Read Online Hannibal: Fields of Blood by Ben Kane - Free Book Online Page B

there is anything he can do, you have only to mention it.’
    ‘My thanks. He is a good man, Martialis. I will remember his kind offer.’ Atia’s smile was warm, but the gesture had made her worries resurface. Fabricius had always refused to countenance asking his oldest friend for help with his debts. Martialis wasn’t wealthy, but his loyalty knew no bounds. Anything he had, he’d lend to them if they asked. Atia hoped never to be forced into such a situation, but if Fabricius didn’t return, the possibility was there – whether she liked it or not. She resolved to make an offering to Mercury, the god of war, and also of messengers. Bring me good news of my husband, please. She gestured to the nearest slave, who made swiftly for the kitchen. Soon a procession of dishes was carried through to the dining room, where the three were reclining on couches. The conversation died away for a time. Gaius fell on the food as if he’d been starved for a week. Atia looked on in approval as she took small portions from various platters. Despite her rumbling stomach, Aurelia nibbled only at a piece of baked fish. She didn’t want to appear greedy in front of Gaius.
    ‘How is Martialis’ bad leg?’ asked Atia. ‘This weather can’t be good for it.’
    ‘A good rub-down by his body slave once a day keeps him moving. That, and the produce of Bacchus.’ Gaius’ wink set Aurelia giggling. Martialis had always been fond of his drink. Since trying it on the sly, she’d developed a taste for it herself. Atia’s firm grasp of the jug was the only thing that had stopped her from trying to fill her own cup. Throwing a resentful look at her mother, Aurelia hung on Gaius’ every word. How had she not noticed before? He was intriguing – funny and clever. As a friend of Quintus, she had never really thought of him in a romantic way, but that had just changed. She studied him sidelong, drinking in his broad shoulders, muscular physique and open, pleasant face. He caught her eye on occasion, and smiled.
    His next story concerned a Capuan official who had been discovered stealing money from the city’s coffers. He had only been caught because of his taste in expensive mosaics. The alarm had been raised by a colleague who had seen the new flooring in his home and known that it would have cost more than the man’s yearly income. An investigation revealed that all of the embezzled money had been spent. The enraged Capuan leaders had ordered the floors to be taken up. The resultant debris was to be used as filler when local roads were being repaired. The zealous workmen sent to complete the job had mistakenly dug up every room in the house, causing the hysterical official to collapse at the scene.
    Aurelia gasped. ‘Did he die?’
    ‘No, he recovered well enough to appear at his trial the next day. Ironically, half the crowd had stolen pieces of his own tesserae to pelt him with. They were showering in from all sides as the court convened. The lawyers got hit; so too did the magistrate.’ Gaius mimed ducking down, wincing as he was struck. ‘The city guards had to be sent in to restore order.’
    Aurelia snorted with laughter. ‘You’re so funny, Gaius.’
    Atia raised a hand to stifle a yawn. ‘Excuse me.’
    ‘I’m sorry. I’ve been carrying on all night, boring you stupid,’ said Gaius, looking a little embarrassed.
    ‘No, no. It’s interesting to hear what’s going on in Capua. I think it’s time for bed, though. It has been a long day.’ Atia cast a meaningful glance at Aurelia. ‘You too, young lady.’
    ‘But, Mother—’ she began.
    ‘Bed. Now.’
    Aurelia flushed with anger, but before she could protest, Gaius had risen from his couch. ‘The ride from Capua has tired me more than I would have thought. A night’s sleep, and I’ll be as good as new.’
    Atia smiled. ‘One of the slaves will show you to your room. There are extra blankets in the chest at the foot of the bed should you need them.’
    ‘My