by David Adkins
Casperius sighed. “They were not killed in the forum, of that we can be sure. I will find out who perpetrated this crime but it appears you two cannot help me.” It seemed that he had believed us.
Finally Casperius turned to Stephanus. “You left the palace about an hour after Parthenian. Where did you go?” I feared for Stephanus for he looked nervous but then he was rescued.
Flavia Domitilla entered my room. “He was on private business. How dare you question my steward without first informing me?” She was indignant.
“These are unusual circumstances. I had ten guards murdered last night and Stephanus is connected.”
She laughed haughtily. “What do you mean, connected?”
“He leaves the palace regularly and on two occasions I have had him followed. He goes to the Subura where last night’s crime was probably committed. We have not yet discovered his destination but it could be that my guards did just that last night.”
“You had him followed last night? He was on my business. I had sent him to the mansion of my husband, Titus Clemens, who not only has rooms at the palace but he has a residence on the Esquiline, and Stephanus often runs messages between the two.”
Casperius turned to Stephanus. “Where did you go last night?”
“I went to the Clemens residence where I spent the evening before returning to the palace,” Stephanus replied.
“There, you see that you are wasting your time and our time,” said Flavia Domitilla.
“He has not explained why he goes to the Subura,” said Casperius.
“Tell the man and then let us go,” said Flavia to Stephanus.
“The markets are very cheap in the Subura and so I go there to get bargains,” explained Stephanus.
“My guards followed you and ended up dead,” said Casperius.
“Then they should be more careful,” said Flavia grimly. “These people are servants to the royal family and you should not be questioning them without the permission of the Emperor or the Empress. I understand your perplexity at what has happened but you should remember that. Come, Stephanus, let us go, for we have work to do.”
Flavia Domitilla strode elegantly out of my room followed by her steward and for the first time since my arrival at the palace I found myself admiring her. Casperius and Tero paused and without another word also left. I closed my door behind them and looked at Drucilla. She breathed out. “I was a little worried there,” she confided.
“I wonder if Casperius knows more about Stephanus’s activities than he has let on. Do you think that he suspects him of being a Christian?”
“Perhaps, and maybe last night was about following Stephanus in the hope that he would lead the guards to a Christian enclave.”
“If that is the case then Stephanus and his master, Flavia’s husband, Clemens, are in real danger, for Domitian reviles Christians and all they stand for. However, this is only conjecture on our part.”
Drucilla nodded grimly. “Christians die regularly on the cross and in the arena and if he knew that a member of his own family had embraced the religion then he would be outraged.”
“This is all the more reason for you to be extra careful and keep your mother away from such gatherings, and stay away yourself.”
She nodded agreement and went to the office to undertake more mundane business while I remained deep in thought. The palace intrigues brought with them a danger that was new to me after my closeted time working for the lawyer, Marcus Nerva.
The next morning I could not leave the palace soon enough, though the gladiatorial school was not exactly a safe haven for me. I hoped to speak with Petronius on the matters I had discussed with the Emperor and to gain his support. I also hoped that this time Aria would be there and Corelia would not be, though it was always good to gaze upon her beauty. At the same time I could not help thinking of the events of the previous day. I was sure that Casperius would be able to find witnesses to inform him of the circumstances surrounding the death of his guards in the Subura but hopefully he would not find anything that linked me, Drucilla or Stephanus with the events. It was with these thoughts in mind that I quickly covered the distance to the gladiatorial school.
I arrived at the gate and once again spoke to the guard on duty. “I am here to see Petronius, the head of the school.”
“Who are you?” came the expected reply.
“I am Parthenian, the Emperor’s representative. He knows me and will see me. Is he there?”
“He is here and I will get him. Wait here.”
I waited outside the gate for several minutes before the guard returned with Petronius. “Open the gate and let him in,” he instructed his guard. We walked across the courtyard as several gladiators were going through their moves with breathtaking speed and agility, and then we entered his luxurious office.
“I do enjoy a bit of modest grandeur,” he told me, looking around.
“The room is very grand and this chair is most comfortable but I am here on the Emperor’s business so I suppose we must get down to it,”
“Indeed, so fill me in on the latest,” he invited.
“Your daughter made it very clear to me that she did not wish Aria to fight in the Jupiter games.”
“I know and she made it very clear to me too, but what are we to do if it is Domitian’s wish? I have not made any preparations because I thought I would wait until I heard from you again.”
“I tried to dissuade Domitian by telling him that Aria was simply not good enough to compete in his illustrious games. I told him that I had watched Aria training and that she did not reach the high standard required and I further suggested that two champions were needed to do his games justice. To my great relief he agreed and I thought I had managed to accede to your daughter’s will and that I had managed to persuade him that Aria should not compete.”
“Did Corelia threaten you?” he asked.
“She did but there is no need to go into that at the moment,” I smiled.
“So all is well and Aria does not have to enter the arena and Corelia will not have to carry out her threat,” he grinned.
“I wish it were that simple,” I sighed. “He agreed that the main gladiatrix contest should be between two champions but he informed me that Aria would have to compete in a minor or novelty contest.”
“We can think about a novelty contest for Aria but you would have to see what Corelia has to say about that,” he mused. “In the meantime did our Emperor have any champions in mind? He is well informed on the subject of gladiatrices.”
“He did mention Medusa, the finest gladiatrix in Capua. He wondered if you had a gladiatrix at your school who would be her match. He would like it billed as the new Rome against the old Rome.”
He sighed again. “Medusa is reputed to be the finest gladiatrix in Italy. Several of our girls could give her a good contest but I doubt that they could beat her.”
“Then that could be the answer,” I enthused.
“Maybe the answer for you but not for the girl I put in with her,” he retorted.
“Yes, I am sorry. That was indelicate of me,” I apologized.
“I am not happy about this,” he said. “Was Domitian insistent?”
“He told me to see to it.” It was my turn to sigh.
“Then you better had. Both Corelia and Aria are at Tibur so I suggest you go to Tibur and consult with my daughter on the Aria issue and then go to Capua and sound out Medusa.”
“Can’t you do it?” I suggested. “You are the specialist in these things.”
“The Emperor asked you to do it, not me. Anyway, I am needed here if I am to find and train a gladiatrix to perform against Medusa. My equivalent at the Capua school is Quintus Tubero. You should speak with him about Medusa.”
I reluctantly agreed. “I will go to Tibur and Capua.”
“Then I wish you luck and let me know how you get on.”
I decided to return to the palace and then go to Tibur the next day as I now knew that Corel
ia would be there. First I had to see my aunt and I was granted an immediate interview.
I knelt before her humbly as I always did for I firmly believed that it was to her that I owed my loyalty. “Good afternoon, Empress, I hope you are well.”
“I am, except that I have to put up with Julia proudly bestriding the palace as if she believes that she is the future and I am the past. Sit, Parthenian.”
I sat opposite her. “You will never be the past, aunt.” I assured her. “Have there been any further developments?”
She softened. “You are good for me, nephew. All is quiet really except for Julia strutting. I believe that I have time to consider my position and make my plans and I may need your assistance.”
“Your wish is my command, aunt.”
“I know that it is, nephew,” she smiled charmingly. “Is all well with you?”
“I have to go to Capua.”
“Whatever for?” she asked.
“Domitian has informed me that I have to organize a gladiatrix match in the Colosseo between the champion of Rome and the champion of Capua. I have been to the Roman gladiatorial school this morning and tomorrow morning I will leave for Capua. I will have to inform Domitian that I am going in order to carry out his instructions.”
“He is not here for he is on pressing business at the senate for today and tomorrow. The tribes along the Danube are giving trouble once again and he is presiding over discussions on how to deal with the situation. I will tell him that you are in Capua on his business. How long will you be gone?”
“A few days at the most, aunt,” I replied
“Why is it that the palace chamberlain has to be involved in arranging gladiatrix contests at the Colosseo?” she moaned.
“It is the Emperor’s will,” I answered.
“It is ridiculous and hardly part of your duties but if he ordered you to go then go you must. You are always a comfort to me and I have not seen enough of you in recent days.”
I knelt and kissed her knee. “I will make it up to you when I return.”
“Then go,” she sighed.
Another kiss on her other knee and I stood up and left.
Chapter 10
Capua – Early Summer AD90
I left promptly the next morning planning to make a brief stop at Tibur on my way to Capua. I had never left Rome and its environs before and so riding to Capua was a completely new experience for me. Capua was eighty leagues south of Rome and after my call at Tibur it would be a straightforward journey down the Via Appia but first I had to travel along the Via Tiburtina to Tibur. I collected a horse from the palace stables after stating that I was on the Emperor’s business and I set off in very good spirits. I had to make a difficult visit to Corelia’s villa but after that I intended to enjoy my freedom. The fact that I was from the palace and on official imperial business should make me an honourable guest at the Capua gladiatorial school. I intended to enjoy this advantage and have a welcome few days away from palace intrigue.
I announced my arrival at the villa to one of Hylas’s guards and was surprised to be greeted by Corelia, Hylas and Aria. They had been in the courtyard and had seen my appearance at the gate. “This is an unexpected pleasure,” Corelia greeted me with a smile. Hylas also welcomed me with a grin but Aria looked less pleased to see me.
“You are welcome but what brings you here, Parthenian, and without Domitian?” Hylas asked.
“I have been sent by the Emperor to Capua on business and I thought I would pay you a visit on the way. I hope I am not imposing.”
“Of course you are not. I hope you will stay the night and set off for Capua in the morning,” offered Corelia.
“That is most kind,” I replied gratefully, unable to resist her or her invitation.
“You may have the same room as last time and I hope you will dine with us this evening.”
“Thank you, Corelia, that would be a pleasure.”
“Make yourself at home and I will see to your horse,” said Hylas, taking the reins of my mount and heading for his stables.
“And I will walk with you to your room,” added Aria.
I nodded and Aria led the way into the villa and Corelia watched us with interest. Once in the villa and out of sight Aria turned on me. “What are you doing here?”
“I needed to update you on your contest in the arena,” I told her.
“I am not frightened to again fight in the Colosseo, but I do not like to be pushed into it by you, Parthenian.”
“It is not me pushing but the Emperor,” I corrected her.
“It amounts to the same thing,” she retorted. “So what have you to tell me?”
“I have been trying to persuade the Emperor that you should not have to fight at the Colosseo and I have been partly successful.”
“What does that mean?”
“He no longer requires you to fight a renowned opponent in the main gladiatrix contest. He has agreed that you only now have to take part in a novelty contest which I am sure must mean less risk.”
She looked furious. “You have downgraded me. Have you no feelings for me, Parthenian?”
“I was trying to help you.” I was totally exasperated.
“So what did you have in mind?” she inquired with a wicked smile.
“I do not know because I know little of the arena. I thought you might have an idea. I have told Petronius so, if you do not have a suggestion, I am sure that he will.”
“Then let us see what Petronius comes up with. You irritate me a little, Parthenian. Perhaps I will suggest that you are my opponent. Would that be novelty enough for you; a downgraded gladiatrix and a hapless chamberlain?” She grinned but stormed off.
I could not believe it, for now two of Rome’s greatest gladiatrices were threatening to fight me in the arena. “I will see you later,” I called to her retreating back.
I quickly unpacked a couple of items and then returned to the courtyard where I found Corelia and Hylas. “Have you had any more trouble from the Praetorian Guard?” asked Hylas.
“No,” I lied. “They show me a lot of enmity and I am sure that both Casperius and Tero would like to cut my throat but I am safe under the protection of the Emperor and Empress.”
“I would not rely on the Emperor,” said Hylas, showing revulsion.
“The Empress sounds more interesting,” said Corelia.
“She has taken me under her wing,” I explained.
“It sounds to me as if you ought to be very careful,” suggested Hylas.
“Do you know if Domitian is planning any more visits to Tibur, for I have not heard from him for a while?” asked Corelia.
“I hope not,” interjected Hylas.
“Do you know the news, Corelia?”
“What news is that?”
“The Emperor is to be a father, Julia is expecting his child. That is probably why you have not heard from him as he is fussing around Julia at the moment, though troubles on the Danube have taken him to the senate, of late, to discuss policy.”
They both looked shocked. “That is interesting news,” stated Corelia.
“Surely it is good news if it keeps him away from here,” added Hylas.
Corelia turned to Hylas. “I need to speak with Parthenian alone.”
He nodded, trying not to show his surprise. “Certainly, I have some work to do.” He strode off leaving me alone with the great gladiatrix.
“I wonder if that means that he has, at last, lost interest in me,” she said.
I was losing myself in her stunning blue eyes. “How could anyone lose interest in you?” I smiled.
She laughed. “I see you are still the flatterer. Did your flattery earn you the protection of the Empress or was it a little more than just flattery?”
“It was just flattery.”
She changed the subject. “I assume you are here to tell me that you have managed to persuade Domitian to change his mind and that Aria is no longer expected to fight in the arena.”
&nbs
p; “I managed to persuade him that it was not a good idea for her to fight as the main attraction. I go to Capua tomorrow to persuade the gladiatrix, Medusa, to fight against the best gladiatrix that Rome can offer at the Jupiter games. ”
“I have not seen Medusa but word has it that she is very good, snakes and all.”
“She has snakes?” I gasped.
“So I have heard. Probably the best that my father’s school can offer against her is the German gladiatrix, Geta. I will speak with Geta when I return to Rome.”
“Do you think she will agree to fight Medusa?” I asked.
“She is not in a position to disagree.”
“That sounds like a possible contest then,” I enthused.
“Maybe, so Aria is not required after all,” she breathed a sigh of relief.
“Not exactly,” I said nervously, hearing Corelia’s relief and after experiencing Aria’s reaction to my news.
“What do you mean by not exactly?”
I hesitated. “He still wants her to fulfil some sort of novelty role in the arena.”
“I thought I impressed upon you that Aria would not fight in the Colosseo under any circumstances.”
“I tried,” I said lamely.
“I warned you of the circumstances if you did not do as I ask.”
“Yes it would mean champion gladiatrix against champion chamberlain.”
“Do not jest for I mean it, Parthenian.”
“When I told Aria she suggested that she would fight the palace chamberlain in a novelty contest too.”
She laughed. “We are queuing up to do battle with you but I am serious, Parthenian. Grab a practice sword.”
“I do not wish to, sword fighting is not my forte.”
She threw me a wooden sword. “It seems you had better learn then.”
“You would teach your opponent?” I asked.
“I cannot teach you enough in the required time to give you half a chance against the best gladiatrix in the Empire.” She strode forward and launched a playful strike at me and by instinct I blocked it. Then another slightly quicker thrust and I just about managed to block that as well. She followed this up with another playful strike and I blocked this more easily but as I drew close she tripped me as she leaned towards me. I tumbled to the floor losing my balance and my sword, only to find the tip of her sword at my throat. “You are dead already and I have not even tried,” she gloated.