Season of the Gladiatrix

by David Adkins

  “Greetings, brother, you look solemn,” she said as I opened the door to her cabin.

  “Greetings, sister,” I replied. “It is time for us to think about what we are going to do in Ephesus.”

  “We are going to kill Amina? I have an idea on this. I could go to the gladiatorial school there where Amina must do her training and tell them I wish to become a gladiatrix. If they give me a trial they will see that I am very good and will want me to join their school. Once inside I can make plans on how to murder Amina.”

  “Where do I come in? I might just as well go to Byzantium.” I replied.

  “I will not be a slave but a volunteer and should be able to come and go as I please. I might be able to get you into the school at night and we can do the deed. Perhaps I will be able to persuade Amina to leave the school and we can murder her in the city. If both prove too difficult I could challenge her to a contest in the arena and kill her there.”

  “Your third option is out of the question but the first two are possibilities. I also have an idea. I could go to the school and tell them I am there on behalf of the Emperor. I have my badge to show I belong to Rome’s elite Praetorian Guard. I would say that I wish to discuss in private a proposal by Domitian that Amina, the champion of the east, should meet Corelia, the champion of the west, in the Colosseo. If I can get her alone then I could kill her, though I would prefer it was not murder.”

  “To kidnap her or to try simply to maim her would be too risky, Hylas.”

  “I know you’re right on that, Aria, but I do baulk at the thought of murder.”

  “Hylas, it has to be done, think of Corelia.”

  “I think we will go with my plan first as there is initially less risk, and then your proposals will be a backup if mine proves impossible,” I stated.

  She seemed about to argue but then thought better of it. “Brother, we will do as you say.”

  “It is decided then. After we have verified the information from Tagus we will find accommodation and then we will have a look at the Ephesus gladiatorial school. Goodnight, Aria.” I said smiling, and returned to my cabin.

  Ephesus – Winter AD87

  Chapter 6

  The Laodike docked at the port of Ephesus the next morning and we made preparations to leave the ship, which had been our home for so many weeks. I met Aria on deck and we were talking to Laocrates when Tagus appeared.

  “Captain, can I have your permission to go ashore with Hylas and Aria? I will only be a few hours.”

  Laocrates looked at Tagus suspiciously and then at me. “If Hylas and Aria desire your company you can go ashore with them.”

  “He has offered to show us around Ephesus,” I said by way of explanation.

  “I did not know you were an expert on Ephesus,” he said to Tagus dubiously. “We will sail this afternoon so make sure you are back or we will go without you.” He looked at me again as if seeking my assent.

  I nodded. “Thank you, Captain, and farewell.”

  Aria added, “It has been a pleasure to be a passenger on your fine vessel.”

  “I am not sure about that,” I said and laughed.

  “Farewell to you both and good luck in finding Solanus. If you are successful give him and Kotys my greetings.”

  We left the Laodike following our guide Tagus who we presumed knew where to find the record archives. He led us down a long, wide street that connected the large harbour to the city. It was a busy thoroughfare made of marble with columns at intervals along its length. “This is impressive,” Aria observed.

  “Do you know where the records are kept?” I asked Tagus.

  “I believe in the great library. I have never been inside but I know where it is because when we have free time in Ephesus and the necessary funds I visit the building opposite,” he answered.

  “What is that?” I asked.

  He grinned lasciviously. “It is the famous love house of Ephesus. Have you not heard of it?”

  “I think I have,” I replied.

  “So you men can look after the needs of your mind and the needs of your body all in one afternoon,” said Aria.

  As we neared the end of the harbour street a great amphitheatre came into view, perched on the slopes of a hill overlooking the city. “That is also impressive. I assume that’s where the city’s entertainment takes place,” I observed.

  “They have all sorts in there,” replied Tagus. “There are gladiatorial contests, plays and poetry and athletic competitions. If you are interested there is usually a board outside, for those that can read, telling you what coming events will be taking place.”

  We stopped at the board as we made our way past the front of the huge complex. “What does it say?” asked Aria.

  I could hardly believe my eyes. “It says that on the ides of November, Amina, Queen of the Nile and champion gladiatrix, will fight Hlothilda from the barbaric wastelands of Northern Germania. There will be three contests in the afternoon, the first will be the two gladiatrices followed by two gladiatorial contests. Then in the evening of the next day there will be the tragedy Hercules Furens by Seneca under torchlight.”

  “Quite an interesting mix, especially as Amina will be fighting,” she observed.

  “Can we put a move on,” said an irritated Tagus.

  “You have all morning,” I reminded him.

  “After the library I will have much money and I wish to have time to spend some of it.”

  “Let us go straight to the library then for I would not wish to curtail your other activity,” I replied sarcastically. We then turned right towards the centre of the city and Tagus hurried forward with Aria and I increasing our strides to keep up with him. Several minutes later we stood outside a most impressive building dedicated to the goddess Athena: the library of Ephesus.

  *

  We entered what I assumed was the main reading room on the ground floor. It was a large room dominated by a statue of Athena and with an array of reading tables of various sizes. Most of the tables were not being used but a few were occupied by notable looking citizens reading or studying unrolled scrolls. We were approached by a scholarly individual who eyed us with a little distaste. It seemed we were not the usual types who wished to take advantage of this great centre of learning. “Can I help you?” he asked in a rather superior fashion.

  “I wish to study a map of Dacia and Thrace. I need it to be as detailed as possible.”

  “We have a large selection of maps but perhaps not so many of that particular area of the world. Select a table, I suggest a large one, and I will go upstairs and see what I can find. I will try not to keep you waiting for too long.”

  We had to wait some time, during which Tagus was getting agitated. Eventually the curator returned and provided us with a number of maps. “I suggest that this is the most detailed,” he said, handing me a large papyrus scroll. “Be careful you do not damage it.”

  I carefully unrolled the scroll on the table which revealed a map of Dacia and Thrace. There were cities, towns and villages, rivers and mountains. “It is said to be situated on the border,” I reminded my two comrades, but Tagus looked at me blankly. It was obviously up to Aria and me to find the village of Petrila. It did not take long. There it was on the map, a border town north of Philippopolis, the Thracian capital. I saw that I could make my way north-west from Byzantium to Philippopolis and then almost due north to Petrila. It seemed about the same distance from Byzantium to the Thracian capital as it was from Philippopolis to Petrila.

  “Have you found it?” asked Tagus eagerly.

  I passed him a pouch containing twenty denarii. “I have found it.” We left the library and blinked as we were once again exposed to the bright sunlight. “I suppose you are off to the brothel now,” I said to Tagus.

  “Do you want to come?” His eyes were gleaming with anticipation. “They have a selection of women to choose from or if you just want a room you can bring your own.” His eyes were feasting on Aria.

  “Are y
ou two going to toss a coin to see who gets me?” Aria inquired. “But remember, I am expensive.”

  Tagus eagerly removed a silver coin from the pouch. “I will have the Emperor,” he said, about to toss the coin in the air.

  I stopped him. “She is joking.”

  He shrugged. “That is a shame. Farewell to you both, my friends,” and he hurried off to the love house.

  “Do you not desire a session in the famous love house, Hylas?” asked Aria mischievously.

  “Are you offering?”

  I felt a sharp pain in the back of my leg. “You kicked me, Aria.”

  “You are lucky it was just a kick.”

  “Let us find some accommodation,” I suggested.

  *

  It did not take us long to find suitable accommodation right in the centre of town. The inn was a desirable residence with comfortable rooms and a satisfactory eating area downstairs. I booked two small rooms on the second floor which were next door to each other. We placed our belongings in our rooms but kept our valuables about our persons. Even in this sophisticated city it was advisable to take precautions. “It’s still early, so let’s go and take a look at the gladiatorial school and then we can have a discussion about our plans later,” I suggested.

  “Agreed,” she smiled sweetly, particularly when she saw my exaggerated limp.

  On the way out we passed the innkeeper. “Can you tell me where the gladiatorial school is located?”

  “Turn left out of this building. Go up the hill past the Grand Theatre and continue up the slope. You will then see the school situated on the summit of Mount Pion. It is not far but it is mostly uphill.”

  I thanked him and we emerged into the street, which was called Via Kuretes, and turned left. We soon reached the amphitheatre and made our way past the side of the grand stadium towards the summit of the hill the innkeeper had called Mount Pion.

  The school was a large complex totally independent from the Grand Theatre situated further down the hill. It was surrounded by a considerable wall which we proceeded to walk around. I noted that there were lower and higher parts of the wall but even the lower parts would be difficult to scale. We soon reached the entrance, which was a large wooden double door that was closed so we could not see inside the complex.

  “Are gladiatrices any good at climbing trees?” I asked Aria.

  “Why do you ask?” She viewed me suspiciously.

  “If you climbed that tree over there you could see inside the school.”

  “You climb it,” she said firmly.

  “I cannot climb it. I have a bad leg, remember? I will give you a lift up onto that lower branch.”

  She pulled a face. “If I get to trample on your head and shoulders it might be worth it.” We walked over to the tree and I bent over. She clambered onto my back and I stood upright so that she could then transfer her weight to my shoulders.

  “Be careful, Hylas, I nearly fell off.” She then put one foot on my head and hauled herself onto the lowest branch. I watched as she managed to climb higher. “I can see into the complex now,” she stated triumphantly.

  “Describe what you see.”

  “I can see the training area where there are some gladiators doing physical training and two more practising with wooden swords. It’s a large, very open space surrounded on three sides by buildings which must provide accommodation. The buildings are set back from the wall on all sides. It would be impossible to get in during the day without being seen and night would present other difficulties.”

  “It seems that breaking in is out of the question and that we need a more subtle plan.” I started to walk away from the tree.

  “Where are you going, Hylas? I need help to get down.”

  I turned and went back to the tree. “Sorry, Aria, I had forgotten about you.” I held out my arms. “Jump and I’ll catch you.”

  She looked at me doubtfully but then launched herself into my waiting arms. I caught her but almost dropped her. She slid out of my arms into a standing position. “You are stronger than I thought, brother.”

  “You would do well to remember that, sister.”

  “You can no longer toss me overboard, brother.”

  *

  On our return to the inn we had an evening meal in a secluded corner of the empty dining room and we discussed our plans. “We are agreed that we cannot get into the gladiatorial school, find Amina, and do what we have to?” I was still disinclined to use the word murder.

  “It would be almost impossible to try to achieve that without first being discovered.” Aria agreed.

  “We are back to our other possibilities then. The first choice was that I could visit the gladiatorial school and inform them I wish to speak with the owner and Amina on behalf of the Emperor, Domitian. After that I will endeavour to get Amina alone.”

  “How will you do that?”

  “I will use my charms.” The problem was that I was not sure I had any and the way Aria laughed I think she also doubted it.

  “What charms are those, Hylas? Do you also believe that the presentation of your Praetorian badge will be enough to convince them you are genuine?”

  “If they are keen to take up the offer of making Amina champion of the west as well as the east then they should be inclined to listen to my proposal.”

  “I am doubtful it would work but at least it should initially be fairly risk free, unlike breaking into the school,” she replied.

  “We have two weeks to think about it and plan it,” I said.

  “Why is that, Hylas?”

  “We will not be doing anything until she has defeated the German gladiatrix in the arena. Perhaps we will get lucky and the German will win an unexpected victory and do our job for us.”

  “I think that very unlikely, but it does make sense to wait and see the outcome,” she replied thoughtfully.

  “Tomorrow I will get two tickets for the event and this will give us the chance to see Amina in action.”

  “Have you been to the arena before?”

  “I have never had that pleasure, Aria.”

  “After your performances on board the Laodike I am not sure you have the stomach for it, brother.”

  “I am a Praetorian Guard,” I informed her, as if that answered her reservations. “Other diners are coming in so I think it is time to retire to our rooms.”

  *

  The next day the winter weather was still very pleasant. It seemed that in this part of the Empire there was no winter to speak of. Indeed, Ephesus would have been a very pleasant city in which to spend the next few months. Unfortunately there was no chance of idling away the time for we had the Amina problem to deal with.

  I managed to purchase two tickets for the afternoon events in the Grand Theatre on the ides of November. I decided that rather than be further back in the standing area I would pay the extra money for seats nearer to the front. Aria seemed excited about getting a look at the Queen of the Nile and I must admit that so was I.

  I also wrote a communication to Paulinus explaining my current situation to him and informing him of the long delay I had suffered on board the Laodike due to the storm. I told him that I had arrived in Ephesus too late in the year to make the journey to Dacia because of the mountains and the winter snow. I informed him that Solanus was most likely in a village called Petrila and that I would make the journey there in the spring as soon as the weather allowed. I asked him if he could do his best to delay matters with the trial and that I hoped Solanus would be in Rome by next summer.

  Chapter 7

  The two weeks seemed to pass quickly and the day of the contests soon arrived and with it a very perceptible excitement within the city. It seemed that all three imminent battles had captured the imagination of the people of Ephesus. However, for me it was only the first that was of interest. I wanted to see at first hand my enemy and measure what I was up against. It was similar for Aria, particularly as in her own mind she had not ruled out the possibility of facing Amina in t
he arena.

  The Grand Theatre of Ephesus was mightily impressive and had been constructed to accommodate twenty-five thousand spectators. I believed that it must surely be the largest theatre in Asia. We sat on wooden benches embedded into the slopes of Mount Pion and our seats were on the lower level, just six rows back, affording us an excellent view of proceedings. The lower level consisted of about twenty ranks, as did the upper level which had stone seats. Behind the upper level was a large standing area for the not so wealthy of the city.

  In a grand box not too far away from us we could see the governor of Asia, Civica Cerealis, sitting with his entourage. The very man who had plotted with Marcus Gracchus to depose Domitian and who had sent his deputy Antonius Sabinus to Surrentum to discuss the details of the conspiracy with Gracchus and Quintus Fuscus. It seemed that he had managed to escape unscathed, despite his duplicity and involvement in the plot.

  The excitement in the vast audience was rising as the time when the two adversaries would enter the arena grew close. “Have you ever fought in front of such a large audience as this?” I asked Aria.

  “Bigger than this in the Colosseo,” she replied. “But I have never fought as an individual because Corelia has always protected me from such contests.”

  I realized that I had never asked Aria about her battles in the arena. “What do you mean, never as an individual?”