Danger in the Wind

by Jane Finnis

  I wasn’t going to be put off. “A few days with Jovina is just the holiday I need. I know it’s a busy time here, but the staff can manage. You’re not going to begrudge me a holiday, surely?”

  “Of course not, as long as you’re well enough to enjoy it. What exactly does Jovina say about her party? May I see her letter?” He leaned forward and reached out to take it from my hand, but I pulled it away.

  “No, you may not. It’s private. Girl talk, not for your eyes.”

  He shrugged. “Girl talk? Gods, then I don’t want to know.”

  Vitellia was looking blank. “Where exactly is Isurium? I’ve never heard of it.”

  “On the road that runs north from Eburacum to the frontier, Kitten.”

  She appeared none the wiser. “And your cousin lives in the fort with her husband? That must be grim for her. Is she allowed to, or does she have to keep out of the way? I mean I didn’t think women were supposed to live inside a fort.”

  I laughed. “Jovina wouldn’t be very good at keeping out of the way, and she doesn’t have to. Marcus is the deputy commander, so he has his own accommodation inside the walls, and she’s allowed to live there with him. But you’re right, it is a bit grim, cooped up inside there. She and Marcus have built their own house in the village close by, and that’s where she spends most of her time, she and her daughter. Her son’s grown up and in the army, like his father.”

  “So you’ll stay with her in the village? Among all the natives?”

  “That’s right.”

  “There aren’t many of our own people settled there yet, are there? Romans, I mean…civilised people.”

  I smiled at her. She didn’t know much, but at least she was taking an interest. “Some of the Brigantes consider themselves quite civilised, but I know what you mean, it isn’t the same. Still, most of the natives have realised there’s no point trying to fight Romans these days. We’re here to stay. Far north on the frontier there’s still hostility sometimes, but forts like Isurium are as safe as here. Aren’t they, Lucius?”

  “Oh, yes. The soldiers spend their time moaning that they’re bored with endless drills and practice marches, and want to do some fighting.”

  “Then if it’s really safe,” Vitellia persisted, “why do they need a fort at all?”

  A good question, in fact a very good question. I looked at her with renewed interest, but Lucius cut in before I could answer.

  “Don’t worry your head about it, Kitten.” He patted her hand. “Just take it from me that Aurelia will be quite safe there.”

  She gave me her full, beaming smile. “I think you’re awfully brave, travelling all that way on your own. You really don’t think it’s dangerous?”

  “The only danger I can foresee is that I’ll drink too much at Jovina’s party, and a couple of strapping soldiers will have to carry me off to my bed.”

  She giggled. “That could be really dangerous.”

  Had she actually made a joke? We all laughed, I probably more loudly than the remark deserved.

  “Well, then,” Lucius smiled and raised his wine-mug, “Here’s to a pleasant trip, and an excellent party.”

  The rest of the meal was easier. The love-birds started to make plans for the day, a drive around the countryside and a picnic. I wasn’t included of course, but I didn’t mind now, because I’d plans of my own to make. I’d have to get organised quickly. Jovina’s party was at midsummer, and I wanted to arrive at least a couple of days in advance. I counted the days on my fingers, and realised how short the time was. It should have appalled me, but instead it simply added to the excitement to realise I must leave home the day after tomorrow.

  I’m a great believer in making lists, and I took a wax note-tablet from my pouch and started to jot down a few of the more important things I had to arrange. Which of our carriages should I take? Our vehicles were all serviceable but by no means new. Could I borrow something better for the trip from one of our friends? How many servants? Just a driver and a maid, and a couple of bodyguards. I’d need to have quite a lot of cash with me, because though I run a mansio, I’m not myself one of the favoured ones who can travel about and stay free at official accommodation.

  It was only a two-day journey and the roads were good. I’d stop at Eburacum on the way, and I’d be able to stay at my sister Albia’s town house there. She kept it staffed all year, even though she and Candidus rarely had time for visits to town in the summer. It was comfortable and well-placed for shopping. Yes, I’d stay an extra day and visit the shops. I scribbled “Write to A today” on my list.

  So two nights in Eburacum and one more day’s travel along the military road north would bring me to Isurium. Then Jovina’s, the party, meeting her friends, helping her solve her problem, whatever it was…I was looking forward to all of it.

  I hadn’t felt so enthusiastic about anything, so alive with hope, for months. I knew for certain that I’d once and for all thrown off my illness and the black melancholy that had soured the spring. I was sure I would have a wonderful holiday. I was convinced nothing could go wrong, and if it did, I was confident I could easily deal with anything the Fates chose to put in my path.

  I was mistaken on all counts.

  Chapter II

  I always like to stroll around outside in the mornings, to make sure everything is running smoothly and give the outdoor staff a chance to tell me if it isn’t. The Oak Tree is an official mansio, (the best mansio north of the Humber, I always say, but then I could be biased) and also a posting-station, where travellers on imperial business change horses or mules, so the stables must always be smart and efficient. There was the farm as well, our horse-breeding enterprise in particular. And we were getting more and more business for our vehicle repair workshop. Mostly it was local carts or wagons, rough-and-ready jobs to be done as cheaply as possible and always, of course, desperately urgent. But sometimes there were unfortunate travellers whose official transport had let them down, and in that case there was genuine urgency, plus a captive clientele who’d pay extra for quick service.

  At this hour of the day the paved area in front of the main door was deserted, but it would be busy later with animals and vehicles parked there by our thirsty customers. The morning was sunny and the breeze smelt good. I could hear a skylark high above my head, and nearby a blackbird sang from a branch of the giant oak tree that gives our mansio its name. It would be hot later—well, hot for northern Britannia, anyway. Not by the standards of our childhood home in Pompeii, but Pompeii was gone. Britannia is my home now, and I wouldn’t change it, for all its imperfections. Father was right to bring us here as youngsters and set up the Oak Tree to give us all a future here. He died before he could see what a flourishing success the mansio has become, but I think he’d have approved.

  I shook off the past and concentrated on today. It was perfect haymaking weather, and Ursulus, the farm manager, would be putting every available man into the fields to mow. I must remind Margarita to have extra beer sent out to go with their midday bread. Haymaking is dry work, and I didn’t want them sneaking back to quench their thirst in the bar.

  Not that she’d need reminding, I thought as I turned to go to the stables. She was an excellent housekeeper, always well-organised. The Oak Tree would be in safe hands while I was away. She had been carrying much of my load anyway over the past few months. As soon as I’d done my rounds, I’d go and tell her my news. I felt sure she’d be pleased for me.

  So would Secundus, who ran the stables. He’d been a cavalryman, and enjoyed reminiscing about army life, so he’d probably have some tales to tell me about the fort at Isurium. I headed for the stable-yard, but before I’d got halfway there I met him marching purposefully towards me. I opened my mouth to wish him a cheerful good-morning, but his worried expression stopped me, and instead I asked, “What’s up, Secundus? Something wrong?”

  “I’m not sure, Aurelia. That soldier who stayed here last night, the tall feller with the scar on his right arm. Teren
tius, was it? Has he left already?”

  “No, not yet. Why?”

  “One of his horses is missing, the dark grey gelding. And I can’t find his servant. I’m afraid he’s gone too.”

  “His servant? The thin boy with a runny nose?”

  “That’s the one. He slept over the stables with my horse-boys last night. He said his master didn’t need him till morning, and he fancied playing dice with the lads. But he’s not here now, and none of them have seen him today. He hasn’t been over to the main house for breakfast neither, I’ve checked. Which makes me wonder…”

  He didn’t need to finish it. “Right, I’ll go in and find Terentius himself, and ask him if he knows what’s going on.”

  “Good. Because if the lad’s run off that’s one thing, but if he’s still around somewhere it means the horse has been stolen by an outsider. Not that it’s likely, I’d say. It was just a standard army nag, over-worked and under-fed. If thieves came snooping round here there are much better animals they could have gone for.”

  “There certainly are.” I thought of our herd of black horses, the pride of our farm. “You’re sure no other animals are missing?”

  He nodded. “Certain, I’ve counted them up myself. Seems to me the lad and the horse must have taken the same road.”

  “Well, I know Terentius himself hasn’t left. Last night he asked me to lock something away in the safe till this morning, something he obviously valued. And he hasn’t collected it yet.”

  “I’m probably worrying over nothing then. He could have sent the boy off very early on some errand, before they start on their journey.”

  “Leave it with me. I’ll let you know if there isn’t a sensible explanation. Everything all right otherwise?”

  “Aye, fine. Moon-cloud looks like she’ll drop her foal today.” He gestured towards a field where several black horses were contentedly grazing. “I’ll move her into the small paddock, and make sure one of the lads keeps an eye on her every once in a while.”

  “I’ll come and see her soon. It’s a grand morning, isn’t it?”

  He smiled at me suddenly. “Aye, it is. And you’re looking pleased with life. Have you had some good news? That early courier brought you a letter, did he?”

  I smiled too. There aren’t many secrets in a busy mansio. “Yes, he did, and you’re right about good news. I’ve been invited to a party by some old friends at Isurium. I’ll be away a few days.”

  “That’s grand. Mind, I don’t want to rain on your triumph, but it had better be a good party, because there’s not much at Isurium otherwise.”

  “I think it will be. And I know it’s a busy time, and I oughtn’t to go away, but…”

  “Of course you ought, if you want. We’ll manage fine, you can depend on it.” His smile widened. “It’s nice to see you’re feeling up to a bit of travelling. A holiday will do you a power of good. Go off and enjoy yourself, that’s what I say.”

  “Thanks, I intend to. Oh, by the way, Lucius is going to take his young lady out driving, to show her round the district. Can you get one of the light gigs ready, with a decent pair of mules? Placid ones, preferably. He says he wants to drive himself, but he may not be keeping his eyes on the road.”

  “I reckon I’d have the same problem, driving that young lass around. He’s a lucky feller. Is it true they’re going to be wed?”

  “Yes, it’s true.”

  He offered congratulations, and I smiled and said I must get on with checking about the missing slave. I didn’t want him asking me anything more, such as my opinion of my future sister-in-law.

  Then I spotted my brother himself, standing under the oak-tree and beckoning me to join him there. He was on his own, thank the gods.

  “Have you time for a chat, Sis? I was hoping to catch you before we set off for our drive.”

  “All right, but I mustn’t be long.”

  “Nor must I. Let’s go into the garden. We can be private there.”

  I wondered what he wanted as we walked round to the secluded garden which is overlooked by our private wing, but well away from the public area our customers use. We sat down on a stone bench in the sun, and I thought, I hope he’s not going to ask me what I think of Vitellia.

  “I’m worried about this trip of yours to Jovina’s,” he began.

  “Now don’t start all that again. I’ve already told you…”

  “I know what you’ve already told me. It’s what you haven’t told me that bothers me. What’s your real reason for wanting to visit her?”

  “As I said, for her birthday party. And because I feel like a change of scene.”

  He grinned. “That’s good, as far as it goes. But I said the real reason. I know there’s more to it. Otherwise why wouldn’t you let me read her letter? Girl talk, indeed! My guess is she has some other reason for asking you to stay, and the party, if it exists, is just an excuse.”

  “It exists all right. And the letter was just girls’ chatter, as I said. Vitellia may let you read her private correspondence, but I don’t have to, do I?”

  “Stop being so prickly, Sis. I know you too well, and I’m right, aren’t I? There is something else?”

  I hesitated, which was answer enough.

  “I thought so. Something she told you in confidence? But she knows you and I don’t have secrets from one another. And I’m certainly not letting you go galloping north by yourself until I know what’s going on. So tell me all of it. I’ll keep it to myself.”

  When it came to it, I was glad to show him our cousin’s note. He scanned it quickly, frowning. “Is this all she’s told you?”

  “It is. You’re as wise as I am now.”

  “Which isn’t saying much. But some of it’s obvious enough. The main part of the message was written by her secretary or someone else with neat, official-looking writing, and she’s added the last bit herself, in her own hand. Why?”

  “Presumably she doesn’t want anyone finding out that she’s asking me to help her, as well as inviting me for a social occasion. And she might have thought a simple invitation would be too easy to refuse, whereas this…anyway, whatever her trouble is, it won’t stop me going to see her, so don’t…”

  “…Waste my breath discouraging you? I shan’t. I might even be able to help.”

  “Thanks, I may be glad of your help once I’ve seen for myself whether there really is some sort of danger. To be honest, I think Jovina’s being a touch over-dramatic. You know what she’s like, and she knows that I’m easily intrigued by anything mysterious. I bet her trouble will turn out to be something quite trivial that she’s blown out of proportion. That wouldn’t be so surprising, when she and Marcus live in a military base with only a few real friends.”

  He ran a hand through his mop of fair hair. “It’s true, the atmosphere in a fort can get pretty poisonous, especially if everyone’s bored and fed up because there’s nobody to fight. If she’d just said there was trouble, I’d agree with you. But she says danger.”

  “It’s to do with Marcus, that’s my guess. He has a foul temper, especially when he’s had a few drinks. Maybe he’s quarrelled with somebody important. And of course he’s got a roving eye, as I remember. Perhaps he’s got entangled with the wife of somebody important, and now the man’s found out, and is threatening him.”

  “Gods, Relia, you must be reading too much love poetry. I’m afraid it could be something much more important.”

  “More important than love?”

  But he didn’t react to my teasing. “Marcus is a senior officer in an important fort.”

  “Isurium? It used to be important twenty years ago. Now it’s a fort where nothing ever happens.”

  “Where nothing has happened recently, you mean,” he corrected. “But Vitellia had a point at breakfast when she asked why, if we were safe from native unrest, we need forts like Isurium.”

  “To make certain we stay safe. It’ll be another generation at least before we can take it for granted that all na
tives in Britannia will behave peacefully all the time.”

  “Exactly. So anything that endangers a senior officer or his family might threaten the stability of the whole area.”

  Lucius seemed to be taking Jovina’s danger even more seriously than I was, which gave me a nasty cold feeling inside.

  He glanced at the note again. “What do you think she means by this quotation from the Aeneid about the Greeks bearing gifts? It makes no sense to me.”

  “Nor to me. I doubt if she’s talking literally about Greeks, because I doubt if there are any at the fort, or within a day’s march of her. The troops are all auxiliaries from across the German Ocean, and the officers are all Romans.”

  “There’s Marcus himself of course,” he said soberly.

  “Marcus? Rubbish! He’s as Roman as we are.”

  “By blood, yes. But have you forgotten how he’s always enthused about Greece and Greek culture? It started when we were young, he wore Greek fashions, and even had his hair done by a Greek barber. We used to call him Graeculus, Little Greek, didn’t we?”

  “Ye-es, I do remember, now you mention it. But we were all just children. You can’t assume he still feels the same.”

  “Not to the same extent, no. But he’s given himself the nickname Melandrus because of his black hair. And what has he named his children?”

  “Philippus and Chloe,” I admitted.

  “Quite. Greek names, not Roman.”

  “No, Lucius, if you’re talking about some sort of treason, it can’t be Marcus. He’s a senior career soldier; the army’s his life. If he’s the man Jovina’s scared of, it’s for personal reasons.”

  “You could be right.”

  “I’m always right, it’s a well-known fact.”

  He smiled. “Well then, let’s assume Jovina doesn’t mean literally a Greek. That doesn’t make it much better. She’s scared of someone who’s offering a favour, an advantage, perhaps even an affair, and she thinks there’s ‘danger in the wind’. If she has reason to be scared, it makes me uneasy. I wish I could offer to come up to Isurium with you.”