by Ava D. Dohn
*
Ogust’s head lolled from side to side while Jusslin gently rubbed his shoulders. Opening an eye when hearing Claudesius’ return, he noticed the man’s reddened face, smirking. “Oh, there you are! I was beginning to think you had fallen into the lions’ pit!” Silly laughter followed, Jusslin joining in with some senseless comment. Ogust did so much like to laugh at his own humor.
The governor grinned, sheepishly pretending to appreciate Ogust’s comment by joining in the laughter. ‘Fat puss-face!’ he thought to himself, smiling at Ogust as he crossed the chamber. ‘Could feed a hundred lions for a month on that blubber, if it didn’t kill ‘em first.’
Sitting, Claudesius cast a gaze out the window and across the river, but his eyes saw nary cloud, sky or ship, for the vision of the child, oh, so beautiful, commanded his attention. Passion swept over him, one so great he believed his manhood would rip asunder, and the pain in his lower back grew intense. Only could that girl give him release from this agony. He must find a way to take her for himself… a legal way, of course. It had to be done legally for the governor sat as judge and he mustn’t sully his raiment. She would still have to be given over to death this day. That he had already promised to Ogust. Still, he could have her first and then kill her.
Finding it impossible to think of another thing, Claudesius closed his eyes, dreaming of the child. They suddenly popped back open, filled with dread. What if she was a goddess, come to test him out?! It had happened before, at least in his grandfather’s day. His father had told him, said the man died a very horrible death for hurting a goddess. This last thought troubled the governor greatly.
He needed some private time to ponder matters. Turning to Ogust, he asked, “Have you been able to search for a better room to rest in tonight? This judicial case will be ever so boring. I assure you, just a few formalities to keep things legal, but may take some time. Do you really wish to waste this beautiful day on such silly matters? After all, the games will begin soon. Taking care of evening’s business will allow your full indulgence at more momentous events this night.”
Ogust squinted suspiciously, leaning forward and frowning. “I will wait here to see about things myself. A fox offers not to guard an empty henhouse. It’s not like your kind to suffer the indignities of king’s service when excuse offers itself so well to escape such drudgeries. No, I smell ‘sweet jam and honey’ under your ‘stale bread’. I think it best to watch the fox as it dutifully watches the henhouse.”
Claudesius waxed apologetic, defending his innocence. “No! No! That is not what I meant at all, not at all. You see, the child had a little accident while coming here. My officer has taken her to be mended. We may be delayed in starting the trial.”
Ogust’s question was scolding. “So we fixes ‘em back up so’s to kill ‘em? You must have something better for my ears, really...”
Ogust’s wit caught Claudesius off guard. The boy was fat and ever so ugly, but his mind was sharp. The governor considered it wise he best remember that. Hesitatingly, he answered, “Ah… well…oh, yes. You see, the girl’s father was a loyal engineer in the emperor’s army, second assistant to Vitruvius III, himself, made Roman citizen at Vitruvius’ request. I felt that if we were forced to judge against the girl, it would be best for her to be treated with the utmost show of fairness in righteous judgment. The emperor would not desire any to question Rome’s integrity in such a case as this.”
Resting his chin in the palm of his hand while drumming his stubby fingers on his cheek, Ogust thought aloud. “I know this Vitruvius. He does take great liking to some of his officers. Hmmmm… Very well...” Ogust’s suspicion was not totally satisfied, but he was at least returned to a more receptive mood.
Claudesius smiled, folding his hands in his lap. “So I can proce…”
Ogust interrupted. “But I think I will remain here until this person arrives. If it pleases us at that time, then Jusslin and I will take our leave. You say you do have better rooms?”
Grinning, Claudesius replied, “Oh, yes! Yes! Any you may choose, anywhere you like, here or or anywhere in this fine city.”
A sudden change in the breeze and an aroma of sweet pastries and fresh bread filled the room. Ogust swooned over the smell. His comments started the two men blathering on about good food and drink and other very unimportant matters, as far as Claudesius was concerned. At least he could think now - think how he could satisfy his burning lust and not become tonight’s entertainment because of it.
Then it came to him. Why not? Give the girl opportunity to make her confession here and then provide the tools for her atonement. She could then be secreted away, so he could satisfy his passion upon her and later, before the afternoon faded away, invent new accusations to bring against her. The dogs would still be hungry and the crowds willing to witness a just execution of a heretic. It would work!
As a renewed wave of excitement filled his heart, Claudesius motioned to an attendant who, upon hearing the orders, hurried from the room. Strumming his fingers together, the governor relaxed, pondering details of his little plan.
