Season of the Gladiatrix

by David Adkins

  I gasped. “Corelia is with Domitian now?”

  “He could not wait to get the bitch into his bed after her triumph in the arena. Hylas, stay away from the gladiatorial school. Your life is in even more danger now and that gladiatrix, Aria, has proved to be of no help.” I nodded but my mind was full of anguish at the thought of Corelia in the Emperor’s bed.

  “I left Laetus and Cetius to keep an eye on the mansion of Gracchus in case he returns,” said Macro.

  “There is little chance of that I fear. You are all dismissed. We will have to see what the coming days bring,” said Paulinus.

  I trundled back to my room but I could not sleep. I could not get the image of Corelia and Domitian out of my mind. I had to see Corelia again but that would not be easy, even though she was not far away. The royal quarters were out of bounds to me and it was no longer safe to show any sort of interest in Corelia so I could not ask for help from others. Once she left the palace I was barred from going to the gladiatorial school. It was all so hopeless. The relief and happiness brought about by her victory in the arena had been replaced by jealousy and despair with the current situation. Corelia rode Domitian in my head and I just wished that he was dead.

  *

  The days passed by and the situation did not change. Corelia remained in the royal quarters and her presence there was eating away at me like a ravenous worm in the gut but there was nothing I could do. I thought about going to the gladiatorial school to see Aria and explain why I had dashed away from her at the Colosseo. However, the risk was simply not worth taking, particularly as Corelia was not at the school. Paulinus did not leave the palace but received word that the Gracchus propaganda machine had gone to work to blacken his name. Paulinus expected to receive a summons from Domitian to explain the rumours that were rife in Rome that he had tried to murder Gracchus, but that summons did not come. Perhaps the Emperor had other things on his mind and that thought tortured me.

  It was four days after the attempted assassination of Marcus Gracchus when, having lunch in the barracks room, I learnt during conversation that Corelia had departed the palace that morning. It seemed that she had left no word or message for me which further put my mind in turmoil. I felt like a prisoner for I could not leave the palace during the day and neither could I sneak out that night because I was on gate duty. I resolved that at the first good opportunity I would take the risk and go to the school.

  The next morning, after a torturous night at the gate and while still on duty there, the gladiatrix who had previously brought me a message from Corelia came with another. “I am from the gladiatorial school, Hylas,” she said. “Corelia has sent me.”

  “I know, you came before,” I answered softly but impatiently, making sure that my fellow guard could not hear my words.

  The woman lowered her voice. “Corelia says you are to come to the school tonight after dusk as you did before. You must come – it is a matter of life and death. It is absolutely imperative. You must give me your word as though you were giving your word to Corelia.”

  I was intrigued and frightened. “Is Corelia in danger?”

  “Just give me your word that you will come, Hylas.”

  “What is happening?” I asked.

  “I do not know. Just give me your word. I need to tell Corelia that you have given your word to her.”

  “Tell her that I give her my word. I will be there at dusk.” Before I could ask anything further the woman scurried off leaving me consumed with trepidation. I wondered what on earth this conversation could have been about but all I knew was that I did not like the intensity in her words.

  Mid-morning I was relieved from gate duty and then I waited as the hours passed, for dusk could not come soon enough for me. The prospect of seeing Corelia again was all I could think about. For once I had a piece of luck because it was Cyprian who was on duty at the gate when dusk finally arrived. He was not only a friend but he also owed me his life, so I was confident that he would cover for me. “I am slipping out,” I informed him.

  “Is that wise?” he warned.

  “I will be back before daylight,” I assured him.

  “You’d better make sure you are. You are not supposed to be leaving the palace. Is it that gladiatrix, Aria?”

  I smiled. “It is.”

  “Enjoy yourself, Hylas, and take care.”

  “Thanks Cyprian, I will.” I made my way rapidly down the dimly lit cobbled streets towards the gladiatorial school just as I had the night before the contest in the Colosseo. Once again I could feel the pent-up tension in my body as I neared the school. There was the first chill of autumn in the night air and a light drizzle was falling as I drew close to my destination. This time it was not Corelia waiting for me but Petronius.

  He had the gates opened for me and I went nervously inside. I had definitely not expected Corelia’s father, the owner of the school and ally of Marcus Gracchus, to be waiting for me. “Follow me,” he said.

  I stood my ground, wondering if I had fallen into a trap planned by Petronius. “Where are we going?” I asked.

  “Into my office, and that is where you will stay for the rest of the night.”

  “Why should I do that?” I asked.

  “Just follow me and stop arguing. I do not want you seen here.”

  Reluctantly I followed him; as there was no sign of Corelia or Aria there seemed little else to do. We crossed the large courtyard into a smaller courtyard and went through a door which opened out onto a compact area. He lit a lamp and beckoned me to sit down. He walked around a large desk and sat down in an elegant chair in this surprisingly luxurious room. “We need to talk, Hylas.”

  “About what?” I asked suspiciously.

  “Just hear me out. You and I are on opposite sides as I am sure you are aware. I work for Marcus Gracchus, you are a Praetorian Guard, and Paulinus is your Praetorian Prefect. Gracchus and Paulinus are deadly enemies, but we are not enemies.” He sighed and looked at me intently.

  He was tall but slightly stooped – a sign of his advanced years. He had a narrow face with grey receding hair but he had alert eyes. “We were enemies the other day when you wanted to hand me over to those Gracchus thugs,” I reminded him.

  “I knew that you fawned over my daughter like a love-sick puppy but I did not know then how much she cares for you.”

  His words made my heart leap. “I love her.”

  “We have that in common, Hylas, so we are not enemies. She is the light of my life and I am always happy to indulge her. You are an indulgence.”

  “What do you mean? Where is she?” I asked.

  He sighed again. “She is with that pig of an Emperor.”

  “She left the palace,” I gasped.

  “And no sooner was she back at the school, much to my disgust and horror, she was recalled to the palace. She is there now and there is nothing I can do about it. He is unpredictable and, although she assures me she can handle him, I worry.”

  “I share your feelings,” I replied. “Is this what you wanted to talk to me about?”

  “No, I am just voicing my concerns. Corelia wanted to be here to speak to you herself but as she was called away I am acting in her place.”

  “Why would you be acting in her place? I would have thought Aria would have made a more suitable substitute.” I was confused.

  “I am her fellow conspirator and for some reason she does not wish you to see Aria until she has a chance to speak to you herself. Do not ask me why because I do not know.”

  Now I was even more confused. “What conspiracy?”

  “The conspiracy planned to keep you here tonight.” He stood up. “This chair is very comfortable and if you put your feet up you may even get some sleep. There are two gladiators outside who will encourage you not to leave and also I have given instructions that you are not to be allowed out through the gate.”

  “I am a prisoner then,” I retorted.

  “You are a guest and bear in mind that this is not my
doing or my instructions. I am simply indulging my daughter like the doting father I am. In staying here you are doing what Corelia wants you to do.”

  “Can that be so?” I gasped.

  “It was she who asked you here,” he reminded me. “We shall talk again in the morning.” He left his office and closed the door behind him.

  *

  Of course I could not sleep even though Petronius’s chair was as comfortable as it was elegant. Here was another mystery for me to confront but once again I had no answers. Why was I to spend the night at the school in the office of Petronius and not return to the palace? I would do so because it seemed Corelia had asked me to and I always did what Corelia asked because I trusted her implicitly. Then I asked myself if to stay here was really Corelia’a wish, but I was sure it was. There was the message I had received and there would be little point, as far as I could see, in Petronius lying to me. I was worried that I would not be returning to the palace under cover of darkness and that I had left contrary to the instructions of Paulinus, but I could say that my recklessness was caused by being with the woman I loved. He would probably believe that of me. I would be in trouble but I was used to that. At some point, surprisingly, I must have dozed off and I was awakened by the door to the office being opened.

  “Hylas, wake up and come with me.” A figure loomed in the shadows but it was the voice of Petronius.

  I could see through the open door that it was still dark outside so I felt alarmed. “It is still night,” I said.

  “It is nearly morning. I have been waiting for news that I expected in the morning but it seems you have been brought news before me.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked.

  “There is a guardsman at the gate wishing to speak with you. We will go together and see what he has to say.”

  I followed Petronius out of the office and across the two courtyards to the gate. “Open up and let the fellow in,” called Petronius.

  The gate was opened and Cyprian emerged out of the darkness. He was looking both shocked and scared. “What is it?” I asked, my voice betraying my anxiety. I knew that only dire news could have brought him to the school.

  He looked at Petronius and appeared reluctant to divulge his tidings. “You can speak,” I assured him, impatient to hear the news.

  “Paulinus is dead,” he groaned.

  His words stunned me, though I noticed Petronius did not look surprised. “How?” I gasped.

  “He has been assassinated in the palace.”

  His words made no sense. “How could that be?” I asked.

  “There has been a coup in the palace – not against the Emperor but against the Praetorian Prefect,” he explained breathlessly.

  “The Emperor is safe then,” Petronius sounded relieved. I looked at Petronius quizzically. “If the Emperor is safe then it means Corelia is also safe,” he declared.

  “They are safe,” confirmed Cyprian. “Paulinus was cut down and then Laetus was executed. Macro managed to escape and they were also hunting for you, Hylas.”

  “Why was Laetus executed?” I asked.

  “He plunged his dagger into Marcus Gracchus in that alleyway – or at least he thought it was Gracchus – and has been executed for it.”

  “So did Casperius,” I pointed out.

  “Yes, but Casperius knew it wasn’t Marcus Gracchus.”

  His words sank in. “You mean Casperius was the spy?”

  He nodded. “And now Casperius Aelianus is the new Praetorian Prefect.”

  “Why have I also been singled out to die?” I asked.

  Petronius answered the question. “You brought down who you believed to be Marcus Gracchus in that alleyway. That was on top of giving evidence against Gracchus at the trial, so there was nothing anybody could say to save you. Four men were marked for death and you were one of them. I knew of the plot and when I told Corelia she made sure you were not in the palace at the time of the coup. I have been waiting to see if it was successful, and worrying about Corelia being there at a time of such uncertainty. Now you must leave Rome. It is too dangerous for me if you stay here and too dangerous for you to remain in the city. I will get a horse prepared.” With that he rushed off.

  I turned to Cyprian. “Are you safe?” I asked.

  “I hope so. I do not think I will be missed during all the mayhem. I owed you, Hylas, so I had to warn you not to return to the palace. Remember I told you I was worried that something was afoot. I was right – it was a full-blown conspiracy.”

  “How did Casperius win over the guard to his side?” I asked.

  “He won over enough of the guard. I suppose it was Gracchus money.”

  “More bribes and now Gracchus is in control of the Praetorian Guard and the Emperor,” I observed.

  “So it seems,” Cyprian nodded. “I must get back before I am missed.”

  I gripped his hand. “And Macro escaped, you say.”

  “He did, much to the annoyance of Casperius. I must go, Hylas.” He left in a hurry. I hoped that he would be safe on his return to the palace because he had been a good and loyal friend.

  “Your horse,” said Petronius who had been watching Cyprian depart. “You are a lucky man, Hylas. Corelia is still watching over you. I have another training centre for gladiators in the mountains just outside the town of Aqueem Tuticum. The man in charge there, Castor, is loyal only to me. Give him this letter which will explain things to him. You will remain there as his guest until you hear from Corelia. You will be safe there. Is that understood?”

  “Perfectly,” I said.

  “Do you know where Aqueem Tuticum is?” he asked.

  “Yes, I went to the town a few years ago,” I replied.

  “Good, when you reach the town ask for directions to the gladiatorial school.”

  I could see the horse was a fine animal and that there was a saddlebag with food and water. “Thank you for all your help, Petronius.” I offered him my hand.

  Reluctantly he took it. “Do not thank me. It is my daughter you need to thank. I helped you only because she pleaded with me and I cannot refuse her. She is the best thing in my life and I feel so fortunate to still have her. It is best you get on your way before daylight. Now get out of here.”

  Aqueem Tuticum – Autumn AD88

  Chapter 27

  It was still dark when I rode out of the gladiatorial school and my head was once again in turmoil. I thought of Aria who was in the school but would probably not have woken yet. She loved me but she would not even know I had spent the night there. I was a hunted man and the sooner I left the city behind me the safer I would be.

  I rode steadily north-east towards the distant mountains that ran down the centre of Italy. I was thankful for the supplies of food and water that Petronius had put in the saddlebag. The road was poor and not much used though I did pass some down-at-heel travellers on the way. I knew I was on the right road because I had travelled along it once before when visiting the invigorating mountains just before I had become a member of the Praetorian Guard. The area was thickly forested and peaceful and in the tranquil surroundings I began to feel safe. In this new environment and away from the great city it was as if the tentacles of Marcus Gracchus were no longer reaching out to entrap me, and for that I felt much relieved.

  The journey took longer than I had anticipated and it was dusk when I rode into the small mountain town. I was soon passing down the main thoroughfare and within minutes I found myself in the main square. There was a small inn on the north side of the forum and I remembered that I had stayed there for one night on my previous visit. I felt at ease for the first time for some weeks and it was a feeling I welcomed. I resolved to stay at the inn for one night and search for the gladiatorial centre the next morning. I booked a room without a problem and looked forward to a good night’s sleep after the uncomfortable night I had spent on Petronius’s chair.

  The death of Paulinus was very much still on my mind. He had been a disciplinarian but he was als
o a man who understood his men and who rewarded loyalty. I felt sad that he had been betrayed by Casperius and his supporters in the guard. I realized just how loudly money spoke. I hoped Macro had managed to escape and that Cyprian and my other friends in the guard were safe. I marvelled at how Corelia had secured my safety and how much I owed to her and I desperately wanted to see her to express my feelings. I hoped I would have the rest of my life to show her what she meant to me. Aria was also in my thoughts. I had not seen her since the contest in the Colosseo and I missed her chat and sense of fun greatly.

  I slept well that night and after a hearty breakfast I was ready to seek out Castor. I paid my bill and spoke to the innkeeper. “I am looking for a gladiatorial centre just outside town,” I said.

  “It is in that direction,” he said, pointing towards the west. “Take the path on the west side of the forum.”

  “Is it far?” I asked.

  He was chatty. “Not far, just a short ride. You can’t miss it. It is a villa perched high on the hillside though it is surrounded by large grounds and a high wall. They use it I believe for gladiators who have been injured in the Colosseo in Rome to recuperate, and then get back into light training for further contests. The poor devils are made better to then die for the pleasure of the Roman masses. I am sorry. Are you a fan of the games?”

  “No, I am not,” I assured him.

  “I guess the walls are to stop them leaving,” he said.

  “I guess they are,” I agreed.

  He was right. The villa was only a short ride away and I soon saw it come into view on a hillside just out of town. As I grew nearer I could see that the walls were indeed high and I presumed it must be an extension of the training school in Rome. The mountain air was fresh so I supposed it was a good place to recover and regain health after an ordeal in the arena, but I wondered if I would truly be safe from Gracchus there. I drew close and so it was time to put that to the test.