

  I shook my head. “I killed Ansigar the day Odo fell. Ansbor died to Leuthard’s manipulations.”

  He shuddered. “I’m sorry for it.”

  “I’m not,” I said menacingly. Ansbor had deserved what he got. He had left me at Leuthard’s mercy, because he loved Cassia and Cassia loved me. Ansigar was always a rotten, mean creature. Adalwulf looked at me with a small smile, and then nodded at some slaves that were bringing our horses, although they were not the ones we had ridden on the trip.

  They were black, hugely tall, and their manes had been cropped. “Did you perform some magical ritual on our mounts?” I wondered, as I was handed the reins to the beast. I stroked its flank, and it shuddered appreciatively, snorting.

  He smirked. “They were so small, it looked like you were riding pigs. This is yours. It’s called Bite. It does that in combat. Like Hulderic’s horse did,” Adalwulf said, pointing in the general direction of the city. “You’ll ride with me at the head of the fourth. Behind us, come the men in three ranks. You don’t usually ride in the city, but we do today, and that makes for a very visible spectacle. It whispers to people of the power of Augustus. No matter how meek he appears in the Senate, people will remember he is the man behind the empire. His generosities feed and keep them safe. And we are the visible proof this is so. We’ll go after the third turma, and right there on the Rostra, you will begin your duty. Most of us will just sit visibly where everyone can see them in the Forum, and you and yours will take place as guards for Tiberius and Livia, though men of the third will guard Augustus. I’ll help you. Don’t worry. Mostly you just make sure no one kills them, and stand tall. No toga today. They await you in the Palatine in the evening.”