The Cutting Edge Read Online Free Page A

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 it.
    "I mourn my cousin deeply," the prince said, "but I welcome you in his stead. I think it was not only the God of Battle who was with us out there today, Signifer. I think the God of Justice was busy, also. "
    Tears sprang suddenly into Ylo's eyes.
    He wondered if he had just given away his soul.
5
    The terrible day was not over-indeed, it had barely started. Ylo staggered out of the legate's tent into blinding heat, although the hour was shy of noon. The army did not consider a major battle any reason to slacken discipline. The camp lay spread out around him, rows of tents straight as javelins in all directions. On the outskirts, exhausted legionary grunts were digging the encircling vallation. The centurions' screamed threats drifted in faintly. Well, there was the first blessing . . .
    "You have your own duties to attend to." Shandie had dismissed him with those words, but what in the Name of Evil did they mean?
    The massive centurion accosted Ylo again and saluted. He had replaced the missing sandal.
    Bewildered, Ylo returned the salute and only then realized that he was holding the slain signifer's cape.