The End of a Dynasty

by David Adkins

  “I would sooner cut his throat,” she replied.

  Polonius went to strike her but I stopped him. “She has spirit and Domitian will like that. Is she clean?”

  “I do not have the pox, Roman, if that is what you mean. Does your Emperor?”

  “You are very beautiful, Arite. You could earn a lot of money if you comply with my wishes and the wishes of the Emperor.”

  “Enough to buy my freedom?” she asked.

  “Perhaps, if you cooperate with me; then I promise I will do my best for you.”

  “I would need remuneration for what I paid for her, plus my losses for being denied her undoubted skills in the arena,” said Telemus.

  “I think that can be arranged if Arite pleases the Emperor.” I offered him my assurance. “Now I have to return to my inn and make sure I have a room for tonight.”

  “Are you staying at the Grand?” asked Telemus.

  “I am, so if you need me you know where to find me. I will be staying there for a few weeks until the Emperor arrives in Singidunum. I will return regularly to check on my new employee.” Arite now seemed indifferent to our conversation for she was obviously a proud savage and she had obvious reasons to be so. I was sure that the Emperor would be absolutely delighted with her as long as she did as she was instructed. “I will see you all again very soon,” I added and it was with a sense of relief that I strolled back to the inn having successfully carried out Domitian’s orders.

  I managed to book my room at the inn for the coming weeks which should take me up to the arrival of the Emperor and his army. I decided to pay another visit to the fortress and speak again with Caius Praesens and though he was willing to grant me an audience and question me about the state of Domitian’s troops and the campaigns against the Quadi and Marcomanni, my visit did not seem particularly welcome. He was already a famous general despite his tender years and a chamberlain, even if he were the Emperor’s chamberlain, did not interest him very much. He was polite enough but I decided that I would not return to the fortress again until the arrival of Domitian.

  The day after my visit to the fortress I went back to the gladiatorial school. I was invited by Telemus to watch a prolonged training session. I marvelled at the strength of the gladiators and gladiatrices though their skills needed to be honed. Arite was particularly impressive and I watched her spend an exhausting session taking on first two of the gladiatrices and then a burley gladiator. “She is very impressive,” I said to Telemus.

  “She is easily the best of the gladiatrices and with her looks she could be quite a draw in the arena. It will be a shame if I lose her before she even gets a contest.”

  “The Emperor is unpredictable but I am sure that with her beauty and talents she has a chance to sell her wares at a high price. That means she will be able to buy her freedom and we will be able to compensate you more than adequately.”

  “It will take a huge payment for that. She has a great future as a gladiatrix and therefore is of much value to me. Her freedom will come at a large price.” He was getting greedy.

  “I would like to speak with her,” I said, ignoring his avarice.

  “Perhaps after her training?” he suggested.

  “She will be exhausted. May I come tomorrow morning for I need to speak with her about Domitian?”

  “As you wish,” he smiled showing an array of discoloured teeth.

  I left the school and returned to the inn for dinner. I had resisted the temptation to find some female companionship though the temptation had been great. Corelia was always on my mind and I could not get the picture of her with the Emperor out of my head. Even now it was probable she was in Cusum and the frustration was eating away at me. I was happy to postpone my conversation with Arite to the next morning for my time in Singidunum was starting to drag and it was an excuse to go there again.

  The next morning after breakfast I once again set off for the gladiatorial school. The guards were getting to know me and they let me in without a question. I was met by Polonius. “Telemus has been called away on business but he said you were coming and that you wished to speak with Arite.”

  “That is true, is there somewhere we can talk in private?”

  “It is a lovely morning and spring has truly arrived,” he replied. “There are seats at the far side of the courtyard,” he pointed. “You can speak privately with her there.”

  “Thank you,” I responded though I had had in mind a private room.

  “You go and sit down and I will fetch her for you.”

  I walked across the courtyard to a secluded section at the rear of one of the brick built buildings and I sat down to wait. It was warm with a pleasant breeze and I could not help feeling that Domitian could have already started his campaign against the Sarmatians instead of dallying in Cusum with Corelia. Arite kept me waiting up to the point I was growing impatient but at last she appeared and walked towards me. She was most impressive as she strode confidently across the courtyard. She was even taller than me with a slim figure and very long legs. Her dark hair fell about her shoulders and rustled seductively in the breeze. She wore the attire of a warrior and though she wore boots that came up to her knees her short dress showed off fully her attractive thighs. She reminded me in some ways of Corelia but even Arite could not compete with the Roman gladiatrix and once again I felt envious of the Emperor.

  “I am sorry to have kept you waiting,” she smiled, aware of my admiration and then she sat down next to me. “You wished to speak with me?”

  “Why are you dressed as a Sarmatian warrior?” I was curious.

  “I am a Sarmatian warrior,” she replied.

  “How can that be, Arite?”

  “Women as well as men are warriors in Sarmatia. I imagine that we are very different to your Roman women.”

  I was perplexed. “You actually fight in battles?”

  She laughed. “Is it so hard to believe, Roman? We Sarmatian women are warriors until we marry. We learn to ride, shoot our arrows accurately and throw our javelins just as accurately. We fight our enemies alongside our men folk and we cannot marry until we have made three kills.”

  Now I was astounded. “Have you made three kills yet, Arite?”

  “I have, so I could marry.” She laughed. “We are not strict in this but once married then our warrior days are over.”

  “You do not fight after you are married?”

  “We have other things to do then, Parthenian, like producing babies. Women are warriors from the age of about sixteen until we marry at about twenty four. I am twenty three and that is why I am a good gladiatrix. It is my warrior training.”

  “If the Sarmatians and Romans go to war will the women fight against Roman armies?”

  “Of course, are the Romans going to invade Sarmatia?” she asked

  “I do not know. The Romans will attack Dacia and they will wish to make sure, one way or another, that the Sarmatians do not ally themselves with the Dacians.”

  “We were once a nomadic people and since we moved west to occupy the lands north of Dacia, we have been on good terms with the Dacian rulers.”

  “Let us hope, Arite, that the Sarmatians stay neutral. Now, tell me, do you think you will be able to please the Roman Emperor during his stay in Singidunum?”

  “I forgot to tell you that, while warriors, the Sarmatian women are also virgins.”

  “Does that mean you have no experience in pleasing a man?” I was worried for if she failed to please Domitian then I could be in trouble again.

  “Perhaps you will have to give me lessons, Parthenian.”

  “I am not sure the Emperor would be pleased about that.”

  She smiled. “How would he know? Do not worry, Parthenian, it is another Sarmatian rule we are not strict about. I am no virgin.”

  “So you believe you can please him?”

  “He is a man is he not? However, I would rather cut his throat.”

  “If you did that then there would be no reward except fo
r a terrible execution,” I frowned.

  “Will he pay me enough to buy my freedom so I can return to my tribe?”

  “I will endeavour to make sure that he does,” I assured her.

  She moved close to me. “Make sure you do, Parthenian, and leave the rest to me. I will make your Emperor a happy man. What does he look like?”

  “He is forty and slight of build but he is also strong and durable. He rides at the head of his army and most of the time endures many of the hardships that his soldiers endure, but he also likes to take time off from these hardships for a little luxury and pleasure. That is where you come in.”

  “Sarmatian men, particularly in my tribe the Lazyges, have long hair and long beards. Does Domitian have a beard?”

  “He does not have a beard and he has little hair on his head,” I replied.

  “He is bald.” She pulled a disgusted expression.

  “He is still Emperor and he likes flattery so be careful.”

  “I will tell him that I have always dreamed of having a bald man instead of a long haired Lazyge,” she laughed.

  “Are the Lazyges part of the Sarmatians?” I asked.

  “The Lazyges are just one of many Sarmatian tribes but we are all brothers and at times of conflict we work together. It is the Lazyges who are closest to Roman territory.”

  “You were captured by a Roman patrol?”

  “We were outnumbered, Parthenian. The two women were taken while the four men were butchered.”

  “And you ended up in the gladiatorial school,” I said.

  She sighed. “I miss life on the open plains and the freedom.”

  “Do as I say and I will make sure that you will enjoy the plains and freedom again.”

  “I will be in your debt, Roman.”

  I brushed my leg against hers playfully as I stood up. “Having you in my debt could be interesting.”

  “Are you a warrior, Parthenian?” she asked.

  “No, I am just a chamberlain with no kills.”

  She stood up. “Do you ride, chamberlain?”

  “Yes,” I replied.

  “Have you ever ridden on the grass plains of the steppes?”

  “Never,” I responded.

  “Then you have never ridden. You have a dull life.”

  “Perhaps it will soon become livelier.” I was enjoying the flirting but it was probably time to leave as Polonius was starting a training session and Arite was needed.

  “Farewell, Arite, I will come again next week.

  “Then I will see you next week, Parthenian.”

  I returned to the gladiatorial school the following week and had a further interesting conversation with Arite, and then I went back again the next week but the week after that Domitian arrived in Singidunum. His army camped outside the walls while Domitian and his two generals, Sextus Fronto and Manius Glabrio, and Otho, with his Praetorian guard, entered the city. I made my way to the fortress to meet them there. Otho was in the courtyard with a large detachment of the guard. He greeted me in a friendly fashion.

  “Hail, Parthenian, have you had a good few weeks in Singidunum?”

  “It has been peaceful,” I replied.

  “Domitian, Fronto and Glabrio are having talks with Caius Praesens. I think Domitian is planning to march into Sarmatia in just two weeks time and wants to get things organized.”

  “How was Cusum?” I asked.

  “Domitian dallied there for a couple of weeks with his gladiatrix and then she returned to Rome and we had an uneventful journey here to Singidunum.”

  The mention of Corelia pained me considerably. She had been with Domitian and I had not even seen her. We waited for some time and then Domitian and his two generals emerged from the building. The Emperor smiled when he saw me and put his arm around me and took me to one side. “I would have some private words with my chamberlain.”

  “It is good to see you, Parthenian. What news do you have for me?”

  “It is wonderful to see you, my Emperor,” I returned his greeting. “I delivered your message to Caius Praesens.”

  “Yes, yes I know that. What other news do you have?” He grinned lasciviously. “Two weeks with Corelia has wetted my appetite. What a woman she is. I hope you have found me a good substitute for my two weeks in Singidunum.”

  I am sure he could see my pain and was enjoying it. “I believe I have succeeded in your wish.”

  “Tell me more, Parthenian,” he said eagerly.

  “I have found you a most beautiful young woman. I am sure you will not be disappointed with her looks.”

  “She is not some pathetic little creature like that Alamanni princess?”

  “No, she is about six years older than Ima. She is training here in Singidunum to become a gladiatrix and I am told that she is by far the best prospect.”

  He was almost drooling. “She is a gladiatrix; how wonderful. I have learnt from experience that a gladiatrix can be full of sexual surprises.”

  I felt sick. Was this just a comment or was it made to make me feel even worse? “I am sure that she will not disappoint you but because of her great promise and her desire for freedom she and her master will wish to be well compensated.”

  “If she is as good as you say then they can have what they want. The accommodation in the fortress is second rate so I will now return to the army with Manius and Sextus and stay at the camp. My tent is better than a cold, damp room in the fortress. You will take four or five of Otho’s guards and collect the gladiatrix and join me at the camp. Make sure you do not lose her. Do you understand, Parthenian?”

  “I understand, your majesty.”

  Otho assigned five guards to me and we made our way swiftly to the gladiatorial school. Telemus came to greet me. “Welcome, Parthenian. I see you have brought some reinforcements this time,” he smiled.

  “The Emperor has arrived from Cusum and he is camped outside of town. He wishes me to escort Arite to him immediately.”

  “The arrival of the army is the talk of the town.” He turned to Polonius. “Go and fetch Arite for she is going to the Emperor.” Polonius hurried off.

  “What about payment?”

  “Domitian has promised that you will be compensated fully and that Arite will receive enough to purchase her freedom, but she must perform well.”

  “I have made sure she understands that and I do not think we have any worries on that score. Can I trust Domitian to pay us?”

  “He had better not hear you say that. I will work on your behalf to make sure you are paid handsomely and I will bring it to you.”

  “So I have to trust you, Parthenian.”

  “What choice do you have, Telemus? Domitian is camped outside the city and has twenty thousand men at his disposal. He could simply send his Praetorian guard to take her if he wished.”

  “When you put it like that, then I will choose to trust you.”

  “Can I trust you?” said Arite who had just joined us clad in her warrior attire.

  “I will try to make good my promises to both of you but for the moment you have no choice but to come with me.”

  “Do you have enough men in your escort?” Arite laughed.

  “Let us go,” I said. “I will be in touch, Telemus.”

  We left Singidunum through the northern gate and joined the army camp perched on a slight hillside outside the town. I went immediately to the baggage train which was presently located in the centre of the camp and where I was sure Domitian would have made his headquarters.

  The Emperor saw us coming and walked out to meet us. His eyes never left Arite for a minute and I could see the delight on his face. At last he turned to me. “You have done well, Parthenian, your description did not do justice to her beauty.”

  “I am pleased that you are pleased, your majesty. I was aware of her great beauty but I did not want to build up your expectations too much in case you were disappointed.”

  “Well, I am not, Parthenian.” He turned to Arite. “I hear you are
a gladiatrix.”

  “I am a gladiatrix and a warrior,” she replied. That is why I wear my warrior’s dress because I have heard a rumour you like fighting women.”

  “You look very fetching and very powerful.” He was drooling now and I could see a confident smirk on Arite’s face. It made me wonder if she wanted a little more than just her freedom.

  “Where are you from, Arite?” he asked.

  “I am from Sarmatia.”

  “Then we are enemies, you and I,” said Domitian smiling lecherously.

  “Then we must fight many battles,” Arite suggested.

  Otho had been standing by and Domitian turned to him. “Take Arite to a luxury tent close to mine where she can make herself at home and post a guard. We cannot have the bird flying the nest.”

  “Not without rustling a few feathers first,” said Arite as she accompanied Otho to her new abode.

  Domitian put his arm around my shoulder. “You have excelled yourself, Parthenian. This is a real woman you have found me and not a pitiful youth like the Alamanni princess.”

  “I do my best,” I responded. “What about payment to the school?”

  “See Otho and he will give you what you need for I am already confident that the Sarmatian woman will not disappoint.”

  We remained in the camp at Singidunum for two weeks. In that time Fronto, Glabrio and Praesens made ready for our departure on the campaign into Sarmatia and Dacia. Domitian had some input but his mind was on his beautiful and powerful Sarmatian. I took the compensation for his loss of a promising gladiatrix to Telemus at the school and he seemed satisfied, for the amount I had received from Otho was generous. Arite hardly left Domitian’s tent during this time and I was therefore unable to speak more than a few words to her but it was obvious that she was pleasing Domitian and that he was most happy. The announcement came from Fronto that we would be leaving in two days time and so I knew that I needed to speak with Domitian urgently. I managed to catch up with him shortly after a conversation he had with Glabrio and was returning to his tent. “Your majesty, I need to speak with you.”

  He smiled and put his arm tightly around me and my skin crawled with revulsion. “I must say, Parthenian, you have found me a gem. She cannot compare with Corelia, of course, but she is the next best thing. Quite a warrior,” he smiled recalling a moment of euphoria from a previous evening.