Buried Too Deep Read Online Free Page A

another, sharing the sadness of it. Ever since Titch first came to work for me years ago as a young horse-boy, his ambition had always been to join the cavalry. He’d enlisted as soon as he was old enough, and by all accounts had made an excellent trooper, quick-thinking and brave. He’d been commended on a battlefield by a general, and had already been rewarded with promotion beyond most young men of his age. He’d done, in fact, just what we’d all expected of him. If he had to leave his chosen career, it didn’t bear thinking about.
    I searched for something helpful to say. “Maybe Timaeus can find the right treatment for him.”
    “I doubt it, if the army doctors can’t. They’re the best medics in the Empire.”
    “They are, but none of them are better than Timaeus. We mustn’t give up hope. Was he wounded in battle?”
    “Aye, in a scrap with some barbarians north of the frontier. Apparently his unit was ambushed, and the standard-bearer was killed by an arrow. Victor saw the standard fall on the ground. He galloped over to it, and had to dismount and drop his shield to pick it up, and while he was down two native horsemen came at him. He’s been trained to fight on foot of course, we all are. But you’re easy meat for mounted men when that happens, especially with no shield. He was knocked unconscious, still hanging onto the standard though, and two of his mates came and got him away, standard and all. Only by that time someone’s horse had trampled on his shield-arm, above the elbow.”
    “Broke it, presumably?”
    “Well and truly. And damaged the nerves, they think, because although the bone’s mended nicely, he’s got no use in his left hand now. He can’t hardly move the fingers of it. That’s what his commander says.”
    “If he saved the standard, he’s a real hero. You must be proud of him.”
    “I am, very proud. But sad too, mind.”
    “So am I. Well, you know there’s a job for Victor here, for as long as he likes. It won’t be what he wants, I realise that, but perhaps it’ll give him a breathing-space while he…” I trailed off. While he what? Got better? Or didn’t get better, but came to terms with being a civilian? “…while he finds something else,” I finished lamely.
    “Thanks, that’s a start, I suppose. But you’re right, it won’t be what he really wants. I hate to think what this’ll do to him. His officer says he’s taken it hard.”
    “He’s tough, though. Tough and smart.”
    “Often it’s worse for the strong ones.” Secundus had a faraway look, perhaps remembering injured comrades from his own army days. “Well, we must all do what we can to help.”
    “You can count on it.”
    I finished my rounds and went into my study to do some paperwork, but I found I was restless and couldn’t settle to it. In all truth it doesn’t take much to distract me from dealing with bills and orders, but the bad news about Titch, and the odd request by Timaeus’ patient to talk to me, gave me food for thought. I was relieved when a knock at my door gave me an excuse to put down my stylus.
    Young Spurius stood there, slightly out of breath. “Please, Mistress, Father says can you come at once? The man with the bad leg has woken up.”
    I hurried over to the doctor’s house. In front of it a small carriage was drawn up, and the driver was helping down a young man with his right arm in a makeshift sling. From his appearance he was a native, but a well-to-do one wearing good Roman-style clothing, and a lovely tooled leather sword-belt, but no sword of course. From his white face and clenched mouth, his arm was hurting him badly.
    Spurius opened the door for him. “The doctor is this way. I’ll tell him you’re here.” He led the way in, and called out, “Father! Another patient!”
    Timaeus appeared and greeted the new arrival. “Timaeus is my name. I’m the doctor. Come through into my work-room.”
    “Thank you. My name’s Coriu. I’m guard captain to