The Kin

  ***

  A few hours after dawn, the road joined up with the Mures River and for the rest of the journey it ran alongside the wide but shallow waterway that coursed happily in the opposite direction. By mid-afternoon, they saw the fort of Apulum, which had been built on high land above the river. The mountains on either side lowered gently onto grassy plains, giving the fort an ideal vantage point for traffic coming from north and south.

  They could see the usual sprawling vicus that always grew up around the walls of the fort for trade purposes and to accommodate the families of the men inside. In comparison to some vici, this one was relatively small, as the fort had only been there for ten years, but in that time, taverns, brothels, houses and craft shops would have sprung up and been well established.

  A few hours later, they rode through the vicus and were stopped at the gates of the fort. Paulinus explained who they were and Junius rode up and showed the seal, so that the sentries immediately let them ride through. Once inside, the fort was the same as any other one across the Empire and Marius felt immediately at home.

  They dismounted as a tribune came over and waited for them to present themselves.

  Junius stepped forward and removed the Emperor’s seal from his satchel.

  “Marcus, Junius Silanus, tribune of the Praetorian Guard, this is Marius Tullius Varens, my adjutant. We’ve been sent by the Emperor.” He handed the seal over to the fresh-faced young man and waited.

  “Annius Cluvius Celer, tribune of the Thirteenth Gemina. We’ve been expecting your arrival, let me show you to the guest quarters and then I will inform the legate that you’re here.”

  Junius nodded. “These men are our escort, they’ll wait here until we return to Sarmizegetusa, and so they’ll need accommodation as well.”

  Celer nodded. “It’ll be arranged.” He called over to a waiting soldier and barked some orders to that effect.

  “The Emperor’s sent you to investigate our problem with mushrooms, hasn’t he?” Celer asked as he led them inside the praetorium to their quarters.

  “I’m afraid we can’t discuss that until we’ve spoken to the general,” Junius told him.

  Celer grinned and his boyish face lit up. “I understand. General Sulpicius Rufus has assigned me to look after you during your stay.”

  Junius stopped and stared at the younger man. Marius winced at the look the patrician gave the tribune. “Does this mean we’ll be escorted during our time in the fort? Or will we be allowed to come and go as we please, as is our right as Roman soldiers and members of the guard?”

  Celer flushed, but collected himself. “Junius Silanus, you misunderstood me, you’ll be given free access, as is your right, but I’m here to help you both in any way. If you ride to Salinae, I’m instructed to go with you.”

  Marius glanced at Junius, who was still looking at the tribune. Eventually his face relaxed.

  “That’s acceptable. Please inform General Sulpicius Rufus that we’re here. We know our way to the guests’ quarters.”

  Celer nodded, eager to make amends. “I’ll have some refreshments brought to you.”

  Junius didn’t say anything, but Marius thanked the unfortunate young man for his kindness.