The Roman

by Caroline Storer

  Marsallas moved over to the table where Justina sat, and took the mould from her turning it around in his hands, “It is very good, almost lifelike, as if I've suddenly grown another head,” he said wryly.

  Justina laughed, looking up at his bemused face.

  Marsallas was smiling down at her, and she felt a glow of happiness inside her, reminding her of how they used to laugh and tease each other all those years ago on the beach in Herculaneum.

  Caught up in the fun of the moment Justina went over to a shelf and took down a piece of wax. “Why don't you have a go?”

  “Me?”

  “Yes. Here take this piece of wax and see what you can do,” Justina said passing Marsallas the wax before he could change his mind.

  Marsallas took it, a frown of concentration on his face. “What shall I make?”

  “Whatever you like!” Justina said, holding back a small smile when she heard the hesitation in his voice.

  For several minutes Marsallas worked on the wax, using her knife to cut away at the wax, not forgetting to pass the knife through the candle to heat it, as he had seen her do, so as to cut away the wax more easily.

  After about half an hour he sat back, a frown of annoyance on his face. “It's not working.”

  Justina looked over his shoulder to see a strange shape. Trying not to laugh, she asked seriously, “What is it supposed to be?”

  “A dog.”

  “Umm.”

  “What's “umm” supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing. Just that it doesn't look like a dog that's all.” Seeing the brooding look on his face she took pity on him. “I think the knife got too hot. If you use the candle too much, it overheats the metal of the knife and the wax melts away too quickly. Trust me, it is a delicate balance between too hot, and too cold, that took me a long time to perfect.”

  Marsallas said nothing, but he did look up from the molten lump of wax in front of him to where Justina stood next to him.

  “So I see.” Then he smiled up at her, and Justina could not hold back the giggle she had been holding back.

  Growling in mock anger, Marsallas leaned forward and grabbed her hand, pulling her forward so she lost her balance and fell onto his lap. Instantly, she sobered when she saw the brooding look on his face, and without conscious thought she lifted her hand and traced it along his rugged jawbone, her eyes following the movements her hand made. It was, as if her unspoken gesture, was a signal of some sort, because he leaned forward and kissed her.

  Justina gloried in the feel of his lips as they explored hers, tempting, teasing her with small nips of his teeth as he took what she offered. She didn’t know how long the kiss lasted, but eventually he pulled away, and Justina reluctantly opened her eyes.

  “I want you, Justina.”

  The passion in his voice, and in his eyes, warmed her. “Yes,” she whispered.

  Her answer was enough to lay the ground rules between them, as if the barrier between what had happened in the past, and what would happen in the future, had finally been crossed.

  “Soon?” He said, the one word both a statement, as well as a question, and after a moment’s hesitation, she nodded.

  Then as if he'd had the answer he wanted, he changed the subject completely and said, “I can take you to Rome if you like, so you can do some proper drawings of my chariot and horses.”

  For a few moments she didn't take in what Marsallas was saying, so caught up in the pleasure his mouth had just inflicted on hers. Then his words sank in, and Justina's head jerked back in wonder, a wide smile on her face. She hadn't been expecting that. “Really?”

  Marsallas nodded, “Yes, really. Be ready tomorrow morning at sunrise and I will take you. Bring Olivia and Diogenes with you. He can protect you if I’m not around.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  To Justina, Rome was the most fascinating city on earth, and ever since they had arrived in the city just over three hours ago she had been unable to contain her excitement.

  Marsallas had secured accommodation from them in the same inn that she had previously used. But this time, as she watched the people coming and going from her bedroom window, she was able to take in so much more. This time, she marvelled at the architecture and the sheer vibrancy of the city, fully appreciating all its multi-faceted layers. When she had been ordered here by Quintus all those weeks ago she had been too agitated, too nervous, to take in anything the city had to offer.

  Which was why she was determined to make the most of it today. Marsallas had told her to take the rest of the day off, to get over the journey, telling her that he would see her at the Circus Maximus tomorrow morning, after breakfast, when she would be free to draw as much as she liked!

  Turning from the window she looked over to where Olivia was putting away the few clothes Justina had bought. “Shall we go and explore?”

  Justina laughed out loud when she heard Olivia's squeal of delight, and together they went in search of Diogenes.

  As the trio walked out of the inn, and into the Forum, they were all instantly consumed by the hustle and bustle around them. The Forum was part market place, part law courts, part religious district and part political arena, as well as the place to get the latest gossip. And as Justina, Olivia and Diogenes walked under the three covered walkways that housed the many shops and offices, they watched in astonishment as the people poured into the Forum which seemed to be reaching a crescendo of activity at what was the Roman Fifth Hour.

  Plebeians, patricians, Senators rushed around making their way to the basilica, or to the many shrines, that stood either in, or around, the main square. The Shrine of Venus Cloacina, the House of the Vestal Virgins, the Temple of Caesar all seemed to be attracting all sorts of people. And as there were no vehicles allowed in the Forum from sunrise, to the Tenth Hour, wealthy women were carried in litters by their slaves as they went shopping. Senators, marked out by their broad purple stripe-edged togas, walked down from their wealthy villas on the Palatine Hill followed, inevitably, by their group of clients.

  As well as home to the rich, the Forum was also populated by quacks, soothsayers and charlatans, who seemed to dodge Justina's every step, begging her to buy this or that. But even the constant pestering wasn't enough to dampen Justina's spirits as they took in the sights and sounds of the most fascinating place she had ever seen.

  Unfortunately, a few hours later the three of them weren't quite so excited as they had first been when they had walked in the Forum. It was one thing to view the splendours of the Forum from her bedroom window at the inn, but it was quite another when they had to push their way through the heaving mass of humanity that clogged the narrow streets as they'd somehow found their way into the Subura, the poor district of Rome. As none of them knew Rome, they hadn't realised where they were heading, as they walked further away from the area around the Forum. It was only when Olivia had asked someone, that they realised their mistake. They should have headed south, instead of east, as to the south they would have found the Velabrum, the general market, and the Forum Boarium and Forum Cuppedinis, where luxury goods could be bought.

  But now, as the oppressive heat hit them, making it difficult to breath, Justina wished she'd had the foresight to ask the right way to the various markets. For a moment she had a pang of longing for the cooling winds that blew in off the Mediterranean back in Herculaneum.

  But if the heat was bad, then the smells that assaulted her delicate nose were even worse! Everywhere they went the smell of raw sewage hit them. It was impossible to avoid as it flowed in open rivers down the streets. It had gotten so bad that the smell had very nearly caused Justina to bring up the meagre breakfast she'd had that morning.

  “Ugh!” Olivia cried, as she shook off the filth that clung to the bottom of her dress. “This is disgusting!”

  Justina agreed with her, and finally having enough of the crowds, they turned back to the inn. Eventually, with the aid of Diogenes who acted like a human battering ram, they made their way
back to the Forum and the sanctuary of the inn. Hot, dirty and sweaty, Justina asked the innkeeper for a drink for all three of them, and taking pity on the dishevelled group, the inn keeper told them that there was a relaxing courtyard at the back of the inn where they might enjoy their drink in peace.

  Justina paid for the drinks, and thanked the innkeeper, making their way outside to sit down at one of several wooden tables that were scattered around a central fountain. Justina finally relaxed, taking in the quiet ambience of the courtyard thinking how pleasant it was just to be able to breathe clean air!

  Once she had recovered, she glanced around to see several other people, couples mainly, making the most of the relative peace of the courtyard.

  Her eye caught an older woman who was seated across from her, and the woman smiled at her. Justina reciprocated, before she broke eye contact and took another sip of her honey water.

  “Mistress, I hope you do not mind my intrusion.”

  The words were spoken a few minutes later by the older woman who had smiled across at her earlier.

  “No. Not at all. What can I do for you?” Justina said, her tone friendly as she looked up to see the woman standing next to her.

  “Well, it is more what I can do for you really.” At Justina's frown, she pointed down at the hem of Justina's dress. “I could not help but see that it is ripped quite badly.”

  Justina gasped when she saw that the woman was right. She must have torn it when she had walked down the dirty uneven streets. With hindsight she should never have worn the dress, as it was her best one.

  “I am a seamstress. A good one, I like to think. I could repair it for you if you like.”

  For a moment Justina was undecided. She knew that Olivia's skills at needlework were not good, she had admitted that it was the one chore she hated; and Justina didn't have a clue as to how to repair the torn silk …

  “I have a shop nearby,” the woman interrupted, by way of explanation, “You could come there and one of my girls will mend it in next to no time.”

  Although she hadn't much experience with people, Justina knew instantly that this woman could be trusted, so she nodded, making her mind up, “That is very kind of you. If you don't mind I would be most grateful. ”

  A few minutes later the woman, whose name was Niobe, led the way out of the inn and headed for her shop with Justina, Olivia and Diogenes in attendance. It turned out that Niobe was the sister of the inn keeper, and had been visiting her brother and his family, for a few hours before returning to her shop; and true to her words her dress shop was only a few minutes away from the Forum.

  Once they entered the shop, which was split over two levels, the ground floor given over to the show room and dressing rooms, whilst on the first floor the seamstresses worked their magic creating what appeared to be fabulous gowns of silk in all colours. Niobe told Justina to wait for a few moments whilst she sorted a few things out. As Justina looked around in amazement, she could see dozens and dozens of dresses handing from every available space on the wall, and around twenty slaves busily working away. It was instantly obvious to Justina that this was no ordinary dressmakers, but one that must cater to the rich patricians of Rome.

  Once Niobe had finished her business, she ushered Justina into one of her back rooms so that she could disrobe, providing her with a temporary shift whilst her dress was taken away by one of the slaves to be mended.

  “You seem to have a thriving business here,” she said a few moments later, once she had sat down on one of the couches provided for Niobe's rich clients.

  “Too much work really,” Niobe replied, “I cater for some rich patricians, but most of my dresses sell to the wives of the merchants who work in, and around, the Forum.”

  Her voice held a hint of pride, and Justina smiled at her, “Then I am even more grateful that you can spare the time to mend my dress.”

  “It is nothing. The gown is lovely, and it seemed a shame to see it spoiled so. I have a thing about silk. I hate to see it ripped, and when I do I have an uncontrollable urge to repair it!”

  Justina laughed, relaxing in the woman's company and for a few moments a companionable silence fell between them, allowing Justina to finish off the goblet of honey water that had been provided for her when she had entered the shop.

  After what could only have been a few minutes, the slave who had taken the dress away returned, and with a slight bow handed it back over to Justina. Glancing down at where the rip had been she could see that it had been repaired perfectly and now looked like new. There was no trace of the tear to be seen anywhere.

  “Thank you so much. I am most grateful, it was my best dress.” Justina said a few minutes later, after she had dressed and was once more in the front of the shop. Nodding slightly at Diogenes, he came over, and handed her a small purse of her money.

  But before she could take out any money Niobe lifted her hand, “No charge. I insist. Call it part of the service. Maybe the next time you are in Rome, and in need of a dress, you'll remember my shop?”

  Justina was taken aback at her kindness, and impulsively went over and hugged the woman, “Oh thank you so much! And yes, if ever I am need of a dress you will be the first person I will come to!”

  * * *

  The next day Justina arrived at the magnificent Circus Maximus. As she walked into the massive arena she was told by one of the attendants that Marsallas was not there, but that she was expected. As she followed the attendant - Diogenes and Olivia following in her wake - she couldn't help the pang of disappointment she felt when she realised that Marsallas wasn’t going to be there.

  But then why should he? She berated herself silently. As far as Marsallas was concerned, she was here to draw his horses and his chariot, not him. Eventually, they were escorted into Marsallas's quarters and she was told that Fabius Rufus would be arriving shortly to see to her needs.

  True to the attendants words the door opened a short while later, and Fabius Rufus walked towards her, a warm smile on his face. Seeing the younger man instantly reminded her of the day she had begged him to secure her an audience with Marsallas, and the memory of those events caused Justina's stomach to twist, and she was unable to stop the flush of colour that stained her face as she remembered all that had happened that fateful day.

  Fabius Rufus bowed slightly in greeting before saying, “Marsallas has been summoned to attend to Senator Lucius Apronius. The Senator sent a messenger here this morning requesting that Marsallas go to his villa on the Palatine Hill as soon as possible. The Senator is one of our very generous benefactors, and he is, I understand, the man responsible for commissioning the statute you are making of Marsallas.”

  Justina took his hand in greeting, thankful that the younger man was far too polite to mention anything of what had happened between her and Marsallas, and she felt herself relax at his easy going attitude and his explanation as to where Marsallas was. At least she now knew he wasn't avoiding her on purpose!

  Once the introductions had been completed, and Justina had declined a drink of honey water, Fabius set about showing her where Marsallas horses and chariot were kept.

  “I think I will draw the horses first. After that, would it be possible to take the chariot outside so I can see it in the daylight? The dimness of the store room would make it difficult to draw.”

  Fabius nodded. “That is no problem. I will bring the chariot out presently and set it in the arena itself. You can draw it quite easily if you sit in one of the stands.”

  * * *

  Which was where Marsallas found her several hours later, in what was becoming her familiar pose - head bent over her parchment paper - her charcoal stick flying over the paper.

  “You will burn in this sun if you stay out much longer.”

  Marsallas’s amused tone startled Justina, and she looked up to see him standing slightly behind her, annoyed and amazed at the same time that he always managed to creep up on her unannounced. For such a large man he was remarkably light-fo
oted!

  She lifted a hand to the nape of her neck feeling the sweat, unaware up until then, as to how hot it was in the arena. “I hadn’t realised,” she murmured, before lifting the papyrus paper up for him to see, “As you can see I've nearly finished. Ten more minutes or so.”

  “Good. No longer than that. I'll see you back in my quarters when you have finished.” He bid her farewell with a slight bow, and Justina watched him walk away, admiring the strength of him, the powerful way he walked, her eyes taking in everything about him.

  True to her word she finished her drawing within the allotted time, and made her way to Marsallas's quarters. As she stepped into the room she couldn't help the shiver of awareness that assailed her as she remembered the last time she’d been here in the room with him. Remembered the way he had kissed her, caressed her-

  “Would you like a drink?”

  The words jolted her out of her erotic memories, and she couldn't help the flush of colour that stained her cheeks. Hoping he would take the colour in her cheeks for sunburn, she nodded, “Yes please. A glass of honey water would be lovely,” and she was thankful when he turned away to pour her the drink.

  “Did Fabius tell you where I have been this morning?” he asked, as he handed her a goblet of honey water.

  “Yes. To Senator Lucius Apronius’s villa I understand.”

  “Umm, he found out that you are here and wants to meet with you.” Marsallas’s mouth twisted in wry humour, when he saw her surprised expression, “Don't ask me how he knows Justina. He just does! Powerful men like Senator Lucius Apronius seem to know everything!” He gave her a knowing look, “He is holding a gathering at his villa tonight, and we have been invited to attend.”

  “Me! Us!” Justina exclaimed, totally taken aback by the invitation. Then without thinking she blurted out, “But I don't have anything to wear.”