The Centurion - 21. Chapter 21

Chapter Eight:

Conspiracies Revealed

Perils did not want to be friends with the Centurions. He wanted to enslave them. Jason had been a part of that plan, but it now was clear that he was going to have to be an unwilling partner in it.

With the arrival of Jason Argot to Domus the problem facing Perils was what to do with the Eastern and Western Field Marshals. Usually the generals fought the wars while the Field Marshals ruled from Domus. The pair tended to vote as a block, making Xavier a useless but expensive ally. Still, as useless as Xavier was, Perils was betting his future on the leader of the Home Guard.

“I would prefer you come to me. I don’t appreciate your people snickering each time I come to your house,” Xavier grunted as he entered Perils’ study.

“How is your health?” Perils asked instead of answering Xavier’s question.

“I am fine... but that does not change that I turn 39 next month.”

I know... that is why we need to act now. Gorr is only 36 and Lukas is 38. I don’t want those two selecting your replacement when

you finally die.” “Well, unless you find a way for me to live longer there is nothing we can do.”

“We can kill them,” Perils said bluntly.

“Kill... how?” Xavier asked, his interest peaked.

“There are ways to kill them...accidents can happen. If both of them die close enough to each other before replacements can be found you will be able to choose whomever you want.”

“I see... you will give me full control?”

“Yes,” Perils said with a slight smile as if what he offered was just a minor prize.

“But you know if the Eastern and Western armies were to ever find out that we killed their leaders we would have a civil war on our hands?”

“We better make sure that no one finds out then,” Perils warned.

“Do you have a plan?” Xavier moved closer.

“Don’t I always...” Perils sighed, seeing that Xavier was either too stupid or too greedy to turn against him. “Tomorrow the Eastern army will march through the city. You and the other two Field Marshals will be in the grandstand watching as General Darius presents his troops. As leader of the Home Guard it will be you who will leave the stand to hand the general his baton of victory. At that moment Jadoorians, disguised as Famulus will attack, killing both Field Marshals.”

“How will Jadoorians even get close to the grandstand?”

“They will be the Famulus serving them,” Perils said with a straight face.

“But that means they will have to be my servants!”

“Yes... Since you are well known for abusing them who else but your servants would do such a thing, . The public would not be surprised to see them revolt. Your Home Guards have also been told to be slow in coming to the Field Marshals’ defense.”

“But my men will be executed!”

“No...” Perils smiled wickedly.

“No?” Xavier asked confused.

“Your men will not be punished because you will take personal responsibility for your men’s action.”

Then I will be executed!” Xavier said shocked.

“No you won’t.” Perils said patiently. “I will make sure that the Senate shows mercy. You will only receive a public flogging.”

“And why should I agree to this humiliation?”

“Because after you are punished you will be free to pick whatever sycophants you want to be Field Marshals. You will be the one with the power,” Perils took a seat.

“Yes, but only a year or two to enjoy it.”

“Count yourself lucky. Most Centurions never rise above being a grunt. You, on the other hand, will have the power to bring Domus to its rightful place in the world. If you do the Legatio will be writing songs and poems about Xavier the Great for generations to come.”

“Fine... I will agree to your plan, but remember once I have the power I will no longer be your stooge. I will have your respect, Legatio!”

“Of course... your imperial majesty.” Perils gave the Field Marshal a mocking bow.