Oracle Dreams Trilogy

by Teri Barnett

  “What’s the matter?” Clarus whispered beside her. “You look as if you’ve seen the dead come back to life.”

  “And so I have,” Valerie murmured. She realized she had very little time before the volcano would release its fury on the unsuspecting city.

  “What in Zeus’s name are you two yammering about?” Stella huffed as she stopped to catch her breath.

  “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” She looked down into Clarus’ face and saw a flicker of fear in her large brown eyes. There was no need to alarm the child. She patted her on the head. “At least it smells better than boiling rodents. Don’t you agree?”

  Clarus smiled, nodding. “Most anything smells better than that!” With a hop and a skip, she ran off toward Stella.

  Valerie hurried along to catch up with the pair, her cane making a hollow thumping sound against the stone pathway. “I was wondering, Stella,” she called, “what will we prepare next? Earthworm stew?”

  Stella drew herself up as they continued down the street. “I’ve heard enough complaining from the two of you. Behave yourselves or I’ll have a talk with Julius. He’ll straighten you both out.”

  The woman was constantly holding the threat of a beating over their heads.

  How can people slip into cruelty so easily?

  She thought of Christos and realized that in his case, his wife’s betrayal had had a lasting impact.

  I’m sorry…I would never hurt you.

  She had to stop thinking of Christos and concentrate on escaping.

  A small child ran past, giggling. Unconsciously, Valerie braced herself for an attack. The girl kept going, though, oblivious to her presence. She let down her guard a little and continued to watch the child for a moment. The girl’s long black hair flew behind her, so wild and carefree.

  Valerie sighed, reminded of all the summers spent with her family at her Grandmother’s country home when she was young and still able to run. Before the accident, she had felt as free as a flying bird when she raced through the bright yellow and green meadows of the hills and through the purple beds of heather. She shook her head. She was being ridiculous again. None of that mattered now.

  Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice the dark shadow the sunlight cast on the wall behind her. It approached steadily, then lunged, jarring her with a sharp jab to her back. Valerie stumbled, grinding the tip of her cane into the dirt. Ready to defend herself, she turned around, expecting to find a threatening crowd. Instead, she found Julius.

  “Just wanted to let you know you’re not alone. In case you thought you’d be able to get away with anything.”

  “And, pray tell, what do you suppose I’d be trying to get away with?”

  He studied his fingernails. “Mmmm, maybe escaping.”

  “And where did you get the idea I would even want to escape?” Valerie asked, feigning innocence. “Especially considering how well the Pompeiians have treated me.” She turned to follow after Stella and Clarus. Julius grabbed her arm.

  “Stella’s right. You do think you’re too good. I’m thinking you need to be taught a lesson.” He raised a hand and Valerie steeled herself, ready to dodge, but he simply rubbed his chin.

  She let her breath out slowly.

  What am I turning into?

  Every time a person came near, she expected some sort of attack. She needed to be strong if she were going to get herself out of this mess.

  Taking a deep breath, she drew herself up. “What gives you, or anyone else for that matter, the right to judge what I need? I’ve had enough of you men and your little lessons.” Valerie stared hard into Julius’ eyes, exasperation filling her. “I’m not a schoolgirl who needs a nanny to make her behave.” She waved her hand and started walking after Stella and Clarus. “Please. Why can’t you just leave me alone?”

  “Because I don’t like you.” He shook a meaty fist in the air. “You’ll pray to the gods for mercy before I’m finished with you. I promise you that!” Just then, a wagon came speeding down the street. With a yell, Julius jumped back and landed in the drainage ditch on the side of the road. Red-faced he got back up.

  Clarus glanced over her shoulder at the commotion. Her eyes grew wide as Valerie caught up with her. “You’re in trouble for sure. Look what happened to Julius.”

  Valerie turned around. She was certain Julius considered himself to be a great and noble warrior, but the sight of him wiping mule manure from his backside made her giggle. “Perhaps Sir Julius should be more careful where he sits.”

  “That’s enough, you two,” Stella interrupted. “Julius is a fine man and I won’t listen to you making fun of him.”

  Clarus and Valerie glanced at each other and the child rolled her eyes. “I think Stella has feelings for Julius,” Clarus whispered. “I’ve seen him climb the stairs to her loft many a night.”

  “You can’t be serious!” Valerie exclaimed. The image of the tall, burly guard and the wide, sweaty woman just didn’t fit in Valerie’s mind. She shrugged. Perhaps some things were beyond understanding.

  Like traveling through time…

  The trio turned a corner, leaving the tightly set houses of Christos’s insula, and entered the wide expanse of the Forum market. On both sides, booths with brightly colored awnings were situated, proudly displaying each of the vendor’s wares.

  “How about a nice scarf for your mistress?” one of the merchants shouted.

  “They don’t want your trash,” another man yelled. “Come over here. I sell only the finest garments.”

  Valerie ignored the vendors, intent on keeping up with Stella and Clarus. She tried to hurry, but they moved much more easily than she over the rock-paved streets and had already gone on ahead to the food stalls.

  “How ‘bout a fortune? I could tell your fortune, you know.”

  Valerie froze. That voice! Slowly, she turned around. An old woman approached her from the depths of an alley. It couldn’t be, could it? “Hekate? Is it really you?”

  “Who else would it be?” Hekate chuckled and her cloudy brown eyes sparkled. “A ghost?”

  “How did you get here?” Valerie’s head swam, and she leaned against a stuccoed stone wall for support. “Were you trapped in the earthquake, too?”

  “Course not.” Hekate waved a gnarled hand. “I knew it was coming.”

  “But how?”

  “I have my ways…” Her eyes glinted into Valerie’s. “I see something in your eyes I don’t see last time. You meet someone?”

  Valerie blushed.

  “Ah, I knew it would be so. This is good. Maybe young lady never go back to her world. Maybe she want to stay in Pompeii forever?”

  “I can’t stay forever. You know what’s going to happen within a week. The city will be destroyed, thousands of people killed.” Valerie grabbed the old woman’s hand. “Tell me, how do I get back to my own time? How do I find 1865 again?”

  Hekate pursed her lips, the motion serving to accentuate the heavy wrinkles lining her tanned face. “I cannot tell.”

  “You can’t, or you won’t?” Valerie watched the other woman closely, her eyes narrowed. “You must travel back and forth all the time, from the looks of it. How do you do it?”

  “I don’t like your tone.” Despite the heat, the old woman pulled her tattered shawl close around her shoulders. “As I say, I have my ways. Problem is, they can’t be yours. The traveling is different for everyone. You must find your own path.”

  “My own path?” Valerie ran her free hand over the roughhewn cedar of her cane. “How do I find it when I haven’t the faintest idea how I got here?”

  “Ah, now, it’s like I say before, too. You starting to grow up now. It’s good for you to be on your own. Have faith. You’ll figure it out.” She tapped her chest and raised a finger to the heavens. “The heart lead the way for you, but you got to pay atten
tion to what it says.”

  “The heart? My heart?”

  “Si. The path of the heart.” Hekate gently patted Valerie’s cheek, then turned to leave. “I go now. Just so you know, your family is good.”

  “Please. Don’t leave me!” Valerie tried to hurry after her, but she stumbled and fell to the hard, stone pavement. By the time she got back up again, the old woman had already disappeared into the shadows of the alley.

  “Follow your heart,” Hekate’s voice floated to her from the darkness. “It get you home.”

  Valerie leaned back against the wall. Tears welled in her eyes. “Please Lord,” she whispered, a heavy ache filling her soul. “I want to go home. Please show me the path.” Still leaning against the wall for support, she drew herself up and, spotting Clarus in the distance, headed toward the girl.

  Another figure emerged, unseen, from the shade of a covered entryway. Gravia’s eyes were wide as she stared after Valerie. The heat must have gotten to the poor stupid girl. What was it she had said? The city would be destroyed by next week? And where exactly was this 1865 place? She had never heard of it before.

  “What do you make of it?” she asked the man standing next to her.

  Julius walked out onto the street, straightening his tunic and tying his belt. “Who knows? Something isn’t right about any of this. Did you see where the old woman went?”

  Gravia craned her neck around the corner, but there was no one to be seen. “She must have turned into one of those buildings.” She tapped a short finger against her chin. “The girl wants to escape.”

  “Of course, she does. Every slave dreams of freedom.” Julius laughed and made a grab for Gravia’s breasts.

  She pulled away and slapped his hand. “Stop it! Someone might see you and tell Christos!” She crossed her arms. “I think perhaps we should help her get away.”

  “What? Have you gone mad?”

  “Of course not, but I want her out of Christos’s house. Maybe you could let her think you want to help her.” She smiled prettily at Julius and caressed his arm. “After she is away from the city, you can do with her whatever you like.”

  “What makes you think she’d believe I’d want to help her? She knows I don’t like her.”

  “You underestimate yourself. You can be quite convincing when you try.”

  “I think you’re jealous, Gravia. You’ve seen how Christos looks at the girl, haven’t you?” Julius shook his head. “Tell me, would you kill for him?”

  “I would stop anyone who would take him, and his wealth, away from me. Besides,” she continued, “I think you might enjoy taking care of the slave.” She raised her eyebrows. “Am I wrong?”

  Julius laughed. “Not much goes by you, does it Gravia? I’ll tell you what. I’ll see if I can ‘help’ the slave tomorrow night. With the dinner going on, Christos will be too busy to notice she’s missing.”

  Gravia clapped her hands together. “Perfect. I knew I could count on you, dear Julius.” She smiled again. “Come by in a few days and I will give you your reward.”

  Chapter 24

  “Hurry, everyone! The guests will be here soon!” Stella bellowed to the kitchen staff. Six slaves scurried in circles around Valerie as she filled several heavy clay pitchers with hot spiced wine. The pitchers would be placed on one of several portable iron and stone stoves throughout the garden.

  “I don’t think I’ll let you serve tonight,” Stella said, as Valerie picked up one of the clay pots to bring to the garden. “I’m certain you’ll spill something or knock a platter onto a guest’s head.” Stella shot a pointed look at Valerie’s feet. “I want you positioned near the entry to the dining area. You’ll be washing the visitors’ feet as they arrive. Maybe later I’ll let you near the garden.”

  Valerie set the pitcher down on the table with a thud. “Did you say I am to…wash feet?”

  Stella crossed her arms over her chest. “That’s exactly what I said. That way you’ll be on your knees and won’t cause any embarrassment to Master Christos.”

  “Was this the master’s idea?” Valerie asked, trying to keep herself from trembling.

  “No, it was mine.” Stella tapped her chest proudly. “I won’t have you bringing disgrace upon the House of Campanius with your pitiful display of limping.”

  Valerie took a step backward. Her eyes widened as if she’d been slapped.

  Clarus walked up and slipped her small, rough hand into Valerie’s. “She’ll call Julius, Val. It’s not worth the punishment to argue,” she whispered as tears welled in her eyes. “Please, just agree with her.”

  Val…

  Clarus had called her Val. Her vision clouded as she was transported home. Reggie standing in the doorway of her bedroom as tears ran down his freckled cheeks…

  Don’t pay any attention to those mean ladies at the park, Val. You don’t have to take me there anymore to play…

  Valerie bent down and embraced the child, hugging her close. She straightened, her arm still around Clarus’ shoulders, her eyes locked with Stella’s. “I trust someone will demonstrate exactly what it is I’m to do?”

  “I didn’t think you’d give in so easily. Hmph. Maybe you’re smarter than I thought,” Stella conceded. “Clarus here will show you what to do.” She stuck her chin out and glared at the child. “Don’t think you’re going to do the work for her, either,” she instructed the girl. “She’ll do it herself.”

  Valerie pulled Clarus in close to her chest. It was one thing to take Stella on herself, but Clarus didn’t need to be in the middle of their disagreement. “May we leave now, Stella? Or do you need to call dear Julius and ask him his approval first?”

  Stella sputtered, but before she could form a single word, Valerie and Clarus were out of the kitchen, giggling as they rushed out of harm’s way.

  “Welcome, my friends. So good to see you again.” Christos stood just inside the front entry, his stark white toga glowing in the lamplight, as he bid his guests enter. Friends and acquaintances arrived in a steady procession, wearing their brightest clothing, the ladies’ intent on showing off the finest of their jewels.

  After Christos’s greeting, Clarus led the visitors to a spot just outside the garden dining area. Everyone marveled at the decorations as they walked down the long corridor. Laurel wreaths hung over each doorway, scented petals were strewn on the floor and the finest of linens were draped over the marble dining couches.

  “I see he’s added another mural,” one lady commented as she adjusted her gold armband. “The ‘Dance of Dionysus’ is an old classic and suits this house well. Christos has the most refined taste I’ve ever seen in a man.”

  “Ah, yes. Quite exquisite. I believe it to be the work of Marcus Apollos. He does create such handsome art,” her companion replied.

  “Here we are.” Clarus directed the ladies to where Valerie waited on her knees, near a large column by the garden. She was surrounded by the array of items she had assembled—a stack of linen cloths, soft leather slippers, and a bowl of warm scented water.

  “Please, have a seat,” Valerie bid, directing one of the ladies to a stool positioned in front of her. She was careful to keep her eyes lowered as she had been instructed, lest they think her insolent. Insolent, indeed. They should all have the pleasure of meeting Lucy then they could see what insolence in a servant really meant.

  Valerie desperately tried to hide her distaste as she removed first one sandal, then the other. The Romans bathed regularly, but the dust of the streets seemed to cake itself between their toes. Her eyes ran over the woman’s foot as she rinsed it. She could not be expected to clean their toenails as well—it would take her hours. Stella could call Julius and he could beat her all he wanted, but here she had to draw the line.

  Quickly, Valerie slid a pair of comfortable leather house slippers onto the woman’s feet, hoping she wouldn’t notice the
missed spots. As the lady stood, Valerie bade her enter the dining room, “Right foot forward.” Clarus had said something about it being bad luck to walk into a room with the left foot in the lead. She shrugged. A superstitious lot, these Romans were. Not unlike a few Englishmen she knew.

  Valerie was in the midst of washing the other woman’s feet, when she felt eyes on her. She glanced up from under her long lashes. Standing off to the side was Christos, in conversation with an older man, but his eyes were fixed on her.

  Valerie pushed back a stray strand of hair, feeling self-conscious. Did the man always have to be so close? Did he always have to watch her so intently? Hekate’s words reverberated in her mind.

  I see something in your eyes. You meet someone…?

  No, she hadn’t met someone. Christos was definitely not the man for her. They were from two different times and cultures. Besides, she hadn’t spoken to him since their altercation in his workshop.

  Lost in her frustrating thoughts, she accidentally splashed the water too high and spotted the green silk stola of the auburn-haired woman sitting before her. The woman jumped to her feet, kicking the bowl over. Valerie grabbed a handful of linens and began frantically wiping up the water.

  “What in the name of the gods are you doing, girl?” The woman raised her arm and cuffed Valerie on the ear, sending her reeling to the right. In the next moment, Christos appeared at her side and knelt down. “Are you all right?” he asked, his voice a rough whisper.

  Valerie nodded as she rubbed the side of her head, still dizzy from the blow.

  “Come now, Petronia. You can see it wasn’t done on purpose.” Christos helped the woman sit back down and placed the slippers on her feet himself.