The Barbarian's Mistress (39 page)

It was an execution. That was the only word for it. And though her brother had deserved what he got, it didn’t take away the shock and horror of it. It didn’t matter that he was a sadistic brute, and that he’d hurt Ninia, had wanted to kill Vali. Her brother had just died in there, painfully, and in utter humiliation.

‘He deserved it,’ Ninia said, her voice cold but wobbly.

‘I know. I know. I’m glad it was Braxus who… did it.’

Ninia looked at her mistress, her friend. She nodded. ‘I am too. If I couldn’t do it, then I’m glad it was my… Brax.’

There was movement on the other side of the door. The heavy bar was being removed. The girls stepped back and waited. One by one the men came out. Gaius came first, to wrap his arms around his sister; then Braxus, to hug Ninia. Menolus was next. Then finally Vali appeared, his face a stony mask.

‘Are the slaves back?’ Vali asked.

Lara shook her head and left her brother’s embrace to go to her husband. ‘They’ll bring the body here?’

‘No. They’ll use the hole they dug in the woods for Biraci, then they’ll come back for … the tribune.’ Vali didn’t want to call the body inside the shed her brother. He didn’t want to give it a name. She understood that.

‘Here they come!’ Ninia said, looking down toward the gravel road that led up to the villa. Sure enough, the male slaves were returning, blood stains dark against the paleness of their tunics.

Lara couldn’t watch the rest. She didn’t want to see her brother carried away and dropped into an unmarked grave. Vali seemed to sense her feelings, because he started to draw her away, back toward the house.

‘I need something hot to drink, wife. Will you prepare something for us all?’ he asked her.

Lara nodded. It was something to do. She needed something to occupy her mind. If she thought too long on the murder… the execution… she’d break down and cry. And that would make her seem weak or a traitor to her men.

Ninia hurried inside with her.

Later that night, the atmosphere around the fire was hushed and sombre. They should have been celebrating their freedom, their revenge. But instead, there was heaviness in the air. Two men had died today. They had deserved their deaths, but they had died at the hands of the people in this room. To kill, to see others kill, was a sobering experience. Even the children picked up on the atmosphere, and sat in silence.

Menolus looked around him. These people had made him welcome, had accepted him as they had Braxus. It was an uncomfortable, yet pleasing feeling.

He looked over at his partner, his arm around the young, dark girl. Protective, the gesture was protective and natural. The badly scarred man looked oddly content. This wasn’t the drunken fool with a willing maid on either arm, living wildly, uncaring of the future. Neither was he the tense professional, ever alert and ready to shed blood, his anger always boiling beneath the surface. This man was different. This man was a stranger. He was rooted. Somehow the seed blowing aimlessly in the wind had taken root, here in this cold, wet and uninviting country.

Did he know he wasn’t leaving here with him yet? Did he realise that the little woman at his side had now chained him to her more securely than slavery ever had?

How did he feel about losing his partner, his friend -- as Braxus had called him? The old Braxus would never have called him friend. Would never have allowed such weakness. But friends they were. Menolus remembered how he’d felt when he thought Braxus was dead. He’d lost his drive, his desire to go on. It had all seemed meaningless. Even when he’d picked up the trail, it didn’t feel the same anymore. It just felt lonely. He’d become an aging man with nothing but the job to fill his time.

Then, when the first rays of hope that Braxus still lived began to fill his world, he was rejuvenated. It was no decision at all to side with his friend when the moment came. That he’d still get paid was also a bonus. But it mattered little to him.

‘I’ll get the first vessel to the mainland. It’ll be a slow trip south, given the season, but I’ll get back to Rome and convey the news to our patron of her daughter’s death.’

Ninia looked at Braxus, a question in her eyes. He shifted uncomfortably.

‘Can’t it wait until spring? Travelling is treacherous…’ Vali said, watching the two lovers.

‘What would I do here for the winter? I’d go mad with boredom,’ Menolus said with a laugh.

‘I was thinking of starting a ludus.’ Braxus spoke slowly, his gaze never leaving the fire. ‘We started talking about just holding a one-off contest to make money for building materials. But I’ve been thinking…’

Menolus looked at his friend, waiting patiently for him to voice his thoughts. He’d never seen Braxus so uncertain, so lacking in confidence.

‘It doesn’t look like much, but Londinium will probably grow, in the years to come. They need their own entertainment, like anywhere else. A gladiator school here would be well received, and during the warmer months it could go on the road, as a travelling troupe. You always talked about becoming a lanista, and I’d make a pretty good doctores.’

Ninia drew away from Braxus, and turned to stare at him, open mouthed.

‘What? You don’t like the idea of having me around for a while longer?’ Braxus said angrily, his face flushing red.

‘It would be a lot longer, if you’re serious about this,’ she said softly. Menolus could hear the hope in her voice.

‘So you don’t think it’s a good idea, then?’ Braxus demanded, running his fingers through his too long hair. His discomfort was apparent to everyone in the room.

‘I… I think it’s a wonderful idea. But do you want to stay here… with me?’

‘I… I called you my woman today. As soon as I said it … well, it felt true. I’m not much of a prize, but you seem to want me anyway…’

‘Yes, yes of course I want you! I love you, you stupid man. Of course I want you to stay with me.’ Ninia’s voice wobbled with unshed tears.

Everyone around the fire, including the stuffy tribune, started smiling.

Menolus decided to take the pressure off his friend. Braxus never much liked being centre of attention, except when he was drunk and full of himself after a contest. ‘Well, that’s it then. I guess I’m going to manage a gladiator ludus in the arse end of the world. At least there won’t be much competition out here.’

Braxus’ grin made him look like a child again. It was filled with expectation, excitement and hope. His little Ninia had a matching smile on her face.

‘While I’m in Rome in the spring I’ll see what I can pick up in the way of armaments and men. If I can buy some promising beginners, we might have a shot at making a go of this.’

‘Do you think my mother will believe you?’ The girl who was now called Lara couldn’t hide a worried frown.

‘Braxus? You’re better at understanding people…’

Braxus had to drag his eyes away from his woman’s. He took a moment to get his mind on the matters at hand.

‘Yes, I think she will. You can tell her that you followed Vali here only to find out there was no Anniana with him. She’d died in the same storm as your partner. If you try to get her to pay more for my loss, she’ll be convinced. She’ll be so busy fighting you over the recompense, any thought that you lied will be forgotten.’

‘And father?’ Lara turned to Gaius. The soldier sat quietly on the edge of the group, lost in his own thoughts.

‘I have to write and tell him. But I think I’ll word it in a way that might give him hope. Something like, “I have discovered that Anniana died in a storm at sea. But Vali, your freedman, has become steward of your estate in Britannia and seems to be doing an admirable job with the assistance of his new wife, Lara. She appears to be a happy young woman well content with her new life and role. It might be in your best interests to take a tour of the estate in the near future. It would be a pleasant place in which to retire.” ‘

Lara stared at the tribune, her expression hopeful. ‘And do you think he’ll accept someone like me living here?’

‘I think that if I can see how happy you are, then so will father. He has lost any desire for prominence, with the death of Vespasian. And I admit I’ve lost all desire to be part of that world, too. Who knows, I might choose to take up land here, when my tour is finished. I’m starting to realise that there is more to life than ambition and power.’

Much to the surprise of everyone, Lara launched herself at the tribune and hugged him, sobbing hysterically. The young man seemed pleased but embarrassed by the display, as he patted her tentatively on the back.

‘Thank you, Gaius. Thank you. I thought I’d lost you for good.’

‘Baby sister, how could you ever lose me? Do you think you’ll be able to find me a suitable wife when I return, or will I have to go to Rome for that?’

‘I’m sure I’ll be able to find you a loving bride, even in this back end of the world.’ She grinned up at him through her tears.

EPILOGUE

Spring 81 CE, Londinium BRITANNIA

Gaius rode up to the villa rustica of the Bibulus estate in stunned surprise. The changes that had been wrought since he’d been here last were amazing. A long thin stone and tile building, with a colonnaded veranda, stood at right angles to the old wooden dwelling. Its greenish sandstone was all clean lines and efficiency. From missives he’d received from Lara, he knew the floors had underground heating.

They’d also built a bath house down closer to the river. And they brewed their own beer with the grain and hops they grew. It sold well
, up and down the coast.

The land looked to be thriving too. Crops were coming up in green straight lines across the rolling hills. The hop trellises were already covered with vines. Sheep dotted the hilltops. He knew that there were plans to build a more grandiose dwelling further away from the river, for father when he joined them here in the summer. It would be his home too, when he married.

Lara had been writing to him about a young patrician who lived with her aging father on an estate nearby. The girl had no pretentions, Lara told him. It was her highest praise. And she was pretty and sweet, if somewhat painfully shy. Her father was enthusiastic about a possible match. A senator’s son, who had served the empire admirably, would be quite a prize.

Of course, he would not marry just any girl his sister found for him. He might not care about political advancement anymore, but he was determined not to settle for anything less than a loving wife and mother to his children. If his sister had taught him anything, it was that love was the greatest prize of all.

At that moment the front door of the new building opened and a familiar, if much rounded, figure stood in the doorway. As soon as she saw him, Lara was running down the hill. He had a momentary fear that she might stumble and injure her child. But a sharp call from the blonde giant, just coming around the corner of the villa, had her slowing down to a more sedate pace. By the time she reached him she was aglow.

‘Brother, it is so good to see you!’ she cried.

Gaius swung down from his horse, glad to be out of his uniform at last. ‘And me you, sweet Lara. You look fit to burst!’

She laughed joyously. ‘Oh, this baby doesn’t want to be born. He’s already a week overdue. Ninia tells me I’m being too impatient to catch up with her. I did tell you that she had a little boy at the end of last year didn’t I? She and Braxus are so happy. The plan is for me to have a girl so that her son c
an marry our daughter and join the estates. Braxus bought the land you just passed through. He and Menolus have their Ludus there during the winter months, and then Menolus takes the troop on tour over the warmer months, while Braxus farms.’

His sister was running on, her excited chatter rolling over him in a delightful haze. Then she stopped and looked at him. ‘You look good, Gaius. Happy. Was there any word on Publius?’

‘No. He left Londinium in the autumn of 79 heading for Isca in the west. His horse was found wandering some twenty miles out of town. It is assumed he was attacked by the few remaining rebels in the area. It’s still dangerous to travel too far from civilization alone in these parts. No word on that old estate manager…whatever his name…?’

‘No. His friends reported him missing when he didn’t meet them for some mysterious mission. But he was never seen again. Fell in the river drunk, some say.’

‘Hmmm. Danger is everywhere. Mother died suddenly, I don’t think I’ve had a chance to tell you.  She was trying to arrange Annia Major’s divorce, much against her daughter’s wishes, and dropped dead over her meal. Heart gave up, so they say. Annia can’t be happier.

‘With the Salvian paterfamilias now in the hands of our mother’s cousin, I think we can safely say any threat to Anniana is over. You could take back your name, if you chose to.’

His sister considered his words for a moment, the news unexpected. Her glow was gone from her cheeks. ‘It’s a relief to know this, and maybe when father comes, and if he’s as happy with Vali as he seems to be… maybe I will take back my name. Our child might desire to be part of a noble paterfamilias one day, especially with you as its head. But I will never answer to anyone but Vali again.’

Gaius grinned. ‘Answer to Vali? You have that man wrapped around you little finger. He may not officially be a slave, but he’s certainly your slave.’

Lara grinned happily. ‘I’m as much his slave as he’s mine.’

‘So, when do I meet my wife?’ Gauis said with a nervous little laugh.

‘Oh, Calidia is so sweet. You’re joking I know, but I swear she’ll be perfect for you. I’ll invite her over tomorrow…’

‘Maybe we should wait until the baby is born?’

‘Ninia’s mother says it might be another week before this lump decides to make her appearance. Did you know father sent Elaeni to us? I think he’s in a hurry to get here now, too, just to see her again.’

‘Father and a slave?’ Gaius stammered.

‘They were lovers before father married mother. And she’s a liberti now and widowed. They might not marry, but they could be happy together in the last of their years…Father deserves that.’

‘You are quite the matchmaker, sister. You don’t follow the normal rules but…’

‘The heart has no rules, brother, as you’ll find when you meet Calidia. Come on inside, Vali will be looking forward to seeing you again.’