Season of the Gladiatrix

by David Adkins

  It was in this vein that our journey continued with Settius leading the way through this alien landscape. The journey was a comfortable one, even as we made our way through the high pass, and we remained in good spirits. The dangers posed by the Dacians receded as we got ever closer to the Roman world and our conversation kept us entertained. Glyca had lapses into periods of silence but in the circumstances that was to be understood. Settius, on the other hand, was a pleasant and vocal companion.

  After many days we had succeeded in clearing the mountain pass and we then pressed on relentlessly towards our destination. A valley spread out before us and we could see grasslands and in the distance there were hills and thick forests. The journey had not been difficult and the higher mountains had been crossed without mishap. We sat for a while to take in the beauty and serenity of the landscape, for the journey had been long and this was a change in scenery much to be appreciated.

  “Are we far from Motru?” I asked Settius.

  “It is only two days’ ride from here on the other side of the valley,” he replied. “I will rest in Motru for a couple of days before returning to Petrila.”

  Motru would indeed be a welcome haven after the mountains but I could only afford an overnight stop as time was of the essence. “It will be just one night for us.”

  “You are a hard taskmaster,” Glyca said, smiling.

  “You could rest longer in Motru, Glyca, if you wish.”

  “I will continue with you to Singidunum.”

  We rode into Motru under a cloudy sky, dogged by persistent drizzle. The town consisted of a number of small dwellings clustered around a small, central square, and there was a sense of fear about the place no doubt fuelled by the recent war that raged close by between Romans and Dacians. The trepidation was almost tangible, so my assurances that the Dacians had moved south against Philippopolis were well received. They had feared that Singidunum may be the target, which would have taken the Dacian army through Motru. Their tenuous position between the Roman fortress town of Singidunum and the Dacian lands must have been a constant worry. My good news and my denarii encouraged them to show us generous hospitality, particularly when they realized that we posed no threat to them. We found a comfortable inn, which, from the outside, reminded me of the one in Byzantium. The inn was decent and pleasant enough though conditions were cramped and the rooms small. I paid gratefully for three small rooms and it was good once again to have a roof over my head and a real bed to sleep on. Before retiring we stocked up with ample, fresh provisions for the final part of the journey to Singidunum. After a good night’s sleep I was confident we would be ready to resume that last stage of our journey.

  We were ready to depart Motru early the next morning soon after sunrise. “Thank you, Settius, for your kindness and for guiding us through the mountains and for bringing us safely to Motru. I wish you a safe journey back to Petrila.” I clasped his hand warmly.

  “The Danube is just a few miles in that direction,” he said, pointing. “Once you reach the mighty river you can follow it west all the way to Singidunum. I hope you both reach your destination safely.”

  We rode away with our two pack horses following close behind us carrying the fresh provisions. The weather had changed once again and the day was bright and sunny. We soon met up with the great river that divided the Roman world from the barbarian world. The river would now be our guide and we would follow it all the way to Singidunum.

  Singidunum – Summer AD88

  Chapter 16

  We looked across the mighty river at the Roman fortress town of Singidunum. “Decabulus knew what he was doing when he decided to attack Philippopolis instead of Singidunum,” I observed.

  Glyca nodded her agreement. “Those walls would take some breaching.”

  The stone walls supported by earthen bulwarks were formidable indeed and, if that was not enough, a moat had been constructed. “You would have to be an expert in siege warfare to even attempt to take that place and I imagine the Dacians have no expertise in that particular field,” I added.

  Along the waterfront on both sides there were many stalls selling a variety of wares and many boats carrying passengers and goods back and forth across the river. I approached a boat that seemed to be preparing to leave. “We need passage across for ourselves and our horses.”

  “A denarius is the set price,” the boatman said, grinning through blackened teeth.

  I paid him and then we set about getting our nervous animals aboard the precarious vessel. “I hope we get across in one piece,” Glyca observed. We held on tightly to the horses because if they panicked they could easily jump into the fast flowing river. The boat soon left the jetty and started on the journey across the river. Thankfully the trip did not last long and we were quickly deposited on the other side. The port of Singidunum was a bustling place with crowds of people hurrying back and forth. I suspected that the Roman withdrawal from Sarmizegatusa had caused panic and people were fleeing there for safety from the possible threat of the barbarians.

  It was just a short walk into the centre of the fortress town from the dock. It was a grim place made of timber and mud except for the stone that had been added to the earth wall surrounding it and the stone fort that housed the Roman garrison. The crowded streets were cobbled and stank of animals, particularly pigs, and of charcoal furnaces. This place was certainly a frontier town, acting as a barrier to the German tribes to the north and the Dacians to the east. There were a number of adequate shops and stalls and a large, pleasant inn named the Grand Inn for the wealthier travellers, which we decided to book in to for a few days.

  “Greetings – two rooms for three nights,” I said to the innkeeper.

  “We have no rooms left,” he replied.

  “Then unfortunately I will have to look elsewhere,” I said, looking glumly at Glyca.

  “Of course if you are willing to pay a bit extra then I may be able to find you two rooms,” he said, looking shifty.

  We haggled and agreed a price, which was a lot more than I had paid for previous accommodation, but I did not wish to go searching this dangerous-looking city at night for alternative lodgings. We left our horses in the stables at the back of the inn and then we took our goods and provisions to our respective rooms. A short time later there was a knock on my door and when I opened it Glyca entered. “What is the plan?” she asked.

  “It is dusk, and darkness is descending, so I do not intend to start searching for Mannox now. I imagine these streets are full of thieves and ruffians after dark.”

  “Can we talk about me then? What is to become of me?” she posed the question I had thought about at times during the journey here.

  “I must first concentrate on finding Solanus and I hope my search is at last nearing its conclusion. That is my top priority and when that is achieved we can then talk about your future.”

  “That will depend upon whether Solanus and Kotys are still in Singidunum,” she pointed out.

  “True. I will try to find this banker, Mannox, tomorrow morning. He should not be difficult to find. According to Miranda he is a prominent citizen here in Singidunum. I hope he will be able to tell me where I can find Solanus.”

  “Can I come with you?” she asked.

  “No, I think it better you stay here.”

  “Well, if he tells you something definite then come straight back here and let me know. It might be more appropriate if the two of us go to see Solanus and Kotys,” she suggested.

  “Why is that?” I asked.

  “A man and a woman visiting a man and a woman,” she said, smiling.

  I was not sure of her logic. “If you wish,” I agreed. “Then I suppose you must decide if you really want to go to Rome or if you wish to further seek your husband.”

  “I will think on that. Now I will retire to my bed. Good night, Hylas.”

  “Good night, Glyca.” I closed the door thoughtfully behind her. The future was going to be difficult for her.

  * />
  The next morning after I had eaten I approached the inn keeper. “Do you know of a banker called Mannox?” I asked.

  “Of course, he is one of the most eminent citizens of Singidunum.”

  “Do you know where I might find him?”

  “His offices are on the road leading up from the port. You cannot miss them. There is a statue of Titus Atticus outside because I think he is Mannox’s hero.”

  “Who is Titus Atticus?” I asked.

  He laughed. “He was a famous and successful banker who lived a long time ago. I believe that Mannox tries to uphold the tradition of Atticus of honesty with profit.”

  “Thank you for your help.” I laughed and wondered if there was such a thing as an honest banker. I made my way out of the inn and started to walk back towards the port. It was only a short walk and I soon arrived outside an impressive house with a large, brown, oak door and a statue of Atticus standing proudly at the entrance. I knocked on the door which was promptly opened. “I am here to see the banker, Mannox,” I announced.

  “I am his clerk. Do you have an appointment?” the small, rather fat man asked.

  “No, my name is Hylas. I am a Praetorian and a friend of Solanus Fuscus who I believe Mannox is acquainted with.”

  “Wait here for just a moment and I will speak with him.” He shuffled off in an ungainly fashion. I stood at the door for a few minutes waiting patiently until he returned. “He will see you.”

  I was shown into an office where another small man sat at a large grand desk. Mannox, unlike his clerk, was thin and had an air of importance about him. “Come in, Hylas, and sit down.” His voice boomed out from his small frame.

  I did as I was bid. “Thank you for sparing me a few minutes of your valuable time.”

  “Time is money, but you are a friend of Solanus so how can I help you?”

  “I have an important message for Solanus and I thought you may be able to tell me where I would be able to find him. I believe he is currently in Singidunum.”

  “Why do you think I would know?”

  “He had some business to conduct with you,” I replied.

  “It is true that I have met with Solanus Fuscus a few times and we have conducted business. I therefore am a business associate and as such owe him my discretion. How can I be sure you are a friend?”

  “I am a Praetorian sent by my prefect, Paulinus, to give Solanus a message.” I showed him my badge.

  “Is that supposed to convince me?” he replied.

  “Paulinus wants Solanus to return to Rome to give evidence at the trial of Marcus Gracchus. Without the evidence Solanus can give, Gracchus and the other senators will be acquitted. Gracchus is an enemy of Solanus so I believe Solanus would wish to be made aware of this.”

  “What degree of pressure do you intend to put on him?” he asked.

  “I intend only the pressure of trying to convince him with words. It will be for Solanus to choose, but he needs to know there is a choice for him to make.”

  “You are convincing, Hylas.”

  “I give you my word that I mean him no harm and simply wish to give him that message,” I urged.

  He sat back in his chair and studied me. “I believe you and, of course, Solanus is well able to look after himself.”

  “It is urgent – Paulinus has to try and delay the trial until Solanus returns to Rome.”

  He smiled. “I know of the trial of which you speak. Solanus is staying with his wife Kotys at the Bear and Fox Inn on the far side of the town from here. Go back through the centre of town and out the other side. You cannot miss it. I know they intend to stay in Singidunum for a while as I am conducting further business for him at the moment. You should find him there.”

  “Thank you, Mannox,” I enthused, and left the banker’s establishment in high spirits. I was elated, because at long last my quest looked like bearing fruit. I was almost inclined to hurry straight for the Bear and Fox Inn but I would pass the Grand Inn on the way and I had promised Glyca I would collect her before seeking out Solanus and Kotys.

  *

  I returned promptly to the Grand Inn and met Glyca returning to the inn herself. We stepped into the lobby together. “Where have you been?” I asked her.

  “I just went out to buy some wine,” she replied, showing me the flagon. “I just had a feeling that you may have something to celebrate when you returned.”

  “You must have second sense,” I smiled.

  “Then if we have time let us go back to your room and you can tell me all you have found out.”

  “I think after what Mannox has just told me we can spare an hour before we seek out Solanus,” I replied.

  We returned to my adequate room which was furnished with a small table and two chairs. I took two cups from the oak cupboard, placed them on the table, and sat down on one of the chairs. “You look happy, Hylas,” she said.

  “I am happy,” I said, grinning. “It seems that my mission is almost at an end, though I realize this is really of little consequence to you.”

  “It may bring the decision on my future closer. Now, Hylas, tell me your news.”

  “Mannox confirmed that Solanus and Kotys are definitely in Singidunum because he is currently in the process of doing business with them.”

  “Where are they staying?” she asked.

  “They are staying at the Bear and Fox Inn on the far side of town.”

  She poured the wine into the two cups and put the half-full flagon back in my cupboard. “That is wonderful news for you, Hylas, but, as you know, of little interest to me. Would you excuse me? I just have to return to my room for something. I will be back in a few minutes. Drink up and I will drink a little when I return, though I am not so fond of wine.” She got up and headed for the door.

  “Do not be long. I am anxious to seek out Solanus,” I said.

  “I will not. Drink and then we will go to the Bear and Fox Inn.” She closed the door behind her.

  I picked up my cup and took a couple of sips. A loud noise and shouting from outside the inn drew my attention. I put the cup back onto the table and went to the window. A fight had started in the street below between two men who were shouting abuse and hurling fists at each other. Members of the crowd that had gathered pulled them apart and the scuffle ended abruptly. The street started to spin and I suddenly felt very ill. There was a burning in my throat and I seemed to be losing the use of my arms and legs. I was frightened; I had no idea what was happening to me. I staggered back to the chair, knocking my cup over and spilling the contents on the floor. I slumped into the chair and watched, mesmerized, as the cup rolled back and forth in the middle of the table. I reached out with a shaking hand and placed it upright once again. The cup was not empty so I thought another drink might ease the burning in my throat. I reached out once again but my hand could not find the cup. Both arms dropped to my sides and I realized I could no longer move them. My throat burned so much that I could not shout for help. I tried to rise but my legs would not work and I fell to the floor. I felt the wetness of the wine under my back as I looked up at the ceiling. I was paralysed. I could not speak and I could not move.

  The door opened and Glyca entered, closing the door behind her. She strode confidently over to me and looked at the cup. “I see you have drunk most of it, Hylas.” She poured the remainder of my cup and her cup over my stricken body and placed the empty cups next to the half-filled flagon in the cupboard.

  I looked at her in horror as I realized that she had poisoned me. “Blink if you can hear me and understand me,” she said, smiling.

  I blinked.

  “I expect you are wondering why? I intend to murder Solanus and you are of no more use to me. In fact you are now a hindrance I need to remove so it is time to dispose of you. The paralysis will only last a few minutes and then you will die. Farewell, Hylas, and thank you for your help.” She left my room and closed the door behind her.

  I lay on my back, my mind still active even if my body
was not, but I did not die. How could Glyca have done this to me? It seemed that all along the only thing on her mind had been the murder of Solanus Fuscus. The minutes passed and I lived, and then the hours passed, or so it seemed, and I still lived. Glyca had believed I had drunk most of the contents of the cup but in fact I had only had a few sips. If this was what a few sips did to the body then the poison must have been strong indeed. As the paralysis started to fade slightly, then came the realization that I was not going to die and with that knowledge came immense relief.

  I felt terrible. I could hardly move and I still could not speak. It had been almost midday when I returned to the inn after seeing Mannox so now, I felt, it must be late afternoon. I tried to move but, though I could now crawl a little, I could not get up and I could not speak. I knew I had to do something if I was to save Solanus from the threat posed by Glyca, but helping him was beyond me. I made another great effort and struggled onto my unsteady feet. The room was spinning and I leaned on the table for support. My throat still burned like hot coals and my vocal chords were useless. I fell back onto the floor, fighting for the use of my arms and legs which simply refused to function properly. My body ached as I crawled towards my bed. When I reached it I could not rise to get into it. I lay there by the bed, but not on it, for perhaps another hour or two. At last, feeling just a little stronger, I managed to get onto the bed and I lay down in pain and anguish, staring at the ceiling while my body felt as if it had been dragged along behind a horse like Hector outside the walls of Troy. Speech was still beyond me, so I lay immobile and silent until sleep rescued me from my agonies.

  *

  I awoke the next morning after a long sleep, still feeling terrible. My limbs stubbornly refused to act normally and no proper sounds would emerge from my mouth, only a hoarse whisper. After lying awake for some time I resolved to get up and try to walk. I stumbled about as my body would not do as my brain required. There was some food in the cupboard and I tried to eat a little as I thought it would do me good. I could manage very little as my throat was still exceedingly sore. The little I did eat I vomited up and I wondered with some trepidation how long I would remain in this state. Walking was impossible so I crawled back to my bed, resolving on another period of rest in the hope it might restore me to some degree of health. It was all too obvious that helping Solanus was still way beyond me.