The Barbarian's Mistress (37 page)

‘Publius just has to grow up. He’s a spoiled brat who thinks he can get away with anything. The army will make a man out of him.’ Even as he said the words, he knew they weren’t true. The army could do nothing with someone like his little brother. No one could. If they were all lucky, he’d die in a battle here in the north. If not…

‘I hope so, because if I ever see him do anything to hurt anyone again, I’ll kill him myself.’

This wasn’t his sister. His sweet, innocent little Anniana would never speak so blithely about killing her own blood.
His
sister got upset if a butterfly lost its wings.

Then he remembered how the butterfly had lost its wings. His brother
had pulled them off to taunt little Anniana into crying. And she had. And Publius had laughed. He always laughed. What had his brother done that would turn that sweet child into someone who would contemplate murder? He was starting to think he was better off not knowing.

Her revelation about their mother was bad enough. But sex-slaves made sense. He’d always suspected something. Not that though, never that. Who would ever contemplate their own mother taking slaves to her bed? Rough sex, Anniana had called it. What did she know of such things? He barely knew, and he was a man of the world.

‘So what do you want me to do, Annia Minor?’ He used her formal name, to make it clear just how furious he was with her. ‘Tell father you’re dead, so you can live your life here in this midden heap, with a slave who fucked our mother?’

He felt pleased when she blanched at his crudity. If she wanted to be treated like a whore, he’d accommodate her.

‘Don’t disrespect me for my choices, brother. I wasn’t the one who made this life my best option. I have made the best of my lot. And let me assure you that our home in Rome was more midden heap than this place ever will be. And Vali is a good man who loves me. He’s not a slave anymore. He’s a citizen of Rome, and our children will be citizens, too.’

Gaius could think of nothing further to say. This wasn’t his sister. She was right. His sister was dead. And their father was better off thinking she was, too.

He began to rise, preparing to take his leave. ‘I think you overestimate mother and her desire to control you. Now she’s free of father, she’ll simply remarry someone more… politically powerful, and be satisfied.’

‘Ninia brought a man here with her. I can introduce you, if you care to stay the night. He’s in town at the moment, but will be back by dark. He was hired by mother, along with another man called Menolus -- to track me down, kill Vali, and bring me back, kicking and screaming, if need be. And Braxus is sure that, unless he reports my death to mother, others will be put on my trail. It’s why we’re careful about my disguise.’

‘Father said something like that, but I assumed he was exaggerating, as he tends to do.’

‘No exaggeration, Gaius. You never knew her like I did. I was nothing to her, until she found a use for me. Now she has, she won’t stop until she has me back in her web. I won’t let her do that to me.’

‘I don’t know you anymore, Annia. Maybe I never did. I will do as you ask. May you never regret the bed you have made for yourself, because you are dead to our paterfamilias now.’ His spoke with tired dignity. He had come so far to save her, but she’d spat his gesture back in his face. So be it. He washed his hands of her.

In the firelight, he saw tears glistening in her eyes. For a moment, he felt pity for her. She was just a little girl trying to act like an adult. What was she now? Seventeen. Just seventeen. How would he have handled what she’d been through at her age? He hadn’t even joined the army until he was eighteen, and that had been the hardest year of his life. She hadn’t told him all the details of the last few months, but from the little she had, it made his adventures seem mild. And they were. His was never going to be a glorious career. He’d be like his father, a capable but unexceptional man.

‘Goodbye Lara.’ He dropped a brief bow, turned and marched out the door.

As he strode around the corner of the dwelling, looking for his horse, he was accosted by the giant.

‘What will you do?’ Vali demanded.

Gaius barely glanced in his direction. ‘What my sister requires. She is dead to our family now. But I will assure father that our estate is now in good hands. Having met the last manager, and from what I can see here, that statement will be true enough.’

Vali nodded, dropping his aggressive stance. ‘I tried to dissuade her. I know I’m not good enough for her.’

Gaius jerked around in surprise, glaring at the upstart who had taken the best thing his family had produced. ‘No you aren’t. But I’m sure you didn’t fight too hard to dissuade her. You’re a man with a good mind. If you’d wanted to, you could have come up with a better solution than this. But you’re also ambitious. Well done. My mother played right into your hands. But don’t expect that marrying my sister gives you any privileges. As I said, Annia Minor is dead to us now. I hope Lara is enough for you.’

He saw the fire stir in the ice-blue eyes, and nearly stepped back in fear. When the giant spoke it was through gritted teeth.

‘Lara is more than enough for me. And when you step down from that high horse you see as your aristocratic upbringing, you might see that Lara is enough for you, too. She loves you. Just as dearly as she loves her father. Turning away from that kind of love makes you a fool.

‘One day, when you’ve made your politically advantageous marriage, and surrounded yourself with sycophants and back-stabbers, as you try to keep your head above the changing political waters, remember that there was once a young, sweet girl who loved her brother dearly. It will be the only real love you’ll ever know.’

Long after he’d ridden away into the late afternoon shadows, Gaius played those words over and over in his mind. They rang truer than he wanted them to.

Chapter Twenty Six

18 October79CE, Londinium BRITANNIA

Gaius sat in a dark corner of the inn, his mug of ale half empty. It had been half empty for an hour, which was when the slave girl had delivered the sixth mug of the day to him. He knew it was nearing sundown, even though he couldn’t see outside. The steady trickle of workmen, some of them from the docks, others from the markets, told him the day was over.

He should have found himself a ship back to Germania Inferior that morning. After all, his mission here was finished. But for whatever reason, he’d not bothered to check transports. All he’d done with his day was formulate a message to go back to his father. He’d decided to send it as part of a military communique. It was the way personal missives were delivered to families while the army was on the move. Fast messengers were able to cover huge distances with remarkable speed that way. Even at this time of year, it was possible his father could hear what he needed to say within weeks. About the time he got back to his post.

The closest fort was Rutupiae, on the east coast, less than a day’s ride away. He could ride out, get his message included in the next post, and then set sail with one of the regular military vessels travelling to the mainland. He’d do that tomorrow. Or maybe the day after. As soon as he had the message written to his liking.

How did you tell your father that the light of his life was dead? It was the cruellest of actions. It would devastate the man who had already lost so much. And yet, what other choice was there? “Your daughter has chosen to disown herself and marry an ex-slave, who used to be your wife’s lover?” The humiliation was just as likely to kill him as the grief. The idea that his father would accept Anniana’s choice was impossible to even consider.

But wasn’t
he
considering it? Vali’s words kept playing over and over in his head. His life was empty. There was no one who cared that much for him. No one cared if he succeeded or failed in his career. His father probably felt pride in him: as his first born; as his son. He’d want him to carry on the paterfamilias and make it honoured, even glorious. But he didn’t really care, not as he cared for Anniana.

And so, beside father, who was there? No girl loved him, no close friends would miss him if he died. The only one he really mattered to was Anniana, and he’d chosen to turn his back on her.

Why? Because she shamed the family? But his family was already shamed. His mother had taken slaves to her bed, and his father had known about it. His brother was a monster, and his other sister was a power hungry, superficial sycophant without the brains to truly succeed. Who knew who she’d slept with to improve her husband’s position?

And what about him
? Well, he shamed his family by his mediocrity.

He drained the last of his hot ale, and wiped the sweat from his forehead. It was steamy and close in the small inn, and growing more so as the steady flow of patrons kept coming.

His attention was suddenly drawn to an aging ruffian who was asking about a tall Svear in the area. His voice was just loud enough to reach him in his secluded corner, and he noticed several other men turn with interest to the ruffian.

‘Few people been asking that question since that liberti arrived. Why do you want him? And how much is it worth?’ The ratty little man who’d given Gaius details yesterday, sidled over to the grizzled newcomer. Gaius narrowed his eyes, studying the inquirer with increased interest. He rubbed his unshaved face with a hand missing several fingers.

Was this one of the men sent by his mother to bring back Anniana?

‘What I want is none of your concern. What I pay for good information may be, if you have any. Or are you wasting my time?’

At that moment the door opened yet again, and, along with a breath of cold, fresh air, a familiar figure entered the overcrowded room. Gaius stiffened, sliding a little further into his shadowed corner.

‘I know where that blonde bastard is right now. Vali’s his name, ain’t it?’ Rat-face said blithely.

Gaius saw Publius do a doubletake, hearing the name. He moved toward Rat-face with determined steps.

‘Did you say Vali? You know the man?’ Publius demanded arrogantly.

The other two men eyed the short tribune with caution.

‘What if I did? You want information on the bastard; you pay the same as this gent.’

Publius eyed one man and then the other. ‘I’ll pay for information. Is this Vali alone?’

‘Not alone. He’s got an estate full of my slaves! Claims he was sent to replace me. Lies, all lies!’

‘You’re my father’s estate manager?’

The Rat-face’s eyes bulged, as if he’d just been given an unexpected treat. ‘You’re the son of G. Annius Bibulus?’

‘I am. And I’m searching for my sister who ran away with the slave. I have to return her to my mother immediately. So, if you have information, spit it out.’

‘Mother? Your mother has sent you to find Annia Minor as well?’ The grizzled man was slow to speak, considering the ramifications of what he was being told.

‘As well? Can I assume you’re one of mother’s men? What have you found out?’

‘I just arrived, no more than an hour gone. Been following their trail since Campania.’ This was Menolus then, the man his sister told him about. Did he know his partner was here as well?

‘Then we need to join forces. Vali won’t be easy to take down.’

‘My partner’s in the area. He arrived just ahead of me.’

‘Good. So, little man, if you want your position back, I suggest you share what knowledge you have,’ Publius said haughtily.

Publius was considering reinstating this lazy thief, once Vali was removed? His brother’s vindictiveness outweighed his good sense every time. But how did he know about Vali and Anniana? Surely their mother hadn’t enlisted his aid? Then cold fingers started crawling up his spine. His father’s missive. Somehow, Publius had found out about it, and read it.

‘If I help you, I get my estate back? I can have that in writing?’ The man’s eyes had narrowed speculatively.

‘Unnecessary. Once Vali is disposed of, your original contract resumes. My father is unlikely to send anyone else to replace you. He has too much else to contend with at the moment.’

‘All right then, gentleman. I’ll take you both out to the estate in the morning. But don’t expect me to fight. I’ll leave that to you. And there’s been two other men here in the last few days asking about Vali. One was another soldier, and the other was with a dark woman.’

‘That’ll be Braxus. So he
is
on the job. Do you know where I can find him?’

Rat-face shook his head. ‘Saw him back in town yesterday, on his own. But don’t know where he went.’

Menolus rubbed his face. ‘He’ll be lying low, close to the estate. I’ll ...’

A particularly loud group of drunks drowned out the rest of the conversation. But Gaius watched as the three men moved in closer to each other, looking as if they were making more serious plans.

What was he to do? His sister was in danger. He couldn’t just turn his back and walk away, even though that was what he told her he would do. She didn’t deserve to be sold to the emperor to further his mother’s agenda. She didn’t deserve to be manhandled by Publius and this cutthroat.

But whose side was this Braxus on? Wasn’t he already known to Anniana? Wasn’t he the one who had told her of his mother’s schemes?

Keeping to the shadows, his head lowered as if he was drunk, he edged toward the door. If either man looked up, he’d be seen. Then there’d be no chance of getting to Anniana and warning her.

But, as the minutes passed and he got closer to the door, none of the men did look up. They were too intent on their plans to worry about their surroundings.

Once outside, his mind sped up. They would make their move tomorrow morning. That meant he had to get to the estate this evening. The sun had already set, and the shadows were deepening. Would he be able to hire a horse this late in the day? Could he find his way back there in the dark?

He hurried to the edge of town, found a sleepy stable lad who he bullied into getting him a horse, and before full dark set in, he was on the road east. The sky was overcast, and there was no moon to be seen. Darkness was absolute. It was cold, and the promise of rain was in the air. Even so, he pushed the horse on as fast as was safe to travel on the gravel road. With each step closer to his sister, the more determined he became. If sides were drawn, then no matter what his sister had done, he would be on her side. Neither his mother nor Publius could be allowed to win.

When he knocked on the heavy door to the dwelling, sometime later, he was wet, freezing and miserable, but no less determined. The slave who came to the door looked at him blankly, obviously not recognising him from the day before.

‘I need to see your master,’ Gaius said loudly. The talking and laughing in the Great Room came to a sudden stop, and all faces turned in his direction. There must have been twenty of them in there, including the children, and each face recorded a different emotion. It was easy to pick Vali out from the crowd as he stood up, and strode toward him.

‘Gaius, it is good to see you back. Come in, Lara will be pleased.’

Gaius stepped inside and watched as the slave closed the door behind him. ‘This is not a social visit. You have problems, severe problems. Can I speak to you alone?’

‘If this concerns me…’ Anniana had come to stand at her husband’s side. For the first time, Gaius realised how well they looked together.

‘It does, but I don’t want to frighten you. It might…’

‘Frighten me? Please, Gaius, after all I’ve been through in the last few months, you talk of frightening me?’

Another young man, possibly a few years older than Vali and himself, stepped away from the fire to join them. He had an ugly scar down one side of his face, and had the look of a fighter. ‘Mind if I hear this?’

Gaius wasn’t sure where this man stood. Was he friend or foe? ‘Braxus?’

The man’s eyes widened, and he nodded his head slowly. ‘How do you know me?’

‘I don’t. Just putting two and two together. You were directed here by that little rat of an estate manager?’

He nodded, without saying another word.

‘Then I’ll leave it to Vali to decide who hears what I have to say.’

Vali looked at the scarred man, taking his measure. Then he nodded. ‘Come, we’ll speak in private.’

There was a smaller fire burning low at the other end of the room. Ninia, who had joined them, made herself busy by placing more tinder on the banked coals. The increased heat and light, as the fire leapt back to life, was welcome.

Gaius wasted no time in getting to the point. ‘My brother and another man have just arrived in town. They’ve been asking after you, Vali. The estate manager is now plotting with them to kill you, take Anniana and put the little rat back in control here.’

‘How…’ Anniana started to say.

‘I overheard them. They plan to move on you in the morning. I’m not sure whether they’ll come in force, or simply to check the lay of the land. But I had to get here immediately to warn you.’

‘The man with your brother? Is he another soldier?’ Vali asked.

‘No, I’m assuming he’s Braxus’ partner. He said as much.’

‘Menolus is here? I thought he must be dead. Now he’s working with Publius?’ Braxus said with a growl.

‘They didn’t know each other before meeting this evening. It seemed to be a coincidence that they were both asking after Vali at the same time. There have been a few of us doing that, over the last week, it seems. I’m not sure if my brother picked up on the fact that I’m here too. I lost the conversation when the room got loud. I don’t know how many men they plan to gather. I have no idea how they plan to attack. All I can tell you is they’re head
ing out here in the morning.’ Gaius felt helpless. Surely he should know more than this bit of information. Could he have moved in closer and gathered more details? Useless as always.

Vali looked at Braxus. ‘Where do you stand?’

Braxus met his gaze levelly. ‘With Ninia, who stands with you.’

‘Is there a chance you can turn your partner to our side?’

Braxus frowned, pushing a stick into the flames with his boot. ‘I can try. If nothing else, I can get more details of their plan.’

‘Hmmm. All right then. Where did you leave them, Gaius?’

‘At the inn. I imagine they’ll be there for the night. The floor gets pretty crowded come closing time.’

‘He’ll need to piss. I’ll keep watch until Menolus comes outside,’ Braxus said. ‘Then I’ll get back here with their plan, at least. Forewarned…’

‘Is forearmed,’ Vali finished for him. ‘But the slaves can’t fight, and the women must be protected at all cost.’

‘Some of the men may choose to fight, if they know what happens if you’re killed,’ Anniana said calmly. Gaius couldn’t believe his sister could stand there planning a battle like a soldier.

‘You might be right. But they have no skills. It will depend on what we’re up against,’ Vali replied, considering his wife’s input, as if she had every right to give it.