In for a Penny
The Consul of Wroxeter was so impressed with Arthur and his speedy work that he granted the men five days rest and tossed silver denarii to the Sarmatians. When Galahad caught the coin, he held it tight. He had plans for his money. He thought of buying a green apple, packing a lunch for two, and asking Tristan if he’d show him how to distinguish foliage broken by a man from foliage broken by an animal. Perhaps it was time for Galahad to offer out his own blade, laden with tart treasures, to see if the scout would bite.
But when he glanced at the coin, he frowned. It was bronze, not silver, and instead of the profile of “some Roman cunt” as Bors liked to say, there was a picture of two people. The man was reclined on a bed, arm thrown over his head in ecstasy. A woman knelt over him with her mouth on his cock. Galahad blinked, rubbing his thumb over the coin and looking again.
“This isn’t a denarius,” Galahad muttered to Gawain.
“Spotted that did you?” Galahad did his best not to jump when Tristan’s voice hit his ear. When had the scout moved so close? “It seems our scouting lessons aren’t a waste of time.”
Galahad glared at the scout. “What-”
“It’s a spintria.” Gawain held up his own, which featured a woman riding a man, her legs resting on his shoulders. “You can go to the pleasure houses and spend them on games or…”
“Or what?” Galahad could feel the flush in his cheeks. It didn’t help that the other knights had marked the conversation now.
“Or ask one of the scortum for their services.”
“The scortum?”
“Whores, pup.” Tristan grabbed his wrist, snatching the coin from his fingers. “You hand a girl this and she’ll flip that pretty little skirt up and get to work.”
“The consul paid us in whores?”
“In pleasure.” Tristan sniffed. “Though you’ve no use for it. You won’t even take it for free when Vanora’s new helper presses her tits to your shoulder when pouring your ale.”
Galahad felt his blush spread. He hated that girl. Hated how she always seemed to expect him to enjoy it. Hated how she never stopped, even when Tristan started teasing. He looked up at Tristan, hating the way those brown eyes scrutinized him. “Are you often given these coins?”
“Often enough. You can buy them at the houses too if you have the denarii for it.” Lancelot admired his coin. “Look at the cock on this one, he must have known I’d catch it, eh?”
“Your cock’s so small it fits on a coin? No wonder you have to pay for your cunny.” Bors grinned. Lancelot narrowed his eyes.
“Alright, pup, you know what they are. Are you going to spend yours or fret at it?” The tone in Tristan’s voice made Galahad pause. The scout held the coin he’d stolen aloft. “If you don’t want it, I’m sure I can make good use of it.”
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