by David Adkins
He turned to Cyprian. “It seems she was not a member of the royal family or Parthenian would have known her. “Do you know who she is?”
“I have seen a woman talking to Casperius on a number of occasions but I did not recognize her or know who she is.”
“It seems you have a mystery woman at the palace.” Hylas stroked his chin.
What Hylas did not know was that the mystery woman was interested in him. “Can we change the subject please?” I asked. “I really cannot say any more on this subject and you both understand why.”
“I second that,” agreed Cyprian who also looked uneasy under the questioning of his friend.
Hylas smiled. “Agreed, it is just that I like to know what is going on at the villa.”
The remainder of the evening was spent in pleasant conversation as we all steered away from controversial subjects. I learnt of the days when Hylas and Cyprian had worked together under the Prefect, Paulinus and his deputy, Macro. They both had amusing stories to tell of those past times and it was obvious that they were both bitter that Paulinus had met an untimely death. I thought it better not to ask the circumstances for it was part of the unspoken agreement to avoid past controversies. In return I described my early days as a trainee lawyer under the tutorship of the famous Nerva. Finally it was time to return to the villa.
Once we had entered the villa gardens Cyprian bade us a swift farewell and quickly returned to the barracks. He was still keen not to be observed in my company and I could understand that. I was just about to bid Hylas goodnight when he took my arm. “Parthenian, I am very much an enemy of Casperius and so if you need any help please do not hesitate to ask.”
“I will remember that,” I promised and made my way thoughtfully back to my room. I assumed that Domitian was still with his gladiatrix and I envied him for I was returning to a lonely room and an empty bed. Nights out with Hylas were all very well and, though I remembered the warning of the Empress, I was in desperate need of some female company but that would have to wait. I yawned and felt my ribs. They were still a little tender but it was obviously no more than some bad bruising. Once on the bed I was soon asleep.
The next morning when Domitian had eventually managed to drag himself from Corelia’s bed he sent a servant to fetch me. I nervously followed her to the Emperor’s chamber.
“Sit down, Parthenian,” he offered a seat.
I bowed. “Thank you your majesty.”
“Have you recovered?” He looked me up and down.
“You know?” I gasped in disbelief.
“Of course I know. Casperius came to me with the idea of killing you when you were away from the palace. He suggested that Tero could arrange for you to have an accident. I told him that I trusted my chamberlain and that such a drastic course of action was not necessary. He then suggested a beating as a reminder to you to keep your mouth shut about what you saw. I reluctantly agreed to keep him happy though I said that it must not be severe and that you should just be roughed up a little. I did not want my chamberlain incapacitated or to have to explain what had happened to Corelia and her Head Guard.”
“Hylas walked in on the beating,” I informed him.
“That was careless of Tero.”
“I have not recovered in answer to your first question.” I did not know whether to be angry with the Emperor for agreeing to my beating, or grateful to him for preventing Tero from murdering me. If indeed he was telling the truth, for I was still not sure if he was my protector.
“Tero can be a bit over zealous but come now, Parthenian, you do not look badly injured to me.”
“Thanks to the intervention of Hylas,” I shrugged.
“That brings me on to Corelia and Hylas and why I wanted to speak with you. I have been trying to persuade Corelia to fight in the arena at the Jupiter festival in a few months time but she consistently refuses, reminding me that I had given her my word that she would never have to fight again.”
“Did you?” I asked.
“Unfortunately I did. If I cannot have Corelia in the games then I would like to have her friend and protégé, Aria, in her place.”
“The wife of Hylas,” I gasped.
Domitian continued. “I know it would not be the same but she could be built up as the great protégé of the greatest ever gladiatrix. She is also very pretty though of course not as beautiful as Corelia but still very, very pretty. She would be the perfect substitute.”
I could see from his eyes that he was not satisfied with having Corelia at his disposal but he also lusted after Aria. “Where do I come into this?” I asked.
“I have put this to Corelia but she is also adamant that Aria will never fight in the arena again and so I have decided on a different approach.”
I did not like the sound of this. “Which is?”
“Corelia and Hylas hide Aria away from me. They think that if I do not see her I will forget about her. Every time I visit Corelia, by coincidence, Aria is in Rome at the gladiatorial school helping to train future gladiatrices. I am returning to the palace this afternoon but I intend to leave you behind to speak with Aria. I have a strong suspicion that as soon as I leave she will return.”
“They will think it strange that you leave your chamberlain behind,” I suggested.
“I have told them that you are not well which is partly true and that you have had no time off since you started work at the palace. I have told them you will remain here to recuperate. It does not really matter if they think it strange. I am the Emperor.”
“What am I to say to Aria?”
“You will tell her that she is to fight at the Colosseo in one of the gladiatrix contests against a suitable opponent. You will tell her that, despite the opposition of her husband and her mistress, she will insist. You will tell her that the Emperor insists.”
“What if she refuses?” I asked.
“Then you will tell her that Hylas will be arrested for treason and executed.”
“Has he committed treason?” I was aghast.
“Of course not but that does not matter. I will find a crime to charge him with. Make it absolutely clear to Aria that I will have him executed if she does not comply and also make it clear to her that she is to say nothing to Corelia or Hylas about all of this.”
“Will you really have Hylas executed if she does not agree?” I asked.
“Yes I will for I do not like the man. I sense that he is disrespectful and he is always so sullen. Do you understand what you have to do?”
I nodded. “I will make sure she understands.”
“You will remain here until she returns and then you will speak to her when the opportunity arises. Once you have spoken to her and made the position very clear then you will return to the palace immediately.”
“Of course, your majesty,” I agreed.
“Now you will pack my bags and then tell Tero that we are leaving this afternoon and one more thing, Parthenian.”
“Yes, your majesty.”
“Do not do anything silly like try to run away from your responsibilities. Casperius has a spy network that astounds even me. He would find you, of that I promise you, and he would then take great pleasure in killing you.”
The threat made me shudder. “I would not do that for I am totally loyal to you, Emperor.”
“I am now going to say my farewells to Corelia, so get on with what I have instructed you.” He rushed off to see his paramour once again.
Chapter 6
I was stunned at the task that had fallen to me, for I now considered Hylas as my friend after he had saved me from Tero and offered his help. I knew he would be furious at the Emperor and at me for putting such a proposal to his wife. I imagined that Corelia would not be too pleased either as Aria was her greatest friend. The job that the Empress had bestowed upon me was getting out of hand and the prospect of trying to disappear was appealing. My head was reeling from the number of palace intrigues that I was now involved in. Running away was probably not the ans
wer for I had never lived anywhere but Rome and had nowhere to run to outside of the city. If I ran but stayed in Rome I would be constantly looking over my shoulder for it seemed very likely that Casperius would find me and have me murdered. I resolved that my best option was to remain at the palace and try to survive and the Empress, I was sure, could be relied upon for some degree of protection. In the meantime I would have to obey the Emperor’s orders.
I packed Domitian’s bag and took it down to the carriage and then braced myself and went to the barracks to find Tero. He was lounging around with his four guards and they all looked up as I entered. Cyprian gave me a quick glance of sympathy.
“This is brave of you, chamberlain, to enter the barracks after what happened to you last time you were here,” Tero sneered.
“I have a message from the Emperor. I have placed his bag on the carriage and he is saying farewell to Corelia. He and his escort, which is you, will be leaving here shortly to return to the palace. I am staying behind on important business for the Emperor.” I added the last bit to make sure that they understood no further harm was to befall me.
Tero grinned. “Important business is it, Parthenian? You try to make yourself sound important, chamberlain, when in fact Domitian cares nothing for you.”
“He cared enough to not let you murder me, but only rough me up a little to satisfy your sadistic tendencies.”
“Domitian does not care whether you live or die,” he laughed. “It was Casperius who told me not to kill you but just to give you a reminder. That was his recommendation to the Emperor.”
His words staggered me. “So you say,” I responded without conviction, and I walked out of the barracks not knowing what to believe.
I waited with Hylas on one side of the carriage while Tero and his guards waited on the other for the appearance of Domitian. He had sent word that he was on his way and at last he appeared with Corelia on his arm, and I opened the door to the carriage for him to enter. “Remember what I said,” he whispered and I nodded in reply.
As he looked out of the carriage Domitian only had eyes for Corelia and he waved to her and she waved back enthusiastically. Tero pulled on the reins and the carriage moved slowly towards the gates of the villa. The guards of Hylas saluted as they left and I was aware that Hylas and Corelia both breathed a sigh of relief. They then both approached me.
“It was a surprise to hear that you were staying with us,” said Hylas.
“You are most welcome,” added Corelia.
“Domitian noticed that I was in pain,” I explained. “He said that I should stay here for a few days until I felt that I had recovered.”
“That was uncharacteristically thoughtful of him,” commented Corelia. “You can retain your room then until you have recovered.” There was an edge of suspicion in her voice.
“Thank you, you are most kind,” I responded.
“Now we can all get back to normal,” she added, and then made her way back to the villa, leaving me with Hylas.
“I have not told her about the incident in the barracks but she is suspicious about your apparent illness, so I may have to tell her. Is there any reason why I should not?”
“Not that I can think of,” I replied.
“Enjoy your respite, Parthenian, from the palace and the Praetorian Guard.”
“I intend to,” I smiled.
Domitian was right and Aria returned to the villa the next day. It was quickly evident that both Hylas and Corelia were extremely pleased to see her and I was well aware that if they knew of my intention they would be far from happy. Domitian was also right that Aria was very, very pretty. In contrast to Corelia’s blond hair and blue eyes she had long flowing raven black hair and dark attractive eyes. She also had a sense of humour which I found most appealing and a laugh which was intoxicating. I could see why Domitian was interested in her and it was a great shame that I was to be instrumental in forcing her return to the brutal and dangerous world of the arena. The difficulty was going to be to find a few minutes alone with Aria and I knew that I would have to bide my time and wait for an opportunity.
I could not go to her room, for if she was alone then that would not be acceptable conduct and could prove awkward. If Hylas was there then I would not be able to broach the subject of Domitian and the arena. My only option was to spend a lot of time in the gardens and hope that she made an appearance unaccompanied. She did enter the garden on the first day and on the next day as well but she always had Hylas or Corelia with her.
At last on the third day she made the appearance that I had been waiting for. I had just had lunch in my room after spending most of the morning in the garden. I decided to return to the garden in the afternoon but without any conviction that my luck would change. I was beginning to despair of carrying out the Emperor’s orders and I worried that he would be getting impatient for my return with news of my success. She was sitting on a seat alone enjoying the late spring sunshine. I casually walked towards her and stopped. “May I join you?” I inquired. “It is such a lovely day.”
“Of course, sit down, chamberlain.”
“Please call me Parthenian,” I said.
“And you can call me Aria,” she replied.
“I wanted to get you alone Aria for I have something I have to tell you.”
“Are you going to tell me that you have fallen madly in love with me?” she grinned.
“No, I was not, but you are very attractive.”
“That is a shame because I would have been amused if you had, but on the other hand Hylas would not have been amused when I told him.”
“Then it is just as well but what I do have to say must not be repeated to Hylas, and not to Corelia either.” I tried to look serious and I did feel both serious and worried but it was difficult with this Aria.
Aria stopped smiling. “I do not like the sound of this.”
“It is difficult and I do not know how to put it.” I hesitated for I hated what I knew I had to say.
She folded her arms and looked at me. “Just tell me, Parthenian.”
“You will fight in the Colosseo at the games to celebrate the festival of Jupiter.”
“I will not,” she retorted.
“It is by order of the Emperor,” I said sadly but firmly.
“I care not for any orders from that pig, Domitian,” she retorted.
“He will have Hylas arrested for treason and executed if you do not. I am sorry that I have to tell you this but if I did not do it then Domitian would find another to tell you, such as the vicious Tero.”
She was outraged. “Hylas has committed no treason.”
“I know that, Aria, and you know that but it does not matter. He would have him arrested anyway and Casperius would dispose of him. If you do not fight in the arena then Hylas will surely die. Domitian is utterly ruthless in his desire to have his own way and I know that better than anybody. I consider Hylas a friend and would not wish to see him harmed but also I do not wish you to fight in the arena for I know how dangerous that can be, but it is the Emperor’s will.”
“Hylas would not agree to it,” she informed me.
“Hylas and Corelia must not know. That is another condition that Domitian has set. To tell them would further endanger Hylas, for Domitian would take revenge if you did not obey him. You must make it seem that it is your decision to fight.”
She sighed. “Why me?”
“You are a substitute for Corelia because she has adamantly refused and I guess that she is the only one who can refuse the Emperor. He may be besotted with Corelia but he also lusts after you, Aria, and you would be acclaimed the great protégé of the greatest ever gladiatrix. That is his plan.”
“I have put that life behind me as has my mistress.”
“I can only see one way out of this,” I continued. “Tell Hylas and Corelia that you wish to fight in the arena and do not take no for an answer. Select an opponent that you know you can beat but let them put up a good show so it is not suspect
ed. When it is over perhaps Domitian will be satisfied and you will never have to enter the arena again.”
She looked doubtful. “You have been thinking about this, Parthenian. It is not easy to let them put up a good show as you put it, for they will be fighting for their life and will consequently be dangerous.”
“You are good though,” I suggested.
“Yes I am, though not in Corelia’s class, but I am also not happy about committing slaughter.”
“Choose someone that would be bound to die anyway and give them a swift death,” I advised.
She shook her head. “Parthenian, you do not know the ways of the gladiatrix or the arena.”
I shrugged. “Can I tell Domitian that you will fight in his games?”
“You can tell him that I will think about it.”
“That will not be enough for him.”
She sighed again. “I hate Domitian with a vengeance but I will protect Hylas.”
“So do I and I will tell the pig that you will do as he wants in order protect your husband.”
“Can I trust him not to harm Hylas if I do?”
“I am sure you can, for what motive would he have for killing Hylas if you comply?”
She nodded and stood up. “I cannot say that I have enjoyed talking with you, Parthenian.”
“I am sorry.” My words seemed very inadequate.
She walked slowly away and now there was nothing to keep me in Tibur. I would leave the next morning.
Hylas and Corelia were there to bid me farewell but Aria was notable by her absence. From their smiling faces I knew that Aria had not spoken of our conversation. I thought about not returning immediately to the palace and sinking myself into a drunken stupor with a bevy of female companions. I was too nervous to do so, for Domitian had ordered me to return immediately from Tibur to the palace and I knew that he or his creature Casperius had spies everywhere. They could be watching me even now or was I just getting paranoid? I had high hopes of a better life when I took the job offered to me by the Empress but now I was finding palace life increasingly disagreeable. I mounted my horse and waved to Hylas and Corelia as I rode through the gates and out of the villa. I was soon once again on the Via Tiburtina and on my way back to Rome. My mind was whirling with the many conversations I would have to have when I returned. Domitian, Domitia Longina and Marcella would all be waiting for answers.