Six for Gold by Mary Reed, Eric Mayer Read Free Book Online

guests. Well-known for it, in fact. What did you want to discuss?”
    “Thomas has of course explained why he requested temporary lodgings with you?”
    “Oh, yes, and it’s all very exciting! However, he hasn’t revealed how it came to be that he found himself in the Hippodrome at that particular time.”
    “That’s what I’d like you to clarify, Thomas.”
    “It’s as I told you a few days ago, Anatolius. I heard about an employment opportunity while I was guarding Isis’ door.”
    Fidgeting like an impatient child, Thomas recounted how he had overheard a loose-tongued servant bragging to one of the girls at Isis’ establishment about his master’s plans to surreptitiously obtain a fabulous relic that would astound the city.
    “I’ve never heard such braggarts as I’ve heard in that place,” Thomas concluded.
    “Who was this servant?” asked Anatolius.
    “Isis won’t allow the names of any of her guests to be bandied about. He was a young man, but completely bald. He and Antonina were standing in the corridor and she kept rubbing his head. For good luck, or so she said,” Thomas sniggered.
    “You doubtless hear a lot of fascinating stories at your work. It must be like having a vast library of human experience at your fingertips.” Francio sounded wistful.
    Thomas nodded. “Standing by the door all night, unless a brawl breaks out there’s not much to do but listen. My ears pricked up when I heard mention of a relic. As I’ve told you, I’m somewhat of an expert there.”
    At Anatolius’ prodding, and despite numerous interruptions from Francio, Thomas recounted how Antonina had finally been persuaded, although still refusing to provide a name, to identify her customer as belonging to Senator Symacchus’ household. Thus had Thomas found his way to the senator’s door.
    Anatolius saw clearly what had subsequently happened. “So in short, you offered to sell the senator your services in obtaining this relic, not to mention keeping your mouth shut about it afterwards? From the senator’s viewpoint, it was as much a threat as an offer!”
    Thomas scowled. “I thought it was a very reasonable one, and so did the senator. However, as I said, he was cautious. That’s why I was given a certain little item I showed you a few days ago.”
    “Take his word for it, Anatolius,” said Francio. “The man’s memory is perfect. He can describe to you every bit of armor worn by every foe he’s killed.”
    “And probably each man’s eye color as well. It’s time I returned to John’s house. Francio, are you taking all the precautions I advised?”
    “I think I can see my house is properly guarded.”
    “Thomas, keep trying to remember anything that might be useful. If you recall something, Francio will get word to me. You must remain hidden for now.”
    “How is Europa?” Thomas asked.
    “Well enough.” Anatolius didn’t mention he had not spoken to her. He turned to Francio. “Thanks for your assistance. I count it a great favor.”
    Francio spooned the remaining sauce off his plate. “As Publilius Syrus put it,” he replied with a grin, “treat friends as if they may one day be enemies.”
    Anatolius looked surprised.
    “Not you. It’s what’s on my spoon.” Francio flourished the silver utensil. “I commissioned a set of them, to be decorated with various quotations. It’s to stimulate dinner conversation, should it lag.”
    “Are they all taken from Publilius Syrus?” Anatolius wondered.
    “Yes. Originally I engaged a court poet for the job. One Crinagoras. Do you know him? Unfortunately, to accommodate the length of his verse my guests would have been forced to eat with spears.”
    Anatolius chuckled. “Thank you again, my friend.” He picked up his own spoon and read its lettering. “I am advised that accepting favors sells my freedom. It’s all very puzzling. I suppose I should try to talk to Felix next. I feel quite lost.”

Chapter Nine
    Peter trudged through the