“No, my dear. Latvillus. We’re a good distance from Rome.” With that she swept from the room.
Captain Lucius prodded her with the sword. “Get moving.”
“If you’re not careful, I‘ll run you through with your own bloody sword,” she snapped. “And you are a traitor for your Emperor.”
“I disagree. I am protecting him. Largely from himself in this case.”
“I am of Imperial blood. Ulpina is just related to it. You are betraying every oath you took to defend the Emperor and his family.”
“I am doing this for Ulpina and the good of the Empire.”
It was the way he said Ulpina’s name that gave him away. Bloody hell, he had a thing for the old witch. She was way too old for him. Just the thought made her shiver. “You can try and defend your actions all you like, you do not deserve to wear that uniform. You have committed treason.”
Captain Lucius sighed. “I act for the greater good. Some will see what I do is right.”
“You’re deluded.” Jenna grunted.
He took her up to a different chamber, one with a larger bed that was a little more comfortable. He stood by whilst a guard attached another rope to her arm.
“The guard watching you now are skilled and will not underestimate you. So please do not give them an excuse to hurt you.”
Jenna glanced around before he left. “I might be a captive, but I expect the very basic level of hospitality. Refreshment and food would not go amiss. Unless you want me to die of starvation.”
Lucius nodded. “I will send a slave up. Injure them and it will be the last meal you receive.”
Jenna watched him leave and heard the key turn in the lock. She really was in a right pickle. Abducted for an accident of birth really was not fair. Especially as she did not want anyone to know the truth about her birth either. The Fates were having a laugh with this one.
She could tell it was night, all light had faded from the room. Hearing the key turn in the lock made her focus. Was this the part where one of the guards thought they might get lucky? They had a rude shock coming their way if that was the case.
“Jenna?” a small voice rang out.
“Julius?” Jenna sat bolt upright.
A shadow ran across the room and flung himself at her. She held the boy tight. “What are you doing here?”
“I followed you from Rome.”
“How?”
“I was outside the Colosseum, hoping I might see Augustus. That’s when I saw you go into that room. But you didn’t come out. Then I saw some people carry you out and put you in a cart. I figured if anyone should be carrying you, it would be the Marshall. So I hid in the cart with you.”
“You courageous boy,” she kissed his forehead. “But we’re in a bit of trouble here.” She glanced to the door. “How did you get the key?”
“The guard is asleep,” he shrugged. “Did you need a knife to cut the rope?”
“No. I would never make it back to Rome alive. They have already said if I try to escape, they will kill me. But you must go.”
“I’m not leaving you, Jenna,” Julius dug his heels in.
“I need you to get back to Rome. Not just for your own safety but to tell Marshall Vilnus where I am. He does not know.”
“Then we can come back and rescue you?”
“Precisely. But the trip to Rome will be dangerous enough for a young boy.”
“I’m used to being out on my own.”
“It is a long way I imagine. And unless you can find a cart going that way, it will be a very long walk. Do you know where we are?”
He shook his head.
“Latvillus. Can you remember that?” she stroked his head. The last thing she wanted was to send the boy back to Rome on his own, but she had no choice.
“Yes.”
“You might also want to warn him this is Ulpina’s work. She has some member of the Praetorian working with her.”
Julius let out a loud hiss at that.
“Now you should get going.” She reached over to the table by the bed and gave him the remains of the dry bread. “Please take care.”
“Is it true what I overheard? You are the Emperor’s daughter?”
“Yes. But I stand by my choice not be recognised as such. Trajan lost all claims on me when he abandoned me eighteen years ago.” She kissed his forehead. “For all our sakes, I must ask you keep that piece of information secret.” She lifted her tethered arm. “This is what happens when that information becomes known to others.”
“I will never betray you.” He hugged her once before slipping quietly out the room.
Jenna was afraid now, not for herself, but for one small boy who was so very far from Rome and quite on his own. She prayed he would make it back to Rome, not for her sake, but for his family’s. He was quite possibly the bravest ten year old she had ever met.
Marcus was distraught, it had been four days since Jenna had vanished and he could find no trace of her whatsoever. The Olympus Guard had worked day and night but could not find her. He knew she disappeared outside the Colosseum in front of so many Praetorian. Had they really not seen anything or were some of their ranks covering up?
He headed to the Imperial Palace and gave them a severe grilling. Augustus caught up with him.
“Marshall, not only is Jenna missing but Julius too. He has not been seen since the Colosseum either.”
“Has he disappeared for this length of time before?” Marcus felt a flickering of hope for the first time.
“No. Never.”
“You think he might be with Jenna?”
“He is like her shadow.”
“Then let us hope we find them soon.”
“I do not wish to speak out of turn, but some of my Praetorian brothers are missing.” Augustus shifted uncomfortably.
“Anyone in particular?” Marcus responded cautiously.
“Captain Lucius.”
Marcus let out a low growl. It was Lucius who had claimed to have last seen Jenna. He was ideally placed to abduct her. None of the other Praetorian would question his moves, he was a favourite with the Emperor. “Will you notify me a soon as any of the absent guards return?”
“Yes, Marshall.”
Marcus headed home. He felt so useless. What was the point in being a God when he could not find the one mortal on this earth who meant everything to him? Doubts were eating away at him the longer time went on. What if he could not find her? What if the worst had already happened? She still possessed some of his life force, but not enough to protect her from a fatal blow. He let out a loud howl, making the city shudder.
“Easy, brother,” Minerva appeared in his study. “Bringing Rome down won’t help find Jenna.”
“But it might make me feel better,” he rubbed his temples.
“You look terrible,” Minerva rested her hand on his shoulder.
“Sleep is evading me. I do not seem to be able to function without her, sister.” His voice was very feint.
“We will find her, have no fear.”
“How? We have used every means at our disposal and nothing.”
“We will have to cast our net wider.”
They turned as Aius entered the study. “My apologies, Marshall. But there is a young boy here insisting on seeing you.”
Marcus thought he looked bad, but Julius was filthy, tired and looked half starved. But he still had the fire to push by Aius. “Marshall Vilnus,” he wheezed. “Jenna, she is…she is in Lat….” The boy passed out from sheer exhaustion.
Marcus caught him before he hit the floor and laid him out on a chaise. “Some water, Aius. Quickly. Then bring some food.”
After Aius had left, Marcus looked up at Minerva. “I need some Ambrosia. It’s in my bedroom.”
She reappeared moments later with the small vial. Marcus gave Julius a few drops after some water. The colour returned a little to his complexion.
“Where did he say Jenna was?”
“I’m not sure. We will h
ave to wait until he regains consciousness. Hopefully it will not be long.”
“How accurate will his information be?”
“Julius has been missing the same length of time as Jenna. They are virtually inseparable so my guess is he followed her. And judging by the state of him, she is a long way from Rome.” He stroked the boy’s matted hair. His father had been right when he said Julius would play a crucial part in their lives.
He called Aster as Julius slept. “Prepare my chariot and armour. We ride out shortly.”
“Yes, my lord,” Aster responded.
Minerva was smiling. “Are we going as immortals?”
“Definitely. I will not only level the town where she is being held, I will let the world know this mortal is protected by Mars.”
“Am I allowed to come too? It’s been a long time since I saw your war face.”
“Yes,” he cracked a smile. “And you can get those that I miss.”
It was an agonising wait for Julius to regain consciousness. The poor boy was devastated he had not yet managed to deliver his message.
“Take your time,” Marcus knelt down before him with a goblet of water.
“Jenna is in Latvillus, Marshall,” he announced the second time with a lot more clarity.
“Latvillus,” Minerva echoed. “But that is a long way from Rome.”
“I had to walk which is why it took me so long.”
“And you have seen Jenna?”
“Yes. At least a couple of day ago. She said to tell you it is Ulpina and some of the Praetorian.”
Marcus swore loudly and stood up. Politics in Rome was getting deadlier. He wondered how she had heard about Jenna’s bloodline. But then the Palace walls had so many ears.
“Can you remember where in Latvillus she is being held?” Marcus asked.
“Yes. I will show you when we get back there.”
“We?”
“Yes. I know her exact location.”
Marcus smiled. “Very well. But it is not I who will be rescuing her.”
Julius’ face fell. “You are leaving her?”
“No. Mars is going to retrieve her. He is more than a little angry that one who bears his mark has been taken. He will be bringing the culprits to justice.” Marcus headed to the door. “I need to speak with him, then he will send one of his guard to collect you. In the meantime, rest and eat. You will get enough excitement later.”
CHAPTER 29
As another day went by, Jenna grew more and more concerned about Julius. No rescue attempt had been made which meant it was unlikely the young boy had made it to Rome. Her heart went out to him. She prayed to Mars to take care of him.
Captain Lucius put in an appearance to check on her. “Ulpina wanted a report on your health.”
“Sadly it is fine. But then she can change that any time she wants.”
“You are still remarkably lively for one living so precariously.”
“I am energised by the fact that you have seriously pissed off the worst God possible.”
“I have?”
“Yes. Mars will not be happy you have taken one who bears his mark. As I recall, that is a direct challenge to his authority.”
Captain Lucius snorted. “You are wanting me to believe you bear his insignia?”
Jenna stood up and dropped the shoulder of her dress. “Is that proof enough, Captain?” She was glad to see the shocked expression on his face. “It is said that to die at the hand of a God is one of the most excoriatingly painful ways to go. Not that you ever really die. Aren’t you banished to the pits of Tartarus to join the Titans?”
“Shut up,” he growled.
“I just wouldn’t want to be you right now,” she sat back down on the bed. “Do give my good wishes to Ulpina and tell her to watch her back. Mars doesn’t care who her brother is. Actually you and she could be spending an eternity together in the underworld. Lucky you.”
Captain Lucius dealt her a fearsome blow across the face knocking her almost unconscious. Probably not the wisest move to taunt him, but it had shown her that he was now afraid.
“I’m sure Ulpina won’t be too happy to hear you have struck her niece. But then again, perhaps she likes being overpowered by a man. I personally find men like you to be weak and spineless.” Captain Lucius snarled and started to draw his sword. “Do you really want to tell Mars you’ve killed one under his protection? I imagine he would completely flatten Rome in retribution, thereby undoing all the good you misguidedly think you’re doing.” She just hoped her dreams about Mars bore some element of truth.
“I will enjoy having you before you are sold as a sex slave,” Lucius’ eyes were flaming. “I’m sure the Marshall has instructed you well.”
“That is something you will never get to find out,” Jenna tossed him a look of pure hatred. Right about now, she could do with being rescued.
Mars was having his armour fitted when Aster walked in leading Julius. The boy had been washed, his eyes were huge as he tried to comprehend he was in Olympus.
“You must be Julius,” he smiled down at the boy. “I understand it is you I have to thank for finding Jenna.”
“Yes, Sir,” he cast his eyes down. Actually they were fixated on the sword. The child was looking positively terrified.
“You have nothing to fear from me, Julius. You have protected the one I love.”
“You love Jenna?”
“I care very deeply for her,” Mars sighed.
“Marshall Vilnus will not be pleased to hear that. He loves Jenna himself.”
Mars chuckled. “The Marshall and I share quite a bond.” He patted Julius’ shoulder. “Are you up for riding in my chariot?”
The boy nodded eagerly. It was hardly surprising, no mortal ever rode with the God of War. A guard passed Mars his helmet. As soon as it was placed on his head, the sound of thunder started. Minerva appeared in a flash.
“Sounds like you are ready to leave?”
“Yes.” He held out his hand to Julius and a split second later they were standing in his golden chariot. It had been a while since it was last used. Minerva was next to him in hers. “Hold tight,” Mars smiled. With a crack of the whip, they were off, a flash of golden light, then riding across the lands outside Rome.
“Do you always ride with eight horses?” Julius finally found his voice as he gripped the front of the chariot, his little face peaking over the top.
“Only when I’m seriously upset.”
The horses were all black, their eyes red as they pulled the chariot at immortal speed. It did not take long to reach Latvillus. The sound of their approaching would have been deafening, with the earth shaking and the sky rumbling.
As the town came into view, Mars spoke again. “Where is Jenna being held?”
“In an old building in the centre of the town.”
The chariot tore through the main gate and into the town. The citizens had felt the ground shake and had wisely dispersed as a flash of gold tore through the streets. Anyone in his path would be killed, the price for slowing a God. Minerva was hot on his heels.
A few minutes later, Julius pointed out a heavy set of wooden doors. “The house is the other side.”
Mars picked up his spear which was attached to the side of his chariot and threw it. The doors exploded into fine shards as they rode into the courtyard.
“Wait here,” Mar instructed as he stepped down and slayed the guards present.
“Do leave some for me, brother,” Minerva hissed.
Mars indicated for Julius to follow when they had cleared the courtyard. “Aster, watch his back.” The front door to the house exploded as Mars kicked it open. “Which way?”
“Up the stairs,” Julius directed him.
Mars was actually quite impressed, it seemed Ulpina had amassed her own small army. They were however no trouble to him and Minerva. They barely needed the Olympus guards. He kept his eyes on Julius who has scampered on ahead of them, clearly eager to reach Jenna .
Jenna heard the sound of thunder and smiled. Was that Mars or just one very pissed off Marshall of the Peace? She figured someone would be along to get her, there was nothing like a good hostage.
Sure enough, the door burst open and two soldiers ran in.
“Get the girl and let’s go,” one barked keeping guard.
Blood Never Lies (Mark of Mars) Page 23