Talbot Mundy

“ Hourly he awaits the news of Cæsar's death! The stars, whose symbolism never lies, inform me that Cæsar is already dead, and the news will reach Gades tonight! But if Balbus lives, he will blame others for the murdering of Cæsar. Therefore, Balbus shall die, too! ”

“ And I tell you, Tros, you would do well to consider it."
"I am an opportunist," Tros said. "I will do whatever fortune indicates."
"I objected to murdering Balbus," Orwic went on, "but the Romans invaded Britain. They killed our men. And he said Balbus is doomed anyhow but, according to his reading of the stars, if he should be killed by the prince from a far country who steps out of the ship with the purple sails, it will mean the end of Roman rule in all Spain and Gaul. Whereas, if he is killed by a common murderer, no good will come of it." ”

“ The magician's dark eyes seemed to be trying to read into his very soul, but Tros knew nothing better than that men of genuine spiritual power are careful never to display the outward signs of it and, above all, never to distress strangers with a penetrating stare. ”

“ There is only a small guard at Balbus' house at night—not more than twenty or thirty men. You have, I think, two hundred and fifty men who could hide in the quarry and at a signal overwhelm the guard."
Simon was growing restless, trying to catch Tros' eye and warn him against being caught in any such network of intrigue, but Tros trod on his foot to signal to him to keep still. Orwic, who knew no Greek, was walking about the room examining strange ornaments. The Egyptian after a pause continued:
"Balbus, who envies Cæsar, has sent emissaries into Gaul to murder him! ”

“ This must be the man our Lord Druid might have sent you to if you had only listened—made me a proposal—slip the Eskualdenak ashore—he says he knows how to manage that—hide that—in a place he'll show me—kill Balbus tonight—lead an uprising against the Romans—carry the rebellion into Gaul—no need then to go to Rome—we'll keep the Romans' hands too full to invade Britain!"
Tros snorted. One sniff was enough. There was a woman smell on Orwic's clothes.
"Magic works many ways," he remarked, and then thought of the curtains behind him. ”

“ If he shall grant me the first favor that I ask and faithfully perform it, then I will let him guide me in this matter. But if he shall quibble with me or refuse or, having promised, fail to do what I shall ask, then no. So, let the gods decide! ”