Chapter 24

Sardinia

The sprawling villa was, at first glance, opulent and over the top in the classic Italian style, which had become something of a melding of older pre-diaspora Roman style and follow-on Carthaginian styles melded together.

The closer Llassar got to the villa, however, the more signs of wear and age he could see. It was the kind of place built when there was great abundance, but was not kept up as the money disappeared. The decline wasn’t significant, the kind of thing that happens in bits through bad weather and mishaps.

Llassar wasn’t an expert on the upkeep of properties like this, but if he was to put a wager on it, he’d guess the money had run dry five years ago. A very suggestive time for the money to run out, but one that fit with what he’d learned about Nuraian.

If he was willing to sell out his neighbors to work as some kind of middleman for a corrupt Roman, he would definitely be willing to sell them out to the Carthaginians.

There was still enough money for servants, one of whom met Llassar as he arrived at the front gate and led him into a room that was a close approximation of the new Roman-style libraries that had become popular after the sudden introduction of mass-printed books that came with the Consul’s printing press and technologies for paper and binding. The name made sense, considering it was essentially a small personal version of the large repositories found in places like Alexandria, although it was a bit egotistical.

Which also made sense, considering it originated with the Romans.

Llassar looked across the books on the shelf closest to him, the majority of which were Britannian, which also made sense. Most books printed came out of Britannia; although the presses had started being sold in other regions, and books in Egyptian and Phoenician, which were still widely spoken and read across the pieces of their former empire, had also begun to pop up.

The man had spent some money on this collection, and based on the condition of the books, it had been fairly recently.

Llassar turned from the books as Nuraian walked in and demanded, “What are you doing here?”

“We haven’t spoken for some time, and I was hoping we could continue our discussion on Sardinia’s future.”

“There’s nothing to discuss. My stance hasn’t changed. Sardinia doesn’t need Britannia or its meddling.”

“It’s interesting you should say that.”

Nuraian clearly did not expect that answer because he paused, as if he was trying to figure out Llassar’s game.

“Why is it interesting?”

“I just couldn’t help but notice all of the shipments you have been receiving. It’s interesting just how many of them come from Britannian merchants, for someone who is so much against Britannian meddling. In fact, it’s really interesting how many of them come from the same Britannian merchant.”

“I’m ... not sure I know what you mean.”

“Really? Considering the amount of business you’ve been doing with Marcellinus, I’m surprised you don’t know who he is. I know I’d want to be aware of the name of a man I took shipment after shipment from.”

How Nuraian had managed to double deal as long as he had baffled Llassar. The planter’s face read like one of the books on the shelves, displaying fear, then worry, then feigned confusion that told Llassar exactly what he needed to know, without the man saying anything.

“I’m afraid I don’t follow,” Nuraian said. “What exactly are you implying?”

“I’m not implying anything. I’m stating facts. You’ve been receiving regular shipments from a Britannian merchant named Marcellinus. A man who, by all accounts, shouldn’t be doing business with someone so vehemently opposed to Britannian involvement in Sardinian affairs.”

“You’re mistaken. I’ve never heard of this Marcellinus. Perhaps you’ve confused me with someone else?”

“I’m sorry, but I believe I am not the one who is confused. Although I can see it would be difficult to grasp that your deceptions are finally at an end, the records are quite clear. As are the testimonies of your staff.”

“My staff? What nonsense is this?”

“Are you telling me you didn’t notice several of your servants going missing recently? A curious time for them to up and leave, wouldn’t you say?”

“People come and go. It’s hardly noteworthy.”

“Perhaps,” Llassar conceded. “But when those same people somehow found their way onto a Britannian warship in the harbor, under guard, all telling the same story which corroborates those documents, well ... then I would consider it noteworthy.”

“You bluff.”

“Often ... when I gamble, but not now. Your secrets are out, Nuraian. Marcellinus is in Britannian custody. He’s been quite forthcoming about his business partners.”

“This ... this is outrageous. You can’t just come in here and make these wild accusations!”

“Again, I am not making accusations. I am simply stating facts. It seems your business partner was quite the record keeper. We have shipping manifests, financial records, and eyewitness accounts, all of which tell the same story.”

Nuraian’s face drained of color. He must have been trying to think of how Llassar knew Marcillanius’s name, or how he knew anything about his activities. He also looked like he wanted to bolt. Although, where the man thought he could go on an island that could be made aware of his treachery at any moment, was beyond Llassar.

The Sardinian’s composure crumbled as the reality of his situation sank in. Llassar allowed the silence to stretch, giving Nuraian time to fully grasp the precariousness of his position.

“What do you want?” Nuraian finally asked.

“Don’t sound so down, Nuraian, I have no desire to see you ruined publicly.”

“Why should I believe that?”