Season of the Gladiatrix

by David Adkins

  “You are a Roman citizen?”

  “I am,” I replied.

  “Do you have proof?” Calagurris asked.

  I showed him my Praetorian badge. “I am a guard at Domitian’s palace in Rome but I was given leave for good service to visit my family in Dacia.”

  “I wish you well in that venture. Dacia has been a dangerous place for many years, but following the victory of our general Tettius Iulianus over Decebulus and his warriors it is hoped it will be a much safer place in the future. Who knows, it might soon be another Roman province.”

  “Good news indeed. May I ask you a question, Calagurris?”

  “Certainly, what is it?”

  “I travelled here from Byzantium after taking ship from Brindisi. In Byzantium I met another traveller who was also travelling to Philippopolis. I would like to meet up with him again. Have your enquiries brought him to your attention? His name is Decarian.”

  “I have not heard that name. I do not speak to everyone who arrives in Philippopolis. The people of note who may interest Pancratius tend to stay at this inn. He is definitely not staying here. If I hear of him I will let you know. I will return and inform you if the governor wishes to speak with you. However, as you are only passing through then I doubt he will wish to, but if you need assistance of any kind while you are here then please ask for me at the gate.”

  “Thank you for your kindness, Calagurris.” I watched as the small man hurried back across the road to the governor’s mansion. I was now ready to begin my discreet search for Decarian.

  *

  The search proved fruitless. I inquired at every inn in town as to whether they had a man named Decarian among their guests and I also added a description for good measure, but everywhere I drew a blank. I was now fretting that he had already begun his journey to Petrila despite the harsh winter weather. I knew that Decarian would have had to hire a guide for the journey across the Southern Carpates and I found a few places in town where he might have inquired. At each place they did not know of Decarian but assured me that no guide would attempt the journey at this time of year for it was far too hazardous. This eased my worry that he could already have undertaken the journey. It also seemed likely that if he had, the probability was that he would not make it. I could see the mountains in the distance and they were covered in deep snow which provided me with further reassurance. For the next few days, with the weather in Philippopolis still improving, I wandered around the forum area hoping to catch sight of Decarian but still had no luck. I had now been in Philippopolis over a week and was no closer to finding him than when I had first arrived. I strolled back to my inn somewhat downcast by my lack of success.

  Sotan was waiting for me. “Greetings, Hylas,” he said, smiling.

  “Greetings, Sotan,” I responded.

  “I am sorry it has taken me this long to seek you out. We only moved into a new home just before I left for Byzantium and there was much work to do, especially before receiving guests.”

  “I understand, Sotan. I was beginning to wonder what had happened to you but you are under no obligation to feed me,” I said, laughing.

  “You saved my life, Hylas, so I think I am.” He smiled back. “Would you be able to come tomorrow evening?”

  “I would and I look forward to it,” I said.

  “I live about three miles out of town and it is a little difficult to find so I will return tomorrow evening to bring you to my humble abode.”

  I watched as Sotan rode briskly away from the inn. It would make a pleasant change to eat a meal with him and his wife because I had eaten alone ever since I had arrived in Philippopolis.

  *

  The next evening I sat on couches with Sotan and his wife Glyca eating a meal of delicious pork with beans and carrots from a low, square table. We talked generally about the weather, Byzantium, and Philippopolis and the evening was proving most enjoyable. Glyca was a very attractive woman with long dark hair and dark eyes and was proving to be a fine hostess.

  Sotan suddenly looked serious. “Are you having any luck, Hylas? You were interested in finding a man called Decarian.”

  “I was and I can find no trace of him,” I replied.

  “That is strange,” he observed. “If he arrived in Philippopolis shortly before us then he must still be here. The only road out of Philippopolis is the one back to Byzantium. All other roads will be blocked by snow.”

  I decided to be a little more forthcoming. “Like me he is bound for Petrila and it is imperative that I get there before him.”

  “I believe that Petrila is a small town on the way to Sarmizegatusa. Is that so?” he mused.

  “It is about half way between here and the Dacian capital,” I confirmed.

  “There is no way he could have left for Petrila. He would not find a guide to take him at this time of year. If he undertook the journey alone then he is dead man.”

  I felt relieved by this statement of Sotan. “I will continue searching for him in Philippopolis. I have already asked various guides and inquired at inns and even with the governor’s steward. I gave descriptions to all of them but he seems to have disappeared.”

  “I would keep away from Governor Pancratius if I were you, Hylas. He is arrogant and corrupt and best avoided.”

  “I will take your advice, but I will keep searching because from what you say he must still be in the city.”

  “If you wish I will also ask around for you, Hylas.”

  “That is most kind, but you will be careful – Decarian is not a man to be trifled with,” I warned.

  Sotan looked at me with interest but did not ask why. “I am sorry my home is a rather disorganized but, as I told you, we only moved in shortly before I travelled to Byzantium. I left Glyca to start making improvements.”

  “As usual he leaves the work to me,” she said, smiling.

  “An excellent job you have done, Glyca. I do not see any disorganization,” I observed.

  “You are too kind.” She smiled again.

  “It suits us to be away from the bustle of the city and we have enough land here to grow vegetables and keep livestock. As well as the main house we have two outbuildings we can put to good use,” said Sotan.

  “I wish you every success and I want to thank you and Glyca for an excellent meal, which I really enjoyed.”

  “It was our pleasure,” replied Glyca.

  “Before you go I have something to put to you,” said Sotan. “As you have probably been told many times it is not realistic to set out for Petrila before mid-March.”

  I interrupted him. “I would like to leave before that if possible. Perhaps the beginning of March might be practicable if the weather looks fair.”

  “Anyone from around here will tell you that mid-March is the earliest possible time to leave and that is pushing things. The weather in the mountains is very changeable and heavy downfalls of snow are likely throughout March but more certain in the early weeks of the month.”

  I shook my head in frustration. “I must leave ahead of Decarian.”

  “If he is in Philippopolis then he is in the same predicament as you,” he confirmed. “Now what I was going to say was that when the time comes for you to leave I will guide you to Petrila. I know the mountain passes and you will not find a better guide.”

  “That is a generous offer, Sotan, and one I will take you up on.”

  “You saved my life on the road from Byzantium so it is only reasonable that I should help. You must come and visit us again – you now have two months or more to spend in Philippopolis. Do you know the way back to the inn?”

  “I know the way back.”

  I rode back to the Governor’s Inn under a dark blanket of stars and in freezing temperatures but feeling a little more confident.

  *

  It snowed off and on through January and the weather was bleak and cold, especially for one who was used to the climate of Italy. I continued my inquiries with regard to Decarian but it seemed that he had vanis
hed like a ghost into thin air. I still believed he was in Philippopolis but at times I fretted that he had attempted the journey to Petrila. I continued to check with any possible guides that he might have consulted but was constantly assured that he could not have made the journey in mid-winter. I consoled myself that if he had then his corpse was in those far off mountains and Solanus was safe. Then I fretted that the mysterious woman who had accompanied him from Byzantium to Philippopolis may also have been a guide. Then I reminded myself that if she was a guide, why would he have needed Letus? And so my mind tortured me with these thoughts during the long inactive month of January.

  The new month of February heralded in some better weather. The snow stopped and the temperatures began to rise. I visited Sotan for the third time for dinner and badgered him that now the weather had improved it might be possible to begin the journey to Petrila. His counsel remained that we should at least wait until the beginning of March. He pointed out that the snow might have cleared in Philippopolis but in the mountains it was still deep and impassable. Sotan proved right in his judgement for by the middle of February the snow was falling heavily and once again the city was covered in a blanket of snow. I continued with my inquiries and also continued to look out for a man fitting the description of Decarian, but it was all to no avail.

  The snowfall continued into the beginning of March and my frustrations grew by the day. Then after the first week of March had passed the temperature started to rise rapidly and the snow began to melt equally quickly. Within a day the city was clear of snow and as if by magic there was a feel of spring in the air. I waited for word from Sotan but no word came. The days passed and I resolved to visit him at his home outside the town and see if he was yet ready to leave, for my impatience was now getting the better of me. Then, before I could act on my intention, I was informed by the innkeeper that I had a visitor and I was sure it had to be Sotan. I followed the innkeeper downstairs but to my surprise it was not Sotan.

  “I am Hector,” the man introduced himself. “I have a message for you.”

  “Which is?” I asked suspiciously.

  “Sotan invites you to his home tonight for dinner and to discuss a trip.”

  “At last – but who are you and why did he not come himself?”

  “He has employed me as a labourer to look after the livestock while he is away on this trip. He apologizes for not coming himself but he has much to do if he is about to leave home and be absent for some time.”

  It seemed that Sotan intended that we leave Philippopolis without further delay which was very good news for me. “I see. Tell him that I will make my way to his home this evening at the usual time.” Hector nodded agreement and left and I felt delighted that after these months of waiting I was at last about to do something positive.

  Chapter 13

  I left the Governor’s Inn that evening and set off on the short trip to my friend’s home. I soon arrived as the sun was setting and after having tied my horse outside I knocked loudly on the door. I was hungry and looking forward to another enjoyable meal while discussing the imminent journey to Petrila. Glyca answered the door and ushered me inside. “Greetings, Hylas.”

  “Greetings, Glyca,” I replied, just before feeling the shock of cold steel pressing against my back.

  “One false move and I promise you I will run you through.” I recognized the voice of Hector behind me and then another figure emerged from the shadows and held a knife to my throat. “Come with us and do exactly as I say. If you try anything you are a dead man.”

  Hector and the other man led me outside and walked me to one of the outbuildings. They took me inside and removed my weapon.

  “What have you done to Sotan?” I asked. “Have you hurt Glyca?”

  Hector ignored my questions and ordered me to put my hands behind my back. The other man then bound my wrists securely. “You cannot escape. One of us will be outside watching you at all times and we have made this place secure.” He then proceeded to gag me. “There is a bed over there for your comfort. Go and lie down,” he ordered.

  I did as I was commanded as the knife was once again pressed threateningly against my back. Hector and the other thug then left and closed the door behind them. I heard a beam put into place to seal my prison. I got up from my bunk and wandered aimlessly in the darkness round my new jail. I barged heavily into one of the walls in the dark to test its strength but it did not yield at all. They were thick wooden walls and I could make no impression on them, particularly with my hands tied behind my back. My shoulder ached from the rash attempt on the wall of my prison and if there was a guard positioned outside then I had no immediate chance of escape. I went back to my bunk and was once again consumed with frustration. I tried to calm myself by thinking of Aria and the beautiful Corelia. Aria would no doubt have told me I had messed up yet again.

  *

  I could not sleep while incarcerated as I was and with no understanding of what was going on. If these two men were robbers and were holding Sotan and Glyca prisoner or hostage then what did they want with me? Why had they bothered to assemble such an elaborate prison in this outbuilding? Why had they wanted me there and why had they not just killed me? It was still quite dark in my prison but my eyes had become accustomed to it. The building was completely empty apart from the uncomfortable bunk and a flimsy chair. I pondered on the mystery as I tried to sleep. I heard the crowing of a cock and knew that morning was about to break. I could now see light coming through the odd cracks in the walls of my jail though there were no windows. It was not long after the start of the new day that the door opened.

  Glyca entered followed by Hector and the other man. “Good morning, Hylas,” she greeted me and removed my gag.

  “What is going on, Glyca?” I asked, bemused. “Have they hurt you? Are they holding Sotan hostage?”

  “First let me place your breakfast on the floor,” she said, putting a tray of bread and fruit on the stone floor. “We will have a conversation and then Hector and Phibus will release your hands so you can eat it. After you have eaten they will bind your arms again. It is pointless to call out – you know how isolated we are here. Do not try anything. Sotan does not want them to hurt you if it can be avoided. It would not be wise anyway – they have been selected because they are both extremely strong and, unlike you, they are well armed.”

  “Are they working for you?” I was aghast.

  “I could have claimed that they were holding us hostage because that was the first conclusion you jumped to, but Sotan wants you to know the truth.”

  “I am listening,” I said.

  Glyca sat down on the chair and looked at me sadly. “We did not want this but it could not be avoided. Decarian is an expert assassin employed by Marcus Gracchus. He was following you because it was expected that you would lead him to Solanus Fuscus who he would then kill. My husband, Sotan, is an agent for Marcus Gracchus looking after his interests in the Ephesus area. Sotan’s instructions were to give Decarian whatever assistance he needed. Upon your arrival in Ephesus it was evident after questioning one of the crew of the Laodike that Decarian now knew as much as you did and so you became expendable. However, despite attempts on your life in Ephesus, you somehow survived. Decarian had decided to leave for Philippopolis in a bid to get to Petrila before the winter snow made the journey impossible. Sotan was to stay behind and if you attempted the trip yourself then he was to follow you and kill you. Because Sotan had the more dangerous job it was decided I should go with Decarian.”

  “So you were the mystery woman,” I gasped.

  “Indeed I was. When Sotan caught up with you, supposedly pursued by thieves, it was just a ruse to gain your confidence and travel with you.”

  “There were no thieves?” I was surprised.

  “No. He would have murdered you at some stage on the journey to Philippopolis but then events took a most unexpected turn.”

  “There really were thieves,” I said.

  “Yes, and you sav
ed Sotan’s life. That was something Sotan was not prepared to forget. My husband is a rogue but he is an honourable rogue. He did not kill you and in fact he started to like you. He brought you safely to Philippopolis but of course Decarian was not happy with this. He still wanted you dead and, as a consequence, there was a considerable disagreement between them. Sotan persuaded Decarian that it was not necessary for you to die as long as Solanus was disposed of. So you have been left in peace for the last two months until now but something had to be done because you would have been about to make your own way to Petrila. Decarian was not keen to have you dogging his footsteps.”

  “What do you mean, Glyca? Where is Decarian now? And where has he been for the past two months?”

  “For the past two months he has resided in our other outbuilding while we prepared this one for you. Sotan went to the trouble of acquiring this property on reaching Philippopolis. That is why you did not get an immediate invitation to dinner.” She smiled.

  “Where is Decarian now?” I asked.

  “He is on his way to Petrila guided by my husband. They left a week ago. The deal is that Sotan gets him there and Decarian assassinates Solanus Fuscus. Decarian then returns to Rome and Sotan returns here. I merely have to keep you as my guest with the help of my friends until he returns and confirms the success of their venture. It should take about six weeks in all.”

  “What will he do with me when he returns?” I asked.

  “He will let you go. Solanus will be dead, so that will be an end to your mission. There will be nothing left for you to do but return to Rome.”

  “How will he be sure that I do not take revenge for his betrayal?” I asked.

  “There is no betrayal. He works for Marcus Gracchus and he has not betrayed Marcus. In fact if it was not for Sotan you would be long dead, Hylas. He will, however, ask for your word that you will not attempt to exact revenge. He believes you to be a man of your word.”