Free Hosker, G [Sword of Cartimandua 01] The Sword of Cartimandua by Griff Hosker Page B

ability having been confirmed. “It goes without saying Decurion that, if the refuge is held, you return here. That would need a legionary intervention.” Marcus nodded. The Queen coughed and looked pointedly at Flavius. “There is a box containing,” he paused,” important items which the Queen requires. They are buried in a secret location. If the old centurion, Gerantium is there he will show them to you. If he is dead then you will have to find them yourself. Here is a map.” As Marcus went to take it the prefect went on. “It is important that you share this with no-one other than your second in command. Do no open the box which will be locked and return it here.  Is that clear?”
    “Yes prefect.” He took the map and left.
    “Ulpius make sure they have a cart.  You will have to see the new quartermaster,” he smiled, “that should be an interesting encounter. You took over his command before he had chance to totally fleece his men.”
    “I look forward to it.” He turned to go.
    “I have told the prefect that I am indebted to you. I would like to reward you but we must wait until your men return.” A playful, flirtatious smile played upon her lips. “Can you wait that long?”
    Ulpius could feel his face colouring. “I er, that is…”
    Flavius saved his embarrassment. “He will have to wait your majesty, he has troopers to train. Dismiss!”
    Partly flustered and partly angry Ulpius gestured to the waiting Marcus to follow. Marcus knew his commander well enough to keep his thoughts to himself. The journey to the quartermaster’s stores was not a long one but Ulpius had got his temper under control by the time he got there. Gaius Cresens was a huge barrel of a man. It was said that there were no horses strong enough to carry him. He avoided any duty which appeared remotely dangerous but he was a cunning man who had spies and informants everywhere.  He gathered information and used it.  He was a bullying brute who had risen not through ability or skill but corruption. He had not ridden at the head of his ala for many months. If truth were told Flavius had been looking for an excuse to move him.  Cresens did not view it that way. He was a corrupt, greasy man and he had been cheating his men out of money for years. He had planned to become quartermaster but the decurion’s promotion had meant that he had not had the time to extract the last view coins from his ala.  He would have to use his new post to do so. Now as he saw Ulpius come in his anger began to boil up.
    “Watch your stuff lads, old one eye, the thieving horse shagger is here.”
    “Cresens your dick isn’t big enough to fuck a flea so shut it and show a bit of civility or I will personally show you the business end of my sword!”
    As well as being corrupt and a bully the fat quartermaster was also a coward who preferred a knife in the back to a face to face encounter. “No sense of humour that’s your trouble.”
    “Right I need two carts and drivers. We need forty javelins and, “he turned to Marcus, “what about shields?”
    “About five shields should do us. Oh and two of the lads need some mail.”
    “You heard him. While you are back there see if you have some scale armour in my decurion’s size.”
    Gaius Cresens’ face became red with rage; his bloated features made him look like an angry toad puffing out his cheeks. “Scale armour but...”
    “I know you have some; the prefect told me and this warrior needs it so be quick about it.”
    The armour was almost thrown at Marcus; had Ulpius known the thoughts racing through the quartermaster’s evil mind he might have saved himself and others a great of pain by gutting him there and then. As it was he dismissed him as a blowhard.  He was a blowhard but he was also a plotting, calculating vicious thug who would have revenge on the man who had stolen his position and humiliated him. The murderous look which burned into his back as he left would have warned him that