The Only Good Roman Book I By Christine Elaine Black Copyright 2013 Christine Elaine Black Smashwords Edition

Table of Contents

Title Page Copyright Dedication The_Governors_Mansion Apollo The Contract Augur Assignment The_Jade_Frog Kristalmeer The_Mountain Hutu Murder The Crypt The_Hill Proposal A_Bounty Scaveolus Villa_Reginus War_Plans A Mother’s Love About the Author

This is a work of historical fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents portrayed are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locations, are entirely coincidental. The Only Good Roman - Book I COPYRIGHT © 2013 by Christine Elaine Black Smashwords Edition, License Notes Thank you for downloading this free ebook. Although this is a free book, it remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be reproduced, copied and distributed for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy at Smashwords.com, where they can also discover other works by this author. Thank you for your support. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. Contact Information: http://ceblack.wix.com/author#!contact Cover Art by Christine Elaine Black Publishing History First Edition, 2013 Digital The Only Good Roman, Book One Smashwords Edition

Dedication To my fellow writers who know the agony and the ecstasy Of the writing world! Other Books by Christine Elaine Black A Rose for Lancaster Book I The Tudor Novella Series (Published by Christine Elaine Black) TAURUS Book II of the Imperial Desire Series (Published by The Wild Rose Press) MAXIMUS Book I of the Imperial Desire Series (Published by The Wild Rose Press)

The Governor’s Mansion A soldier slid a ring from his finger and pressed it into Lia’s palm. “I am Captain Darius. Wear this and if anyone comes be sure to show them. It will keep you safe. I don’t have time to explain but remember my name.” Lia nodded, wary of the handsome soldier. “Is the Governor’s wife with you?” “Yes,” she whispered. “Good. Stay out of sight for now.” He gave the ghost of a smile, before pulling the door shut, yelling orders in Latin to his men as she slid the bolt across the heavy wooden door. The sound of boots trampled the stairs and male voices rumbled on the other side of the door. Lia trembled. Taught to fear Romans all her life, her father believed them barbarians, who murdered, sacked and pillaged in every town and village in their path, except they smiled and saluted as they took your money and your wife. She hurried to the tiny closet belonging to the governor’s wife, Lady Basheria, who hid inside, praying for the Roman army to bypass her home on their way through Trusia. But her prayer went unanswered and soldiers swarmed into the beautiful mansion in a brash, intrusive manner. Polite when it suited them, Romans had no time to waste in disappointing provincial backwaters. Governor Basheria’s days were numbered if the rumors proved true and he had been double-dealing with his imperial master. Lia could only hope for mercy when it came to her own fate. “Anya!” She whispered against the tightly closed door, “It won’t be long before the commander arrives with the rest of the army.” Anya left the closet, dressed in her finery, and hurried to the ornate mirror in the centre of the far wall to inspect the image she crafted. Romans were known for selling captives into

slavery. The wife of a governor may end up as a pampered pet to a foreign dignitary in the far east, one who enjoyed the company of women from civilized provinces. Lesser members of the household may be sent to eke out a living in salt mines or rock pits, in a stinking hot land full of insects. Lia may end up anywhere in the world, as a slave, a servant or a concubine, depending upon which trading ships happened to sail into the harbor. “How do I look?” Anya studied the mirror with a critical eye. “Perfect. The Roman commander will surely not be harsh on you because of your husband’s disappearance.” Lia bolstered Anya’s confidence, as the well-formed curves of the governor’s wife were displayed to their fullest advantage. An attractive woman in her mid-twenties, Lia surveyed her employer’s reflection. Her long flowing tunic in pale blue matched her eyes, dark beading adorned the neck and hem of her gown, and long, flaxen hair shone with a brilliant gleam, fashionably in curls. A touch of dark tincture enhanced her lashes and brows for shapely definition and an artfully applied salve gave her small pouty lips a moist dewy finish. A gold necklace and many bracelets, used for special occasions, adorned her body. “What about you, Lia? Make yourself presentable and I will say you are my cousin come to live as my companion. You stand a better chance to avoid slavery, and might gain a position as a servant in a nice home.” Lia agreed. Better to be thought of as a wealthy, noblewoman. Romans squeezed as much money out of their trades as possible, and both she and Anya would fetch a good price, when the time came. She chose a plain, flowing, ivory colored tunic and combed her long, dark hair into a tidy style. At just nineteen-years-old she lived a privileged life tutoring the sons of governor Basheria. Until recently the family enjoyed the finer things in life at the pleasure of Rome, but since the governor mysteriously vanished, those days were gone. **** An hour or two passed, and they waited. “The worst part of a Roman invasion is the bureaucratic red tape. Squatty little men walk around with parchment and inkpots, recording every detail,” Anya sighed. “They miss nothing and leave nothing in their wake, stripping a home like a plague of locust. A mansion this size may take weeks, even months to itemize and categorize and by the end of it Rome will be rich

and the man overseeing the details walks away with a lot of coin in his pockets.” “Will he take your personal possessions even though we are considered an ally of Rome?” Lia asked. She fidgeted in her chair, thinking of home and her father in their hilltop estate tutoring the sons of elite families. Her exceptional education thanks to her father’s vocation served her well and had earned her a position in the Basheria home. But now under the threat of an angry Roman commander, the idea of moving to Trusia had become a nightmare. A knock sounded on the door breaking her concentration. “Lady Basheria. The Commander will see you now.” Lia opened the door to look out. A handsome officer waited; the same one who had given her a ring and insisted she wear it. His eyes scanned her face. “It is wise to keep the ring I gave you on your finger at all times.” His low voice carried a solemn undertone. Anya came to the door and the soldier raised his eyebrow, and met her questioning gaze. “Both of you will accompany me to the reception room, please.” With manners as impeccable as his good looks, he led the way, the broad expanse of his back strong and straight. The women trod the familiar halls from their quarters to the sweeping staircase, descending to the formal rooms in the house, proceeding to an ornate study. Lia glanced around in awe at the unexpected look into the governor’s private room. A Roman commander stood at a large cedarwood desk, admiring the sweeping vista of the property. He turned at their arrival, inclined his head, and smiled at them. A dashing figure in his uniform of brown leather, scarlet cloth, and polished metal, he created an imposing first impression. Lia had never seen a Roman officer before today or been this close to an important man. “I am Commander Gaius Reginus.” He spoke plainly, coming out from behind the desk. A fine looking man in the prime of his life, fit and healthy with sun-kissed brown skin and thinning, pale brown hair, lightened by the sun. His startling eyes, a mix of blue and grey framed with dark lashes, examined them curiously. “You must be Lady Basheria.” Anya gave a coy smile as he took her hand and raised it to his lips. “Yes, I am the governor’s wife.” Subtly she reminded him of her importance, pleased

with his treatment so far. The commander smiled readily in Lia’s direction. She gave a little curtsey, not knowing the correct protocol, but respecting his authority. “This is my cousin, Lia. My companion for the last year.” Anya fudged the truth, concealing the fact she had two small children, in case this man used them against her. The fact Lia was not her cousin could not be disproved easily. Piercing eyes regarded them for a moment before his gaze dropped to Lia’s hand, noting her newly received ring. He flicked a look at the soldier waiting patiently behind them, and settled his gaze on Anya. “You and your cousin will join me for dinner tonight at sunset.” He easily spoke the local language of Trusia but had switched to Greek, watching Anya with a keen appraisal. “You don’t mind we’ve taken over your home for the time being, Lady Basheria?” Anya replied in Greek, as he expected. “Use it as you wish, Commander,” she replied graciously, with no choice in the matter. The Roman had politely reminded her who was in charge. He switched into Latin. “And your cook will accomodate the extra guests for dinner?” Anya shook her head, not understanding. She stayed in the Greek tongue. “I’m sorry, Commander, I speak Trusian and Greek, but I am unfamiliar with other languages.” He repeated his question in Greek. She batted her eyelashes and smiled deeply to show her dimples. “The cook is used to large groups. This will be a respite for him.” After a few more minutes of polite closing words Captain Darius showed them to the door and a guard escorted them from the reception room. “Well, what do you think, Lia?” Anya whispered as they reached the top of the staircase. “I think we had better impress the commander at dinner tonight.” **** Darius watched his superior take a seat at the governor’s desk and sift through documents stored in Basheria’s office. He sighed, and stretched out his long legs and spoke in Latin to Darius, as always when they were alone. “You’ve given your ring to the cousin of Lady Basheria,” he sighed, showing no trace of

his thoughts on the matter. Darius remained suitably bland. “The women are under our protection and may have information to aid your search. No doubt you will interview the governor’s beautiful wife. Gaius chuckled. “Indeed, I will interview her to determine if she knows the workings of her husband’s business.” “And if she does not?” Gaius shrugged. “Then I will enjoy an excellent meal and some equally enjoyable female company while chasing a wild goose across Italia.” He eyed Darius with caution. “Find out if the cousin has information. Basheria may have left valuable clues. I will spend my days sorting through his records to paint a picture of the man and his idyllic life here in the hills of Trusia.” “Commander, the private rooms of governor Basheria are ready for your approval. I think you’ll find them suitably large and vulgar.” Gaius chuckled, “They will do nicely, and make a change from living on the march. I assume I will find you on the opposite side of the hall, enjoying equally well-furnished quarters. Darius nodded. “And the guards are posted at the usual points through the house.” “I rely on you to interview the staff over the coming days. And Darius, it’s best not to mention their beloved Governor is no longer with us. I have no wish to sour the next few days with glum faces. Although, perhaps he will not be missed.” Darius agreed. Best to keep the women uninformed until the commander decided their fate, and that depended entirely upon his good graces. **** A few hours later Darius reached the upper hall to escort the women from their rooms to the dining salon. He signaled to a guard in the hallway, saluting in the Roman style, and the guard answered with his fist clenched over his chest. Darius tapped on Lia’s door first. She emerged and Darius checked himself to stop his mouth falling open. Dressed for dinner in an elegant white creation trimmed in gold, with her dark hair piled on her head and her emerald green eyes glowing, she waited for him to comment. He gently pushed her into the room and stepped inside, closing the door with a thud. “What are you doing?” A sliver of annoyance ran through him. She drew her brows together. “Having dinner with the commander. Is it not appropriate

to dress correctly?” “Yes, but you must be far less attractive. The commander will overlook Lady Basheria quicker than a lightning flash. I insist you change into a plain gown and arrange your hair in a less fashionable style.” Darius returned to the hallway and shrugged at the guard. “Women! They change their mind at the last minute.” Moments later the door opened and Lia emerged a second time wearing a dark blue gown with her hair pulled into a severe style at the back of her neck. She dazzled Darius and he prayed Anya would look her best tonight. As they walked the hall to collect the lady of the house, Lia asked questions. How long would they stay at the mansion? Where was the missing Governor? Would she be sold into service? Was it possible for her to return to her father’s house? Darius politely avoided her attempts at conversation. Anya opened the door at the sound of the guard’s challenge. Darius breathed a sigh of relief, seeing her sheathed in a cloth of gold, with red garnets dangling from her neck and wrists. Her efforts would impress the commander and as long as she avoided awkward inquiries regarding her missing husband, or uncertain future, tonight’s dinner may prove pleasant. **** As Lia expected when Anya entered the dining salon Gaius took her arm and guided her to a seat ensuring an excellent view of her sleek figure enhanced by the clinging fabric of her gown. His eyes flicked over to Lia in polite acknowledgement but he kept his attention on Anya. The conversation began in Trusian and everyone followed suit speaking the local language. They ate a civilized meal with a few awkward moments as occasionally the men misunderstood a word, causing them to laugh and promise to remember for the next time. The young captain leaned in close to Lia during the meal and she dare not move away knowing they were all but prisoners of these men. They held the power to banish them with the flick of a finger. Lia turned to look at him as he met her gaze while his superior plied Anya with compliments. Lia had no idea why the captain had given her a ring on their first encounter but she noticed the commander glanced at her finger during the meal. Unsure if he was pleased or not, she dare not return it, knowing she only had to show the ring, mention the captain, and the

soldiers in the house allowed her to proceed undisturbed. It represented a pathway to freedom to wear the ring but it carried a price and she considered what the price might be. After the meal Gaius took Anya for a walk in the garden. The humid night air carried a light breeze, comfortable enough for a stroll among the scented flowers. Darius questioned Lia about life at the mansion and she kept up the pretense of kinship with Anya, avoiding the subject of her youth in Thalassio and her family. During a lull in the conversation, Lia remembered his request to change her gown. “What did you mean the commander would drop the Lady Anya quicker than a lightning flash?” The captain leaned forward, closing the short distance between them. “He rules soldiers and slaves alike. His word is law. If he chooses to spend time with Lady Anya she has no choice but to oblige. While under his protection she is subject to his every whim and desire.” “And what exactly is his whim this evening?” He shrugged wryly. “To determine if she makes a suitable companion while here at the mansion.” Heat rushed to Lia’s cheeks. “And so too, the rest of the household is under the commander’s whims and desires. Is that why you asked me to change gowns tonight?” He lowered his voice though they were alone, his eyes shone in contemplation. “Anya is the governor’s wife, and he will conquer her first.” For a second time Lia blushed as the captain scrutinized her. “Who will he conquer next?” Shaken by his honesty, perhaps she didn’t want an answer. Romans were indeed polite but barbaric men. Darius took her hand and thumbed the ring. “I pray not you, while you wear my ring.” Lia’s brow rose in confusion. “But you said he will do as he wishes.” “I have claimed you, but he may deny me your company if he chooses.” Lia shivered. “Is that likely to happen?” “I intend to see it does not. He is delighted with Lady Anya and scarcely looked our way all evening. It’s for the best if he remains interested by Basheria’s wife.” Lia stared sternly at the handsome, dark haired, blue-eyed captain, admiring his gleaming

white teeth and deeply tanned skin. “Either way I belong to you or him, but not to myself. What difference is there, Captain?” “The difference is that I intend to help you, not hurt you. Keep my ring on your finger and you are safe. Don’t ask too many questions and keep Lady Basheria focused on pleasing him.” “Why do you do this? Why help me?” He paused for a moment, choosing his words. “You remind me of someone. I couldn’t help them when they needed me, but I can help you.” A sentry’s voice rang out in the hallway. “Come, it is time you returned to your room. I must check on the night guard.” He curled his fingers around her upper arm causing a thrill to run the length of her spine.

Apollo The captain returned Lia to her room, leaving with a cursory nod. A dark bulky shape sat on the floor barely noticeable in the dark. Turning up the lamp she found a wooden chest with Roman letters etched upon it and a family insignia engraved into the wood. She lit another lamp and gingerly lifted the lid to peek inside. It brimmed with the belongings of a soldier. A couple of tunics, a pair of boots, pieces of armor and a short sword filled the chest. Lia poked under the clothing and found a number of parchments, an empty inkpot, blank papyrus and a reed pen. The parchments intrigued her, having spent many hours with her father in lessons, writing of any kind caught her interest. They may contain a clue as to who owned the chest. She lifted out a bundle of parchment and sat in a chair by the brightest lamp. The writer used Latin as the language of choice and Lia settled in comfortably to read. The journal of a soldier and his travels, full of descriptive scenery, towns and cities, and people, filled the pages. It detailed the climate, the food, the music and the customs of a many places. The writer painted a vivid picture and Lia avidly read through the text. She heard the door open and watched as the captain walked boldly into her room. He swiftly grasped an edge of the paper and snatched it out of her hand. Lia jumped out the chair. “These are private papers and are not for your eyes,” he spoke in Greek, scanning the page and eyeing Lia with renewed interest. “You smile as though you understand. Do you read Latin? I know of women who speak more than one language, but it is a rare gift to read or write any language.” Lia, taken aback by his roughness, snapped at him. “Of course I read and write. I am not a complete fool.” Lia wished to take back the words. Some cultures didn’t care for female scholars and banned education for girls. The Romans may view her skills as a threat, although, well-to-do Roman women often had an

education. He glanced at the paper. “You read and write Latin?” “Yes,” Lia shrugged. “What about Greek and Trusian?” Annoyed by his ridiculous question, because any scholar would know their native language and Greek was much more common than Latin, she answered coldly. “Yes, Greek and Trusian are my first languages.” He tried to cover his surprise and his voice remained steady as he handed her paper. “Read this to me.” “Is this a test? You doubt my ablility?” A tinge of defiance tugged at her usual patience. “Read!” He ordered without raising his voice. Lia chose an amusing paragraph. A soldier fell off his horse and the foot soldiers jeered and nicknamed him horse-dropping, which later became a common a derogatory word for any clumsy soldier. Lia smiled at the end of the reading and handed the parchment back to the captain. **** Darius took the parchment and placed it in the wooden chest. The girl’s Latin was perfect, her diction and cadence flawless even though many of the words were difficult. Her speech flowed beautifully and would please the commander, a perfectionist in every possible way. A girl with reading ability may prove valuable to his superior, who dreaded the task of translating the governor’s private papers from Trusian into Greek and Latin. If the girl assisted with the work it would relieve Commander Gaius, and Darius would be rewarded for bringing her skill to light. “You enjoyed the scroll?” He half-grinned. Not only impressed with her language skills, as a stunningly beautiful girl, Darius assessed her looks and shapely figure, well aware of the effect she had on men. “Yes!” she breathed happily. “I haven’t read anything as remotely amusing in a long time. Where did you get the writings? I’d like to read more, if you can ask the owner to part with them for a few days.” Darius eyed her thoughtfully. “Put on a cloak and come with me,” he ordered mysteriously.

She glanced out the window at the moon. “At this time of night? We have a curfew.” “Of course, but I know the password.” She allowed him to place a cloak on her shoulders. The touch of her skin warmed his blood. In the hall a guard called a challenge and Darius gave the password. “Apollo,” he muttered to the guard. They passed without incident and continued to the lower hallway. Another guard stood on duty and Darius repeated the password. “Apollo.” Lia tisked in disapproval. “Is this the best you can do? The name of a Greek god as a password is not very original.” Darius heaved a sigh. “When I meet the guard for a second time I call a different password. And they change each time I pass the guard. Not that I need explain to you. Don’t think to use them, the theme changes every night,” he warned. “I could figure them out if you give me the next password as a clue,” she whispered, daring him to tell. “You’ll know when we pass the guard again, but if you’re wrong and you break curfew it will mean a punishment from the commander’s right-hand man.” They reached the ornate doors leading to the governor’s formal rooms. “What are we doing here?” Darius tapped on the door before entering and pulled Lia inside. Brightly lit lamps clustered around the large cedarwood desk as the commander worked late into the night, scribbling notes on pieces of parchment littering the desk. Darius waited in silence until his superior inquired as to the reason for the intrusion. The commander preferred to work undisturbed late at night and a poor reason for interruption would result in a reprimand, even for an officer. After a moment, he took in the appearance of Darius and Lia. “I do not mediate disputes, Darius. If she displeases you cast her off and find another.” His voice held no humor at this late hour. “It may interest you to know I found this one reading my journals,” Darius offered

cautiously. He shrugged absently. “And why is it of interest to me, Captain?” Darius raised his eyebrows and glanced pointedly at the papers covering the desk from one end to the other. “My writings are in Latin and the common language here is Trusian and Greek. She is skilled in reading, writing and speaking all three.” Gaius Reginus dropped the reed pen from his hand, stood up and rounded the desk, staring at Lia as though he discovered a goldmine. “Are you capable enough to translate Trusian and Greek into Latin with proficiency?” He didn’t hide the excitement in his voice. She nodded confidently. “With absolute proficiency, Commander.” Darius prayed to the gods she did not exaggerate her skills, because the commander despised the promise of perfection undelivered. Gaius Reginus reached for and read a bill of sale for household goods written in Greek. Lia easily translated the words into Latin and then into Trusian without missing a beat. Gaius chose another document, this time in Trusian, and read it aloud. The letter to a merchant arranged a meeting at a designated tavern on a specific date and time. She translated the letter into Latin and Greek without difficulty. Gaius turned to Darius. “You have done well, Captain. Thank you for your observation. Bring her to me tomorrow morning at first light to begin work on the difficult pieces written in the governor’s own hand. Basheria was an inarticulate man and a complete barbarian when it came to keeping his accounts in order.” His eyes held a calculating look. “Don’t let her out of your sight. Her skills could take weeks off the task at hand and I’ll hold you responsible for her exact whereabouts at all times. Have another officer take on your regular duties.” He cast an eye over Lia modestly covered in a wool cloak and laughed dryly. “Not such a bad assignment, Captain.” Dismissed, Darius heard him humming a tune as they left. In the hallway the guard

challenged Darius. “Bacchus,” he responded without thinking. Lia turned to him. “You are playing a trick on me. The passwords can’t be so easy, Captain. I could break curfew all night with your weak system.” “You heard the Commander. You must be in my sight at all times. You won’t get past the door of your room.” Darius tried not to look ecstatic about this new assignment. “You must leave sometime and I will test out my theory,” Lia answered with confidence. “Tell me your guess for the next password,” he taunted. “Oh, no. First I break the code and then you may complain to your superior. But I doubt you will tell him you failed in your duty. Who is his right-hand man? Do I know him?” Darius shrugged. They reached the next guard and Lia blurted out, “Bacchus,” before Darius said a word. He shook his head at the clever, beautiful girl, She attracted attention and with no experience of Roman soldiers outside of this first encounter in the relative safety of the governor’s mansion, it may prove dangerous. “The Governor is dead?” Lia asked as they reached the top of the stairs. “You caught the reference to him in the past tense?” Darius admired her perception. Lia nodded. “Has he informed Lady Basheria?” “Not yet, and it is wise to hold your tongue while in the service of an important senator of Rome. The commander is a member of a prestigious group of men and information learned in his company must remain confidential.” At the door of Lia’s room he gave the guard the password. They entered and he shut the door, sliding the bolt into place. Lia looked at him, astonished and took a step backwards. “You are surely not staying in this room all night. I will be fine in here alone. There is nowhere for me to go,” she sputtered. “You heard the commander say to keep you in sight at all times. My reputation rests on knowing where you are, and as you explained so eloquently you could break curfew all night with our weak system. By the way, what is the next password, since you seem so sure of your skill?” Darius watched her hesitate, torn between showing off the password, or pretending to make a mistake and gain her freedom from being watched day and night.

“Bona Dea,” she said wearily. “You know the Greek and Roman deities.” Darius whistled. She rolled her lovely green eyes. “Yes, Captain, I know the gods.” **** The bold captain pulled a thick mat into the room and lay across the doorway, made himself comfortable and promptly closed his eyes. Lia sat perched on her bed, irritated he kept a close eye on her when she wanted a word with Anya to inquire if the commander let slip information about their fate. But now she must wait until the morning. The modestly sized room was furnished adequately for her needs. The bed rested against a wall, not overly large, but roomy enough for one person. Wrapped in a thick blanket, she slid under the covers, noting the Captain had turned his back and breathed steadily, as though in a deep sleep. Lia tossed and turned until in the small hours before dawn. She opened her eyes to find the room empty and the door unlocked. In the tiny attached dressing-room she prepared for the day. The commander expected her to work this morning and she found herself looking forward to the task. As a scholar’s daughter she often helped her father with lessons. She opened the door into the hallway and found an opportunity to seek out Anya’s room further down the hall. Stepping into the passageway she took a few steps, hardly daring to breathe until she reached her destination. Turning the corner she stopped in her tracks. Captain Darius stood with a guard who spotted her and called out the challenge. The captain turned to see who approached, but merely observed the unfolding exchange with a smug smirk on his face. Lia recalled his explanation of the curfew passwords and she used the first one from the previous night. “Apollo,” she replied, dread filling her gut. The guard turned to his superior. “Shall I escort her to the holding area, Captain?” “Yes,” he replied curtly. The guard took hold of Lia’s arm and marched down the hallway so quickly she barely knew what happened. She envisioned the holding area as a deep hole underground where no one would ever find her. The guard walked her to the far wing of the upper floor, stopping at a set of rooms Lia had never seen before, known as the west quarter. Luxurious apartments used by important

visitors of the governor. “The commander’s man will be with you shortly,” he said grimly and closed the door. Lia glanced around the room, noting expensive furnishings and priceless art, all now owned by her Roman captors. The Captain strode into the room and relief cut through her tension. “I am in trouble. What should I say to the commander’s man? I wasn’t trying to escape. I only hoped to see Lady Basheria before my day as a translator began.” “To leave your room during curfew is a punishable offence. The passwords have been changed due to a breach in security.” Lia’s eyes popped open, “Who breached the security?” “You!” Darius exclaimed. “You guessed the passwords are the names of Roman gods in alphabetical order. A serious problem for the commander’s man.” “Is he angry?” Lia asked, knowing the answer. “Yes. He looks bad in front of both his superiors and inferiors.” A serious note tinged his voice. “Perhaps I can apologize and make amends,” Lia offered. “A good start,” Darius mused. She bit her lip, thinking of the possible solutions. “If I thought up difficult passwords then no one would be able to break them.” He laughed. “But you are not supposed to know the password. It defeats the purpose.” “But I work for the Commander as a translator, if I can be trusted with his work then surely I am trusted not to reveal the new codes.” She looked into the captain’s dark blue eyes. He stood directly in front of her as she noted his clean-cut jaw and straight nose. His dark hair curled loosely around his neck giving him a boyish charm. Lia shook off the distractions swirling in her head. “Can you think of a way to make him overlook this one mistake?” “There is one thing you could grant him,” he said thoughtfully. A tingle of apprehension ran up her spine. He moved lightning quick and pressed his lips against hers. She swayed, losing her balance as strong arms circled her. He held her steady for a few moments until she realized he had no intention of breaking their kiss. As she struggled free of his lips, catching her breath, he pulled her close to his muscled chest.

“You are the right-hand man?” Lia gasped, understanding he fooled her. “Yes, and you will not use the passwords or leave your rooms without asking me first.” “I am sorry if my actions have caused you trouble.” Lia freed herself from his grasp. “Understand that if you step over the line I will discipline you and it will not be as pleasant as a kiss. I don’t care if you figure out passwords but I do care if you use them without my permission.” Lia nodded, dazed from his kiss, “Under what circumstances do I have your permission to use them?” He shook his head, his eyes dark and somber. “Let’s take one day at a time. I will let you know when and if I choose to trust you.” “Will you tell me one for tonight, so I can guess at the theme?” “You are due in the governor’s study and cannot be late. Come, I will walk with you.” He took her arm, and led her to the door. A man carrying a travelling chest and a few of her personal things entered the room. “What are you doing with my belongings?” She questioned the servant in Latin, but he ignored her, busying himself around the room. “He is moving your belongings to this quarter. Don’t think I plan to sleep on the floor every night when there are perfectly good beds in the house,” Darius said in a low voice as he tugged her out of the room. “Where am I expected to sleep?” She had seen a huge bed in the adjoining room. “We’ll negotiate the details later. For now be happy you are not locked in a cell for your disobedience.” Lia sighed, and followed the smug captain to the reception room where the commander waited.

The Contract The commander set Lia the task of translating the governor’s writings from Trusian into Latin and asked Darius to review the translated Latin, while he worked on Greek and Trusian texts not written by Basheria’s hand. Within a few hours Lia efficiently translated a large number of the governor’s personal writings. Gaius Reginus nodded in appreciation as he gathered her work and arranged it on the large cedar desk. Occasionally, Lia looked up and caught captain Darius watching and he would smile. She smiled back, returning to her work but thoughts of their kiss lingered. Had he planned it from the beginning, or improvised when her ability to decipher the passwords had become apparent? She shook off the distraction and, as a servant poured cool drinks into large goblets, she ran her eyes over the stacks of papers on the desk and to the huge wall of pigeon holes from floor to ceiling, stuffed full of documents. Lia flicked her eyes from the wall to the commander and then over to captain Darius. He watched as she stared at him, deep in thought. His eyebrows furrowed and he raised his shoulders in a silent message. Lia shot a look at the commander and back. He understood her reluctance to disturb him while he concentrated on a document. Darius spoke up. “Have you found something?” “This task makes no sense unless I know what I seek. Is there a name or a circumstance to search out while translating? Something to serve as a clue to speed our sifting of the papers?” Lia looked from one to the other and waited. Gaius looked through narrowed eyes as though seeing her for the first time. “How old are you, Lia?” She paused, sure he had a cruel remark at the ready. She recalled his irritation the previous night when they intruded. “I’ve reached my nineteenth year these past few weeks, Commander.”

He turned to Captain Darius and shook his head, at a loss for words. Lia assumed she annoyed the man and waited for him to snap. Her heart pounded and her cheeks warmed under his scrutiny. “You are not Lady Basheria’s cousin, are you?” He intensified his critical gaze. Lia put the reed-pen aside and folded her hands together. “No, I am not her cousin. I am the daughter of a scholar.” She expected the commander to order the guards to take her away for such a deception, but he nodded agreeably. “I thought as much when we discovered your skill for languages, but you have a greater talent than reading and writing.” Lia waited for enlightenment. “The Captain tells me you are clever, with a quick mind and an ability to use your knowledge for reasoning. Is this true or an exaggeration?” Lia didn’t dare look at Captain Darius, unsure if she should be pleased or insulted the commander knew of her activities from the previous night. “Commander, guessing the name of a few gods in alphabetical order is no great accomplishment.” “She doesn’t just speak our language, she understands our culture, our government, our great city, and our people. Is that not so, Lia?” Darius justified his glowing report. “Give her the password for tonight and let’s see what she makes of it,” Gaius commanded. “Priam,” Darius uttered without hesitation. Lia licked her lips as she considered the name of the king who ruled Troy as it fell to the Greeks. She shrugged, “The most logical choice is the name of his son, Hector. Paris would follow but I can’t be sure until I hear the second password and then the trail is easy to follow. Helenus, Cassandra and so on.” She glanced at Darius. “As I said Captain, you are not very original.” Darius smirked and gave a mock bow of acknowledgement while Gaius erupted into peals of laughter. Lia regretted her hasty insult. “You are right, Captain, she has an annoying habit of speaking out of turn,” Gaius

chuckled merrily. “Lia, I choose the passwords. Their simplicity is a disadvantage when our guests are as well read as you.” Lia shot a look of apology to the captain but he wasn’t paying attention. He watched his commander’s giddy amusement. “I keep them simple for the sake of the guards. If they forget a password their punishment is worse than breaking curfew.” He smirked at Darius. “I owe you much Captain, we will discuss it later.” Gaius adjourned them to the dining salon for the midday meal with the wave of his hand. Lia breathed a sigh of relief. After managing to work well with the Romans for now could she trust in her wit and education to outmaneuver them, if and when the time came? **** The commander strode into the room appointed for the meal, followed by Captain Darius and Lia followed behind them as protocol demanded. Anya waited for them, impeccably dressed in her finery, with eyes only for the Roman leader. He reclined on an imposing couch, smiling at the Bahseria’s wife as they chatted in intimate voices, not caring whether the captain or Lia overheard. Glad to have the attention taken from her, Lia sat quietly listening to commentary on the food and the state of the troops from the captain. A thought popped into her head. “Is it possible for me to borrow the scrolls you carry with you? I’d like to read them later tonight during curfew.” She spoke quietly while Gaius occupied himself choosing the ripest fruits to share with Anya. Darius chuckled. “Are you not tired of reading and writing all day?” “No, I once read all the time with my father, and I miss the challenge of the varied works he collected from around the empire.” Lia sipped the delicious wine. “Where did you get the scrolls and why do you carry them?” “I wrote them.” “You! But they were signed by a man named Selenus.” “I am Darius Claudius Selenus. We Romans have many names in our family. I sign my work simply as Selenus.” Lia nodded, eyeing him while she chewed on bread and olives, struck once again by his

good looks. A man like him must be the inspiration for the images of Apollo or Adonis decorating the walls of the mansion. She embarked on thoughts of the same nature when Darius leaned over and ran his fingers along the edge of her arm. Her spine stiffened as she forced her body to remain unaffected by his touch. The Romans made handsome jailors and treated them well for now, but it could change as soon as they had their information from the governor’s papers. “Excuse me, Commander.” Lia leaned over to catch his attention. Amused by the interruption he nodded for her to proceed. “Is it necessary to have me guarded day and night? I give you my word I will not break curfew or go anywhere without permission. I will sign an oath if you wish but it disrupts my focus on the work at hand if I am not rested properly.” The captain removed his hand from her arm as they waited for the reply. “If I lose you it would be most inconvenient and I’d consider it an insult if you try to escape or make our task difficult.” Gaius sat back in his chair and studied her. “What do you want, Lia? If you could ask for one reward at the end of this task, what would it be?” Lia smiled gratefully. “To return to my family. My father is a tutor and my family live in the hills of Thalassio, overlooking the sea.” He chewed his food, weighing her words and she couldn’t resist another request. “Also, I would like to return home in the condition in which I arrived.” “What condition?” “I am an untouched maid and want to remain so until marriage.” He turned to the captain and a look passed between them. Lia almost had what she wanted from the Romans, a bargain to return home without becoming their property to sell at the slave market whenever they pleased. “I may grant your request. I will consider it further,” he chuckled and bit into a ripe peach. **** After the midday meal it was customary to return to the upper rooms, to refresh and relax for a while. Darius accompanied Lia and as they climbed the staircase he gave her a warning.

“You may have won a small favour but he has had his way long before you were born, Lia. The wily fox gives you what he wants if it suits him.” “You are upset because I managed him better than you thought possible, and now I am not his to sell into service. He respects me for it.” Darius chuckled. “He has given you nothing. You are not yet free from observation night and day, or from my reprimands if warranted.” Lia shook her head as her temper flared. She had hoped to dispense with this handsome guard dog. “He will clarify those minor details for you, Captain.” She looked at her hand. “I will return your ring now I have no need of it.” When they reached the rooms in the west quarter she stubbornly held out the ring. “It would be wise to keep it for a while longer,” he whispered, a chill in his voice. She stepped inside and closed the door, heaving a sigh of relief at winning the confidence of the commander. Before the Romans blocked her path to freedom she must work hard for a speedy return to her father. **** Darius signaled the guard to keep a watch on the girl’s door and returned to the office, knowing Gaius rarely rested while important work waited. Gaius looked up indifferently as he approached. “Is she pleased with the idea of a bargain?” Darius kept a neutral expression. “She is sure you are wrapped around her finger.” “Captain, the secrets of Basheria will make or break my fortune and my career as a force to be reckoned with in the Senate. If this little scholar can help decipher the clues then I am well on my way to unbridled success, and you have the chance to join me on the journey.” Darius had no political ambition. He had joined the army for his own reasons and rarely shared his private thoughts, even with Gauis Reginus. He merely agreed with Gaius when he ranted over his future and the force that drove him. Gaius had a visceral and intellectual need to achieve his ambition and nothing would stop him. A naïve girl with a drop of knowledge was no match for Gaius, a military genius, a prodigy, and the darling of Roman public. “Have we new information from her work on the Basheria’s papers?” Darius changed the subject, anxious to get a move on but for different reasons.

“I’m charting Basheria’s movements beginning last year until a few weeks ago. If she sees something unusual among his handwritten notes it must be brought to my attention quickly.” He handed Darius a Latin translation. “You must be disappointed with her request to return home as an untouched maid,” Gaius chuckled. Darius shook his head, envisioning the young woman’s flawless skin. “On the contrary, it is refreshing to meet a girl who doesn’t throw herself at the first Roman she sees, grasping for favors in return for a ruined reputation.” “Well said, Darius. I concur with your opinion and therefore choose to grant to her request.” **** Lia entered the study to see the two men quietly working on opposite sides of the cedar desk. She couldn’t help but cast an eye at the captain as she took her place beside him; disappointed he had not arrived at her door as an escort. The commander looked up, with his perceptive gaze. Darius avoided eye contact. “Welcome, Lia.” He gestured to a pile of papers. ”I have information to share to assist your search.” Lia bristled, preferring to continue a discussion of a bargain, but she had no choice but to listen to his explanation of Basheria and his wealth, earned from the sweat of Roman conquests. “The Governor handled the taxes and a portion of riches from Roman provinces and territories, sending the bulk to the Senate. The money went directly into the treasury to finance campaigns and wars. Rome must pay for its domination of the world, but apparently the Governor funneled off much more than his generous commission. The amount of money swindled from the treasury totaled more than half of the amount received in the last five years. The Governor expertly covered his tracks when it came to keeping his riches a secret. No one knows where the stolen treasury money is hidden. We don’t know in what form it has been accumulated. Money can change into goods, which may change into land, which in turn could change into investments in thriving businesses. Our task is to see where the threads lead and create a picture of who Basheria met and where he traveled in the last five years.” Gaius sighed. “Tedious work for men like us, but the council ordered me to head the

investigation.” Lia swept a look around the room. “This mansion is worth a fortune and the art is priceless. Perhaps he invested in personal possessions.” “Believe me, this mansion is a drip of water from what should otherwise be a full flagon. No, this home represents nothing but what we expect. Lia shrugged, unable to imagine such wealth. “Is my bargain ready to discuss, Commander?” She intended to remind him at every opportunity. Captain Darius stifled a laugh under his breath. “I will write out a contract and once signed it will be irrevocable.” His voice held a hint of caution. Lia ignored his tone, filled with joy at the prospect of reuniting with her family, and the life of a respectable tutor stretching ahead. The afternoon wore on and they studied their scrolls in silence as the sun lowered in the sky and shadows in the room lengthened on the floor, Lia shifted in her chair and picked up a document translated earlier from Trusian to Latin, tisked at the work and made corrections. Darius glanced at her reproving noises, having been on the receiving end the night before. He snickered softly as she studied the paper. “Commander, the Trusian word for the number three, the number thirty and the number three hundred are similar and in the hasty writing one is easily mistaken for another. This particular bill of sale for slaves and wagons is incorrect. She returned the paper to a stack waiting for review by Gaius. “Thank goodness you are here to keep me informed on the important issues,” he laughed. “Well, it’s a considerable difference to purchase three new slaves than to purchase three hundred new slaves. It seems peculiar to need so many of the strongest Nubian slaves,” Lia remarked. Gaius jumped to her chair in a flash and snapped the paper away to read it over. “This is the first real clue. We almost missed it due to an error in translation. I should have noticed the amount of money changing hands.” Gaius stared at the bill. “Darius, what do you make of three hundred Nubian slaves and thirty wagons?”

“The wagons were not purchased to give the slaves a comfortable ride.” He paused, with a speculative look in his blue eyes. “Ten Nubian slaves per wagon to load and unload a mysterious cargo. An extremely heavy treasure, perhaps?” “But where and when?” Gaius pondered the note. Lia piped up. “You should ask Bero.” Both men answered, “Who?” “Bero,” Lia said. “The young man skilled in the art of massage.” She looked to Gaius. “Lady Basheria complained the boy spent more time with her husband than she did.” Simultaneously the men roared with laughter exchanging looks. “I think it is time I meet Bero. A good massage is exactly what I need.” “And what exactly will Bero know that the Lady Basheria does not?” Darius mused. Lia lowered her voice. “Bero tells a story of spirits walking the grounds in search of retribution. He claims to hear wailing and sees wandering slaves every night of the full moon.” “Did he ever mention seeing Nubian slaves in the company of the master?” Darius asked. “No, but if there is a bill of sale and a story about dead slaves then there is likely a grain of truth to it, unless we find a record of Basheria reselling the slaves for profit.” Commander Gaius got to his feet and a few moments later returned with a smug face. “Bero is housed in a small room by the servant’s quarters, under guard. I will get around to him later.” He scribbled a note. “I will send a soldier to the docks to confiscate the harbor master’s records and we will scour over those to see if ships arrived a few days either side of the Nubian slave-ship and learn the type of cargo possibly loaded into thirty wagons.” Gaius left to fire instructions at his men. “It looks as though we work late into the tonight, to find our mysterious cargo,” Darius said. “While the commander enjoys a massage from Bero, we will sit here with sore backs and stiff fingers from paperwork.” “I am one step closer to my father and to my home,” Lia said happily. Gaius reappeared but with a strange gleam in his eye. “Go and refresh yourselves and return to the dining-salon at dusk.”

Darius rose immediately to escort Lia out. “Be careful Lia,” he whispered as they climbed the stairs. “You attract a great deal of attention and he is not a man to be denied.” Perhaps the captain was one to be careful of. The look on his face told her everything she needed to know. His sparkling eyes filled with desire as his hand slid smoothly across her back, guiding her through the maze of corridors to the rooms they shared. She sighed in relief when he left her at the door, wondering what to do about two different, but extremely confounding men.

Augur Gaius waited until they left then beckoned to the far corner of the room near the servant’s entryway. An old hag shuffled forward, weaving around the room, pausing at the chair Lia had occupied, murmuring a chant and progressing to where Darius had been seated. “Well, Augur, you are the best to be found within leagues of Trusia and I’ve no time to send to Rome for my preferred seer.” He spoke with a tinge of respect for the old woman. Her prune-like face turned to his, lips stretched into a grin showing yellowed teeth. Wiry, gray hair glowed orange as the sun dropped low in the sky behind the window where she stood. “I must see her and she must drink a potion brewed for casting. It clears the mist between her future and yours.” She licked her lips. “The brew is not cheap. The process is long and tiring to make but a tiny sip.” Gaius nodded. Seers smelled money in the pockets of a Roman faster than they predicted the death of a dying man. “Do your work before dinner is served. Serve the potion, but do not ask me to drink your foul brew.” He tossed a coin into the air and she caught it easily in her withered hand. Nodding without a care she shuffled out. **** On the other side of the doorway stood a young officer, with dark good looks and a fine build. A pouch of money dangled from his hand, casually folded over his arm. The crone licked her lips at the sound of coin. “Want something do you?” She croaked. “It’s been a long time, Beldame.” She paused, her stooped back stiffening.

“My name is Nabiah. I am the augur in these parts. Don’t confuse me with another.” “As you wish, Nabiah,” the officer nodded respectfully. Her crooked finger beckoned him to follow down a darkened hallway. **** Gaius reflected on Lia and his all-consuming need to find Basheria’s secret wealth. He valued the augur’s opinion, and the auspices must be consulted before a girl with Lia’s talent slipped through his fingers. If she accepted the terms of a contract, signed in exchange for safekeeping she would have no cause for complaint. Gaius considered the many ways to trap her using her own words, but he had favored Captain Darius with her as a companion and it wouldn’t be long before she cared naught about her maidenhood. **** A contract waited for Lia in the reception room and she beamed as she picked up the reed pen and wrote her name on the parchment. Dressed in the white gown detailed with gold braiding that Captain Darius warned her against wearing the night before, she had piled her hair high on her head in a rebellious act. The commander nodded approvingly as the captain added his name as a witness to the contract. Gaius rolled it and placed it with papers on the desk to be copied by a scribe and stored. Lia turned to Darius triumpant at achieving her goal and secretly taunted him by wearing the prohibited dress at the signing of her contract. “Let’s go in for dinner, shall we.” Gaius glanced appreciatively before leading the way to the dining-salon. Darius walked behind them and Lia, aware of his scrutiny over her appearance, did not give him the satisfaction of a reaction. “You play a dangerous game, Lia. He is a powerful man and is not to be toyed with foolishly,” he whispered. The dining room appeared different than last night. Apart from the presence of an old hag whose eyes roamed over them like a dog slavering over a bone, the air in the room was hazy and humid, and the smell of incense stuck in Lia’s throat. The woman chanted in a foreign tongue, and as they seated themselves she approached and hung amulets around their wrists and neck. Anya made her entrance in a red sheath, accented by a gold necklace and many bracelets dangling on her arms. The commander seated her on his couch.

“I’ve arranged for entertainment for this evening. I consult the local augur wherever I go. An old habit I indulge when the opportunity arises.” No one dared question his choice of diversion. The captain shrugged. Romans frequently used seers and oracles to predict events from birth to death, and welcomed revelations on a long life, many children, and success in battle. Lia assumed the augur would give the men a fortuitous seeing using a spectacle of smoke and candles. Predicting the future for these two men was easy. More conquering and more women! As she settled into her chair and watched with interest, the woman draped amulets around Anya. An empty goblet sat in front of each guest and the augur lifted a nearby pitcher, decorated with faded symbols, and poured a red liquid into each cup. Gaius smelled the brew, laughed and joked but pushed the goblet aside. The old woman threw greenish powder onto the hot brazier and murky smoke filled the room. Her voice grew louder and her chants turned into a song of magic and spellbinding. The woman turned to Anya. “Your children are safe. You need not worry.” Anya’s face paled but she relaxed when the commander’s expression remained pleasant. The hag eyed the commander. “Important men will look to you as we look to the sun for warmth and comfort.” She swayed around the room and stopped at Darius, taking his left wrist into her hand. “You are touched swiftly by fire. It burns you in darkness.” She squeezed the amulet on his arm and relaxed. “Brave, even in defeat.” No one in the room moved, imprisoned in her thrall. Lapsing into a trance she muttered to an unseen presence in the room and pointed a bony finger at Lia and the goblet set before her. “Drink my brew.” Impressed by the theatrics Lia lifted the half-filled goblet of frothing liquid that smelled of herbs and smoke. Gaius Reginus had paid for this show and the outcome held everyone’s attention. Before the goblet touched her lips a tremor passed through her arm and the cup tilted in her hand. Red liquid spilled onto the front of her white dress, between her breasts. She reached for a cloth to dab the brew. “No!” The crone rasped. Her lips moved rapidly, communicating with unseen forces, eyes riveted to the red stain. “Look carefully, my dear. It is your future and will bring all you desire.”

The crone pointed at Gaius. “Never lay a hand on this girl or your fortune will change overnight. You are doomed to fail if you touch her, Gaius Reginus.” Gaius flinched as she neared, her eyes burning with fire. “Use her talents but tie her to another man with haste. Heed the warning—it comes from the high power.” She turned to Anya, her words slow and deliberate. “Your husband is dead and you care not.” Anya’s hand flew to her mouth in both shock and shame. The crone circled Gaius a second time, staring at his arms. “You will be free of your chains soon.” Darius waited as she paused briefly before turning to him again. Her hands covered her ears. “Many call for mercy and pity. The noise will be unbearable.” Finally, she returned to Lia, the red stain on Lia’s white dress paled as it dried. “You will see your home again, but it will be a bitter herb you eat.” The smoke cleared and the hag stopped as suddenly as she had begun, gathered the goblets, poured the unused liquid into a pitcher, while Gaius applauded with enthusiasm and nodded his approval. “An excellent foretelling don’t you think?” Anya recovered from the news of her husband’s death surprisingly well. Captain Darius complimented the old woman on her abilities as Lia speculated over the woman’s words. He leaned over casually, his arm bumped against the soft skin of her forearm. Dark hair tickled her skin and she thrilled at his touch. “Best if you change the ruined gown before we eat dinner. Come, I will escort you and you can guess the theme of tonight’s password.” Lia looked down to see the irregular stain, now a deep shade of pink, worried if the mark foreshadowed disaster. **** Darius took her hand and tugged her along. They met the guard at the end of the hall. “Hekatombaion,” Darius said in a serious tone. Lia covered her mouth, stifling her laughter. Once out of earshot Darius chuckled.

“Not even alphabetical, just straight to the obvious. Oh, Captain, I like this game,” Lia giggled. “What’s your best guess? Remember if you are wrong I will discipline you. And call me Darius when we are alone.” Humor laced his voice. “Metageitnion, and it is not a guess but logic and reasoning based on my knowledge of the Greek calendar.” She smiled broadly. “If the commander chooses a difficult password the guards would fail in their duty.” He tugged her into an alcove at the foot of the stairs. “I may take your offer to make a new set of passwords.” He held her in his arms for a moment, gazing into her eyes. “What did you think of the augur, Darius? Was the performance a real foretelling or contrived for our benefit.” He lowered his head and brushed her cheek with his lips. “Why does it matter?” “I have never seen anything like it, and the warnings she gave were vague and strange.” Aware of his hands skimming from her waist to her hips, she brushed them away. “We mustn’t keep the commander waiting long.” Darius sighed. He took her upstairs and waited outside while she changed into a different gown. She opened the door, holding the white gown in hand, and Darius took it and cut around the stain with a knife, handing Lia the spoiled piece of fabric. “What am I to do with this?” “The augur said it is your future. I suggest you keep it until the meaning becomes clear.” She rubbed it between her fingers then placed it between a sheet of folded parchment to look at later and recall the seer’s words. **** The dining-salon was restored in their absence. Gaius consoled the newly widowed Anya, her position tenuous, as the Romans would install a new governor soon. “Don’t worry, Lady Basheria,” Gaius said, “I suggest you enjoy the comforts of widowhood. Your husband left you a good amount of money in your own right.” Anya nodded shyly in tacit agreement. “Ah, Darius, welcome back. You and Lia will dine and return to your unfinished work before retiring for the evening. I will join you as soon as Lady Basheria is settled in her room and

feeling better.” Gaius watched them coolly. Lia couldn’t help blurt out a question. “Can the augur not help in your search, Commander?” Gaius gave her a caustic look and Darius ventured his opinion. “Augurs deal in issues of a spiritual nature and not matters tainted with materialism.” “I see,” Lia remarked. “The foretelling ensures the spirit is not compromised while searching for earthly treasures.” Gaius swallowed a crust of bread dipped in oils and sipped the expensive wine before answering. “Consulting the auspices has proven successful in the past. This one came recommended by a colleague who passed through Trusia a few years ago. I’m not disappointed with her and intend to take her advice.” Lia sighed graciously. “I wish I knew what any of it meant.” The captain laughed. “We will look back on this day to find it makes more sense in the future than now, perhaps.” Gaius nodded smugly, and slid his hand down Anya’s back, his voice silky smooth. “Are you finished eating?” Lia caught their look of eager anticipation as he motioned to the servants. “Take the rest of this wine to my quarters and send Bero along. Her Ladyship and I could use a massage tonight.” He turned to Darius, “I will see you both later.” Lia listened to their laughter as they left the salon. Darius sighed. “We must eat quickly and get on with looking at more of those dreadful writings. I will search through the harbor master’s log, but if he writes Trusian instead of Greek I will defer to your translation before I check their content.” Lia thought about the search and what they might look for in the records. “Is there a particular cargo that heightens your interest?” He thought about it for a moment. “Nothing bulky such as cedarwood, and nothing perishable as grain or oils to turn rancid if stored improperly. Jewels and gold hold their value and may be used in small amounts as needed. Basheria transported something into Trusia to keep safe until he needed it for a large bribe or debt.” “Is he dead for certain?”

“We caught up to him a number of weeks ago holed up in a small fortress. We laid siege until it fell and he made the honorable choice knowing Rome would throw him into its infamous pit to die like a dog. The senators remind their enemies of the consequences of betrayal. The pit would have been a nasty end for a man of Basheria’s means to endure.” “How long have you been with the commander?” “We don’t have time for a social chat. It’s time to get back to work.” She shrugged and finished her watered wine. “I’m ready. By the way, you must stop kissing me whenever you feel like it, Captain. I have a contract, signed by your superior, and will return to my father soon. The free ways of Romans around young women upset him.” Darius laughed. “I can’t promise you. By the way have you read the fine print on your contract because if you haven’t then I suggest you look for loopholes added by your superior.” Lia balked. “He is not my superior.” “He is everyone’s superior. You are under his command as much as the men or the Lady Anya.” Lia straightened her spine. “I plan to review the contract later after we translate the harbor master’s records.” “It may be too late by then.” Darius insisted. “Do you care if I am fooled by him? Are you not loyal to his devious wishes?” “I’d like to see you have a fighting chance, Lia. I don’t care for a one-sided contest.” “Did you give Governor Basheria a fighting chance?” Arrogant Romans and their inflated attitude irritated her good sense. They left the dining salon and walked the length of the hall to the governor’s office. The guard called for the third password. “Boedromion,” Lia answered impatiently. The guard relaxed and let them pass unheeded. Captain Darius scratched at the shadow of hair growing on his chin. “Basheria didn’t deserve a second chance by the time we reached him. The commander did him a favor by allowing the suicide.” Lia took a seat at the desk. “You help me because I remind of someone in your past, someone you couldn’t help when they needed you, correct?”

“Yes,” he replied. “Who was she? Your wife.” “A good guess, but I have never married.” “Who, then?” “I prefer not to speak of it, but it won’t prevent me from helping you.” Lia unfurled the parchment and began work on the translation, conversation at an end. All the same she couldn’t help glancing in his direction every now and then to wonder about his mystery woman. A few hours later as they tidied up for the night Gaius walked into the room, refreshed and relaxed. Darius left to call for a guard to escort her upstairs and she quickly glanced at the contract, looking for any detail missed during the signing. She found it after Darius had warned her but too late to change now, she must think on its meaning as soon as the all-seeing eyes of the commander were not upon her. “Is somethng wrong, Lia?” “No, Commander. I am tired from the day’s work, but will be ready to begin again first thing in the morning.” She gave him a nod and left the room as Darius handed her over to the guard. She hurried upstairs, turning the words over in her mind, intending to write them down as soon as she reached the room so as not to forget them. Lex Litigaria Romanum! Lia racked her brain to remember the meaning of the words written underneath Gaius’ signature in tiny letters. Laws concerning the legality of contesting the rights of the Roman versus the non-Roman were often inserted into documents. Powerful Roman men stacked the odds in their favor when it came to the law and, if dissatisfied with the outcome of her contract, it would be difficult to go against a Roman senator, but the Lex Litigaria Romanum made it completely impossible. Gaius had used a caveat to ensure the contract favored him. Lia could kick herself for not having seen this. The Captain had warned her, but not quickly enough to make a difference. The contract, in effect, made the commander her guardian and protector, subject to his will until returned to her true father in Thalassio. It gave Lia an uneasy feeling. What would he do with paternal power over her? Lia stepped into a smaller room and slipped into a thick cotton tunic for sleeping, and

took a warm wool cloak to wrap around herself, unsure where to sleep, Lia peeked into the rooms situated off the main room, and found one with a small bed. She left the door unlocked, knowing Darius would only open it to check on her. She tucked the blankets around her body and snuggled into the pillow, drifting off to sleep, dreaming of Thalassio and her family.

Assignment Darius sat late into the night with Gaius discussing the harbormaster’s log, and the list of goods shipped in from various ports matching the date of the governor’s slave purchase and a shipment of precious materials. Gaius shook his head at the list of cargo as he translated work mentioning wood, wheat, wines, salt, different spices, Egyptian linens and Greek pottery. “None are appropriate enough to fit the governor’s needs,” Gaius complained wearily. “What about the boy, Bero? Did he know much of his master’s business?” “He told the truth, after a little cajoling and a promise not to end up in the salt mines,” Gaius shrugged. “He heard Basheria threaten to do away with the three hundred Nubians and their guards, several months after the date on the bill of sale. He claims to sense their collective spirit and hears howls of agony during the full moon. He dreams of a sparkling blue lake and a mountain with snowcapped peaks.” Darius glanced at Gaius to gauge whether he thought the boy conjured the images to gain attention or if he believed the boy’s visions. Gaius sipped his expensive wine. “What do you think of Lia?” His piercing gaze turned fully on Darius who lit up at the mention of her name. “A lovely girl with an excellent education. But that can be viewed as a disadvantage to men who don’t value such skills.” “Are you captivated by her, Darius? As the son of a rich man you enjoyed the best education and your age difference makes you suitably experienced to handle the girl.” Darius laughed aloud at the analysis. “I am the third son of a rich man and his second wife, making me a poor man without an inheritance. My oldest brother will take the family estate and the second one will marry a wealthy noblewoman, taking the rest of the money, leaving me nothing but the slim chance of

using a military career to become modestly rich. I’m half Roman, as you well know, my mother had a Persian grandfather.” Gaius merely tapped his fingers on the chair and cocked his head suggesting he waited for a better response. Darius complied, with no reason to lie. “Of course I’m captivated. Who would not be?” He straightened in his chair, “You ask as though you plan something” Gaius nodded. “I plan to marry her off as soon as we find the treasury money. I need her in Rome and the crone made it clear I must not be directly connected.” “Marriage?” Darius paled at the callous plan. He chuckled. “Lia will stay at my villa when I return to Rome. If a husband accompanies her it will keep the peace in my home. My wife is not easily placated.” Darius shifted his feet and tried to speak coherently as his mind raced. “Marry her off! But I witnessed a contract to send her home to her father, maidenhood intact, after we find our precious cargo.” Gaius picked up the parchment with the contract details written on it, glanced wistfully at the brazier and held it over the hot coals until the paper began to smoke. “I may not remember this contract when the time comes, Darius. I have a wonderful memory, I would surely recall having seen it and you would surely recall witnessing such a thing, if the signing had taken place.” Gaius removed the paper before it ignited. Darius had to side with his superior. Lia may be devastated not to return home soon but to be blindsided by nuptials seemed unnecessarily cruel. “Draw up a list of suitable candidates. A few officers owe me favors and others may want to gain my appreciation.” Cornered, Darius had little choice and his strong attraction to the girl had been duly noted. Could he stand by and watch her marry another soldier? The thought of it rankled him. “Let me take care of it and talk to her when the time comes to soften the blow.” Gaius thought for a minute. “If you take her as a wife you command her, and as your superior I expect you to follow my orders until your decommission. Better if she thought you both are caught in an inescapable situation. Let me make it clear to you, Darius. She comes to Rome and stays in my villa while working on an assignment.” Gaius smirked. “It could be much worse. You will enjoy my home

and while in Rome I can introduce you to many useful connections.” Darius had litte choice but to agree to the terms, but Lia had to be convinced he did not betray her trust. The contract she held was useless and she would not see her beloved family for a long time. **** Lia woke at dawn as the sun edged the horizon. Birds chirped outside her window in the dim morning light. She rose from her bed, dressed quickly and popped her head out the door of her small room. The captain’s feet hung over the end of a couch in the main room blocking the doorway and prevented anyone from entering or leaving. He opened his eyes as her feet padded across the floor and rolled over as she stopped a few cubits away. A sheet modestly covered his middle region and he lay bare-chested and bare legged. “Good morning!” Lia giggled. “Is something funny?” Darius asked sleepily. “You’re far too tall to be comfortable on the couch. Why not sleep on the bed in the next room?” “It’s too far to guard the door properly.” Lia turned serious and leaned closer. “You were right, Gaius wrote a clause in my contract and I must flee as soon as we discover Basheria’s secrets.” Darius gulped. “What??” “He plans to cheat me out of my bargain. I will claim I didn’t know any better. Will you help me, Darius?” She searched his dark blue eyes while her heart fluttered erratically. “Yes, I’ll help you but don’t talk to anyone without telling me first. If Gaius tells me of his plans you will know right away.” Lia knelt on the floor beside him aware of his discomfort, with only a thin sheet of cotton covering his naked body. She gazed into his handsome face, and leaned forward to kiss his cheek. He froze as her lips pressed against his face. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Would you go to my traveling chest and fetch my ink pot and reed pen,” Darius asked

politely. She left the room to do as he asked, returning to find him dressed and the couch away from the door. He set the tools on a nearby table and took her hand. “Let’s eat before we scribble among the scrolls all day.” Lia glanced back at the two things she had brought out from the chest, wondering why he had asked her to fetch them. Men! So easily distracted from one thing to the next. **** Darius watched Lia read over the list from the harbormaster. “Wood, wheat, wines, salt, spices, Egyptian linens and Greek pottery. I see nothing of interest.” She checked their translation work as a matter of habit and tisked at an error. After scratching out a word or two she replaced them with the correct one. Darius observed her quietly, knowing the girl couldn’t help it. “Commander,” she said to Gaius, who hunched over a stack of records. “The word in Trusia for a certain spice can be confused with another word for a precious metal. Argentia and argenta are two different things but you listed them as the same commodity.” Gaius flipped his head up at the mention of precious metals. “Which metal in particular and in what quantity?” Lia pursed her lips for a second as she scanned the document. Darius envisioned her this morning with her lips pursed as she kissed his cheek. He warmed at the memory. She had chided him for kissing without permission but she had freely kissed him this morning prompting him to dress quickly after distracting her attention. Sleeping naked on the couch with her in the next room may be a foolish idea. “Silver, as opposed to a herb used in cooking. The quantity is so large I thought it a mistake, but you search for the unusual among these records.” Both Gaius and Darius leapt to their feet and leaned over her shoulder. “Thirty wagon loads of silver is a good start.” Gaius groaned, “But I’m not sure it is enough.” Darius’ head cleared in an instant.

“You said last night Bero spoke of slaves executed a few months after their arrival, lots of time for thirty wagons and three hundred slaves to travel back and forth on multiple trips, if the destination is near.” Gaius nodded. “Yes, but three hundred slaves to unload thirty wagons is a high ratio of manpower to cargo.” “What if the slaves did other things than just unload silver? Wouldn’t they have to store it somewhere? Perhaps the storage area had to be built or excavated,” Lia offered. Once again the commander stared at her with respect. “That’s it! Darius, if we find out where they took the silver and how many loads were taken, we will know the size of the cache.” A satisfied grin settled on Gaius’ face. “We get closer everyday, I can feel it. You are a very observant girl, Lia.” Darius shook his head as she looked over the next translation. The commander intended to keep hold of a valuable asset like Lia until he wrung out every possible use of her skills. Darius planned to say nothing; there was no point in dampening her spirits. Later, after they had poured over more logbooks, Gaius stretched out and yawned. “We need time away from this tedious work for an afternoon. I will escort Lady Basheria to the city market after the noon meal. You two may enjoy some time to look around and as a special reward I will give you forty coins to spend on Lia. If you wish to buy something for yourself, Captain, use your own money.” Gaius laughed knowing he hardly needed money. A good deal of wealth had accumulated for Darius over ten years. Most soldiers saved money like misers to buy retirement land or to go into business as a merchant. “A very generous amount of money, Commander Gaius. It may take all afternoon to spend such a sum on trifles at market.” Darius slid the money into a pouch on his belt. Lia’s face lit up, not unlike other women who enjoyed the chance to purchase clothes, sandals, hair ribbons and oddments for personal use. She glided out of the room on a cloud of happiness to prepare for the afternoon. “Captain, she is your responsibility. Don’t lose sight of her for a second,” Gaius warned.

The Jade Frog The market promised a welcome distracton for Darius and Lia as they wandered together, talking to vendors and browsing different wares. Lia bought a beaded bracelet, a bolt of emerald green cloth and a pair of pretty sandals with a hand-painted motif. She shared a few edible delicacies from the fruit vendors with Darius as he stopped beside a man selling ink and parchment, to replenish his supply. A woman selling scented oils eyed them with interest and waved them over to sample her selection. The delicious scent of the aromatics from Egypt smelled wonderful and Darius bought a vial of the oil. They walked further on and bought barley beer from another vendor. “Its lovely not to worry about translations. Is the Commander always so thoughtful?” Lia raised her face to him. Darius shrugged. “No. He isn’t often around women long enough to shop for trinkets.” “Why is he doing this for Anya and giving out money for me to spend?” “To reward you for your hard work. As for Anya, I suppose he is easing her loss.” Darius did not really knowing if Gaius had an ulterior motive concerning the deceased governor’s pretty wife. “Would you prefer if we walked to the house instead of using the litter to return?” “Yes, there is a lovely path leading to a gate behind the gardens, but first I want to stop at another vendor.” He waved the guards over as she browsed a canopied stall musing over the wares. Darius had clear view of her as the guards marched off towards the estate. He waited, keeping his distance, deciding whether to reveal Gaius’ plan to wed her to a soldier. Better to wait than speak of it now, and in the meantime provide her with subtle hints of the future. She may understand later and remember his attempts favorably. Lia returned to his side carrying a small pouch in her hand. Darius had sent their other

purchases with the guards to be delivered to their suite. He took her hand and they walked at a leisurely pace to the estate. “Tell me what it’s like to live in Thalassio,” he asked. Lia launched into a vivid account of her home. The ocean, visible from her family villa in the hills, sparkled blue and sometimes the mist rolled in off the water in the morning. The smell of the salt air was fresh and clean and the tiny homes dotting the valley below looked pretty when the sun glinted off their rooftops. Far in the distance, in the port of Thalassio, ships bobbed in the sea like toy boats on a pond. Her father, mother and younger brother lived in a lovely home surrounded by land for growing vegetables, fruit trees and herbs. Her mother tended the details of the house while her father tutored the children of wealthy, respectable merchants and minor foreign nobles. Sometimes, the family visited the town to see friends or relatives and often walked the shoreline of the sandy beach to enjoy the cool water between their toes. Lia turned to Darius. “You would write a wonderful description of Thalassio if you were to visit.” Her brows rose in delight. “If you ever travel the area and can spare the time from the commander, then please ask for the home of Fennio, the tutor in the hills. We would gladly entertain you and show you our beautiful city.” “Fennio.” Darius repeated the name. He nodded in agreement, as the description it sounded wonderful. Perhaps once permitted to leave Rome they could travel to her family’s home. After walking most of the way they sat on a large fallen tree for a few moments rest. “I don’t have to ask about the places you’ve seen, I’ve read about them in your journals. Captain, your writings are excellent. Did you spend many hours in the schoolroom to become such a prolific writer?” He nodded. “Yes. I have been slacking off from my writings, because the Commander demands my time to work on his problems. Usually I scribble notes to form an image of the place, the people and the culture.” He scratched at the shadow of stubble on his chin. “Am I one of the problems you deal with?” Lia asked in apology. “No, absolutely not. You are one of the subjects I want to write about if I get the time.” “Truly. You would write about me!” Her eyes glittered with interest. “What do you

intend to write, Captain?” He looked to where their feet almost touched as they sat side-by-side and moved his foot to nudge the side of hers. “I will write that I have never met a girl like you before.” He met her startled gaze as a blush rose on her cheeks. “You’ve never met a scholar from Thalassio?” She tried to sound lighthearted. “Not one with whom I could talk all day and all night and not become bored.” “You’ve only known me for a few days, it’s too soon to judge your level of boredom.” “I doubt it, especially if we spend more time together like this instead of working.” He steered the conversation to take a romantic undertone. “I’d prefer you call me Darius when we are alone.” “That reminds me, Darius. You must sleep with more than a thin white sheet of cotton, it does not conceal much.” Darius smirked. “At least I’m not bundled up as though a snowdrift is headed this way.” “I am comfortable wrapped up, especially when a partly naked man occupies my rooms at night.” “Why? I am trying to help you, not hurt you, Lia.” She reached into the pouch she carried from the market. “I bought you a gift to thank you for the help you give me, now and in the future.” Lia held a thin strip of leather with a small green frog carved from jade dangling on the end. “Frogs are lucky in Thalassio and considered good gifts between friends. Will you wear it in return for me wearing your ring?” Her soft, kissable lips parted in anticipation of his reply. A knife of guilt sliced through his gut. She gave him the gift of friendship while he withheld the knowledge Gaius planned to keep her as a scribe and marry her to a Roman soldier. Not the outcome she hoped for, and Darius wanted to help her against Gaius, but only a fool would turn down the chance at having her for a wife. “Thank you,” he whispered in reply, pushing away his guilty emotions. “This is a wonderful gift.” Lia smiled with satisfaction as she tied the leather around his wrist and knotted it

securely. “And what else would you write, other than to say I am not boring and I sleep with many blankets wrapped around me?” “Let me see,” he said thoughtfully. “Even though Gaius gave you forty coins you haggled with the vendors as though spending your own money. You are not wasteful and do your best to get value no matter the circumstances.” Lia giggled at his analysis. “True, I have sixteen coins to return to the commander.” “We must start walking. The sun is low in the sky and the others will have returned to the house by now.” Darius helped her to her feet, wrapped his arms around her and held her against his chest. She responded, sliding her arms around his neck and pressed against his body. He tipped her chin up to scan her face. “You are a flawless vision of beauty.” He relaxed his hold and took her by the hand as they strolled to the estate, like a courting couple. **** Confused about her feelings, Lia considered Darius a clever and handsome soldier, the type of man any girl may wish to meet, but first and foremost he was a soldier doing his duty for his commander. Always courteous but flirtatious, he made her wary about his intentions. Experienced men knew their way around women, roaming from one place to the next, and from one conquest to another. The idea of soldiers consorting with whomever they pleased annoyed Lia. Anya and the others in the house were concerned with self-preservation but Lia had a bargain with the commander and needn’t worry about servitude. Could she trust this friendly, handsome soldier who shadowed her day and night? “Tell me one thing I might like to know about you.” Darius asked as they reached the gate leading into the gardens. “My proper name is Italia, but my family have called me Lia since I can remember. And you?” “I am the third son of my parents but my birth caused a sensation in our town because two babies were born to my mother that day.” She turned to him, alight with curiosity. “Are you and your brother identical to one

another? Could I tell you apart?” Darius smirked. “The other child was a girl. It was a sensation because most pairs are the same gender as you supposed. Two boys or two girls are common but a boy and a girl are unusual.” He paused. “We are out of time for now.” He squeezed her hand and signaled to a guard to accompany her to her room. “I’ll see you later in the dining salon. Come down when you are ready. The password tonight is Aphrodite.” **** Darius found Gaius in a dismal mood. “Where have you been all afternoon?” “At the market with the girl, as instructed, Commander.” “I returned ages ago, you took your time. We have weeks of work to accomplish before I can pinpoint the location of the silver,” Gaius complained. His mood wasn’t serious, but Gaius needed a reminder of how far they had come in such a short time from the scant knowledge of a few days ago. “Let me read your notes on Basheria to see if a detail jumps out,” Darius suggested. Gaius pointed in the direction of the paper listing the clues so far and Darius read aloud. “The shipment may be in the form of silver ingots. Slaves and wagons were the means of transportation to the hidden location. The trip could have been made numerous times. Last summer the slaves arrived in Trusia and were likely disposed of a few months later. Where would they hide the silver?” Gaius unrolled a large map and Darius flicked his keen gaze over its length and breadth. “Lady Basheria doesn’t understand maps or geographical terms,” Gaius explained moodily. “She visited her father’s house last summer, sick with an ague and has no idea where Basheria traveled or for how long.” Better to be away when the governor was stealing Roman treasure and not be implicated. Darius measured the distance from the harbor to all locations within a few days ride. He marked off the farthest points logically the slaves and the wagons could travel, assuming a heavy cargo and slaves walking alongside. If they made the trip five to ten times then it would be easily done within a fifty-league radius. Both Gaius and Darius listed the towns and villages as possible

locations for the hidden treasure. Lia entered the room and they gave her a cursory nod while talking. During a pause in the conversation Darius looked over to see her busy with Trusian translations. She wore the green fabric purchased at the market draped over a fresh white tunic. He gazed in admiration of both her beauty and intelligence. “Lia, have you experience reading maps?” Gaius nodded, willing to consider her opinion. “A few maps, especially those around Thalassio have gained my attention but not many foreign places,” she replied absently. “What about maps of this region?” Gaius said coolly. Lia rose from the chair to stand with the men and look sternly at the map. “I recognize the city of Trusia and the surrounding lands.” Her hand circled the city limits. She made a face. “I hope never to travel this road again, it is full deep ruts. The gig bounced so much I thought I would be sick for the rest of my life.” Her finger traced a line from Trusia heading south. “Where does the road lead? I see no cities or towns, and the villages are few,” Gaius said. “It leads to the mountains in the south.” “And why did you travel such a road, Lia?” Darius asked. “To accompany Basheria’s children to meet their father. Anya wouldn’t take them to her parents’ home, afraid they might catch last year’s ague.” She pointed to another road. “This is the way to her family home and the other way, the south road, leads to the Governor’s boyhood home.” She shivered a little and Darius touched her arm. “What’s wrong, you seem upset?” “I didn’t like Basheria very much, although I never told his wife. His children feared him.” “Did he touch you?” Darius’ protective instinct rose to the surface. “No, I attended the children at his summer home but he rarely called for them. He only took them to appease Anya.”

“Can you describe the grounds and the house to give us an idea of its size and the layout?” Darius watched Gaius bite back his excitement, noting the glint in his eye. Darius lifted a pen and placed the inkbottle on a table and as Lia discussed the features of the landscape and the house, he began to draw. Gaius nodded at the mention of a blue lake and snowcapped mountains. Lia looked over Darius’ shoulder at the picture he created from her words. “You have captured the place perfectly well.” Her hand touched his arm, resting near the jade frog around his wrist. Hot blood pounded through his veins at her touch. Gaius marked the map and wrote notations on his chart. “Time for dinner,” he said in a light voice. “I am quite hungry all of a sudden. You two join me when you have finished mooning over one another,” he quipped and left the room. “Did I offend him in some way?” Lia asked. “No, he has been frustrated over the location of the silver, but we cleared it up for him nicely. He is in your debt once again, Lia.” He watched her shrug, enjoying their closeness. “I didn’t do much, it was just luck.” “Well, we won’t tell Gaius. We will insist our combined skill saved the day.” Lia took the drawing from his hand. “This is talent, to draw something so real on a whim from mere description.” “I have always held a pen in my hand whenever possible.” He showed her the tips of his fingers stained with ink. She inspected his hands, rubbing the tips of her fingers lightly over his. Darius barely restrained pulling her into his arms to express his growing ardor and the desire to be with her day and night. He barely imagined a day without her, but as soon as she learned Gaius intended to marry her off to a soldier she would despise them both. “You haven’t told me the second password yet, Captain,” she whispered softly. “Have you an educated guess?” “My first pick is Venus, then Inanna, maybe Astarte or Turan.” Darius enjoyed her keenness for the game. He leaned into her and whispered, “You are on the right track but must wait until I give the second call tonight.” Lia held his eyes, turning serious for a moment.

“I said something to you I regret,” she said quietly. “What?” She pressed her lips against his. Darius circled her waist and pulled her close. They kissed for a long time and finally broke apart, staring into each other’s eyes. “What do you regret?” Darius asked, puzzled. “I chided you for kissing me. You have been a help to me with the commander. You are right when it comes to his moods and his demands.” “I’ll help you as much as I can within the limits of my duty to my superior, but it may not be enough.” “Perhaps my work will impress him enough to deal with me honorably.” Darius said nothing knowing the more she impressed him the harder it would be to let her go.

Kristalmeer Lia and Darius joined Gaius and Anya in the dining-salon and the commander talked with enthusiasm about his plans to leave for Basheria’s summer home the next day — Kristalmeer, located where clear, fresh water flowed from the mountains into a large, cool lake. Gaius was animated and jovial compared to his earlier subdued self over the treasury money. Darius and Lia understood they would ride out in the morning with a small group of men, ahead of the main body of troops scheduled to arrive at Kristalmeer. Gaius suggested Anya take the extra time to organize her staff, but come along to run the house a few days later. Anya disliked the old family home of her dead husband but Lia noticed she avoided mention of it. Anya would put up with the inconvenience to stay in the commander’s good graces. She may enjoy it more in the company of a rich, powerful and fine-looking man, equally interested in her as she was in him. “Can you ride a horse or would you prefer a gig?” Darius asked during a lull in the talk. “I’d prefer to ride, but not a large horse, perhaps a pony or a mule.” “She will ride with you, Darius, on one of the calm but fast mares.” Gaius brooked no argument. “It will be so.” “Why do you need me to accompany you, Commander?” As usual Lia spoke her mind without censor. “You have been there before and your knowledge is useful.” Gaius turned to Anya. “And Lady Basheria prefers to remain in my company. Do you not?” “I will hurry to meet you at Kristalmeer.” Anya practically purred. Lia marveled at Gaius and his slick way with women. A married Roman senator with a wife and two children, yet he readily charmed Anya. “We will be there for a while, unless the treasure presents itself immediately but I doubt it. Only a fool would leave it lying around for the finding,” Gaius mused.

“Is the boy, Bero, coming with us?” Darius asked. Gaius nodded. “Yes, even though he knows little. His vision of the lake and mountains helped. No matter how small a detail may seem it can be of huge importance.” He glanced at Darius. “Give Lia time tonight to prepare for the journey. We leave at sunrise.” Gaius finished giving instructions then left the room with Anya in tow. Lia relaxed a little and scanned the food. She picked at it here and there while Darius ate his fill from the delectable dishes. “You don’t like the idea of the summer home, do you?” Darius asked. “It’s not that, Captain. It’s just the more I work with the commander on his search the longer it seems to take, and the more twists and turns happen.” “Are you in a rush to return home? What if he offered you an alternative to Thalassio? Would you consider it? After all, you are a curious, clever girl. The world is at your feet when in the company of a man like Gaius Reginus. His father and his father-in-law are powerful players in Rome, as he will be someday. To see Rome while in the protection of a man like him is an opportunity not to be missed.” Darius eyes held hers with anticipation. Would he mention such a thing if he did not truly believe it possible? “Has he discussed this with you, Darius? Are you asking me on his behalf to journey to Rome?” “He wishes it very much and Gaius doesn’t accept disappointment once his mind is made up.” “My father is my guardian and must be consulted. I cannot go gallivanting to Rome with a rich senator as my benefactor. Speculation would say I was his mistress and his wife would surely be furious.” “You wouldn’t be considered a mistress because you and your husband would be guests in the family home of Commander Gaius.” Appalled at first, she relaxed then laughed. “You make fun of me, Darius. Who would marry so the commander could have a scholar accompany him to Rome?” Darius tilted his head and ran his eyes from the top of her head to the tip of her toes and back again. “Don’t sell yourself short, Lia. Many a man would marry you simply because you

are in his favor.” Lia shivered. “By all the gods! He is planning it and you are warning me so when the time comes I will be ready to accept this madness.” “Lia, relax and use your mind not your emotions. Gaius has a contract with the words Lex Litigaria Romanum written beside your signature. In essence he is your legal guardian in place of your father and until yesterday your jailor. He can marry you to whomever he pleases, or send you to a distant land as a servant, or take you to Rome indefinitely. For now you must play along, until he finds the treasure and when his elation peaks ask for what you want. He will be delirious for days and malleable when fortune turns to his favor.” Lia sighed. “Please, Lia.” He leaned his face close to hers. “Don’t make a rash decision. He will not be generous in the face of defiance. Caught between you both, I find it precarious. Don’t think I’m not trying to find a way to help you even though I am Gaius’ man.” Lia agreed. Eventually her father must marry her off and it may not be to a man of her liking either. Women were disadvantaged in their choice of husbands, often pawns for families to gain money and land, or to improve their social lot in life. Lia could expect to end up with a merchant’s son or a modest landowner. Neither may appreciate a forward, opinionated girl. “Who will he choose for my husband?” Lia gulped over the words. “He will draw up a list of candidates if he hasn’t done so already.” Darius took her hand. “Let’s go and pack for this impending journey to Kristalmeer, then you must lie down and rest. We had a busy afternoon and you walked far today.” Lia didn’t argue. She didn’t even care about the password tonight. Darius took her upstairs and sat at a desk writing on sheets of parchment as she flitted around the room packing and organizing. Her mind filled with speculation whether to go to Rome or to escape to her father and live the life of a tutor, always wondering what it could have been like to live in the most famous city in the world, if only for a few months. But for Gaius to persuade a man into marriage to accommodate personal ambition ground at her good sense. What man would choose a forced marriage simply to please a superior? Afterwards, Lia sat by Darius as he worked steadily on his journal. He handed her each sheet to read as he finished one and began the next. He drew a tiny sketch of her face beside a description. She laughed a little.

“You are a good Roman, Darius Claudius Selenus.” Lia said, after reading his work. The only good Roman! **** Darius sat speechless on his horse at the first sight of the governor’s home known as Kristalmeer. The beautiful mountain stood majestically overshadowing the land, dominating the region from miles away but as they journeyed closer to the estate, a truly imposing sight. At the base of the mountain glistened a stunning, clear blue crystal lake; the source of its fresh water ran from melting mountain snows in the springtime. A heavenly piece of the world lay almost undiscovered in complete control of the governor and his family for years. The house, a large and comfortably appointed two storey building was built in the Roman style with a courtyard, fishpond and gardens in the centre, surrounded by rooms on all sides. The main floor had the usual reception room opening out into the gardens and central fountain. Lovely plants and flowers grew all around and small shiny fish swam in the ponds dotted alongside the pathways. The opulent upper rooms spoke to Basheria’s love of fine art and expensive furnishings. Darius located the best rooms and immediately appointed the governor’s suite for Gaius, and a fine guest-suite for himself and Lia. They spent the late afternoon and evening settling in, exploring the vast rooms and grounds. Gaius rode out with his men while the small staff manning the house took their orders from Darius who reminded them as servants of Rome they must treat the commander as they treated Basheria, with respect and obedience. As Darius moved through the house he kept Lia by his side, talking with the staff, getting to know them one by one. He posted guards throughout the estate to enforce the dusk to dawn curfew. Gaius rode in after a cursory inspection of the grounds and dismissed his men to disperse through the house eager to find food, water and accommodation. The officers under Darius’ command, Quintus and Marcellus, took the next best rooms on the upper floor. Lesser men took the senior staff quarters, the servant’s quarters, and finally the lowest ranks sheltered in the stables and barns or in their camp tent. Gaius, keen to begin his search for the silver, first took food and refreshments as Darius filled him in on the details of the household. Lia marveled at their ability to work together. Romans were nothing if not organized,

well-oiled machines whose proficiency to accomplish even the simplest task was known throughout the world. Fascinated by this firsthand view into their way of working, she perceived most people did not have an up close and personal look into the higher echelons of Roman military and political life. She studied the details of their planning ability, their information gathering and dissemination techniques, based on a system of units with a leader for each, who then reported to a higher man, who in turn passed his information to an officer, who then reported to Darius or Gaius. All information, sorted and prioritized based on urgency, found the eyes and ears of a superior, with trivial issues sifted and left behind, the more pressing matters dealt with by the commander. The men finished eating and watched her absently chewing on a piece of bread, eyeing a fig without seeing it. Darius raised an eyebrow. “She’s in one of her analytical modes. In a moment she will come out of her trance and ask the most pointed question about our Roman ways with the idea of improving or modifying our techniques,” Darius teased. Gaius nodded with a half smirk. “She thinks like a man, not such a good thing when it’s time for her to be wedded and bedded.” Darius stifled a laugh. Lia dismissed the slur and inclined her head to Gaius. “I shall start on the governor’s papers as soon as possible. It may be he left clues thinking it unlikely this place confiscated into Roman hands.” “True enough! Darius, you interview the staff, I will view the grounds thoroughly for evidence of excavation or recent building, and Lia will organize the office.” Gaius noted Lia had not asked but stated she would begin her work. He liked her attitude —-all business and no nonsense. What a find, a girl with more than just a good education, she knew how to use her mind and it made her more valuable than ten scribes who could read, write and speak three languages. He thought to keep her for himself but an unbidden image of the old crone entered his mind and a finger of icy fear ran up his spine. Few things caused Gaius concern but oracles and portents were to be heeded and he intended to follow the hag’s advice and marry her off soon. Lia lifted her watered wine and, after excusing herself, took it with her to the study. Gaius looked to Darius with a knowing look.

“Is she coming around, Darius? Is she wondering what life would be like living in Rome, the greatest city the world has ever known? The trip to the market was arranged for your benefit to woo her successfully before I arrange the final details of the marriage contract.” Concerned about Lia’s reaction to marriage planned by a conniving Roman Senator, Darius merely shrugged. “Her father is her guardian and protector. She will balk at disobeying his wishes.” “I have taken care of the details and within a few days she will have no argument. You are as good as married and I’m sure you won’t be unhappy with the arrangement. As a gift I plan to give you a parcel of land. You may choose the location and once you are decommissioned it will fall under your control.” “Very generous, Commander.” Darius said gratefully, needing no incentive to marry Lia. “Did you know that in Thalassio when a girl gives a young man a charm on a leather strip it means she hopes to become…more acquainted with him?” Gaius enjoyed the irony. Darius looked down at the little jade frog attached to his wrist. “No, I did not know.” “Then I suggest you acquaint yourself further and ask her to ride to the lake tomorrow for the noon meal. And while you babble with love talk keep your eyes open for pits or caves full of silver ingots.” Gaius waved Darius away with a friendly gesture, before turning his attention to the task at hand. **** Lia slept peacefully in bed the next morning and opened her eyes as the sun rose. She lay for a few minutes taking in the sound of the household as the staff bustled through the upper floors for the arrival of Lady Basheria, their mistress, now the governor was officially deceased. But the property would only remain hers as long as the commander saw fit not to confiscate it over her husband’s treachery. A woman screamed outside her door and Lia bolted upright in wondering what to do when laughter quickly followed. Throwing a cloak around her shoulders she proceeded to find Darius seated in a chair reading dispatches. He glanced as she entered the room but returned to his task without comment. “What was that awful scream in the hallway about?”

“The soldiers are getting to know the servants,” he murmured. “Oh!” Lia didn’t know what to say. Soldiers and servant girls often spent time together, the same way the commander spent time with Anya. Lia had ignored it in Trusia but she had noticed women eyeing Darius on occasion and she wondered if he returned their interest. She had no right to ask but her nature demanded she speak up and clear the air. “Not only the commander chooses to do as he wishes when invading foreign lands. Is it standard practice for all soldiers to conquer the women?” Darius sighed. “We are not here to force ourselves upon the residents of Kristalmeer or Trusia. Those who wish to fraternize with the men are welcome but Gaius has strict rules about keeping the peace during these types of campaigns. We cannot ask the men to avoid women completely, but advances must be wanted.” Darius returned to reading his dispatches. Dissatisfied with his vague reply she pressed on. “Have your advances been well-received by the women here and in Trusia.” Lia blushed but she didn’t care, too curious to stop. Darius dropped the dispatches, stood up and took a step forward. Lia took a step back matching the step he had taken toward her. Darius narrowed his eyes and took another step forward. She matched his step, moving back once again. He stopped and shrugged. “Have I answered your question, Lia?” He gathered the dispatches and left the room. She stood looking at the door as it closed, scarcely able to breathe, relieved and yet disappointed. **** Lia entered the study to see Gaius unrolling yellowed scrolls, and after a cursory glance he tossed them aside. He indicated a seat and she scanned the pile of papers awaiting her attention. Furtively she stole glances into the courtyard where she and Darius had walked the day before, curious over his absence and whether the forward way she questioned him upset him. She shook her head in an effort to concentrate on the task at hand, grateful the commander’s thoughts were occupied this morning. Reading the messy scrawl of Basheria, to decipher his papers engrossed her in the work but the morning crawled slowly onward and still there was no sign of the captain.

Miserable by the time the noon meal arrived Lia avoided the dining-salon and returned to her room. Perhaps some bread and cheese to nibble may lighten her spirits. Tired of the translations today, her head began to pound and she asked one of the staff to find a powder for her headache. She glanced at the desk where Darius had sat earlier and noticed a tightly rolled up scroll with a familiar seal. As she reached for it she knew where it was from and who had sent it. She’d know her father’s seal and handwriting anywhere and hesitating only for a second, she broke the seal. Daughter, I have received word from Commander Gaius Reginus who apprised me of your situation and has my permission to make the necessary choices and arrangements for you on my behalf. We await word of your appointment as scribe and tutor in the house of the Commander. Your father, Fennio of Thalassio Lia read and reread the short missive to glean a hidden meaning between the lines. The commander was a man with the means to open a simple seal and close it without the recipient ever knowing a message had been tampered with. She ran her fingers over the scroll, recognizing her father’s writing as surely as her own. It arrived quickly even for Gaius, with unlimited means and methods, this task was accomplished in record time. He must truly demand her presence in Rome to usurp her father’s control over her life. Had he manipulated her father with threats? Lia sighed deeply—her fate sealed. Gaius had simply left the scroll for her without the need for explanation. She was his pawn, his scribe, his servant and he would marry her to a faceless soldier to accommodate his wishes for however long it required. The door open and she heard Darius cough to catch her attention. “What’s that you’ve got?” he asked gently. “News from my father, approving the commander’s request to take me to Rome. He had little choice in the matter. I am nothing more than a prisoner,” she answered balefully, through teary eyes. Darius took the scroll, and after reading it made a sharp hissing sound. “He is a coldhearted man with no need to consider your feelings in the course of dispensing his will.” She pulled her cloak over her legs. “I’m tired today. I will rest until I am due back for translating.”

Aware of his scrutiny for a long moment she avoided his gaze. “That’s unfortunate. I planned for you to ride with me to the lake and see the mountain up close.” Lia jumped up off the couch with sudden enthusiasm. “I want to go very much if you don’t mind waiting for me to change into proper riding clothes.” Darius grinned at her change of mind. “Take as long as you need. Find me by the fountain with Marcellus and Quintus.”

The Mountain Lia hurried to the fountain dressed in a short tunic with fitted breeches showing the shape of her long, slim legs and both Marcellus and Quintus took a good long look as she approached Darius to stand by his side. He finished giving the men their instructions and then turned to see what had caught his men’s attention. He noticed immediately how shapely she looked in the fitted clothes but he kept his comments to himself. “Let’s be on our way,” he smiled. Lia happily walking along with him, forgetting all about her miserable morning and the missive from her father giving Gaius authority over her. Gaius would do as he pleased and she resigned herself to accept her fate and go to Rome but rather than admit this to Darius or Gaius, she would bide her time at Kristalmeer. The ride out to the lake was invigorating and the wind caught Lia’s hair and fanned it out as she rode her little horse alongside Darius’ bigger horse. Darius had brought a basket of food and wine and after they reached the edge of the lake they found a suitable spot to spread out a blanket and enjoy the warm sunshine, the gentle breeze and the stunning view. Torn between two stunning views, the mountain or Lia and her incredible figure, Darius handed her a small cup of wine. “Did you ride out on your last visit to see the view or were you confined to the house?” Lia sipped the wine and ate a bit of cold meat and bread from the basket. “I was allowed out with the children and their guards, but never this far from the house. We saw the mountain and the lake from the gardens behind the house. Basheria traveled back and forth from the city. I had thought it to be Trusia but it could have been to any place in preparation for the silver.” Darius nodded. “We can take a rest from Basheria and his mysterious silver for today and ride a little further up the trail to look down at the lake from a higher point up there.” He

indicated to the path at the base of the mountain slowly snaking upwards, high above the lake. Lia nodded, excited at the prospect of exploring the landscape. Darius packed up the remaining food into the saddlebags. Lia watched as he took his place beside her on the blanket to enjoy the warm sunshine. His eyes closed and his lips curved into a smile. He half-opened one eye and stretched out his hand in an invitation to join him. A familiar thrill ran through her, and as she silently argued against snuggling up to him, her body moved of its own accord. He swept his fingers up and down her arm as she lay beside him and eventually his lips sought hers, insistent with kisses and she almost forgot the commander’s demands. As Darius’ hands roamed from her arms to her back and threatened to drop lower she pushed him away. “This is fruitless. As part of the commander’s household I will not consort with you while he plans my future.” “Then I suggest we make a start up the path leading into the mountain.” Darius stood up and helped her to her feet. He seemed relaxed and happy and Lia couldn’t help wondering if he was truly on her side or if he had worked solely for the commander’s purpose all along. They rode at a slow pace up the trail and for the next few hours explored the lower part of the mountain. As they looked back over the lake to the house it seemed small and insignificant in the landscape. They finally stopped and choose to go no further up the trail, seated on the horses enjoying the peace and serenity of the land. A bird squawked and dipped. Lia glanced down to watch it twist and turn as it flew across a large pile of rocky rubble. A glimmer caught her eye between the rocks, something reflected the sun in this barren land. Lookinged harder, staring at it, her brain tried to decipher its meaning. A scream so loud and shrill caused her to wonder the source of such a sound. Darius jumped from his horse, sword drawn, and rushed to the edge of the path looking into the rocky depths. Lia ended her scream her mouth still open in fright. The sun reflected off the gleaming white bones of hundreds of skeletons lying between the boulders below, jumbled together as though thrown down with no thought to where they might land. Darius took her by the shoulders and drew her to the horses. “We have found the Nubian slaves. If we counted the skulls the number would amount to a few more than three hundred,” Darius said tonelessly.

“Why more than three hundred? The Nubians were exactly that number, no more, no less.” Lia remembered the bill of sale. “Basheria would not only kill the Nubians, but also silence the men hired to work the slaves. He could ill afford a loose tongue when it came to his precious silver.” Darius shook his head. “A cold-blooded killer.” He led the way down the mountain to the house, more subdued than several hours before. Gaius stood with Marcellus and Quintus as Darius and Lia approached. The men flicked their eyes over Lia as Darius led her into the office and inclined his head to the others. They followed and closed the door. Darius seated Lia by the warm brazier before he turned to the men. “This is the place after all. The silver can’t be far.” Darius raised his eyebrow to Gaius knowing this gave him great relief. “What did you discover by the lake?” Gaius asked. “Above the lake, on a trail into the mountain. I marked the location with my red cloak wrapped around a large rock. Look down from there about ten cubits and you will see the Nubians. Basheria didn’t leave much to find, only the bones of the slaves and a small crew. Hard to find; except we stopped to look at the view.” Darius handed Lia a small goblet of strong wine to calm her nerves. She hadn’t spoken since returning from the mountain. Her hand trembled as she raised the glass to her lips. After Darius finished his tale,

Gaius ordered Marcellus and Quintus to take a detachment of men to the spot marked by Darius to investigate further. Perhaps Basheria had a secret cache high in the mountains. Quintus and Marcellus jumped into action, calling orders for the ranks to make ready for a thorough search. “Good!” Gaius said enthusiastically. “The men need a mission and this is the perfect circumstance to keep them from idleness. They can’t pull out all of the bones from the rocks, it would be too dangerous but before we leave I will cover the bones and arrange a marker as a memorial to the Nubians and their sad end at Kristalmeer.” Darius agreed it was better for the men to stay busy and with the silver definitely in the

vicinity, Gaius would expend much energy and resources looking for the exact location. The commander smiled as he left the room and Darius knew the silver was not the only reason for his glee. Lady Anya’s arrival was imminent. Darius took Lia to their rooms. Slowly she came out of her daze. “Will you go to the mountain with the others?” Darius shook his head. “Marcellus can supervise the job up there. I will stay here with Gaius and search for the silver.” “I’m sorry I offended you this morning. I had no right to question your position as an officer. I will not impose on you again.” Darius took her hand, leading her to the desk. “Nothing you do offends me, Lia. Take some parchment and reply to your father. Best to send it from here than waiting until you reach Rome.” “Yes, I would like to write to him. My father must hear of my circumstances from me and not a stranger. Although, there is much to say and it will cause more questions.” She met Darius’ eyes and held them. “Do you remember the crone’s words, Darius? She insisted the commander should never lay a hand on me and then whispered secretly to him and now I wonder what she said.” Darius shrugged, “It could have been anything.” “Perhaps she advised him to take me to Rome. Do you think he’s in a mood to grant a favor?” “Possibly, now he’s sure Kristalmeer is the key to finding the silver.” Lia grimaced. “I’ll speak to him at dinner.” Darius admired her tenacity in dealing with Gaius. It helped that she had single-handedly uncovered most of the clues to Basheria’s secrets. Gaius may like to reward her, but it would suit the commander more than it would suit his little scholar. At dinner the commander and Lia ate while Darius attended to a matter concerning the search for the treasure. It provided an opportunity for Lia to approach the commander. Gaius had a tendency to be finicky and complained about the less than perfect wine, singing the praise of his wife who served the most appropriate wine no matter the occasion. He prattled for a few minutes until he realized the conversation dwindled and lapsed into silence. Lia finished eating and waited for Gaius to look up from his food.

“You must be pleased we found the bones of the Nubians. It will spare you from wondering if we are in the right place.” Lia said casually. “A lucky find up there on the mountain. We have progressed faster than first anticipated.” Gaius crowed happily. “You are a large part of our success!” “I received a message from my father in Thalassio informing me of your patronage and my duty to your household,” Lia mentioned sweetly. “He approved my plan for your trip to Rome. Be glad, Lia. This chance will not come again and it’s a rare privilege to be invited into the home of a pure-blooded Roman.” At moments like this Lia truly disliked Gaius and his arrogant, overbearing superiority, and the way he surely finagled her father into compliance. “I am grateful you have chosen me to assist in your work.” Lia hesitated. “I only ask you reconsider one thing before it is too late to undo.” Gaius turned the full force of his piercing gaze upon her. Cold gray eyes, humorless in the lamplight, dealt her a look of disdain. “And what should I reconsider, Lia?” “That I join your household in Rome as a married woman. Is it possible to avoid?” Lia tried her best to stay calm in the face of Gaius and his rising displeasure. “No! You will marry before we leave for Rome. And soon if we progress as quickly as we have done up until now.” Gaius had an unwanted vision of the crone enter his mind and could almost smell the acrid smoke from the old woman. Lia gaped at his ridiculous demand. It should make no difference one way or the other, unless he knew something that she didn’t. “Commander, I…” Lia began her case against his logic. Gaius stood up and called in the guard. “Escort this woman to her quarters and see she stays there until otherwise intructed.” He glared at Lia. “Even my wife, a Roman noblewoman, would never have the temerity to question my authority and neither shall you. Leave me!” **** Darius arrived in the dining room searching for both Gaius and Lia; surprised to find the room empty he ate quickly and tracked down his superior in the courtyard. “Commander, the report from Marcellus states the mountain yields no immediate clues.

The night watch is set and tomorrow begins a detailed search of the area.” Gaius nodded at the expected outcome. Darius motioned a nod, encouraging a dismissal. He wanted to find Lia. Gaius halted Darius before he reached the door. “The girl must be contracted tomorrow. To you, if you wish it. Otherwise, Marcellus or Quintus will please me by taking her as a wife.” Shocked, Darius found his voice. “As soon as you give the word, Commander, I am ready.” Gaius inclined his head. “Tomorrow before the noon meal the contract will be ready. The girl’s presence is unnecessary, give her the happy news far away from my ears and remind her I do as I please without explanation, especially with little girls from Thalassio.” Darius realized she had overstepped her bounds. “She’ll give you no trouble, Commander.” Torn between celebration and commiseration with Lia over her spat with Gaius, Darius smiled from ear to ear as he passed the fountain in the central courtyard. A beautiful evening, with flowers blooming all around, he had planned to sweep Lia away after dinner, stroll through the lush oasis and steal forbidden kisses. He forced a serious look onto his face as he passed the curfew guards and ambled his way to the second floor, dismissing the extra guard outside his door. Lia sat in the dark and Darius peered through the blackness to find her, lit a lamp and sat with her on the couch near the brazier, her large green eyes bigger than usual as fear and anticipation played across her face. “The Commander is angry. What happened?” She bowed her head. “He is in no mood to reconsider his decision to marry me off before we reach Rome. He had me marched out of the dining room for discussing the possibility of…” Darius cut her off. “You are too free at speaking with a man who will one day run the empire. Even though you and I dine with the commander we are not his equals. His decision is final. We will be contracted tomorrow at noon.” Lia snapped her head to look at him. “We? Who are we, Captain?” “You and I are to wed.” Her brow creased. “He is forcing you to marry me. Why? To prove his authority is

unimpeachable. You must be as confounded as I am by his reasoning.” “No, I volunteered to undertake this difficult and treacherous mission,” Darius replied lightly. “You choose to have your Roman blood tainted by Thalassian blood. You realize you have ruined your career by passing on a marriage with a Roman noblewoman.” Darius smiled askew. “I never had pureblood to begin with, so it does not matter overmuch.” “But your father is a nobleman.” “Yes, my father and his first wife are pureblood and my elder brothers are impeccably Roman. My mother married him after his first wife died. Remember I told you I am a third son?” Lia nodded. “My mother is not Roman, therefore I am not fully Roman.” Lia returned to his earlier point. “You volunteered for marriage. Why?” “It was between me, Marcellus or Quintus. Quintus would bore you to death and Marcellus has been married at least three times before.” “But…” “I have a plan, Lia. Trust me.” Darius failed to mention the real reason he volunteered for this union. Not one man in his company, neither Gaius, nor his ingratiating officers deserved this unspoiled beauty from Thalassio. This marriage shielded her from their covetous eyes and at the same time fulfilled the commander’s wishes. And Darius found himself, unexpectedly, lighthearted.

Hutu The head steward of Kristalmeer, an older man named Hutu, had been with the Basheria family since boyhood. Hutu began his career as a young servant and worked his way over the years to become the head of the household staff. His task required him to run Kristalmeer flawlessly for his master, whether or not the family was in residence. He diligently arranged the last minute details for the arrival of Lady Basheria, due today. One of the commander’s men informed him to prepare a special meal in honor of Lady Anya’s arrival, and the marriage of an officer to the Lady Lia. Hutu glided into the large kitchen aiming for the storeroom to check his supplies, shaking his head at the amount of food the Romans had used already. Like a plague of locust descending upon an unsuspecting village, they ate their way through the household stores, leaving barely a crumb for those left in their wake. A jar, high on a shelf at the back of the storeroom, caught Hutu’s eye. A thought crossed his mind as he regarded the jar. Governor Basheria’s instructions from several months ago echoed in his head. Hutu reached for a stool and climbed to the jar. No one would know until it was too late and by then he could be leagues away, hiding in the hills among neighboring families, all of them loyal to Basheria, their lord and master. It fell on Hutu to protect his master’s interests and he excelled in his duty. He hummed as he worked, the decision made and the outcome resting with Fates. It may not work in his favor but it was of no concern to Hutu. He answered to Basheria, and this situation called for action. The guards gruffly questioned one of his staff but allowed the man to pass. The man joined Hutu in the storeroom and gave no notice of the jar or its contents. Only Hutu knew what it truly contained as it went to the kitchen for preparation. Hutu closed up the storeroom and locked it with a sigh of relief. He hoped to be free of these barbarians sooner rather than later. A flurry of excitement announced Anya’s wagons as they pulled into the outer courtyard

and unloaded servants and goods brought from Trusia. Anya buoyantly stepped from the gig, acknowledged the competent Roman driver at the reigns and greeted her staff in the foyer. Gaius welcomed her as though she was his guest. Hutu watched Anya take Gaius’ arm within seconds of her arrival and after giving thanks to Hutu for his tireless efforts to accommodate the uninvited guests she scurried away to one of the informal reception rooms with a view of the lush gardens. Hutu glided from room to room checking the disposition of the goods. He gave no sign of disapproval when Anya’s belongings arrived in the master’s suite, now occupied by Commander Gaius. He suggested a minor change in the layout of the suite and added a few decorative elements to appeal to Lady Anya. He silently floated through the upper halls before descending the servant’s staircase to reach the kitchens below. The staff chopped and cleaned the fruits and vegetables for the coming meal. Hutu cast an eye over their work and pointed a wrinkled finger at a few of the less than perfect edibles. Those may be given to lower members of the household; never would they be presented at the head table while he directed the household. At every turn he provided perfection for guests at Kristalmeer. Hutu had met all the important Roman men and had spoken with Darius before his introduction to the commander. As head steward and liaison between the Romans and the staff, every request passed through Hutu and he busily sorted and arranged their lives as they imposed themselves upon his master’s home. Hutu had met Lia on a previous occasion when she visited Kristalmeer with the children of Basheria. Pleasant and helpful, she knew when to speak and when to stay quiet and Hutu had appreciated her help with the children last summer when the ague spread through Trusia, killing the young and the elderly in droves. A meal sat on a tray about to go to her room but Hutu called back the servant at the last minute and fussed over it. He removed a plate of delicassies to put aside in favor of another. He snapped his fingers and the servant hastened to deliver it to Lia, confined in her room until further notice. **** Darius sat with Lia as the food arrived and they ate sparingly from the tray. Neither had much of an appetite today, thinking over their impending marriage. Darius wasn’t upset by the coming event; he had no time or thought to eat. Lia professed no desire to eat, still unwelcome in

the presence of Gaius until officially confirmed as Lady Selenus. “As soon as I have the contract you will be free to roam the house.” Darius smiled broadly. “I will never be free again! I will be the property of you, Darius Claudius Selenus, and dependent upon your good graces. “Every woman is ruled by a man, Lia. Would you rather have another officer as your husband?” “No. You are infinitely better, but it proves my point. You could wed a senator’s daughter or a rich heiress based on your family lineage. Gaius takes away your choice too.” Her theory on his ability to make a good match was correct, if he put his mind to it. But Darius didn’t want to marry for money or position or political aspirations. He married for love. Almost thirty-years-old, in a few years he planned to settle into domestic bliss with Lia and find his niche as a merchant or landowner. All they need do was find the silver and accommodate Gaius in Rome until his decommission. **** Hutu arranged the final details for the noon meal. He eyed the tasty dishes set aside for the Roman and his guests. A crooked smile crossed his lips but no one noticed. Years of training compelled his critical eye and he relentlessly flitted around the room straightening plates and chairs. Voices of Romans echoed through the hall and he bristled at their coarse use of the local dialect. He addressed them in a few basic Latin phrases, preferring not to soil his own language on them. As usual he bowed to the company and gave the signal for the food to be displayed for the guests. He watched as the commander made a few comments to the man they called Captain Darius and raise a glass. They leaned over a parchment together, took a reed pen in hand, and signed a document. The commander slapped the captain on the back and they drank together. Hutu had heard the servant gossip that Lia wed an officer today and he guessed this captain to be the lucky man. Hutu scanned the room to note those joining the commander. At that moment Lady Basheria glided into the room, a beautiful bird, colorful and chirpy, taking a seat beside the commander. The Roman grinned in satisfaction as Lady Anya followed his every move with her eyes. The steward gave no sign of disapproval, keeping his distance. He watched as the

conversation over the captain and his new wife subsided. It was suggested the officer take the afternoon to enjoy married life and after a fellow soldier offered a few lewd comments regarding the benefits of wedded bliss, he took his leave. Hutu shrugged. One man more or less would make no difference to his objective. Lady Anya sighed in satisfaction as the wine flowed and the company loaded their platters with succulent morsels from every delectable food tray. The commander reached for the honeyed figs and placed them on his plate. After a few minutes he ate one and washed it down with the fine wine from the stores of Governor Basheria, enjoying the meal and the attentions of the lovely lady at his side. Hutu left the room and headed to the kitchens, calling for the second steward to fulfill his duties. He walked quickly out of the kitchens and crossed the rear courtyard to the stables. A boy waited with a mule saddled and ready to go. Hutu swung onto the animal, took the reins and spurred the mule into action, noting the linen sack containing his earthly possessions tied to the saddle. He had arranged for every man to join in the celebration of their favorite captain’s wedding and had spiked their food with herbs to induce sleep. The indulged men would be too tired to follow his trail. Even soldiers posted at the outlying edge of the estate enjoyed the food and drink prepared by Hutu in celebration of the marriage. Congratulating himself on how easy it was to poison the commander and his officers he wished he had enough for the lot of them, instead of five or six. A severe headache loomed for the men who ate the herbs while they mourned their superiors. Hutu hurried away from Kristalmeer smacking the mule with a stick, content to have carried out his master’s wishes. Basheria had been explicit. No one must touch the treasure he worked hard to accumulate for so many years and if anyone came close to it they must be stopped. **** Darius watched Lia read the marriage contract, highly amused by her serious face. Finally she rolled up the scroll and placed it on the desk alongside the letter from her father. Dressed in a soft pink gown with a silvery shimmer to the fabric, her hair long and straight with its glossy, rich brown color, and her eyes a luminous bright green, she faced him. “You don’t have permission to join Gaius and the others yet. I’m sorry if you dressed for a celebration.”

Lia shrugged. “I dressed this way because today we are husband and wife. Do you have time for a sip of wine before you rejoin the commander and his men.” He took Lia’s hand and laced his fingers through hers. “I’m staying with you. I told you once I could talk with you all day and all night and never become bored.” She absently looked at the jade frog on his wrist.“Is there a significance to this charm, Lia?” She raised her eyes to meet his. “Yes.” “Tell me what it is?” Lia looked at the frog. “If we lived in Thalassio, girls would know you are unavailable.” Darius tipped her head to look deep into her eyes.

She blushed, “Have I offended you?” “No, you do not offend me. I am only available to you, Lia.” “Truly?” she whispered. Darius pulled her into his arms, “I’m willing to prove I care for you more than you know.” “How can you possibly do that?” “Gaius arranged our marriage and as far as he is concerned it is done and over. But,” he hesitated struggling to overcome his selfish desires. “I will take you home, untouched as promised, once Gaius is satisfied with your work in Rome. He need not know our marriage is a sham.” He released her and took a step back. Cool air rushed between them. Lia’s eyes widened. He offered the fulfillment of her contract with the commander. “Is that why you agreed to marry me? You hope to dissolve the contract at the first opportunity and none would be the wiser?” “No, but it is one way to save you from an unwanted marriage. The thought of you locked in a loveless match angers me.” Darius shrugged. “I’ve agonized over it and even though a false marriage to the most desirable woman in the Roman empire is not an easy prospect, I’m willing to try.” Darius ran his fingers through his hair, hoping she understood the gift he offered. **** Slightly dazed at his unexpected offer, Lia hadn’t been unhappy at the thought of Darius as the candidate chosen by the commander. She turned her back on him for a moment. If she

agreed, he would do his very best to keep his promise to return her home without ties to him or Rome. “There is one detail that prevents me accepting your offer, Captain.” “Whatever it is, I’ll try to overcome it.” His tone remained annoyingly neutral. Lia faced him, her green eyes shimmering in a shaft of sunlight filtering through a space between the closed shutters. She reached out her arms and he closed the distance between them. “Marriage to you could never be a loveless match. It makes a very good match and I’d be foolish to change the terms.” “You want this marriage?” “Now, more than ever.” His kiss, warm on her lips, gave her heart a wild flutter. A sigh escaped her mouth as she stood in his arms trembling with anticipation. She thought of the nights he slept on the couch, his muscular body barely covered from her curious gaze and now she would know what it was to lie with a man, not just any man. A man she desired, a man who made it clear he cared about her as a friend and as a wife. Darius picked her up and carried her to the huge bed in the adjoining room. Neither had slept in this bed. Lia had left it for him and he had been reluctant to use it. Now a joyful eagerness to waste no more time in separate beds descended over of them and they began their first encounter as man and wife with enthusiasm. They kissed over and over, laughing and whispering to one another and finally, much later, they fell asleep with legs tangled and their lips curved into a smile, dreaming their own secret dreams.

Murder Loud banging on the door of their suite roused Darius before Lia, and he jumped out of bed with an amused look on his face, pulling his tunic over his head. Lia’s questioning gaze stopped him from rushing to the door. “The men play games with me. It is customary to annoy an officer on his wedding day— or night,” he explained. “They make bets with each other, payable upon proof of the married officer’s disheveled state. The messier he looks, the better the portents for a good marriage.” Darius shrugged off their harmless fun. The banging continued relentlessly. “They will see by the grin on my face I am satisfied.” He paused to kiss her and playfully tugged on the sheets. “Don’t move. I’ll be back in a lightning flash.” Lia edged across the bed as he disappeared through the door, to listen to his banter with the men. She reveled in the warmth on his side of the bed, pressing her face into the pillow to smell his fresh manly scent. The voice of a soldier echoed through the hall, strained and agitated. Darius barked a command and the door slammed shut. He rushed into the room, scrambled into the rest of his uniform, and reached for his short sword and a small dagger. “Don’t go anywhere. Bolt the door behind me and wait for my word.” Darius spoke fast, his face tight with fury. His distress frightened her. “What has happened?” “Death,” replied Darius, “is here at the estate.” He left in a mad dash and Lia pondered the meaning of a death on her marriage day and the omens for the future. **** Darius took the sweeping staircase at a full run and burst into the dining salon in a fierce

temper. A horrendous scene waited. Marcellus and Quintus writhed on the floor, holding their sides in agony, unable to speak. Gaius vomited profusely into a bowl on the table, and Anya slumped on her chair, a blue tinge on her skin and a trail of spit dripping from her mouth. Darius held his breath at the indefinable stench, willing the meager contents of his stomach not to join his commander’s. A physician stood with Gaius holding an empty phial in his hand, encouraging him to void his roiling guts. Darius headed straight to Gaius and the physician. “Commander?” Gaius spewed forth a gush of stinking slime. Darius met the physician’s eye above the commander’s head. A Greek named Andomedes from the city of Athens travelled with Gaius constantly, his trusted servant. “He will survive, but suffer an agonizing recovery, Captain.” Andomedes always spoke plainly. “There is nothing I can do for the others, the purgative was prepared as soon as he sent for me complaining of pains. Unfortunately I have little left and it would do no good for the others now. The poison has spread through their bodies, the damage done.” Gaius sat back in his chair, his breathing rapid and ragged. “Darius, take command, find the culprit, and seal off the estate…” He twisted in agony before purging again. Darius knew what to do. Helping the sick or the dying was the physician’s work. His military training took over and he sprang into action, calling orders as he marched through the house. Many of the men held their heads, groaning in pain, but not with the same poison the officers ingested and Darius ignored their pleas for relief. He yelled and those who could obey his shouts secured the house. Within minutes Darius rounded up the household servants into one of the smaller receptions rooms with guards posted around them. A young officer arrived at his side. “Captain, the one named Hutu is unaccounted for. A boy claims he rode from the house sometime ago.” “Find a few men with the strength to saddle up and give chase to the old man. He can’t get too far. Plautus can track the direction of any horse—find him.” Darius paused, planning his next move. “And Antonius, form a detail of men to take over the household duties. We don’t want similar incidents. Use the Kristalmeer staff as tasters if you are unsure of the food.

Passwords and curfews are in effect as of now.” About to let the man go but he grabbed his arm. “First, go to my wife with the password. Tell her to come to me, immediately.” Darius kept moving through the house issuing commands and delegating men wherever needed but eventually he returned to the dining room to begin the dreaded task of removing bodies. A soldier on duty at the door was given strict instructions to keep everyone out, except for the four men assigned to the odious task of removing the dying or dead officers, and Lady Basheria. Andomedes stooped over Gaius, wiping his brow with a cool cloth, testing his resolve to stand up and walk to his suite for further ministrations. Darius saluted and gave a report as expected. Gaius nodded in gratitude at this small sign of normalcy in an otherwise sea of disruption. The stench, overwhelmingly putrid, was more noticeable on reentering the room but Darius remained unaffected. The commander demanded nothing less than complete control from his men in the face of adverse conditions. They were his soldiers; his officers; and more importantly they were Romans! **** Darius stepped into the fresh air of the inner courtyard. Lia waited on a bench, watching the door for a sign of him. Her face paled and she wrung her fingers nervously at seeing the estate in an uproar. The soldiers ignored her once she uttered the password. Darius took her by the shoulders and walked further into the gardens to find a quiet place. “Gaius has been poisoned by the head steward, Hutu.” Darius laid out the facts. “Marcellus and Quintus will die before the day is done. Gaius will recover but it will be many days, I think, before he regains his strength.” He held her hands firmly. “I’m sorry to tell you, Lady Anya is dead. The physician barely saved the commander. The others at the table were doomed.” Lia clutched his hands. “Hutu!” she exclaimed. “What compelled him to kill his mistress?” Darius shrugged. “We won’t know until we find him but I suspect he kept faithful to his governor. Our proximity to the treasure and his master’s wife may have provoked him but he hid his hatred well. Gaius will have no mercy on him, or on anyone who assisted in this foul act.”

Darius gazed into Lia’s innocent eyes. The awful truth hadn’t dawned on her yet. The victims died a vile and horrible death and once she saw Gaius’ condition she would understand the full extent of the deed. “Listen to me carefully. Hutu sent food to you on a tray and we ate a little. Touch nothing more until we know how the poison was administered. Unfortunately Hutu may kill a good deal more before the day is over.” “What do you mean?” Lia asked. “We must test any remaining food on the servants of Kristalmeer. One of his own people may be killed next.” Lia remembered the tray left untouched and the wine they shared earlier. “Darius, if you had eaten with Gaius and the others, you would be poisoned too!’ Her eyes grew big with concern. “If you had not annoyed Gaius last night with your request to reconsider…” Darius raised her hand to his lips. “We both may have been in the dining room today.” He forced a smile. “Thank the gods you were a source of irritation to Gaius and I preferred your company today.” “What now?” Lia asked. As the senior man in command, Darius had limited time to spend talking. “Help me by documenting the events. A report for the Senate regarding the deaths of Marcellus, Quintus and Lady Basheria must be prepared. Also, collect personal items for Anya’s family to send along with a letter to her father and her children.” “Yes, of course, I will start right away.” Grateful to have a task to keep her mind busy her but face paled again and Darius squeezed her hands. “What’s wrong Lia, something crossed your mind?” “Do you think we are unlucky, Darius? This is the day we became husband and wife. Why didn’t the augur warn us?” Darius smiled wryly. “On the contrary, we are the lucky ones. We escaped, completely unscathed by the poison. Now, I must attend to the commander and the men. Go to the study until I come for you.” Darius wrapped her in his arms and held her securely for a moment. “I thank the gods you are safe,” he murmured, his lips touching her temple, and then he was gone. ****

It took three days before Gaius could stand without assistance. The cramps subsided, but eating caused him extreme pain. His physician, Andomedes, carried a wooden case full of powders and herbs collected from many different countries. He blended and concocted for days, making Gaius’ life slightly better than a living hell. The dead officers and Anya were laid out on biers completely surrounded with dry wood and charcoal bricks ready to burn red hot and fully cremate the bodies. Anya’s bier was specially overseen by Gaius, as he specified her remains must be collected in an urn and sent to her father and children to memorialize her fittingly. A sad day for everyone and when biers burned bright Lia shed silent tears standing beside Darius, who carefully noted the funeral events to send in a report to the soldier’s upper class Roman families. Livid that Hutu had not been found yet, Gaius gave clear orders. Find the head steward, even it meant burning down every farmhouse and village from Kristalmeer all the way back to Trusia. The soldier’s headaches had recovered fully by the end of the first day and they searched relentlessly. Half of the men had been detailed to Hutu’s recovery and the other half were on regular duty. Darius briefly met Lia at various intervals throughout each day, hoping Gaius returned to his old self soon and he might spend more than a passing moment alone with his wife. Gaius had brought the augur and a high priest from Trusia for the funerary ceremonies. The augur acted in the same strange manner as before, hovering behind the commander. The temple priest, conservative in his approach, gave an offering to the gods for each of the dead and spent time calling for the underworld to receive them. The flames caught quickly, the thick smoke blew away on the wind in the opposite direction from the assembled officers and soldiers. Lia noticed the augur eyeing her and Darius with interest, nodding in approval. She had failed to predict the danger to Anya; perhaps she purposely held back her warning. Gaius may prove vengeful. Had he brought her to answer charges against the foretelling? When the flames reached a full roar the assembly dispersed, and the servants returned to their duties under guard. Even though some were from the mansion in Trusia, Gaius took no chance of another faithful servant acting for his old master. The dining room reflected the somber occasion, the food simple, the wine excellent, and the conversation strained. Gaius sat at the head of the table. Darius sat across from Lia, the priest

and other officers beside them, including Antonius. The augur sat opposite Gaius at the far end of the table. During the meal the old woman stood up and walked the room. On reaching Darius she placed her hands on his shoulders and he turned to Gaius for his acceptance. No one moved or dared breathe as the augur closed her eyes and chanted in a strange tongue. She snapped out of her trance and gave a satisfied smile. “Your seed is sown. A child is coming.” Lia visibly flinched. “We’ve been married three days, how can you possibly know I carry a child?” She grumbled, in an argumentative mood for Anya’s sake. The augur ignored her and spoke to Gaius. “A man from Rome comes this way.” Gaius nodded as though it confirmed a suspicion. Lia ached to leave the room but dared not anger Gaius so soon after his ordeal. She kept her eyes on Darius, who gave the ghost of a smile, reassuring as always. “Basheria’s woman traveled the path destined by the gods. It is not for me to meddle in their business.” Lia swallowed hard, upset by the augur. “Could you not have prevented any of it?” She asked through gritted teeth. A cackle echoed throughout the room as the augur placed her hands on Lia’s shoulder. “You and your precious husband were unharmed.” The crone looked to Gaius as her hands pressed on Lia. “Rome waits for you. Keep the captain close to his wife until she is near her time.” The augur moved on to Antonius who sat in fascination at the woman’s words. “You have a fine future ahead of you, young man.” She shuffled out of the room, avoiding the high priest out of spiritual courtesy. Lia asked the commander for permission to retire. He nodded and waved her away but kept Darius to discuss security. She waited in the lush garden watching the fish swim in the pond. If she carried a child it would be a thrill. She loved children and hoped to be a good mother, and Darius proved himself more than she hoped for in a husband. He would make a wonderful father. He came from behind and put his arms around her, breathed in her flowery scent and held her firmly in his arms.

“Gaius has given Antonius the night duty. I am free until dawn,” Darius whispered. Lia nuzzled against him. Always warm and clean, his aura emanated strength and safety. “Are you upset, Lia?” “Why do you ask? I am happy we have time together,” she replied dreamily, remembering their first afternoon in bed. “I mean the augur’s predictions. Are you upset?” “It is not difficult to predict a newly married couple will have a child.” Lia smiled as Darius led her toward the vast grounds of the estate. “Where are we going?” Puzzled, she realized he took her somewhere not previously allowed for exploration. “This path leads to the family crypt of Basheria. It’s identified on a map of the grounds but no one has had a chance to visit the site yet. And I could use the fresh air. I swear death lingers in the dining salon.”

The Crypt A stone structure shaped like a miniature temple came into view. Basheria worshipped in the Trusian tradition, styling crypts in the Greek fashion with numerous ionic columns topped with intricate work, coated in white alabaster for a smooth, creamy finish. The workmanship, exquisitely crafted, awed Lia and she walked hand-in-hand with Darius around the perimeter of the crypt to find a beautifully carved inscription on a marble tablet, placed at a forty-five degree angle making it easy to read while admiring the work of art. All we hold dear and beloved lies beneath Toiled and pained in our grief Rise into thy destiny without fear Revered and treasured forever near In every alcove between the columns a plaque bore the name of an ancestor of Basheria immortalized with the dates of battles they had fought. Only those with titles or positions of importance received mention. The governor, a known egomaniac and ruthless businessman, ignored the lesser members of his family. Lia found the inscriptions amusing, but puzzling that Basheria placed the crypt in a quiet, unobtrusive place on his estate. She turned when footsteps sounded behind them. Gaius sat on a chair carried by four men; one at each corner, and his physician, Andomedes, accompanied him. “Thank you, Captain for coming to meet me. I hope Lady Selenus doesn’t mind a few moments of your time to study the crypt.” Gaius’ men lowered him to the ground and stepped out of earshot. Andomedes stood by the chair, to assist Gaius if need be. Pale and drained, but with a will of iron, the commander pursued the treasure with undeniable ferocity.

Lia greeted him pleasantly, happy in her husband’s company. “I agree we should enter the structure and look for evidence of the silver,” Darius commented to Gaius. “We begin tomorrow at dawn when you return to your duties, and by midday I expect to have our questions answered.” A smug grimace crossed his face, certain the silver lay inside the miniature temple of Athena. Lia walked slowly around the crypt, noting the symmetry of the building, fascinated by architecture and the mathematical challenges to construct such a building. She counted the columns and the number of inscribed tablets lining the alcoves. Something bothered her but the reason eluded her for now. Darius listened to Gaius and his instructions for the excavation, but Lia sensed his eagerness to finish their conversation. The commander had tired quickly under the stress of the day’s funerary events. Anya’s demise caused him a great deal of sadness he would never admit. Lia read the inscription on the marble tablet once more, concentrating on the words. Darius appeared at her side, sliding his hand around her waist. “Let’s be away from this place. Gaius is finished for today.” **** The next morning at dawn Darius started work with a group of men intending to open the crypt. Lia arrived on site to see them sounding the floor, preparing to drill for evidence of hidden rooms and a cache of riches. She brought him food and drink, since he planned to oversee the digging from start to finish. The men worked on the crypt, uneasy at disturbing the dead for no good reason, superstitious in their belief of tempting an unlucky occurrence. Lia viewed the crypt in silence, contemplating the architecture as Gaius appeared, assisted by Andomedes, looking sullen and morose. If he had expected to find his silver among the dead then he had been proved wrong. “It’s too tall.” She stood next to Gaius, who sat in a chair brought from the house. “What is?” Gaius hardly bothered with her musings. “The temple is too tall to be an exact replica. Athena is perfection in symmetry and proportion. This falls short of an acceptable comparison. I’m surprised Basheria allowed it to stand. He accepted nothing but the best and may the gods be called upon for mercy if an error

happened on a project as important as this one.” Gaius scrutinized the temple closely. “Yes, I see what you mean. The roof is thick and cumbersome at the back end. From the front view it’s not noticeable. Perhaps the governor missed it when the builders finished.” Lia shook her head. “A basic knowledge of design shows something is amiss.” Her fingers drummed against her leg. Gaius smiled in approval. “I wonder if it was deliberate.” “The silver lies not in the crypt but the crypt provides a clue. Have you read the inscription at the front of the temple, Commander?” “No, not yet. I expect it’s a crude self-promotion from a man blowing his horn far into the future.” Lia recited the verse. All we hold dear and beloved lies beneath Toiled and pained in our grief Rise into thy destiny without fear Revered and treasured forever near “Surprisingly plain from a man with extravagant ideas about himself,” Lia said thoughtfully. Gaius agreed. “It reads like a message beyond the grave to someone looking for the same thing we seek.” Lia glanced at Gaius sideways. “Is there a certain person on the trail, Commander? “Most definitely a certain someone, Lia. And for your sake I hope he never realizes your efforts to recover Basheria’s wealth for the treasury.” Gaius pressed his bloodless fingers together. “Have you ever heard mention of Scipio Scaveolus?” “I have heard the name whispered with fear in the house at Trusia. I thought the servants exaggerated.” “Scaveolus is a greedy, self-serving, egotist worming his way into the good graces of the wealthy. The servants know of his reputation for selling to slave traders for large profits.” Gaius

rubbed his face as he speculated the crypt’s secrets. Darius appeared with an excited look in his eyes, and smiled briefly at Lia before addressing Gaius. “Commander, we have found steps ascending to a trapdoor leading to the roof.” Darius assisted Gaius as they walked to the crypt. They reached the marble rungs and the anticipation mounted as Lia took over and held Gaius’ arm in support. Darius eagerly climbed the marble steps. Lia watched his quick movements overhead as he maneuvered the trap door and pushed himself through the opening. For a few minutes Gaius and Lia exchanged uneasy glances until Darius reappeared. “A small door leads to the outer roof.” Lia scrambled up, her curiosity burning. Darius helped her through the trapdoor to the doorway. “Let’s go through,” she suggested. “I go first, in case Basheria set a trap.” Darius slid the bolt slowly and passed through the doorway with caution. Lia followed and they eyed the scene from the temple roof. The mountain loomed in the distance with the lake shimmering like silver. The roof of the main house showed over the top of the trees to the right and to the centre and left stood the thick woods beyond the crypt. Darius pulled Lia into his arms and kissed her on the mouth, his hands skimming the curve of her hips. “Damn this assignment for taking up so much time,” he whispered. Lia hugged him and took in the scene one last time before they returned to Gaius. “No signs of hidden treasure up above and not much more than a nice view of the estate,” Darius reported. Gaius groaned. “I will venture up when I feel stronger in a few days.” They left the musty interior and returned to the edge of the gardens to see Andomedes watching with a worried look. A movement caught their eye. A soldier approached. He saluted the commander first, then Darius, and waited for the signal to speak. “Commander, the steward, Hutu, has been found. The search party returns within the hour.” Gaius nodded soberly and waved away the soldier. His lips curled up into a wry smile. “Seal the crypt, Captain and have it well guarded. No one enters without my authority.”

The physician assisted him to the house to rest until Hutu’s interrogation. Darius squeezed Lia’s hand. “I must be present when he confronts Hutu.” “What fate awaits him?” Lia shivered. “No mercy. I can’t begin to guess at the punishment waiting for a man who dared poison the great Gaius Reginus.” **** Gaius spent the rest of the day enjoying the temperate pools of the Kristalmeer estate and a massage from the boy, Bero. Dressed in his formal toga, Gaius relished the complete control he had over the steward’s life. A large copper mirror, polished to a brilliant shine, hung on the wall of Gaius’ suite. He surveyed the reflection, admiring his fit figure, handsome face and golden hair, before heading to the large formal reception room to view the prisoner. Gaius entered the room aware of more people than expected. Darius waited by the desk to brief him on the situation. Gaius looked at no one, save for his captain. “Commander, the steward was found in a neighboring villa, sheltered by a family without knowledge of his crimes. The owner maintains innocence to any part in this heinous act.” Gaius listened blandly, unimpressed with the details. His mood darkened as his capacity for tolerance stretched to its limit. “How many prisoners do we have, Captain?” “Four,” Darius replied. Gaius glanced about the room recognizing Hutu who returned his cold glare, unafraid and defiant. A guard gave Hutu a thud in the gut with a well-placed elbow and the steward doubled over. Gaius expected his men to take out their frustration on a man who unleashed wanton devastation in the dining room and paid no mind to the soldier. The charges were read out to an unresponsive Hutu, and Gaius signed them with a flourish. “I plan your death with great joy. I will see you writhe in agony as I did. Take this filth out of my sight. Guard him well, Antonius, you are responsible for him.” The men dragged the prisoner from the room. “Who are the others and where is the villa?” Gaius sat at the desk scribbling notes. Darius leaned forward to discuss them.

“A widow and her two children from a nearby villa where Hutu hid for a few days. Our men, carried away at finding the steward, set their place alight and it’s now uninhabitable.” Gaius grunted without sympathy, he had suffered immeasurably over the last four days and cared little for a burned down villa. “Her name is Janali Petronius and her children are…” Gaius held up his hand looking beyond Darius to rest his eyes on the woman in question. In her early thirties with raven black hair and large, dark brown eyes framed with delicately arched eyebrows, she watched him warily but with respect. Her oval-shaped face with smooth bronzed skin, high cheekbones and a generous mouth, intrigued him. “Commander, I have no knowledge of the crimes against you and wish you to know I harbored the steward because of the lies he told.” Gaius strode over to the woman, staring into her lovely face. “What lie?” “His trouble with the mule. He claimed it injured and insisted he rest for a night and a day, before resuming his journey. I had no reason to believe he ran from a crime.” Gaius studied her in detail, finding no fault with her looks or gentle, melodic voice. “You took pity on the man as a good neighbor must in the wilderness of the mountains.” His dark, sullen mood lifted confronted with an attractive woman who relied on his kindness. “My soldier’s erred in their judgment and I will assist you in any way I can. You are safe n this house. Join me for dinner tonight to discuss your situation.” Gaius glanced at Darius, a glint in his eye. “You and your wife will join us.” **** Lia waited for word concerning Hutu, knowing full well the steward’s execution would brutally send a message to others who resented Roman rule. Darius arrived, tired and dusty, and Lia waved him into the room with a personal sized pool. A hot bath with fragrant salts waited to soothe and refresh her husband. He slid gratefully into the water rewarding her with one of his dazzling smiles. “I’ll wash your hair, you lie back and relax.” Lia picked up a pot of cleansing salts. “Why not call a servant to do it?” Darius lay back, eyes closed as she poured warm water

over his head. “No, I will do it. We can use the time to talk about Hutu’s interview with Gaius. “We are required to dine with Gaius and a woman named Janali Petronius, the one who harbored Hutu in her villa.” Darius wiped the water out of his eyes. “Dinner! Gaius invited her to dinner?” Lia gasped, shocked and curious all at once. “She is an attractive widow. Gaius can’t resist a woman in distress.” Lia looked at Darius pointedly. “He didn’t resist Anya and she died before spending one night at Kristlameer.” “He would have done everything in his power to save her but the poison hampered his judgement.” Lia blushed with guilt. “You’re right; he wouldn’t wish that on anyone.” “He wishes it on the steward.” “I can’t believe Hutu did such a thing. What possessed him to poison them?” “Fear and a misplaced loyalty to the governor.” Darius thought for a moment. “Stay away when his punishment is carried out. It will be an awful sight.” Silent for a few minutes, Lia scrubbed the dirt out of his hair. “How are you feeling today?” Darius whispered. Lia smiled knowing he referred to the augur’s prediction of a child. “It’s too early to support or contradict the crone.” He leaned forward to kiss her and circled his arms about her, soaking her dress with water. “We could work on it before dinner. After all, we don’t want to prove the crone wrong and have her ill-wish us.” His warm breath tickled her neck. Lia raised her eyebrows, about to reply but someone knocked on the door of their suite. Lia wrapped a cloak around her shoulders to hide her wet dress before answering. Antonius waited outside. “A message for the captain, Lady Selenus.” Lia nodded as Antonius gave her the message. She meandered into the room where Darius relaxed in the tub. “Take your time. The commander chooses to dine alone with his new lady. We are not required to attend.” It irked Lia that Gaius dined with another woman so soon after Anya’s demise.

“Shall we send for our food to be served here or make other arrangements?” Darius asked. Lia smiled, “It’s just the two of us for a change, without anyone else for company.” She slid the bolt across the door. Darius flicked water at her and made a mock apology. “Too bad your dress is wet. You should take it off and dry it by the brazier.” Lia ruffled his hair then took his advice and hung her dress over a chair. After lowering her naked body into the warm, sweet smelling water beside her husband, she kissed him for a long time, and Darius groaned in pleasure as they washed the day’s dirt off one another.

The Hill Lia worked on scrolls for most of the next morning until she tired of sifting through the contents of one boring letter after another. She missed Darius and thought of him outside at the crypt looking for clues. Eager to see what they discovered she searched for her husband. She scanned the crypt to see Darius on the roof with Gaius and two soldiers edging the perimeter. One soldier took notes as the two men discussed items of interest. Lia watched for a few moments before entering the crypt, planning to climb the ladder to the rooftop. The interior of the building had been brightly lit with lamps this particular day and the rear wall caught her attention. An etching of the mountain and lake carved in marble decorated the wall. A small mound in the foreground of the majestic vista jumped out of the frieze. An artist had purposely added this element to his creation but what gave it significance? Lia climbed the ladder to Darius and Gaius who contemplated the rooftop at the far end of the building. Lia looked out over the treetops to the mountain and the lake, seeing no sign of the mound depicted in the etching inside the crypt. Motionless for a few moments, she absorbed the scene before descending the ladder to view the etching a second time. Her fingertip traced the lines of the marble, feeling its cool smoothness. She left the crypt without a backward glance, heading for the house to sit in the centre courtyard and gaze at the tiny fish circling the pond. If she informed Gaius of her suspiscion they would be on their way to Rome within days. Life with Darius could change for better or worse. She sighed, watching the fish swim in undending circles, their mouths constantly opening and closing. The people of Rome may be like fish in a pond, circling, waiting and grasping for any tasty morsel that passed their way. She wanted more time at Kristalmeer with Darius before life changed to suit Gaius and his purpose. Powerless against his wish to travel to Rome and be part of his household, which he deemed a great honour, Lia shrugged off the despair and decided to wait and see what they discovered without her interference. For now she was content to spend

time with her handsome, loving husband and enjoy her newfound marital bliss. After a quick meal in the kitchen she ventured out to the grounds of the estate and passed near the edge of the crypt and disappeared into the woods. A narrow dirt path wound its way through the woods and she followed the trail. Curiosity overcame any reservations about waiting for Darius and Gaius’ approval. What they didn’t know wouldn’t hurt and she may be wrong about the etching and its significance. Hurrying through the woods, hoping to be at the far end within an hour, Lia miscalculated badly and after a long trek, she considered retreating but pride and the nagging thought she closed in on something kept her going. Just when she feared the end of the trail eluded her, she broke through the trees and stepped out the other side. The sun dropped in the late afternoon sky, leaving little time to dally before darkness fell. A small grassy hillock, startlingly similar to the etching in the crypt, sat a few cubits from the wood. Lia’s pulse quickened and her throat dried in anticipation. She approached the mound and slowly paced its circumference, taking approximately one hundred steps to complete a full circle. Twice as tall as a man, she ran up one side and stood at the top to look in all directions, seeing the mountain and the lake but the house and the grounds were obscured by the woods. No natural formation of this kind existed anywhere else on the grounds. The structure must be man made. Gods! The commander has his silver and I will be sent to Rome. Lia sighed, neither relieved nor panicked at the discovery. As she retraced her steps through the wood a snake slithered across her path, making her jump in fright and she hit her head on a low branch of a bended tree. She fell to the ground with a thud and as a wispy moon prepared to rise into the late day sky, she slipped into oblivion. **** Darius searched the house and the grounds, increasingly irritated with Lia for leaving no message with the guards. No one recalled seeing her since the midday meal. The commander asked him to meet in the dining salon with Lia, and Darius knew it was an order not an invitation. Antonius passed Darius in the hall, acknowledging his captain on his way to the soldiers’ quarters. “Have you seen Lady Selenus?” Darius asked not expecting any valuable information.

Antonius stopped in his tracks. “She went into the woods beyond the crypt.” “Into the woods? When? Why?” A tremor of fear ran through his body. “This afternoon she climbed the roof with you and the commander. Later she walked into the woods. I assumed she acted on your behalf.” Darius shook his head and the tension between the men crackled. Both jumped into action. “I’ll inform Gaius! You call every available man to join in a search of the woods immediately. Fetch lanterns to light the way. The sun is setting fast.” Darius ran with lightning speed as Antonius yelled commands to every soldier within hearing. Darius raced to Gaius and banged on the door of his suite, yelling his name. The door wrenched open and Gaius knew without asking something was dreadfully wrong. “She’s missing! She ventured into the woods beyond the crypt and has not returned.” Gaius need not ask to whom Darius referred and he dashed out without further explanation. They split the assembled men into three groups. Darius planned to go through the woods starting at the crypt. Antonius would stay on the estate and search the grounds around the house. Gaius chose to ride with a small number of men to the far side of the woods to check the perimeter before sending his men on foot into the woods to meet Darius’ men from the other side. Darius forced himself to concentrate without falling into a blind panic, methodically searching with his men as though on a routine exercise and not a rescue mission for his beloved wife, but his guts roiled as he entered the darkening woods, and he cursed his luck that he had not sought his wife earlier in the afternoon. The lantern swayed in front of him as he scanned the ground, moving swiftly into the blackness ahead. His men followed, their lanterns lighting the surrounding woods making it brighter a few paces in all directions. Glowing light moved steadily through the woods to meet the soldiers at the far end of the wood looking for a narrow entry path. In the space of an hour and just when Darius had lost all hope of finding Lia in the godforsaken darkness he spied a crumpled heap on the pathway and knew instantly he had found his wife.

In two heartbeats he knelt at her side as his men held the light high to illuminate the scene. He touched her gently and rolled her over, his heart lurched when her eyes fluttered and she gave a soft groan when he held her head in one hand and rubbed her cheek with the other. She tried to open her eyes but slipped into a daze. Darius waved the men carrying a makeshift litter forward and lifted Lia’s inert body onto its thick canvas sheet. As Darius gave the order to raise the litter, Gaius and his men arrived on the scene. Gaius glanced at Darius’ worried face. “Is she badly hurt?” He gave the signal for the men to begin moving. Darius shrugged. “Unless she is diagnosed properly it will be difficult to know.” “Andomedes will have her on her feet in a few days.” Offering his personal physician was extremely generous. Andomedes rarely attended anyone but the commander. Antonius waited at the house with his men, after a message from Gaius and a cheer sounded when the litter carrying the captain’s wife arrived. The physician examined Lia’s headwound and cleaned the scrapes on her hands and knees. Darius hovered in the room waiting to assist if needed. Andomedes gave Lia a potion and insisted she sleep for the night. Darius watched her carefully to alert the physician if needed. He sat in the chair beside Lia all night, regularly checking her breathing. Gaius sent word the men were under the command of Antonius for the next few days and he wished to speak with Lia and Darius as soon as she recovered, curious why Lia had ventured into the woods unaccompanied. During the long night Lia stirred in her sleep, babbling incomprehensibly, her voice strained and tense. Darius made no sense of her mumblings and considered calling Andomedes, but she settled after he whispered reassurances. Next to the bed dozing lightly as the sun came up, he heard his name and opened his eyes to see her watching him curiously. “Am I in terrible trouble?” “Why would you ask?” Lia frowned, winced and reached for her head. “You ran into a branch, according to Andomedes. You have a few cuts and scrapes, and

other than an aching head for a day or two, you will be back to normal soon.” Darius smiled when she slumped into the pillows. “What were you doing alone and so far from the house?” Darius fought to keep his distress out of his voice. “I had an idea about the silver and where it may be located and I stupidly followed an impulse.” Lia blushed at her folly. “You think it’s in the woods?” Lia shrugged. “Beyond the woods.” Darius decided it was best to let Gaius question her when her strength returned but not before Andomedes approved. “Would you like some food or drink? The physician will come to see you now that you are awake. With his permission you can get up, if you like.” Darius paused before going in search of food. “I’m glad we found you when we did.” Lia looked wide-eyed. “What do you mean we? What are you talking about?” “We called every available man to look for you.” “Who found me?” she whispered. “I stumbled upon you first with my search party. We carried you home on a litter and Andomedes tended your injuries. Luckily, Antonius saw you enter the woods near the crypt.” **** Andomedes entered the room as Darius left in search of food. “Is the patient better this morning?” Andomedes questioned as his probing fingers pressed her forehead. Lia didn’t reply, too busy thinking about Darius and the look on his face. He seemed different and she wasn’t sure why. Perhaps he waited for the physician’s confirmation of recovery before tearing a strip off her. If Darius chose leniency then likely Gaius fumed. Every time she made headway in the commander’s favor a set back occurred. She groaned but shook her head when Andomedes gave her a questioning glance. “I’m fine, my head is better. The scratches hurt when I frown, that’s all.” Andomedes worked quickly and gave a satisfied nod. “I suggest you rest for a day or two without strenuous activity.” Lia watched curiously as he worked.

“Why are you in attendance and not the house physician? Are you here without the commander’s knowledge?” Andomedes laughed out loud, something Lia had never heard before. “Absolutely not! The commander personally requested I attend you. I serve no one but him and it is not for me to question his wishes.” He held Lia’s gaze for a moment. “And wise for you to do the same, now you are in his service.” “Are you afraid of him?” Lia asked. He shook his head. “No, he is fair and just, but expects loyalty and obedience and may the gods help those who do not give what is expected. Last night, his concern for your well-being and for the state of your husband was touching.” Lia sat up. “What do you mean concern for my husband?” Andomedes smiled knowingly. “The Captain performed his duties admirably even with his wife lost on a vast estate without a clue to her whereabouts. Your husband hasn’t slept or rested properly since you disappeared, in fact he sat by your bed in a vigil last night trusting no one to look after you.” Andomedes rose to his feet and inclined his head to Lia. “I will report you are well and you may return to your duties tomorrow. Good day, Lady Selenus.” As Andomedes left the room Darius returned with the promised food. “Eat and drink, and then rest. Gaius wants you better tomorrow.” “Did you mention to him I might have located the silver?” Lia asked. Darius gave a wry smile. “No, he would drag you back through the woods if he knew. But I refuse to put you through that. He can wait until tomorrow. I have arranged to spend the day with you and Antonius offered to deal with pressing matters for Gaius.” Lia eyed him carefully. “You are supervising me in case I disappear again,” she whispered lightly. “You don’t trust me and think I may be wrong about the silver. Gaius will be irritated if I lead him on a wild goose chase.” Darius shook his head. “That’s not it at all, Lia. You have found another valuable clue, but I prefer you recover from last night’s ordeal.” Lia wasn’t quite convinced and pushed the issue. “All I have are a few cuts and bruises. Ask Andomedes if you must.” She paused briefly, steeling her nerve. “But there is more to this

than my recovery. Something bothers you and it has nothing to do with treasure. What’s wrong, Darius?” She picked up a piece of fruit. “Andomedes thought last night was more of an ordeal for you than for me.” Her eyes locked onto his and a flicker of annoyance crossed his face. “The physician should mind his tongue,” Darius offered tersely. Lia smiled and held out her hand. “You had no sleep. Will you lie down beside me if I try to rest a little more?” Warmly inviting Darius to her bed, she craved to spend time with him. Darius slipped in beside her, pulling her close. Quiet for a long time, each caught up in their own thoughts, they embraced but soon Lia turned to Darius and scanned his chiseled profile. She whispered, “Will you ever tell me who she is?” Darius said nothing. Lia waited, knowing until he was ready to speak he would give nothing away. He reached for her hand and bit his lip, choosing his words with care. “Her name was Claudia. Ten years ago I took her on a trip to a city in the north called Carsus, to visit friends. A message arrived and I left for a few days thinking she would be fine. But shortly after barbarians invaded the city.” Darius looked down at their entwined hands. “The invaders attacked women, children, and old men too infirm to go to war. Many died in the attack and when I returned to the city I found Claudia alive, but in a bad way. Our friends were dead and we returned home. Claudia was never the same and I didn’t realize exactly what had happened to her until months later.” Lia watched as emotions flitted across his face and he struggled to stay in control. Silent for a long time, Lia had to speak to snap him back to the present. “What happened to Claudia?” Darius winced. Lia imagined him deeply in love with this girl if he grieved after all this time. “Claudia killed herself,” he whispered. “Why?” “She carried a child and it could only have been from an attacker in Carsus.”

Appalled, Lia had many questions but Darius muttered on in a daze. “Claudia killed herself in shame and misery and I am to blame. If I had stayed with her, if I had taken her with me when I left, it would all have been so different.” Darius ran his hand through his dark hair and lay back on the pillow. Distress etched across his face. “Now you understand why you cannot run around the estate alone and unsupervised, thinking to take care of yourself.” Lia couldn’t see the connection between this woman and her own predicament. “Darius, it happened ten years ago. You can’t take the blame for a city under attack. And Claudia should have told you about the child. You would have done the honorable thing and married her.” Darius shook his head. “Impossible.” His eyes pierced hers, gloomy and unreadable. “Why not? You loved her and think of her often. Am I right?” Darius offered her a twisted smile. “I think of Claudia everyday. Her image is burned in my mind.” Lia had not expected a forthright answer over his feelings for another woman and regretted the impulse to question him. As he confessed his love she stayed silent, struggling for words to ease his pain. Darius suddenly put his arm around her and pulled her close. “Lia,” he said, softly. “Claudia was my sister. My twin sister died because I left on an errand, leaving her with friends.” Lia’s head spun and she tried to calm her racing thoughts. Darius stood up in alarm. “I’ll call for Andomedes. You look pale and need one of his remedies.” “No!” Lia grasped at his arm, to stop him. “Don’t go. I am caught off guard. I thought this woman was a childhood sweetheart, the love of your life perhaps, but she was your sister, someone completely irreplaceable in your life.” Darius cupped Lia’s face in his hand and looked solemnly into her eyes. “You are the love of my life. I’ve never spoken about Claudia to anyone. My parents haven’t seen me since her death and I doubt they want a reminder of their loss. I signed with Gaius’ division shortly after in hopes of escaping my misery. I’ve been on the march for ten years, not stopping to think of life before the military. When I met you in Trusia I made sure you were safe and protected. You remind me of Claudia; so young and beautiful, and clever. I had to

look after you, no matter what. That’s why I put my ring on your finger.” Darius groaned, rubbing the stubble on his jaw. “And you were forced into marriage by Gaius and his greedy eye for silver and his plan to secure the future by returning to Rome in triumph, a good deal richer because of your efforts. It’s not the way I had hoped to win your affection but if we are to stay ahead of our illustrious commander we must improvise.” Lia wrapped her arms around him, grateful for his declaration. The love of his life! “Is this too much? You must rest for a while and we’ll talk about this later.” He eyed her cautiously. “Can we stay like this until tomorrow, before we face the commander and his questons?” Lia whispered. “Whatever you want, Lia." Darius laced their fingers together. "As long as you are safe."

Proposal Gaius paced Basheria’s study, reading dispatches from the daily messenger. He finished quickly and rolled up the scrolls marking them for his clerk to file properly. He read Lia’s description of the poisoning and the subsequent deaths of Anya and the two officers. The Senate demanded an account of all officer deaths under his command. He read the stark details of Hutu’s crimes, impressed with Lia’s ability in the face of horrific circumstances. She had also written a detailed account for the officer’s families, carefully worded and eloquently written so Gaius need only sign the papers. The families would know their men died heroically, fulfilling their duty. Gaius penned his signature and put his seal on the documents. A difficult letter to read was the one to the family of Anya. Lia had written a touching account of those final days. She dealt with the death as accidental on the steward’s part in the case of Anya, since it was of no to help the family to speculate on the steward’s intentions. Lia dealt with the facts gently and Gaius, fond of Anya, and having experienced the poison, knew how painful an ending it had been. He eyed the urn containing Anya’s ashes and gazed at the ornate object wishing her life spared. He would be glad to leave this place as soon as possible and return to Rome, growing anxious even though they had progressed quickly Lia’s help. The door opened and a man named Kirsha entered. As he approached, Gaius held out a small leather pouch filled with coins. Kirsha took the pouch and it disappeared beneath his tunic. “You are pleased with my work, Commander?” Kirsha exuded confidence. “I expect the best result and it has been achieved so far.” Gaius answered tonelessly. The man was amply paid for his services and Gaius had no need to compliment him further. Kirsha eyed him and Gaius raised an eyebrow, inviting him to speak. “The Captain has given me a message for a man in Thalassio.” Gaius nodded.

Kirsha removed a scroll from the leather bag at his side and handed it over. After a quick perusal, Gaius shrugged. “Leave it with me.” Kirsha bowed and left the room. Gaius studied the letter to Lia’s father informing him of her marriage and stay in Kristalmeer. She mentioned her forthcoming travel to Rome but nothing in the letter was improper or indiscreet when it discussed the business Gaius conducted at the Basheria estate. After issuing a few orders to the soldiers in the hall, Gaius discreetly returned the letter to Kirsha. His mind roamed the events of the past weeks. Claudia! Claudia! Claudia! Lia reminded him of Darius’ sister. Gaius hadn’t thought of Claudia in a long time, although he had once loved her passionately, and the memories haunted the darker recesses of his mind. Even with Darius working up the ranks to become his right-hand man, it hadn’t brought Claudia to mind easily, but Lia evoked thoughts and memories buried years ago. The crone had warned him off Lia and he had quickly married her to Darius, following the old woman’s advice. Darius had fallen over himself to take her as a wife and he too might be reminded of Claudia. Now Gaius would take her to Rome and install her in his home with Darius in attendance, to show the world—and his wife—he was not interested in Lia other than as a personal assistant. Not many people remembered or even knew of his betrothal to Claudia Selenus before her death. And in fact, it had been his idea for Darius and Claudia to visit his cousin in Carsus. Pining to see Claudia, and with their marriage a year away, he devised the idea of accidentally meeting her. Everything had gone wonderfully well until he had been called away by his superior, Senator Honoratus Valerian. And Gaius stupidly took Darius along, to show him the military unit in hopes he would join them later in the year. Disaster struck and Gaius had gone straight into battle north of Carsus to repel invaders. By the time the fighting with Honoratus ended, the news of his beloved Claudia’s death had reached him. Devastated, he swore to take revenge on the barbarians who precipitated the demise of his love. Darius took the brunt of the blame from his family for Claudia’s death and chose not to implicate Gaius as the reason for the visit to Carsus.

After a number of years, Gaius married the daughter of Honoratus, his superior at that time, a well-connected senator looking to marry his daughter to a fully Roman nobleman. Gaius agreed to the match based on opportunity rather than love. He met the girl after signing the contract, pleasantly surprised to find a woman worthy of a rising young senator. Along with her father’s wealth and ambition, she was physically and mentally acceptable, though nowhere as stunning as his beloved Claudia. Gaius had a daughter and a son with Honoria, and after eight years of marriage she ran his home efficiently and expertly as expected from a woman in her position. Gaius had no complaints with her and enjoyed his Roman wife when at home but when on campaign it was at his own discretion if he sought out other women. Roman men had a set of rules for the spoils of war including mistresses and concubines halfway around the empire. Gaius sighed and stretched his long legs in front of the brazier. He hadn’t seen Honoria in over a year and wondered if she would welcome their semi-permanent houseguests. She had no choice in the matter, but it was better not to rock the marital boat if possible when one’s fatherin-law proved a powerful ally. Gaius would speak to Darius on the matter of Lia’s responsibilities and the required expectations while living at his villa. An unbidden image of Claudia entered his mind. They had spent time alone at the house in Carsus and he treasured his memories of her. It caused him a new and strange angst to realize Lia’s likeness to his beautiful Claudia. On a pedestal, far above the reach of mere mortals, while in his early thirties as his world seemed untouchable and life perfectly planned, she was snatched away without warning. Blinded for years by the false assumption that no woman could come close to Claudia, but now Lia filled his mind day and night. He prayed to the gods the crone was right and she carried Darius’ child and that he could keep her at arm’s length. His future depended on it. Gaius recalled the woman, Janali, suddenly interested in her whereabouts. He set off to grace her with his dazzling company. He encountered her near his rooms on the upper floor of the house. She smiled warmly. “Commander, I’ve organized the servants to care for your rooms properly. Their work is shoddy and slack since the death of the mistress and the absence of Hutu. I hope you don’t mind but I cannot abide a lack of excellence due to poor guidance.” Gaius nodded gratefully. “Thank you for your concern. I wish to discuss the matter of

your stay here at Kristalmeer. Are you willing to hear my proposal?” Janali held his gaze. “Of course, Commander. I only hope I can satisfy you.” Gaius steered her into his suite, poured two goblets of the finest wine and gestured for her to sit. “I plan to rebuild your home, as my men burned it to the ground in their zeal to find the fiend who poisoned the Lady Anya. It requires time and input from you, and I need someone to oversee this estate while I am occupied elsewhere. I propose you take responsibility here and in return your new home will be ready by the end of the year.” Gaius sat back to gauge Janali’s reaction. “That’s a wonderful idea. My children will continue with their tutor and visit nearby friends and I can be useful.” She smiled with true pleasure at the opportunity. “I thought you might enjoy running things here. Begin immediately. You have already noticed things are awry.” Gaius raised his glass and toasted her new status. “I will inform the staff right away. You report to me and Captain Darius for now.” “Yes, Commander,” Janali said softly. Gaius caught the tone of her voice. “Are you leaving Kristalmeer soon?’ she asked, disappointment lacing her words. “I’m not exactly sure of the date, but soon enough.” Gaius echoed her dismay. This was Gaius at his best. Befriending a lovely widow until duty called him to take his leave. He set down his goblet and stood up. Janali rose with him, gazing with her lovely brown eyes. He held open his arms and she stepped eagerly into his embrace. “How can I thank you for your kindness,” she whispered, tilting her face to receive his kiss.

A Bounty Lia waited for Gaius to rant and rave after her misfortune in the woods. She expected a lecture on walking the grounds without an escort, or the fact every man had been called out in the dark because of her thoughtlessness. Surprisingly, Gaius gently took her hand, asking if she was ready to continue her duties. Lia found it odd the way he fussed and she tried to catch Darius’ eye during their time in his office, but Darius remained calm and unreadable, watching Gaius while keeping his own counsel. They sipped their drinks as Gaius smiled benignly and talked nonchalantly of trivial matters while Lia itched to tell him of the hillock beyond the woods. She could stand it no longer and cut into his story midsentence, interrupting bluntly. “Commander, I may have found the silver.” She paused, holding her breath. Gaius’ head rotated in a comical fashion as he changed the direction of his gaze from Darius to Lia. Silence fell between them for a moment. Gaius opened his mouth and no sound came out but he found his voice quickly, though his manner changed from informal to serious in the space of a heartbeat. “You may have found the silver. Why do you think such a thing, Lady Selenus?” The tension in the room increased ten fold. Lia’s palms dampened and her throat dried up. She gulped her drink then set it down, meeting the commander’s gaze as he sat perched on the edge of his chair. “I…it happened the day before yesterday. I entered the crypt and before climbing the ladder I stopped to look at the frieze on the inner wall.” Gaius nodded. “Yes, I have seen it. Not uncommon for artists to depict scenes for the dead to enjoy in their eternal resting place.” “Yes,” Lia agreed. “But when I saw the mountain, the lake and a small hill in the foreground I wondered where the hill might be and as I looked from the rooftop towards the

mountain and lake I could not see, for the woods blocked the way. I wondered if the hill truly lay beyond, and if so, why was it important to the scene. No artist would depict a small, unassuming hill in the shadow of such a majestic mountain unless it had significance to the dead or to the living.” Gaius glanced at Darius, who sat motionless, rapt with attention. “Perhaps, it is significant as you say. Did you manage to reach the hill or had you fallen first?” Lia gave a small smile of victory. “Oh, I made it all the way through the wood to find the hill on the other side, right where I expected. It takes one hundred paces to circle the base and it’s more than twice my height.” Lia shifted her feet, suddenly remembering her ordeal and the dark shape slithering across her path. “A snake startled me on the my return through the woods and I panicked, remembering a snake biting a worker at my father’s home years ago. The man died horribly and I’ve always been frightened of snakes.” Gaius raised his eyebrows. Poisonous snakes inhabited the region and if bitten, people or animals could die within minutes. “You know what this means, Lia, if you are right, don’t you?” His question confounded her but she took her best guess and stated the obvious. “We have solved the mystery of the missing treasury money?” Gaius burst into laughter, relief and joy written over his face. “Lia, it means you are a rich woman in your own right.” He turned to Darius. “Your wife has made you a wealthy man, although in good shape to begin with, this should add to your comfort.” “I don’t understand.” Confused by Gaius and his exuberance. “The silver is owned by Rome, how can we profit.” Darius explained. “The Commander is in charge of the mission to recover the money and the treasury owes him a bounty in return for his efforts. He will receive one tenth of the money. Aside from that money, the treasury gives a fee to an outside finder, your reward for the recovery.” Darius met Gaius’ eyes. A look exchanged between them and Gaius inclined his head. “The Commander had offered me a portion of his gains, approximately one fifth of his bounty, calculated properly you receive one percent, I receive two percent and the Commander

receives eight percent, leaving the treasury with eighty-nine percent, a huge amount of money if we are to believe the tally Rome reckons Basheria owed.” Lia bit her lip. “We had better reach the hill before you have the money spent, to confirm the silver is below the mound.” Gaius’ enthusiasm was not to be dimmed. “It’s the closest we’ve been to finding the silver. The slaves were killed here and Basheria spent much time here last year.” He chuckled, and again Lia wondered at his odd behaviour. She couldn’t put her finger on it yet, but she would analyze his manner later. “Lia, change into riding clothes. Darius and I will fetch tools for digging. Darius, have the area around the hill sealed off, to ensure only the three of us can come and go for now. We need the highest of security once the location is confirmed. Antonius may choose the best men for the job and, of course, it means bonuses and other gratuities for the men.” Gaius smiled as he waved her out the door. “Meet us at the stable in ten minutes.” Gaius and Darius waited with horses saddled and the digging equipment packed and ready. A fine day for their expedition, the three of them rode to the far side of the woods with anticipation in their minds. As soon as they rounded the far side of the woods the hillock was clearly visible in the distance. Gaius eyed it with a critical gaze. “You are right Lia, by all the gods of Rome, you have done it.” “How do you know for sure Commander, without digging first?” Gaius humoured her question. “I know, dear girl, because on closer inspection the hillock is not a natural formation in these parts. It’s man-made by an engineer of great skill and experience. Basheria hired a man to do the job and no doubt his bones are now resting at the bottom of the rock pile along with the Nubians. We’ve been looking for buildings to hide the treasure. This is so obviously out in the open it would be overlooked as a natural part of the landscape.” They reached the hill within moments and Gaius jumped off his mount and threw the reins to Darius, who tethered them to a tree. Darius helped Lia down and tied her horse beside the other two. Gaius paced around the hill and then ran up over top of it, counting his steps as he went. He was breathing hard on his return but the joy on his face was unmistakable. Darius unloaded the tools and the two men set to work while Lia watched them

apprehensively, suddenly gripped with fear she might be wrong and this was a mistake. She drew closer to Darius and watched as they scraped aside the grassy dirt to expose flat rocks. She held her breath, hardly daring to look but afraid to turn away. Gaius gave a yelp of excitement as one of the rocks fell away in his hand and underneath a gleam of shining silver. It sparkled in the sunlight and both Gaius and Darius paused to look in amazement at the sight they beheld. “This whole mound is full of silver!” Gaius crowed. “Does Antonius know what to do?” Darius nodded. “He knows exactly what is required and knows his head will roll if anything goes wrong. He is eager for rewards as are the rest of the men.” “Good!” Gaius replied. “Keep and eye on him and make sure his loyalties don’t stray.” **** The excitement of finding the silver left Lia numb. The next few days were filled with planning and arranging the transportation of the wealth to the treasury. Lia need not worry about leaving Kristalmeer too soon because Gaius and Darius worked to establish the flawless final stage of their plan. Lia waited, at a loose end for days, her task of helping the commander at an end. Minor details occupied her time but it did not compare to searching for treasure. Gaius announced the silver was soon to be excavateted from the mound and shipped to Rome. One matter remained. Hutu, the steward, waited for his execution since the day he had been found hiding in Janali’s villa. Gaius set the date and time with great glee and ordered everyone on the property to witness the death of the steward as an example of what happens when subordinates threaten Roman authority. The thought of such a public display repelled Lia. She had not witnessed the poisoning first-hand, her memory of that day no more than the knowledge of several dead victims. Gaius, on the other hand, had suffered incredibly at the hands of Hutu and he expected to see nothing less than an excruciating death in return. Only then would his sense of justice and desire for vengeance be satisfied. Darius appeared at the door of the suite where Lia awaited her summons to the execution. “We have no need of your presence today. Stay here for the remainder of the afternoon and do not leave until I return, no matter what happens. Understand?” His eyes carried the seriousness of his message. “Why am I excused? Gaius made it clear everyone needed to be there.” “I reminded him it is an ill-omen for a pregnant woman to view anything distasteful. It is

thought to somehow affect the child and would be especially wrong if Gaius allowed a Roman officer’s wife to see such an awful event. If there is a possibility the crone foresaw a child, you must stay here.” Darius lowered his voice. “Please Lia.” “Hold me, Darius.” He took her into his arms and kissed her gently. “It is best to avoid the household staff today. The servants are skittish.” A tear slid down her cheek. “I am tired. It’s best for me to rest awhile.” Darius lifter her to the bed and eased her under the blankets, staying by her side until she drifted into sleep. **** Gaius cloyed over Lia for the next few days. His behaviour over the many weeks she had come to know him began as captor and captive, and then progressed to master and servant and now she characterized their relationship as mentor and student, but somehow it didn’t fit the exact description. She had noted recently Darius was much more than a right-hand man to Gaius, almost friendly at times, their talk bordered on the familial. The commander spoke to Darius about his wife in Rome, Honoria, and his father-in-law, Honoratus. What egotists, these Roman men! Lia realized they named their children after the father of the brood. How many daughters did Honoratus have with derivatives of his name? Lia had heard them mention at least three. Honoria, Honorilla and Honoridia. Ridiculous! Gaius’ children were named Gaius and Gaia. Roman patricians passed their pureblood and their precious names down through the ages. Lia ran a hand over her belly and wondered if she carried a boy or a girl. The augur foretold Darius would have strong sons. Lia sighed. Only time would tell, but she couldn’t picture a handful of boys no matter how hard she tried. Darius, of course, would choose the name of their child but she hoped to be asked her preference before the naming ceremony. Darius’ father may be Roman but his mother was not, and Lia assumed his flexibility on the matter. She hadn’t told him but was fairly positive it had happened during the first few days of their marriage. She would wait before breaking the news because as soon as he found out, like most men, he would walk with the swagger of an expectant father and Lia needed time to adjust to the changes in her life and their impending departure to Rome. She waited for word from Gaius, as did everyone, for the order to leave Kristalmeer.

Scaveolus Lia tidied up discarded papers and scrolls for Gaius, who had left a mess in the study. She didn’t mind too much. It was quick work and she enjoyed organizing them neatly into the proper pigeonholes. Totally engrossed in her task, a servant placed a fresh pitcher of watered wine and a few morsels of food for her to nibble at while she busied herself among the papers. “Will there be anything else, Domina?” The servant used the term for the first lady of the household, even though Lia was not the mistress of Kristalmeer. “No thank you,” Lia said absently, as the servant left the room. She hadn’t looked up from her work but she became aware she was not alone. Lia’s head swiveled to the doorway. A man stood watching her with a fascinated look on his face. Soldiers beyond the door neither challenged nor seemed concerned about the presence of this newcomer. Lia met his gaze with a level look of appraisal and gave as good a stare in return. “Forgive me, Lady, your husband failed to mention your devastating beauty and I find I am overawed in your company.” His voice was deep and sonorous and Lia wondered who this man might be. “I doubt my husband did any such thing, he is not a man to merit mere looks.” Lia replied caustically to the man’s ridiculous statement and his equally ridiculous look of shock. He obviously tried to impress Lia for some reason she could not determine. He took a step closer and kept the look of rapt interest on his face. “If I had known the depth of your exquisite loveliness I would have arrived sooner, dear Lady.” Lia was now thoroughly annoyed with this fool, a grown man play-acting like a boy falling for a woman for the first time. A good-looking man, and certainly one to attract his fair share of women, but his manner repulsed Lia. It was not his words or the attempt to brazenly charm her but his air of falseness as he tried too hard. In trying to be natural he was completely

unnatural. Lia smiled warily at him, not knowing what he wanted. “Welcome to Kristalmeer.” The man bowed and spoke with an air of pride. “I am Scipio, Scipio Scaveolus, your husband’s friend and confidante from Rome. I have come in your time of need to extend a helping hand. Name your desire and it shall be yours.” Lia was slightly confused. Darius had mentioned Scipio, but not as a friend. “My time of need?” Scaveolus stepped closer to the desk and Lia was grateful for its bulk between her and this perplexing stranger. “Yes, I will be your sponsor from now on, my dear, and we shall spend the next few weeks getting to know one another intimately.” He offered a revolting, lewd smile giving Lia a creeping sensation. Scaveolus moved around the desk and Lia immediately moved in the opposite direction to change places. Scaveolus gave her an odd look and tried again with the same result. Lia was about to scream when a masculine voice spoke out. “Touch my wife with those filthy hands of yours, Scaveolus, and you’ll regret the day we met!” Darius entered the room and stood tensed like a cobra waiting to strike. Gaius was hot on the heels of Darius and looked intensely annoyed. Lia thought the shocked look on Scaveolus’ face would be comical in any other circumstance except this one. “You’ve married her already?” he asked, scandalized. Gaius waved his hand at Scaveolus. “Calm down, you fool! She is not Basheria’s woman! The Lady Anya is dead, poisoned by her steward.” Scaveolus looked thunderstruck. “Dead, poisoned, but…” “Yes, Scipio, you have missed your chance at marrying the rich widow who owned this estate and half the Province of Trusia. The children of Basheria inherited the estate and the money, and neither of them are of marrying age for a least a decade.” Scaveolus looked deflated. “Damn my luck to Hades!” He glanced at Darius conceding defeat with a look of frustration. “I really needed that money to finance my bid for the next Senate run. It takes a shitload

of wealth to be anybody in Rome these days.” Scaveolus groaned in the realization of wasting his performance on an unintended target. He raised his shoulders in apology. “No harm done, I thought she was Basheria’s widow. Damn it, Selenus, if you had beaten me to it I would have spit fire.” Suddenly the tension broke. Gaius and Darius howled with laughter at the stupidity of his mistake. Scaveolus merely smiled congenially at the two men while they fought to regain control of their composure. Lia looked on in disbelief. Her mind was reeling at the thought he had come to practically force himself upon Anya in an attempt to use her money for political aspirations. Romans!! Always eyeing the riches of the world without a care for anyone or anything but their own ambition. Gaius sobered them into order. “Scipio, may I introduce Darius’ wife, Lady Lia Selenus.” Scaveolus nodded to Lia and congratulated Darius on his new wife. “Your father will be pleased you have finally married and no doubt will be vying for a position in Rome on your behalf. I’m sure your old Pater can fix you up rather nicely.” Darius’ eyes narrowed. “I return to Rome with Gaius Reginus. Perhaps I will put my name forward for the coming elections. I may run for tribune, what do you think, Scipio?” “I’ve no doubt whatever you choose will be yours for the picking,” Scipio replied acidly. “Is your wife well connected? Who is her Pater? Gods, don’t tell me you snapped up one of Honoratus’ brood. Now there’s a family to marry into,” Scipio sneered. Scipio didn’t have the family lineage of Gaius or even Darius and struggled to tie his fortunes to a good Roman family without money or pureblood in his favour. “You’ll excuse us for now if we don’t stay and chat Scipio but we are in the midst of settling matters here and we plan to leave in a few days.” Gaius brooked no argument. Scaveolus shrugged, rethinking his gold-digging strategy. “There’s no point in my staying, is there? I’ll be on my way tomorrow as soon as I have rested my men and the horses.” “Join us for dinner tonight, Scipio, and we’ll discuss your future.” Gaius casually invited the man without seeming to care if he accepted or not. Scaveolus breezed out of the room and Lia watched him go, mystified by the men and their interaction with one another. She would ask Darius later about his past dealings with this

man. They seemed to know him well and were unconcerned about his seedy manipulations. Darius accompanied Lia to their suite and gave her a long lingering kiss then left her to freshen up for the evening meal. Lia wished she had Anya to talk to and share her thoughts. Janali wasn’t the same, although she was a lovely woman, Gaius monopolized most of her free time. Lia wandered down the hall to find Bero, the boy masseuse, usually in his room during daytime hours when not required by officers or the high echelons of the household. “Lia!” Bero cried happily. “By all the gods, I’m glad you did not witness the horrid execution of Hutu. The commander sat through the whole thing without so much as turning a hair at the sight of the old steward writhing in agony. His guts must be made of iron.” “Listen Bero, I’ve come to ask you about a man named Scipio Scaveolus. Do you know of him?” Bero made an ugly face. “What of the man?” “He is the most self-serving, egotistical pig this side of the empire.” Bero closed the door so the household staff working in nearby rooms and corridors could not hear. “The man would sell his grandmother for a chance to further his career. In fact, he may have done so already.” Bero joked, but Lia could tell underneath his humour he was serious about the defects of Scaveolus.” Bero suddenly froze. “He’s not coming here, is he?” Lia nodded. “He’s downstairs. Would you believe me if I told you he thought I was Anya and he practically had me signing a marriage contract with him. When he found out I have nothing to help further his own ends I became instantly invisible.” Bero listened as Lia retold the story of Scipio’s performance. “He is a dangerous man, Lia. Not so much to the commander or to the captain. But the rest of us poor unfortunates are here for his service and he’d ship us off to the salt mines if he managed to gain a few coins out of it.” Bero fretted. “Please ask your husband or the commander to place the household staff outside the jurisdiction of Scaveolus. If you leave and we remain under his control it would be a disaster. We might disappear into the night; the whole staff could vanish.” Bero waved his hand in the air and looked at Lia with large pleading eyes.

**** Darius waited for Lia in the main room of their suite, facing the door as she entered, his long muscular legs stretched out and he eyed her questioningly as she closed the door. “I spoke with Bero. He is nervous about Scaveolus taking charge of the staff once we leave for Rome. He is worried they will be sold into slavery if left to his mercy. Is it true? Should they be concerned for their fate?” “It’s wise to say nothing to Gaius for now. He has plans for Scipio but I’m not sure what they are yet. However, if he is left in Trusia as temporary governor there is little we can do about it,” Darius answered coolly. “Governor of Trusia!” Lia hissed. “That would upset the staff, they don’t trust him and judging by my first meeting with the man I agree with their opinion. You should have heard him in the study.” Lia shivered thinking of Scipio and his false pretenses. “I heard most of his performance. He’s an opportunist and always has been because of low birth and the struggle to maintain his financial viability. Sadly, there are many social and political climbers like him all over the empire. He is a useful tool for men with ambition and money. He hoped to find the silver before Gaius and use the finder’s fee to finance his ambitions.” Lia sighed, refusing to accept any excuse for the man’s behaviour. Darius frowned. “Let’s not make an enemy out of Scipio. Best to forget and leave him to his own devices or he will make waves for us far into the future, especially if he manages to match up with a woman of status.” Darius held her hands and looked into her eyes with a warning flare in his own. “Promise me you will do nothing and say nothing, until we find out what Gaius has in store for him.” Lia acquiesced for now. “Oh, by the way,” he said, “you are not invited to dinner tonight. It is just the Commander, Scipio and I. Gaius has asked for you to dine with Janali to keep her company.” Lia balked inwardly at the snub but then again she would be hard pressed to keep silent over Scipio’s rude behaviour during the meal. “I’d be happy to spend time with Janali and have a woman’s company for a change,” Lia said pleasantly.

Darius pulled her close to his side. Lia wriggled snugly against him, sliding an arm around his waist. “Won’t you miss me at all?” Darius teased. “Perhaps, a little bit,” Lia shrugged. “I’d much rather stay here with you than listen to a blowhard all night long,” he complained. “If you are trying to compliment me then you will have to do better, husband.” Lia teased him back. Darius grinned. “Forgive me, Lady. I failed to mention your devastating beauty as I am overawed in your company.” Darius sputtered with laughter as Lia tried to punch him in the gut with her dainty hands. “Now, now wife, that’s no way to treat a husband who competes with the likes of Scaveolus and his pretty words.” Lia giggled and tried to escape his strong hold as he pinned her to the couch. She raised her eyebrows in surprise. “I am not the least bit impressed with the ridiculous nonsense he spouted.” “But you are beautiful and exquisite, and Scipio must truly be disappointed you are not Lady Basheria.” His lips brushed her face. “Lucky for me I married you when I did. You are rich with silver in your own right, but we won’t tell Scipio or he’ll have another reason to curse his bad luck.” Lia put her arms around his neck. “I don’t care about the silver. As long as we have enough to live on and raise our child in a good home. That’s all I want, and to see my parent’s again.” She made a face. “I hope they meet this baby.” Darius heard the seriousness in her voice. “It’s true then? You carry a child as the augur predicted?” Darius whispered, as though daring to speak loudly affected the outcome. “Yes, it’s true, the augur was right,” Lia wasn’t sure she liked the augur knowing first. Darius rolled onto his side, freeing Lia from under his body. He pulled her to face him. “This is the happiest news I could ever wish for.” His face was alight with happiness, truly thrilled at the prospect. “You are sure?”

“A woman knows these things.” “And the augur knows her business.” He paused, staring into the middle distance. “Brave, even in defeat, were her words for me.” Lia shivered at the memory. “What did she mean?” “Only time will tell, Lia,” he shrugged. “But bravery and defeat often walk in hand in hand.” Lia heard news from Darius when he returned late in the evening. “Gaius has offered one of Honoratus’ daughters to Scipio and he will accept, unless he’s a fool. Honoratus is connected to the other patrician families, so it is likely when we reach Rome they will wed soon after.” Lia grimaced, thinking of the poor girl to become wife of such an awful man. “The good news is he will not stay as temporary governor in Trusia, so your concern for the staff is unfounded. Gaius will return them to their usual duties until the new man has been chosen.” “This girl who will marry Scipio Scaveolous, she is the sister of Gaius’ wife?” “Yes.” “Why would Gaius propose such a union with Scipio, knowing he is a gold-digger?” Darius weighed his words. “The girl, Honorilla, is the second daughter of Honoratus, but has been passed over for marriage for many years because of her child-like temperament. The third daughter, Honoridia, married an ambitious Senator’s son. She is like Gaius’ wife, considered a paragon for every Roman woman to be measured against. Honoratus has had trouble finding a husband for Honorilla and will accept Scipio, especially if he is backed by Gaius.” Lia shifted uncomfortably. “Is it not better to leave the girl unmarried than give her to Scaveolus? And what do you mean by child-like?” “Honorilla is a girl who never grew up. She talks one minute and chases a butterfly the next. Or she wanders away during dinner to pick flowers to please the guests.” Darius reached for the watered-wine and poured two goblets, handing one to Lia. “A serious contender to the Senate would never choose such a wife but a man like Scaveolus needs connections and money, and will be happy to take her. Don’t worry, he won’t harm Honorilla, she is too important within her family to be left uncared for. When I say girl, I

mean a thirty-year-old woman who acts like a girl.” The match bothered Lia, even though most girls married without giving their opinion. Politics and money were the two factors that determined rich girls’ husbands. Poverty and lack of choice determined a poor girl’s husband. Either way a love-match rarely occurred. “Have you met Gaius’ wife?” “Yes.” “And what is she like?” Lia silently berated her curiosity. “You will find out soon enough but she is an efficient and capable woman who suits Gaius’ needs aptly.” “I meant is she beautiful and elegant, not whether she is adept at running his household.” Darius smiled at her interest being merely feminine. “She is beautiful and elegant.” “Oh!” Lia couldn’t think of a suitable comment to wring more information out of her husband without sounding petty. Darius smirked, sipped his wine and gazed into the glowing coals of the brazier. “Honoria is cool, formal, dignified and stately. And may the gods help you if you forget your manners. She doesn’t evoke feelings of warmth or friendship, but she will treat us well as guests in the home of her husband.” Lia giggled at his analysis of Gaius’ wife. “She pales next to you, sweetheart.” Darius whispered. He reached out to touch her cheek. “Thank you, Darius. I feel a little less intimidated by this coming journey.” “You have no reason to feel intimidated. You are the wife of a Senator’s son, you have an excellent education and you are Gaius’ latest sensation. All Rome will fall in love with Lady Selenus, I guarantee it.” “Darius, I’m no paragon of Roman society; I’m just a tutor’s daughter. I can’t give you an advantage in your career and you need every opportunity if you are to reach your potential,” Lia reminded him. “I’m not running for office, or making a career in politics. That nonsense was for Scipio’s benefit. I’ve always been a soldier first and afterwards I’ll be a merchant of sorts. I plan to ask Gaius for land near Thalassio when my commission is over. We will live near your family home and you can be the tutor you wish to be.”

Lia looked at Darius, stunned by his decision. She opened her mouth to speak but he took the opportunity to kiss her. “You and the baby are the most important people in my life, not a group of old men debating the tax on landowners or the need to annex land for army veterans. Lia, I married you for love, no other reason.” Darius circled her shoulders. “I promised to return you to your family and I will keep my promise.” Lia worried about his motives. “And you will stay in Thalassio with me and our child.” She gazed into his bright blue eyes, his handsome face filling her vision. “You won’t leave me and return to Rome, will you?” “I won’t go anywhere without you, Lia.” A thrill ran through her as she squeezed his hand. “You’ll love it there, Darius. You will truly love Thalassio!”

Villa Reginus Months later Lia would look back on her time in Trusia and Kristalmeer wistfully, the precious, uncomplicated time when she and Darius attended the commander’s needs, well and truly gone. Under the watchful eyes of Gaius’ wife and friends the trio became convential and formal. The benefits associated with a huge villa pleased Lia, but the never ending stream of supplicants and sycophants who hung around Gaius drained Lia in her advanced state of motherhood and she quietly let the weeks drift, growing bigger and rounder everyday. Darius, the proud husband and father-to-be, indulged her every whim, spoiling her out of love and she allowed him this indulgence without complaint. Honoria turned out to be the perfect wife for Gaius, dealing with the day-to-day household tasks in such a way Gaius barely noticed his efficient and precise wife. Lia sieved through his appointments and rescheduled them, citing his senate duties monopolized all his time. She worked on many papers and translations for Gaius, and saw him little, though he left detailed notes with the instructions for each document. Gaius was not truly aware of her capacity to recall even the most insignificant detail or he may have had second thoughts over her excellent memory skills. Lia’s special appointment to Gaius vexed his wife. Lia, aware of her annoyance, found it amusing to note the perfect wife had a flaw and it niggled Honoria to the point of distraction. Even Darius mentioned it to Lia one night. “The commander’s wife is extremely bad-tempered underneath her controlled manner.” Darius laughed lightly. “I’ve never seen her quite so irritated. She’s hiding it from Gaius but our days at the villa are numbered if she has something to say about it.” “Why? We have been excellent houseguests. I’ve made it a point to be an excellent assistant for Gaius and you aid him with duties in the senate.”

“The problem is, sweetheart, you are wonderful and Honoria knows it. I told you she paled in your presence. You can read, write and speak three languages, you are beautiful and Gaius needs your skill more than he needs a wife, for now.” Darius watched the effect of his words. “But she’s beautiful and extremely self-possessed. It must be something more,” Lia answered absently. “My sister, Claudia, was betrothed to Gaius before she died. Gaius never truly forgot her and now, seeing you, Honoria remembers she was his second choice. It irritates a woman like her.” Lia stared in shock “You never told me Gaius was to marry your sister! How could you fail to mention such an important detail, Darius? Shame on you! Now I know exactly the problem but have no idea how to remedy it.” Lia groaned, understanding Honoria’s attitude. “I try not to remember the past concerning Claudia,” Darius grumbled. Lia swallowed her frustration. “I’m sorry, you’re right of course. I’ll think of a way to make Honoria more accepting.” Lia offered. “No, it’s not you. It’s Gaius more than anything. He’s different around you, and Claudia brought out the happier side of him, but Honoria knows only his cool, harsh side. She hasn’t the knack of instilling the joy of living.” Darius glanced at her sideways. “You make me think of the good times with Claudia, don’t ever think otherwise Lia said nothing. “Promise?” Darius nudged her with his arm. Lia smiled. “I Promise!” Lia realized she would never be a friend to Honoria and her cool treatment became normal in Lia’s interactions with her. Her sister on the other hand, Honorilla, affectionately known as Rilla, delighted Lia, as she prepared to marry Scipio Scaveolus without delay at the Villa Reginus. On a perfect day for a wedding the household gathered on the grounds and the contract was duly signed and made official with toasts of wine, presided over by Honoratus, the father of the bride. Lia couldn’t help watching Scipio for some sign of deviant behaviour but he behaved

well, proclaiming himself the luckiest man alive. Rilla, an attractive woman and wonderfully naïve in her manner stood by Scipio, enjoying the festivities late into the evening. Darius turned to Lia. “I notice the lack of honeyed figs on the dining-table tonight.” Lia gave an involuntary shiver, remembering the day of her marriage contract. Gaius had been poisoned and three people lay dead in the dining room at Kristalmeer. Honoratus’ third daughter attended the celebration and Lia found her disagreeable. Honoridia constantly preened and arranged herself for the benefit of every man as her husband drank his fill, ignoring everyone. Honoridia cared less about him and turned her attention to flirting with any available man in the immediate vicinity. Gaius avoided her antics and moved to a separate cubiculum with Honoratus to discuss business. Lia watched as Honoridia’s keen eyes swept often over Darius, who stayed oblivious to her unconcealed attempts to catch his notice. Honoridia measured up Lia as a competitor in her bid to be the woman of the evening. A jealous glint flashed in her eyes as they ran the length of Lia’s advanced state. Darius steered Lia from the gardens after thanking their host for a lovely evening and they disappeared to their small guesthouse at the far end of the estate. “I thought Honoria despised me but her sister is positively seething with hatred. She didn’t even try to conceal her disgust at my condition,” Lia complained as they entered the little house. She rubbed protectively over her bump, silently apologizing to the baby. “She has had no luck in conceiving a child, so is naturally upset by your success. She barely hid her annoyance when Gaius’ wife produced two, even though she is her sister.” Darius closed the door behind them and lit the lamps. “She could at least hide her contempt a little better,” Lia said quietly. “To be hated for such a joyful thing is disconcerting.” “It is not the only reason she dislikes you.” Darius gave her a strange look. “Oh, let me guess.” Lia offered. “She is upset because I am young and pretty?” Darius laughed dryly. “No doubt, but I was offered the choice of Honoridia or Honorilla for marriage a number of years ago, but turned them down. Honoridia holds a grudge against me and married shortly after, out of spite. They are barely on speaking terms. He is young and uncaring and she is older and spoiled beyond reason.” Lia gazed at her husband. “And what of Honorilla? Was she upset by your refusal?” Lia wondered if every woman they met would burn a candle for her handsome husband.

“Rilla is sweet and gentle but I told you, I always planned to marry for love. Arranged marriages hold no interest for me. My father, or anyone else’s father, has no power over me when it comes to the woman I want.” Darius smiled. “But you married me by order of Gaius,” Lia argued. Darius shook his head. “I wanted you from the beginning. Gaius made it easy when he proposed you needed a husband before arriving in Rome.” “Am I not too headstrong and outspoken for a Roman officer’s wife?” They sat on the couch, and she stretched her legs over his lap. “Yes you are.” Darius laughed at the look on her face. “But let me quickly say if you were any other way we would not be such a perfect match.” Lia relaxed. “What makes us the perfect match?” She had thoughts on the subject but wanted to hear his reply. “I want my wife as a partner and an equal in my life. Roman law doesn’t provide for a woman to be anything more than a piece of property passed from one male head of the household to the next. As you know, Thalassian law is progressive and provides for equitable arrangements in a marital union, similar to the Greek standard. You and I will live in Thalassio under their laws and dictates, raising our children to be independent, free thinkers, unlike most Romans who are mired in the bog of patriarchal rule.” Lia smiled at his unconventional attitude. “How did I ever meet a man who is possibly more liberal in his thought than my father?” Lia gave a giggle of delight. “The gods must have a hand in this Darius. It could not be mere chance we were thrown together in Trusia.” “Perhaps,” Darius answered absently, lost in his thoughts. “How many hearts have you broken between Rome and who knows where?” “Not as many as you have broken between Thalassio, Trusia and Rome,” he grinned, holding up his hands, ticking his fingers as he revealed names. “Gaius, Andomedes, Antonius, Plautus, Lucanus, Scipio and let’s add Honoridia’s husband to the list. I have seven rivals and who knows how many more in your home town.” Lia shook her head at his ridiculous list. She could name as many girls as interested in him. “I can’t wait for us to leave Rome and live in Thalassio together,” Lia said, suddenly anxious to start their life together.

**** A strange wind blew through Rome that night and for many nights thereafter. The wind of change! And it brought the old augur from Trusia to see Gaius. She chanted and wailed in high-pitched screams over the ominous warning, her eyes meeting the commander’s across the room. A cold shiver ran down his spine and he edged nearer the brightly lit fire. “It has begun, Gaius Reginus. You are free from the chains of your financial burden and the Fates offer you a path. But your emotional chains are not easy to break and leave behind.” Gaius bent his head from side to side, stretching his neck. “But it must be done to achieve my destiny, correct?” The crone clutched a small bag of bones and reached in to choose one at random and study its markings. A few minutes passed in silence. “Aahh,” she droned. “Carsus!” Gaius dropped his goblet to the floor with a resounding thud. “What did you say?” His face paled. “I see the town of Carsus, in the north. It holds meaning for you?” Words failed him. “You will taste revenge, Gaius. Be sure the price for the head of your enemy is not higher than you mean to pay. Ask the right question to seek the right answer.” Gaius studied the crone’s wrinkled face in the firelight. An ugly piece of work to look upon but she was good at her calling. “Is this my chance to avenge Claudia’s death?” His voice rasped, hoarse and dry. “Yes,” said the crone. “A tyrant dies and you win three towns.” The crone rattled the bag of bones. Gaius briefly wondered if they belonged to a single body or came from various bodies. The thought caused a shudder and drove away the need for further questions. He gestured to a pouch on the table. She grinned, pleased with her reward. Gaius stared into the fire. “Claudia must be avenged at any price.”

War Plans Lia caught sight of Scaveolus one morning with Rilla in the private gardens of the villa. They noticed her before she had time to slip away and called out to join them. Rilla’s face beamed bright with happiness and Scipio seemed equally besotted with his new wife as they chatted amiably for a while until Lia sensed tension in the air. She keenly eyed Scaveolus and waited for a break in the conversation. “Please excuse me, I must report to Gaius this morning,” Lia said. “You must be mightily displeased with him these days,” Scaveolus commented casually. Lia‘s stomach lurched. For days a disquieting air hovered around her but she could not name it and now she was about to find out. “Don’t worry, Lady Selenus, I will look out for your husband.” His cold eyes met hers and she squirmed under his gaze. She disliked this play-actor even though she dearly liked Rilla. “I’m not sure I understand you, Scipio, but I must go.” Lia got up to leave. “The Captain and I are off to war. We will command Gaius’ troops until he joins us in the north.” Scipio, with a smug and self-assured face watched as Lia shook her head in disbelief. “You don’t know? He hasn’t told you?” Scipio laughed brightly. Rilla jumped to her feet to console Lia, with her arms around her shoulders. “Don’t worry Lia. It’s just an expedition to gather information, not a war.” Scipio wore his facile smile. “Lia, I merely tease you. Darius and I go north to assess the situation for Gaius and position the men in case they are needed against barbarians.” Scipio turned to his wife and gave her kiss on her cheek. “Barbarians?” Lia wondered aloud who the offending tribes might be. “Yes, the rabble who constantly threaten the northern part of the empire. Do you know the towns of Delabrium, Velumium and Carsus?”

Lia’s head spun at the name of Carsus. Darius had mentioned it when he told her the story of Claudia’s attack. A cold finger of fear ran up Lia’s spine. “I’m not familiar with towns in the north.” Lia tried to cover her shock. “But thank you, Scipio, for protecting my husband, if or when the time comes.” Lia walked through the halls looking for Gaius. She found him with Darius and they guessed by the look of cold fury on her face she knew the truth. They planned to stand firm in Carsus against the barbarians who caused Claudia’s death and eagerly anticipated the campaign. “Don’t fuss, Lia. It can’t be good for the child.” Gaius warned, his eyes passing over her rounded shape. Darius stepped to her side, poised to react as necessary, depending on his wife’s next move. “Please Gaius, don’t think me a ninny who falls for your logic as though it were based on something more than your desire to control the empire and every fool within it. The last thing I will do is harm my child. I want you to be honest and not spare me the details of this campaign, or whatever you choose to call it.” Lia had eyed Darius momentarily, but for the most part she confined her ill-tempered gaze on the commander. “You have discovered the barbarians who raided the northern towns are on the offensive. What is your intention? Do you plan to engage in full scale war or merely hope to drive them back across the border to lick their wounds?” Gaius gave her a curious smile of appreciation, his lips thin and bloodless. “Lia, most women don’t talk much over the tactics of war. Let me guess; you know how to beat back the barbarians without shedding a single drop of blood?” Lia shot a look at Darius. “I have heard my father and his peers discuss war and the ensuing folly. I understand a good plan if I hear one.” Her anger over their exclusion at what she considered their trio of minds evaporated as she considered strategy. “I could assess your plan to foresee the negatives, assuming there are any.” She smirked at the insult to Gaius and her recovery. Gaius motioned for her to take a seat and his face beamed with pleasure. “Lia, I need you for this task but am loathe to ask it of you, not wishing to upset you at this stage.” Darius cut in with his opinion. “If it upsets you one tiny bit then I insist you discontinue the work and pursue a more peaceful assignment.”

Lia waved her hand at him, disregarding his worry to bestow a wondrous smile. “You know I want to be a part of the solution when it comes to a problem. This is no different than rooting out the silver. I want to help and you need me, Commander.” A strange look crossed Gaius’. “As long as you are not upset over discussions and possible confrontation against the barbarians.” Darius caught an understanding pass between them. A shadow flitted across the floor and they turned to see Honoria enter the office. She wore a pleasant look on her face as she carried a tray of refreshments and fine delicacies, giving her husband a look of divine devotion until an awkward silence settled in the room. “Thank you,” Gaius said and after a nod of acknowlegement waited for her to leave. Honoria hovered for a moment, waiting for an invitation into the group. Gaius paid no heed and she glided away after a cold glance at Lia. Gaius prattled on for an hour or more, apprising them of the situation in the north. As the time flew past, Lia found it more tiring than she imagined. Gaius requested she return later to work on a series of documents. Lia and Darius left the office together and she slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow with a contented look on her face. “You hate to be left out of anything, don’t you?” Lia nodded, her lips curving in a smile. “You have discovered one of my flaws,” she sighed. “You have none, but if you consider it one that is entirely up to you.” After a minute he asked, “How many flaws do you think you possess and what are they?” “Ah, you must discover them on your own, husband. It would be too easy if I tell you.” “Must I watch you more carefully than over these last months?” “Impossible, if you pay any more attention to me you will have time for nothing else.” Lia laughed. “Tell me one of your flaws.” “It’s not easy for a Roman to admit. It goes against the grain, as they say.” Darius turned serious. “What is between you and Gaius? His comment about needing you, should I worry about his intentions?” They reached their little house. “No, Darius, he is aging and it scares him. Every man reaches a time when they realize

they are not invincible and the time stretching ahead has evaporated into thin air.” Darius gave Lia an incredulous look. “How can you know? You have been in his company for mere months?” “I hold a secret, Darius. I discovered it quite by accident.” Darius closed the door of the house and they stood together in the centre of the room, his voice low and serious. “What secret?” Lia bowed her head for a moment, unwilling to betray Gaius, but she trusted Darius above all others and loved him with all her heart. “Gaius is slowly losing his eyesight. He can see distance for now but needs more and more help for close-up tasks. I’ve noticed he holds objects away to see them more clearly. My father had similar difficulties over the last few years and steadily it becomes worse, although my father is older than the commander. It has come early to Gaius,” Lia’s hand shook, “because of the poison at Kristalmeeer.” “Have you discussed it with him?” Lia shook her head. “I do not intend to speak of it, unless he mentions it first, and you must adhere to that, Darius.” “I won’t betray your confidence,” he whispered. “Soon, in less than a year his eyes will fail to read the dispatches and he must use a scribe. One of his men could be trained to handle the work but for now he’s too damn arrogant and proud to believe what’s happening. But in time he will have no choice. It angers and frustrates him and no doubt his wife suspects something is wrong.” “What if you speak to Honoria about the situation?” She heaved a sigh. “If she ran to Gaius it could mean trouble. She only reads Latin, helpful for Roman duties but not for running the whole empire. His ambitions runs far and deep and may the gods help anyone who stands in his way!” Lia rubbed her belly absently and Darius watched her with interest. “Does the baby move?” “Yes,” Lia smiled. “Come and feel for yourself. Is it not a wondrous thing to know you will be a father soon?” “It is the most captivating subject—other than you,” he grinned, and pressed her belly as

the baby shifted position. “Oh, Darius, when this child comes you will be in the north and I will be here with strange women for company. I do not complain, the villa is lovely, but you won’t be here.” She gazed, wistful and sad. “Only Rilla will be interested when my time comes and Scipio may send her home before he leaves.” “I have a secret of my own that I planned to share soon, but the time is right to tell you,” Darius said mysteriously. Lia’s face creased in bewilderment and he laughed as she bristled. “There is that flaw of yours again,” he teased. “You said my need to know everything is not a flaw. What is this secret?” “I have discovered another one. You are impatient, too!” Lia turned her back and pretended not to listen as she turned her attention to his latest writings. “I have arranged for a guest. I think you will be pleased.” He had her full attention. “Your mother will be here, by the calends of next month.” Lia froze, her mouth opened and then she launched herself at him, screaming in delight at the news her mother journeyed to help her through this new and special time. Darius had the foresight to know she needed a trusted ally to see her through the coming labours. He held her as she absorbed the news and reveled in her joy. “Sweetheart, I consulted with a seer to ensure you and the baby will be safe and well. She assured me of your health.” He shrugged in apology. “I couldn’t go north without knowing your future, and your mother will care for you the way no other can.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Darius, I’m so happy. How did you arrange it?” “I asked Gaius, as a special favour. You are important to him, and in solving his financial worries you relieved him of many headaches he thought to have for years. He owes you an enormous debt of gratitude, and I requested an escort for your mother. A messenger returned yesterday with word she is on her way.” Lia overflowed with questions about Thalassio and her family’s welfare, many of them without an answer until Lia’s mother arrived. It pleased Darius to see her content and it made the break easier when the time to leave with Scipio arrived. He dreaded the day of goodbye and the

knowledge he missed the birth of his child, but a visit from Lia’s mother eased his mind considerably. **** Lia worked with a renewed vigour in reviewing the plans for the coming conflict in Carsus. She tried not to fret about Darius, as he and Scipio would oversee the men and when the battles were won and victory was assured they would delegate the task of organizing the remaining barbarians. Not many aggressors had the cunning to defeat the Roman army, renowned for its legendary prowess in war. Lia and Gaius cordially enjoyed a working relationship unlike either of them had known before. Gaius respected her insightful thoughts and talent for solving problems, giving him fresh views many subjects. Safe and happy, married to Darius and expecting his child, and with the commander’s wife and children keeping his focus on family and off his annoying habit of pursuing women, Lia briefly wondered if Janali, ensconced in Kristalmeer, enjoyed the role of mistress in Gaius’ absence. A picture of Anya popped into her mind and she offered a silent prayer that she fared well in the afterlife. Often Lia watched Gaius and Honoria in each other’s company, looking for signs of spousal affection. She caught the adoration and devotion in Honoria’s face when she looked at Gaius but he took these as his due. Gaius expected the best at all times. He, in turn, was considerate of his wife’s role as she stood at his side. He deferred to her in matters of the household unless his involvement became crucial. News of Lia’s mother did not disturb Honoria. It pleased her to have Lia’s time taken up with a baby and a visitor, discreetly removed from the rest of the house. Scipio decided Rilla could stay at the Villa Reginus. Rilla was a source of fun and easy company, and they sought each other out when time allowed. One afternoon Rilla mentioned Gaius and Honoria would dine at the Scaveolus family home, along with Scipio and his rather large family and many friends who wished to meet the famed Reginus family. Lia and Darius looked forward to a quiet evening alone. It started out beautifully, after waving goodbye to the excited couples, Lia and Darius sat down to a simple meal and ate without dallying long and then walked the grounds of the estate, to enjoy the breathtaking view of Rome offered on the grounds. A convenient bench sat at the

top of a gently sloping hill. “You leave soon?” “Scipio and I head north before the end of the week and your mother will arrive then.” Darius gazed at the vista below. “I am so conflicted. You leave and yet my mother arrives. Such a push and pull within my whole being.” “Every woman in Rome experiences the same emotion. It’s new for you, Lia and no matter what I say nothing will make it easy to bear. To spend these many months together is unusual. Often soldiers are gone for years and return only for a brief time.” Lia frowned. “That won’t happen to us,” Darius said, quickly. “I return from Carsus to a decommission and freedom from the legion. As soon as we have the land from Gaius deeded into our name we can settle.” Lia nudged him lightly. “You mean in your name?” In Rome the man owned the family property. Darius nodded. “Yes, but once we are in Thalassio I plan to transfer the land into both names. It will pass to our children when the time is right.” “I thought you had one more year with Gaius before attaining your freedom.” “I’m given a special honour. A promotion you might say. When success and victory are declared by the senate on this coming campaign I can retire from duty with full honours, a pension, and a guaranteed government position, if I choose to take it.” “And why does Gaius accord you this special honour?” “Ah… the catch! I am responsible for the north during the campaign while Gaius bids for his seat in Rome. A carrot is dangled by his wife’s father, too big and juicy to miss in lieu of killing a few barbarians in memory of my sister.” Lia’s eyes enlarged and their greenness shone in the light of the setting sun. “This has Honoria’s stamp all over it,” Lia cried indignantly. “She prefers Gaius at home, and uses her father’s clout to keep him.” Perhaps Honoria didn’t wish Gaius to relive memories of Claudia and tied him to Rome, and effectively at her side indefinitely. “She cleverly wields her power.” Lia envied Honoria and her wiles. “I can’t blame the woman, knowing Gaius’ behaviour

when away from her influence. He is not exactly exemplary in nature.” “The fact is, Lia, he does no wrong when it comes to the conduct of a Roman noble and his affairs outside the city of Rome. He may keep scores of mistresses and concubines as he chooses.” Lia pictured the northern campaign. “I have helped you and not him with my review of the war plans!” Lia gladly devoted her attention on Darius and his mission. “Whatever you do watch out for Scaveolus and his slick way of weaseling out of dangerous and difficult tasks!” “Scipio joins with me for the duration and is a fairly decent soldier. He enjoys a good fight and I don’t see a problem. His only fault is an obsession with money. If he loses focus it is usually to gain a denarii or two.” They laughed together; remembering Scipio’s show at Kristalmeer when he thought Lia was Basheria’s wife. Darius turned solemn and he took Lia’s hand. Her whole body tingled as she waited for him to speak. “Lia, I promise my fidelity to you. I want no other woman than my wife. When I’m away I will be… ” Lia cut off his speech. “Please, make no promises you may not keep. I am happy to be your wife and to have this child but I know the Roman way and I place no restriction upon you.” Darius kissed her lightly. “I cannot adhere to the Roman way. I am yours since the day we met. I promise it with all my heart.” Darius heard a voice coming from some distance away. The steward from the villa called out. “Senator Selenus! Senator Selenus!” Lia eyed Darius. “You are a Senator?” He shook his head, “No, but I have relatives who are senators and one of them must be here.” “Your father?” Lia worried over meeting his family. “I seriously doubt my father is here, more likely one of my brothers. Perhaps Cornelius comes to use my influence with Gaius or Honoratus. Word spreads fast when in the company of powerful men.” Darius helped her up from the bench. The steward reached them, out of breath and wiping his brow. “Captain, you are asked to

attend Senator Selenus in the atrium.” Darius guided Lia down the gently sloping hill. “Do you prefer to meet with your family alone? Perhaps this entails a private matter.” “I plan to introduce you to everyone in my family and this is a good beginning.” Lia trembled in antcipation over who waited in the atrium.

A Mother’s Love They walked through the spacious courtyard and entered the house through the atrium doors to see a man watching their approach. He eyed Darius warily, unsure of how to greet him. Both men paused, sizing up one another and then they broke into huge smiles of friendship and hugged one another with lots of backslapping and good-natured teasing. This gave Lia the opportunity to look over the man while he re-acquaintanced with Darius. An older version of her husband, though nowhere near as handsome and not as fit, this could be Darius in a score of years, with grey streaked hair and lines of age. After a minute Darius took her by the hand to make the introductions. “Cornelius, this is Lia, my wife and as you see, soon to be mother of our child.” Darius beamed and Cornelius reflected his happiness. “Lia, this is Senator Cornelius Selenus, my brother and eldest son of my father.” Lia and Cornelius politely greeted one another and Darius poured some wine for them to enjoy. “I have not come alone tonight, Darius. Outside in the litter, waiting for your permission, is another who would like to meet your wife. News has travelled quickly in our city of wagging tongues and your benefactor is the talk of Rome.” Darius didn’t wait to be enlightened but walked to the main doors and stepped outside to a large, comfortable litter with the curtains drawn. “Come out, Mother!” Darius chuckled. The curtains opened and a woman’s face appeared. “How did you know?” “Who else would wait to be invited in? Everyone else in the family would walk in and expect me to welcome them with open arms.” Darius helped her out. “But, not you.” They strolled into the atrium, arms linked. Darius introduced his mother, Marcella, to Lia and she fussed over her new daughter-in-law and soon to be grandchild.

“Does father know you are here, after all I’m forbidden from the family home? You are not allowed to contact me without his knowledge.” Darius said, acidly. “It is complicated but if truth be told, this is nothing more than coincidence. Cornelius sought out Gaius Reginus, who is not at home. We found you and no one need know Cornelius’ wife is a dear friend of Rilla, who mentioned her visit to the Scaveolous home this evening.” Marcella smiled. “Father could find any number of holes in your story. But it is between you and him,” Darius shrugged. Cornelius interrupted to question Darius on the senate meetings Gaius attended and Lia had a few moments alone with Marcella. An elegant woman, Lia thought, in her mid-fifties, although difficult to guess another woman’s age. The second wife of Darius’ father and therefore not the mother of Cornelius, but he had escorted her to meet secretly with Darius. She made her intentions clear to Lia. “I came to seek out my son, with the help of Cornelius.” Marcella said, quietly taking her arm. “I hope you will hear me out.” Lia nodded. “Darius is estranged from me due to his father’s stubborn and erroneous notion that he caused the death of my daughter, Claudia?” “Yes, he spoke of the terrible time in Carsus.” “I’m glad he opened up. Gaius Reginus told me years later it had been his idea to visit Carsus, but my husband would not listen and foolishly believed Gaius covered up for Darius. I, however, believe Gaius and wouldn’t rest until I told Darius. I hope he can forgive us for not trusting in him.” Marcella was a no nonsense lady, who Lia liked immediately. “He is ready to move on from the guilt and the memories haunting him for years.” “I see he is happy and I’m glad of it. When I heard of the marriage contract I questioned the reasoning, but am reassured this is a step in the right direction.” Lia had found an ally within the Selenus family. “Your husband is not happy you wish to reconcile with Darius?” “He must decide for himself how to proceed with his son. I have chosen this path and if my husband is upset then he’ll learn to live without me. I wish to know my grandchild.”

Marcella carried a defiant streak in her voice. “I will try to help you if I can.” Lia hoped to ease the family animosity. “Relax and produce a healthy child. I will work on ways to become part of Darius’ life again.” She looked wistfully in the direction of her son as he walked toward them. “What are you two plotting, here in the corner?” He put his arm around his mother. “I’ve missed you,” he said lightly. Joy flitted across Marcella’s face at his easy acceptance. “Marriage suits you, my son. And this girl,” she said glancing at Lia, “where did you find such a lovely bride on your travels as a soldier.” Cornelius joined them. “I asked but he’s keeping it a secret,” he laughed. After a lovely visit with the two of them, chatting over Roman gossip and trivial family news they prepared to say goodbye. “Will you visit us later this week, before Darius goes north?” Lia asked after noting Marcella’s anxiety. Marcella beamed, turning to Darius who agreed immediately and Marcella relaxed, a great weight lifting from her shoulders. After promises to meet again Cornelius and Marcella climbed into the litter and waved goodbye. Darius and Lia sat in the atrium together when the doors burst open and a man hurried into the room. With a livid expression, his corpulent body moved with a speed belying his size. He stared accusingly at Darius. “Where is she?” “Get out of this house or I’ll have you thrown out.” Darius shouted in cold fury. The man watched Darius with a calculated look. “Well, boy, has she been here against my will?” “Boy?” Darius repeated in disgust. “You are mistaken, old man, there is no boy here.” The man reddened, taken aback by Darius’ rebuttal. “Now leave or I’ll do throw you out myself with great satisfaction.” Darius fists clenched at his side. Stunned by the underlying ferocity of the unfolding scene, Lia stayed silent. The man hesitated but changed his mind as Darius advanced a few paces. Then as quickly as the man had come, he was gone!

Darius turned to Lia, full of concern. She waved her hand, relieving his fears. “I’m fine. What was that about?” Darius shot her a rueful look. “You have met my father, the noble Cornelius Claudius Selenus.” Lia gasped in horror thinking of this rude man married to the lovely Marcella. “Now you know why I left home and never returned.” A thought popped into her head. “He threw you out, didn’t he? The way you spoke, the words you used were echoes of your past, and you were thrown out as a young man.” Lia had spoken the awful truth and Darius could only nod as she discovered what no one else had ever known. The last words from his father, ten years before, had been played out again, but this time Darius had thrown his father out. Darius was not to see his mother or his brother Cornelius again before Marcella left the city after leaving her husband’s residence without word. Darius wasn’t worried. Many relatives on his mother’s side lived in the town of Actinium. She would be safe and likely Cornelius helped to plan her travel arrangements. Darius had little time to spend on much unrelated to his war plans for Gaius. Fortunately, Lia was versed in the tactics of the coming conflict and her insight proved valuable in the war room. Gaius keenly poured over the plans, taking his time, making changes based on theoretical and reported maneuvers of the enemy. The Balanites were mostly unknown to the Roman war machine. Balanites often fought skirmishes aimed at targets easily crushed, waiting until a town emptied of its fighting men and then descending upon the unsuspecting inhabitants, taking whatever they wanted, leaving a burned out shell for the returning soldiers. This time their aging king intended to take and keep lands he claimed belonged to his people decades ago and he swore to bring down his anger upon the towns of Carsus, Delabrium, and Velumium and begin a new era for his people. News of a sizeable army amassing on the northern borders spread and the people of the three towns, skittishly obsessed over their fate. Messengers arrived daily to the senate and to the famed commander, Gaius Reginus, begging for action. A motion passed in the council for Gaius to oversee the war and choose his chain of command to pursue retaliation for any action deemed an act of war.

Time was running out on Lia’s idyllic life with Darius. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back in a few months,” he said, holding her securely in his arms every night in bed. “Promise?” “I promise.” He whispered as Lia shivered with fear at the thought of his leaving. Despondency settled over the villa Reginus and the tension thickened. Gaius fretted, Darius brooded, and Honoria remained her usual chilly self. Only dear, sweet Rilla went about the day-to-day activities with enthusiasm. And Lia waited, and waited, for the baby’s arrival and her husband’s departure with an ever-increasing sense of foreboding and a relentless fear.

The End of Book I Book II is coming soon to Smashwords.

About the author: Subscribe to my blog for more details on Lia and Darius. http://christineelaineblack.blogspot.ca/ Connect with me on Twitter Elaine20Black Find me on Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ChristineElaineBlack If you enjoyed Book I of The Only Good Roman please consider leaving a review or a few comments on the Smashwords website.