JANISSARIES

Rick took it curiously. The letters were hand-printed in a block form and easily recognized. He read slowly. "Ego Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus-" He broke off, staring. "Is this truly a copy of the great history by the Emperor Claudius?"

"To the best of my knowledge," Lucius said. "I have no reason to doubt it. You are pleased with the gift, then?"

"I am indeed," Rick said. He frowned. What was this going to cost? "I am pleased that Marselius remembered my interest."

"He has written down every word you spoke," Lucius said. "I know, for he dictated them to me."

"May I see?" Gwen asked.

Rick was reluctant to let the parchment scroll out of his hands. He knew that was silly. He couldn't read it, and he'd need her help. He gave it to Gwen and watched to see that she didn't damage it, but she held it as tenderly as she might hold a baby.

"There are other documents," Lucius said. "One seems to be the story of how a group of soldiers came to this world from another."

"Where are these documents?" Rick demanded. "Prefect Marselius has them," Lucius said. "They, too, could be gifts for you."

"Your friend is very generous," Rick said.

"What does he want in exchange?" Gwen asked. Rick frowned at her, but Lucius didn't seem upset. "Your friendship," Lucius said. "And an alliance."

"Alliance?"

"Perhaps I should begin with what has happened since you left." Lucius shifted in his chair.

"Jamiy," Rick shouted. "Tea, please."

''Sir."

"So what has happened?" Rick asked.

"The legions of the western provinces have proclaimed Marselius as Caesar," Lucius said. "I see this does not surprise you, and indeed it was inevitable if Marselius did not wish to be recalled to Rome and executed. The soldiers you released from captivity had no more pleasant expectation, and Marselius was popular with the other troops as well-and they could see the Demon Star. They have heard the tales. We all have. They believed Marselius when he told them what he had learned from you of the times of trouble to come. Few of the province, citizen or soldier, believe that our present Caesar will know what to do-or indeed care.

"Naturally, Marselius first sent for his family. His son and grandchildren were on the family estates near Rome. I was tutor to the household, as I have been for thirty years. For the past year, I have been working in the libraries of the friends of Marselius and his son. The letter that ordered young Publius-I call him young Publius, although he is a man older than you, my lord-the letter that ordered young Publius to join his father also instructed me to take many documents including that history by Claudius." Lucius sighed. "I fear we have betrayed many trusts, but Marselius assures me that the parchments will be replaced for all those who survive the coming times."

Jamiy brought in a pot of tea and three stone cups. As he put the tray down, Rick studied Gwen. She didn't seem overjoyed by the news of the documents. Rick wished he could think of a good reason to have her leave. I could simply order her out, he thought. I don't have to be polite to anyone-well, except Tylara and her father.

What is she hiding from me? "Jamiy."

"Sir."

"Tell Major Mason that our new guests have brought important documents, and that I would like him to see that they are given to no one but me. No matter who might ask for them, they come to me and no one else. Is this understood?"

"Sir." Jamiy stamped to attention.

"Excellent. Dismissed. Lucius, your story is fascinating. But has Marselius a chance? Will not Caesar bring the other legions against him?"

"Certainly he will try," Lucius said. "But neither Caesar nor the army likes winter campaigns. They will wait for spring. By spring Mars elius will have a surprise for Caesar." He gri

"A surprise for Caesar indeed-"

"A surprise for you," Gwen said. "What advantage will you have now?"

"You need none," Lucius said. "Marselius offers alliance with you."

"A trap to get you back onto the plains," Gwen said.

Rick switched to English to say, "Gwen, teach your grandmother to suck eggs. And please stop interrupting. I want to know everything I can about the situation, and you are not helping."

"I'm sorry," she said. "I-I seem to be scared all the time lately. I don't want-I'll shut up, Rick. And I am sorry."

"We know that you have no reason to trust Marselius," Lucius said. "But he does not expect you to send your soldiers to help him. What he wishes is assurance that you will not raid the western provinces. We will pay you well for that. Marselius intends to plant many of the parklands and game preserves in grain. He will build storage places in the high hills. We will keep much, but there will be enough to send you more than you could take by raiding the Empire."

"Do you have caves to store it in?" Gwen asked. "Few, Lady." Lucius looked thoughtful. "The older documents all stress the importance of caves as the only safe place when the fire and the deadly rains fall. There are caves in the northern hills, and others near Rome. Perhaps we can take those. But there is no chance at all if we must fight your hill tribes as well."

It can work, Rick thought. For that matter, I could do more. Once Marselius is involved in a civil war, I could join him. The army would follow me, and with allies in the Empire, I could take Rome itself. A civilized place, with real potential. Who could stop me? "And he went forth conquering, and to conquer."

William took all of England with less going for him, and the English were the better for it. Well, better in the long run. They didn't see it that way at the time. "So stark a man," the chronicles say of him. "So very stern was he, and hot, that no man durst do anything against his will." But even his enemies said that a man could cross England with his bosom full of gold. I could govern better than Caesar.

No. I'm no conqueror, and the face of battle is not a lovely sight. I'd rather be a teacher-and we don't have to fight anymore. "It is not my decision alone," Rick said. "But I will counsel Drumold to accept this offer. And to make another. There is land in the hills below our mountains. The Romans do little with it because they have better. Yet we have crofters with no land at all, and our best is no better than those hills. Let us work that land in peace, and it may be that we will have gifts for Marselius in exchange for the gifts he offers."

"Rick, you can't turn down tribute," Gwen said in English.

"I don't intend to," Rick answered. "But trade's a lot more stabilizing than tribute." He turned to Lucius. "There will be many details, but I believe we can agree. With the Demon Star coming near, there will be slaughter and death enough. We need not add more."