Casca 7: The Damned by Barry Sadler Read Free Book Online Page B

the gold trimmed armors of the guards, as did Vergix.
    Alaric was silent for a moment watching them through his bright, clear blue eyes. He spoke first to Vergix, "How came you to be wearing the arms of Rome?"
    Vergix told him straightforwardly the story of his and Casca's day in the arena and the promise they had to give in order to be freed.
    Alaric nodded. "And have you been true to your oath of loyalty to him?"
    Vergix spoke firmly, with no quiver in his voice. "I have."
    Alaric turned to Casca, eyeing him up and down. "You are not of the tribes, though you have lighter hair and eyes than most Latins. There is a mannerism to you that speaks of Rome. The way you stand is that of a soldier of the legions. I know that you are not of my kinsmen because even here the tale of the fight you and this one made in the arena of Ravenna has come to be known. But no matter, did you also keep your oath of loyalty to Hon orius?"
    Casca faced Alaric, answering him as one soldier would to another, "Yes, an oath is not lightly broken, even if it is given under pressure."
    Alaric called for wine and indicated for the two to join him at a table. He liked the looks of these two. Pouring for all three, he spoke again, "If you had said otherwise, or if I believed you had lied, your heads would now be looking for their bodies. It is good that you were loyal while in the service of Honorius, weak and dishonorable though he may be. But now you are no longer under his authority, but mine. I have no desire to kill those that might be useful to me; therefore, if I grant you your lives, will you serve me as well?"
    Vergix took his time answering, hiding his thoughts behind his wine cup. A wrong answer meant death.
    Was he being tested again? He made up his mind. "Aye, Lord Alaric, I will serve. I can be of no use to Honorius now. You have my head in your hands and if you decide to take it, then surely I could be of no further use to the Romans. My oath was only given in order to save my life. I did that once and surely there could be no more dishonor if I did it again under the same circumstances."
    Alaric laughed deeply. "So be it, your head shall remain on your shoulders. And you, Roman, will you also swear fealty to me?"
    Casca knew his answer and didn't have to wait before making it. "No, lord, I cannot give you that oath." "And why not?" Alaric watched him.
    Casca stood at attention, picking his words carefully.
    "I know the days of Rome's greatness are passing, that she may never rise again, but still I cannot be a party to the slaughter of those of my own race though it must surely come if not this day then another. I know that a new dawn is rising and perhaps it is time for Rome to be allowed to die, but I have been her son too long to help kill her, even to stop the rot that has set in."
    Alaric was not displeased at the response. "That is a good answer, Roman, and I respect you for it. Loyalty to a lost cause may be foolhardy, but it is noble. You have both pleased me this evening and I give you your lives. You," indicating Vergix, "shall join my forces among your brothers. You," to Casca, "shall be allowed to live, but make no mistake. It shall be only as long as you don't interfere with my plans. If I kept you in chains you would not be able to help Rome. I would prefer to put bonds on you of a lighter kind. Will you give me your oath not to betray me? If you do, there will be no chains other than those of your own honor. But if you give your oath and lie, then not only you but your friend shall pay for it in a manner that shall have you screaming for weeks."
    Casca considered his choice and gave his oath not to interfere. Alaric kept him under close watch for a few days, though Vergix was given complete freedom of movement.
    There was nothing Casca could do but wait and watch the events that were coming; he knew there could only be one end at this stage.
    It came soon. Alaric took the attempt of the Dalmati ans to reach Rome as a breach of