by David Adkins
I was laughing again. She was right. I did need her.
Seriously, though, I was dismayed to hear about Paulinus and Macro, because I know you looked up to both of them and they were friends and colleagues. I am sorry, Hylas. Corelia tells me she has found somewhere safe for you to hide until it is safe for you to rejoin the world, which I hope is soon. What will you do? You have lost your job with the Praetorian Guard.
I have moved into Corelia’s new villa at Tibur. It is amazing. I have a suite of rooms and I am living in splendour. I really want to show you. We have inherited staff to look after us and I am feeling like an Asian Queen surrounded in luxury. We still go back to the gladiatorial school regularly to conduct training sessions with the gladiatrices and we have grounds in the villa where Corelia and I practise. I cannot wait to practise on you as well when you visit, which I hope will be often.
Please let me know that you are fine for I fear there is something that Corelia is not telling me. I have questioned her but she gives nothing away. I am sure she has a secret but it is probably nothing to do with us – she has so many other things going on. I just hope it is nothing bad. She did so well in the Colosseo and she is so good to me. She deserves happiness.
With love, Aria.
I had a huge grin on my face when I finished reading her letter and I felt warm. You will be able to practise on me very soon, Aria, I thought to myself. I will leave at dawn tomorrow morning and I will be in Tibur by tomorrow evening.
I informed Castor of my intention to leave the next morning. I had few preparations to make and I still had the excellent horse that had been provided by Petronius. I would take enough provisions to ensure the only stops I needed to make would be brief and just long enough to rest my horse. The excitement welled up inside me at the prospect of once again seeing Aria and Corelia and their new home at Tibur.
Tibur – Winter AD88/Spring AD89
Chapter 28
It was the start of winter when I rode away from the fortress just outside Aqueem Tuticum, which had been my home for five long weeks. It was the coldest day of winter so far and there was a chill in the air and a frost on the ground. It was dusk when I eventually arrived at Corelia’s villa on the outskirts of the prosperous Roman town of Tibur after a tiring day’s ride.
Despite the advance descriptions I had received from Corelia and Aria the villa was even more impressive than I had imagined and I marvelled at the fact that this was to be my new home. The iron gates at the entrance to the villa gardens were closed so I rang the large bell hanging alongside the gate. The sound echoed around the gardens disturbing a flock of starlings and startling them into flight.
It was not long before the gate was approached by a guard. “Who is it and what do you want?” he inquired.
“My name is Hylas and I wish to see Corelia, the owner of this fine mansion. She is expecting me.”
“Hylas, is that you?” I heard my name called out in a familiar female voice.
“It is, Corelia.”
“Open the gate and let in your new overseer.” The guard was instructed.
The gate creaked slowly open and I entered a large and luxurious garden. I looked to my left where her voice had come from and she was standing under a cypress tree with her arm linked into the arm of a male companion. Immediately I felt animosity but I had to curb my hostility. I reluctantly stood to attention and raised my right arm. “Hail Caesar.”
Domitian virtually ignored me and turned to Corelia. “Who is this man, Corelia? I seem to recognize him.”
“He was a guard at your palace and now he is to be head of security at my new villa.” She squeezed his arm to show her gratitude and gave me a quick warning look.
Domitian turned back to me. “My gladiatrix is precious to me. Did you see her kill that Egyptian in the Colosseo? She is truly amazing.”
“I did see her and she was amazing.” I felt hatred at the mention of the contest but he did not notice.
“There are thieves and bandits who would set out to rob a villa such as this so make sure you protect her.” He gave me a warning look.
“I will protect her with my life, Caesar,” I answered.
“If you fail you will forfeit your life.”
“I will not fail.”
“If you were trained at my palace then you should be capable enough.” He turned back to Corelia. “It is turning chilly. Perhaps we should return indoors.”
“We were taking a walk in the gardens,” she explained to me. “There are two of your old colleagues in the guards’ quarters, here for the protection of the Emperor.”
Domitian yawned. “Of course, as I am a god I do not really need protection, but they are useful to have around.” I was not sure whether he was serious or not.
Corelia took his arm again. “Why don’t you return to the villa and bathe and then await me in the bedroom while I give my new head guard some instructions on his duties?” She was at her alluring best.
“I will do that,” he agreed, and I could see the lust welling up in his eyes. He started to walk away and then turned. “Wear your gladiatrix attire and don’t be too long,” he ordered.
When the Emperor was out of sight she turned to me earnestly. “Never show any hostility to Domitian. I could see it but fortunately he did not. Having him around occasionally is something you will have to get used to.”
I sighed and nodded but I did not know whether to obey her request was possible. “It is good to see you again, Corelia.”
“And you, Hylas. I assume then that you will accept the position of head of my security,” she said, grinning.
“I will,” I confirmed.
“First I will quickly show you Aria’a apartment and then I will take you to the guards’ quarters.”
I took her hand. “First tell me that you are well and Domitian does you no harm.” The presence of the Emperor had worried me.
“He can be caring and, when he is not, I can handle him. That is the price I must pay for all this and to be honest I have no choice. I make the most of it and things are not that bad. He is unpredictable but he has good moments. But enough of Domitian, come and see Aria’s rooms – you may soon be sharing them with her.”
“Is Aria there?” I asked.
“She is at the gladiatorial school and I am not expecting her back until the day after tomorrow.”
The rooms were beautiful and I was quite stunned by the opulence. I looked at the large exotic bed and pictured Aria luxuriating in it. “Rather splendid for a mere head of security,” I observed.
“You will always be more than that,” she said, smiling. “It will be such a pleasant surprise for Aria when she returns and finds you here. I know she has been missing you.”
“I have missed her too.”
“Hylas, I must ask. Why did Solanus write to you?”
“It is better that you do not know,” I said.
She was about to protest and then shrugged. “If you say so, Hylas. Now I will show you the guards’ quarters, which are next to the servants’ quarters, where you must sleep at least for two nights.” She winked mischievously. “There are six bunks so there is plenty of room.” I followed her to the guards’ quarters where there were four men lounging on their bunks. They stood to attention as I entered with Corelia.
I only recognized one of them. “Greetings, Vinicius.”
Vinicius returned my salute. “I am here with Tero to look after the Emperor on his trip from the palace.” He gestured at his colleague. “He is one of our new recruits.”
“And the other two are working for you Hylas,” said Corelia. “They are Fabius, who you met at the gate, and Caber.” Then quietly she whispered in my ear. “Get acquainted. I must return to Domitian before he starts to get impatient.” She left in a hurry to knowing looks from the four guards.
“Fabius, do you not man the gate at all times?” I asked.
“No, it was decided it was not necessary. The stone walls are very high and the gate is iro
n and also high. We do take turns to patrol the grounds regularly, even through the night.” Caber nodded agreement.
I turned to Vinicius. “How are things at the palace under the new Praetorian Prefect?”
“For us humble guards things have changed little. We have just exchanged one prefect for another and life goes on much as before.” He seemed reluctant to say more and I got the feeling that was because of the presence of Tero, who was obviously one of Casperius’s new recruits.
I did not press the matter because Vinicius seemed uncomfortable. “I have been travelling all day and I am tired so I think I will get some sleep.” I climbed onto a vacant top bunk and the four guards discreetly retired from the quarters to patrol the grounds and gardens. The long journey had taken its toll and it did not take me long to fall fast asleep.
*
The next day was one of settling into my new home and getting used to the new environment, and also eagerly waiting for the return of Aria. I wandered around the villa, the training ground, and the gardens, and idled away the hours after breakfast. I did not see Corelia during the morning but at about midday Domitian with his two bodyguards, Vinicius and Tero, left for Rome and the Imperial Palace and she came to see me. “Do you think you can be happy here with Aria?” she asked.
“I know I can. It is a wonderful villa. Can you ever be happy being at the beck and call of the Emperor?”
“I have no choice. At least I do not now have to risk my life in the Roman arena,” she responded, but I could see the sadness in her beautiful blue eyes. “Are you still reluctant to tell me what Solanus Fuscus wanted with you?”
I had reached a decision. Solanus was now going to snatch some happiness with Kotys and I would do the same with Aria, if she would have me, but when and if Solanus eventually came to call I would offer him my help. For me it might not end there and I wondered if he would help me in return.
“Hylas, are you going to answer me?” Corelia was getting impatient.
“No, I am not going to tell you what Solanus wanted.”
“Even if I demanded to know?” she persisted.
“Even if you demanded to know,” I replied.
“Then I will have to remain ignorant,” she said in a resigned fashion.
“It is for the best, Corelia.”
After my conversation with Corelia I reviewed some of the security arrangements at the villa. The very opulence of the place could make it a target for robbers. However, Tibur, though a place for the wealthy, was a peaceful little town without the dangerous underbelly there was in the large metropolis of Rome. There was still a need to be watchful and I was determined to make sure that the villa remained secure and safe. Caber and Fabius both seemed diligent enough so I was confident that between us Corelia and her villa would be well looked after. I introduced myself to the servants who dealt with the running of the household and they showed me considerable deference. It was obvious that Corelia had informed them that I was a person of importance in this grand establishment.
That night I slept once again in the guards’ quarters but this time I did not fall immediately asleep. My mind took me back to all the time I had spent with Aria on the Laodike and in Ephesus. I found myself laughing at some of the things she had said and some of the things we had done together. I really could not wait to see her once again.
The next day I did not have to wait long. It was mid-morning and I was in the guards’ quarters when Corelia came to see me. She was grinning widely. “Our Aria has returned,” she said.
“Where is she?” I asked eagerly.
“She is in her apartment. I have not told her you are here so it will be a surprise. Go and see her, Hylas, and make her happy.” I squeezed Corelia’s hand and rushed off to see my little sister.
I was very soon standing outside her apartment and I knocked enthusiastically on the entrance door. “Is that you Corelia? Come in.” I smiled at the sound of her voice.
“It is not Corelia,” I yelled back. The door flew open and the next instant I was engulfed by Aria’s arms around my neck. I swung her around a few times and then released myself.
“Hylas, when did you get here?”
“A couple of days ago,” I replied. “I see that your shoulder is now fully better.”
“It hurt for a good few days afterwards so don’t think I am letting you off.”
“I would never think that,” I said, laughing.
“I must show you round. I have a number of rooms and they are all splendid.”
I followed her round her suite of rooms but I did not divulge that Corelia had already showed me around them. “I can see why you feel like an Asian Queen.”
“I am Queen Aria of Tibur.” She laughed.
“And I am your humble servant, your majesty.”
“In which case I may have some jobs for you later,” she giggled. “Was I right about why you dashed from the Colosseo in such a hurry?”
“You were right, and you were right that I messed up, but would you believe me if I said it was not my fault?”
“No, I would not.”
“In that case I think you are going to have to look after me in future.”
“I had that burden in Ephesus,” she said, grinning, after looking at me quizzically. “Where have you been?”
“Corelia had me hidden away at Aqueem Tuticum until it was safe to emerge from my hiding place.”
“Is it safe now?” she asked.
“Corelia managed to persuade Marcus Gracchus to lift the price from my head so long as I kept out of his way and stayed at Tibur. He agreed to this in return for receiving support from Corelia for his cause because he obviously knows that she has influence with Domitian.”
“She is a marvel. So you are going to stay at Tibur?”
“I am.” I smiled. “Aria, I have something to tell you.”
“What is that?”
“Lie down on the bed and I will tell you.” We entered the bedroom and I was sure she was wondering what was coming next. She lay down and I sat next to her and removed her sandals.
“What are you doing, Hylas?”
“That is what I wanted to tell you, Aria. Your foot massage is long overdue.”
She sighed. “You are so right.” I began to massage her left foot and she purred with pleasure. “Now the other foot, Hylas.” It was just like old times in Ephesus.
“These rooms are too large for one,” I offered.
She looked at me as I lovingly rubbed her foot. “I can manage,” she said, but her face asked where this was leading.
“This bed is too big for one.”
“I can spread out,” she teased.
“And you were right all along, Aria.”
“Now what are you talking about, Hylas?”
“On board the Laodike you once told me that I loved both you and Corelia. I realize now that I worship Corelia, as you do, for all she has done, but it is you I truly love. You are so beautiful.”
She looked at me open-mouthed and for once Aria was lost for words. “You love Corelia,” she stuttered.
“Yes, but in a different way. It is you I wish to be with.”
“Do not tell me this if it is not true.”
“It is true enough, but I have no hope because once you told me you only like women.” It was my turn to tease.
She lifted her foot and gave my face a little prod. “I’m sure even you know that is not entirely true.”
I held on to her foot and kissed her sole. “What a relief,” I said. “I thought I was destined to love the most beautiful of women but she could not return my love.”
“What a load of nonsense,” she said, laughing.
“Does that mean you love me too?”
“I might,” she said enticingly.
I started to kiss my way up her leg. “What are you doing now, Hylas?”
“A voyage of discovery,” I answered. “To see if ‘might’ can possibly be turned into something more definite.”
I mad
e my way slowly up her thigh until I reached my immediate destination. “It has,” she groaned. What came next was like an explosion of desire. We could no longer contain our passion and we lost ourselves in a wonderful night of unrestricted bliss and ecstasy.
*
The next morning I left Aria still sleeping in our bed and sought out Corelia. I found her tending a bed of late flowers. “It beats fighting in the arena,” she smiled.
“I am sure it does,” I replied.
“Well, tell me how it went last night. I assume that as neither of you emerged for the best part of a day it went well.”
“It went very well. We have agreed that I will move in with her while I take on the job of head of security.”
“I told you that Aria loved you.” I could see the look of satisfaction on her face.
I laughed. “Your matchmaking was a total success. I have a letter for Mannox, a banker in Singidunum. Can we make sure it gets to him?”
She looked at the scroll suspiciously. “I believe Solanus Fuscus is in Singidunum.”
“I believe he is,” I replied.
“I will send it,” she said reluctantly. She saw me looking at her a little doubtfully. “I promise you I will send it.” She took the one word letter from me.
“Thank you, Corelia. I will now return to Aria and wake her up.”
“Stay with her today, Hylas, but do not forget that after today you are our head guard.
“I will not.” I laughed and made my way back to our rooms in the beautiful Tibur villa. I could not wait to renew our lovemaking.
Chapter 29
“I love you, Aria,” I said, and kissed her passionately.
She hugged me and smiled. “I can’t stay in bed all day. I have to go to Rome with Corelia. We have new gladiatrices to train.”
I watched as she jumped out of bed and my eyes feasted on her naked body. “And I have a villa to guard.” I sighed but stayed in bed because it was still very early.
I watched as Aria left the room in order to meet up with Corelia to bathe before leaving for Rome. I pictured them splashing in the large bath adjacent to Corelia’s chamber. I knew I should be thinking only of Aria but my attachment to Corelia remained and I believed that Aria knew and accepted it for she had a similar attachment to the once great gladiatrix. Aria also knew that my love was hers and that she did not have to share it, not even with Corelia.