Cantilia blinked her eyes several times and swallowed again. At last she nodded. "She's at the house of my Master."
"Where? Where is that?" The man asked in urgent tones. "I came to look for her. I want to take her home to Ghilles Bhains. Please lead me to her."
But Cantilia motioned with her hand for the giant to be quiet. "Tell me what happened to you."
The man shook his head. "I am not sure… There were magical stones and everything was turning… faster and faster. Then I woke up on a hill not too far away from here."
Cantilia bit her lip. Caitlin had told her a similar story. This could not be a coincidence.
Pollius approached. "What is he saying, Cantilia? What's going on?"
Cantilia looked at him. "He says he is married to Caitlin and he wants to take her home."
"Impossible," Pollius blurted out. "He's a strange fellow. What's more, Master Tilenius will never let her go."
Cantilia turned again to the warrior. "My name is Cantilia, and this here is Pollius." She turned to introduce Pollius who stared wide-eyed at the giant.
"William," the other said. "William MacChonaill."
"Look, William," Cantilia ventured, "It's complicated. Caitlin… eh… the one you claim is your wife, is a slave. Master Tilenius just bought her for ten silver pieces."
For a moment William stared at Cantilia. He did not seem to comprehend what she was saying. Then a scowl as wide as the Tiber River shot over his face. "A slave? My Caitlin is a slave?" He roared out the words. Pollius looked around, fearful that his outburst would attract the Roman guard.
"Tell him to calm down, Cantilia."
"Please, be quiet… Or we may be in even more trouble." Cantilia put her hand on William's shoulder.
He was still seething, but kept still as he stared at Cantilia. "How come you speak my tongue and can you tell me where we are?"
Cantilia shook her head. This was so strange. How could she ever make sense of this? At last she whispered, "Listen, William MacChonaill… How do I know I can trust you?"
This question seemed to surprise William. He raised his bushy eyebrows and peered into Cantilia's eyes. A helpless expression appeared on his face which was followed by a big tear. "I-I need help… I married Caitlin just a few days ago, but through some strange magic she has been taken away from me. Will you please help me?
Even though the bearded giant looked wild and dirty, for a moment Cantilia felt the urge to hug him, but she knew that would not be the proper response, so she decided just to nod. "Yes, William… I will help you… just this once. I will arrange for you to meet with Caitlin tomorrow."
William's eyes lit up. "You will? Why can't I see her now?"
Cantilia shook her head. "I can't get to her now. You must trust me. Tomorrow, just before the sun goes down, you must hide behind some trees on the Vicus Aesculeti. I will arrange for Caitlin to be there."
"Where is the Vikus Askuuleppi?" William asked.
"It's over there," Cantilia pointed in the general direction. "If you walk straight from here, you get to a river. It's the Tiber. There you turn to your right and you walk only about 200 yards. There's a statue of the god, Jupiter, with a bird at his feet. There are some bushes there. Just hide there."
William nodded. Then he grabbed Cantilia's hands. "Thank you… C-cansielia?"
"Cantilia," Cantilia answered. "If it is God’s will, we’ll see each other again. And…," she added in a soft voice, "try not to look so suspicious. You stick out like a sore thumb here. Maybe cut your hair, or do something… otherwise the Roman guards will arrest you and only God knows what they will do to you."
William squeezed his eyes shut and moaned. As Cantilia turned and motioned for Pollius to follow, she could still hear him mumble something about the strange situation he was in, but she knew she could do no more at this moment. They needed to get back to the house as soon as possible.
*Toffs: derogatory term for a rich or upper-class person
"Are you out of your mind?" Pollius was upset and glared at Cantilia when they were back in the safety of the garden. "You told that giant that he could meet with Caitlin tomorrow?"
"Keep still, Pollius. The walls have ears. You need to go to bed. We will talk about these matters tomorrow."
But Pollius was too excited to listen to reason. "No, I won't go… If Master Tilenius finds out I told you about this man, he is going to throw me before the lions. I am responsible."
"Pollius, please… Don't get so excited. Aren't we called to do what is right and just?"
Pollius glared at Cantilia. "The right thing is obedience to Master Tilenius. That's the way to stay out of trouble. You know that."
But Cantilia shook her head. "No, Pollius. I don't know that. Our Roman masters are not just. Volusenius has suggested they would brand your forehead. What's more, didn't the Christ say that the man who seeks to save his life shall lose it, but he that will lose his life for God's sake shall save it?"
Pollius now raised his voice to the horror of Cantilia. "Don't preach at me, Cantilia. I just wanted to pass on some simple information, but…" he realized he was getting too loud and lowered his voice to a whisper. "… it's getting too hot for me."
Cantilia sighed and looked at the youthful slave. He had been with her several times to the secret Christian meetings. He had been so excited when he first heard the words of God. He had sung and prayed with them and even boldly confessed before all he wanted to devote his life to serving God. But Cantilia understood it was not easy to stay true when the price became high. Her eyes became soft. "But, Pollius… you believe in God too. God will protect us."
Pollius gritted his teeth and scraped with his sandal in the sand. "It's too risky. God has given us common sense in order to use it. He doesn't want us to risk our lives for a senseless cause."
"It's not senseless, Pollius." Cantilia's eyes shone with strength. "We may be slaves, but that doesn't mean we are not free in our hearts. We should do good when we have the chance. You know very well that Caitlin doesn't really belong here."
"I have nothing to do with it," Pollius grunted. "If you continue with this plan and you allow this monster to meet with Caitlin, I can assure you there's trouble on the horizon. I am through with it. Goodnight." Without waiting for an answer, he turned around and disappeared in the garden.
Cantilia sighed and looked up into the sky. The moon just reappeared from behind a dark cloud and illuminated a small fountain nearby. The droplets sparkled in the soft light. It gave Cantilia a strange sense of comfort. God would help her, and what was more, Master Tilenius would never have to find out. No, it would all work out. Here was her chance to do something good and God would surely bless her for it.
5
William is Coming
"Please, sit down," Cantilia motioned for Caitlin to sit. "I don't want you to faint again."
Caitlin sat down on the bench. After she had fainted the night before, Cantilia had put her to bed with the help of another slave. Master Tilenius had ordered Cantilia that day to start her language lessons, although it was clear from the way Caitlin looked, she was in no way ready for serious study. Her face was pale and big, dark circles were framing her eyes.
"You should eat something," Cantilia spoke in a gentle tone. "You need your strength." Cantilia had served her some food, but Caitlin did not touch it.
"What for?" Caitlin shrugged. "I may as well be dead."
Cantilia sucked in her lips. She understood. "I don't understand your story," she went on, "…but I do believe it. And you need your strength for what's coming.”
Caitlin looked up. Her sad eyes now had a questioning look. "You do believe me? Thank you… but what's coming?"
"William… is coming."
A shock went through Caitlin's body and she leaned over so far that she almost fell off the bench. "W-what did you say?"
"I said…" Cantilia said with a grin, "... that William is coming."
Caitlin's eyes became as big as pomegr
anates and she clutched Cantilia's hands. "William? H-how do you know his name?"
"I met him… last night."
Y-You met… William? Where… how?"
Now Cantilia couldn't hold back her joy any longer and a wide smile covered her face. "Pollius met him at the market and he told me about it. We snuck out of the house last night and met him."
Caitlin threw herself into Cantilia's arms and began to weep uncontrollably. Her shoulders shook and as she sobbed, her lungs produced a high-pitched sound.
"It's all right, dear," Cantilia rubbed her back as she pressed the distraught woman to her chest. "It's all right."
When Caitlin had let out her emotions she calmed down and looked into Cantilia's smiling face. "Oh, Cantilia… This is the best news I have heard in a thousand years."
"If I understand your story correctly," Cantilia quipped, "That may just be about right."
But Caitlin just shook her head. "Thank you, dear God. Maybe this nightmare will still end."
"You can meet him today." Cantilia spoke in a soft voice.
"When?"
"We have to be very careful," Cantilia went on. "If Master Tilenius or any of his other servants find out, we are in big trouble. But I arranged a meeting very nearby. Just before sunset, so we can still go out without drawing too much attention to ourselves."
"You are an angel," Caitlin said and she threw her arms around Cantilia once more and kissed both of her cheeks. "I thank God for you."
Deep from within Cantilia's heart joy welled up. A rich, warm sense of joy and fulfillment that she had rarely experienced before. She felt as if the Christ was smiling down from heaven, and that made it worth it all.
The day flew by for Caitlin and Cantilia. They were sitting in the garden and were supposedly studying, but neither of the women had their mind on the study of Latin. At one time Tilenius came by to see how his new slave was adapting to her new surroundings.
"How are the lessons going, Cantilia," he said with a wry smile. "Is my new slave any good at languages?"
Cantilia nodded. "She is very smart, Master."
Tilenius walked over and put his hand on Caitlin's head. She shuddered and Tilenius smiled again. "I will be patient with you, my little sparrow. My time will come." He turned to Cantilia and asked, "What have you taught her so far?"
Cantilia looked up. "Et adorabunt eum magnus Caesar." *
A bright smile flashed over Tilenius' face. "She's learning that? And she can already say that?"
"Not quite yet, Master," Cantilia answered, "But, we are well on the way."
"Good work, Cantilia. Good work." Tilenius crossed his arms and let out a satisfied sigh. Then he turned and left.
"Glad he's gone," whispered Caitlin. "How can you stand working for him?"
Cantilia sighed. "Flavia is nice. And he's got his moments. But what choice do I have?"
Caitlin grabbed her hand. "When William has figured out what's happening, you come with us, you hear. You belong with us. You are too good to be a slave for Sicklenius."
Cantilia burst out laughing. Caitlin stared at her for a moment and then started to laugh too. For quite some time, both girls couldn't stop laughing. It had been awhile since there had been laughter, but it felt good. Very good.
*Caesar is great and we adore him.
“Mistress?”
Cantilia’s voice was soft as she approached Flavia. If Flavia would not let her go, her whole plan of Caitlin meeting with William would not work, and she had prepared her words carefully.
Flavia turned to regard her housekeeper. “Yes, Cantilia? What is it?”
Flavia was clearly a woman of wealth. Her silken, white tunica was covered by a dark blue stola that was fastened over her shoulders with two clasps that were inlaid with jewels, and her arms were adorned with bands and several bracelets made of the finest silver and gold. But in spite of the differences in class, Cantilia liked her. Flavia had always been good to her and had even stood up for her at several instances when Tilenius had one of his random fits of anger.
Cantilia lowered her eyes. "There are a few small items I still need to buy at the Piazza before dark, Mistress. I would also like to take the opportunity to show the new slave the statue of Jupiter, near our house. Master Tilenius wants me to teach her the Roman way and Jupiter should be the base of all my teachings.”
Flavia flashed her a grateful smile. “Good thinking, Cantilia, but…” she answered with a frown, "the sun is already going down. Can't it wait till tomorrow?"
Cantilia looked up and pressed her lips together. “I really need your face-whitener, Mistress. We’ve almost run out and I know how much you treasure the right products… It won’t be long.”
“I see,” Flavia answered while she considered the request. “However, it's dangerous outside after dark," Flavia rearranged her carefully made up hair with another jeweled hairpin. "Fine. You can go, but take Pollius along."
Cantilia nodded. She was't sure if she liked the idea of Pollius coming along after his outburst of anger and doubt the night before, but having Pollius coming along was better than not going at all. "Thank you, Mistress Flavia. We won't be long."
Flavia nodded and clapped her hands. A dark, Nubian slave appeared.
"Yes, Mistress?"
"Call for Pollius. Tell him he is needed to go out with Cantilia and the new slave, Caitlin."
The slave nodded and left.
"Will that be all, Mistress?" Cantilia asked as a warm feeling of relief welled up in her heart.
Flavia thought for a moment. "Yes, Cantilia. Just remember, I want my bath tonight and I need you to assist me."
Cantilia nodded. "Yes, Mistress. I will be there."
She made a small bow and left the room. Lord, I commit this plan into Your hands. Please protect us all.
“Why are you dragging me into this,” Pollius hissed as he glared at Cantilia. The three of them walked through the streets of Rome and were on their way to the Vikus Askuletti. Pollius was carrying the parcel of white chalk that was needed to prepare Flavia’s favorite face-cream, but did not like to be a part of what was about to happen.
“Please, Pollius,” Cantilia pleaded. “I did not want to take you along. It’s just that Mistress Flavia insisted on you coming along for protection.”
Pollius shook his head. “It’s madness. Pure madness. We’re all going to suffer. I can just feel it.”
But before Cantilia could answer, she spotted the statue of Jupiter and quickened her steps. She turned to Caitlin who was quietly following. “I told him to hide behind the bushes there,” she whispered as she nodded in the direction of the statue. “Please, try to be still when you see William. We do not want to attract attention.”
Caitlin nodded. Her heart was beating faster.
As they came near the statue there were only a few people around. Caitlin blinked her eyes and looked around. No sign of William.
The marble Roman god, Jupiter, was staring down at them with a cold stare. He was seated on his throne and in one of his hands he was holding a javelin. His long curly hair was cascading down onto his muscled, naked chest and a bird of prey was at his feet.
“I wouldn’t want him to be my god,” Caitlin whispered.
“He’s supposedly the boss of the gods,” Cantilia chuckled. “The Romans worship so many gods I lost count.”
“I don't like his looks. He’s certainly not my god,” Caitlin shot back.
Cantilia bobbed her head and grinned. “Not mine either. It’s probably why he looks so angry.”
“Where’s William?” Caitlin’s voice was strained.
“Just wait…” Cantilia said as she was trying to encourage her.
Pollius was growing restless. “He’s not here. Let’s go back. It’s almost dark now.”
“We will wait, Pollius,” Cantilia answered. “I will cover for you if things go wrong.”
For a moment none of them spoke. A Roman soldier passed by on a horse and cast them a questioning gl
ance, but they paid him no attention. Now there was nobody else in sight.
And then, just as Pollius opened his mouth again to voice another doubt, there was movement behind the bushes. From behind the statue there arose a man. A giant man.
Caitlin yelped. For a moment she forgot Cantilia’s admonition to be quiet and she jumped up. “William…” she screamed. “Is that you?”
Then the man’s face came into view; clear and radiant.
“Caitlin, my love…” His words were tender and full of emotion. “I found you…” He opened his arms wide and Caitlin ran. Just a second later they fell into each other’s arms and kissed one another ardently. To Cantilia it seemed no kiss had ever been more passionate than the kiss she saw that day.
6
Going Back Home
“Thank you,” William muttered as he turned to Cantilia. “Thank you for helping me to find my wife.” His eyes were soft as he placed his giant hand on Cantilia’s shoulder. Then, he turned to Pollius and flashed a wide smile at him too. “Thank you too, little man. I will be forever grateful. Goodbye.”
“What’s he saying?” Pollius gazed up at Cantilia.
“He’s thanking you for finding his wife.” She answered. “And, he is saying goodbye.”
“Goodbye? So, he is leaving then?” Pollius sighed in relief. “Then, let’s go back now. The Master and Mistress need us.” But before Cantilia could answer him, Caitlin stepped forward and hugged her.
“Goodbye, dear Cantilia. You have been so kind.” She looked into her eyes and whispered, “Why don’t you come with us? We will figure this out and you are most welcome in our village of Ghilles Bhains.”
“I can’t leave Flavia,” Cantilia lowered her eyes. “And… eh… I am afraid of Volusenius.”
Caitlin nodded. “I understand, dear. I just wish I could take you with me. You are so precious.”
Highland Warriors of the Glade - William: Slaves in Time: Clean and Wholesome Scottish Romance (MacChonaill Highland Saga Book 3) Page 3
