by T. A. Uner
Norbanus dipped his bread in olive oil while a slave poured him a cup of water; he picked out a shiny green apple, and took a bite of it. It tasted sour—just the way he liked. A few moments later another one of his slaves, an elderly woman named Marta, approached him.
“Tribune, there’s a man here to see you.”
Norbanus looked up from his breakfast and shot the old woman an annoyed look.
“Tell him to come back later; as you can see I’m eating.” He turned his attention back to his meal.
The old woman’s lined face appeared disconcerted. She stared at him while her grey eyes shifted back and forth in their sockets. Norbanus paused eating and looked up at her again. “Now what is wrong, Marta?”
“Tribune Norbanus, the man here to see you is Senator Remus.”
Norbanus grumbled. What could he want? He wondered as various thoughts flooded his mind. Perhaps Remus was here to discuss the dinner invitation.
“Kindly ask the Senator if he would like to join me for breakfast, Marta.” The old woman nodded and shuffled off. A few moments later the almond-colored eyes of Senator Remus were peering at Norbanus from the doorway across from the breakfast table. “So good of you to honor my residence with your visit Senator, would you care to dine with me? My slaves are quite apt at preparing scrumptious meals.” One of the slaves, an olive-skinned Persian girl with long, braided hair offered the Senator wine but Remus waived the flagon away and seated himself.
“I didn’t come here to waste time eating your food, Norbanus. We have important matters to discuss.”
Norbanus picked a large black olive from a small plate and chewed on it thoughtfully before sipping his water. “I received the dinner invitation your dear wife sent me. Of course, I would be honored to attend, and spend time in the company of your lovely daughter Eliana.”
Senator Remus sighed impatiently. “I didn’t come here to talk about that either Norbanus; I wanted to ask you about Camus Scorpio.”
Norbanus paused eating and ordered the remaining slaves to leave the room. “What about Scorpio?”
“My daughter asked me about his activities the other day. It appears she’s spoken to one of the merchants in the Forum. She wanted me to see what I could do to curb Scorpio’s criminal activities.”
Norbanus smiled. “And now you have come here to ask me to do your bidding…am I correct?”
“I’ve already spoken to the Prefect of the urban cohorts. But things would run more smoothly if you were to keep your dog, Scorpio, under a tighter leash.”
“Camus Scorpio is more of a desert scorpion, my dear Senator. A dog is a loyal creature, while a scorpion—an unpredictable wretch—stings its victim, and waits for it to die.”
Remus ignored Norbanus’ comment and continued: “It gets worse; it appears Eliana is organizing the merchants against Scorpio. If word gets out that my own daughter is meeting with these merchants–”
“–it might prove embarrassing to you.”
“I have a reputation to maintain, Norbanus. You’re a politician of sorts, you know what
I’m facing.”
Norbanus chuckled. “One of the senate’s most influential Senators coming to ask a favor from a humble Praetorian Tribune. My, how times have changed.”
“Don’t patronize me.” Remus wiped his sweaty bald pate with a handkerchief. “My daughter is right about one thing–you are arrogant.”
“But that’s what you like about me, isn’t it Senator? Besides, I know how you and your wife wish to marry off Eliana so you may be rid of her stubbornness.” Norbanus was enjoying the moment. It wasn’t everyday a man as powerful as Senator Remus came to his home asking for a favor. “I will help you Senator, but I ask for a something in return.”
Remus’ eyes stared at Norbanus noxiously while an uncomfortable silence descended upon the breakfast table. “What is it Norbanus? My daughter not enough?” Remus said. “You remind me too much of your father, he too was an opportunist.”
Norbanus smiled. “Yes, that trait does seem to run in my family. But I was hoping you could help support my little campaign. You see, I’ve had my eye on becoming a consul.”
A wry smile appeared on Remus’ lips. “Indeed. Well, at least now I know you’re not planning to steal my senate seat,” Remus said, interlacing his fingers, “but I believe I can vouch for you in the next election. It may be difficult at first, due to your uncle’s debacle in Africa during the Tacfarinas rebellion, but it is possible to get you elected with the proper political maneuvering.”
“Excellent. And by the way Senator, that disgraceful episode staining my family name will soon be cleansed,” Norbanus said confidently, “one of Scorpio’s men found Paullus Gabinius.”
Remus’ eyes widened in interest before he called out for a slave to bring him a cup of wine. “Well Norbanus, it appears your fortunes are improving. This should bode well for your future political career.” Remus raised his goblet and drank heartily while Norbanus smiled and wondered how far his new fortune would take him.
{III}
From his kitchen window Yeshiva watched the sun’s descent below Rome’s western skyline. The heavens assumed a garnet hue, as streaks of dark clouds stretched across the evening sky like willowy serpents. He turned his attention back to his household and watched as his two children, Yitzhak and Irit, waited patiently for him to take his seat at the head of the table while his wife, Aravah, prepared their dinner.
“I don’t know how much longer we can live like this,” Aravah said as she poured beef stew into small wooden bowls in front of the children. Yeshiva took his place at the head of the table before the children said their prayers in Hebrew. Aravah seated herself opposite her husband, at the other end of the dinner table. “Did you hear me husband?”
Yeshiva took off his skullcap and muttered a prayer before dipping a piece of hard bread into his stew and swallowing it hungrily. “What do you want me to do?” he replied crossly, “Camus Scorpio isn’t the type of man to listen to the complaints of those he oppresses.”
Yeshiva’s response had little effect on Aravah who stood up and hovered over Yeshiva and the children. Her thin body cast a long shadow over Yeshiva, who cursed his wife’s tactless behavior. “Children, go eat your stew in the atrium,” he said. The children shuffled out of the kitchen carrying their bowls of stew until only the two adults remained.
“Don’t you think it’s bad enough without you complaining in front of the children, Aravah?”
“It’s for the children I’m concerned, husband, I meant no disrespect. But there must be a way for you and the other merchants to stand against Camus Scorpio.”
Yeshiva’s solemn face could not conceal his discontent. “Even banded together we stand little chance against Scorpio and his powerful footmen. A few weeks ago, Filius the blacksmith challenged Scorpio and had his hand broken for not paying protection money. But there is one woman, the daughter of Senator Remus Clodius. She has expressed concern for our situation.”
“The Clodius family is one of the most powerful in all of Rome,” Aravah said, “Do you think she can convince her father?”
“For now she appears our only hope.”
“Let us pray she can, we cannot afford to let Camus Scorpio’s greed destroy our lives.”
Yeshiva embraced his wife who sobbed on his shoulder. “If the Senator’s daughter cannot help us, I fear our children will soon become street urchins.”
After Aravah put the children to bed Yeshiva decided to take a stroll around his neighborhood to clear his head. The main street cut through the various homes and apartment dwellings populated by Jews. Unlike most sections of Rome, criminals rarely bothered looting Jewish neighborhoods as their fierce reputation for guarding their homes was well-known. This kept Yeshiva’s nerves in check as he trudged along the street, passing various homes where oil lamps hung from their doorways. The thoughts of his family’s future plagued his thoughts while the image of Aravah’s tortured face made him grimac
e.
“You look troubled Yeshiva. Have you been betting against the wrong gladiators again?”A sonorous voice called out to him.
Yeshiva spun around and was greeted by a dark figure of a man. “Who is that?” the merchant called out. “Be warned stranger, this neighborhood has little tolerance for thieves.”
The man chuckled as he approached Yeshiva: who noticed a second shadow figure walking beside the man. This shadow walked on four legs instead of two and its shape resembled that of a large land creature. A dog? No. The creature’s gait possessed a graceful authority which no street cur could match.
“Be calm my friend, I am no thief.”
“If you are a friend, then show yourself,” Yeshiva’s heart pounded fiercely against his chest.
The man emerged from the shadows and stepped within a circular sheen of moonlight reflecting off the street. His face was partially obscured by a scarf which revealed his eyes and the bridge of his nose, while a creature pelt was draped over the ridge of his forehead. The stranger wore light chain mail under a leather harness decorated with phaleras which glowed under a streetlamp. A sword and dagger hung from his belt; a large cape flowed down his back. The four-legged creature’s features emerged. To Yeshiva, it looked like a large cat: golden fur dotted with black spots bordered by swirls of ivory streaks. Its proud, golden eyes stared at Yeshiva with the curiosity of a child.
“Do you know me?” Yeshiva asked. “For I do not know you.”
“Indeed, you do know me.” The stranger stepped back into the shadows and when he re-emerged the scarf had been removed. “Perhaps now you will recognize me?”
Yeshiva cautiously inched toward the man and eyed the stranger’s dark discerning eyes and finely-chiseled nose while wracking his brain for hints that would recall this man’s identity. Yeshiva smiled. “I do know you–the Guardsman I met in the Forum during the gladiatorial fights many months ago.” Despite his revelation Yeshiva still couldn’t remember the man’s name. “Yes, my name is Tullus.”
Yeshiva nodded. “Yes. Tullus, that’s it. But why are you dressed so strangely?”
Tullus smiled before retying the scarf around his mouth. “That my friend is another story. But I hope my secret is safe with you.”
“Of course. Have no worries, but why are you here? And what do you want from me Tullus?”
“I seem to recall what an outstanding source of information you were,” Tullus said. The cat-like creature emitted a low growl.
“If I can help you, I will,” Yeshiva said. “What is it you wish to know?”
Tullus stepped closer to Yeshiva while and the creature mimicked his actions as it never left his side. “An old man by the name of Paullus Gabinius was murdered a few days ago. He was a circus ringmaster who often bought supplies here in Rome. A young boy brought him to me wounded, in a horse-drawn cart a few days ago and told me that before Paullus died he told him that he was under pursuit by a group of men. This was found on Paullus’ body.” Tullus handed Yeshiva a yellowed parchment pockmarked with dried brown blood stains.
Yeshiva studied the parchment and eyed the scorpion seal upon it before handing it back to Tullus. “I do not know of anyone named Paullus Gabinius,” he said while Tullus’ eyes gazed upon him intently,” but I did hear a rumor from one of the fishmongers in Ostia Antica that Camus Scorpio was offering a reward to anyone who knew the whereabouts of a deserter who once served alongside a Numidian rebel named Tacfarinas in Northern Africa years ago. I’m sorry Tullus, but that is all I know.”
Tullus nodded. “Tell me, Yeshiva, who is this Camus Scorpio?”
“Only the biggest criminal in Rome.” Even speaking Scorpio’s name made Yeshiva’s neck stiffen. “He controls various criminal businesses and also collects money from the merchants. ‘Protection money’ he calls it.”
Tullus raised an eyebrow. “Protection money? Protection from who?”
Yeshiva sighed. “Protection from him and his murderous footmen. Those merchants who do not pay end up crippled…or dead. We cannot run our businesses properly, let alone make a profit.
His footmen seize our wares as punishment for not paying on time.”
“I see,” Tullus said, rubbing his chin.
“I’m sorry Tullus. I wish I could be of more help to you.”
“No, you’ve been more help than you think. Do you know where I can find any of Camus Scorpio’s footmen?”
“Aye, I do,” Yeshiva said. “One of them is a man called Kletus Spearthrower. He’s a spindly red-haired butcher with foul breath and two chipped front teeth. He is skilled with the spear, and will not hesitate to use it if necessary. One of the other merchants who runs a tavern told me once that anyone can usually find Kletus Spearthrower frequenting a brothel called the Moaning Maiden: it’s located in the Aventine district.”
“Thank you Yeshiva, I’ll be sure to pay this brothel a visit,” Tullus said. He turned around and walked off while the cat-like creature padded alongside him.
“What is this all about? “Yeshiva called out after Tullus.
Tullus stopped, turned around and said: “Justice.”
Moments later Tullus and the cat disappeared into the darkness. Leaving Yeshiva with more questions than answers.
{IV}
Eliana met with the merchants to inform them of her discussion with her father. Many of them were critical of her intentions and weren’t shy about voicing their doubts, but Eliana wasn’t disheartened. She knew a difficult road lay ahead of her if she was to help these men win back the livelihood Camus Scorpio had stolen from them. Again, violating her father’s edict of traveling without escort, she walked amongst the crowds of plebeians who came to the Forum to purchase goods. A few people looked at her strangely, no doubt wondering why a lady of the patrician class was frolicking amongst common folk. Eliana did not mind, those who stared at her did her no harm. Besides, she had Tullus’ dagger with her, and when she gripped its hilt she imagined Tullus watching over her, protecting her.
While traversing the Forum’s market she noticed a familiar looking man dressed in a lavish cream tunic. Next to him a large cat-like creature stood. As she drew closer, she noticed it was Tullus. Eliana’s heart leapt in her chest before she hurried over to a fishmonger’s stall where Tullus was paying a one-eyed merchant. The creature, which was chewing on a fishbone, looked up at her briefly before resuming its meal.
“Tullus?” Eliana flung herself at him. His eyes widened at her sudden appearance, but he quickly collected his composure. Despite his pristine appearance he smelled of fish. But this mattered little to Eliana who stroked his cheek and kissed him on the lips.
“It’s so good to see you again,” Eliana said before the creature growled at her.
“Celestra, behave,” Tullus said. Celestra looked at Tullus, licked her teeth and sat on her haunches while her golden eyes inspected Eliana.
“Does this creature belong to you?”
Tullus grinned. “I wouldn’t call her a ‘creature’ to her face–she’s an African
Leopardess.”
Eliana stared at Celestra as a young child would at a new toy before she recalled the strangely-dressed man from the forest who rescued her and Sylvia from the two outlaws.
“That’s strange. I met a man in the forest dressed like a Leopard, he also had a Leopardess named Celestra…wait…Tullus…was that you???” she exclaimed, her eyes beaming.
The other merchants turned around and looked at them for a few moments before returning to their business.
“Please, be quiet, Eliana,” Tullus said. Celestra growled her assent.
Eliana’s eyes widened. “So it was you. I knew it. But why were you wearing that outlandish costume? And what are you doing back in Rome? Trying to find more Roman ladies to rescue?”
Tullus eyed her solemnly and she knew that he wanted her to change the topic. He tossed another fish at Celestra who plucked it in midair with her jaws. Soon she was chewing the fish hungrily. Eliana giggled at the slurp
ing sounds Celestra made when she ate.
“I’m a circus performer now,” Tullus said. “I am in Rome to see if the Circus Maximus was interested in adding my show.”
“Seriously? That’s wonderful. I’m glad to see you doing well.”
“Well, I reinvented myself.”
Eliana nodded politely. “Where are you staying?”
“At a friend’s house…why?”
“I wanted to see of you wanted to stay with me in my villa. It’s the least I can do to thank you and Celestra for saving my life.”
Tullus grinned. “I don’t think you’d want Celestra in your home. She prefers wide open spaces to roam at night.”
“I see, well, I’m sure we can find a comfortable place for her to rove.”
Tullus scratched Celestra between her ears as the Leopardess finished licking the fish bones. “Thank you for your generous invitation, but really, we must be leaving.”
Eliana grasped Tullus’ arm and he looked at her surprisingly. “Tullus, why are you acting like this?”
He gently freed himself of her grip and looked at her indifferently. “What do you mean?”
“You’re…distant.”
“Funny,” Tullus said, “I thought that was your specialty.” Eliana understood his frustration. A part of her regretted not leaving Rome with him but now she realized it was for the best: if she had left Rome she would never have been able to help the merchants. Her logic told her heart that everything had a reason.
“I’m sorry if I hurt you. But you seem happy with your new life.”
Tullus remained silent; instead, he turned toward Celestra. “Let’s go girl.”
“Tullus don’t leave like this, talk to me.”
“Goodbye Eliana.” Celestra looked at Eliana mournfully before she disappeared alongside Tullus into the crowd.
Eliana’s eyes welled up with tears, then, slowly, she left the marketplace.
