by Lynn, R.
The team had gone around the track another two times before Thaddius noticed the growing crowd of onlookers. The men returned from the stables and lined up and down the circus grounds to watch Thaddius do what he was famous for: becoming one with the horse and cart.
Deciding to end his adventure in style, Thaddius pulled back on the reins and skidded the cart to a stop, mere feet before the crowd. The dust from the sudden stop cloaked the men around him. They coughed, trying to free it from their lungs, and they batted at the air. Thaddius bounded off the chariot and sauntered over to them.
“That is how you command a cart!” he bragged. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted Acestes walking toward him.
“Apologies Dominus, but you have a visitor. And seeing as you were occupied, I took the liberty of inviting him in.” Acestes was careful to bow his head while approaching his Dominus.
Thaddius squinted his eyes at the man, trying to gauge who the visitor could possibly be. But when a voice spoke, Thaddius required no introduction. He knew the visitor all too well. He would recognize his ear-scratching voice anywhere. Barachius.
“With a display like that, it really is a shame you will not have a driver representing this trigarium in the Grande Maximus tournament.”
The look of concern on Barachius face was obviously planted. He did not care that Thaddius would not have a driver representing the blue Veneta team. In fact, it made him happy. Blue and green had been rivals for years, and without blue to compete, the fans’ affections would be given to the green Prasina team, Barachius’s team.
“Barachius, how unexpected of you to visit. Where do you get your information?” Thaddius was trying to act civilly before the men.
“I only assumed, since the blues have missed the last three games, that they would also withdraw from the tournament.”
“Assumptions can be misleading,” Thaddius said straight faced.
“Yes, I suppose they can be. Tell me Thaddius, will you find a driver to compete on behalf of the blue Veneta team?”
Both men stood ready to battle, but they were frozen in politics. Barachius’s obvious taunt caused Thaddius to thrust his jaw forward. Barachius knew Thaddius had not found a suitable driver, but yet he still came to make sure. That must only mean that Barachius was nervous. Nervous that the blue team may come back and defeat the green yet again.
“Of course we have a rider,” Thaddius offered without thinking of the consequences of his lie.
“You do? Well then, before these witnesses shall we make a little wager?”
Barachius turned and spoke to the men as if he were giving an address to the senate. He was working the crowd, and Thaddius was worried as to what he had planned. But he could not back down now. Letting Barachius best him in front of his men would be humiliating. He could not have his men think him weak, an unfit Dominus. No, he must prove he
had courage. “There is nothing you could wager that would bring me fear.” Thaddius spoke the words in hopes of discouraging Barachius. However, his words did just the opposite; they seemed to fuel his purpose.
“Good. I wager that a rider of the green will defeat a rider of the blue in the Grande Maximus tournament. It is the empire’s largest and most difficult tournament. And this year, they have raised the arenas from three to six. It is not for the weak at heart, so therefore it is only fitting that a green shall win.” Barachius held his plump chins in the air as he spoke, his eyes smiling in victory.
Thaddius could not stand to see him so smug, and once again without thinking, let the impulsiveness of Thaddius overpower the sensibility of Dominus. “That is an easy wager to accept. Why not sweeten it with a cost?”
Instantly the forced smile on Barachius’s face turned genuine. Thaddius couldn’t help but swallow the knot forming in his throat. Why had the offer of sweetening the pot with a cost pleased Barachius so? He was afraid to find out.
“My dear Thaddius, that is a grand idea. And I suggest the ultimate of costs to wager. Your land, your title and your trigarium for mine. If the blue wins, you take everything I own. But if the green wins, you, this domus, your servants and this trigarium will be mine. But of course, if you feel that blue will lose, feel free to decline this wager even though it was made before your men. I will let you back out. Only your word will be tarnished. No one will trust it or you again. So take the bet or lose your good name, what shall it be?”
* Barachius paused as he watched the color drain from Thaddius’s face. The boy was stubborn though, he had to give him that. If he had not noticed the change of color, he would have thought his words did not wound. Thaddius had held his fear well.
***
Sellah sat at the edge of the salt pool, wearing nothing but her bathing stola. Her legs dangled in the warm salt bath, swishing around as she held the latest poultice Orla had made to her sore neck. Leaning back against the rock wall that separated the woman’s pool from the men, Sellah heard the door to the men’s chambers open and the sound of feet slapping against the tile floor.
At first she did not pay any attention to the new guests, men and women had been coming and going all day. But as she sat quietly and tended to her rapidly healing body, she couldn’t help but overhear their conversation.
“It all worked out far too well. With the blues out of the way, the green team will be unbeatable. How did you possibly convince Thaddius of such a wager?” one of the men asked the other.
Upon hearing Thaddius’s name, Sellah’s curiosity was aroused. She stilled her legs and leaned back to better listen in on their conversation.
“It was a simple task. In fact, I manipulated the foolish boy so that he made the offer himself. It is precisely why I
should be in command of his land and trigarium. He has proven that men’s business is best left up to men.”
The voice was so familiar. Sellah worked hard to try and place where she had heard it before.
“The blues are known to be fierce competitors. Are you certain it is a safe wager?” the first man asked.
“It is more than safe. Since his father’s passing, the boy has not set foot on a circus. And my sources tell me that he only recently acquired new drivers. I went to his domus two days past to see for myself. Two of the new drivers have already injured themselves. At most he will have one unskilled man competing in the tournament. And despite the skill of his lead horse, it will not withstand what I have orchestrated.”
Sellah worked quietly to push herself closer to the wall so that she could catch a glimpse of the men talking. She had to know who it was that threatened Thaddius.
“What have you planned?” the first man pressed.
“What the blue team does not know is that the green team has acquired new drivers. Ten drivers to be exact, the best of the world. Including Jiao Xen from the Republic of Seres.”
“Jiao Xen! But he is a legend. It is said that he is equal in skill if not surpassing that of Thaddius himself.”
“Yes, it is true, and with ten competing against only one, I will soon own Thaddius’s land, title, and everything else that belongs to him including those bitches he stole from me at the auction. I will have my way with everything he holds dear.”
Instantly Sellah knew it was Barachius behind the wall. How had he convinced her Dominus to wager his entire estate on a race that was sure to be fixed? She had to warn
Thaddius. The door was only a few feet away. She could crawl there slowly and quietly, but the extra time it took would risk them catching her. No, she knew she needed to run, to run to Orla and to somehow make it back to the house of Thaddius before Barachius knew she had overheard his plan.
She pushed her body up off the ground, crouching down so as not to be seen by the men over the wall. Just then the door to the men’s chambers burst open, and the sounds of slapping feet on the tile floor announced more visitors. This gave her a much need distraction to get to the women’s quarters unnoticed. She did not hesitate but bolted for the door, slamming it behind her once
she made it through.
“Heaven’s child, what has disturbed you?” Orla asked. “I must return to my Dominus immediately!” Sellah went about the room frantically gathering what few belongings she had together.
* “Hush child, you are not fully recovered. Another day would do your aches wonders.”
“Orla, I must return. Please trust me, I need your help.” Seeing the desperation in Sellah’s eyes, Orla agreed to help.
Sellah threw her arms around the old woman in gratitude. “Thank you, Orla. Now please arrange transportation for me back to the villa. So little time remains.”
Even though she was still confused at Sellah’s change in disposition, Orla rushed off to hire a cart to take Sellah back. After finding her a means to return home, Orla returned to Sellah, stopping only to grab a handful of fresh poultices to
send with her. It worried Orla to see her leave when she was not fully healed. But she knew, no matter how much she tried to convince her to stay, she would not. Sellah had such a determined, even desperate, look.
In the short time she had known Sellah, the girl had been honest, humble, and selfless. So whatever it was that bothered her must be serious, and Orla would be damned not to help.
“G ratitude Orla, you have been most kind to me.” Sellah
threw her arms around the woman and held her close. She had become very attached to Orla and would miss her. “Of course child, be safe, and I hope to see you soon. Not as in past times but in good health!”
A smile made its way to Sellah’s face. How she would miss the maternal manner by which Orla addressed her. It was something she had not experienced for a long time.
“I will do my best! Oh and Orla, please do not tell any of your guests that I have been here. It is of utmost importance.” There was a trace of confusion on Orla’s face, but she did not press further. Sellah loved her even more for that.
“I will keep your presence unknown. Now take these,” she said as she placed three small cloth packages in Sellah’s hand. “When you feel pain, just chew on one of the pouches. I have stuffed them with healing herbs. It is bitter but it works!”
“Thank you Orla.” Sellah smiled as she swayed on her feet, eager to get going, yet wishing she could stay.
* Orla sensed the tension in the girl. “You had best be on your way, the cart awaits you out front.” Taking one last look at Sellah, Orla pulled her back into her arms. Something told her that this was not the last time she would see the girl. But the same something warned her that when she saw Sellah again, it would not be under happy circumstances.
She wanted to never let her go. But she knew that Sellah was made for more than a common bath attendant. The girl was going to achieve great things.
* Sellah took a moment to shove the pouches into her satchel and turned to leave. She allowed herself one last look at the building before she ran out the door into the busy street. As usual, people stopped and stared at her uncommon coloring. But she paid them no attention. She was on a mission. A mission to save Thaddius. Tossing her bags into the cart, she hopped in after them and gave the driver directions to take her to Thaddius’s villa and to do so promptly.
Despite the speed of the cart, the trip was not as uncomfortable as the last one had been. Although she was still sore in places, her body had mended remarkably well. Orla really was good at her trade.
As they passed the Coliseum, Sellah turned her head so she would not have to look upon it. But even passing under its shadow had made her stomach turn. When the sunlight
again warmed her exposed shoulders, she felt great relief. She would stay focused on her mission to warn Thaddius.
As they came to the front gate of the villa, Sellah gasped in disbelief. The throngs of women had more than tripled in size since her first encounter with them.
They screamed Thaddius’s name, pleading for him to come to the gate and greet them. Their calls were so loud she could hear them clearly even though she was still a ways down the road.
“We cannot enter this way. It’s too dangerous. They will rip the cart apart!” The driver yelled this over his shoulder as he pulled back on the reins and slowed the horse.
“Pass them by and go to the entrance for the Trigarium. The person I seek is most likely there anyway!”
The driver did as instructed and drove around the women. Both he and Sellah watched in awe as they passed them.
“Is it always like this?” he asked.
“I’m afraid so,” Sellah answered as she watched one woman lose all her dignity as she tried to climb the gate.
“What do they come for?”
“Thaddius,” she sighed in frustration. Her cheeks blushed from her response. Why should she care if all these women wanted her Dominus. She didn’t care, did she?
“I really must take up charioteering,” he mumbled under his breath.
She tried to ignore his comment, but it had bothered her that a man would desire such attention. And she wondered if all men thought the same way.
The cart came to a sudden halt, pulling Sellah from her thoughts.
“Why do we stop?”
“We have arrived,” the driver answered.
“Oh.” Sellah looked around and was embarrassed to see
Thaddius and a group of men motionless before the cart, staring at her in anticipation. She wanted to hide, to turn around and go back. But now was not a time for cowardice. She needed to tell Thaddius what she had heard. She grabbed her satchel and jumped down from the cart. Her need outweighed her manner, and she forgot to thank the driver for getting her there so swiftly.
“Sellah? Why have you returned? I did not send for you!” Thaddius shoved the rope he was holding into the hands of the man beside him and made his way to her.
“I need to talk to you,” she said, forgetting to address him respectfully.
“Watch your tone and your demands,” he warned.
“Thaddius, this is not a time for pride. I am trying to save your life!” The words came off her tongue before she could filter them, and instantly she regretted what she had said. Even more so when she noticed the strain of anger building on his brow.
He raised his hand to strike her, but before he had time to lower it, she fell to his feet. Her sweaty hands stuck to the dry ground. She licked her lips and paused, giving herself a moment to find the right words.
“Apologies, Dominus. I am driven with my need to protect you. I spoke out of turn. Please, before you punish me hear what I have risked to tell you.” She did not take the chance of looking up to see how he reacted to her now. She hoped her apology was enough for him to put trust in her.
Thaddius turned and addressed the men. “Go to the stables and tend to the horses. Leave us in privacy.”
Relief flooded over Sellah, and the tension in her body melted away. He had given her another chance. Strong arms gripped her shoulders and pulled her up off the ground. His eyes met hers and searched for understanding. All traces of anger had disappeared, and in his eyes she saw genuine concern.
* “You must learn to properly address me in front of the men,” he said. His words meant more than they offered. He was trying to tell her that before others he must be respected as Dominus. But when alone with her, he was an equal. He was just Thaddius.
“I am…” He placed a finger to her lips to silence her. “I do not need to hear more apologies. Tell me why you have returned before you are fully healed?” His eyes surveyed her body, taking extra pause upon each faded bruise.
“Please tell me you have not made wager with Barachius?” she said, finding the resolve to approach the topic.
“How could you have heard of such things? You have just returned.”
“Then it is true, you have. You have wagered us all to certain death!” She cast her eyes from his and studied the ground.
“Your confidence in me is astounding,” he replied bitterly. But there was more in his words than sarcasm. There was also hurt.
“This has nothing t
o do with how I feel about you,” she said as she looked down at the ground. “When I was at the baths, I overheard Barachius and another man talking about the wager.”
He put his hands on her shoulders and shook her gently, forcing her to look upon him. “What did you hear Sellah?” Her eyes gave him all the answer, but he needed to hear her speak the words.
“Sellah, tell me what you heard!”
“He fixed the wager. He told the man that he had hired ten of the very best drivers to compete for the greens, including a well-known charioteer from the Republic of Seres.” Her words came in a rush and then she collapsed into his arms, tears now streaming down her face.
* His body shook as he held her and worked over what she had confessed. If it was true, then he had made the most foolish wager any man could. He had let his pride blind him to the risk.
“Jupiter’s cock, I should have known he would not play fair. What do we do now?” he asked, not expecting an answer. Truthfully, he had forgotten Sellah was there. She had melted so perfectly into his arms, it was as though she were an extension of his body.
But now, Barachius stood to win the Grande Maximus.
And that would mean everything that was Thaddius’s by right
would become his enemy’s. Everything.
“S ellah, I know you are not fully recovered, but can you
find Vettius and Simeon and have them meet me in my quarters?” It was not Dominus who had asked her, it was Thaddius. She could tell the difference in the kindness of the request.
After wiping her tears she nodded in confirmation. The look on his face held so much care and concern for her that she could not stand looking upon him. Just a few days ago he had become her savior, then a man who condemned her to the cruelest of beatings. She wasn’t sure what she thought or felt for him. But being there, in his arms and seeing his care for her, that baffled her even more.
“Thank you, please go now,” he said as he offered one last smile before turning toward the stables in pursuit of something.