"01 - The Cutting Edge 1.0" - читать интересную книгу автора (Duncan Dave)

personal signifer would be in line for heady promotions, even a consulship,
perhaps. That long-lost political career was back on the table again. In fact it
was shining brighter than it had ever done.
Sudden caution warned Ylo that politics had turned out to be more dangerous for
his family than soldiering ever had. What he wanted now was a little security in
his life. Yet ...
Revenge? To serve this man would be a betrayal of his ancestors, his parents,
his brothers ...
Or would it be a sweeter revenge? And the opportunities for murder would be
unlimited, day and night.
Confused, he muttered, "You couldn't trust me!"
The prince had probably read every thought in that hesitation. "You have the
legion's standard; you have earned it, and no one can question your loyalty to
the Impire. For the rest, I will accept your word."
Ylo stuttered and then blurted out, "Why?"-which was almost a capital offense in
the army.
The legate frowned. "I was in Guwush when it happened, Signifer. I disapproved.
It was a bloody, inexcusable massacre! I tried to stop it. Can you accept my
word on that?"
Such words would be treason on any other lips. And he had no need to lie. He did
not seem to be lying.
To Ylo's astonishment his own voice said, "Yes, sir. I believe you."
"And I would like to make what small recompense I can. Can you believe that?"
Ylo must have nodded, because the legate rose, and Ylo reeled to his feet, also.
He laid down his goblet and lurched forward to accept the cape being offered.
Surely the Gods had gone crazy?
"I appoint you my signifer, Ylo of the Yllipos!" the legate said solemnly. He
pulled a face. "My grandfather will have a litter of piglets!"
There was no safe reply to that remark. Ylo was incapable of saying anything
anyway. What had he fallen into? And how? A curious gleam shone in the prince's
eye. "I hate being devious. You must be the senior surviving male in your
family? If you want to claim the name and style yourself Yllipo, then now is the
time to do it! "
That would be a direct slap at the imperor's face. That would be a spit in his
eye. It might even be illegal, or treasonous. That was much too dangerous!
Fortunately Ylo had a good excuse to hand. He found his voice. "I may have an
aged uncle still alive somewhere, sir, I think." An outlaw, of course,
attaindered and penniless.
"He is not likely to dispute your claim, though?"
"No, sir ... but I would hate him to hear of it. "
The prince nodded gravely. "The sentiment does you honor! Ylo it is then. Your
duty is always to the imperor, then to me, then to the legion, in that order.
But you will never find those loyalties in conflict."
He was very sure of his own motives, Ylo thought. He himself was not. In fact he
was a lot less sure of them than he'd been ten minutes ago. Why had he accepted?
And Yllipo? Why should the prince imperial suggest a bravado like that?
What had Ylo won this day? A consulship, or revenge? If he played his hand right
...
For a moment longer the legate studied his new aide-was he having doubts? But
then he held out a hand to shake. Unable to believe this was happening, Ylo took