Selene of Alexandria by Faith L. Justice Read Free Book Online

quiet requests of waiting servants. The others accorded the slave a level of respect not usually offered to one of his rank. Orestes did not doubt his every wish would be dealt with efficiently and to his satisfaction, but hoped Demetrius might prove of even higher worth in another capacity.
    "Based on your study of history, what do you recommend I do first as Prefect?"
    Demetrius blanched and bowed his head. "I would not presume to advise you, Master."
    "Come, man," Orestes said with some impatience. "You have already given me excellent advice. I am new to this city and require people I can trust to give me assistance."
    "I'm a slave."
    "Precisely. As a slave, you go places I cannot. You hear things I do not. You do not have the same interests as the nobles or councilmen who try to influence me. I need someone to balance their views."
    "My first advice is to take your time finding advisors. You know nothing of me. You do not know if I am wise or trustworthy."
    "By your very words, you prove both." Orestes smiled. "Most men would cut off a finger to be a privy advisor to the Prefect. What else would you advise?"
    Demetrius squared his shoulders. "A close relationship with Patriarch Theophilus. He is the spiritual leader of this city, and most influential. You can to do little without his approval. Hypatia, the Lady Philosopher, is also an able advisor. Her wisdom has guided several of the Prefects, although the last gave her words little heed."
    Orestes sat up as the body slave toweled off the remaining oil. "Any others?"
    "Many to be wary of, a few to listen to." Demetrius frowned in concentration. "I will make a list for your perusal. I also advise a tour of the province and as many public appearances as you can. The people need to know their governor and feel they can appeal to you."
    "My private life will become the stuff of gossips and dinner conversation."
    "As it would anyway. Your history is already making the rounds of the salons, Master. If the gossips do not get something new to talk about soon, they will make up their own stories."
    "Very well." Orestes dropped his feet to the floor. "Let's go to the frigidarium. A cold dip should be just the thing to prepare me for the day."
    "At your pleasure, Master." Demetrius bowed low.
     
    Later, after disappointing the hairdresser ("I've worn short hair all my life"), the barber ("I know beards are fashionable, but I like to be clean shaven") and the cook ("Water to drink in the morning, bread and soup at midday, simple fare for dinner"), Orestes retired to his office.
    On the way, Demetrius commented softly, "The staff is most eager to serve you in any way, Master. They feel your refusal to use their services is a reflection on their abilities."
    "You mean they fear they will be dismissed."
    Demetrius shrugged. "If the Prefect has no need for a service, it is logical to conclude the Prefect has no need for the servant."
    "I have no time or inclination to indulge in the elaborate rituals of a nobleman. However, I will be entertaining many local and foreign guests, who will require the services of a skilled staff. The cook will yet get to dazzle me with his art." Orestes rubbed his smooth-shaven jaw. "Arrange for suitable gifts to be distributed to the staff in honor of my arrival, and assure them of their positions."
    "Yes, Master." As they approached a mahogany door, Demetrius informed him, "Isidore, the steward, awaits you in your office."
    One corner of Orestes' mouth quirked upward. "The first in a long line of appointments, I suppose. I hope it is an auspicious one."
    They entered the room, Orestes in the lead. An officious little man, whose thin beard failed to cover the blemishes from some past disease, rose to greet them. The man's sallow skin was not enhanced by the garish yellow-orange of his robes. "I hope everything is to your satisfaction, Augustal Prefect." Isidore minced forward, hands fluttering. "Would you care to inspect the grounds now?"
    "I've seen what