by Ben Kane
The Gaul shrugged. He waited in case there was more.
Memor jerked his head in dismissal. 'Piss off. Before I think of a better punishment.'
Brennus obeyed. He was not worried about Memor and his threats. Astoria was a far greater concern. There had been too many men who seemed interested in Flavus' offer.
Chapter VII: The Lupanar
The Lupanar Brothel, Rome, 56 BC
Fabiola gazed uncertainly at the bare walls. The small cell was where the madam had led her after Gemellus had been thrown on to the street. The huge man who ejected him had smiled toothlessly at the new girl in an effort to seem reassuring.
The attempt had not worked. One violent master appeared to have been replaced by another.
Apart from the low bed she was sitting on, the only furniture was an empty chest and a tiny statue of a naked Aphrodite in the corner. The room smelt musty, but the floor had been washed and the worn woollen bedclothes were clean.
Fabiola hunched up in a ball, hands round her feet, rocking backwards and forwards. The manner in which she and Romulus had been ripped from Velvinna had severely dented her usual confidence, usually not even affected by Gemellus' beatings. Fabiola was terrified to think that she would never see her family again. Romulus was in mortal danger, if not dead already. Gods alone knew what would become of their mother.
For a short time the grief became all consuming. She was alone, sold to a brothel, with no chance of escape and could only imagine what would happen to her now. Silent sobs racked her. Soon complete strangers would be paying to have sex with her. Bile rose in Fabiola's throat. She felt degraded already.
It was all because of Gemellus.
The thought helped the tears disappear and a spark flared deep inside.
No weakness, only strength. No grief, just revenge.
Gemellus.
Women's laughter echoed in the corridor and Fabiola listened intently as they passed by. She might learn something useful.
'. told him he was the best lover I had ever been with. The fool swelled with pride!'
'Get a tip?'
'An aureus, no less.' There was a loud cackle and the pair passed out of earshot.
Fabiola sat up on the bed, mind racing. There was money to be made here. The aureus was more than she'd ever held in her hand. And the Lupanar seemed to be full of beautiful women of every race, clad in robes and dresses that left nothing to the imagination. Flimsy garments, intricate head-dresses and exotic jewellery filled her with wonder. In all Fabiola's years at Gemellus' house, she had never owned more than one threadbare shift. It was a small consolation to have been sold into the best brothel in Rome. But that thought was followed immediately, guiltily, by the memory of the scene when Gemellus had dragged her away, only a short time before. When Velvinna had realised he intended to fulfil his promise of selling Fabiola as well, her distress had partially overcome her fear of the merchant.
'Please, Master. Leave me one child!'
'This little beauty is worth far more than the brat.' Gemellus leered at Fabiola's curves. 'I'd fuck her myself if it didn't halve the value.'
'I'll do anything,' Velvinna wailed. 'Even make noise when you take me.'
'As if I'd bother! Used-up old whore,' Gemellus sneered. 'The salt mines are the only place for you.'
The salt mines? There was a heartbeat's shock. She had nothing left to lose. Velvinna threw both arms around the merchant's legs, weeping hysterically.
'Get off, or I'll sell you today as well!' He viciously pried tight fingers loose, throwing Velvinna to the stone floor.
The slight figure lay prone, sobs racking her body.
Gemellus laughed.
It was Fabiola's last sight of her mother. She had been dragged from the room and hauled away to the Lupanar. More tears flowed. Life seemed cruel beyond belief. But the self-pity did not last very long. Fabiola's spirit burned too fiercely to succumb, and Velvinna's oft-repeated advice rang in her ears: Make the best of every situation. Always.
Calming herself, Fabiola clenched her fists into the coarse wool bedclothes and offered a fervent prayer to the gods.
Protect Mother and Romulus.
Just an hour before, Fabiola had been gazing with wide, frightened eyes at the walls in the brothel's lavish reception area. Satyrs, fat cupids, gods and goddesses returned her stare from a brightly coloured landscape covered in rivers, caves and forests. On another surface were numbered depictions of sexual positions that customers might desire. Fabiola had shuddered, imagining Gemellus forcing her to perform the more outlandish ones. In the centre of the mosaic floor was a life-size statue of a naked woman entwined with a swan.
'Eight thousand sestertii,' mused Gemellus. 'Not a bad price.'
'That's what we agreed.' Jovina, the old madam, pursed painted lips in disapproval. Beady eyes shone from the powdered whiteness of her face.
Gemellus, well pleased, clutched the leather purse tightly to his chest.
'I know. What a little beauty.' He reached over, allowing himself a good feel of Fabiola's small breasts. She flinched in horror, but did not dare move away.
The merchant's hand dropped lower, searching for the hem of her tunic.
'No touching. She 's mine now.'
He removed his hand resentfully.
Fabiola looked at the floor, cheeks burning.
Gemellus smirked. 'A few moments alone might be worth it,' he said, hefting the money bag.
'It will cost. She 's a virgin, you know.' Jovina revealed decaying teeth. After many years at the Lupanar, men like Gemellus were easy to spot. She twisted a ring on a thin finger, watching the ruby catch the light. The crone carried a fortune on both hands, presents from satisfied customers. Jovina's services — and her discretion — were famous.
Fabiola shuddered at the memory of the examination that had just been performed to confirm her virginal status. She felt ashamed and violated. The madam's prodding fingers still burned her skin.
'Of course I know!' Gemellus snapped. 'By Jupiter, I resisted the urge to take the vixen for long enough.' He licked moist lips. 'How much for a night?'
Jovina placed a claw-like hand on the girl's head. The slight pressure made Fabiola feel remarkably protected.
'Fifteen thousand sestertii.'
'Fifteen thousand?' The merchant's eyes bulged. 'Nearly twice what you just paid!'
'Virgins like her are hard to come by,' Jovina replied sarcastically. 'Noble customers pay well for the first time with such a beauty.'
Gemellus was purple with rage.
'Come back in a few weeks and the price will only be three or four thousand.' Jovina's lips twitched. 'Per hour, of course.'
'Old whore!' the merchant yelled, bunching his fists.
'Benignus!'
An enormous slave with thick gold bands round both wrists emerged from a side room. Gemellus took in the bulging muscles and metal-studded club.
'This gentleman is leaving.' Jovina pointed. 'Escort him to the door.'
Benignus towered over Gemellus. There was no doubt who was in authority here.
He paused, even now reluctant to obey a slave.
'Master.' The hulk had taken Gemellus' right arm in a grip of iron and he felt himself being propelled towards the entrance. A powerful shove landed the merchant in the dirt outside, at the feet of two of his waiting slaves. Quickly they helped him up, their faces studiously blank.
Benignus loomed over him like a Greek colossus. 'Next time, Madam will require evidence that you have sufficient funds to enter.'
The passers-by laughed at the carefully worded insult. They'd seen many people ejected from the arched doorway for the same reason.
Gemellus angrily brushed away the dirt and stalked off, his leather purse gripped tightly in one hand. It would keep the moneylenders at bay for a while.
Jovina knocked just once as she opened the door, startling Fabiola. The madam took in her reddened eyes at a glance. Many girls like this had entered the brothel. She walke
d in, still appraising her new purchase.
Fabiola met the look, chin trembling faintly.
'Forget the past, my dear,' Jovina said in a friendly but firm manner. 'Coming here saved you from Gemellus' advances at least. Life here can be good. It's simple. Learn how to work the customers well and satisfy them every time. Many powerful men visit the Lupanar. Senators, magistrates, tribunes. We 've even had consuls in here before.'
Fabiola nodded. It was important she learn quickly and make friends with the old woman.
Jovina paused for a moment. 'Is the fat man your father?'
'Gemellus?' Fabiola stared at the floor. 'No, Madam.'
Jovina did not hesitate. 'One of his other slaves then?'
She shook her head. Velvinna had always been adamant about their parentage. 'A woman knows these things,' she would mutter darkly. 'Mother was raped by a noble one evening as she came back from the Forum Olitorium.'
Jovina was unsurprised. 'And did Gemellus often lie with her?'
'Nearly every night.' Fabiola felt anger deep in her belly. Revenge on Gemellus would give a purpose to life in the brothel. That and trying to rescue her mother and Romulus. Best of all would be to discover the rapist's identity.
If it was possible.
Something to plan, while she pleasured men. Something to dilute the horror of her situation.
'See much of what happened?'
'No, though I did see him naked once when he was excited.' She recoiled at the memory of the merchant's erection.
'You've watched dogs in the street mating?'
'Yes.'
'Heard other slaves talking about sex?'
'Many times.'
'It's much the same as with animals, although you must know more positions.' Jovina quickly described those that most men preferred.
Fabiola struggled to control her surprise at the more outlandish ones. Gemellus knew only one.
'Make lots of noise. The customer must always think you are in ecstasy.'
'Yes, Madam,' she replied quickly.
'The first time a man penetrates you, it will really hurt. Probably be a fair amount of blood too. That's normal. After that, it often feels good.' She cackled. 'There is more for you to learn, but the others will instruct you. Make absolutely sure that you can give oral pleasure.'
Fabiola forced a smile, relieved that the lesson seemed to be over.
'The room is yours to do with as you will.' Jovina grinned, and the wrinkles on her whitened face became more pronounced. 'But no men are allowed back here. The chambers where customers are entertained lie at the front of the building. The doormen, Benignus and Vettius, are always nearby. Scream if you need them.'
'When do I start?'
'Tomorrow. I just paid out eight thousand sestertii so you've got to start earning. But I'll let you settle in today. Find your way about the place.'
Fabiola kept her voice calm. 'What about food?'
'Some more meat on those bones won't hurt business.' Jovina laughed at her own joke and gestured at the slave who had been standing behind, unseen. 'Docilosa will show you round. The clothes room is worth seeing. It's got a better selection than any bazaar in Rome.'
Fabiola's mouth opened.
'And make sure you dress seductively.'
A smile flitted across Docilosa's face.
'Yes, Madam.'
'Good. You will do well.' Jovina turned and was gone, leaving a strong smell of perfume.
Fabiola glanced at Docilosa, who was a similar age to her mother. Short, plain and clad in a simple smock, she had a kind face.
'Can I have something to eat?'
'Of course,' Docilosa nodded. 'Follow me.'
Soon Fabiola was seated by a rough wooden table in the kitchen, devouring a piece of bread and cheese. The ordeal had given her an enormous appetite, increased by the fabulous selection of foods on the shelves.
Gemellus had never given his slaves enough to eat, and her childhood had been dogged by hunger.
Slaves clad only in loincloths looked at the new girl curiously. Docilosa pointed them out one by one.
'That's Catus, the main cook. He's all right, but watch his temper.'
Unable to hear what was being said, the balding man chopping meat at a large wooden block smiled.
Fabiola soaked up the information. She wanted to know everyone in the Lupanar.
'The two tending the fire are Nepos and Tancinus. The girl sweeping the floor is Germanilla.'
The men sweating over the hot brick oven glanced over without interest. Though relatively young, both were quite overweight.
'Do they get extra food?'
'Of course not,' said Docilosa. 'They've been castrated.'
Fabiola gasped.
'To make sure they leave the girls alone. You're valuable merchandise and Jovina guards her property closely.'
'What about Catus?'
'Catus only likes men.' Docilosa's tone was scornful. 'And Madam rarely buys any — they're too much trouble.'
'And the doormen?'
'They receive favours from many women and she tolerates that.'
'Why?'
'Some customers get violent.' She made a chopping motion. 'The boys sort them out.'
Fabiola made a mental note to make friends with Benignus and Vettius.
Docilosa filled a plain black and red earthenware jug from a tank in the corner. Like Gemellus' house, the Lupanar had running water and sanitation.
'You'll need this in your room.' She handed over a beaker as well, studying Fabiola closely. 'You remind me of my own daughter.' There was a brief smile before Docilosa gestured towards the door, all business again. 'I'll show you where the clothes are kept.'
Fabiola followed her guide out of the stone-flagged kitchen, down a corridor filled with the smell of burning incense. Alcoves along its length displayed Greek statues.
The room exceeded all Fabiola's expectations. Dozens of richly adorned costumes hung from iron hooks on its painted walls. Large bronze plates on stands acted as mirrors. Tables were covered in dozens of glass bowls, bottles and silver hand mirrors. Oblivious to the new arrivals, two women were trying on dresses at the far end.
Docilosa gazed at the display and sighed. 'I'll leave you to it. Get to know some of the others.'
Fabiola could see that both were years older than her. It was intimidating. Trying to remain calm, she walked further into the dressing room.
A buxom Germanic-looking prostitute had already half turned in her direction. She was holding up a mane of long blonde hair, admiring her reflection in the mirror. Fabiola stared, intrigued. The only person she had regularly seen naked was her mother. A scanty red robe barely covered this woman's generous breasts and a flat waist. At the top of creamy white thighs sat a small puff of hair. She was very beautiful.
'Who are you?'
'Fabiola.' She paused, then added unnecessarily, 'I'm new.'
The blonde was displeased. 'How many young ones is Jovina trying to pack in?'
'Ignore her.' The second woman's face was more friendly. 'She 's having a bad day. I'm Pompeia and that's Claudia.'
'I've never seen so many types of clothes.' Fabiola's mouth opened as she surveyed the selection.
'Wonderful, isn't it?' Pompeia giggled and Fabiola took an immediate liking to the tall redhead. With green eyes and an alabaster complexion, she was extremely striking. A tight stola, slit at the sides to the waist, and then above the belt to the shoulder, revealed tempting expanses of flesh.
'Wear whatever we like, too.'
'Jovina said I must dress seductively.'
'She would,' cackled Claudia.
Pompeia threw her a frown and cocked her head at Fabiola. 'How old are you?'
'Thirteen. Nearly fourteen.'
'Gods above. Still a virgin?'
Fabiola looked at the marble floor.
'Never mind, you're here now.' Pompeia strolled along the wall, trailing her fingers through the garments. 'Come with me.'
Fab
iola followed slowly, touching the items with disbelief.
'Mustn't overdo it. The most important thing is that you're a virgin.' She produced a white robe of fine linen with a purple hem. 'Try this.'
Fabiola reached out eagerly. 'It's beautiful.'
'Only the best for Lupanar girls. Put it on.'
Fabiola lifted off her ragged smock and pulled on the crisp fabric. It felt luxurious against her skin, far better than anything she 'd ever worn. Fabiola smoothed the dress against her body. 'It's lovely,' she whispered.
Claudia snorted dismissively.
Fabiola found Pompeia appraising her keenly.
'Perfect. You look like a Vestal Virgin.'
'But you can buy this bitch!' said Claudia.
Pompeia spun round. 'It's sad that fool Metellus Celer has just died, but you'll soon find another rich client. Stop taking it out on her.'
'The master used to lie with my mother most nights.' Fabiola's voice was steady. 'I know what to expect.'
'He no longer owns you,' Claudia said unexpectedly. 'Forget him.'
Fabiola smiled at that thought.
'I saw the fat pig through the peephole.' Pompeia screwed up her face. 'Many customers here are far better looking. Play it smart and they'll become regulars.' She turned to Claudia for confirmation. 'Men love giving presents. Taking you out.'
'All you have to do is satisfy their every desire,' said the blonde.
A twitch of apprehension crossed Fabiola's features. Her only knowledge of sex had come from watching her mother, who had loathed Gemellus' visits.
Noticing, Pompeia took her hand. 'We will teach you lots of ways to do that, my girl. Come over here. Take a look in the mirror.'
Fabiola stared at the beaten bronze. Light shimmered from the tiny curves and dents across its surface. With a shock, she saw that the reflection was indeed pretty. Her confidence lifted slightly.
'How many. prostitutes work here?' The word still felt disgusting. But that is what she was now.
'Including us? About thirty. Varies a bit.' Pompeia dipped a brush into a bowl of ochre and applied a little to her cheeks. 'According to how many get sold or gain manumission.'
