Free Legatus Legionis: Book Two in the Gaius Claudius Scaevola Trilogy by Ian Miller Page B

case there could be other planets going around them."
    "And you believe that?" she asked curiously.
    "I don't know," Gaius said. "What I do know is that because heavy objects fall at the same rate as light ones, it's at least possible, which is why I got so carried away when I saw a sword, a shield and a body hit the water at the same time. As you said, I was so excited, I ignored you."
    "I suppose that was important," she said doubtfully.
    "So I'm not forgiven?"
    She looked into his eyes and said, "I've always wanted to meet a philosopher, so yes, you're forgiven. But don't do it again!" she added with a smirk.
    "I don't think that's likely," he said, and drew her more tightly to him. Her arm also drew him more tightly towards her.

Chapter 8
    A week later, under leaden skies, the Legion, apart from the fifth cohort, whose turn it was to be left behind to maintain a frontier presence, marched towards the coast and their winter quarters. The march was uneventful, but Gaius noted that Vipsania was becoming more apprehensive as the time approached. Burnum was near the coast, and that meant that a boat could take her back to Rome.
    Gaius had already sent Timothy ahead to secure a villa for Vipsania and her family. When they arrived, he found that Timothy had done well and had secured a small villa about two miles from the town itself, but not that far from the formal residence of the Legatus . He had told nobody what it was for, or who would be in it, and officially the villa was in Gaius' name. As Gaius assured Vipsania, anybody who wanted to find her would have to do it through him.
    For the next five weeks, it was unlikely that Gaius had any deep philosophical thoughts. Since the administration of a legion was essentially carried out by the Tribunes, and in this case only they knew enough about Burnum to make sensible purchases, and since there were no uprisings, barbarian attacks, or any other discernible problems, Gaius had little to do other than to be with Vipsania. Winter storms were howling, and it was very pleasant to sit together beside log fires, tending to crackling roasts and drinking more fine Pannonian wine.
    The Iazygian families had settled with reasonable grace and were in frequent contact with their families. Vipsania was fascinated by Iazygian jewellery, so Gaius purchased several items for her, and as a consequence of her wearing them, the "hostages" became friendlier towards her. She ordered a number of scrolls from Rome, and began to teach them to read. Timothy noticed this, and he acquired copies of some of the Greek plays. Then, when the weather broke, Gaius would take Vipsania on horseback rides. Because of his rank, a small detachment of cavalry would follow them, at a very discreet distance. And so, despite the cold and the bitterness of the weather, Gaius felt as happy as he had ever felt.
    It did not last. On one morning when the weather was particularly mild, Gaius called to see Vipsania. This would be a particularly good day to go riding, and he had brought the usual two horses. However, when he reached the door, to his complete surprise the slave refused him admission.
    "The master has gone to the marketplace, and he has ordered me to refuse entry to everybody until he returns," the slave said.
    At first Gaius was completely stunned. It had been a long time since anyone had said no to him, and this no was so emphatic. As he stared at the slave, the door began to be closed. On reflex, Gaius slammed his foot into the space, and quickly followed this with his shoulder.
    "You will tell your mistress that I am here," Gaius said.The slave stared fearfully at him.
    "I understand your problem," Gaius nodded towards the slave. "Do as I say, and I promise you nothing bad will happen to you."
    The slave continued to look as if the ground was about to swallow him, but eventually he turned and shuffled off. Gaius entered, and waited. Eventually an ashen-faced Vipsania entered, and informed him that her father