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

I want of the estate. I've left instructions with Demetrius for ordering my quarters and my schedule. Give him all due assistance."
    Startled, Isidore cast a suspicious glance toward Demetrius. "Your Excellency will need assistants. I've taken the liberty of recommending three young men for the position of personal secretary. They come from the best families and await your pleasure, Sir."
    Orestes put on a polite smile. Isidore might just be overly efficient and trying to please the new Prefect, but more likely he was taking gifts from the fathers or patrons of the young men. Many would give good money to know what business the Prefect conducted in private, what decrees would be made and when. "Thank you, good Isidore. As I am new to this city, I would not give offence by elevating one family above another by taking a son into my employ."
    Isidore hid his disappointment with a bow. "As you wish, Excellency. Should I seek others more to your liking?"
    Orestes turned to his body servant. "Demetrius, you read and write, do you not?"
    "Yes, Master. I speak, read and write Greek and Latin. I also speak the local Egyptian dialect fluently and know some Hebrew."
    Isidore's head bobbed. His eyes grew round with consternation. "But…"
    "Good." Orestes interrupted. "Until I can better assess my situation and choose for myself, Demetrius will be my personal secretary." He ushered the steward out of the office with a firm hand on his back. "Thank you again, Isidore. I expect regular reports from you on the running of the household. I would see the accounts tomorrow, and once a quarter hereafter."
    After the door shut on the outraged Isidore, Orestes surveyed his office. This room was more to his liking. It had a functional lived-in look, though still ornate. A massive table with legs carved in the shapes of fish dominated the room. Orestes feet sank into a rich carpet woven in greens and blues as he approached the table. He ran his hand appreciatively over the highly polished surface inlaid with various types of wood and ivory showing scenes from life along the Nile.
    "Should I arrange a suitable gift for Isidore, as well, Master?"
    "What?" Orestes looked up. He thought for a moment then smiled. "Would I be mistaken if I thought Isidore has been helping himself to 'gifts' from the estate for years?"
    "That is not for me to say, Master. I know only that he purchased a large villa in the outlying precincts last year. He has many business interests, all profitable. The last Prefect seemed satisfied with his service."
    Orestes smile turned sour. "My predecessor was satisfied with a great many things that I am not. That is why I am here – to rectify his mistakes. I see no need to enrich Isidore further and I want you to point out the excesses in his accounts."
    Orestes lowered his lanky body onto a green leather chair sitting behind the table. Four smaller matching chairs sat along the wall. Fresh sheets of papyrus, quill pens, bottles of ink and wax for seals sat at the ready on a side table, along with initial reports on the city. "Well, Demetrius, let's begin."
     
    The next day, Orestes, accompanied by Demetrius, journeyed to the Prefecture where he had another set of offices. The cavernous seat of provincial business was located next to the city council building. In an endless round of introductions reminiscent of his first day, Orestes met dozens of civil servants, both permanent and temporarily elected to preside over the vast and intricate bureaucracy of the city and province.
    Unlike his servants, these men seemed confident in their roles. Prefects came and went, but civil servants held their positions through connections with powerful city patrons. Many of those patrons paid handsomely to have a son, nephew or client installed in an office that collected taxes or regulated trade and workshops or engaged in public works. Orestes found it prudent to maintain good relations with the nobility by allowing them some profit from such