Chapter 9: Old Women Spy Network
Marcus straightened and peered up at the guards—no, Legionnaires, he corrected himself. They hated being called guards. Sextus seemed to consider him for a second.
"Hmm…" The man stroked his chin. "Depends. I want to hear these accents. I wouldn't suppose you'd be willing to grace us with one of those famed stories of yours first?"
Cassius elbowed his companion. "Fool. Didn't he just say he was busy? What, are your ears stuffed full of hemp?"
Marcus gave a dramatic sigh. "Alas, Cassius speaks true. I only have so much time before I must return." He shook his head regretfully. "The whims of your officers are not to be denied lightly."
"That's for sure," Cassius grumbled. "Come on through."
The men waved to someone below and the gate rumbled open. Normally, it would have stayed open during the daytime, as the most dangerous beasts of the forests only tended to emerge at night. However, with how new the Legionnaires were to the area, Tiberius had seen fit to exercise a bit of extra caution.
As Marcus headed through, he heard Cassius call again from above. "Stop by our fire tonight, Marcus! I'll regale you with the story of Romulus and Remus. It's a classic that you're sure to enjoy!"
Marcus considered it sincerely, but eventually shook his head. "While I appreciate the invitation, I expect that I'll be seeking my bed earlier than ever this night. But if not tonight, perhaps some other night."
With that, he stepped into Habersville. Or at least, what had been Habersville. The sight before him might as well have been a different town entirely.