by Tony Roberts
“Iulius,” Geto waved to his son, “and Flora.”
The two men nodded. They were shown to a pair of rooms, not much bigger than storage cupboards, where they were to stay and sleep at night. During the day they were to accompany Geto around the house. “What about your two offspring?” Casca queried. “They may be in equal danger.”
“True. We may have to split you two up in that case. When will your equipment and clothing be ready?”
“This afternoon,” Casca replied. “We’ll explore the house, if that’s alright, better we get used to the layout and any places someone could sneak into the house.”
“Please do. This afternoon I’ll try to persuade one or two of my debtors to pay up.”
While Casca and Flavius explored the house, Flavius asked what Casca thought of the palace. Casca rubbed his chin. “Looks impossible to get in during the day; we’ll have to go round it and see if there’s any way in at night.”
The afternoon Geto took Casca to the river. Casca looked disinterested as Geto got into a long conversation with one boat owner who pleaded penury. “But you took delivery of ten amphorae last winter,” Geto pointed out. “You went on a delivery, I know you did, so you can afford to repay me the cost of these.”
“I’m sorry,” the boat owner shrugged. “Costs have gone up; I’ve not been able to sail out since the siege began. I promise that once we are free to go again I’ll get you your money.”
Geto sighed and looked at Casca. “He doesn’t seem to be that badly off. See if he has anything of value on board.”
Casca grunted and stepped onto the vessel.
“Hey, you ain’t going aboard!” the owner shouted in alarm. He called for help. Two burly men appeared from the vessel and closed in on Casca. “Throw him off!”
Casca turned from one to the other. Who would attack first? The one to his left. This one reached out to grab him by the arm, so Casca turned inside his reach, slammed a fist into his stomach and then his other into the doubling-up man’s neck.
As the deckhand collapsed, the other one sprang forward, face twisted in a mask of malevolence. Casca’s right arm swept up, knocking his arms up, exposing his guts. One solid blow later and this one, too, was groaning on the deck. Casca picked him up and threw him into the river. He looked at the feebly moving first one. “Want to join him?”
The deckhand groaned and then fell onto his face and passed out.
The unfortunate other one spluttered and held onto the side of the ship, unable for the moment to climb out of the water. Casca turned to the vessel owner. “If there’s anyone else aboard I’ll throw them off, too.”
The cowed owner shook his head.
Geto put an arm on the man’s shoulder. “Now, pay up or my man will reduce your vessel to matchwood.”
Cursing, the owner had no choice.
On the way back Geto admired Casca’s tactics. “Where did you learn to fight like that? I’ve never seen such moves, the way you took those two out!”
Not wanting to give too much away about learning hand to hand combat from a long dead Chinese sage three centuries ago, Casca gave a non-committal answer. Instead, he took up Geto’s attention by asking about him and how he had become a merchant. It was the usual story, he had been born into a family of merchants and had naturally learned the business. His two older brothers were deceased, one dying in the army twenty years previously, the other through illness five years ago. Geto’s wife had been taken by plague six years ago, leaving him to care for the two children. There had been a third but he, too, had succumbed to the plague at the same time.
When they got back to the house Flavius told them they had been visited by two men with a warning to pay up or else. Thy would be back later with reinforcements. Geto looked worried. Casca asked whether the money collected today would go to pay them off, but Geto shook his head. “Once its discovered I’ve paid one of my creditors off the rest will come knocking on my door demanding payment.”
“So – you’re not going to pay them off?”
Geto shook his head. “They’re asking for an unreasonable amount, double what I originally was in for. They say its interest but they’re just blood suckers.”
“Sounds as if you’re asking for trouble,” Casca commented. He looked at Flavius. “The two of us can’t deal with a whole array of men they can call on. Are you sure this is a sensible course of action?”
Geto looked at his daughter who was pouring them watered down wine. She was the one who took care of the food and drink in the house, while her brother did the repairs, maintenance and accounts. “I want to provide for these two, and the future looks so uncertain. I want to get out of this business; things are falling apart and even if the empire reunites us, I don’t think it can last for long. Too many barbarian tribes are roaming about at will and there’s little anyone can do about it. There’s fewer and fewer people wanting to keep it going, anyway, and there’s less money going around. What sort of world are these two going to have?”
“You wanting to stay here in Arelate?” Flavius asked.
“I don’t know,” he said, looking at Flora busy arranging olives in a small ceramic bowl. She looked up and smiled at him. He smiled back, then leaned forward to the two mercenaries. “It hurts me to think she isn’t going to have the settled life I had at her age. Where is safe these days? Italia? No, not with the Goths rampaging down there. North of here? That’s all gone to the devil, as has Spain. North Africa is similar, from what I hear – the desert tribes are causing all kinds of mayhem and there’s nobody to stop it. It’s as if the world has fallen apart in my hands and I don’t know how to put it back together for my two.”
Casca knew what he meant. Ever since Rome had been sacked Casca’s life had been turned upside down. It was all unsettling. At least for Casca he was a warrior and could fight against something, whereas Geto and his two offspring weren’t and couldn’t.
He was still pondering over the future when the door shook to a hard knock and someone outside bellowed that Geto had better open up or there would be trouble. “Gentlemen,” Geto said heavily, “time for you to earn your keep.”
Casca heaved himself out of his chair and beckoned Flavius to accompany him. They left their swords behind. For the moment the creditor and his enforcers would be armed with clubs and other bone-breaking implements. They didn’t want to kill, merely to threaten and bully Geto into paying.
Casca pulled the door open and stepped out into the sunshine. There were five men, one with richer clothes than the others. It would be he who Casca would address. The four others were the hired muscle. They looked like just that, nothing exceptional. Flavius came out and stepped to Casca’s left.
“Who are you?” the well-dressed man demanded.
“I think you’re the one who should be asked that, since you’ve called on us. Mind if you tell me, or are you too shy?”
“Arrogant swine,” the man said, eyeing him up and down carefully. “I presume you’re Geto’s hireling. I want to speak to the man, not some dog he’s let off the leash.”
“He’s not inclined to come to the door at the moment. He’s not happy with you adding to the agreed amount to repay. He might be willing to listen if you’re prepared to accept what was agreed on originally. Otherwise, nope.”
“You speak well for a dog,” the man said. “You could even well be a Latin. Thought all of them had fled to Italia, leaving the proper men to face the invaders.”
“Are you always this arrogant?” Casca asked, “or is it just today you’ve decided to be a complete prick?”
“Alright,” the man waved to the four. “Go teach this impudent dog a lesson, then we’ll go in and discuss the matter with Geto. I think he’ll have to pay more for the refusal to pay today.”
Two men converged on each of the two soldiers. Casca waited till one had gone to pin his arms, then grabbed him by the waist, hauled him up and completed a full circle on the surprised man, throwing him onto his back onto the hard, u
nyielding surface of the street. As the man landed with a pained expression, the second man raised his club to bring it down on Casca’s head.
Casca send a fist into his stomach, then pulled his head back by the hair and sent his other fist into the man’s face, splintering his nose. The hireling fell back, blood already splattering across his face, and crashed onto the street alongside his stunned colleague.
Casca swung. Flavius had struck one of his opponents who was staggering back but the second had grabbed him and the two were wrestling against the wall of the house. Leaving them to it for a moment, Casca closed in on the other who shook himself, then straightened. Just in time to meet a blow from Casca to the jaw. The man hit the wall of the house on the other side of the street. The eternal mercenary followed up, sending another punch into his gut, then one more for good measure into his neck, knocking him down.
He turned. The man he’d thrown down had got up, looking slightly dazed. Casca closed in on him, one blow to the side of the face sent him staggering, and then another, an uppercut, almost lifted him off his feet. Casca had the satisfaction of seeing the man’s eyes glaze over, then roll up into his head and his knees gave way. The man collapsed into a heap at Casca’s feet. One glance behind him and he was satisfied to see Flavius standing over the last man’s unconscious form.
“So, asshole,” he addressed the now frightened-looking creditor. “You were saying? Want me to rip your arms off and stuff them up your ass? How much does Geto owe you?”
“Uh, the original amount agreed.”
“Then tell him yourself. Come on in,” Casca grinned, putting a reddened hand on the man’s shoulder.
Geto was all too happy to hear the revised figure, and paid him half of what was owed. The rest would be paid the following week. The creditor went away ruefully, reflecting that he probably had gotten away lightly. His four hirelings were still in a bad way; two were up on their feet and they had to help the other two back to his place. He plotted on how he could get rid of the two new bodyguards and get the rest of what he believed Geto owed him, then decided he needed a little more help.
Inside the house Geto was delighted. He paid the two men immediately. “We must try to get the rest of what is owed to me,” he said. “Tomorrow we pay two more captains a visit. If they pay up then I can pay the three I owe off, provided they stick to the original amounts.”
That evening they all sat in the garden, even the two young ones, and spoke of many things. Much was of the current state of the region, and the likelihood of re-joining the legal empire. Geto said the merchants had all given up on Constantine, and wanted to once more trade with Italia, north Africa and Sicily. Geto looked thoughtful. “I once had a deal with someone on Corsica, the town of Ajax, and I wonder if he is still trading? Being an island it might be a little safer than here. Hmm...” he looked at his two offspring. “How would you like to live on Corsica?”
Iulius shrugged. “If its safer than here, then I can’t see why not. How feasible is it, father?”
“No less than going to somewhere like Rome. All we’d need is a ship to go there. I could set up a pottery business there and trade with mainland Italia, Gaul, Spain, Africa, Sicily with little trouble. What about you, Flora?”
She thought for a moment. “If its safer, then yes, father, I would like that.”
Geto looked pleased. “Then once the city falls I shall look to doing just that. It will be easier to move then.” He looked at the two others. “And you, would you be prepared to remain in my employ on Corsica?”
Casca looked at Flavius. “I’m not sure. Flavius here may, however. I’m never in any one place for long, and I might have to return to Ravenna on a private matter.”
Geto was intrigued but Casca refused to say what it was. Flavius was also non-committal, and the three others asked again if the two could stay, as they all felt much safer with the two around.
That evening Casca remained alone in the garden, slowly sipping the wine. It was a good red, Italian, as all the best were to his palate. A slender form came ghosting through the darkness to him. Flora.
“Can I sit with you?”
“Of course,” Casca said, leaning back and gesturing to a chair. “You want to speak of me staying on, I guess?”
“Yes,” she smiled, sitting down. “I suppose its that obvious, isn’t it? I’ve been thinking of it since I went indoors. I can’t stop it going round my head. You and Flavius have been a great help, believe me, as father was getting very anxious about the money situation. All he needs is to pay off these people, collect what’s owed to him, and then he’s got enough to be able to move us out of Gaul.”
“I’d be a great upheaval,” Casca observed. “You’ve lived here all your life?”
“Yes, but things are so different now. I don’t know if I like it here anymore. And, I suppose I’m at that age where I’m beginning to think of getting a life of my own. It’s too unsettled here and I want somewhere safe to settle and bring up a family of my own. What about you? Don’t you ever dream of settling down?”
Casca laughed briefly. It was a bitter laugh. “If only, young Flora. I am afflicted by a curse, a curse that keeps me wandering. I can never settle down for long anywhere. I get restless, you see.” He couched the curse in metaphoric terms, believing it was safer to do so that way. He told the truth but in a way that concealed its reality. “So I’d never remain for long. A year, two years, maybe five, but beyond that, nope.” He drank another mouthful.
Flora looked sadly at him. “Never knowing a place as home? How sad that sounds.”
“Oh, I have been in places I’ve loved, been with people I’ve loved, but nothing ever lasts forever. It hurts losing those you love, but I just go on to the next place. Arelate today, Corsica tomorrow, who knows the day after that? For you, yes, I think the challenge of a new place would do you good. Corsica sounds an interesting place. Actually,” he sat up suddenly, “I’ve never been there.”
She smiled. “Then there’s a good reason for you to come, after all!”
Casca made a non-committal face, and idly played with his mug. She looked downcast for a moment, then leaned towards him.
“If you need another reason…” she held his gaze.
He smiled tiredly and held up a hand. “Flora, you’re a good looking girl. I think any man would love to wed you. I’m not that type of man though – for you, that is. I’ll be here today, gone tomorrow, and you’ll be wondering why it is I left you. I don’t want to put you through that. Now, Flavius is a different story. He’s a strong guy – I suppose you’d find him a handsome type? I wouldn’t know.”
She sighed. “Oh, you’re not the first to turn me down – it must be something to do with me,” she sounded dejected. “Am I truly attractive, or am I really plain?”
Casca sucked in his breath through his teeth. Gods! Women and their insecurities. “I’m not turning you down for any other reason than I know I’ll be moving on before long to another job, another place, another adventure. It’s not something I wish for, it’s just something that has been thrust upon me. I can’t help myself. It’s not a life for someone like you. Another mercenary, maybe. If I adventured with a warrior woman, then damn it, I’d have a hell of a time.”
She looked at her fingers, interlaced on the table. “So if I were adept with a sword and fought for a living, you’d desire me?”
“Of course! But don’t go thinking you’ll learn it now! You’re not suited to this life. It’s hard, demanding, rough, uncomfortable, rude, nasty, bloody.”
“So why do it then, if its that bad?”
Casca sighed and leaned back. “It’s what I do – it’s what I am. I love it more than a life of farming or breeding chickens. I’m suited to it. Look at me. Can you see me haggling with some weedy merchant type over the cost of a cockerel?”
She gazed over his body, and he could see goosebumps rising on her arms. Aw shit, she’s got the hots for me all right. She smiled and shook her head.
“Flora, just say you and I went to bed now. We had amazing sex. It wouldn’t change a thing for me; I’d still be the same, I’d be off gone in a week or two. You would want more from me, you’d want me to stay with you even more. I can’t break your heart by going, you understand? So I have to keep my distance.”
She looked down again, and Casca guessed she had turned red. Was it the brazen statement he’d just said about sex? She was desperate to keep him on. Was it purely her being attracted to him, or was it more in a hope he would continue to protect her and her father and brother?
“Let’s not complicate matters, Flora. Yes, you’re a great looking girl, and I’m sure you’ll make some guy very happy indeed. Save your efforts and energies for him, whoever he may be. I’m a waste of your efforts – I might be a great short-term experience, but long term? Not in the slightest.”
She bit her lower lip. “I once tried to persuade some merchant’s son to marry me. Oh it was last year sometime, and he refused me. It hurt me a lot, and I promised myself never to be so silly again. And so here I am doing exactly the same!” she sobbed, got up and ran into the house.
Casca sat there looking at the doorway she had fled through, swearing softly to himself.
CHAPTER SEVEN
The next day Casca went with Geto to the river again. This time there were men all standing in front of the boats, armed, blocking any further progress. Geto looked at them with dismay. “Seems our actions of yesterday have had an effect. It doesn’t look likely we’ll get far today.”
Casca grunted. The men looked like the usual motley collection of floor scrapings and scum who’d happily beat anyone up for a bent nummus. He eyed the first boat, with three men stood before it. He ambled over to them. “You contracted by the owner of this boat?”
“Yeah. Who’s askin’?” one demanded, looking down at the scarred mercenary.
“What’s it to you, ugly?” Casca snapped. “Get out of my way or you’ll be shitting teeth for a week.”