Chapters (20)
‘That’s the one,’ Pavo nodded. ‘Thick as thieves, those two.’
‘Tell me about it.’ Macro cut himself short, aware of the political danger of criticising the imperial household in the presence of the lanista. Gurges struck Macro as an untrustworthy sort of fellow. ‘Enough talk. Let’s knuckle down to business. As you can see, I’ve already cleared this matter with your lanista. From what I’ve been told, you’re a natural with a sword, so we’re not totally fucked.’
Gurges cleared his throat. Macro shot a look at him.
‘About my compensation,’ the lanista said carefully. ‘This is a fine young specimen of a man. I won’t sell him off for less than the going rate.’
Macro produced a bag filled with coins from under his tunic and chucked it at the lanista, who caught the bag in his cupped hands and licked his lips as he peeked inside.
‘I suppose this looks to be an adequate level of compensation,’ the lanista said greedily. ‘And I presume you’ll be staying with us, optio?’
‘You must be joking,’ Macro said. ‘I’ll get myself a nice warm bed at a cosy inn in town.’ He watched a cockroach scuttle across the floor. ‘Although even a shit bed would be better than staying in this armpit of a house.’
Gurges grunted irritably and turned to leave. Macro watched him go, then frowned at the pots and cups scattered across the ground. He sized Pavo up, and the expression on his face suggested to the recruit the soldier did not approve of what he saw.
‘It’s been a bloody long journey,’ he said finally. ‘We begin tomorrow at dawn. You’d better pray you’re more effective with a sword than you are with your fists, lad. For both our sakes.’