As Halcyon approached her horse, she gazed into the mare's glossy blue eyes that filled Halcyon with a sense of freedom. The white mare, Cheimon, had been a traditional wedding gift from her husband. In the beginning, she had ignored the gift until she and Cheimon formed a bond after a few rides. She now cherished the rare-colored horse more than the others in the stable.
Cheimon huffed low at her owner. She then shook her head at the human's ugly mood and made no arguments when a bronze bit went into her mouth. But there was no saddle or any other gear. When the human was on her back, the horse slammed her front hoof and excitedly whinnied at Halcyon's needs.
Ducking low, Halcyon urged her horse out of the stable and spurred the horse toward the fields, galloping past the helots working with the crops. The open space and freedom brought relief to Halcyon. She and Cheimon quickly escaped the troubles at home and faded away in the valleys.
Chapter Six
Unlike most hoplites, Halcyon rotated between the barracks and her home. Male hoplites lived full time at the barracks, only venturing home to secure Greece’s future. Fortunately, their king arranged that Halcyon and her husband alternated between both. The days until Halcyon would leave for the barracks were long and edgy. She had delayed her return to the barracks after the fire so that she could organize the reconstruction. She had to leave the next day, and her husband, Euclid, would arrive on his break and take over the house duties.
Halcyon had remained quiet during the passing days. Her face was devoid of emotions and her eyes distant. She rarely saw Glauce unless the circumstances were unavoidable. Otherwise, it seemed as if Thora and Cesare took it upon themselves to protect the girl from their owner.
Halcyon and Thora rarely spoke unless it was to pass commands and orders from owner to slave. Sensing Thora's displeasure, Halcyon tried ignoring it and the way it made her uncomfortable. She was, after all, the slave owner with the control in the house. Regardless, time at the barracks would help ease her own tension and distress. At first light, she would return to the barracks where her brothers-in-arms would greet her. As a hoplite, Halcyon was freed from her bonds as a woman.
* * *
The following morning, Thora rose at dawn and prepared for the day. After she dressed, she went downstairs and noticed Cesare was already performing chores.
"Good morning, Thora."
Thora pleasantly smiled at him. "You up early."
Cesare nodded and said, "I helped Halcyon prepare before dawn."
Thora became confused and asked, "She left?" At Cesare's nod, she frowned. "I did not say farewell."
Cesare neared her. "Halcyon does not require farewells." He then touched her stiff shoulder. "She will be back in a fortnight."
Thora was bothered that Halcyon left with their silence intact. She had barely spoken to her but wanted to settle the dispute but robbed of such a chance.
"Do not worry, Thora." Cesare smiled, then released her shoulder after a soft squeeze. "We must hurry. We have a lot of work to do today."
Thora shook her head then asked, "What work?"
Cesare came closer and said quietly, "Ĕrus returns tomorrow. Euclid must not know that our ĕra goes into the andron."
Thora was confused by the Greek home's segregation compared to her homelands. "Why?"
Cesare gathered his thoughts and sighed at Halcyon's constant need to push the social standards. Perhaps if Halcyon's mother had lived, Halcyon would have grown up differently. "Things will happen in this house that should not if ĕrus learns of Halcyon's lifestyle." For years, Cesare took it upon himself to reorganize the villa prior to Euclid's return. "You care for Halcyon?"
"Já."
Cesare smiled at her affirmation. "Then we must hurry." He took Thora's hand and guided her into the andron. They needed to return things to how Euclid would have them and not Halcyon. The klines were arranged differently, the tables set correctly, and a certain favorite sculpture of Ares was always present in the andron. Halcyon favored Athena over Ares, so she often removed the sculpture of Ares once Euclid left home.
Yarikh assisted the slaves with the heavy sculpture. Afterwards, he retired to the courtyard until Thora had time for her lessons. He suspected it would be later in the day. Halcyon had instructed him to watch over Thora in case her newly acquired Greek tongue caused trouble. Yarikh was surprised by the request, but he intended to fulfill it.
As expected, Euclid arrived late the next morning on his horse and in full uniform. His entrance was loud, his gear crashing into the thalamus upstairs. He began checking over the latest changes to his home and the future plans for the kitchen. His wife and the local gossip had alerted him about the fire, and while infuriated, he had been assured by Halcyon that the appropriate punishment had been completed by the erring slave. Euclid disbelieved it since Halcyon, like all wives, had a soft spot for slaves.
Finally, Euclid stripped off his tunic and took a much-needed bath.. Cesare took his armor for polishing later. As Euclid sank deep into the bath, the past month and a half in the barracks weighed on him. For over a year, he had been training his young pais, and their bond had grown deeper.
A throaty groan escaped Euclid when his memories of training shifted to the previous night's lovemaking between him and his pais, Tycho. Soon, Tycho would be a grown man and was already seeking a wife. He had heard her name, Selene, and she was in her prime for marriage.
It was actually through Tycho that he learned which slave had caused the fire in his house. Selene had informed Tycho that it was the new barbaric slave. Euclid had already laid eyes on the golden-haired slave, and he was impressed by her beauty. Halcyon had incredible taste in picking the female slaves compared to the males.
Euclid went back to imagining his pais, and it aroused him. He reached under the water, and his moans filled the bathing room.
After the bath, Euclid went about his afternoon and took stock of the villa, field, and stables. The following day, Euclid met Yarikh, who was teaching the barbaric slave to speak Greek. He was humored by the sheer idea. It was a waste of Halcyon's coin, but he had little say in the matter.
From the short meeting, Yarikh concluded that Euclid was truly an arrogant Greek. Euclid looked down upon any man who was not Grecian, which included Yarikh. He made sure to instruct Thora to stay away from Euclid, as Yarikh predicted their personalities would erupt. Euclid was hardly forgiving or reasonable, unlike his wife.
Thora did as Yarikh requested but only after he reinforced that it was Halcyon's wish. Thora kept her tongue tied, her head down, and her presence minimal. It was difficult for her, but she respected Yarikh and Halcyon. Thankfully, she rarely dealt with Euclid because Cesare tended to him. Euclid usually spent his time in the andron or the courtyard. Thora and Glauce took care of Halcyon's side of the house. Thora hoped Halcyon's return was soon, especially because it would signal the end of Euclid's stay.
* * *
By the third day, Euclid had men begin reconstruction of the kitchen. He wanted it completed before the autumn equinox. Much of his time was spent helping with the work, as he was quite good with physical labor and construction from his time as a hoplite. By sunset, Euclid was often worn out, and he retired to his room. However, he wanted to host a symposium before he left for the barracks that would garner him political popularity among the elders. He forewarned Cesare about the event and ordered the andron to be prepared and certain wines purchased from the agora.
The slaves feverishly worked to prepare for the symposium that would commence in the evening. Thora had to minimize her lessons with Yarikh so she could prepare the food. She required extra time because the temporary kitchen in the supply room was small and ill-equipped.
The night of the political party, Thora found herself as exhausted as Glauce and Cesare, but they pushed through it. Glauce and Thora were permitted to enter the andron under Euclid's instructions so that they could serve his guests. Thora was surprised at how many people arrived at the symposium. Most of the gues
ts were men, and the few women were entertainers of different sorts. Musicians and a bard also arrived to entertain Euclid's happy guests. In the center of the room, two kraters were filled with wine and were quickly being drained by the men.
Thora slipped out of the andron with two large, empty bowls that needed various cheeses. She disappeared into the supply room and hastily retrieved the precut cheese cubes in the linen cloth. Once organized, she hurried out but slowed upon seeing Euclid in the courtyard. Cautiously, Thora went past him and ensured a certain space between them.
Euclid turned in place, then suddenly grabbed Thora's shoulder. "You ignore me, slave."
Thora ground her teeth and held the bowls tighter to keep them from falling out of her hands. She faced him, which broke their physical contact.
Euclid was slightly shorter than Thora, but he was much bulkier and advanced on her. "I was told you set the fire in the kitchen."
Thora detected the wine on his breath that aided his desire to confront her. She kept her eyes off him. Slaves were designed to be submissive, except for Thora. However, she was unsure how long she could play the weak slave for Euclid's benefit.
"Answer me." Euclid yanked her closer.
With strained lines in her brow, Thora's eyes grew stormy and dark despite her pounding heart's warning. She continued holding her silence in hopes Euclid would believe she was weak in the Greek tongue and let her go.
Euclid narrowed his eyes at Thora. "I know you understand me." He tightened his grip on her arm. "Yarikh teaches you day and night. I have heard you speak my tongue." He then growled, "Did you set my kitchen on fire?"
Thora inhaled a deep breath and narrowed her gaze at the master. "Yes, I started fire." She would protect Glauce.
Euclid smirked in triumph. "I knew you understood me." Then her admission drilled deeper into his chest, and he shoved Thora backwards. "You have cost me a lot of coin!" He cut his eyes to the bowl that had shattered on the floor.
Ignoring the broken bowl and scattered cheese, Thora carefully set the other bowl on the bench next to the pool. She fisted her hands, ready to defend herself against the master. Thora hardly viewed him as her owner — only Halcyon.
"You may not have the coin to pay me, but you do have something else."
Thora missed most of his words, yet she read the hunger on his face. With fisted hands, she readied for his attack.
Euclid jumped at Thora, and he took her down to the tiled ground. Barely holding her down, he grunted from the strong punch to his side. "Be still!" He grabbed her throat with one hand and tightened his grip.
Gasping for air, Thora eyes grew wide and she distantly heard a chorus of laughter from the symposium guests. Then her chiton was hiked up, which caused her to battle Euclid again. She swore at him in her native tongue.
Euclid grunted and struggled for dominance over Thora, mildly impressed with her strength. "Be silent."
As dots appeared in her vision, Thora rammed her knee into his side, which gave her a chance to breathe. Euclid lost all patience and raised Thora's upper body by her throat. He was prepared to slam her back down against the tile until a voice halted him.
"Euclid." Yarikh stood on the other side of the pool. He appeared calm, even in his words. Inwardly, he shook at the sheer thought of Thora's peril. "A dead or pregnant slave is a worthless slave."
Euclid stared hard into Thora's bright blue eyes, seeming to weigh Yarikh's words.
Gasping for air, Thora returned Euclid's stare and truly understood what defined him. He viewed Thora as a lifeless property to be used as it pleased him. There was nothing about Thora that made her of more value, much less another human.
Euclid jerked her throat from his hold and climbed to his feet. He kicked Thora in the side for good measure, then coldly said, "Clean this mess and continue your duties." He went around the pool and met Yarikh.
Yarikh tore his attention from Thora and met Euclid's murderous features.
"You speak to me again, and I will run you through." Euclid left the courtyard and returned to his guests.
Rolling to her side, Thora clenched her teeth and waited for the pain to subside. She released a shaky breath at what nearly happened to her.
Yarikh knelt beside Thora and gingerly touched her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
Closing her eyes, Thora nodded, then attempted standing up, but Yarikh helped her. "Halcyon will be angered." She had defied Euclid, and so had Yarikh.
Yarikh doubted it was true but let it go and asked, "Can you still work?"
"I must," Thora replied. She calmed herself, then knelt until Yarikh grabbed her arm.
"I will find Cesare or Glauce to clean this." Yarikh pointed at the andron. "They need the cheese."
Thora nodded and went to the supply room first, hoping there was another bowl she could use for the cheese.
Yarikh sought out Glauce and asked her to take care of the broken bowl in the courtyard. Glauce hurried off to do so and nearly bumped into Thora. She attempted to ask what had happened, but Thora shook her head and continued to the andron.
Slipping into the andron, Thora placed the two bowls of cheese in their spots and checked that the krater was still full.
Cesare was off to one side, watching the guests and listening to the bard tell stories about the gods. His attention was disrupted when Thora joined his side. Thora stayed close to Cesare, who curiously looked at her. She sensed his rise of concern because of the marks on her neck.
"Thora," Cesare said softly.
"It is fine," Thora brushed it off. She too enjoyed the bard, having heard a few of them in the past, but her improved Greek made it easier to follow the story.
Cesare let out a low but frustrated sigh, silently promising he would find out later what happened to Thora. When he looked over at their master, he suspected what had taken place moments ago. Halcyon would be quite displeased.
Chapter Seven
Halcyon halted her mare and dismounted beside the familiar stable, her armor clanking when her sandals hit the dirt. Once she had the reins, she guided Cheimon into the stable to a clean stall and enjoyed untacking and brushing her horse.
The brief time alone with Cheimon gave her a chance to reflect on the past two fortnights at the barracks with her comrades. She was always torn between her life as a hoplite and a master of her home. With a heavy sigh, she shifted her mindset to her duties at home and her pending visit with Euclid before he returned to the barracks the next day. Near the end of her care, she smiled at the approaching footfall.
"Cesare."
Bowing his head, Cesare had a smile and warmly offered, "Welcome back, ěra." He admired Halcyon in her hoplite armor.
"You sound as if you missed me," Halcyon said with good nature.
Cesare chuckled and put his hands behind his back, which made his soft brown chiton sway. "We have been busy. The master is still here and waits for you."
"I am sure," Halcyon said softly. "And busy with what?" She stilled the brush over Cheimon's rump and glanced at Cesare. "I see Euclid began work on the kitchen."
"He did." Cesare paused. "The master had a symposium while you were gone."
Halcyon's lips thinned at the news. "Strange, considering we have no kitchen."
Cesare bit his lower lip then replied, "It did not seem to deter him."
"I see." After setting the brush in the wall rack, Halcyon patted the horse, then pointed at the saddlebags.
Cesare stepped forward and quickly picked up the saddlebags for his owner. He took extra care with the helmet that was tied to the side.
"Did the symposium fair well?" Halcyon asked.
"We managed."
Halcyon nodded, then stepped out of the stall with the rest of the horse tack. She went to the end of the stable and hung up the tack that would be cleaned later. She stood by the doorway. "How does Yarikh fare?"
"He is well, ĕra. He is currently at the agora." Cesare followed her out of the stable. He carried the saddlebags diligently
, then took them to the thalamus once in the house.
Halcyon gazed about the courtyard after passing the open gate, finding everything much the same. However, she diverted from the andron since Euclid was home and instead wandered toward the kitchen that was no longer a darkened, ashen mess but nearly new. She was pleased by the progress.
Halcyon's head snapped to the left after something was dropped on the other side of the house. As she crossed the courtyard, she heard low curses in another tongue. She entered the supply room, which had been adjusted for a temporary kitchen. Little to her surprise, Thora was dealing with a broken oinochoe.
"Let us not start another fire, shall we?"
Thora had her back to the supply room's door but whirled around with shards of clay in her hand. Her initial surprise faded from her features as she gazed upon her owner. Thora sadly smiled on seeing the fully armored hoplite before her.
"Welcome home, ěra."
Halcyon felt uneasy for a beat. "Thank you." She cleared her throat and pointed at the broken oinochoe. "Are there any left?"
Thora glanced at the clay fragments on the floor, holding up a large piece in her hand. "Six or eight now."
Halcyon sighed because her two female slaves, Thora and Glauce, could be clumsy at times. "We will need to make more soon."
"Once kitchen is done." After setting the shards on the table, Thora indicated the bronze armor. "Your training is good?"
"Yes." Halcyon was having a regular conversation with Thora for the first time thanks to Yarikh's teachings. She was more impressed with Thora's Greek tongue than the kitchen's near completeness. "Have you been busy?" Halcyon moved closer to her slave.
"Yes." Thora leaned against the table, her hip on the edge.
"Cesare mentioned my husband had a symposium." Halcyon rested her hand on the xiphos's hilt. She always admired the blue of Thora's eyes and the gold of her hair. Many times, Halcyon looked at the sun in the sky and thought of Thora during her time at the barracks.
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