Chapter 674: A Crown in Hand

A Crown in Hand

Two prefects made their manner by way of the streets of Morcaster, strolling immediately south from the fortress of Saint Marcellus to succeed in the copper lanes. Each had their hoods up, obscuring their faces. If anybody got here shut, the pins on their chest would learn Legio X Astra, however no person dared to be so close to; others shied away from their path effectively prematurely.

The troopers of the japanese legions had been a distinct breed than the outdated garrison; hardened in battle, they’d no tolerance for the slightest misstep. Given how the extraordinary legionaries handled any citizen inflicting offence, none needed to expertise how prefects punished infractions.

The hour was late; night time had already fallen. One prefect carried a big sack over his shoulder, and as they entered the copper lanes, the opposite led them into alleyways, away from curious eyes watching their progress.

“Sir, not that it troubles me, however I’m not positive in regards to the present objective,” Valerius admitted, adjusting the sack that hung in opposition to his again.

“Eleanor would have a match if I went exterior by myself. This did not really feel like one thing to trouble her with, so I selected you as a substitute. Congratulations, you’re not cohort prefect, however protector for an evening,” Martel defined, setting a speedy tempo.

“Sorry, sir, I do get why you want a mageknight at your aspect. I meant, why are we sneaking into the copper lanes at this hour? With a bag filled with sundry gadgets?”

“It’s sensible to come back bearing items, Valerius, when making a enterprise proposition.” Martel felt extra like his outdated self. Surprisingly, having a conspiracy planning to kill him felt revitalising. It gave him one thing tangible to give attention to, slightly than summary figures in a ledger. It additionally motivated him; if individuals had been going to such lengths to do away with him, he would keep alive simply to spite them.

They reached their vacation spot, a well-recognized again alley. Valerius solid appears to be like in each route; a correct younger nobleman like him, this could be his first go to to the copper lanes.

“It’s possible you’ll wait right here. Don’t be concerned, there’s nothing in that home that may threaten me.” Martel took the sack from him and proceeded. He heard a flutter of exercise as he approached the backdoor, and he gave it just a few heavy knocks. He couldn’t think about they recognised his look, and the kids had been in all probability scrambling to cover or run away. “It is Martel, your outdated buddy,” he declared, hoping a few of them heard earlier than him earlier than scarpering.

“In case you’re envious, I’ve a process on your those who’ll put gold in your pockets,” Martel revealed, and he may virtually see the glint of greed within the chief’s eyes.

“Let’s speak up right here.” Weasel beckoned for Martel be a part of him as he walked up the steps.

Martel adopted him; he had by no means been right here earlier than, the internal sanctum of the small gang. He noticed thick blankets protecting the ground, together with quite a lot of clothes discarded in every single place. No less than they didn’t appear to freeze. “Enterprise isn’t unhealthy, I take it.”

“What’s your supply?”

Martel took out a golden crown. The one coin he had on him, given he was going to the copper lanes. “That is yours in case your individuals will hold look ahead to me over the approaching days.”

“Hold watch? While you flaunt gold like that, I figured you’d need somebody lifeless,” Weasel snorted.

“I command twenty-five thousand troopers adept at killing. They’re much less expert at staying hidden, nonetheless. That is yours now for accepting the duty, and one other ten in case your info is beneficial to me.”

The boy’s eyebrows flew up. “Have to be good accessing the Imperial treasury.”

“Being prefect pays effectively sufficient. I’ve no must steal from the Empire,” Martel declared coldly. “Would you like the duty?”

Weasel stretched out his hand. “What are we in search of?”