“Ivomagus,” I saidcautiously, uncertain how to even initiate a conversation, so Itried to sound lighthearted, “it’s a lovely night for a chariotride.”
Ivomagus offered a slight smile, but histone was serious and urgent.
“I told you that I owedGnaeus a debt for my life, and that I knew how difficult it is torepay such a thing in full.”
“Yes, I remember yousaying that,” I answered cautiously, deciding not to add that theconversation had only occurred a watch or so earlier.
For the first time, he indicated Bronwen ashe went on, “Tincommius approached me to tell me that Bronwenwishes to leave with you and Gnaeus.”
How, I wondered, do I even respond tothat?
Consequently, I blurted out the first thingthat came to my mind, “Why?”
“Because,” Ivomagusreplied evenly, “she does not trust my brother.”
This was when I got my first indication thatthere was more going on than I knew, because I could not see anykind of connection.
“What does your brotherhave to do with Bronwen?”
“It is…complicated,”Ivomagus replied, and I got the sense that he did not wish to gointo details. “But,” he went on, “while Cogidubnus will never admitas much, he is also in Gnaeus’ debt now. Berdic’s death solvesa…problem.”
This, I realized suddenly, was why I did notthink the king was displeased as he squatted by the corpse; I alsounderstood that the likelihood of me learning the story in the timewe had was nonexistent, and it was equally possible I would neverlearn the entire story.
“May I talk toher?”
“Of course!”
Ivomagus looked embarrassed, and he turnedand beckoned Bronwen, who immediately responded by picking upsomething similar to the satchel I carry, but much larger. Perhapsbecause she was so pale it made the black eye stand out, and I felta flicker of cold satisfaction that the man who did that to such abeautiful woman no longer breathed.
“Bronwen,” I greeted her.“I don’t think we have been introduced. My name is AlexandrosPullus.”
At the mention of my name, Bronwen startedslightly, but when I heard the skepticism in her voice, Iunderstood why.
“You are Gnaeus’ brother?Or cousin?”
“Ah,” I laughed. “Iunderstand. No, we’re not bound by blood, but my father…” Realizingthis was not material, I waved a hand, and said, “What matters isthat I serve Gnaeus. Now,” I took a breath, “Ivomagus told me youwish to depart with us?”
“Yes,” she said withouthesitation, but she must have seen I was expecting more, and forthe first time, she broke eye contact with me, looking at theground. “There is nothing for me here, not anymore. My father…” Hervoice trailed off, and I saw the shine of tears on the part of hercheek that I could see that was not obscured by her magnificenthair.
“Her father is…” Ivomagusbegan, then amended, “…was being used by my brother to effect a marriage between Bronwenand Berdic. With Berdic’s death, this should release her fatherPraesutagas from any kind of debt or control. But,” he took a deepbreath, “I just learned tonight that Cogidubnus has plans of hisown for Bronwen.”
He said nothing more, but he did not haveto, and looking at her I could understand why the Parisii king hadsomething in mind for her now that she was free of Berdic. I had,and still have no idea whether the Parisii are allowed to take morethan one wife, but I know that even if they did, the rules thatapply to the people do not apply to their kings.
I turned back to Bronwen and asked her only,“Are you sure?”
She surprised me then, by echoing, “Am Isure?” She shook her head, and when she looked up at me, I saw notjust tears, but a glint of something in her eye that gave me aglimpse into her character. “No, I am not sure of anything rightnow. But my heart tells me this is what my gods want me to do.”
In answer, I reached out and gently took herbag from her, then gestured to the plank; the smile of thanks shegave me was all the payment I needed, but I confess that I had onethought. Gnaeus, you better not ruin this with her; she is aremarkable woman.
“That,” I pointed up towhere Marcellus and the others were standing, “is Optio Marcellus.He will show you to the cabin.”
I was somewhat surprised that she did nothesitate, and once I saw her ascending the plank, I turned back toIvomagus.
“Did you tell Gnaeus?” Iasked him.
“No, he has no idea,” hereplied. Then he admitted, “I had to sneak out and pick Bronwen updown the road because Cogidubnus has men watching.”
“Watching who?” Idemanded, my suspicions suddenly aroused that the bastard hadsomething else in mind for Gnaeus.
“Me,” Ivomagus answered.Either seeing or sensing my surprise, he explained, “I love mybrother, and he loves me, but what he did with Gnaeus has createda…problem between us.”
To me, it sounded like we would be taking onanother passenger, but when I suggested that he come with us, hewas adamant.
“No, I will not leave. Ijust returned. Besides,” he smiled sadly, “my brother is a greatwarrior, but he is not a great King. Since I have been home, I havelearned a great deal about the mistakes he has made. Our fathermade me swear an oath on his deathbed that I always do my best tohelp Cogidubnus, and that is what I will do.”
I hope he doesn’t cut your throat because ofit, I thought, but aloud, I said, honestly, “That is veryhonorable, Ivomagus.”
I could tell this pleased him, but then heglanced up at the sky.
“It is getting late. Or,”he laughed, “early. But I need to return to the hall before mybrother awakes and calls for me.”
Before he turned away, I offered my arm.
“I doubt that we will havethe opportunity in the morning,” I told him. “So I want to takethis time to thank you for this.” Even if your brother is atreacherous and greedy viper, was the thought that stayed inside myhead.
He accepted my offer, taking my arm in ourmanner, then without another word, he turned and hurried to hischariot.
