Petronius stood in the antechamber and fumed. He had been kept waiting by Medraut. It didn’t help that he realised that he would have done the same if the positions had been reversed. Medraut was of an old lineage, his ancestors had all been the most important chief amongst the Votadini and his father and grandfather had been kings, Petronius had expected better of him.
After another hour Petronius wandered over to the hallway at the far end and seriously considered leaving. This behaviour towards him was an insult. However he steeled himself and instead just looked out over the walls, which enclosed a courtyard, towards the distant hills. As the sun reached the horizon, the door at the other end of the antechamber opened and a servant came in.
“My Lord will see you now, please follow me.”
Petronius did so and was led into a chamber in which was a table. Medraut sat behind the table with an old woman, whom Petronius assumed was his mother, stood at his shoulder. Petronius inclined his head
“My Lord, My Lady”
Niniane inclined her head in response as did Medraut. Nothing was said for a few moments then Medraut spoke.
“I will not apologise for keeping you waiting for so long. However the fact that you did so means that the matter which you wish to discuss with me is of importance, at least to you. What do you wish to discuss?”
“My Lord Medraut” began Petronius
“This matter of trade has rested between us for too long.”
He paused
“However I accept that it was started by the charges which I imposed on trade passing through Lindum. If our positions had been reversed I would also have reopened the route along the Trisantona.”
Medraut raised an eyebrow but said nothing, he waved a hand to indicate that Petronius should continue.
“It did cross my mind to have you assassinated, however I would have been too obvious an instigator of such an event. The result would at least have been my lady (here Petronius inclined his head towards Niniane) seeking revenge and probably the other Lords on the Council would also have taken steps against me.”
Medraut still said nothing but Niniane inclined her head as if in agreement.
Petronius paused again and then continued
“In my wishes to maintain my income, I fear that I have made a serious mistake. Those whom I have left in charge of Lindum ,whilst I lead my troops with Artos to Gallia, are competent enough but would not have the authority to undo what I have set in place.”
Medraut stirred
“What do you mean?”
Petronius smiled wryly
“In my greed I have awarded some contracts to those to whom such contracts should not have been awarded. The worst of these is to whom I awarded the contract for the upkeep of the roads in the area of my jurisdiction. The roads in and near to Lindum have been maintained well. However those along which I do not usually travel have not been.”
Petronius sighed
“Troops and roads are the two things which should be well maintained. I have done so with my troops but not with the roads. My troops also have issues. Not one of my senior leaders were willing to tell me about the state of the roads. I can sort that matter out whilst I accompany Artos.”
“You actually do intend to go to Gallia then?” interjected Medraut.
“Sa” replied Petronius.
“I said that I would and in military matters at least, my word is to be kept. I realise that we will never agree on much, too much has happened, however I will sign over civilian authority of Lindum to you for the time I am with Artos.”
Petronius smiled
“I doubt that those I have left in charge will complain, they are administrators who would keep things running. Even if I gave them the freedom to change things they would not!”
Medraut leaned forward
“So you wish me to do your dirty work in stopping those contracts. Why should I be willing to help you?”
Petronius spread his hands wide
“I cannot give you a simple answer. However there are storms stirring to the East, it may take years for them to reach us, but reach us they will. Roads will need to be maintained in order to counter such storms, even the time I am away would be time wasted if not used to rectify the situation.”
Medraut nodded
“I, too, have heard the rumours to which you have alluded.”
He looked at his mother, who nodded.
“Very well but I will retain control of the civilian administration of Lindum even when you do return. I trust you only in military matters.”
Petronius’ face darkened but he controlled himself.
“So be it, have you a scribe available?”
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I'm mildly surprised that no one has commented about the name Iohanus Paulinus. However perhaps his OTL equivalent has finally vanished into obscurity (except to those of us of a certain age
).
