Skaia (9 page)

Thaddeus stared at the youngster, wondering if buying this Gaul had been a mistake after all. He dismissed Skaia and kept Carden. “Is the boy dim-witted?” he asked as soon as Skaia had left his office.

“
Oh, no, Master Thaddeus,” Carden disagreed. “He is actually quite intelligent, and he understands most of what is said to him. He needed to learn the meaning of just a few dozen or so words.”

“
But he speaks so poorly.”

“
Your language has different sounds, sir,” Carden explained. “It is softer and difficult for us to imitate.”

Thaddeus canted his head. He thought Carden had mastered the sounds. “How long was it before you could speak well?”

Carden met his eyes for the first time. “I still make mistakes, sir. But Master Gracus started to loan me out after my second year in Rome.”

Smiling, Thaddeus replied, “I know that. I was one of the first you were loaned to. But how long before you spoke clearly?”

Carden blushed as he looked down. Thaddeus had talked to him when he was sent here, giving orders about his sexual desires.
But I didn’t speak to him. He probably never heard me at all… except when I cried.
Carden clenched his fists to maintain his control. “It was about the same time, sir. I… I was sent to help other slaves learn your language.”

Thaddeus nodded and then grinned widely. “I didn’t realize back then that Graccus passed you around for other reasons.”

Skaia had seldom seen Paulinus since that day in the garden. But the older master joined Castor several times to be sure the youngster was prepared for the birthday celebration, watching as Castor practiced the presentation ceremony with Skaia.

When the day of the birthday finally arrived, Skaia was prepared as well he could be and was dressed in a tunic of a softer, lighter fabric, with new sandals adorning his feet.

Just before it was time for him to go to the family, Castor took Skaia aside. “I hope you realize how lucky you are, boy.”

Skaia looked up and back down quickly. “Yes, sir.”

“
Remember that Glaucus is as inexperienced as you are.” Castor put his hands on the sides of Skaia’s face and forced the boy to look at him. “It will be up to you to make things go smoothly. Do what we’ve taught you.” At the look of fear on Skaia’s face, Castor pulled him close and hugged him. “Everything will be fine. Just do what you’ve been told.” He knew Skaia was much better with their language after his time with Carden. He could only hope the child understood enough. There was no more time for him to learn.

Taking Skaia to the side of the atrium, and at a nod from Thaddeus, Castor pushed him forward.

Skaia focused all of his attention on Thaddeus, and walked straight to him, kneeling at his feet. Thaddeus hooked a length of chain to his collar, and called Glaucus from his grandfather. When his son was near, Thaddeus handed him the chain. Skaia shifted his body to face the youngster, and bowed his head to the floor. He heard Glaucus giggle. And then Thaddeus telling his son to allow his slave to rise.

The young boy flicked the chain in his hand, causing it to strike Skaia’s lip. Skaia only winced slightly, but otherwise did not move. Castor and Paulinus had both stressed to him that he must remain still and silent until Glaucus gave him permission to get up. Thaddeus was whispering to his son, and soon after, Skaia heard a young voice say, “You may stand.”

Skaia rose to his feet, and dared a quick glance at his new master. It was the boy from the atrium standing before him. Dark haired, smaller than he was. The child’s arm extended and Skaia felt fingers touch his lip. He was terrified to move, or even look up.

“
Father, I hurt him,” Glaucus was saying. Then his words were addressed to Skaia. “I’m sorry, slave boy. I didn’t mean to make you bleed.”

This was certainly not what had been rehearsed, and Skaia lifted his eyes very slowly. “I be well, Master,” he said softly.

Glaucus giggled again and climbed on his father’s knee. “He talks funny.”

“
That’s because he’s a barbarian, Glaucus. Take him to your grandfather, now. You can fetch him later. And then he’ll stay with you forever.”

Glaucus skipped away merrily and handed Skaia’s chain to Paulinus who was sitting just to the side. Paulinus hugged his grandson and kissed his forehead. “You did well, Glaucus. Go back to your party now, and I will look after your slave.”

Skaia watched as the young boy ran back to his father and then he looked down at Paulinus. “Kneel at my side, Skaia,” the older man instructed him, and Skaia obeyed immediately. A few minutes later, Paulinus handed Skaia a cloth that had been dipped in water. “Wipe your lip. You’re still bleeding.”

Taking the cloth, Skaia wiped away the blood. It was just a small cut. It didn’t hurt; not nearly as much as what Thaddeus had done to him. He handed the cloth back. “Thank you, sir.” He felt Paulinus’ hand rest on his head and at first, he tensed. But as nothing bad happened, he shifted into it, thankful for the reassuring touch.

Soon, it was time for games, and Skaia saw Thaddia for the first time. A pretty girl, who looked much like her brother. Crassus was not present.

When Skaia felt sure no one was watching him, he shifted his weight to relieve the ache in his knees.

“
Uncomfortable?” Paulinus asked.

“
Just little, sir. I sorry.”

Skaia felt something push at his mouth, and turned his head. “Just a bit of food, boy,” Paulinus assured him. “No need to be afraid.” Skaia remembered the old master saying that before, and he opened his mouth to take what was offered.

Paulinus continued to feed him periodically throughout the party. But, finally, he wanted to go back to his rooms, and called Lucius to help him. Skaia looked up to watch them, and Paulinus smiled at him. “Just stay here. Glaucus will collect you, sooner or later.”

As the sun was setting and the huge outdoor room darkened, Skaia felt hidden and he shifted his weight again as he looked up to watch what was happening. Thaddeus was playing with his children, and laughing. Skaia felt a lump in his throat and tears threatened his eyes. The scene playing out before him reminded him of his last birthday. He remembered his family that day, everyone laughing together. He had received his first bow. Not toys, like this child, and certainly not a slave. But the love had been there, like what he witnessed here.

Thaddeus caught his eye and Skaia lowered his head, embarrassed to be caught watching them.

Sometime later, Thaddia was taken back to her room, and soon after that, the party was over.

Thaddeus walked with his son to collect Skaia, and together they all walked along the paved pathway by the peristylium and into Glaucus’ room. Thaddeus held his son’s shoulders and spoke to him seriously. “Take the chain off your slave and show him around, Glaucus. You have to take care of him now.”

Glaucus looked at Skaia in surprise. “But I thought he was supposed to take care of
me
.”

Thaddeus ruffled his son’s hair. “He will do whatever you tell him, Glaucus. But you have to look out for him, too. Romans must always look after their slaves.”

“
Yes, Father,” Glaucus replied dutifully, looking into Thaddeus’ eyes. “Will you help me if I don’t know what to do?”

“
Of course, Glaucus.” Thaddeus smiled at the innocence of the question and hugged his son again. “Ask me anything you need to know.”

Leaning toward his father, Glaucus whispered, “Can I make him play with me?”

Thaddeus looked at Skaia, and then back to Glaucus. “Yes, you can make him play.”

“
Oh, good,” Glaucus exclaimed happily. “I want to play Bones.”

“
Just for a little while, Glaucus,” Thaddeus warned. “You’ve played all afternoon and you have to practice your letters before you go to bed. Understood?”

“
Yes, Father,” Glaucus pouted.

Thaddeus straightened up. “I have to go now and see your brother before he goes to sleep. Play with your slave. Practice your letters. And then go to bed.”

The first few weeks were difficult for Skaia. Glaucus was excited at owning his own slave and began testing his new authority, giving orders for no reason except to see them obeyed. Then, when he wanted to play his games, he would be angry when Skaia showed little enthusiasm.

Skaia quickly learned his basic duties. His favorite was preparing Glaucus for his day. Castor or Gotus would come to wake them before dawn, bringing a bucket of hot water. Skaia would wash his young master and help him dress, then stand back respectfully when he left. Skaia was almost happy when he cleaned the room and took out the chamber pot to empty. He would have a few moments alone and often would watch the sun rise over the high outside walls of the domus.

It was in his third week with Glaucus that he saw Thaddeus and Paulinus walking in the peristylium looking at the garden. He stopped immediately and backed a few steps away as they passed. It was Paulinus who noticed him first and called him forward. “If you have no duties, young Skaia, I could use your help in the gardens today.”

Skaia could not stop the smile that lit his face at this request. But he looked quickly to Thaddeus to see his reaction. “Use him if he can be useful, Father. Just remember his first duty is to Glaucus.” Thaddeus walked on, and Paulinus motioned Skaia forward.

“
Is Glaucus being hard on you?”  Skaia shook his head, but looked down without speaking. Paulinus laughed softly. “It will pass, Skaia. You must remember that this situation is new to Glaucus, too.” He lifted Skaia’s chin gently and saw the brightness in the blue eyes. “Take the chamber pot back and get your breakfast. Then you can help me water plants. Lucius is not well today.” Skaia smiled again and hurried to obey.

After that day, things began to change. Skaia was not aware that Paulinus talked to his grandson, but he was very aware that Glaucus became more considerate. No longer so demanding, more patient in explaining the rules of his many games. And Skaia learned to enjoy them, and sometimes laughed with Glaucus as they played.