Copper Centurion (The Steam Empire Chronicles) Read Online Free Page B

choosing.”
    Constantine thought about this for a moment. It’s a good deal, and I would advance several rungs up the seniority ladder. Still, he was surprised by the offer. He’d never really been inclined to leave his cohort. We haven’t even been in a major conflict yet. Why does the general want me? Is it to keep an eye on me, or is he trying to take advantage of my Imperial connections?
    Gravus waited patiently, apparently studying the opposite wall with great interest. He sighed and gave his head a little shake. Out of the corner of his mouth he whispered, “If I were you, I don’t think I’d take it. Kruscus treats his staff like horse dung and the turnover rate is horrendous. He’s been through three tactical officers in the last eight months alone. One poor Iberian lasted only two weeks!” He was now eyeing Constantine.
    Constantine voiced the question that had been going around in his head. “What is the general up to? Why does he want me? I’ve got no tactical experience except for that operation in Brittenburg—and that ended with three-quarters of my command dead, injured, or missing. I’m not exactly general’s staff material.”
    “Now that is an excellent question, Tribune. If I was a general who had been shown up by a promising younger officer with both family and power connections, and who now happens to be the sole heir to the entire Empire, I think I’d want to keep an eye on this young man and try to mold him as I saw fit.”
    Constantine couldn’t keep the alarm from his face. Gravus had only confirmed his fears. “I don’t want to be an imperial feather in that man’s hat. Why are you telling me this?” he asked.
    “I’m not telling you anything,” Gravus replied. “I’m simply voicing some ideas. I’ll inform the general that you’ve respectfully declined his offer. Peace be with you in the name of the Emperor.” The civilian stood, showing himself to be much taller than Constantine had suspected, overreaching the tribune by at least half a foot. Gravus gave a little bow, and left, passing Alexandros in the hallway.
    The captain now carried a folder full of papers, and was carefully wrapping them with wax paper to ensure their survival in the damp and rainy outdoors. “Who was that?” he asked. “And what did he want?”
    “He’s attached to the general’s staff and offered me a job.”
    “A job? Why?” Alexandros’ brows drew down in confusion.
    “I still don’t know.”
    “By the way, Constantine, I was wondering if you could help me out on that tiny argument I had with the senator . . .”
    Alexandros continued to chatter on, while Constantine mused. Minnicus, what are you up to?
    They exited the building, and Constantine literally bumped into a cloaked figure striding hurriedly up the steps. “Excuse me!” Constantine blurted.
    The stranger pulled down the hood to reveal her face. “Ah, Senatora Pelia!” Captain Alexandros cried, greeting the rain-soaked politician warmly. “We were just saying how excited we are to have you on this adventure of ours.”
    “Although I do thank you for the kind gesture, Captain, I sincerely doubt any soldier has ever welcomed the presence of a politician in any military venture,” she replied coolly. “But fear not, I shall try to stay out of your way as much as possible.”
    “I look forward to your presence,” Constantine blurted, then felt his cheeks heat. Now why did I have to go and say such a thing? “Er, I mean, you being around. It is good. Yes, very good for us.” Gah! Constantine wanted to cry out in annoyance.
    Alexandros came to the rescue. “Senatora, please accept our utmost apologies for keeping you out here in the rain. Please, get inside before you catch a cold. We shall, of course, be seeing you soon, I hope?”
    “Thank you for your concern, Captain. I believe we’ll be seeing each other more than we’ve ever wanted to in the next few months,” she quipped, a smile tugging at the corner of