Chapter 15: A Disagreement of Sorts
Tiberius unfolded his arms, studying the bard. He had no doubt that his phrasing was quite intentional. Yet even if he did not entirely understand what Marcus meant, he could still learn much from the piece of information.
At first, Tiberius had assumed Marcus was nothing more than a fop. That assumption hadn't been entirely disproven, to be fair. But the more he learned about him, the more he had to admit the man seemed strangely competent. So competent, in fact, that Tiberius wasn't sure whether it was to be believed—perhaps it was all a deliberate facade to make Marcus appear more knowledgeable and influential than he actually was.
Still, the explanation didn't make sense. It was shortsighted, for one, and meant that Marcus's act would come tumbling down as soon as his deceptions were discovered. Although the information his men could independently verify had all proven remarkably accurate so far. It also stood starkly at odds with the bard's claim that he didn't currently have any influence. Would it even benefit him to hide something like that?
Tiberius considered that for a moment. How severe was this "disagreement" between him and the king? Did it reach the level where one would consider inciting open rebellion? That would certainly explain Marcus's siding with the Legion, yet it still left too many questions. The man didn't strike him as a firebrand rebel, and though revolt may be easier to spark at the fringes of a territory, Habersville had thus far seemed to be a poor choice for such a thing. Not to mention that Marcus had not yet suggested open aggression toward Novara. If anything, knowing that the man had a bone to pick with Novara might make him seem more trustworthy, not less.
Tiberius spun the implications over in his mind, considering the potential fallout of any political maneuvering. It was entirely possible that he and his men were being manipulated, provided just the right information in the right light to nudge them down the path of some grander scheme. But even if that were the case… could he do anything about it right now?
Marcus had proven to be a valuable and accurate font of information thus far—something that they desperately needed in their current situation. That alone was enough to keep him around. And even if he were maneuvering them toward open war with Novara? Tiberius suspected that they would find themselves on a collision course with the country regardless. After all, he doubted they would take very kindly to a new empire establishing itself on their territory. Even one so great as Rome.
He'd hoped that his silence might prompt the bard to elaborate further, but was disappointed. Even a few more pointed questions did nothing more than make it clear that Marcus would say nothing more on the matter. He let out a long breath and nodded.
"Very well," Tiberius said. "Is there anything else?"
Marcus shrugged one shoulder. "No."