Chapter EighteenSamuel’s booth in the marketplace
“Not so fast with your closing up, oil-seller.”
Samuel looked up and saw Publius standing before him, “You want the oil for the barracks?”
“You said you would have it today,” he replied sharply, glancing around. Eli’s sons were watching, and Samuel’s assistant was bringing out the first of four amphorae of oil.
“The supply from my other source arrived earlier today and to prevent this shortage occurring again my son has gone to negotiate yet another supplier.”
“Good,” Publius said gruffly, conscious that the people from the next booth were watching. Turning to the two soldiers with him, he told them, “The oil is ready. Go hire a couple of donkeys with carriers and bring them back.”
“Could we not just requisition them?”
“We could if t
