Justina: Daughter of Spartacus (Justina Saga Book 1)

by Ryan Lew

  A soft knock came on the door. It opened, and Fabricius stuck his head inside. “I never thought this day would end,” he said. “Only thoughts of being in your arms aided long hours.” He walked over and picked Justina up off the bed. Despite herself, she put her arms around him and they kissed. When he put her down, he began to remove his top.

  Justina took hold of his top, pulling it back down. “No,” she said. “We must talk.” She sat down on the bed.

  Fabricius’ face grew worried. He pulled his top down and took a seat next to her. He tried to hold her hand, but she pulled away.

  “Apologies brother, but we can no longer do this.” Justina did not look at him when she spoke. She did not want him to see the tears.

  “What is it we cannot do?” Fabricius asked. “And why are you suddenly calling me brother?”

  Justina took a deep breath and turned to face Fabricius. Her tears were glistening on her cheeks. Fabricius looked worried. “Something has happened and I must leave this house. Your mother does not want me under this roof, and I must abide by her command.”

  “Mother does not want you here?” Fabricius asked, raising his voice. “This is as much your house as any of us. I shall speak to father in the morning and get to the bottom of this. You are not going anywhere.”

  “Do not!” Justina said quickly. “Please do not say a word to father. I am no longer wanted here. I must leave. I will take tomorrow to find proper shelter.”

  “Then I will leave house as well,” Fabricius said. “I will not let mother force wedge between us.”

  Justina stood. “Our relationship, or whatever this may be called must end. We were both foolish to think otherwise.”

  “Do you not love me? Did I not live up to my end of bargain? Have I not shown you the freedom you desire?”

  Justina took Fabricius’ hand and knelt beside him. “You have done all you promised and more.” she said gently. “You did not owe me affection and love, and yet I gladly accepted it. But it is best if we simply look upon past with fond memories.”

  “Do you not love me?” Fabricius asked again. “Tell me you do not. Let me hear you say it, and I will find way to accept your words. But I must hear it from your own lips.”

  “I do love you. With all my heart.”

  “Then I cannot accept your decision,” Fabricius said.

  Justina stood and let go of his hand.

  “You are not a slave to do as commanded,” Fabricius continued, standing. “You are a Roman. You have voice! You are free!”

  “I am not free,” Justina said and turned away. “I am a slave.”

  Fabricius stood. “What are you saying? You are Roman. We all must listen to our parents, even when we don’t agree. That doesn’t mean we are slaves.”

  “You don’t understand,” Justina said softly.

  “You are correct,” Fabricius barked. “I do not understand! Tell me! Turn and talk to me Justina!”

  Justina suddenly turned. “I am the daughter of Spartacus!”

  Fabricius stood there, eyes wide, mouth open.

  “I am the daughter of a slave,” Justina said, tears flowing. “Not Legatus as false lips would spew. My father was Slave King Spartacus. I am a slave.”

  “That cannot be,” Fabricius said. “Who told you of such fable?”

  “The Medicus,” Justina explained, “On his last breath. Cato confirmed this past afternoon.”

  Fabricius looked down at the floor for the longest time. Finally, he took a deep breath. “I do not care. I only know the person in front of me, not her blood father. I would still have you even if you found yourself shackled.”

  Justina’s heart was pierced, but her head knew better. “You are a centurion in the Roman Army. You serve under Caesar. We live in the heart of Rome. And yet you do not care if people know you are with the daughter of Spartacus? Do not be foolish. Our love is strong, but reality is stronger.”

  Fabricius took a step closer. Justina looked at his face, it was pleading with her, wanting her. She couldn’t help herself. She walked to him, threw her arms around his neck, and kissed him hard. He slipped his arms around her and drew her into him. He held her tightly. She felt safe in his arms. They kissed again and again. Then she pulled away.

  “I will be fine,” she said to him. “Maybe some time down the road if our paths cross, we can see what future brings. Tomorrow, I look for new shelter, and the following morning, I leave these walls forever.” She started to remove the necklace from around her neck, where it had been ever since he gave it to her.

  “No,” he said. “Please keep that. I would have you remember me and what we had. It was gift from loving brother.”

  Justina smiled. Fabricius turned and walked to the door. He turned and looked at Justina one more time. She smiled at him through teary eyes. He turned and left.

  Atilius couldn’t believe what he had just heard. He and Lucilius had returned from patrol and were headed to their room when they heard voices coming from Justina’s room. Her door was ajar. When the revelation came, Lucilius had pushed Atilius into their room and shut the door behind them.

  “Do my ears deceive me?” Atilius said. “This cannot be true. My brother beds slave king’s daughter.”

  “Lower voice or risk discovery,” Lucilius cautioned. “I knew there was something different about her, as did you. She is nothing but a slave trying to play Roman.”

  Atilius was still in shock. “My brother and Justina together?” he repeated. “Mother must have discovered this secret, and that is why she removes Justina from house. It is about time family came to senses. I would hope Cato to follow her.”

  While Atilius was thinking only of his immediate future, Lucilius was much more forward in his thinking. “You know, Atilius,” he said. “Now that you are part of the Roman Army, this could be a huge boost to your career. What would the senate think of new recruit who brings in the daughter of the most hated man in Roman history? The city would chant your name. You could even find yourself rise through the ranks faster than your brother.”

  Lucilius’ surprised Atilius. “Turn Justina in to the senate?” He sat down on his new bed. “I like that idea. She has played this family for fools long enough.” He looked up at Lucilius. “Would there be any backlash for our family harboring such a fugitive?”

  “I do not see how. But let me make inquires tomorrow when on patrol. I will make sure that only rewards come to this family. If not, she leaves anyway and you are rid of unwanted slave. Let us meet tomorrow night to discuss plans.”

  Lucilius began to ready himself for sleep. Atilius just sat on the bed, his head filled with the awards and accolades he would soon receive.

  Chapter 52

  MAY 2, 55 BC

  Pompey thought he had the votes. He didn’t. And now Crassus was the Governor of Roman Syria. This was bound to change things, bound to affect his relationship with Caesar. It was a gamble he thought he had covered. He wasn’t sure what happened. Most of the senate had already left by the time Caesar entered. Pompey remained, sitting in the same seat he had occupied during the disastrous vote. Caesar walked over to Pompey.

  “I am not one for company,” Pompey said.

  “I do not plan on staying long,” Caesar said and sat down. “You do not look happy, my friend. Did the vote not turn out as you had wished?”

  Pompey ignored Caesar, but it was suddenly clear to him why the vote had passed.

  “You must have thought private meetings with certain senators would sway influence your way. I too, took private meetings with votes that could be swayed. I guess I am the better politician. I know I am the better general.”

  Pompey finally looked at Caesar. “Better general? I think not. We both fought many wars, yet the one that will always stand out on record is my victory over Spartacus. The war Crassus could not squash.”

  “You mean the war you take credit for. Crassus had done all except put final dagger in slave king’s heart. You take false credit to boost your st
anding. Crassus being the great strategist allowed credit to go to you as he felt you would make better ally at the time.” Caesar waited for Pompey to respond. He didn’t. “You could not even do the job properly.”

  Pompey turned and faced Caesar. “To what do you refer?” he asked. “Spartacus is long dead.”

  “Then why does news hit ears once again of the slave king?”

  “I assure you,” Pompey said, “That slave is serving in chains in the afterlife.”

  “It is not the man I speak of, but his offspring who still walks among us. Just this morning, my Legatus was given information about a child that had Spartacus as her father. A child that yet lives.”

  “This cannot be,” Pompey said.

  “The child will be presented to the senate tomorrow morning. I would suggest you not be present, as it will certainly reflect poorly on you. You wouldn’t want to show the senate how you were unable to finish the job started.”

  Pompey glared at Caesar.

  “My soldier is to collect one thousand denarius as bounty placed almost twenty years ago by Crassus.”

  “Bounty was placed on head of Spartacus at one hundred thousand denarius,” Pompey said.

  “Yes and one hundred times less for any offspring. For a soldier, that is a small fortune.” Caesar stood. “I welcome her crucifixion in the days to come. One more reminder to the people of Rome of my superiority over you.”

  “Crassus shows support for both of our camps. Now with him set to leave Rome, those camps will be on short purse strings. I long for the day I can finally show who is the superior general,” Pompey said and stood. He positioned himself directly in front of Caesar. “I am no longer in need of Crassus’ support, nor do I give mine to him.”

  He turned to leave. He had made it down a couple of steps when Caesar spoke, “Do you not wonder how I knew which senators to bribe?” Pompey turned. “You have spies,” Caesar said. “I have better ones.”

  Pompey stood for a moment looking at Caesar. He suddenly let out a hardy laugh, then turned and walked away.

  Chapter 53

  When Atilius and Lucilius entered the dining room, Alba was already at the table. She smiled when she saw them. “Come, sit with me. Have some fruit.”

  As the two boys sat, Cato brought over cups and drink. Alba waited as he finished filling their cups. Instead of giving Cato his typical glare, Atilius was more intent on watching his mother, as she watched Cato.

  “Go and meet Livius at his shop,” she told Cato. “He is bringing home extra food and will need additional hands for assistance.”

  “Domina,” Cato said and bowed. He put the decanter on the table, walked into the kitchen, and then exited the house.

  “Should I go with him?” Atilius asked.

  “Do not be foolish,” Alba said. “Have you ever known your father to need help bringing back meats? This is opportunity to have Cato out of house when Justina arrives and, ultimately, leaves for good. I would not have opposition.”

  Atilius smiled. “So you finally remove fake sister from this house? My prayers answered.”

  “I cannot believe she had relationship with Fabricius,” Lucilius added. “It is good that you remove her for such reason.”

  “Fabricius was beguiled by the slave whore,” Atilius said.

  “You were aware of their arrangement?” Alba asked.

  “Only discovered yesterday through open door,” Atilius said.

  Alba looked at the two boys. “Might there be other discoveries made?”

  Atilius looked at Lucilius. He nodded his head. “We made discovery of Justina’s true past,” Atilius said, turning back to his mother. “She is not true Roman.”

  Alba smiled. “Then the three of us share common interest and goal. She is to leave this house and never return.”

  “With your permission,” Lucilius said, “I will aid in even further deed. Many years ago, the wealthy Crassus put a huge bounty on slave king’s head. I have come to learn today, that bounty, although smaller, remains on any heirs.”

  Alba’s interest was piqued. “What do you propose?”

  “If we were to bring Justina to the senate, they would pay us one thousand denarii. Of course, our Legatus would take his cut, but the bulk to be shared between your son and I. The accolades to be worth even more. This house celebrated.”

  Alba liked the sound of that, especially the last part. Herminius was already finding favor with Caesar, Fabricius a centurion, and now Atilius handing over descendant of hated slave. Prospects could not be better. She would not only be respected in the square, she would be acclaimed.

  “And what of Justina’s fate?” she asked.

  “She will be sentenced to the cross and dead within a few days. Rome will rejoice!”

  If this was going to happen, it had to be done quickly. Livius would never hear of it, even knowing the truth and Cato, well Cato might just fight to the death to defend the slave daughter. Alba turned to her son. “Your father and Cato will not be home for a couple hours. You must restrain Justina and take her some place away from here until you can deliver her tomorrow morning. Keeping her here will only cause conflict. I will make sure remaining slaves are confined to their quarters.”

  “Fabricius is on special patrol on the outskirts of Rome,” Lucilius said. “I heard Legatus ask for volunteers and Fabricius did so immediately. He won’t be back for hours.”

  “Justina arrives shortly,” Alba said. She stood and walked over to Atilius. “Be ready for her and be sure to handle this.” She kissed him on the forehead. “I am proud of you. All of my sons bring great pride to this house.”

  “She will not go easily,” Atilius said.

  “Offer to assist her in her move,” Alba said. “Tell her it will go more smoothly.”

  “She must be alive,” Lucilius cautioned. “We can wound her if necessary, in fact, it may look better for us bringing in a bloodied slave.”

  “Go,” Alba said. “Ready yourselves. I will take care of the house slaves.”

  Chapter 54

  The house was quiet. Too quiet. Justina went into the kitchen to find Cato, but he wasn’t there. None of the slaves were there. She walked down the hall to the sparring room, intent on taking the sword that had been given to her as a gift. It was there. She picked it up. When it was first given to her by her father, it had been too heavy. “You will grow into it,” he assured her. She did. Now the sword felt balanced in her hand, and she could easily wield it. She swiped the air a couple of times and smiled. Then she looked around the room. So much had happened here. Lately, it was where she was supposed to have gained her freedom. That would never happen.

  She found a place to live, a place that would take her until she could secure an income. It hadn’t been easy, and it was not in a nice part of town. Still, she would be able to disappear there, until she could decide what to do next. She left the sparring room and headed to her parent’s bedroom, hoping her father would not be there. She knew she wouldn’t be able to explain it to him, and she didn’t want to chance that Alba would tell him the truth. Alba would anyway. After she left, Alba would tell everyone the truth. She couldn’t bear her father looking at her with different eyes.

  When she arrived at the bedroom, she found Alba alone, sitting in the bed. “Gratitude Alba for your hospitality over the years. I have done as you commanded, and I leave at first light.”

  Alba waved her off. Justina turned to leave. Alba looked up just as she turned back around. “Where is Cato?” Justina asked.

  Alba smiled. “I sent him on an errand.”

  Justina headed to her room and did another check to make sure she had everything. She looked at the bed, recalling all the times she and Antonia had spent hours talking. Talking about their future. Talking about how wonderful their lives would be. She also remembered another night on that bed, a night which would be burned into her memory for all her life. A night of pure bliss. She hurried, placing her sword in the pack, wanting to leave before Fab
ricius came home.

  When she turned, she found Atilius and Lucilius in her doorway. She had hoped to be gone before they came home as well. The last thing she wanted was another confrontation.

  “We come to assist you with your things, sister,” Atilius said.

  “You think me the fool?” Justina said. “Get out of my way so I may leave and never see your foul faces again.”

  Atilius took a step into the room, blocking the doorway.

  “Don’t make this difficult,” Justina said.

  A sound came from the main room.

  “Who could that be?” Atilius asked.

  “I will go check,” Lucilius said. “You help your sister out.”

  It was clear Atilius wasn’t here to help her. If that were the case, there would be no reason for Lucilius to see who had just arrived. Justina lowered her pack, positioning her sword closer to her hand. “Step aside,” she said. “I do not have time for games.”

  “That is not going to happen, slave,” Atilius said, pulling out his sword. “We know who you truly are, Justina. And now Lucilius and I are for ransom placed on Spartacus and his seed’s head.”

  Justina smiled, dropped her bag, and pulled out her sword.

  Lucilius was surprised to see Fabricius in the main area. “You are back early,” he said.

  “The patrol was called off just as it started,” Fabricius said. “I am exhausted. Has Justina left?”

  “Brother, she has not,” Lucilius said. “Why don’t I accompany you to the training room to drop off your gear.”

  “My gear stays in my room,” Fabricius said. He looked around and saw the house was empty. No Cato, no slaves, no mother. In fact, the house was unusually quiet. “Where is Cato?”