"It'll be your job to fix that particular problem."

The words of the new Princeps Peregrinorum stuck in his mind. So, Quintus was to investigate why Catalus Aemilius was no longer leader of the frumentarii. There had been surprise among the frumentarii when they had heard the news that Lucius Valerius Flaccus would be leading them - although Quintus had had some advance warning of this. Like any decent spy, he'd already opened the message before he had delivered it. It never did to be underprepared.

Outside, the other frumentarii gossipped amongst themselves. They wondered about their new commander, and why he was there - so do I, thought Quintus, except that I've got to find out. His colleagues quizzed him on the meeting.

"Hey, what did you two get told of for? Drunk on duty again, Quintus?"

"But what could Faustus Sulla have done wrong. He's a good man, served his time."

"Exactly, served his time. Perhaps our new master wants to sweep out the old and put in his new men. Us old guard won't get a look in."

Quintus decided to speak at last. "As much as you would all like to hear it, I haven't been disciplined for anything. And neither has Faustus Sulla. He's going to be Centurio Occidentali, and I'm going to be an aide to the Princeps Peregrinorum."

"You? Drinking partner more like!"

"Times are changing," replied Quintus. "Us new men are on the way up. Now excuse me, please gentlemen, I have work to do."

He walked off to scoffs and good-natured taunts. Quintus Tullius Flaminius rising up the ranks? Either the new commander was a bad judge of character, or else Quintus was better than he looked.