by David Adkins
He shook himself free from whatever vision he was witnessing. “Yes, Parthenian, you will come to Tibur with me.”
I left my audience with the Emperor knowing that I had completed the first of Glyca’s orders for I had ensured that I was going to Tibur.
The Empress, Domitia Longina and Drucilla returned to the palace the day before I was due to leave for Tibur, and I was happy to get the opportunity to see them before I left. I was only able to have a short conversation with both and they both seemed equally pleased to see me. I first spoke with Drucilla in our office shortly after her return.
“It is good to see you, Drucilla.” I warmly welcomed her back to the palace.
She smiled. “You just missed having someone to do all the office work.”
I turned very serious. “You must promise me something and do it without asking questions.”
“I suppose I cannot refuse after you rescued both me and my mother from that Christian gathering in the Subura,” she agreed thoughtfully, recognizing the earnest nature of my appeal.
“I leave for Tibur tomorrow and you must ask permission from the Empress to visit your very sick mother. Say that you have spoken to Parthenian and he has agreed. I will also speak to the Empress because she may be reluctant to let you leave as you have been a support to her in the last few days. Leave tomorrow when I do and do not return to the palace until I get word to you to do so. Is that understood Drucilla?”
“May I ask if it is anything to do with the Christian business?” she inquired.
“You agreed, no questions,” I reminded her. “Please just do as I say.”
“It is all very puzzling but I will do it,” she assured me. “Did you speak to Stephanus while I was away?” she asked.
“I spoke to both Stephanus and Flavia Domitilla and have reached an agreement with them. None of us will speak of the Christian incident again. I have assured them that they have nothing to fear from us and we will say nothing. It is up to them if they wish to take further risks.”
“Is Flavia a Christian too?” she asked.
“She says she is not and that it is just her husband, Titus Clemens, but she is seeing that preacher Timothy soon at their other residence. Stephanus has only recently converted to Christianity whereas his master has been a Christian since his visit to Ephesus about two years ago. They play a dangerous game and we should keep well out of it.”
She nodded. “Did you hear why the Empress decided to spend a week at the coast?”
“I did, Maximus told me. Petronilla should never have been boasting about the elevation of her mistress at the Empress’s expense whether it be true or not.”
“Do you think it is true, Parthenian?”
“I hope not,” I said vaguely. “Now it is best you speak with the Empress and tell her you will leave the palace in the morning.”
“Am I in danger?” she asked.
“Not if you do what I say,” I assured her.
As she walked away I was left with the thought that there was danger at every turn. When Glyca put on her guise of an old woman she was involved in rooting out Christians and Glyca I knew was both efficient and dangerous.
I went for my interview with the Empress shortly after Drucilla left her presence. I rushed to her and knelt at her feet. “I heard that you went away, aunt, because of the spiteful boasts of Petronilla about her mistress, Julia, and because of the Praetorian Guard.”
“I was both angry and concerned,” she said. “I have now cooled down and feel that I am in no imminent danger.”
I took her hand. “You are right and I am sure that no-one will act against you without the Emperor’s permission and he will not give that until the birth of Julia’s child.”
“Maybe but my downfall is clearly already in their minds.”
I kissed her hand and took a seat. “You will always be Empress, “I assured her.
“I hear that you have given permission for Drucilla to visit her mother for a few days.” she said.
“Her mother is very ill and so I was sure we could spare her. I am also going to be away for a few days in Tibur.”
She looked alarmed. “I knew Domitian was going there tomorrow but I asked him not to take you.”
“It will only be for a few days, aunt, and he wants me to go and I do need to go if I am to finalise things with Corelia for the Jupiter games.”
“I do not understand why you are involved in such matters,” she sighed.
“Nor do I but I am. Both Casperius and Tero will also be going to Tibur and so you will not have to worry about them.”
She smiled. “I may throttle Petronilla while you are away.”
I laughed. “Wait until I get back and I will hold her down for you.”
“I do not like you both being away but I suppose I must let you both go.”
I knelt and kissed her hand again. “I will see you very soon, aunt, and it will all be quiet while I am away,” I assured her and then I left her august presence.
Chapter 14
Tibur – Mid Summer AD90
“Go on top with Casperius,” Domitian instructed me as the carriage was about to leave the Imperial Palace. “I wish to be alone and meditate on the short journey to Tibur.” The news that I did not to have to share the confined space with the Emperor was good, but it was daunting to sit above with Casperius. We were accompanied on horseback by Tero and two guardsmen; Otho, who I had spoken to at the palace gate, and a young guard named Datus. I knew that among our small contingent were the intended murderers of Hylas.
It was with an increasing sense of dread on my part that we commenced our trip to Corelia’s villa gladiatrix early on a fine mid-summer morning. I sat in silence next to Casperius for some time, as we both seemed reluctant to even acknowledge the presence of the other, such was the animosity between us. Finally Casperius broke the silence. “Do not forget what you have to do in Tibur.” He spoke in a soft voice that was barely discernible above the noise of the horses and carriage. He used the rein to slow down the eager mounts and waited for my reply.
I kept him waiting. “What is that?” I asked.
“Do not play games; you know what,” he scowled. “Let me know the day before you intend to accompany Hylas to the taverna. Then I can make the necessary arrangements.”
“I will,” I assured him.
“Do not even think about warning him if you ever wish to see Drucilla again. I have a man keeping a very close eye on her while we are away.” His words alarmed me. Would Drucilla be safe at her mother’s or would she be followed there?
“Why are you doing this, Casperius? It is not something you wished to be a part of.”
“It is true that I did warn Glyca that it was unnecessary, and there was no good reason for doing this.”
“Then why do it?” I asked.
“She does things for me and so I do this for her, but do not think I am not committed, Parthenian. I will carry out this business to its conclusion and Tero is more than happy to play the major part for he strongly dislikes Corelia’s head guard. Hylas will die and Glyca’s objective will be achieved. The poor man will fall foul of robbers and you will be lucky and escape.”
“How do I know that Tero will not also kill me, for he dislikes me as much as he dislikes Hylas if not more?”
“That is true but Glyca unfortunately wants you to live and so you will escape.”
“So Marcella does protect me,” I said.
“For now she does but when she loses interest in you I will release Tero on you and that is a promise. Make sure that you do not waste any time in inviting Hylas to a night out, for the Emperor can be unpredictable and we could be recalled to Rome at a moment’s notice. I shall be watching you, Parthenian.”
“That is comforting,” I remarked. “Do not worry, I will do it.”
The silence between us resumed and lasted for much of the remaining journey, which left me time to think. I had intended to go ahead with the plot against Hylas but if an opport
unity arose I had intended to warn him. With that in mind I had sent Drucilla to her mother’s home in the Subura to try to ensure her safety. Now it seemed that her safety was not secure, for if Casperius was having her watched and followed when she left the palace for the Subura, she would still be very much in danger. It seemed that either Hylas must die or Drucilla and I must die. I felt sick in my stomach.
With just over half the distance covered Tero rode up to the carriage and looked inside. “Is everything fine with you, Emperor?” he asked.
“I am meditating,” came back an impatient reply.
He turned his horse closer to us. “Have you warned the chamberlain against doing anything silly,” he asked Casperius.
Casperius nodded. “I have told him.”
Tero then turned to me. “I am having Drucilla followed in case she tries to leave the palace. We will know where you both are at all times until the task is completed.” He gave me a warning look and then rejoined the other two guardsmen.
I felt trapped and I felt ill for I now knew that Drucilla was definitely not safe. As we drew nearer to Tibur my sense of anxiety and anguish grew but what could I do except to follow the instructions of Marcella, Casperius and Tero. I had no alternative, and with this trepidation enveloping me our carriage approached the gates of the beautiful villa of Corelia in the attractive town of Tibur which nestled at the foot of the green Sabine Hills.
Corelia, Hylas and this time also Aria were waiting with a few of the servants to welcome us on arrival. All attention was on Domitian as he emerged from his carriage and Corelia greeted him with enormous enthusiasm. Hylas and Aria stood back a little finding it difficult not to show their hostility. Domitian was a man with a large sexual appetite and a roving eye but it was always obvious that Corelia was special to him. If there was a woman alive that could influence him then that woman was Corelia. She had a hold on him that he could not break, or did not wish to break, and that was never more obvious than at that moment. Domitia Longina was right that if Corelia had been ambitious she could have been a threat.
I got down from the carriage and Hylas welcomed me. I noted that there was no welcome from him for Casperius or Tero. “It is good to see you again, Parthenian. You are becoming a regular guest.”
I looked at his friendly face and felt a wave of guilt that I believe I managed to hide. “It is good to see you too, Hylas.”
Aria joined us and smiled. “He has come back for our bout,” she grinned at me and then at Hylas.
“I had better help,” said Hylas and he went to assist in unloading the Emperor’s baggage.
“And also I hope with some good news,” she added when her husband was out of earshot.
“About your contest, you mean,” I replied. “I will come down to the garden later and perhaps we can have a private word then,” I invited.
“I will watch out for you, Parthenian.”
We watched as Corelia and her servants fussed over the Emperor, and as Hylas reluctantly took Casperius, Tero and the other two guards to the barracks.
“It seems we have time for a few words now,” she suggested.
“Corelia will not have you fight in the arena but Domitian insists. However, Domitian seems to think that he has a compromise for Corelia. He wants you both to take part in a sea battle in the Colosseo.”
“A sea battle!” she exclaimed.
“He is going to flood the arena for a day. Apparently, it is perfectly viable or so he says. I do not know how Corelia will react.”
“She might not tell me and so I want you to keep me informed, Parthenian. I must say I do not like the sound of it.”
“I will,” I agreed.
“I will see you in the garden later then,” she confirmed.
“You still wish to meet up?” I asked.
“We still have our training bout,” she grinned.
I was about to protest when we were rejoined by Hylas. “I do not like them,” he hissed.
“I know what you mean,” I agreed.
“Let me walk with you to your room, Parthenian,” he suggested.
I picked up my bag and followed him. “Will it be the same room?” I asked.
He nodded. “Do you want to come to the taverna one night during your stay and we can discuss old and new times at the palace once again?” He seemed intent on inadvertently walking into our trap.
“How about we go tomorrow evening?” I suggested.
“That would be good,” he responded as we arrived at my room.
An hour later I went down to the garden. It was not as grand or as spacious as the palace gardens but it was most pleasant with a fountain, shrubs in abundance and a training area. There was no-one in sight except for the young guardsman, Datus. I went over to speak with him. “Will you please tell Casperius that I am in the garden if he wants a quick word in private?” He showed me no hostility and rushed off with his message. A few minutes later Casperius emerged from the barrack building and approached me.
“They are lovely gardens, don’t you think, Casperius?”
He looked at me with contempt. “What do you want?”
“I am going to the taverna with Hylas tomorrow night.”
He was surprised. “You did not waste any time, Parthenian.”
I shrugged.
“It will happen soon after you leave the taverna. Make sure it is late and dark and he drinks a lot of wine and it will slow down his reactions and make Tero’s task easier. Is that understood?”
“I understand,” I confirmed, trying to hide my displeasure.
I saw Aria walking towards us and Casperius saw her too. He walked back towards the barracks leaving us alone. “Hylas hates that man. He murdered his good friend, Paulinus.” She looked sad.
“Let us sit down, Aria,” I suggested.
“Have you forgotten our bout?” she asked.
“Can we forget about that?” I pleaded. “Corelia destroyed me and I am sure you would do the same.”
“I am sure I would,” she grinned. “We will put the bout on hold pending your attempt to get me out of the contest in the arena.”
“If I get you out of it then I am safe,” I said.
“Yes but if you fail I will also destroy you,” she threatened.
I looked at her pretty face. She was full of life and a joy and a pleasure to talk to but I was going to ruin her life and shatter her happiness by helping to murder her husband. “I will have no chance,” I admitted.
“You look very sad, Parthenian. Is there something wrong? You sound as if you wish to be destroyed to put you out of your misery.”
“Life at the palace is very difficult at the moment. It is not easy being the Emperor’s chamberlain,” I confided.
“I hear you are going to the taverna tomorrow with Hylas. I will tell him to cheer you up.”
“Thank you, Aria,” I said and stood up. “I think I will return to my room.” I felt distraught as I made my way back to my room but I would have to be careful. Aria had sensed that something was wrong and I did not want anyone to get suspicious. I lay down on my bed and felt the world was against me, but I still had to go through with the plan to dispose of Hylas. I had no choice.
There was a knock on my door. “Come in,” I called.
A vision of beauty entered my room. “Corelia,” I gasped, for she had taken my breath away as usual.
“I am sorry that I could not welcome you properly when you arrived but Domitian demands that all my attention is lavished on him. Is everything good?” she asked.
“It is and I cannot blame him for that. I wish that all your attention could be lavished on me.”
“Ever the flatterer, Parthenian,” she grinned.
“I only speak the truth,” I assured her, openly admiring her beauty.
“I must go to Domitian for he awaits me,” she said a little sadly.
“You are very beautiful. He is a lucky man and I do not mean because he is Emperor and ruler of the Roman world.”
&nbs
p; She shook her head reprovingly. “Do not let Domitian hear you say such things. I must go for he does not like to be kept waiting.”
She departed and left me to my misery. Her presence had cheered me up for a few minutes but her departure had plunged me back into my depression. I had to be strong and do what I believed to be necessary. I was doing this for Drucilla who I cared for or was I kidding myself? Was it for my own self preservation that I was willing to sacrifice Hylas?
*
The next evening I departed the villa with Hylas for our pleasant evening at the Tibur taverna, or at least he believed it would be pleasant. I had not slept much the previous night and I had spent the day worrying about what I would have to do that evening. Both Casperius and Tero had given me reminders of what was expected from me. The road to the villa was quiet, for dusk had already fallen and there were few people about, even though it was still early evening. Hylas must have seen me looking around. “The road is safe, for Tibur is not dangerous at night like Rome,” he assured me.
I nodded and knew that I would have to be careful if I did not want to arouse his suspicions. It was a ten minute walk and as we neared the taverna I could hear the noise of people chatting. “It sounds as if there are plenty of people there tonight,” I said.
“There usually are, for it is the only taverna in town and is popular with the locals.”
We entered and found the same table free that we had occupied on our previous visit. We sat down and ordered some food and wine. A flagon of wine was delivered promptly and I poured out a cup for Hylas but only took a little for myself. “Are you ready to tell me what you were so secretive about before and what made Casperius your enemy?”
He would not be alive tomorrow and so there was no need to be secretive. “I saw Casperius murder Titus Sabinus in the palace gardens.” I did not expand on this although it was not entirely accurate.
I took him by surprise. He had not expected such a prompt and surprising answer. “Why did he do that? Or perhaps I can guess,” he said wide-eyed.
