Love and Duty

or

 What if Jane Austen had written Gladiator?...and she wrote sex scenes?..

 

by Ilaria and Kirixchi

 

PART ONE

 171 -173AD

 

1

 

"Hurry!" Aelia hissed at her cousin as they walked through the streets of the little village where they lived. "It's getting dark."

The other girl looked forward nervously at the swarm of armor clad soldiers that streamed in and out of the tavern coming up on the left side of the road. She obliged, tucking her market basket under her arm more

firmly as she picked up the pace of her tiny feet. "We shouldn't have stayed so late."

Aelia nodded, her golden-brown curls bouncing on her shoulders where it had tumbled free of her pins. "I know...I hope that tata isn't cross....and I hope that Esther thought to go ahead and start dinner."

There was a burst of masculine laughter from the taven, and Aelia's footsteps slowed nervously.

The little village of Lungudum had changed since the legions had made it their new winter camp. Usually a quiet, cheerful middle-of-nowhere hamlet, it now seemed dark and sinister as the hordes of strange, often leering men seemed to linger on every corner. The girls hadn't had trouble- yet. But they had heard stories. The warnings of their father echoed in their minds as they raced back toward the family farm.

"Maybe we should take a shortcut." Aelia suggested, glancing down a narrow alley.

Her cousin Paolina shook her head and said instead, “No, we will hide and see who is coming”.

Paolina took Aelia for the elbow and they walked behind the corner of a house, peeking her head out to see the center of the road. The sound of steps became nearer and louder, as the shadows of approaching men danced on the gravel covered lane. Masculine voices and laughter resounded through the air and the two girls pressed themselves more closely against the wall.

A group of young soldiers came in view. Looking at them, Paolina had to put a hand on her mouth to stifle a excited cry. She always harboured a fascination for men in uniform, but that behavior was not becoming for a  lady....

Paolina started to step into the street, but Aelia jerked her back by the collar of her tunica. Paolina remained in place, but the contents of the basket that she was carrying scattered onto the street.

One of the men, stopped and blinked in surprise as apples rolled against his hobnailed boots. He blinked, then stopped to pick one up. He rubbed it gently, brushing the dirt from its smooth skin, and then looked curiously

toward the alley.

Aelia gasped, flattening herself against the wall. "Get back!" She urged through clenched teeth. But her cousin put her head out of the corner and met the young soldier's eyes. In the darkened street it was impossible to see their color but Paolina was enraptured by them. She stayed there, staring, barely seeing the man walking in her direction and offering her the apple.

“Did you lose this?” he asked in a pleasant voice.

Paolina nodded with her head.

The soldier - a handsome young man of about 23-24 years, with dark hair and a closely cropped beard - smiled, a little amused by the girl’s wild-eyed stare.....He closed his battle-calloused hand over the apple again, and then polished it on the edge of his blood-colored tunica.

"My lady." He said, proffering it with a flourish.

"Th-thank you..." Paolina couldn't help but feel slightly weak-kneed at the attention. She accepted the fruit, her hands brushing his for a fraction of a second, causing her face to flush an even deeper shade of crimson.

Gallantly, he squatted in the dirt, retrieving the rest of the fruit, brushing each piece carefully.

Aelia scowled as she saw him glance at the tiny glimpse of ankle her cousin's tunica left on display.

"Paolina! Let's go!"

The name seemed to cause a flicker of recognition to cross the young man's face. "Paolina....Paolinus' daughter?"

She barely had time to nod her head before Aelia had jerked her forward, down the little shortcut she had gestured to earlier.

"Thank you, sir." Aelia said abruptly to the man, flashing a friendly, but strictly-business smile."- but, we're going to be late." She plucked the last of the apples from his hand, feeling not the slightest tingle as they touched. Under her breath, she hissed to Paolina. "*COME ON*"

Reluctantly, the second girl turned- but not without looking over her shoulder to throw the stranger another winning smile.

Aelia was intent on the path now, marching forward, and so the other girl had a chance to make her final move. With a flirtatious grin that only the soldier could see, she let her bracelet- a lovely silver bangle she had gotten for her birthday- slip into the sand.

 

*****

 

Aelia was fuming while they returned home. Her cousin was so impulsive and inconsiderate! She turned to look to Paolina a saw the dreamy look on her face.

“Wipe that stupid grin off your lips!” she hissed but the smile widened instead.

“Why are you so happy?” She said at last. 

“Oh, Aelia,” Paolina gushed. “Did you not see how handsome he was?”

“No. I simply saw two girls alone in the dark with an unknown man. What will your father say?”

“Nothing. He is used to my wild ways, he says I remind him of my mother. You know, they also met in a very strange way....he rescued her from the sea because he thought she was drowing.” Paolina smiled to herself. In reality her mother had been faking to attract her father’s attention...

Aelia knew the story well. She simply rolled her eyes and quickened her pace. She was silent as they continued their walk to the little farm where they lived. Paolina sighed, annoyed at the other girl's lack of humor.

Aelia's father, Aelius, had once been a centurion in the Northern Legions himself. He had met her mother in a little town just like this one. After he was injured in a battle- losing part of his arm to an arrow wound - he had retired. He wanted to stay in the north, but Aelia's mother had been restless. They  moved to Rome, to a cramped apartment on the fourth floor of an insula. Aelia was born there. Her mother had died only three years later, unsuccessfully trying to give birth to a second child. Aelia and her father were on their own.

To supplement his army pension, Aelius ran a flower stall near the forum. Aelia spent her childhood mornings, weaving the fresh blossoms that arrived nightly by mule-cart into verdant garlands for the homes of the wealthy and powerful. In spite of their humble means, the pair had been happy. That is, until the attack of plague brought to the city by Lucius Verus' returning legions had cut Aelius down as well. The flower stall had been closed, and Paolina's father - Aelia's uncle - brought the little girl back to his farm in Rome. Eventually, she had seemed like part of the family- even calling her uncle "tata" just as if she truly were his daughter.

In spite of the lowly station she had held in Rome, Aelia had retained a certain sense of superiority from her brief residence in the capitol. She loved to tell her country cousin about the marbled temples and huge, graceful castles that crowded the seven hills. Paolina listened with rapt attention- certain that she would always prefer the leafy glades of her home, but still captivated by the fanciful images. The two girls got on well, almost as sisters. Still, they occasionally quarreled- just as they had in the market today! Aelia liked to lecture about how "proper Roman ladies" would behave. Although Paolina suspected that the closest the girl had ever been to a "proper Roman lady" was to sell one flowers, she played along.

 

*****

 

The girls arrived back at home just after the sun dipped behind the western hills. As expected, their tata was nearly frantic with worry. Paolinus was an affectionate man, proud that his “daughters” were renowned throughout their corner of the province as true gems. Both were beautiful, intelligent, and well-mannered. While he was certain that he could count on *their* good-behavior, he had no such faith in the legions, whose installation he regarded like a plague of locusts descended on his crops. He never would have allowed the girls to venture into town if he had known that they would be back so late.

Paolinus simply didn't trust the army. He remembered too well how his dear sister had been swept off her feet by Aelia's penniless, but dashing father. The sister had, to the horror of his mother, followed the camps until Aelius' discharge allowed them to marry. And then they had left for Rome. Paolinus fretted as he thought of how he had found the little girl- living alone is a dark, crowded apartment. She didn't even have any male relatives to take her in! Still, Paolinus never minded keeping the girl. After raising five burly boys- the youngest of whom was seven years older than Paolina- it was a nice change to have women around the house again. And he knew that his "surprise" daughter enjoyed having company as well.

"Did you have fun, girls?” He asked, setting his hands on his hips. “You surely can't have been running errands the whole time you were in town."

Paolina laughed and kissed her father on the nose. "Yes, tata...we had fun. I told you! I was going to buy a new shawl in the market place- and they had the most lovely apples...." he noticed that she was holding one particular apple very close to her chest, smoothing it as though it were a small treasure.

"Yes." Aelia's voice mocked her cousin, though he could see a smile in her eyes as well. "Lovely....apples."

Both girls collapsed into a peal of giggles, Aelia's humor returning now that they were safely home.

"Paolina! You've lost your mother's bracelet!" the girl’s father exclaimed, finally noticing the bare arm.

His daughter did a very convincing job at appearing surprised. "Oh no!" She cried, holding her wrist. "It must have fallen off my wrist at the market!” She shared a look with Aelia. “We'll have to go back and look for it  tomorrow."

"You'll do no such thing." Paolinus said sternly, the worry that their late return had caused still too fresh to allow another journey.

"Well then." Paolina pouted. "I suppose I'll have to hope that someone brings it back to me."

 

2

 

"Headed into town again today?"

Maximus momentarily paused his task of tightening the saddle of his horse and turned to flash a smile at his friend.

"Not today, Quintus." He said, pulling sharply on the cinch and then adjusting the blanket some more. "I've got an errand to run."

"A delivery to make, perhaps?"

Maximus smiled again. Quintus had seen the incident in the marketplace. He knew too well what his friend was up to.

"Mind if I tag along?"

The bearded man frowned, sharply. Was Quintus interested in the girl as well? True, he hadn’t yet staked a claim. He had only seen her from a distance- and only for a second before the other girl had dragged her away. Maximus sighed. He was probably being silly. Quintus was only bored. Besides, the thought that such a lovely little creature could like EITHER of them seemed to be a distant hope.

"Sure." He said, shrugging. "That will be fine. The farm is only at the edge of town."

 

*****

 

Paolina took extra care with her dressing that morning, making Aelia replait the ring of braids in her hair three times before finally deciding to wear it down. She was wearing a white tunica trimmed in gold, it was her best cloth- a present from one of her older brothers. Her long black hair was shining and her brown eyes sparkled with joy of living. She was feeling very excited that morning, even if she could not be sure the young soldier from the night before would come to return her bracelet.

As she stepped in the villa's courtyard Paolina felt her father's curious eyes stop on her. It was easy to guess why: she was wearing her finest clothes instead of the plain, sturdy ones she usually wore to work on the farm.

“Tata”, she called and Paolinus took her hand.

“My daughter... Are you planning to go somewhere? Those certainly don't look to me as the right clothes to wear to help me to break a horse.”

“Oh, tata, I forgot I'd promised to help you. Listen, would bother you too much to wait until after noon for training the horse? I spent so much time for dressing like this and I don't want to change now.”

Her father shook his head, “I am not in hurry, darling, but would you please explain me why you are dressed up?”

Paolina searched for a reason and finally found one which was not a complete lie. “Tata, Aelia is always telling me I must behave like a lady if I want to find a good husband, but as you know, growing up with five brothers and no mother was not a good education in that field.” she paused and caressed her father's cheek, as she saw his eyes fill with tears at the mention of her mother. “You taught me a lot of things: how to write and read, how to judge horses, how to conduct a farm....You even taught me to use a sword, but you could not teach me to be more feminine. So, this morning I decided to follow Aelia's advice and train for a while to be a lady.....” She spun around “What do you think?'

Paolinus shook his head amused. Personally he thought his daughter was feminine enough and he only hoped one day the right man would come along. He had no need to marry his daughter to the first newcomer, and he hoped to see her happy as he and her mother had been.

Aelia listened the exchange glumly from the shade of the porch. She felt as if she had been up all night listening to her vivacious cousin chatter on about the handsome stranger- about his bright, kind eyes, his broad shoulders, and the heat of his touch. She hoped, for Paolina's sake, that he would come, but she could not share her cousin's excitement. Thinking about men always made her sad. She dreamed, just as Paolina did, about dashing, handsome officers with warm smiles and soft hands...but she knew that the likelihood that she would ever find such a man was small. The money from the sale of the flower stand, and the few coins that had remained in her father's savings after his burial was paid were the only money she had for a dowry. There was no land, and no illustrious name to make her imaginary hero forget this failing. The only thing that she truly had of value was her golden bulla. It had belonged to her grandmother- or so her father said- he had rarely spoken of his family. Through the short years that they were together, she had picked together that his childhood had not been very happy. Aelius had run away to the army when his mother died. Aelia didn't even know her grandparent's names. However, running her fingers over the lovely golden chain and the pretty pearl at the center of the charm, she liked to imagine that her grandfather had been governor of a distant province, or a hallowed magistrate within the walls of Rome, and that her grandmother was one of the lovely, silk-clad matrons she had watched so longingly in the forum. The expensive necklace, to Aelia, represented all the dreams that could never come true, and though it made her a little sad, she knew that she could never sell it...She would probably end up no better than her mother- A camp follower, constantly wondering where she would find enough food to feed her little tribe of children.  

Aelia would hold onto her illusions for as long as possible.

"I'll help you, tata." Aelia said suddenly, rising off of the step and patting the dust off her skirt.

Paolina and her father shared a look. Aelia had not been raised around horses. Although she had become a fine rider since her arrival at the farm, she was still nervous around the animals, and they could sense it. Letting her attempt such a thing could be dangerous.

"I don't think so, Aelia..." the other girl said gently. "Come back inside and help me put on rouge ...you're so much more skillful than I.."

But Aelia would not be deterred. She walked into the small paddock where the horse was penned, languidly chewing some hay, unaware of what it was about to endure.

Paolina watched as her cousin walked defiantly into the little fenced ring and picked up the leather bridle with the curved bit that they used on the young horses. The creature- a wheat-colored mare that Paolina called  Stella- had been tolerating a simple rope lead around its muzzle for a few days, but it had never felt the cool metal of a harness before. Nervously, Aelia approached, circling the animal as if she were trying to figure out a way to slide the contraption onto the animal over the ears first, rather than the other way around.

"Mistress?" Paolina turned suddenly, she had been watching the little encounter so intently that the little maid who worked in the kitchen and answered the door seemed to have sneaked up behind her. "There are two gentlemen to see you."

Paolina smiled brilliantly. Her plan had worked! She watched as the little maid's eyes drifted toward Paolinus. "Shall I tell your father?"

"No, that's not necessary." the girl answered quickly. Wanting time alone with her guest, she smoothed the wrinkles from her dress and then hurried into the front room.

 

It was him! Paolina felt her heart surge to her chest as she saw the stranger from the night before. He was taller than she remembered, and even more attractive. As she had expected, his hair was a shiny brownish-black, and his eyes were as blue as the summer sky. Briefly, she glanced at his companion. A taller, slimmer man, with similarly light eyes and golden-brown hair. After apprizing him, she returned her eyes to their starting point.

"Sir." She said, making a sketchy sort of bow.

He blushed. "Uhm...ma'am...Miss....Paolina, is it?"

He remembered! Her heart leapt with gladness. He stepped forward, about to offer her the bracelet when a scream echoed into the house from the yard....

 

3

 

Without thinking, Paolina turned and rushed outside, followed by the two soldiers. The scene they saw was scary: the young mare was rearing, moving her front hooves in a very dangerous way. In front of her Aelia lay in the dirt, her on her head, protecting it from the enraged animal.

Paolina threw a glance around her and saw that her father was nowhere in sign. She had to help her cousin and she had to do it soon. She run to the round pen and jumped up and down the fence, putting herself between the mare and Aelia. Paolina hoped Stella would acknowledge her and calm down.

She made soothing sounds with her lips and finally the mare put down on the ground her forelegs, and stared at her snorting. Paolina reached out a hand, her palm up and walked to the mare whispering, “Easy now, Stella. Easy now beautiful girl." The mare's ears pricked as she slowly walked in her direction, finally nuzzling her palm. Paolina smiled and gently picked up the flying reins, then turned to see how Aelia was.

Her cousin was still down in the dirt, and one of the soldiers, the light haired one, was checking her legs. Paolina smiled, seeing how Aelia's face was turning to crimson. Paolina was used to have her legs checked after falling from a horse, but for Aelia this was the first time and her cousin could not decide if the girl’s embarrassment was due to the fact the man performing the exam was a handsome stranger or if she was merely shamed because the young men had see her in difficulty. Aelia sometime was too proud for her own good.....

A hand entered her field of vision and Paolina turned to see 'her' young soldier caressing the horse's neck. She met his eyes and he smiled, making her knees tremble.

“Miss Paolina, it was very brave to confront  the horse like that...So determined and calm..”

She felt herself blush at his praise and looking to her feet replied, “My father taught me how to act with horses....using firmness mixed with gentleness, so the animal will learn to respect the man but not to be afraid of him.”

Maximus nodded. Paolinus was famous for the quality of his animals.

The two youngsters remained silent for some time then started to speak at unison”

“Miss-“

“Sir-“

They both stopped, looked at each other and then started to laugh.

In that moment Paolinus returned in the courtyard and frowned seeing two soldiers near his girls.

“What's going on?” he asked.

Four young faces turned to look in his direction and the two soldiers almost snapped in attention while the older man approached the enclosure. He stopped in front of his daughter, arching an eyebrow and inviting an explanation.

Paolina moved near him saying, “Father, these two young men found my bracelet and came to give it to me....”

“And...?” Paolinus bent his head in Aelia's direction then looked pointedly to Paolina no longer white tunica.

“And when Aelia tried to mount her, Stella started and gave her some problems, so we came here to help her.”

“Hmmmm....” Paolinus' eyes turned to look the two soldiers better and said, “Gentlemen, thank you for your help. I am Paolinus, master of this house.”

The legionary nearer to his daughter stepped ahead and said, “ Sir, I am lieutenant Maximus Decimus Meridas and that is my friend, Lieutenant Quintus Clarus “

Paolinus nodded to both the soldiers then added, “Would you like some wine?”

The young men agreed, happy the dominus of the house seemed to have accepted them. Paolina was also happy. As she watched Maximus and Quintus follow his father outside the round pen, she approached Aelia and asked, “How are you feeling?”

“I am well....very well.”

Paolina's eyes widened at her words and tone and she turned to look at her cousin better. Aelia was smiling like a contented cat and Paolina was briefly worried that her cousin had received a blow on her head, “Are you all right?”

“Yes....” Aelia smiled distantly. “.Quintus told me I was very brave, remaining so still in front of a frightened horse...”

“Ah!” commented Paolina with a smile “So your soldier touched more than just your legs....He touched your heart, you miss-always-with her-feet-on-the -ground!”

Aelia stared daggers at her but she could not reply as Paolinus called, “Selene, Aelia, what are you waiting for?”

Knowing that Paolinus only used his daughter’s given name when his patience was thin, the two girls quickly  exited the round pen and followed their tata and guests.

 

*****

 

Once inside, Aelia dismissed herself to change her clothes. The dress that she was wearing had been soiled when she fell into the soft earth of the paddock. Paolina couldn't help but watch Quintus' eyes follow her cousin as she ascended the stairs to her room. *So....* she thought, merrily *perhaps this will work out better than I had hoped....*

"Won't you be seated?" Paolinus asked, gesturing to two straight backed chairs in front of his desk. Paolina wished that they had gone to the triclinium- at least there the guests would be comfortable. She waited until the men were seated before pulling up a small stool of her own, putting it a few inches too close to Maximus. Her father gave her a disapproving look. Paolina didn't budge.

A  little maid scurried in with a bottle of wine- not their best, the girl noticed with a sigh- and handed it to her tata. He poured three large tumblers for the men, offering them a little tray to mix the water as they would, and then filled his daughter's glass mostly with water before adding the merest splash of libation.

Paolina watched their guests carefully. She looked at "her" soldier, amused to see that her father had slightly unsettled him. He took a deep breath, and then poured a judicious amount of water into the glass. She smiled, certain that her father would approve at this show of temperance.

The little group sat in silence.

"So...." Maximus said, clearing his throat. "They are...lovely...horses...you're raising here."

The older man hrumphed.

"Lots of spirit."

Paolinus sniffed again, and looked levelly at his guest, and then at his daughter. "You have no idea."

Maximus shifted his weight nervously. "Well...we....uhm...."

"Aelia!" Quintus rose from his chair as the younger cousin glided into the room. She had changed into a lavender tunic which set off her eyes, and a cream shawl that she had embroidered herself. Her golden-brown hair, was elegantly, though simply, twisted into a coil at the base of her neck. As she passed, Paolina couldn't help but notice how nice she smelled. She stifled another giggle. Yes, this was going much better than planned. Aelia sat next to the other girl, shyly meeting Quintus' gaze for an instant before looking at her hands. She didn't bother reaching for a glass of wine, focusing instead on smoothing her dress and sitting prettily. Ever the little lady....

"We...uhm...your...daughter...daughters...were saying....."

"Out with it." Paolinus said, clapping his hands on his thighs.

"We were thinking...hoping...."

"You would like to call on Paolina." Her tata finished.

Maximus flushed. "I...uhm...yes. Yes, I would like to.. and...." He looked quickly to his friend. "I think that Quintus would like to see Aelia...that is...if..."

There was a pause.      

"No."

Paolina's eyes flashed with angry indignation. "Tata!" She cried, rising to her feet.

Paolinus frowned. First he glared at Quintus. "Aelia- my niece, not my daughter - has no dowry, and I can think of only one purpose a legionary could have for such a girl- I intend to spare her from it as long as possible." Paolina looked quickly at her cousin, her heart tightening at the stricken look on her lovely face. "And as for you...I hardly intend to give her to the first man that walks in off the street." He stood abruptly. "And that, is the end of the conversation."

"Tata!" Paolina said again, her dark eyes flashing- she wasn't going to let him get away so easily.

"I said no!" Paolinus turned around and left the room, but her daughter followed him.

"Tata, please, you don't even know him...how can you judge him...them ..so quickly? Not all the soldiers are like uncle Aelius!"

Paolinus stopped and turned around, meeting his daughter's shining passionate eyes...eyes that were so much alike her mother's. He bit his lower lip and put his hands on the girl's shoulders. "Darling," he said, “I only want  to protect you. These men found your bracelet, brought it to you and all at once they want to call on you. It is no good...not appropriate..."

"Tata...do you remember how you met mama?” Her father nodded “Well, do you think her behavior was appropriate?"

Paolinus shook his head.

"Tata, Maximus came here because I let my bracelet fall...I..I..met him yesterday evening, he helped me when the apples fell in the street and..and.."

Paolina seemed suddenly without words but her father did  not need to hear anymore. He remembered too well his meeting with his late wife and also remembered the way Selene had clung to the apple the evening before. What could he do? He wanted to protect his girls but her daughter was right, he did not even know the two young men....The military service was compulsive and maybe, just maybe, the two legionaries might turn out to be a good sort... Paolinus sighed and patting his daughter's shoulders said, “All right, darling, I will give them a chance but they had better not waste it!”

Paolina's eyes shined with joy, "Thank you, Tata, I am sure Maximus will not disappoint you! And Quintus too!"

They walked back in the hall where Quintus, Aelia and Maximus were still sitting, exchanging embarrassed looks. At the sound of their steps, the legionaries sprung up and Maximus' eyes met Paolina's. She was smiling and he suddenly felt hope rise again in his chest.

Paolinus looked severely to the young men and said, "All right: I will permit you to see Selene and Aelia but you will do it only under the surveillance of a servant or myself. If you do so much as lay a finger on them I will throw you out of my estate and unleash the dogs. Is that clear?"

The two young men nodded, their faces almost frightened. "Yes, sir!"

"Good."

Paolinus clapped his hands and Pomponia - Paolina's old nurse  - entered. He gestured with his head and the woman nodded, understanding at once. She took his place at the table and sat down, looking at the youngsters with hawk's eyes. Paolinus nodded to his guests then walked away to his study.

He wanted to write to his friends and business partners to gather information about the two soldiers.

 

*****

           

The girls looked at each other, and then looked at the men, who seemed distinctly ill at ease. The old nurse, on the other hand, seemed perfectly content, paying attention to her sewing but, at the same time seeming to stare at each of the youngsters.

Maximus cleared his throat. "Well...uhm...we have to...get back to camp."

Quintus nodded. "Yes..we have to do inspections and uhm..." Both men started to rise unsteadily from their chairs.

"Stay!" Paolina said, pouting a little.

"We'll be back soon!" Quintus promised, trying to catch Aelia's eye.

"Tomorrow." Paolina insisted.

Maximus laughed- the first time they had seen him smile since the father's outburst. "Very well my little Amazon. Tomorrow."

This pleased Paolina. "I will walk you to the door. Come, Aelia."

Hopping to her feet, Aelia trailed after the other three onto the porch. The old nurse watched them carefully, but did not follow.

"Send word tomorrow that you can't come." Paolina whispered. "And then meet us by the well in town at noon."

Maximus blinked. "But if your father found out--- "

"He *won't* find out." She said, vehemently. She gave Maximus a flirtatious grin. "Say 'yes'".

He laughed again. "Yes."

She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and then darted indoors. Aelia, who had said barely a word to Quintus, merely offered him a short smile, then a sketchy little curtsey before following her cousin.

"You can come out now, tata!" Paolina said as she walked back into the house. "You've scared them away." And instead of walking to the parlor, she continued up the stairs to the room that she and her cousin shared. Since the boys had moved away, it was possible for the girls to have room of their own, but out of force of habit, they continued to share. Aelia followed silently, watching as Paolina flung herself dramatically back onto the bed and stared dreamily at the ceiling.

"He's perfect!" She sighed. Aelia was silent. "Tall, dark, handsome..." She sighed happily, and then rolled to her side, propping her head on her hand as she looked toward Aelia. "And did you see his arms? I wonder what he could do with those..." She giggled wickedly. When she got no response, she sighed.

Aelia was standing at the window, watching as the two soldiers collected their horses and rode back to the camp.

"Well *you* certainly were cool as ice!" Paolina goaded. "I thought that you liked Quintus."

"I *DO* like him" Aelia said, her voice betraying even more interest than Paolina had expected

"Then why were you acting so distant?...you didn't even ask him to stay!"

Aelia's pretty mouth slumped downward. "Oh Cousin. Tata is right. There is no reason that such a man would want a girl like me. Did you see his signet ring? Solid gold! He must be a senator's son...from Rome! He could never have a penniless girl like me, even if he wanted to- it is better not to get my hopes up."

"Your bulla is gold." Paolina pointed out, wryly. "Maybe he's penniless too!" She laughed merrily at her little joke and then laid back against the mattress again.

 

4

 

The rest of the day and the night passed quickly. The following morning the two girls went down in the triclinium to eat their breakfast. Paolinus was already there and greeted them with a warm smile. As they were eating their breakfast of bread dipped in honey there was a light knock on the door, followed by the entry of a servant.

Domine, a slave just came with this message for mistress Paolina and mistress Aelia.”

The girls put down the bread while Paolinus, raised his eyes from the letter he was reading, nodded to the servant, motioning him to hand the scroll to his daughter.

Paolina opened the papyrus and read the words inside. “Oh.” she said with a weak voice.

“What is it?” asked her father.

“It is from Maximus and Quintus....it says they can't visit us today...some kind of military drill came in the way.” Paolina's voice sounded very sad and disappointed but inside her chest her heart was beating very fast with joy,- Maximus had ended his letter with  “I hope to see you soon, my little Amazon”.

Paolinus felt relief wash over him but also he felt guilt, because he was not sure if his coldness to the two soldiers was due to the desire to protect his girls or to the fear that the young men would take them away, leaving him all alone in the house. He tried to carry on as normal and asked, “So, what will you do today then?” Seeing the two sad faces he added, “Why don't you go in the village and buy some fabrics to do new dresses? I saw yesterday that Antonius' shop received a new shipment of silk from India....”

“Yes, yes, we will do that, Tata," replied Aelia, performing as well as her cousin the part of the sad girl. Even if she was still uncertain about Quintus' reasons, she wanted to meet him very badly.

Paolinus smiled and opening the leather pouch tied to his belt, handed some coins to the girls, “Go now and find yourself something very pretty.”

“Thank you Tata” Aelia and Paolina said in chorus, Then they kissed him on his cheeks and walked away. Paolina was barely able to contain her happiness.....she was to meet her young soldier very soon.

 

*****

 

The little village was crowded with people scurrying to and fro on a variety of errands. Paolina and Aelia spent a lot of time in Antonius' shop, examining a lot of various colored fabrics, busying themself until noon.

Paolina chose a vibrant orange shawl embroidered in gold thread as her purchase. Aelia joked that her cousin had bought the color in case someone "forgot" to look at her (a thing that would never happen). She wrapped it around her shoulders as they left the store, pleased at how the bright color contrasted with her olive skin, and brought attention to her face.

Aelia, on the other hand, bought cloth for a new tunica. It was very pale pink silk that had been brushed until it was very soft, and was rather more expensive than the money that Paolinus had given her that morning. The girl made it a habit to save the little pocket change that she got from time to time so that she could occasionally afford something lavish. Although she did not have nearly as many clothes or bangles as her cousin, the ones that she did have were very fine for the country town where they lived. For once, Aelia's seriousness in such a matter did not annoy Paolina- since they were nearly the same size, they could plunder each other's clothes chests at any time.

Paolina ran her hand along the neatly folded material, admiring the downy finish. "Oh yes." She said approvingly. "Your lieutenant Quintus will like the feel of that..."

Aelia sighed dramatically and pushed the hand away. "I would like this wrapped and sent home, please." She said to the shopkeeper, handing over her money. After completing their transactions, the girls stepped back out onto the street. They were about to round a corner toward the village well when Paolina once again felt herself drawn roughly backwards.

"What?" She hissed, annoyed.

"It's Publius!" Aelia said, pointing at the square.

Paolina groaned. Publius was the son of the regional overseer. His family had been one of the first to receive the citizenship when it had been granted to provincials, hundreds of years before, and he was still a snob about it. Fat, overbearing, and leering, he nevertheless thought that he was the most eligible citizen in the town, able to have any woman he pleased. More often than not, he pleased Paolina. She thanked her cousin quickly. "You go and meet the soldiers." She instructed. "I will hide in the little wine-shop over there."

Aelia agreed and, gathering her shawl more tightly around her shoulders, stepped out bravely toward the well. She could feel Publius' eyes on her as she walked, but she studiously avoided turning her head. He knew, like every other man in the village, that Aelia was too poor to marry- but that didn't stop him from thinking that he could have fun with her in other ways. He catcalled after her as she walked.

"Where are you hurrying off to little sparrow?" He said, stepping forward.

Aelia could see Maximus and Quintus, but their backs were turned away. She felt that it would be unseemly to cry out to them, and so she quickened her pace.

"And where is your lovely cousin, my future bride?" He said, putting his hand on her shoulder. Aelia yelped, a sound that got the attention of a few of the townsfolk in the crowd. She tried to wriggle out of his grasp. Up close, she could smell the heavy scent of wine on the man's breath, and she feared that he was drunk, even this early in the day.

"She isn't your future bride." Aelia said angrily, still struggling to escape, his grip only tightened. "She hates you."

There. That would teach him, but instead of surprising him into letting her go, it only made him angry. He tightened his grip, pinching her skin savagely so that she let out a yelp of pain.

"Let her go."

Aelia breathed a sigh of relief as Maximus and Quintus finally arrived. Publius regarded them disdainfully. "Make me."

The soldiers exchanged a look. "I'm sure that you really don't want us to do that." Maximus said evenly.

Paolina stepped out of the wine shop, wondering what was taking the others so long to arrive. Her eyes widened in alarm as she saw the crowd ringed around Maximus, Quintus, Publius, and her cousin. They looked as if they were going to fight....oh no! Didn't they know what would happen if they sparred? Publius would run to their father, who would order them thrown in prison, no matter if they were guilty or not. She had to stop them!

Paolina ran in their direction and put herself between Publius and the two soldiers. Seeing her the fat, arrogant man, smiled leeringly, “Oh, my future wife, what a pleasure to see you!”

Paolina heard Maximus' sharp intake of breath as he registered Publius' words. “I will NEVER be your wife. I would rather kill myself!” She spat.

“Always  so full of fire....It will be a pleasure to tame you.” He answered. Publius reached out a hand and caressed her cheek with a fat finger.

Paolina snapped his hand away. “Don't touch me!” she hissed then gasped as she felt a hand brush against her own near her side

Maximus walked near Paolina and stared at Publius, “Did you hear the lady? Go away.”

Publius smirked and said again, “Make me”.

Maximus walked near him, so near he could smell the wine in the other man's breath, and stared at him. His gaze was so full of command and power that the other man could not sustain it very long.

Without saying anything more Publius turned and walked away, his head high as he was the master of the city. He turned a couple of time to watch Paolina and his 'rival' and they could clearly see in his eyes that it was not over. He would return.

Both of the girls were shaken by the incident. Aelia looked over her shoulder, painfully aware of the small group of gawkers that had assembled, hoping for a skirmish.

"If we don't want tata to hear about this, we'd better find a way to disappear." She suggested.

The rest of the group agreed. "Let's go for a walk." Paolina suggested, slipping her arm through Maximus'.

Aelia watched her cousin's actions and blushed, wishing that she could be so brave. Shyly, she rested her hand on Quintus' forearm, trembling slightly at the electricity of the touch.

 

5

 

Paolina led the little group out of the village to the little clearing where members of the town congregated for entertainment, and where they held the annual fair. On its edge there was the beginning of a winding path which led up the hillside.

"Let's go to the waterfall!" Paolina said, pulling the amused-looking Maximus after her. In no time at all, they had disappeared.

Quintus and Aelia followed, but at a much slower pace. She continued to touch his arm only slightly until her dress was caught on a low-lying branch.

"Let me get it!" the young man said quickly, darting for the fabric. Aelia felt her skin burn as, in his haste, his arm brushed her thigh as he bent to free the skirt. She noticed, however, that he was very gentlemanly by looking away from her briefly exposed ankle.

"There." Quintus said, standing upright again.

Aelia blinked. In a single, swift motion he had caught her little hand in his and held it lightly. He looked nervous for taking the liberty, but Aelia smiled and squeezed his hand slightly in reassurance.

 

*****

 

Meanwhile, Paolina's steps had finally slowed, her chest was heaving with the exertion of running so far- a spectacle which was far from lost on her companion. He couldn't help but sneak a peak at the way the thin fabric of her tunica strained against her rising breasts. He wondered, for a second, what it would be like to touch them. He shifted uncomfortably at the sensations the thought aroused, and he made himself look away.

"So." Paolina said, taking a little, dancing step toward the edge of the water. "Aren't you going to kiss me?"

"Kiss you?" Maximus' eyes sparkled hopefully. Was she teasing him?

"Yes." her dark eyes sparkled. She stood on her tip-toes and leaned toward him. He closed his eyes, shivering with anticipation as their lips drifted together.

She pulled away. Giggling, Paolina splashed through the shallow little stream, playfully beckoning him to follow. "You don't want to." She sighed mockingly. "No Paolina for you. Perhaps she is too ugly."

"You're beautiful." he said, darting toward her, and grumbled companionably as she side-stepped him.

"Too skinny then."

"You're luscious." He retorted, missing again as he tried to pin her arm.

Paolina danced through the water again. "Not enough of a lady..." she gasped a little when she realized that she had inadvertently trapped herself between Maximus and a boulder. He inched toward her, the smile on his face almost predatory as he pressed her against the rock.

"You're perfect." He growled lowly against her ear.

And then their lips met.

That was her first kiss and even if it was just a light brushing of lips, it was enough to make her head spin as her breath caught in her throat. They separated slowly, looking into each other eyes. Maximus was more expert than Paolina in matter of love, but he too was deeply affected by the chaste kiss. He raised his hand to caress her cheek and she covered it with her own. Their lips once again came close to each other, ready for another kiss when two voices stopped them cold.

“Cousin!”

“Maximus! Where are you?”

Maximus grimaced and offered a little smile of apology to Paolina. She replied with one of her own and taking his hand again, led him back in the open space, where Quintus and Aelia waited for them.

“Ah, here you are!” said Aelia, “What were you doing?”

“The same thing you and Quintus should do!” Paolina whispered to her, grabbing her for the elbow and leading her away from the men, “We were seeking a bit of privacy!” Aelia looked at her skeptically and Paolina added, “Don't tell me you don't want to spend some time alone with Quintus!”

Aelia lowered her eyes...She wanted to spend time with Quintus, to know him better but she was still worried that he was merely looking for a quick conquest. Still, she thought, he might be worth the risk...Aelia raised her head and smiled, saying suddenly, “You are absolutely right, Cousin!” And then she returned to a spot near Quintus and made a bold move-taking his hand in her own.

“Would you like to come with  me to search some mushrooms for dinner...Tata likes them very much and we will need to have him in very good spirits if he hears about what happened today in the village....” Aelia spoke in a rush, afraid she would lose her bravado if she stopped to think.

Quintus beamed at her actions and words and let himself be guided in the thick woods.

The pair  walked in silence for several moments until Quintus cleared his throat and asked, “So, you think  your uncle will be upset when he hears about what happened today?”

“Yes, but I think my cousin will be able to calm him down. Besides, despite what he told yesterday, he is a very kind man.”

Quintus smiled, “His threat of unleashing the dogs sounded very sincere to me!”

Aelia laughed- a musical sound that tied Quintus’ stomach in knots. “Of course, you don't know how little they are! They are three little puppies- only four months old!”

Quintus joined her laughter. “Well, he certainly is a great actor! I was expecting a band of Cerberuses!'

They both continued walking until Aelia spotted a big mushroom hidden between the grass, “Look at that!” She bent down to pluck it of the ground, and Quintus copied her actions, stooping down as well. As she brushed the dirt from the cap,  Aelia felt her companion’s eyes resting on her hands and a shiver ran along her spine...His gaze was so intent that its seemed to caress her skin...Slowly she raised her head and their eyes met. Quintus reached slowly for her hand and then whispered, “Please Aelia, give me leave....”

She was not sure about what he was asking for but did not hesitate, “Yes...you have leave....”

 

*****

 

Maximus laughed as Paolina sent her cousin away. "What did you say to her?" He questioned, drawing her into his arms again.

Paolina shrugged. "That she should mind her business."

He grinned. "Oh, I assumed from her expression that you had told her to go off somewhere and start kissing Quintus."

Paolina laughed. "Perhaps that *is* her business?"

Maximus shook his head in amused disbelief. "Are you always so bold?"

"Sometimes.... Usually....well, yes, I suppose I always am." She finally made an admission. She linked her hand through his and started leading him further along the path. "I think that you like it."

He nodded. "Yes. I like it very much. Spirit, just like Ariadne."

The girl frowned sharply, not liking the sound of another feminine name. "Ariadne, eh? A girl back home..." She tried to keep her tone light and disinterested.

"Yep." He nodded.

Paolina snorted in exasperation. How could he think this was so funny?

He noticed her expression and threw his hands up. "She's my horse!"

"You would compare me to a horse?" She said, trying to sound angry, but unable to keep the smile from her lips.

"Well you certainly would be fun to..." He let his voice trail off.

Paolina wasn't certain if he was about to say "ride" or "tame" but either choice was amusing. She treated him with another display of blindingly white teeth and then concentrated on not saying the jokes that came to mind- all of them too unladylike for even her to utter.

"Well, we shall see, soldier." She walked a little bit further. "And where is home? You don't act like you are from Rome."

“You are right. I was born in Hispania, near a little village called Trujillo. I own a farm there, not big as your father's but very beautiful and fertile.”

Maximus' eyes shone as he spoke and Paolina watched him, completely mesmerized by his voice. Meanwhile,  the more down-to-earth part of her thought that her father would be very pleased to learn that the young soldier owned a farm. “Do you have any relatives?” she asked.

“Only my mother. She is living in the farm, hoping one day I will return with a bride and fill the villa with a bunch of children.” Maximus smiled then added seriously, “But I want so much more than a broodmare....I want a companion, a lover, a friend....” He stopped to talking, suddenly too embarrassed to continue, but his eyes seemed to say to Paolina..."And you could be all of them...”

Paolina wanted nothing more that lose herself in his gaze but a shadow obscuring the sun caused her to look to the sky where threatening black clouds were gathering over their heads. “Oh, no”, she muttered, “We’d better head back, or we'll get an unscheduled bath!”

Maximus followed her gaze and nodded, “Come, let's go to find Quintus and Aelia.”

 

*****

 

Back in the wood Quintus and Aelia had totally forgotten about the mushrooms.

After she granted permission, Quintus had gently kissed Aelia on the lips, retreating  quickly to gauge her reaction. Aelia was surprised by his restraint, but what followed was even more stunning because she, always the proper little lady, as her cousin teased her, reached for Quintus face and gave him another kiss, much to his delight.

The kiss was gentle at first, but slowly deepened, her petal soft lips gently parting against his own. She lingered from longer than she should. When they finally parted, they were both breathing as hard as if they had run a race. They continued to look at each other until, at last, Quintus broke the silence, feeling an unstoppable desire to explain himself to the girl.

“Domina, I want you to know I will never do it again without your permission... I don't want to dishonor you in any way..”

Aelia frowned, where had that come from? Then she understood, he was afraid she might think his attentions were only for the reasons her uncle had mentioned the day before...He wanted to show her he was not interested on her just for....just for....Aelia blushed at the thought of she and Quintus alone in a darkened bed chamber. She smiled to lessen his concern - even if she was indeed happy to hear him voicing his true intentions - and said, “I believe you, Quintus, and I trust you.”

They exchanged another smile, then he helped her back on her feet and helped brush away the grass and the dirt from her dress. They  had just finished and were preparing to resume their search for mushrooms when the first drops or rain began to fall from the sky. It was quickly  followed by Paolina's and Maximus' voices, “Quintus, Aelia, where are you? We have to head back!”

"We’re over  here!" Aelia called back, quickly turning away and bounding through the woods toward the sound of her cousin's voice. Another fat drop of rain fell down from the sky, and she looked overhead nervously, pulling her stola over hear hair. "It is going to storm!" She said as she caught up to her cousin.

Paolina nodded, her brown eyes as wide as coins as they threaded their way back down the slope of the hill.

There was a flash of lightning, and she jumped, drawing all of her courage to avoid crying out. Paolina was terribly afraid of lightning. When she was very small, one of her older brothers had told her that each time a bolt flashed out of the sky, it killed a little lamb. Although she was too old now to believe such nonsense, her heart still hammered in her chest each time she saw the heavenly fireworks.

"We have to go!" She said through clenched teeth.

Maximus looked at the sky nervously. "You'll never make it- we'll have to wait it out in the city."

The color drained from Paolina's face. She was suddenly less afraid of the lightning than what her father would do if they didn't return home again as scheduled. She shook her head forcefully. "No. We must get back."

The wind was picking up. Aelia tucked her stola tightly around the knees to keep her skirt from flying up, but Paolina, who had only brought a little scarf for her shoulders, and who didn't want her new shawl to be stained by the rain,  had to fight the unruly folds as the gusts swirled around her ankles. Maximus wished that he had time to enjoy the view, but he was concentrating on leading his companion down the slope. The light rain had made the incline slick and dangerous.

Just as they stepped out of the woods onto the open plain, the heavens seemed to open, pouring out rain as though buckets were being dropped over their heads. Aelia let her stola fall to her shoulders- it was soaked through- useless for protection- and the blue dye had started to run.

"We have to go home." Paolina said again, flinching as another bolt of electric crackled across the horizon. "Truly Maximus. Tata will be furious if we don't"

He shared a look with Quintus.

"Alright. " he said reluctantly. "We'll take you there."

"No!" Paolina and Aelia said in unison.

"That is..." the more dominant cousin finished. "It would be better if you didn't. They will need you at camp, and tata will be less angry if we return alone."

The men hesitated, but at last relented. "Very well....we will call on you soon."

Maximus bowed to Paolina, and she felt a twinge of jealousy as, beside her, she saw Quintus take her cousin's hand and kiss it tenderly.

With a final goodbye, the little group parted.

 

6

           

 

Aelia and Paolina were silent on the way home- unable to speak as they panted for breath from running. Their father was waiting for them on the front porch. A shivering slave boy had been sent to wait by the front gate for them, and he looked very relieved when they arrived.

"Tata!" They both said when they arrived. Paolina began to speak immediately, hoping to avoid whatever lecture he might be able to deliver if he had already heard what had happened to Publius in the town.

"Girls! I was so worried. I've sent Bronwen into town to look for you."

They exchanged a glance, knowing what gossip the slave would have to deliver when she returned. Paolina decided to confront the issue head on.

"We are sorry we are late- you will never guess who we saw in town? Maximus and Quintus!"

She wondered if she had made the wrong decision. Immediately her father's face clouded nearly as black as the sky. "I thought that they had drills today."

"Well....they..." She stammered, momentarily stumped.

"The drills were cancelled because of the weather."

Paolina smiled, impressed with her cousin's quick thinking. She flashed Aelia a smile, and then frowned when she saw how pale the girl's cheeks were. Was she getting sick?

"We saw them when we were coming out of a shop and shared a snack at the inn before starting home."

Her father  made a grunting sound that could have meant almost anything.

Paolina decided not to wait for him to have a chance to say anything else cross. "I am starving!" She said. "Is there anything to eat?"

The girls went to the kitchen for a meal of hot stew and bread. It was simple fair- the type of food that peasants or shepherds would eat, but perfect for the nasty weather. The wind continued to howl as they passed the afternoon reading and playing games, and the rain continued to pour downwards as they climbed the stairs and returned to their room.

The girls changed into simple wool nightgowns and climbed beneath their blankets. Aelia blew out the little lamp between the two beds, but the room was still illuminated by regular flashes of lightning. Paolina was happy not to be alone, but wished she were keeping company with Maximus rather than her cousin. She was certain that the display of heavenly lights would be much less frightening if she could observe them curled into his strong arms. The thought sent a little shiver down her spine, and she smiled into the darkness. Soon...she promised herself. It will happen soon... Still smiling, she drifted slowly to sleep.

 

*****

 

"Paolina....Paolina...wake up."

Aelia's voice carried through the darkness, dragging her cousin reluctantly from a delicious dream.

"What time is it?" the other girl grumbled, turning over in her bed and drawing the coverlet more tightly around her legs.

There was a moment of silence and she hoped that her cousin had gone back to sleep.

"I don't...I don't feel well."

Paolina noted that Aelia's voice was rasping. Suddenly awake, she sat upright.

It was too dark to see the girl's color, and so Paolina crept to the bedside and laid her palm against the woman's cheek, drawing it away sharply as if she had been burned.

"Aelia!" She said, her voice frightened. "You have a fever!"

Paolina tried not to panic too much and remain calm for her cousin's sake. She jumped down the bed and lightened the lamp. As the flames sparkled to life and the shadows danced in the room she was able to see that Aelia face was very pale and her brow covered with sweat.

“By the Gods,” whispered Paolina and walked to the basin and soaked a rag of fabric and the water they had used to wash, returning near the bed and putting it on Aelia's brow. Then she squeezed her hand and said, "Stay calm. I am going to call tata and he will fetch a doctor. Don’t worry, you’ll be all right.” Aelia weakly squeezed her hand back and Paolina left her and went to her father door.

She knocked loudly on the door, “Tata, please, wake up! Aelia is ill!” she called urgently. A few moment later her father appeared, clad in his nightgown and a robe. Together they went in the girls’ room, where Paolinus ascertained his niece's condition. Then he left the room and barked some orders to the slaves, telling to one of them to run in the city and return with Galen, the family doctor. After that he came back and sat on the bed near Aelia, “It will be all right, my dear” he whispered, caressing her burning cheeks as the girl fell asleep.

 

7

 

The following day the sun shone in a bright blue sky but in Paolinus' villa the atmosphere was dark and sad. Aelia was ill, very ill and the fever had yet to broke. Galen had worked near her for all the night, but to midmorning his efforts had yet to have positive effects.

Paolina sat near Aelia bed, washing her face and chest with cold water, speaking softly to her and keeping her from trashing to much then she was delirious. Paolina  was feeling very badly because she felt guilty...if she had not insisted to return home in spite off the rain ....

Her father appeared on the door and asked quietly, “Still nothing?”

Paolina shook her head.

“Galen want to use the leeches but I wish to wait a little more.”

Paolina nodded. She knew that his father was remembering the fever which had killed her mother when she was only 3 years old. In that occasion the doctor - not Galen, another one - had used the leeches too much, weakening her mother so much that her heart had failed, killing her just when the fever seemed beaten.

Paolina lowered his head and said, “Oh, Tata, is all my fault....if I had not insisted we return in the rain..”

Paolinus crossed the room to his daughter and hugged her, “It's not your fault, nor anybody else's, it simply happened. We can only hope Aelia will be all right soon.”

His daughter nodded against his chest. He murmured, “Why don't you go in my room to nap a little bit? I will stay here with her.”

Paolina smiled weakly and nodded, leaving her father and cousin alone.

Paolinus took his daughter's place on the chair, took Aelia's hand and began to speak softly, “You must get right soon, darling, I have good news for you...and for Selene too. I made some enquiries about 'your' soldiers and I discovered interesting things about them. Good things. You seem to like Quintus, do not you? Well I have been informed that he has not yet been promised to a girl in Rome. He is only the third son in his family- so there may not be prospects..." He looked at the girl's face for some sign that she could hear him, but her feverish eyes remained closed. He sighed, feeling guilty. Only that morning he had been grouching about being lonely in his large house- now he would happily lose her to a handsome soldier, but he could not bear to know that she was dead.

 

Paolina cried herself to sleep. In spite of what her father said, she could not help feeling terribly guilty. Even thoughts of Maximus could not cheer her. Hasn't he told her that they should wait in the village? If only she had listened. Surely he would hate her when he learned that she had put her cousin's life in jeopardy.

 

*****

 

Paolina awoke very early, feeling more tired than when she went to bed. It was no longer raining, but heavy grey clouds hung in the sky, eaching the dull weight of her heart. After slipping into a warm woolen tunica, Paolina went to the room where her cousin was being kept.

"Is there any change?" She asked hopefully as she stepped into the room.

Galen, the doctor, shook his head.

"There is no change. The fever still hasn't broken. She has been delirious most of the morning."

The older girl nodded gravely. She glanced tenderly at her tata, who was asleep in his chair, snoring slightly. She noticed the bowl of leeches sitting near the bed. They had not been used- yet....

"Isn't there anything that I can do?" She asked, feeling very restless. She could not bear a day of sitting in a chair waiting for bad news. She looked at the doctor hopefully.

"Yes." He said, causing her to turn her head in surprise. "There are some medicines that I need from the village. Could you send one of the kitchen girls to fetch them?"

"I will get them myself." Paolina said. The doctor was about to argue, but he could see in her eyes how she desired to be useful.

"Very well."

Paolina memorized the short list of herbs and elixirs, and then hurried to put on her winter shoes and fetch another wrap. She hesitated on her new orange shawl, as once again an image of Maximus floated through her mind, but she selected instead a heavy leather garum that her father used on the farm. She was levelheaded enough to realize that it wouldn't help anyone if she caught the same fever as Aelia. She would sacrifice glamor for good sense.

 

*****

 

The walk to the village seemed longer than ever, in spite of her hurried pace. Since the road was muddy, the marketplace was more deserted than usual. The few vendors that had arrived huddled under the awnings of shops. She frowned when she noticed that the usual herb woman was not where she needed to be. She would have to go to the potion shop.

"I'm sorry my dear." The shopkeepers wife said, counting money as she answered Paolina's inquiry. "We simply don't have any left. The army bought up all our stock as soon as they arrived, and it's impossible to get more this time of year."

"But Aelia must have it!" She insisted, feeling helpless. "She might die!"

The older woman simply shrugged. Sighing wearily, Paolina stepped back outdoors and reluctantly turned toward home. She had gotten most of the things that Galen needed. Pehaps he could make due, or send one of the kitchen slaves to his house in the neighboring town for a personal supply- But what if he DIDN't have anymore ....and what if the things Aelia needed were the things that Paolina hadn't got? It just wasn't fair!

Slowly, her feet came to a stop at the crossroads that led to the farm. Down the other road was the army base ...Should she ask them for help?

She shivered at the thought. She knew very well what was said of the girls who went to the base- more than a few had taken that route in the weeks since the legions had come- the gossip would be unbearable...and what would Maximus think? Amazon or not, could he love a woman who would be so reckless with her reputation? She sighed, knowing the choice that she had to make.

Maximus would have to love her for who she was- a reckless woman with a heart full of love. She could not act selfishly when her dearest cousin needed help. Feeling frightened nevertheless, she began walking toward the camp...

 

8

 

As the wooden gates came closer and closer Paolina felt her resolve falter....if she stepped inside them her reputation might be doomed for good, and so she stopped in front of the high wall. However, her worry for Aelia was stronger than her fear of gossip, and so she collected her spirits and walked between the two guards, who greeted her with loud whistles. Once inside Paolina stopped and looked around amazed. The camp was enourmous, with seemely never-ending rows of white little tents and soldiers who walked in every direction. She forced her mouth close as panic began to assault her...how can she find the doctors' place in that sea of tents? She needed help. She looked around and saw a kind looking legionary intent on polishing a sword and decided to ask to him.

“Excuse me sir, could you point me toward the doctor's tent?”

The soldier raised his head, “Look honey, the doctors are too busy to help you to get rid of your burden. Go in the city and ask the midwife.”

He spoke with a voice full of sarcasm and Paolina looked at him surprised, “I don't understand...”

“You’re pregnant, right? Well the doctors here can't help you and I don't know you so don't even think to tell me the baby is mine....”

Paolina flushed crimson and rushed away.

While she continued through the camp she tried to think about another way to discover where the medical tent was but the place was so big that without a proper direction she could  walk for a day and still not find anything.

A group of soldiers saw her and began to catcall and to shout vulgar comments in her direction, but she gritted her teeth and tried to ignore them...Oh! If only would meet Maximus or Quintus....

Suddently a hand grabbed her arm and a drunken voice said , “Where are you going in such a hurry, little one? You already have an appointment, eh?”

Paolina tried to free herself but the legionary's grip was too strong. “Let me go!”she implored but the agressor  - a burly and unclean man in his late twenties - did not listen. He drug her roughly behind a tent and began to touch her in places where no one have ever touched her before.

 “Let me see what are you hiding under all this wool....”

Paolina continued to struggle as the man leaned forward and tried to kiss her. In desperation, she kicked him in the groin. He released her arms, doubling over in pain, and she sprinted away. The girl ran back to the main path and tried to retrace her steps to the gates. She heard shouts behind her and throwing a brief glance over her shoulder she saw her attacker running again in her direction. She tried to run faster, but her tunica obstructed  her steps and suddenly she tripped on its hem and fell to the ground.

The man was on her in a moment and grabbing her elbow he hissed, “Now I will teach you a lesson you will never forget, you stupid whore!”

Paolina closed her eyes tightly, anticipating a slap to her cheek from his raised arm. It was when that she heard the sound of hooves followed by a thundering voice, “Hortensius, what are you doing?”

Paolina felt her heart skip a beat....she knew that voice...Maximus!

She raised her head and saw him dismount from his horse and walk in their direction with a threatening stance. He threw a brief glance to her and she saw him start in shock when he recognized her. However, he quickly composed himself and confronted  her aggressor.

“Let her go, immediately!"

The legionary obeyed and stepped back. Maximus sniffed the air and said, “So I see you have been drinking again, and it is only midafternoon...Do you remember that I told you last time?”

Hortensius nodded.

“Tell me.” Maximus' voice was very soft but his eyes sparkled with barely contained fury.

“Sir, you told me ....you would have me whipped if I..if I..did it again..”

“Good, and you know I always keep my word?”

Hortensius nodded, going very pale.

“Guards!” shouted Maximus.

Two men appeared immediately, “Sir?”

“Take him away and give him ten blows with the whip.”

“Yes Sir!”

Hortensius was dragged away and Maximus forced himself to relax, slowly turning to Paolina.

She was still sitting in the mud, sniveling, in an almost shocked state. Maximus felt his heart break and not minding his men's curious glances bent down and hugged her, “Don't worry, little one, it is all finished...Shhh, it is all right.”

Paolina pressed herself against his chest as tears of relief began to fall.

Maximus stroked her back until the sobs subsided and then, raising her head gently he asked softly, “What are you doing here?”

"It...it's Aeila..." She said, still shivering. She pulled the stola so tightly around her shoulders that the fabric threatened to rip.

Maximus could sense her discomfort. He shuddered to think of what might have happened if he had been a moment later or had decided to leave through the eastern gate. He squeezed her shoulder reassuringly, and then led her toward his horse.

"I will take you home." He said, reaching for the reigns of his stallion.

"No!" Tears brimmed anew on the rims of Paolina's eyes. "We can't go. We have to see the doctor..."

"The doctor?" Perhaps the scoundrel had hurt her worse than he had realized. Maximus paled.

"For Aelia...." the soldier's features relaxed, but only for an instant as he listened to her explain about her cousin's fever and how the potion shop in town had been sold out.

 

*****

 

"And you see...” She sniffed as she came to the end of her tale. "It is all  my fault! Even you told me yesterday that we shouldn't walk home. I was the one who insisted. And now, Aelia will die because I was so stubborn!"

Maximus pushed back the urge to hug her again- too many men were watching them now, though none of them were brave enough to do so in an obvious manner. Maximus edged the girl toward the center of the camp.

"Dear, it was *not* your fault. I didn't know that Aelia would catch a fever. I was merely being selfish because I wanted an excuse to have you a few more hours to myself." He brushed a lock of hair off her shoulder as a pretense for touching her again. "Aelia will be fine."

"R-Really?" Paolina said, blinking through her tears.

"Yes. Come with me." He said, hoping the authority in his voice would cheer her up. “We will get all the medicines that she needs."

Maximus took the girl to the surgeon's tent. Although the man was generally wary about giving supplies to civilians, he loved Maximus too well to refuse, and so soon their arms were laden not only with the items Galen had suggested, but also teas and compresses that the surgeon suggested as well.

Feeling more hopeful, Paolina began to walk toward home.

"Where are you going?" Maximus asked.

"Home." Paolina said quickly, inwardly cowering at the prospect of running the gauntlet of white tents.

Maximus frowned and looked at her chosen path. "Through the enlisted men's bathhouse he?" He asked curiously.

Paolina started as she realized that was indeed the path that her feet were taking. She blushed furiously.

"Come." Maximus said, relieving her of the parcels and tucking them under his arm before taking her hand. "I will take you home on my horse."

 

"Cicero!" Maximus called as they reached the stables.

A young boy who Paolina vaguely remembered as having collected the horse when they left for the medical tents seemed to pop up from the ground.

"Yes sir?"

"I need my horse." In clipped tones, Maximus explained the situation to his slave, and then, nodding to Paolina said. "I am riding out to Paolinus' farm. It is possible that I will not return until morning. Please see that General Claudius gets the message."

"Yes sir." The boy said, handing over the reigns of the animal that he had been riding before.

Paolina was relieved as Maximus lifted her into the saddle with his strong arms. Gathering the items for Aelia had momentarily distracted her, but looking over the sea of white tents, she shivered again, feeling naked and unclean as she remembered Hortensius' unwanted touch.

She could not wait until she returned home and could take a long bath and curl up in a heavy woolen tunica. Seeming to sense her thoughts, Maximus kept his touch very light. His forearm rested lightly against his weight as he balanced her in front of him.

On horseback, the journey was short. In no time, they had arrived at the farm's gate. Paolina sprung from the horse, and bounded into the house, anxious to know how her cousin was doing.

She was surprised to find her father sitting outside the bedroom door on a low stool. He had handful of wilted looking flowers in his hands, and his face seemed as bleak as the fading buds.

"What is it?" Paolina said, worried. "Is Aelia better?"

"No, my dear. " He said sadly. "She is worse."

“Worse?” Paolina's voice almost died on her lips.

“Yes....Galen had to used the leeches because the fever was too high..but..but..as it happened with your mother, she is now so very weak..Her body is too tired and we don't know if she has the strength to keep on fighting...”

Tears poured from Paolina's eyes as she hugged her father. They stayed so for some time until the sound of steps recalled them to reality.

Father and daughter raised their face and saw Maximus standing politely in the hallway. Paolinus looked at him a bit surprised but then nodded in greeting.

The young soldier approached them and said respectfully, “Sir, I could not help to hear your words but maybe we can help Aelia.” Paolinus arched his eyebrow and Maximus went on, “Paolina did you remember the last teas the camp surgeon gave to you? He said it is a stimulant....Perhaps your doctor can give it to Aelia.” His words gave hope both to Paolina - who ran to retrieve the parcel with the herbs - and to Paolinus - who restrained himself from haranguing the two youngsters about his daughter's visit in the army camp. The only important thing was to help Aelia.

Paulina came back with the parcel and then entered her cousin's room.

Aelia was on her bed, pale as a corpse and covered with many blankets, as several braziers surrounded her cot. Paolina felt her throat constrict but went to Galen, whom was sitting near his patient, and motioned him to follow her. They walked to a little table and she showed him the herbs the camp surgeon had given to her. Then Galen saw the dried leaves and berries in the little bottle he suddenly became excited , “Where did you find this?” But before the girl had the time to reply he added, “It does not matter....I need hot water...NOW!”

Paolinus, whom had entered the chamber along with Maximus, bolted from his place against the wall and rushed down the stairs and in the kitchen, coming back with a cup full of steaming water. Galen took it from his hands and put in the liquid a handful of herbs, swirling it slowly. Then he turned to Aelia and with Paolina's assistance helped the almost unconscious girl to drink the medicine. Aelia managed to drink all the cup the Galen lay her down again on the bed.

“Now we can only wait.”

The others nodded silently and exited the room. Once outside, Maximus put his arms around Paolina and she pressed against his chest. The soldier kissed the top of her head until, suddenly he seemed to remember they were not alone. He raised his head and his eyes met Paolinus.....but there was not anger in the older man gaze: he simply nodded, encouraging Maximus to hug the girl. And he did so.

 

9

 

Time passed slowly that afternoon. Paolinus, his daughter and Maximus had dinner in the kitchen and in the quite atmosphere Paolina was able to tell her father why she went at the legion camp and how Maximus helped her, convincing the surgeon to give her a lot of medical supplies. Paolinus nodded at her story and did not tell anything about her reckless behavior...he knew she had done it for her cousin. He also spent time studying Maximus but that was not the place or the time to have a serious talk with the young man.

Suddenly someone knocked on the door and one of the servants went to open it. He returned with a man in tow.

“Quintus!” Paolina and Maximus exclaimed at unison, “What are you doing here?”

Quintus saluted Paolinus with a deep bow, then replied, “When I returned from the drills I asked about you and Cicero told me you left the camp in the afternoon, together with a young lady.” he stopped but it was easy to hear the words he did not say, that he had not problems to guess who the young woman was.

“May I ask what's going on?”

“Aelia is ill. She is in a very bad condition.”

Quintus felt the blood drain from is face and even in that desperate situation Paolinus could not help but felt a flash of approval in his heart...The young man really cared for his niece.

"Sit with us, lieutenant,” he said. “Do you want to eat something?”

Quintus shook his head, then asked, “What kind of illness is?”

Paolinus told him everything and then silence fell on the small group as the waiting continued....

After a some time, Paolinus slapped his hands against his thighs. "I must check that the horses are in their stalls..."

Maximus started to rise from his seat. "No, let me do it." He said quickly. "You may stay here and wait for word...Across the yard?"

Paolinus nodded, then he looked at his ashen-faced daughter. "Paolina can show you." He nudged the girl on the shoulder. "Go..." He said. 

She looked back at the door to the sick room reluctantly. "Go." her father said again. "I will call you if there is a change."

He watched approvingly as Maximus helped Paolina into a warm shawl before they stepped out into the quiet farmyard. When they were gone, the older man sat down near Quintus, pouring a small tumbler of wine and offering it to the man.

"You care about her very much." He said gently.

Quintus nodded, pain etched into his finely wrought features. "Yes, domine."

"I was wrong to imply that your intentions were dishonorable."

"You are a father...or like a father. It was only natural...He sighed heavily. "And it is still true-my intentions are not dishonorable...I cannot claim that they *are honorable* either.."

Paolinus felt a frown cloud his face. "What?" He said, nearly choking on his wine. "What do you mean?"

Almost subconsciously, Quintus' fingers twisted the signet ring he wore on his right hand. His voice was very sad as he spoke. "My father is still alive. He alone may choose my bride, and while no man could ever doubt that Aelia is a lady..." his voice filled with emotion. "A wondrous lady...my father would never permit me to marry someone who was so...so..." he faltered.

"Penniless and poorly born?"

Quintus took a long drink of wine, grateful that his companion had spoken the words it pained him to say. "It is true then...she was lowly born?"

Paolinus shrugged. "That is the assumption....I didn't know much of her father. He ran away- or left- when he was very young. Aelius was the only name I ever knew him by...I've no idea what was on his discharge. I doubt my sister even knew..." He felt his voice growing angry, and so he fell silent.

"But her bulla..."

"It's probably stolen."

"What makes you think that?"

"There was an...incident. A story that Aelia told me long ago that made me wonder....you know that she sold flowers in the forum?" Quintus didn't. Paolinus felt a pang for the young man as he watched him struggle not to be disappointed- it was clear that he'd imagined his flower to have had a far more refined upbringing.

"She told me that, one day when she was selling flowers, a soldier had accused her of stealing it."

"Are you certain- Wouldn’t she have been arrested?"

"Well...it wasn't an accusation, per se. Aelia says that the man was more surprised than angry. He asked her where she had got it, and when she said it was from her father, he had asked to see the man. Aelia went home to get her father...but when she told him, he flew into a panic. They left Rome that night and stayed in Liguria for several months.... she never got him to tell her what was the matter. I rather suspect- given that the man was a soldier- that Aelius had taken it during a campaign they served in together."

Quintus did not dispute the argument. He knew too well how often such things happened among the rankers.

Paolinus watched his expression. "Does that change how you feel about Aelia?"

"No!" Quintus said passionately. "She doesn't need a pedigree to prove her nobility...if only..." He let his voice trail off, unable to imagine any contingency- barring his father's death- that would allow him to be with the woman he loved.

Paolinus nodded, understanding the dilemma the young man faced. Even if they ran away, a marriage between the pair would never be legal under Roman law without his father's ratification. Perhaps it would be easier if Quintus simply went away...

"Go and see her." Paolinus said gently, patting the soldier's shoulder in a fatherly gesture. "I am sure that it would make her happy."

 

*****

 

Meanwhile, Paolina and Maximus had arrived in the stables, and the inspected the stalls, making sure that the animals were fed, and that the pens had been properly mucked and filled with fresh straw. Maximus was pleased to find that his stallion had been boarded well. The animal had been brushed down until his coat shone brightly, and he was contentedly munching on a bucket of oats.

The soldier smiled, gently cuffing his mount on the neck with his palm. "Careful boy, you'll go soft."

Paolina smiled. She was impressed with his gentleness to animals. Her nursemaid, Pomponia, had once told her that people who were gentle to animals were good to the bone. She had tested the theory throughout life and always found it true. Maximus was no exception.

The lieutenant noticed the smile. Taking Paolina's hand, he swung her around in a large circle, and twirled her around once before drawing her tightly against his chest. "It is going to be all right," He murmured into her hair, cradling her chin in both hands.

"Is it?" She wanted to believe him, but Aelia has been so frighteningly pale.

"Yes. Aelia is strong...and she has much to live for." He ran his finger along her jaw. "And, besides... I've decided that nothing can ever make you unhappy again, and so..." His tone was light, hoping to coax another smile. When his efforts failed, he tilted her chin upwards, and caught her lips in a sweet kiss. "Let's talk of something else..."

"What?"

He shrugged. "Are we going to have eight children, or twelve?" Then, suddenly embarrassed by his brash statement, added quickly. "And horses...these are magnificent animals...where do they come from?"

Paolina blinked, unsure of which question he really wanted to answer. She had known him for such a short time- and already he haunted her every waking thought...could he truly be thinking of marrying her so soon. As if hearing her internal debate, Maximus launched loudly into the story of how he had found his horse.

Paolina felt her shoulders hunch in disappointment, but she tried to act amused by the tale. Why can't men say what they mean? She thought with annoyance. Why can't they be more like me?

 

*****

 

Back in the house, Quintus paused before pushing open the door to Aelia's room. The braziers had made the temperature sweltering hot, and the air felt thick and oppressive with  the sickly sweet smell of illness and the tart scent of the herbs that floated on the damp air.

He looked at Aelia...and felt a lump constricting his throat. She was so pale and looked so little and fragile! Quintus felt an overwhelming urge  to hug her and tell her he would protect her from everything and everyone- but he did not do it. Instead he pulled a chair near the bed and took her hand in his, squeezing it gently, while with the other one he caressed her pale, cold cheek.

He cleared his voice and murmured hopefully, “Aelia, darling, it is Quintus....Can you hear me?”

Her face remained still and he sighed, a little bit disappointed. Then went on, “I will speak to you anyway...Your uncle told me your father was a soldier...so maybe you would like to know more about a legionary's life. Well it is not a easy life, but it could be very rewarding if you are willing to work hard. I joined the army when I was 14 ,because as the third son of a Senator I had not many other choice to make in life. My older brother Titus served in the army too but only for few years, it isn’t really necessary for him. He is going  to pursue his political career and then one day take our father's place in the Senate. My other brother, Secundus.....yes, I know, my parent's imagination in names is shameful- has breathing problems so he is studying to became a lawyer. He has already married a very rich girl so he is settled down very well. Returning to my life in the army....”

 

10

 

Quintus spoke for hours, stopping only to drink some water now and there, telling Aelia about his training, the battles he had already fought, his friendship with Maximus and the jokes the was a victim of then he was a young recruit. Time passed quickly and dawn arrived, the first pink-yellow sun beans filtering inside the room and lightening Aelia's form. Quintus looked at closer...her cheek seemed more colored, more alive. The touched her face gently and found that her skin was no longer cold and sweaty but pleasantly warm. And then he felt it, a light squeeze on his left hand, which was still holding the girl's left one.

“Aelia?” he called softly.

“Uhm...” the sound was barely audible.

“Aelia, wake up!” Quintus whispered urgently, leaving his chair to kneel at the side of the bed.

Aelia's eyelids fluttered and then opened, revealing her beautiful eyes to him.

“Aelia!!” he exclaimed happily, hugging her gently with relief.

The girl smiled weakly and whispered, “Quintus..what are you doing here?”

“Oh, honey, you have been so sick...your tata gave me permission to sit with you during the night...”

“So it was not a dream...”

“What?”

“I thought I heard your voice speaking to me...”

“No, it was not a dream, it was me.” he smiled again, pleased that her brain seemed unaffected  by her high fever. “Rest now. I will go to tell your family you are all right..they were so very worried.”

Quintus stood up, took Aelia's hand to his lips, kissing it gently before releasing it to walk to the door.

He found Paolinus, his daughter and Maximus sitting on three chairs lined along the hallway wall near Aelia's bedroom. The older man was awake, and was watching with tender eyes at the two youngsters, whom were sound asleep, Paolina's head resting on Maximus' shoulder. For just a second Quintus thought about how much the old man's behavior had changed in just three days....he seemed to trust them - he and Maximus - so much now and Quintus hoped to be able to be up to that trust...if only he could convince his father about letting him marry Aelia..

Quintus shook away those thoughts and walked to Paolinus, who sprung to his feet as soon as he saw the soldier. Quintus smiled broadly and said, ‘She is awake.”

Paolinus put a hand against the wall, to remain straight as relief made him light-headed and murmured a quiet thanks to the Gods....

“Paolina...Paolina, wake up." He said softly, shaking the girl's shoulder. "Paolina-"

"I'm awake, tata." Her eyes were suddenly open, and wild with terror. "What is it? Is it Aelia is she-"

"She's awake." The man patted his daughter's head as though she were still a small girl. "The fever has broken."

Maximus, who had awakened during the exchange, squeezed Paolina's hand happily. She squeezed back, and reached to extend the movement into a hug before glancing at her father self-consciously.

The old man shrugged. "It's alright. You do whatever you want anyway, Paolina..." he laughed, knowing that she would not do anything truly scandalous.

Quintus waited until the pair had shared a warm, if chaste, embrace, and then caught Maximus' eye. "We need to get back to the camp. The General will be angry if we are gone too long..."

Maximus nodded in agreement. General Claudius was a fine leader, but he required absolute discipline. He traditionally met with his Lieutenants in the second hour of the day. If Maximus and Quintus left in the next ten minutes, they would have just enough time to change uniforms and report for duty.

Noting Paolina's look of disappointment, Maximus hugged her again.

"It will just be for a few hours." He reassured her. "I am sure that, after I explain the situation, he will let me- us-" He glanced quickly at Quintus and grinned. "- return...there is not a lot for the officers to do during the winters, at least not the lower ones. The enlisted men are building roads and aqueducts. The legates are back in Rome arranging for supplies, and so the Lieutenants just loll around and get fat." He punched his own waistline playfully, and Paolina rolled her eyes, well aware that there was not an inch of flab on his finely proportioned body. Maximus took her hand and held it to her lips. "Noon." he promised.

Paolina nodded.

 

*****

 

Paolina spent the morning tending to her cousin and instructing the cook to fill a large basket with food. She was tired of sitting inside the house. She hoped that Maximus would agree to join her for a picnic.

Maximus...She shivered with delight when she thought of the name.*Twelve children* she decided firmly, smiling so broadly that Aelia asked her what was the matter.

"Oh...nothing...nothing...." Paolina went back to dabbing the girl's forehead with a sponge.

"That's not true...something's happened!"

Laughing, Paolina told Aelia what Maximus had said in the barn. "It doesn't mean anything." She cautioned. "He seemed upset with himself for saying it."

Aelia shook her head. "I'm not so sure." She insisted.

Paolina shrugged. "What man in his right mind would want to marry me?"

Aelia sighed dramatically and then, in a sugar-sweet voice that mocked her cousin answered "Maximus

Decimus Meridas..."

The girls collapsed into peals of giggles.

Standing in the doorway, Paolinus sighed. He was so happy to have things back to normal. Aelia was still very weak, and would be confined to bed for several days- but she was out of danger. Watching as Paolina arranged the other girl's wheat-colored hair and tucked the new orange shawl around her cousin's shoulders, things finally seemed to be back to normal...but for how long? Just before leaving, Maximus had pulled him aside and asked to speak with him privately when he returned. He had seemed nervous, and although he hadn't mentioned what the interview would be about, Paolinus was certain that it could be only one thing.