by Hearst, Amy
Nardine bristled. Gaius had been dead for three months. She knew of widows who took a husband less than a week after their former spouse died. “I nursed him in the infirmary, mistress. He was excited to be going back to the arena. I had hoped he would win today.”
“So did the lanista. He lost coin on him today, but not so much as to break him. Antonius knew there was a chance he might lose. At least he wasn’t killed. Let us hope he hasn’t been permanently crippled.”
Nardine knew that would be the end of Abedi, at least as far as she was concerned. Seriously injured gladiators retired quickly, sometimes to a quick, painful and lonely death. Abedi didn’t deserve that under any circumstances. He would not be able to help her escape. He didn’t know of her plans, but somehow she believed he would keep her secret, and perhaps even help her, if he could. But how? She would have to think on it. Perhaps she could involve another gladiator, and Abedi could cover for him. In truth, she regretted leaving him. She’d hoped to escape the ludus with Abedi at her side.
Chapter Six
That night Cornelia decided to honor Nardine’s request to sleep with another gladiator. As Nardine walked to her chamber, Cornelia confronted her.
“Not so fast, Nardine. You said you wanted to be matched with another gladiator. I have decided to give you to Hebides, who won his match today against two opponents.
Nardine remembered the match. ‘I know the man,” she said. “He is tall, with unruly dark hair.”
“That is the man. My slave will escort you to his cell. But first clean your hands and feet and arrange your hair.”’
As Nardine hurried to her chamber, she wondered about this new development and what it could mean for her escape plan. She had no idea whether Hebides would have any interest in running away. Nevertheless, he was getting older, and gladiators did not last forever in the arena. No rumors circulated about Hebides having a family or an estate. She believed he had been captured somewhere in the east, near the deserts, not far from Africa. That made her think of Abedi again, and she wished for a moment that she would bed him tonight. At least she would have some idea what to expect. And it would be a pleasant expectation too. This Hebides could be violent and cruel. But then all the gladiators could be violent, at least in the ring. Nardine experienced good luck so far in that she had avoided overly violent men, unlike her old friend Rue. None of the gladiators she had been with ever violated her in a way that caused her undue pain.
When the door closed behind Nardine in Hebides’ cell, he gripped her arm and led her to his pallet. “Undress,” he said.
Nardine complied hurriedly. Hebides seemed to want to get this over with as much as she did. So they coupled quickly, and Hebides arose and dressed himself. “Get me some supper,” he directed, indicating cooked beef that had been brought to his cell.
After putting her tunic on, Nardine moved to the table and put beef on a plate, handing it to Hebides. She wondered about him. Would he help her in her quest to escape the ludus?
“Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked Nardine. “Do I appear as an ape to you? All men eat. There is nothing unusual in it.”
Nardine made her decision, despite the fact that she had no idea how Hebides would answer her. “I want to ask you a question, Hebides. It might endanger me, and I would ask you to keep it a secret.”
“A secret from whom? From the other men or the master?”
“A secret from everyone. I would like to—I need to run away from the ludus. And I need help. A woman on her own would not survive alone on the streets of Rome.”
“Am I to assume you want me to run away with you?”
“I know you have been here a long time, Hebides. I have heard some of your complaints about the beatings gladiators and other slaves endure. I thought you would be interested in leaving.”
“Beatings here are often unjust, as you know. But that does not mean I want to leave the glory of a ludus. I am no longer a champion, true. Though I have not yet fought my last battle. I am past thirty winters, but am not ready to retire yet.”
“I did not know.” Nardine stumbled a bit. “I was hoping you would be willing to pose as a couple on the streets. Perhaps we….”
“There is no perhaps. Once, a long time ago, I had a wife. That is no life for me, compared to the arena. And you are bold to ask a gladiator like me to run away with you. It would seem you would have asked one of the younger gladiators before me.
Nardine said nothing.
“So you did ask another! That doesn’t surprise me. What might surprise you is that I probably would make a good partner in such an enterprise. Experience counts for a lot, and I have run away from uncomfortable situations in the past. But I’ll have none of it. I have a mind to tell the master. Why is a slave girl propositioning gladiators with such a ridiculous plan?
“Please don’t,” said Nardine. “I would surely be beaten, or worse.”
“That you would,” said Hebides. “Your only safety is that the master is otherwise distracted by some of the recalcitrant gladiators. I don’t want to add to his problems, at least right now. But I may do so in the future. You would be wise to escape now, if you’re going to do it, before I get the chance to tell him. Now be on your way.”
He pointed to the door, and Nardine left quietly. Nothing good had come of this night.
Chapter Seven
A few weeks later, Abedi strolled around the ludus on a cane. He had recovered more quickly than anyone supposed and astonished the physician. Abedi could not fight yet, but he made his way to the practice field each day to watch the other gladiators.
Yet his primary motive had nothing to do with fighting. He had heard about Nardine’s night with Hebides from one of the other gladiators and wanted to question him. But he had to do it in a way that wouldn’t make him appear angry or jealous.
Half an hour after Abedi settled on the practice bench, Hebides sat down next to him. The sweat poured off Hebides as he ran his hands through his dark hair and shook it out. “You are fortunate to be getting a rest, Abedi. The sun today is intolerable.”
“It is hot,” said Abedi. “But not any hotter than my native place in the midst of summer. I am used to it.”
“Always bragging, you are. But no bragging about that last match, I see. Although you did hold him off a long time,” said Hebides.
“You were good on that day,” Abedi said, switching the focus of the conversation. “I hear you were rewarded richly by the master.”
“Yes, in the usual way. A few gold coins and a woman that night.”
“I heard you were with Nardine. What was she like?”
“Ah yes, the physician’s slave. I suppose you’ve gotten to know her while in the infirmary. She is trouble.”
“What do you mean trouble?” asked Abedi.
“Trouble as in she wants to run away from the ludus and she asked me to accompany her! The girl must be crazy. She is treated well here. It seems the mistress actually likes her, which is unusual for the female slaves. I told her I was of a mind to inform the master of her plans. However he is caught up with that Syrian now. I didn’t want to add to his troubles.”
The Syrian gladiator had sneaked into the master’s quarters and stolen gold. Antonius threatened to have him crucified, but had taken no action yet other than having him beaten and chained in his cell.
“But why does she want to run away?” The news alarmed Abedi. Nardine had now spoken to two of the gladiators about her plans to run away, but had not confided in him.
“She did not say and I do not care. I will probably tell the master, after he has a chance to resolve his problems with that Syrian, Olesso.”
“Is that necessary?” Abedi asked.
“He will reward me if I do. What does it matter to you? Are you sweet on the girl? If so, take my advice and choose another. Although she is attractive, I have to admit. But she is nothing in bed. Nothing more than a rag doll. No, Abedi. You don’t want her. She’s not worth it.”
<
br /> Abedi would have to talk to Nardine. She couldn’t go on like this, going from gladiator to gladiator, begging them to run away with her. It was strange, but Abedi didn’t worry he would lose Nardine to any other gladiator. She would eventually be his destiny. He knew that in his heart. Then again, he didn’t know how he would make her his.
*****
That night, Abedi confronted Nardine as she left the infirmary.
“We must talk,” he said. “Follow me.”
“Talk of what?” asked Nardine. “Where do you want to take me?” She looked annoyed, but Abedi grabbed her elbow.
“I will tell you when we get there.” He led her down the halls of the ludus to the deserted practice field, then to an enclosure beneath a roof attached to the gladiators’ cells. Abedi sat on a bench in the hidden nook, pulling Nardine down next to him.
“I must talk to you of your safety,” said Abedi. “I know you have so far told at least two gladiators of your plans to run away from the ludus. Neither one of them is faithful to you. You are in real danger. If Hebides tells the master, you will be beaten or worse.”
Nardine’s eyes widened and she clutched Abedi’s arm. “How do you know? They must have told you. They must have told all the gladiators. I will be found out immediately.”
“Do not be frightened, Nardine. These men told me because I asked about you. I don’t think they are spreading tales. Your escape plan would be valuable information— information for which they could receive a reward.”
“But what am I to do? How can I stop them?” Nardine looked terrified.
Abedi placed his arm around her shoulder. “We must plan carefully. If you want to escape, I will help you. But we cannot go yet. My leg must heal first.”
“Really? You would help me? But we must leave quickly, before the master—“
“No, Nardine. We must take our time and plan carefully. You must find a way to bribe Hebides to keep him quiet.”
“With what? With sex? He didn’t even like me.”
“No Nardine. I would not ask that of you. Hebides likes his gold. I’m sure he would like precious stones as well.” Abedi pulled the amulet out and removed the necklace from around his neck.
“I will give this to you, Nardine. I wanted you to have it for luck. But you can use it to bribe Hebides, so he will keep silent.”
“It’s beautiful, Abedi. Where did it come from?”
“From my native land, in Africa. I have carried it with me since I was a boy. I have managed to hide it from all my masters. It is an image of the fertility goddess. And it is good luck for all who carry it, unless those who carry it have evil intentions. Then it is bad luck!”
“What is it made of?”
“It is made of turquoise. Rub it for good luck.” Nardine rubbed the amulet with her forefinger and smiled up at Abedi.
“Will it make me fertile?”
“It will,” said Abedi. “These stones around it are called pink sapphires. The charm is ancient, and valuable. Hebides would be glad to take the necklace and sell it. I hate to part with it, and especially hate you having to part with it. But perhaps it will bring us good luck.”
Abedi leaned down and kissed Nardine on the lips. Her warmth seemed to flow into his heart, and the rest of his body reacted to her presence as well. He wanted to take her, but he did not want to frighten her.
“Now you must go,” Abedi said. “You should not be noticed by the mistress or anyone else. Approach Hebides right away. Tomorrow.”
“All right, Abedi. If you are certain it is that important. She hid the amulet in the folds of her tunic and hurried out of the practice field. Abedi watched her go, wondering if she would be successful in her attempt to bribe Hebides. He hoped it would work. The goddess had been lucky for him in the past, and he hoped that same luck would hold here.
*****
The next morning, Nardine pulled out the amulet and examined it before leaving her chamber. She had never seen anything like the exquisite charm, and wondered how much it would fetch in the marketplace. But she knew Abedi would never have given it to her without good reason. She must find a way to confront Hebides alone. Whatever had possessed her to confide in him escaped her now.
She managed to get away from the infirmary around the noon hour and scampered down the hallway toward the practice field entrance. Once there, she saw Hebides jousting with another gladiator. Abedi sat directly across from her, on the bench. He nodded almost imperceptibly in Hebides’ direction. Nardine waited until Hebides finished his fight and walked away from his opponent toward a cistern where he could draw water. He flung his long hair behind him and turned suddenly as Nardine approached him.
“What are you doing here?” he shouted. “Didn’t you get the message the other night? I want nothing more to do with you!”
Nardine shivered, feeling the fear race up her spine. She must be strong enough to get the words out.
“I know you don’t want me in your bed, Hebides. I am here to make you an offer.”
“If it’s not in the bedroom, how could you possibly make me an offer? You are a slave. You have nothing.”
“You are wrong. I have this.” She pulled the amulet from beneath her robes, holding it up but shielding it from the doctore’s view. “It is precious. Made of sapphires and turquoise.”
“Where did you get this? You must have stolen it from the mistress. I can report you for that as well.”
Nardine blanched inside. She must find a way to appeal to Hebides’ greed.
“If that were the case, I would sell it at the market, where I might get enough money —to buy my freedom. No, I am giving you this as a declaration of trust.”
“What are you talking of, trust? How do I know you didn’t steal this from the mistress? If I am found with it, I could be beaten. Or sold. How can I trust you?”
“You can trust me that I did not steal this pendant. And I can trust you that you will not tell my secret—what I told you that night about running away.”
Nardine waited a long minute, watching as Hebides turned her proposition over in his mind.
“All right,” he said. “I will take the pendant. But if it turns out this is stolen, you will suffer for it. If I have to come back from the dead to make you suffer, I will.”
Nardine smiled. “There will be no need for punishment. You will see. And think how much money the amulet will bring you. You will be rich!”
Hebides grunted and turned away, hiding the amulet in his fist.
Nardine breathed freely for the first time in half an hour after he walked away. Now she could only hope Hebides would keep his word.
*****
Two days later, Nardine awoke to see Cornelia standing by her bed, staring at her. She scrambled to her feet and bowed her head.
“Mistress. How can I be of service to you?”
“I’m not sure whether you can be of service to me or anyone else at the ludus anymore, Nardine.”
A tremor ran through Nardine’s body. “What do you mean, Mistress? I have served you well and faithfully for more than ten years!”
“Yes,” said Cornelia. “But you promised me you would forget your plans of running away when I caught you in the garden that night. You said you had made a mistake, and you have, this time.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean that Hebides told the master that you had asked him to run away with you. He was infuriated—first, that you would even think of running away, and secondly, because you tried to ensnare Hebides in your plot. What were you thinking, Nardine? Did you think this would escape my attention, or the master’s? What is wrong with you?”
Nardine remained silent. Her anger against Hebides almost spilled over. Not only had he tricked her, he had stolen Abedi’s amulet. Now she would be punished or sold, and she could do nothing about it. She tried to remain expressionless and looked to the ground while addressing the mistress.
“What will happen to me?” Nardine asked.
“The master wanted to sell you, Nardine. He was angered at your disloyalty. But I talked him into punishing you. You will be beaten Nardine. And you will no longer serve in the infirmary, only the kitchens. And there will be no more sleeping with gladiators. That is over, for good, Nardine. You had your chance and you ruined it.”
A beating! What would happen to her unborn child? She trembled all over just thinking about it. Nardine kept her head lowered, hoping Cornelia would believe she would submit to her punishment willingly. She supposed this to be better than being thrown out on the street or being sold to an even crueler master. She had brought it on herself. In her anxiety to find her freedom, bear her baby, and live with a man, she had ruined her chances for all three.
“You will remain in your room for now,” Cornelia said. “Be prepared on the morrow. You will be whipped in front of the entire ludus.”
Cornelia left the room and Nardine sank back on her pallet. She tried to beat back the despair engulfing her, without much success. Her entire body seemed to have lost its life-giving force, and she hoped again that her unborn child wouldn’t die. She tried to think. Abedi couldn’t save her this time. The master’s decision killed her plans for escape. After being whipped, she would be in no shape to run away. She wondered again whether the baby would survive the whipping.
Defiance rose up in her. Yes, the baby would survive the whipping. And she would live. If she had to bear the baby in the ludus, they would have to accept it. And she would not be parted from it. She held onto that hope—the only thing that could sustain her through the pain of the coming days.
Chapter Eight
Abedi wondered why Hebides approached him so confidently. He obviously had some message he wished to share.
“I have news for you, Abedi,” Hebides said as he sat beside him on the bench in the practice yard. “Your friend, Nardine, is in trouble.”
“Oh really?” Abedi did not want to reveal the depth of his feeling for Nardine, but he immediately began to suspect Hebides’ involvement. “What happened?”
“She is to be beaten. The master learned of her plans to escape the ludus.”
