The Great Game by S. J. A. Turney Read Free Book Online Page B

however. We stay here through the summer to see the matter settled and return to Rome before winter brings her chill. To abandon our fresh conquest so soon would be to invite further rebellion.’
    Paternus cleared his throat meaningfully and the emperor looked up and smiled.
    ‘See how our family business makes these brave soldiers uncomfortable.’
    The prefect straightened. ‘A phalera then, Caesar?’ he prompted, nudging the conversation back to its original purpose. ‘To be presented before the legions in Vindobona?’
    Commodus leapt energetically from his couch and walked across to the two soldiers. Rufinus, distinctly uncomfortable with his gaze lowered, became aware that the young co-emperor was standing less than a foot away from him.
    ‘Look at me, legionary Rufinus.’
    The voice was not sharp or angry, though there was a steel in it that he’d not yet heard from the whimsical young man. Before he’d even thought about it, in response, Rufinus had looked up, straight into the piercing, grey-blue eyes of Commodus.
    ‘This man is a lion, father, not a peacock. Baubles are pretty, but they will hardly satisfy a lion.’
    Rufinus blinked and the man before him grinned.
    ‘What think you of phalerae, legionary Rufinus?’
    His mouth had suddenly gone so dry that, had he a clue what to say, he would have had great difficulty making it heard. Instead, his mouth opened and a scratchy, hoarse sound emerged. Commodus’ grin widened.
    ‘This man deserves more than a phalera. Look at him! He’s wasted in the shield wall of a cohort. A man who breaks an ambush and kills five men single-handedly, only moments after having fought hard, no doubt, in the front lines of a major battle.’
    Rufinus could sense the tension in the Praetorian prefect next to him. This new prized playing piece in the great game was in danger of being suborned by another player. His gaze passed overCommodus’ shoulder and fell on the emperor, who was watching intently. The old man propped himself up on an elbow.
    ‘What have you in mind, my son?’
    Commodus turned his mischievous, beaming smile on his father.
    ‘Why what else, but to elevate him to the Praetorians? I am certain that Paternus can make good use of him. The increase in pay and benefits is more suitable reward than simple trinkets.’ He turned back to Rufinus and his brow furrowed. ‘Besides, I think I like the idea of having this man in our bodyguard where his talents are not wasted.’
    The emperor was nodding his head thoughtfully. ‘The notion has merit. What are your thoughts, Paternus?’
    There was a strange silence. Rufinus could almost hear the prefect’s mind churning over every aspect of this sudden turn of events, trying to identify each advantage and potential problem that could arise. In the end, his shoulders relaxed a little and he shrugged. ‘It seems to me a fine idea, Caesar. I do think we need to hold off on any announcement of his transfer until the presenting of his decoration when the Tenth are back in garrison. It may do the morale of the legion good to see one of their own so honoured.’
    Commodus laughed lightly. ‘We have yet to ask Rufinus here what he wishes for himself? Perhaps he feels that the scorpion shield is not for him?’
    Again, Rufinus’ throat caught and he stuttered a strange sound.
    ‘Come on, man. Speak up.’
    Finding a reserve of courage somewhere deep inside, Rufinus straightened. ‘It would be my honour to serve the emperor and his household in whatever capacity they see fit, my Caesar.’
    ‘Well said’ Commodus laughed, clapping his hand on Rufinus’ dirty, slightly rusty shoulder plate.
    Paternus cleared his throat. ‘Very well, Caesar. If all is agreed, then, legionary Rufinus should head to the barracks and rest and bathe. The coming days will be busy for him.’
    As the emperor nodded, Paternus turned to him.
    ‘Go to the Praetorian barracks and find Perennis and the men who escorted you. They will see to