Skaia (56 page)

Thaddeus laughed at the expression on his face. “No, it’s not a punishment, Skaia. It’s a birthday gift.”

The piercing was finished, and Skaia handled the earring he now wore. To his surprise, it did not hurt. He looked up and met Thaddeus’ eyes. “Thank you, sir… for the gift, though I would rather have a sweet roll.”

Thaddeus roared with laughter and admired the hoop. “You look far better with an earring in your ear than you would with a sweet roll.” Even Skaia laughed at the joke.

The jeweler agreed. “He’s a lovely boy, sir. Perhaps you’d like this small ball inserted as well?”

Thaddeus smiled. “Maybe next year. He’s decorated quite enough for today.” He touched Skaia’s shoulder, to indicate he should get up.

Dinner that night was quiet, even Thaddia unusually subdued, and Crassus was the first to notice Skaia’s new adornment. “I want one, too, Father. But in gold.”

“
Only slaves have their flesh pierced, Crassus. A Roman gentleman only wears rings on his fingers.”

“
But I’ve seen many men with necklaces.”

“
I said Roman
gentlemen,
Crassus. The men you are talking about are hardly our class.”

“
It’s still a silly rule, Father. The earring looks nice.”

Thaddeus looked at Skaia and thought his son was right. The earring did look nice. It went well with the young slave’s auburn hair and pale skin. “Nonetheless, Crassus, it is a rule. And we shall follow it.”

Crassus pouted, but made no further argument.

When dinner was finished, the family moved to a small gaming table and began to play a board game. For the first time since Paulinus’ death, there was laughter in the house. Skaia looked up from his cleaning and smiled. It was good to see his family happy again.
His family.
It did not disturb him that he felt that way.

When the dining room was cleared, he went to Thaddeus and knelt by his side. He was no longer asked to play like at the country villa, but his master still pressed his head to his thigh in the familiar and comforting way. He closed his eyes briefly when he saw the look Thera gave him. But even that did not distress him unduly.

Later, back in Thaddeus’ room, Thaddeus sat at his desk and took a small scroll from his drawer, handing it to Skaia. “A gift from Glaucus.”

Skaia took it with him to his usual spot in the corner and started to read, while Thaddeus began to write a letter to Glaucus. He told him the sad news of Paulinus’ death, and informed him that his grandfather’s remains were interred in the family sepulcher on the Via Appia.
We can visit together when you get home.
Looking at Skaia, Thaddeus told his son of the earring he had purchased today and of how grateful Skaia was to have it.
We have become even closer since your grandfather’s death. I am pleased I could make him so happy with the earring.

Thaddeus wrote that he had learned of the new slave that had been purchased, and he requested that Glaucus bring the boy home with him. After he read over what he’d written, he glanced at Skaia again, and found him still engaged in reading the scroll. It occurred to him that, with his own change in feelings, his plan must be expanded. It was no longer sufficient to just break Skaia’s hold on his son.
I could simply tell them both that Skaia belongs to me.
But he wanted more than that. He wanted—needed—to also break his son’s hold on Skaia—so the boy would willingly accept him.

Though, of course, he put none of that in his letter. It would be completely counter-productive. He was sure Skaia would be upset when he learned of Nicea’s existence. And he fully intended to manipulate the slave’s jealousy to his own advantage…

Be safe, my son. I look forward to seeing you again in just a few short months.
Reluctantly, he added,
Skaia has enjoyed the small work of Socrates you sent him.
After a moment’s thought, he smiled, and also penned,
He has shared it with me eagerly, as we get ready for bed.
He closed by sending his love and good wishes. Sealing the missive, he set it aside.

“
Skaia, get an extra blanket for the bed. The nights are unusually cool.” When the boy looked up, Thaddeus caught sight of the earring again. Its presence pleased him. “Put out the lamps. It is time to sleep.”

When they were both in the bed, Thaddeus pulled Skaia close and kissed him softly. “Tell me about the scroll.” He listened as Skaia talked.

“
It is about piety, sir. And asks whether actions are good because the gods approve of them, or if the gods approve of them because they are good.”

“
What’s the difference?”

“
It is more a question. I think he meant that goodness should not be defined at the whim of the gods,” Skaia explained.

“
Whim?” Thaddeus chuckled. “I suspect that’s why Socrates was forced to end his life by drinking hemlock.”

Skaia paused for only a moment. “But what if one god supports one position, and another something else? Who decides then what is good?”

Thaddeus laughed this time. “I fear that is a question for philosophers, not for the simple-minded like me.”

“
You are not simple-minded, Master.”

“
Thank you.” After a few moments of silence, Thaddeus added, “I suppose the matter of your earring could also be considered philosophical.” He handled Skaia’s ear. “Who should decide if piercings are only appropriate for slaves?  Crassus is hardly the only one who is jealous of the beauty that only slaves may wear. I daresay the day may come when free men may sport such jewelry.”

“
They did in my country. My father wore many earrings. And other trinkets as well.”

“
That’s part of what made him a barbarian, you know.”  But Thaddeus softened the insult by holding Skaia tighter. “I’m sure he looked very fine.”
But not as fine as you.

Skaia said nothing. He hated that his master spoke so disrespectfully of his father, but he certainly did not object to Thaddeus holding him so close.

Thaddeus stroked the boy’s smooth chest and teased at his nipples until he fell asleep, and his hand fell to back to his side.

It took Skaia longer to relax. He had to let his arousal die down. But, in the end, he slept comfortably in his master’s arms.

Thaddeus left his chambers early the next day, telling Skaia to go back to sleep.

He went to his office and sent for Castor. “We will interview several slaves this morning, to find someone to replace you.”

“
Replace me, sir?” Castor asked, obviously stricken by the news. “Are you sending me away?  Have I… have I failed you in some way?”

It had not occurred to Thaddeus that Castor would be upset. As soon as he realized it, he tried to soothe him. “Of course not, Castor. You have been with my family since before I was born. You will always be a part of it. But my father’s death…”  

He had to stop and blink away the moisture that threatened to become tears. “My father’s death reminds me, that none of us will live forever.”
Everyone dies,
as he had said so often. “I only look to get you some help for now, and someone to take over… when the time comes.”

Although Castor accepted the master’s explanation, he was still distraught. Thaddeus touched his wrinkled hand… so much like his father’s. “I want you to choose someone you can work with. Your satisfaction is my primary goal today.”

Castor nodded, and seemed consoled. “You will keep me, sir?  Not send me away?”

“
I know many families simply rid themselves of older slaves, but my father would rise up and haunt me if I did such a thing,” Thaddeus answered, trying to make a joke of the subject.

They shared a small laugh, and Thaddeus thought of Socrates. He thought the majority action not moral. It was not exactly at the whim of the gods, though some would say so. But it was a whim, and for the moment, Thaddeus thought his society lacked something to be so callous.

He was grateful when the first of the men arrived, and he could put the uncomfortable thoughts from his mind.

In time, he and Castor agreed on two of the men, and, finally, Thaddeus left the decision to Castor. The old slave nodded, thankful to have his opinion valued.

On the morning of Flavius’ dinner, Thaddeus decided he would not take Skaia with him after all, in spite of his friends’ insistence. He rationalized that the boy was still too upset over Paulinus’ death to deal well with the pawing and handling that would no doubt happen.
And
I can’t deal with it, either.

After Skaia had dressed him in his finery, the boy stood back and spoke softly. “You will not take me, sir?”

“
Do you want to go?” Thaddeus asked curiously.

“
If—if you should…” Skaia’s eyes clouded and he looked up. “I heard Master Flavius ask that you bring me, sir. I—I can come if you want me to.”

The boy’s lips were trembling, and Thaddeus reached out to run his finger along them.
Skaia knows, and he’s willing to do this for me.
Thaddeus shook his head. “No, Skaia. I do not require you to deal with my friends. I’ll handle it.”