To wars also I looked to advance me in the future, who was no courtier, but a soldier, whom circumstances had brought to Court.

Well, thanks to Martina, as she said, or to some caprice of the Empress, I had a new commission that was of more worth to me than her random kisses, and I would go to read it.
Read it I did in the little private room upon the palace wall which was mine as captain of the Augusta's guard, though, being written in Greek, I found this difficult.

Martina had spoken truly.

I was made the Governor of the State prison, with all authority, including that of life and death should emergency arise.

Moreover, this governorship gave me the rank of a general, with a general's pay, also such pickings as I chose to take.