“So, because we chopped down two treeson the wrong side of the river and only brought one back, theBrigantes are willing to keep fighting? That,” I said dryly, “is anexpensive tree.”
Ivomagus tried to hide a smile, and onlylater did I realize that he was doing me a favor, because if he hadreacted, Cogidubnus would undoubtedly want to know what I said thatwas so humorous, and even as angry as I was, I recognized that myattempt at levity, however bitter, would have been enjoyed by theking and the sycophants around him to a degree far beyond theactual humor of my remark.
“Tonight, the King is holding a feastin your honor,” Ivomagus continued, and this time, I managed torefrain from pointing out what happened the last time such a feastwas held, because I actually needed this feast to happen. Heturned, and there was another exchange, and Cogidubnus rose fromhis seat, but it was the manner in which the others reacted thatallowed me to anticipate what was coming, and Ivomagus explained,“The King will accompany us down to the dock now.”
“Down to the dock?” I did my best tosound puzzled. “Why would we be going down to the dock?”
“To unload your ransom, ofcourse!”
I addressed my words to Ivomagus, but I madesure to look Cogidubnus in the eye as I said flatly, “I’m notreleasing that ransom until I’m aboard the ship.”
Cogidubnus looked over sharply at hisbrother, but Ivomagus ignored him to implore me, “Please,Centurion. My brother will take this as an insult to his honor andas a sign you do not trust him.”
This time, I did not have to feign myastonishment.
“Are you serious, Ivomagus? Ofcourse I don’t trust him! The wholereason I’m here is because he betrayed me and had me takenprisoner!”
“But we have treated you well, andhonorably during your time here!” Ivomagus countered, but before Icould say anything, Cogidubnus interrupted, questioning his brothersharply.
As Ivomagus predicted, Cogidubnus did notreact well, offering a bellow that, in all honesty, was quiteimpressive, one that would not bring shame to any Centurion, butthen he pointed a finger in my direction and aimed whatever he saidnext directly at me. Long before I knew the truth about my father,I have always detested it when someone shoves a finger anywherenear me, and Cogidubnus had come close enough that I could havesnatched that finger and broken it like a twig; at least now I knowthat this is a family trait. And, the gods know, I wanted to, verybadly, but I stood looking at him calmly and let him vent his angerand indignation.
Once he subsided, I asked Ivomagus, “Is hefinished?”
Ivomagus translated, and the king gave acurt nod.
“Ask your brother,” I spoke carefully,“why another day matters? The money is here, and we both know I’mnot going to be allowed to leave until he has it in his possession.Now,” I shrugged, and as calm as I tried to appear, I felt my heartbeating rapidly because I knew I was taking a risk, “if the moneyis more important to him, we can go to the docks now, and I’ll begone today.”
It was a gamble, but I did not feel it wasall that risky; I had seen enough of Cogidubnus’ behavior to feelsomewhat confident that his pride would not allow him to cancelthis feast, if only because it gave him the chance to remind hissubjects of his cunning and ability to turn a situation to hisadvantage. Of all the things I had observed about Cogidubnus, theone firm fact I was willing to rely on was that he enjoyed playingthe part of a king very much. I kept my eyes on Cogidubnus asIvomagus translated my words, and I was rewarded by the flash ofalarm that crossed the king’s face. He cut his brother off, saidsomething rapidly, and I heaved an internal sigh of relief evenbefore Ivomagus began speaking.
“No, that will not be necessary, and,”I found this surprising, “my brother apologizes for his behavior.He says you are correct, that you are an honorable man, as is he,so there is no need for haste.”
I knew that I was supposed to offersome sort of compliment, but all I said was, “Thank your brotherfor me, Ivomagus. Now, I would like to return to Petuar to tellmy friend Alexandros what toexpect, and that we will be handing over the moneytomorrow.”
Once Ivomagus was done, Cogidubnus gave anod, and I wasted no time, mainly because Berdic had edged his wayto a spot at the edge of my vision, and while I did not think hewould try something, I was unwilling to risk it. What I had plannedhad to happen in a certain way, and this was not the time.
Chapter Eight
When Gnaeus returned tothe dock, he was accompanied by eight Parisii warriors, dashing myhopes that we could effect an escape, which I had discussed withMarcellus and the others, the idea being that Squillus would movethe Salacia quickly to thedock from our spot in the river, we would jump onto the dock andessentially snatch Gnaeus, being gone before the Parisii couldreact. With his escort, he was rowed to the boat where I gotanother surprise, albeit a happy one in that once he was aboard, hedid not immediately press me for details on where the money camefrom.
“Show it to me,” he said,and I led him down below, where it was Trio’s turn to guard thechests, but when a pair of warriors tried to follow, Gnaeus shookhis head, and in yet another surprise, they did notargue.
As Marcellus, Hemina, andCeler had done when I introduced Gnaeus to them, Trio popped upfrom where he had been sitting on one of the chests, comingto intente, and offering asalute, and as he had with the other three, Gnaeus returned it,then informed Trio that was the last time he needed to showmilitary courtesy.
The key for both washanging from a thong around
