Skaia (98 page)

“
It’s for your benefit,” Thaddeus assured him. But Skaia was never sure as he watched Thaddeus leave to go outside.

Evenings were also family affairs, but when group games were played, all of the personal slaves were invited to participate. Fraca always refused but Skaia, Thera, and Kaleel participated.

There were other evenings when Thaddeus and Glaucus played Latrunculi alone in Thaddeus’ rooms, and more serious talk took place. On one of these nights, after the usual discussion on politics in Rome was concluded, Glaucus asked why Skaia was no longer collared.

Thaddeus shrugged. “It served its purpose, and is no longer necessary. He is respected in this place, and no one comes who might approach him inappropriately.”

Glaucus sighed. “So it does not signify you’ve tired of him?”

Thaddeus motioned for Skaia to come and kneel by his side. “Tired of him? Why would you think that, Glaucus?”

“
He’s no longer a boy, Father. His hands have become roughened from all that work in the dirt. Wouldn’t you prefer a younger, softer, bed-mate?”

Skaia looked up at the question that reflected his own deepest fears. Thaddeus noticed, and immediately drew the boy’s head to press against his thigh again. “There are boys and young women available here on the estate if the need arises, but, in truth, Skaia grows more important to me almost daily. I doubt I will ever part with him.”

Glaucus nodded, thinking his father meant for the slave’s work on the gardens and the business aspects of the farms. “I wrote to Abrahm, you know,” he laughed softly, “asking to buy Nicea. He refused, so I will have to stop at the slave markets on my way to Rome.”

“
Do you have Gallia’s permission?” Thaddeus asked with a grin.

“
Actually, yes,” Glaucus smiled. “Since Glauca’s birth, my wife seems less… interested in my needs.” His tone became more serious. “Besides, I think she’s pregnant again.”

“
Seriously? Already? That’s wonderful news!”

“
I must admit, a son would be a great gift for my nineteenth birthday. If it’s not too soon, I mean.”

Thaddeus shook his head. “Your wife is a strong young woman. She’ll be fine.”

“
I hope so, Father. I wouldn’t want to hurt her.” A little of his smile returned. “At any rate, she’s no longer so opposed to my having a pretty young boy at my beck and call. And I do need someone who can assist me in my travels. Nicea had all the skills I’m looking for.” He looked at Skaia again. “When I noticed the collar was gone, I thought I should ask about him. He would require only a little training. And I know we’d get along well.”

Skaia felt Thaddeus’ hand on his neck grip him more firmly. “I suspect there are not many boys like Skaia and Nicea. You may have difficulty finding such a treasure.”

Glaucus nodded in agreement, and then laughed. “If I do find another, remind me not to give him away.”

Thaddeus laughed too, and he relaxed his hold on Skaia, though his fingers continued to play in the slave’s curls while the game continued.

The day came when the post was received from Senator Scipio, summoning Glaucus back to Rome. Thaddeus reminded himself he had known it would happen, but he found it difficult not to let his son see his distress. They climbed onto the river rocks, and looked out over the water as Glaucus requested help.

“
Gallia and Glauca will return with me, Father. And I’ll need some of the slaves. You have more than you need here, don’t you?”

Thaddeus nodded as he fought back tears at the thought of little Glauca being gone. “Take as many as you want, Glaucus. If I find I need more, I’ll visit one of the local markets.” He slipped off his signet ring and handed it to Glaucus.

Glaucus stared at the family crest in his palm. “This wouldn’t be necessary if you came back as well. Scipio assures me the city is safe. At least on the hills.”

“
I’m sure it is. I know you wouldn’t take your family there if it was not.” Thaddeus met his son’s eyes. “I find I enjoy the country life. I’ll stay here… But perhaps I should transfer the power of pater familiaris to you, like my father did to me?”

Glaucus shook his head in refusal. “I’m still too young. If you haven’t changed your mind in a few years, after I’m in my twenties, we’ll think about it again.” His eyes followed the flight of birds as they passed overhead. “No one really knows what will happen in Rome.” He looked back at his father. “I’m not completely naive,” he laughed softly at the expression on Thaddeus’ face. “If dangers should arise, if outright war breaks out between Octavian and Anthony, I would like to know that there is a safe place to send my wife and children. If you maintain your neutrality, Umbria will be a haven for them.”

Thaddeus nodded. “There will always be a welcome for them here—and for you, Glaucus. But I sincerely hope the government does not break down so completely. Surely this emperor thing won’t continue.”

“
Come back to Rome,” Glaucus implored again. “Your calm head may be needed.”

Thaddeus laughed. “My head, calm or otherwise, has not been needed in all these years. I doubt it will be now.” His demeanor became more serious. “If I am truly needed, you have only to send for me. I hope you know that. But I have decided to make the country my permanent home. I will come to Rome for Thaddia’s formal betrothal next fall, or any time you feel my presence is required, but I will not change my mind on where I want to live.”

Glaucus conceded, well aware his father’s mind was fixed on this. He slipped the ring onto his finger, accepting leadership of his family.

That night, after making love to Skaia, Thaddeus explained everything that he and Glaucus had discussed. “Your Socrates was right, Skaia. Change is the only thing in life that is constant.” His hand gently caressed the curve of Skaia’s hip. “I certainly never foresaw this.”

Skaia shivered at the provocative touch, his body already sensitive from their tender lovemaking, and it took a moment for him to form a thought. “Sometimes I don’t like Socrates,” he mused. “He also thought that slaves do not have immortal souls.”

Thaddeus was tempted to be drawn into a discussion, but for the moment, he needed reassurance on more earthly matters. His fingers moved to Skaia’s face, and trailed softly down the slave’s cheek, caressing gently. “And what about you?” he asked. “Are you content to spend the rest of your life here in the country?”

“
If I am with you,” Skaia nodded. “Except, I’ll miss never seeing Paulinus’ gardens again,” he added, wistfully.

Thaddeus laughed softly. “I will return to Rome from time to time, Skaia—and you will always go with me. You will see the gardens then, even work in them if you like. Phaelas has assured me they flourish under the gardener’s care, though his services certainly cost me enough. And Glaucus and Gallia will continue to see that they are maintained,” he added as he studied Skaia’s face. “But you… are you sure you will not grow tired of me as I get older?” His voice was little more than a whisper as he asked this question.

Older?
Thaddeus never seemed to age. Skaia bowed his head. “It is more likely, Master, that you will grow tired of me. Glaucus is right. I’ve grown up. I am no longer a boy.”

Kissing at Skaia’s lips, Thaddeus nibbled at the firm flesh. “I am not so fickle, Skaia. Besides, I like the way your body has changed.” For long drawn out moments, he let the touches of his fingers reinforce his words in a most delightful way. “I want you with me always, just as my father wanted Lucius… as a friend and confidant, as well as a lover. And, when the time comes, I want your ashes in my urn.”

Skaia twisted in the bed to face him better. “Who would put them there?”

Thaddeus laughed before he tugged sharply at one of Skaia’s curls. “Of all the things to worry about,” he teased. “Glaucus will honor my wishes.” He lay back in bed, his arms slightly releasing their hold on Skaia. “Of course, you will be free after my death. Perhaps, you will not even choose to stay in Italia.”

Skaia leaned over Thaddeus’ body and returned the kiss. “You are my home, Thaddeus. I would always choose to stay with you,” he said solemnly. And then almost laughed at himself. It was the marriage vow.
Where you are Gaius, I am Gaia.

But Thaddeus did not laugh. He put his arms back around Skaia and held him close, thinking this was the only constant he needed.

Skaia stood at Thaddeus’ side the day Glaucus and Gallia left. Glaucus looked in his direction and smiled, but Gallia embraced him warmly, and whispered in his ear. “Glauca and I will miss you terribly.” As if to show this, the little girl put her small arms around his neck, and had to be pulled away. And as the litter lifted, Glauca’s cries still sounded, and Skaia had tears in his eyes.

Thaddeus looked at him strangely as they went back inside the gates. “Do you still mourn for my son, and what might have been?”

“
Oh, no, sir. It’s not that,” Skaia answered, shaking his head. “Glaucus is his own man, now, and I know I have no place in his life.”
And I wouldn’t want it if I did.
“But, I will miss Gallia and the baby.”

Thaddeus embraced him. “As will I.” He stared down earnestly into Skaia’s eyes. “I just hope you realize how important you are in my life.”

“
Yes, sir. I know,” Skaia smiled. “I love you, too, Thaddeus.”

Thaddeus’ heart lifted at the words. Far more than he’d thought possible, on this day of partings and loss.

He walked with Skaia as they returned to the empty courtyard, and then watched as the boy picked up his stack of paper and a small nub of charcoal. They had begun the planning of the new garden together, but Thaddeus had soon turned it over to Skaia entirely, easily recognizing the skills his father had passed on. He had told his slave it was to be created in honor of Paulinus, of his essential kindness and goodness—and all the people he’d loved. Including Lucius. But it was more than that—it would also honor his own love for Skaia.

Almost on a whim, Thaddeus settled beside his slave on the bench in the sun. He picked up his own paper and piece of charcoal, and started to draw. Nothing so intricate as a garden plan—just simple symbols that came to his mind.