Love and Duty

 

 

 

 

Quintus watched Maximus leave the table to join his new wife and added his voice to the other guests that cheered to him, encouraging him to do his "duty". "As if he needs encouragment," Quintus thought, shaking his head, "Look at the way he is walking!"

As the bridegroom disappearer from the big triclinium the guests returned to the last courses of the banquet, idle conversations filling the air. Quintus felt a little bit isolated..it was as if the entire Paulinus' family had put him in a corner and branded him as guilty for the pain he had caused to Aelia. True he had caused pain to Aelia but it was not is fault...why could not they see he too was suffering? He had seen the joy on Maximus' face at the prospect of marring the woman he loved...how could not they see how terrible was for him the prospect of marring a total stranger?

After some minutes the guests began to leave the house and Quintus too decided it was time for him to return to the camp. He stood up and looked around: some other soldiers - Maximus' friends  - had joined them for the  ceremony and since he was his superior he wanted them back to the camp with him. So he walked around the room, searching for them. Suddently a hand fell heavily on his shoulder and he turned sharply around, while his clear eyes met the dark, drunk ones of Publius.

"So soldier, I have been told you did quite a piece of work on my little sparrow..." His words were slurred and Quintus barely heard them.

"What are you saying?"

"I am referring to Aelia of course....my future bride." Publius threw him an arrogant stare, wanting to repay him for the shameful esit of their first meeting.

"Your future bride?" Quintus repeated, hoping against hope those were only wine generated words....he remembered that he had called Paolina in that way, the day they had met in the village.

"Yes...Paolinus spoke with my father and soon I will marry her. She is half-way suitable, with the dowry her uncle was finally able to give her."

Quintus' head was spinning...what's going on? Dowry? What dowry? But before he was able to formulate a coherent word, Publius added as if reading his mind, "Since Paolina's new husband is rich on his own Publius was able to spare some of the dowry originally destined for his daughter - the very part of the dowry my father and I wanted, a nice little piece of fertile soil -and gave it to Aelia. Ah, how I look forward you wedding day ...You broke her heart you know, soldier? I wonder if you pierce something else...I don't want to raise bastards..."

When his dumbed brain gasped the meaning of Publius' words Quintus gasped and he hissed, "What did you say?"

"I know how you soldiers are and a girl like Aelia is good for only one thing, dowry or not dowry."

Quintus saw red. "Take that back at once!" he whispered.

"No."

Quintus' fist smashed against Publius' jaw throwing him against a chair that crushed under his weight. Publius stood up staggering, and assaulted the legionary again but being drunk and fat as he was, he not a single against his opponent. Quintus side stepped him and then gave him a strong push in his back. Publius landed against the table, breaking a bottle and a couple of glasses.

It was then that Paolinus arrived, "What his happening here?" he shouted, as other guests followed him, commenting loudly about the scene before their eyes.

Quintus breathed deeply to calm down and said, "Nothing of importance sir, your guest here had too much wine and tripped on a chair, breaking it, before falling on your table."

Paolinus did not buy it for a minute but having see how much wine Publius drank during the dinner decided to give the soldier the benefit of the doubt.

"Lieutenant, I think it is better for you to return to the camp along with your men. Publius, your father is waiting for you."

The two opponents looked at each other with mutual hate but decided it was best to finish it their "discussion", at least for that night. Quintus saluted Paolinus with a bow of his head  - even if his eyes seemed to say, *How could you do such a thing?* - and when walked away briskly while Publius needed help to reach his father's chariot. Paolinus watched them disappear from his view but he knew he had not seen the last of it.

 

*****

 

Paolina glanced nervously at the door. Almost reflexively, she started to get up an investigate the sound. She quickly felt Maximus' arm come around her waist.

"No, Selene..." He said, nuzzling her neck as he halted her progress. "Stay here...it is nothing..."

The sound of angry voices continued downstairs, Paolina looked hesitantly at the door again.

"It's cold..." Maximus' voice grew huskier as he continued to try to coax her to remain. She could feel the icy air on her shoulders, so she knew his words were true. "...stay...."

At last, as there was no renewal of sounds from the house, Paolina submitted to her husband's wishes. Lowering herself back into his arms. The reward for her submission was well worth compliance- the soldier's passion's stirred once more, and she shared his body for a second time.

 

*****

 

Paolina awoke the next morning feeling twice as tired as when she had gone to bed. For a brief moment, she had been in a  state of panic. Where was she? After her groggy mind had finally recognized the bedchamer as the room she had occupied since girlhood, her heart siezed with a second question. What was Maximus doing here? Tata would discover them at any moment. He had to go!

The fevered activity of her brain must have awakened Maximus for, as her half-awake consciousness fought through its panic, his piercing blue eyes finally opened, and he regarded her warmly.

"Good morning, wife." He said with a toothy smile. "How did you sleep?"

Her body relaxed as its memory returned. Paolina offered an answering smile.

"Briefly." She answered, truthfully. Her candor was met with a hardy laugh.

He sighed, and then kissed her cheek. "There will be time for sleeping when I return to the north..." For a third time, Maximus' voice drifted toward passion, and Paolina lost herself in his advances. She tried not to think of the truth of his words- that he would soon be gone. She wanted to concentrate on the here and now.

 

*****

 

When they finally dragged themselves from bed, they emerged to the very amused glances of the older brothers and their wives. Paolinus had a very cloudy look, as though he were trying very hard not to dissapprove- married or not, Selene was still his little girl!

The sisters-in-law arranged a quick breakfast for the pair, before herding Maximus off to a bath while they tried to pick details of the night before from their little relative. Had he been gentle? Had it hurt much? Had she enjoyed it? Bashfully, Paolina awoided some of the questions and answered others. She tried not to appear completely mortified as, per local tradition, Faustia retrieved the bed sheet and hung the red-stained fabric like a little flag on the laundry line outside their house. The young bride could take comfort, at least, in knowing that it was the last humiliation she would have to endure. It was over- she was Maixmus' true wife. Nothing would take them apart...

 

That afternoon, they began packing for their journey. Maximus had been awarded several weeks holiday from his general, and he intended to spend the time as a honeymoon with Paolina. They did not have time to make the journey to and from Hispania, but they decided that they would make the trip south to the sea shore. It would be too cold to swim in the water, but at least Paolina could see the vast expanse of waves. To the young country girl, such a trip seemed very exotic and promising...

 

17

 

In the weeks following Maximus' and Paolina's wedding, Quintus threw himself in a blur of activies trying to block out the memories of Aelia which seemed to haunt him with increased frequency. The absence of his friend, tent mate, and collegue left him with a lot of tasks to do - as supervising the recruits training and the stocking of the new supplies - and sometimes he was able to tire himself so much that his sleep was dream free. However it was a rare event and everything in the little valley seemed to conjure images of Aelia: the village, the fields, the road....everything. It was tremendous to see how few a days of staying together had changed him so much.

One day Quintus returned to his tent and found a letter awaiting on his desk. He picked it up and immediately noticed his father's seal. Feeling a shiver run along his spine Quintus broke the seal and unfold the papyrus. It was brief and concise: his father wanted him in Rome as soon as possible. He wanted him to marry his arranged bride before the spring campain. Quintus sat heavily on his chair. He did nor want to go. He did not want to marry. Not so soon and not ever. He mentally calculated the time the journey to and from Rome would take and a bitter smile appeared on his face. If he wanted to be back in time for the spring he would have to leave within a couple of days, but there was no way the task he had to do could be completed in such short time and so Quintus felt free to reply to his father he could not leave. Of course the young soldier knew what if he really wanted to go, general Claudius would grant him the permission, assigning his task to another officer, but Quintus steadfastly ignored that fact. His father and his bride will have to wait.

 

*****

 

Paolinus ran out of the house as he heard the noise of hoofbeat and wheels on the gravel covered road. Aelia was finally back home!

The old man was happy to have the girl back: he had missed her so much and now that Paolina was away with her husband the big house was so empty and silent...he needed to hear again happy voices and the sound of giggling.

He quickly approached the arresting chariot and, after briefly greeting his friend Aurelianus, walked around it went to embrace his niece. What he saw left him speechless for the shock. Aelia was pale and so very tired. Her once luminous eyes seemed empty, hollow, circled by dark shadows.

Paolinus swallowed with difficulty and found the words to greet her, "My niece, welcome back."

"Tata" she whispered  and he hugged her, startling when he felt the bones of her shoulders and hips sticking out so prominently. Aelia was very thin, too much so.

"Darling go inside the house, it is very cold this afternoon. I will take care of the luggage."

Aelia nodded and with a little bow of her head to Aurelianus walked away and disappeared in the villa.

As soon she was away Paolinus turned to his friend and said, "What happened to her? Has she been sick?"

"She IS sick, my friend, and her illness is the most difficult to cure. She is suffering of a broken heart. I, my wife and my daughter tried to help her but it was useless. Maybe you will be able to do it, since you know her much better than us."

Paolinus nodded gravely, then thanked his friend again and wacthed him trotting away. In the end he sighed deeply and entered in the house, wishing so much his wife was still alive to advice him him about his matter.

 

*****

 

Paolina felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes as the driver cracked his whip in the air above the horses and the carriage pulled away from the little inn beside the sea. She had enjoyed the month and a half that she spent alone with her husband, and she knew that they might never have such a time again. She felt that she knew him ten times better than she had on their wedding day but, remarkably, she loved him even more- even now that she knew that he wasn't entirely perfect.

The young wife sighed and turned in her seat to look back at the crashing waves of the sea shore before they passed out of view, and Maximus took her hand, squeezing it tightly. "We'll go back next year." He promised, kissing the hand.

Paolina's lips turned up slightly in the corner. "Perhaps." She said neutrally.

Maximus sighed, dropping the hand, and slipping his arm entirely around her waist and drawing her against him. Ever since the packing had began, his usually spirited wife had been plunged into melancholy. They had planned to stay another two weeks, but word had arrived that the tribes along the river were gathering again. Claudius intended to strike before their forces could mobilize. All leaves had been cancelled.

Paolina had known that this day had come, but she had happily pushed it out of her mind for as long as it could possibly be ignored. She couldn't tell Maximus how bitterly afraid she was that he would dissappear and never come back- or how lonely the nights would feel now that she had grown accustomed to spending them in his arms.

She had hoped that the parting would be softened by the prospect of a baby...but those hopes had also been dashed. This very morning, she had begun her period. There would be no pregnancy before Maximus returned to war.

Maximus sensed his wife's unease. He wished that he could assure her that he would be perfectly safe- but his respect for his bride was too great to lie. He was bold in battle- some might say reckless. When the cavalry charged into the fray, he was usually at its head. He had the scars to prove his courage ....but he wished at least that Paolina could understand the superiority of their tactics and arms. It was true that the barbarians often outnumbered the legions ten to one...but they fought in bearskins with wooden spears, and farming tools. The few broadswords they had were cracked and rusted with age. Most damning of all was their lack of organization. Each man was loyal to his own family, and to a lesser extent, to his own small tribe. When the tide began to turn in favor of the legions- as it inevitably did- the tattered ranks tore apart with each man fighting for his own survival, while the lock-shield infantry..and the armored horses, drove relentlessly through the retreating hordes.

Paolina sighed heavily, and Maximus drew her closer to him. "It will be good to see Aelia again." He noted, reminding his bride that her cousin would have returned to the house. "And your tata...I'm sure that he will be happy to see you."

This drew only a shrug. It seemed impossible to Paolina that her life would continue when the man that she loved- a man that she hadn't even known a year ago- was about to leave.

Maximus stroked her hair softly. "And we *will* have a baby next year." He promised. Paolina flushed. She didn't even know that he had noticed. "I don't care what it takes- so make sure to get plenty of sleep..." He teased.

 

The ride back to Paolinus' farm took almost four days. Paolina's sadness deepened, rather than abated as they drew near her home. Maximus felt as though his heart were being pulled in two directions. He wanted, desperately, to make her happy, but he also knew that he was a soldier above all else. He could not watch the legions depart and remain behind.

 

*****

 

Paolinus was standing on the porch as their hired carriage pulled into the yard. A serving girl, whom Maximus did not recognize, was standing behind him, her eyes cast down toward the dirt.

"Daughter!" The old man cried, treading the hem of his long tunic in the dust as he rushed toward his little girl. Maximus' heart lifted at Paolina's expression- flashing a smile for the first time in days.

"Tata!" She said, returning his enthusiasm and jumping from her seat into his arms. They hugged tightly.

"Oh, Selene! I have missed you so much! How am I ever going to let you go off to Hispania?" He squeezed her so tightly that her legs lifted a little bit off the ground, and she laughed.

At last, Paolinus released the girl and walked toward Maximus, extending his hand in a friendly gesture. "Son-in-law...it is nice to see you again as well. I see that you have been taking care of my little girl."

Maximus nodded warmly. "I hope so, father...She is a treasure. I thank you again for sharing her with me."

Paolina ran into the house, nearly careening into the serving girl as she ran inside. Maximus and Paolinus remained outdoors, helping the driver unload the luggage. In a moment, Paolina reappeared.

"Tata, where is Aelia?" She said, sadly.

Paolinus stiffened, and his eyes became very sad. Maximus felt a sense of  premonition in the pit of his stomach...and then he saw where the patriarch was looking.

Paolina noticed at the same instant, and a little cry caught in the back of her throat. It was not a serving girl on the porch after all, it was Aelia- or at least a shadow which resembled the girl they had known. She had grown so painfully thin that she seemed too frail to support the fabric of her simple, colorless tunica. Her hair, once so intricately coiled, hung limply and barely-brushed around her shoulders, and her skin, noted for its golden luminosity, was ashen. She didn't seem embarassed or surprised by Paolina's reaction. Indeed, she made no indication that she even noticed it. She simply stared blankly forward, her eyes hollow and unseeing, as if the spirit of Aelia had already died, leaving an empty hush of shriveling body to walk the earth.

Maximus started toward his wife, but stopped, uncertain of what he should do.

"What has happened?" He whispered to Paolinus, still unable to tear his eyes away.

"The light has gone out inside her." Paolinus said sadly. "I want to help her, but everything I try seems to make the situation worse...She will not eat, or talk...she hardly even remembers to bathe- the serving girls must take her...Oh, Maximus, I know it is selfish to be glad that I can reclaim my daughter from you, but it is my final hope. Perhaps Paolina can begin laughter back to her lips. If she does not, I fear the girl will not survive the summer."

"Has Quintus seen this?" He asked.

Paolinus shook his head strongly, "No, he has not been here since the wedding. I don't want Aelia to see him again. That wouldn't help anything. She must forget him and go on with her life." The older man seemed suddently very tired and repeated his earlier words, "I just hope Selene will be able to infond in her some of her joy of living." Maximus nodded and looked as his wife hugged her cousin. The other girl did not even tried to reply to the gesture. The task in front of father and daughter seemed really hard and suddently Maximus felt happy Selene was not pregnant, because all the worry for Aelia would have perhaps hurt her and the baby.

 

18

 

Two days later the legions marched away and as she did the last time, Paolina watched the soldiers depart from the high rock near her farm. This time she took Aelia with her, hoping that a little exercise would stimulate her appetite and put some color on her ashen face.

Paolina looked down to the road as the cavalry passed and she waved her hand. Several soldiers waved back, but only one of them blew her kisses- Maximus. Paolina smiled, even as tears were running along her cheeks and she prayed to the Gods for her husband's safe return...and for Quintus', because she really liked him. After that, in an effort to show a strength she was not sure she possessed, she dried her eyes and forced a smile. She had to help Aelia and she could not it while crying.

 

In the following weeks, Aelia's conditions improved a little and her appetite returned. She was still thin but she looked healthier. Thanks to the arrive of the spring and the care of Paolina, the shadows under her eyes had disappeared. However, she still lacked of the most important thing...her joy of life had not yet returned and her cousin was beginning fear that it was gone forever. Aelia competed her usual chores on the farm, but nothing more. She seldom spoke and did it only when she was addressed directly. She was no longer fussy about dresses and hair styles, always wearing the first thing that happened to be on hand, whether it was appropriate or not.

Paolina tried to re-awake the 'always-proper-the-little-lady' attitude but it was useless.

Paolina missed her 'old' cousin desperately...missed her friend, her advisor and her confidant, even more so now that she needed someone to share her costant worry about her husband and to alleviate the loneliness she was feeling apart from him.

 

As another month passed by and spring left place to summer, Paolinus decided it was time to inform Aelia of his plan for her. The girl looked better and he could have sworn that  he had seen her smile a few times.

So one evening - after Paolina had retired to write a reply to a letter from Maximus - he said, "Aelia, I must speak with you about an important matter."

The girl looked at him with an emotionless face.

"Aelia, darling, it is time we begin to think about your future."

She bent her head on the side and said, "Go on, tata"

Paolinus continued, "Since Maximus is a prosperous man in his own right I was able to save some of the land I wanted to give to Selene as dowry for your, my dear...."

Aelia's eyes seemed to brighten and Paolinus, fearful she might thought of Quintus, quickly added, "It is not very much but Publius said he will be all right for his son and.."

"What are you saying?" Aelia interrupted him.

"Darling....Publius wants the land I can give to you and accepted you as a bride for his son.... this is the only I can made a honest wife out of you...you must understand..."Paolinus' tone was gentle, kind, while he tried to make the girl see the reason behind his actions.

Aelia became very pale and  began to tremble. "I don't want to marry Publius....I don't want to marry anyone!"

"Aelia, you must realize..it is only for your well being..."

Aelia turned his head and, locking her eyes with her uncle's, told in a voice which did not admit replies, "If you force me to marry Publius, I will kill myself at the first possible occasion, I swear it." She was deadly serious and Paolinus felt the blood drain from his face. "So like her mother!" he thought- in the good and in the evil. His sister had threatened to escape from the house if their father tried to marry her to someone she did not love, and in the end she had done just that- disappearing in the middle of the night. Paolinus did not doubt for a second that Aelia was more than capable of carrying out her threat, so he simply nodded and then watched the girl leave the room.

 

*****

 

Paolina heard her cousin's footsteps on the stairs, but she did not look up from her task. Down the hall, the door to what had once been the nursery slammed shut, while Paolina concentrated on the slow, even stokes of her pen.

Although they could never take the place of actual contact, the frequent letters that she shared with Maximus were Paolina's "time alone" with her husband. She had been worried that he would forget about her while he was away, but nothing could be further from the truth. Each time that a mail packet came into town, the courier had another letter to deliver to the farm. Paolina made certain that he would have another to carry north when he left again.

Reading over the letters, Paolina sometimes felt as though she too had experienced life on the northern frontier. When she closed her eyes, she could almost smell the sweaty horses and oily leather of the camp. She could taste the bland, but satisfying meals of crusty bread and stewed beans that they ate, and could hear the grinding scrape of sharpneing swords and pounding hooves. The style of the letters was conversational, almost as if she were standing next to him, and he were explaning the things as he pointed them out. They were often highly irreverant, and Paolina invariably burst out laughing at some witty observation, or sarcastic remark that he included.

After such entertaining and thoughtful efforts, she felt that she owed him her best, but it was hard to speak cheerfully of life on the farm. So, she concentrated on the future- imagining their life in Hispania, and he child that Maximus had promised her for the following year. She also discussed the house that Maximus had proposed building inside the town. Although he did not intend to farm in Gaul, chances were high that he would be at war for many years to come. A home of their own would allow independence for his young wife- and  more room for their hoped-for children. It would provide a place to stay after the group moved to Spain...and rental income when they were away. Paolina was in the middle of describing a mosaic she would like to place in their tablinium when she heard a knock on her door.

"Enter." she called, annoyed at the interruption.

Paolinus stuck his head through the door. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Paolina, but I found this wedged between two notes from my agents in Rome..."

She extended her hand, curious. The scrap of paper was much thinner than the letters she usually recieved from Maximus. Turning it over in her hands, she saw that it bore the seal of the legions. Paolina's heart constricted in her chest as she ripped open the wax bond and unfolded the missive. Maximus was hurt. He was dead. He was.....

Home.

Well, almost. Just as quickly as it had deflated with fear, her soul was bouyed up again by joy as she read over the first lines of the letter.

 

Dearest Selene,

I hope that this letter did not frighten you too badly. I wanted to talk to you as soon as possible, and the post does not leave for another fortnight, General Claudius has extended me the courtesy of letting me use his courier to carry the message.

I am coming home! I may be there before you read this! The tribes have been very calm this summer, and Claudius feels that he has negotiated at least a temporary truce. As part of the settlement, we are to return half of the legions to winter quarters as a show of faith. Claudius has selected *ME* as interim commander! There is a story behind it...one that I'm sure will upset you, so I'll wait to tell it in person, but I am excited to be named to the task. Arramus- the former chief legate, has been recalled to Rome (again, part of the same story- I promise to explain it all when we arrive home) as part of the business, and I think that I may be in line for a promotion. I am pulling out my legions in the morning and, if the roads are dry, expect to return to you in two weeks....Perhaps you will have your baby for the summer instead of the fall....I hope that you have taken my advice about getting sleep.

Quintus is coming with me as well. He's a bit jealous that I got picked over him for the command (he *is* two years my senior, after all) but I think that I mitigated it by naming him as my second until Claudius returns. There is something else regarding Quintus that you  should know. His father is tired of waiting for his son to return to Rome. Quintus received  word last week that he was arriving at camp with the prospective bride in tow. The wedding is set for as soon as they arrive. Is Aelia any better? I know that you must hate my friend for what he has done to her, but believe me, his suffering is just as acute, if less visible. He begged to remain in the north, but when Claudius learned of the wedding, he wouldn't allow it (you know how he is always nagging the officers about getting married..). Perhaps she should go away again? Please speak with your father....     

But enough of that. I am coming home! The messenger is about to leave, so I must make this letter short...watch for me! Oh, my love, I will be there soon!

 

Her heart was beating quickly as she sat the letter down on the desk and reached for her sandals.

"Selene?" Paolinus said, noticing the excited flush on his daughter's cheeks.

"It's Maximus!" She said brightly. "He is coming back early!" She hopped down the stairs, one foot struggling into her shoes as she raced toward the door. From her perch on the hillside, she could see the army arriving from miles away...as Maximus said, he could be there already. A camp commander would be very busy, he might not be able to come home right away. He would probably have to-

*oof*

Paolina blinked, and took two steps backwards, her head spinning as she collided with something- or someone just outside the door.

"Paolina?" A familiar voice said worriedly. "Selene!"

It was Maximus!

At once, the words snapped back into focus. He was already here! Breathing very hard with excitement, Paolina threw her arms around his shoulders and hoisted herself into his embrace. She cast a glance over her shoulder toward Paolinus. He was smiling broadly, but did not look surprised. So, she thought to herself, he had not found the letter smashed between two others after all- he had known all along that Maximus was here!

"Oh, my wife..." Maximus whispered huskily, burying his nose in her hair as though he were trying to simply breath her into his body. "I have missed you so much!". He picked her up off of her feet and swung her around in the air joyfully. "It is only September! Six whole months together!" He rocked her back and forth happily. "A lifetime..."

Paolina was so caught up in her happiness that she barely heard the gasp behind Maximus' shoulder.

"Aelia!" A pained and familiar voice whispered.

"Quintus."

The two looked at each other with surprise. Seeing Quintus was the last thing Aelia had been expecting, even if, in the deepest part of her heart she had hoped to see him again. He looked thinner than she remembered and so very tired, grim lines surrounding his eyes, and his hair seemed thinner.

Quintus returned Aelia's gaze intently. During the summer he had tried to forget her, telling himself his memories had no other use that tormentating him. For a certain period he had thought he had been able to erase her from his mind but now, seeing her so near demonstrated to him that he still remembered her.....that he still loved her. His heart sized seeing how thin and fragile she looked. Her face was no longer radiant and her eyes were puffy, as if she had been crying.....

Paolina and Maximus watched them, and hugging in each other arms, felt a pang of sadness for them because they could not be happy as they were.

Aelia and Quintus were too shocked to utter a single word so they continued to stare at each other until Paolinus decided it was time to end. He put an arm on Aelia's shoulders and said, "Aelia return inside or you will catch a chill." his tone did not admit replies and the girl obeyed, lowering her eyes and entering the door. Her uncle watch her disappear then turned to Quintus, "I, think, liutenant it would be better for you to return to your camp. It is already very late."

Quintus collected his composure and nodded, "Yes, sir, goodnight sir."

"Good Night." Paolinus turned to his daughter and her husband, adding, "The same thing goes for you ---you can hold each other inside the house."

With that, he turned and went inside.

Quintus continued to stare at the now closed door until he felt Maximus' hand on his arm, "I am sorry my friend."

Quintus turned to him, "You knew about her condition?"

Maximus nodded.

"Why don't you tell ?"Quintus' tone was accusing.

"Because I told him not to." Paolina interjected. "Oh Quintus, we did not want to worry you while you were in battle and then.....Do you know my father has arranged a marriage between Aelia and Publius?"

Quintus nodded grimly.

"She needs to forget you or at least accept the situation before the ceremony and..." her voice trailed off.

Quintus nodded again, his brain understanding what she was saying even if his heart could not accept it. He quickly said goodbye and went to his horse.

 

*****

 

Paolina was trembling as she led Maximus into the house to their room. She had dreamed of the day that he would return for so long that it seemed impossible that she was unprepared for this moment ...and yet, she was. He seemed larger than she remembered. Taller. His shoulders broader and his piercing eyes a deeper blue. Although writing the letters had given her the illusion of closeness, she was achingly aware of how long they had been apart. Had he changed? Would he still love her as much? The gentle pressure of his hand on her arm seemed to tell her "yes" without a word.

They walked inside the room and closed the door. Without preliminaries, Maximus swept her off her feet and deposited her squarely into the middle of the bed.

"Please forgive an uncultured provincial for his forwardness..." he teased, already moving his hands along the front of her tunica. "I've missed you...and I've promised you a baby by summer..."

 

He made love to her. Wrapped tightly in his arms, it seemed to Paolina that he had never gone away. Her body remembered his slightest touch.

 

19

 

When Paolina awoke the next morning, Maximus was still asleep. She twisted in his arms so that she could look at his face and watch him. He looked so peaceful! It was hard to reconcile with the fierce warrior that she knew he must be inside. With a look of concern on her face, she traced a line of new scars on his forearm. They looked almost like burns....she shuddered. Instinctively, she knew that they had something to do with the battle which had led to Maximus' promotion. While she was proud of his valor, she shuddered to think of the cost by which he had won it. She stared at the wounds, tracing her index finger along the slender mark, and when she looked up again, Maximus was awake.

Without speaking, he captured her hand and raised it to her lips. "From the battle..." he whispered. "It looks worse than it is..."

"What happened?" She asked, her eyes wide.

Maximus sighed. "One of the sentries was taken out when we weren't expecting it...the Germans were able to get through the gates and...I....we....closed it."

There was more to the story than that. Paolina could see it, and her eyes urged him to continue speaking.

With a sigh, he laid back in the pillow and stared at the ceiling, his eyes growing distant as though he were reliving the moment. "We had been in negotiations with Taernin- thats the chief of the Inceni these days- most of the week. Claudius felt like he was about to hit a break through...I guess some of the Germans did as well. Not all of them were for the alliance. It pushes their boundaries back another twenty miles, and they don't get a lot in return...."

"Why would they agree to such an arrangement?" Paolina interjected.

Maximus hugged her tenderly. "They're tired....they are sending boys off to war these days- twelve, thirteen years old." He shook his head. He did not tell Paolina that he had killed men- no, boys- as young, but she could sense it in his guilty shudder. "...they have barely enough food to feed their families. I don't feel sorry for them exactly, it's just..." He sighed again. "Well, maybe I *DO* feel sorry for them...Quintus says that I'm crazy, but having a wife," he peppered the word with a kiss, "and, someday soon, a child of my own makes me more sympathetic to their plight. A lasting peace is the only chance they have for survival. Accepting Roman domination is the price that they must pay for that peace, but it's so......diametrically opposed to what they believe in."

"Which is?" Paolina encouraged him to explain the situation to her. She knew that they were getting off track- his explaining the terrible events that had caused the scars, but the more that she listened, the more certain she was that she simply did not wish to know.

"Well..." He propped himself up on one elbow and stroked her hair as he spoke, twining the dark brown locks between his fingers. "For one thing, they know nothing of a concept of country...at least, not in the sense we do...their entire identity is tied up in the idea of family- their only alliances are based one shared blood."

"That is not so different from us. We too honor family above all else..."

"Well..." He was clearly uncomfortable with the question. "That is not entirely true...I suppose one could say that our great family was Rome...that all the Roman people are brothers and sisters...but it is more a literary fiction than truth. Family ties are important, but political ties are stronger...Just think of how Julius Caesar gave his daughter to Pompey..."

"...or how Quintus is being sold to the leather merchant."

Maximus winced at the analogy, but nodded. "Yes...glory and honor for our country is stronger than individual gain...at least, the individual gain is measured by how much esteem and prestige it gains on the national level- outranking the respect it earns within a family....The barbarians are very different. It would not be dishonorable for them to turn on a general...well, I use that term loosely, they don't really have generals in the sense that we do...to turn on a man who punished a kinsman, even if he were justified. In battles, they do not fight as a group. They compete for the ‘glory' of claiming the most kills or capturing the most prisoners. In this way, they often lead themselves into untenable situations...that is how the legions are able to overcome such steep odds. If they were to band together...." He shuddered visibly, not bothering to complete the sentence. At any rate, Taernin has made an enemy in the eastern tribes. He was married a woman named Kellwryn- the daughter of one of their chiefs, and he has refused to acknowledge their child."

Paolina perked with interest. "Why?"

"He claims that the child was of ‘wolf-blood' its...." He flushed. "Well, sometimes, the soldiers...not ME, of course...well..." She tilted her head, urging him on. "He says that the baby has a Roman father." He sputtered out at last.

Paolina blinked. "German girls take Roman lovers?" She asked, amazed.

"No...its...sometimes...when the villages are taken...they...some..." He was truly flummoxed now, unable to phrase, in delicate terms, the sometimes unspeakable acts of war. He decided to drop the answer altogether. "At any rate, it's enraged her father...we fear...we *think* that they might have sympathizers inside the camp."

Paolina made a little gasp of shock. "*Roman* traitors? But why-?"

Maximus shrugged. "You forget, my love, that many of our soldiers are only a few generations away from having been conquered themselves...many of the men have German wives and children...and then there is the political advantage. If someone were to help the Germans now...at least part of them...in return for information leading to an impressive victory in the future...well, that never hurt anyone's campaign for the consulship."

"Who?" She asked, breathlessly.

"We don't know...at least, not for certain. Claudius suspects Arramus- the legate that I have replaced. He was allegedly away leading a scouting mission when the attack occurred, but one of our spies reported seeing him in the Inceni camp a few days before. Claudius ordered him arrested and sent back to Rome..."

"What will happen?"

"I don't know...very likely, nothing will happen at all. He is from a powerful family- his mother is a niece of the emperor, and he is, I hear, very close with the Emperor's son, Commodus. In all likelihood there will be a trial but he will be acquitted. The end of his military career, perhaps, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him find a soft-landing in the Praetorian."

"That isn't fair!"

"At least he won't be able to do as much damage back in Rome."

Paolina nodded, turning her attention back to the scar. "Now, you must tell me what happened..."

"It was just as I told you..." he didn't want to scare her needlessly with details. "The Germans were able to come through the gate. I led a group of men to the front and we closed it..."

There was more, much more, Paolina was sure, but she did not pry.

 

*****

 

While Maximus and Selene talked in their room Paolinus and Aelia were having breakfast. The table was silent and the only noise came from chewing and drinking. Paolinus kept throwing glances in his niece's direction but the girl never tried to meet his eyes. In the end, when the meal was finished, she bowed her head and without saying a world she left the room, going in the garden. Paolinus motioned to Pomponia to follow her and the nurse obeyed.

Once alone the old paterfamilias took a knife began to open the letters arrived with the morning courier. They were mostly accounts about his business but one of them attracted his attention. It was from his banker in Rome - a old trusted friend to whom he had asked for information about Maximus and Quintus.

Paolinus opened the letter and began to read,

My dear Friend,

I am taking the liberty to write this because I don't want to see you or one of your pretty girls in trouble. Do you remember when you asked me informations about those two soldiers that had taken a like for your daughter and niece? One of them was called Quintus Clarus and is the son of Senator Titus Clarus...I don't know if your girl are still seeing him but I must tell you that his father, the Senator, not only has arranged a marriage for him with the daughter of on of my business partners, but he is coming in Gaul with the future bride in tow.  He wants to celebrate the ceremony up there. It seems the boy is not very enthusiastic about the wedding and he is avoiding a return to Rome, using all the excuses he could find. I know this because of my friendship with the bride's father. They will leave in a couple of weeks.

That's it, Paolinus. I hope this news will not catch you unprepared and forgive me if you feel I have been too meddlesome, but I did it for your good and for your girls.

Sincerely

T.Cassius Statius.

 

Paolinus put down the letter, took a deep breath and rubbed his brow. Why life was so difficult? He had just shared a brief moment of happiness, seeing his daughter's joy at her husband's return but the Gods wont let him savor the moment...The old man sighed loudly and decided that it was time to put an end to all the story.

Aelia must marry.

 

*****

 

Aelia walked lazily in the orchard, running her hands along the plants loaded with fruit. The workers greeted her respectfully but did not try to speak with her or attract her attention.

She sat in the shadow of a big pear tree and hugged her knees, putting her chin on them and looking faraway. She was not thinking. To think meant remembering Quintus...Publius..and the marriage. The life that could have been and the life that would be. A form moving along the dust covered roadway attracted her attention and she recorgnized Quintus gallopping to the villa, probably taking some message to Maximus. He disappeared quickly from her view and without thinking, as if were the only thing she could do, she rose to her feet and approached the road. Looking on her right she could see him jump down off the saddle, knock the door, exchange few words with someone - maybe a servant, maybe uncle Paolinus - and then to return to his horse and leave. Aelia looked around...Pomponia was engaged in a discussion with one of the servants and she used that occasion to run in Quintus' direction.

 

They met in the middle of the road. He was so lost in his thoughts that he did not see her until she was very close.

"Aelia!" exclaimed, stopping the horse.

"Quintus."

"What are you doing here?" he asked, saying the first thing came to his lips.

"I could ask you the same thing." Aelia smiled, but it did not reach her eyes.

"Oh..I just  brough a message to Maximus, telling him that everything is going well at the camp and that he can stay with Paolina a little longer."

"They will be happy to hear that."

"Yes."

They remained silent for a while, then he said, "It is a beautiful day, don't you think? Especially considering it's almost autumn."

Aelia nodded, her gaze never leaving Quintus' face for a moment. They both know what they were trying to do ...they wanted to remain friends, to be able at least to spend sometime together, but it was not working. Their hands twitched with the desire to touch each other and their lips burned with wanting. But honour and social mores, drilled inside them since their childhood, were too strong. So they simply stared at each other, torturing themselves with gazes full of love, untill Pomponia voice broke the spell, "Aelia, where are you?" The voice was frantic with worry and attracted the attention of all the workers.

Quintus' head snapped up and he said, his voice hoarse, "I must go..."

"Yes..." But it was clear she wanted to say "no" or at least "stay some more".

Quintus gave her another pained gaze and then spurred his horse, running as if he was trying to leave his pain behind.

Aelia watched him go, her eyes full of unshed tears, and then turned and went to find Pomponia.

 

*****

 

A knock on the bedroom door made Paolina jump a little and cover her body tightly with the blanket. She had still not gotten used to being "allowed" to share a bed with Maximus, and she always struggled for a few moments to overcome her panic at being caught.

"Yes?" Maximus answered for her.

"It is Paolinus..." the old man's voice was clearly embarassed. "I would like to speak to Paolina."

"I'll be right down, tata!" She said, jumping from bed and siezing the first tunica that she laid her hands upon. She gave Maximus a shy grin. After the night that they had spent together, she was *certain* that the baby would be along soon... "I will draw your bath when I have spoken to tata." She said, placing a kiss on his forehead.

"No, I can get it." He said softly, still too in awe of his beautiful wife to wish her to lift a finger on his behalf.

She nodded and, twisting her hair into a loose, and lop-sided knot, hurried down the stairs.

"What is it tata?" She said, expectantly.

"First, I have just had a message from the camp."

"Oh?"

"From Quintus."

Paolina frowned. "Did Aelia see him?"

"No...he was only here for a moment- to let Maximus know that the troops were installed at the camp and that he could take his time coming back...he rode away...but that is hardly the end of the matter. You saw how Aelia was yesterday..." He picked up the letter that he had recieved from his agent in Rome. "I received this in the post .. .Quintus' father, and new bride, are on their way."

Paolina's face crowded.

"Aelia  must marry. Soon."

"But-" Paolina opened her mouth to protest, and then clamped it shut. It was true what her father said. If Aelia could not have Quintus, she would never be happy. It would be better to have it over and done with than to leave her hanging endlessly for years, hoping against hope that he would change his mind...or worse.

"What do you want me to do?" She said, her voice heavy with resignation.

"I want you to..." What did he want her to do? To make the whole situation go away...to erase the past year and give him back his smiling, apple cheeked niece and her stern lectures on lady-like behaviour. "I want you to ...help her." He managed vaguely. Sighing, he wrung his hands. "Do anything...lie if you must but...Oh, Paolina. I do not know what to do."

She gave her father a sympathetic look. It was difficult for the pair of them to manage tough decisions- that had always been Aelia's role. Both father and daughter felt out of their depth.

"When will it be?"

"Tomorrow."

Paolina's gasp was audible. "But..."

"Quintus' father and bride were across the Alps this past week...I've had it from the messenger that saw them at Aixus. Paolina, surely you see that-"

"But, tata! She won't even have time to adjust, she-"

"Will she ever grow used to the idea, daughter?" Paolina could not respond. "I do not wish to do this, but I must.. Go and speak with her. Publius will be here tonight to see her himself. I am sure that he is not as terrible as you have made him out to be. A bit vain, perhaps but..." his tone betrayed the fact that he did not believe even himself. "And if he IS as terrible as you claim...well, perhaps he will die young. He does drink a great deal. That would not be so bad, would it? To be a rich young widow? Then Aelia could have whomever she wanted..."

Except for Quintus, Paolina's mind supplied unhappily.

"Please..."

"Yes, tata." Paolina said glumly. She turned toward the garden as though she were walking toward the executioner.

 

20

 

That evening Publius came to visit his future bride. Following the advice of Paolinus and his own father the man was sober and he was even able to substain an intelligent conversation with Paolinus, Maximus and Paolina. As for Aelia she merely answered when spoken to. Her heart was dying inside her but that afternoon she had discovered that her istinct of self-preservation was stronger than her will. After Paolina had told her of Paolinus decision to hold the wedding on the following day, she ran away and tried to cut her wrist with a kitchen knife .... but she could not do it. Something inside stopped her and in the end all she could do was cry.

After dinner Publius asked Paolinus' permission to spend some time alone with Aelia and the paterfamilias gave it. In other circumstances he would have refused, but the time was so short--

Aelia left with her fiancè followed by Paolina's and Maximus' worried glances. As soon as she was outside, Paolina threw herself in her husband's arms and burst into tears. Aelia was so scared, so powerless, as a lamb led to the slaughterhouse.

Maximus tried to console his wife as he could but he too felt sad for Aelia...and for Quintus too.

 

*****

 

Aelia followed her future husband in the courtyard. For some minutes they walked back and forth in front of the house and then Publius took her hand and led her in the orchard. Aelia followed him without resisting but when she saw as far they were from the house she began to say, "Where are you taking me?"

"To a place where we won't be disturbed." His tone was full of meaning and Aelia trembled.

"Let me go!" But Publius countinued to drag her between the trees. Suddently he stopped and backing her against a apple tree, grabbed her for the shoulder and lowered his head, trying to kiss her.

Aelia's eyes widened and she turned her head away. Publius took her chin in his hand and forced her to look at him, "Don't tell me your soldier did not teach you how to kiss!" He lowered his head again and kiss time he was able to slip his tongue inside her mouth. Instinct made Aelia react: she bit him with force and when he pulled away she hitted him with a knee in his fat belly. Publius cried out and fell on his knees, as Aelia began to run .....She could not return to her house, so she escaped in the other way, down the orchard to the road and then along it. It was dark and in her paniced state she did not even realize where her feet were taking her until she saw the massive wooden gates of the army camp. Her feet had followed her heart wishes, taking her to the only place where she wanted to be. Taking her to Quintus.

A surreal calm descended on Aelia. She closed her eyes and forced her breath and heartbeat to slow down. Then and only then, with a firmess in her voice that amazed her for first, she approached one of the guards and said, "I am liutenant Maximus' sister in law. I have an important message for Liutentant Quintus Clarus. Can you call him or take me to his tent?"

She was so decisive that the guard did not doubt her.

"Uhm..." He shared a look with the other sentry, and then shrugged. "This way."

 

*****

 

Aelia wrapped her arms around her shoulders, feeling cold and a little frightened of what Quintus would do. The shoulder of her dress was ripped a little where Publius had grabbed her, and she still had the taste of Publius' blood in her mouth.

The rankers stopped what they were doing and stared as she passed by. Ordinarily, they would hoot at such a strange, pretty little bird in their midst, but the accompaniment of the sentry made them uncertain, and so they held their tongues. Still, Aelia faded a little bit under their scrutiny.

She had heard Paolina's tales of what had happened...*almost* happened when she had come to the camp for Aelia's medicine. She did not want to tempt Fate twice in one evening.

After what seemed like an eternity, they arrived at a group of large, red tents in the camp's center. The sentry whispered to a guard outside the compound and, looking puzzled, the guard dissappeared inside.

"Wait here." The sentry said, and then he too walked away.

Aelia looked around nervously, her courage faltering as she waited alone in the dark. Far in the distance, she could hear the soldiers laughing, and it made her nervous...could she find her way back to the edge of the camp if the guard did not return?

"The Lieutenant will see you now."

Aelia's head snapped forward as the guard reappeared through a break in the tents. She followed him inside.

Once she had passed through the doorway, Aelia felt as though she were in another world. Although it looked to be composed of ordinary tents on the outside, the Praetorium was more like a little palace made of cloth. A long corridor stretched passed several rooms. She could barely peek inside as they passed- revealing elegant tricliniums and map rooms. In the center of the tents was a wide courtyard.

"Here." The guard said, stopping outside one of the smaller rooms.

Nervously, Aelia poked herhead inside.

"Mistress Aelia." It was Quintus...but his tone was so formal! Was he angry with her? Desperately, Aelia searched his face. "You may go." He said curtly to the guard and, obediantly, the man dissappeared, a bemused smile on his face that made Quintus' blood boil.

"You should not have come. " he said, more crossly than he had intended.

Aelia's eyes closed very slowly, barely able to contain the flood of tears that threatened to overwhelm her. Quintus noted the look, and chastised himself. "Aelia..." He whispered more softly. "Oh, Aelia ...why are you here?"

Slowly, she opened her eyes again, and in a torrent of words, the events of the evening poured out. Her tata's final decision. Publius' insult...the knife that she had not been able to use.

Quintus was speechless throughout the declaration and, as she came to the end of her words, Aelia felt despair close around her heart. It was truly over. Quintus thought she was a coward, a fool... he didn't love her anymore. He-

"Aelia." The word came out in a single, choking sob saturated with the emotions he had held in check for so long. "Aelia...what can we do? What can I do?...tomorrow--"

"Tomorrow I will die." Aelia said, suddenly calm again, the passion in Quintus' voice giving new life to her soul."-- in soul, if not in body. But tonight...Oh, Quintus..." She whispered, and then, her voice softening. "Oh, my love..." love. He was, and always would be. She felt so free merely to be able to speak the words again. Not to care, if only for once, what was said!

Aelia had learned, standing on the back porch as she watched Quintus ride away on that cold March morning so many months ago, that the chances in life not grasped often slip away. She would spend her life in longing, perhaps, but that longing would stem from circumstances forced upon her, not from the memories of chances she had not begged to take. Sick with longing, Aelia sunk to the carpets on floor at Quintus' feet. She threw her arms around his ankles, washing his feet with her tears. "Teach me what it is to be a woman...if only for one night. Let me know what it is to be with a man that I love. That I will always love-- and who loves me in return."

Quintus felt a shudder begin at his shoulders and slowly work its way to his toes. How she tortured him! She didn't know what she was saying! She couldn't know how many nights he had lain awake and dreamed of this...and she wouldn't understand why he had to say "no".

"Aelia.." He said, very gently, bending down to draw her once again to a stand. "You don't know what you are saying. You are upset."

"I am upset." She admitted. "But I am not deluded. I know what is between a man and a woman." A wry smile grossed her lips. "You forget that the nursery is not far from my old room...I know that there will be no sheet to hang. I don't care. Publius isn't worth the gift. He will be my husband by law, perhaps, but he will not be the husband of my heart." She could see in his eyes that he was waivering, and she grew more bold. There was nothing to hold her back...nothing left to lose. "Oh, Quintus..." She whispered, her voice growing very soft. "Do you not miss me too? "

"Yes." His voice was ragged, his throat very dry and constricted. "Yes, you know that I do... I cannot show it. Aelia it is for you own protection that I....."

"I do not want to be protected!" She said savagely. "Protection has not managed to save me. It am still as lost. Is it better to be Publius' whore than a camp follower just because he owns a house?" Her voice was full of venom. "Oh, Quintus...Quintus...give me one night...one memory of love- I will live on it the rest of my life."

He made a little sound in the back of his throat, but was otherwise silent. Still, stunned. Amazed by what had happened- and a little frightened as well.

Slowly, Aelia's hands reached for the clasp of her tunica, and she released them, sending the garment slithering to the floor in a puddle of rose-coloured silk. In flickering lamplight her bare skin glowed, the plump swells and deep hollows of her womanly figure striking contrasts of light and dark.

Quintus sucked in his breath, amazed by her beauty.

She met his eyes, seeking approval. "Please..." She said softly, taking his hand and laying it against her breast. He cupped the flesh lightly, as though it burned his skin. She reached for the other hand, repeating the gesture. "Do you know how I have dreamed of you..."She whispered against his ear. The heat of her breath caused the hairs on his neck to rise, sending another shiver along his skin. "I imagine your hands here...." she guided him again, from her breast along the flat plane of her belly. "...and here...." she took him lower, to the brown gold triangle of hair beneath her navel. "...inside of me." She whispered.

With another cry, Quintus drew his hand away quickly. "Aelia! Aelia stop!" he begged. He did not wish to hurt her, but she could not torture him in this way.

Hot tears pricked at the corner's of Aelia's eyes. After this, he would refuse her? Had she truly grown so distasteful to him? only a moment ago, she thought she had seen love once more in his eyes and now...

Quintus sighed in frustration. He saw the look in Aelia's eyes. He knew what she was thinking. She was wrong. His body was aching with need for her, but he could not give in. Why could she not understand, that his love for her would not let him disrespect her in this way. He knew, once he tasted her honeyed flesh, he would hunger for it again. He would seek her out. In spite of her husband. In spite of his wife. They would be lovers, and she would be branded as no better than the word she had used... a whore.

"Aelia..." he said, gathering all his resolve to remain calm. "You must get dressed."

She shook her head, nearly numb with pain and humiliation.

"Aelia please..." He took her hand tenderly, the tears welling up in his eyes as well. "I want you...oh, my darling- you cannot imagine..." Almost subconsciously he led her hand to the evidence of his desire. Her light touch was fresh torture to his aching body. "But not tonight...Aelia..I promise...I swear...when my father is dead, I will marry you. I will divorce my wife, rich dowry or not, and bring you back with me to Rome."

"You may have children then..." Aelia said, cheered, but still distraught. "...committments. You may forget me."

"Never."

"I may have children...I may be dead..."

Quintus held her tightly, the bareness of her skin seeming to radiate heat through the heavy fabric of his scarlet tunic. "Fate would not allow it, Aelia. Not after being so unkind. I love you too much, and If I cannot have you in this life, I will find you in the next. I swear it." His voice was too firm to protest, and so Aelia merely made a weak sound of acknowledgement and allowed herself to collapse into his arms. 

He kissed her deeply, the firm desperation of the action betraying their recognition that it would be for the last time. The salt of their tears mingled on their cheeks.

Finally, he pulled away, drawing his eyes from the way her ragged breaths made Aelia's bosom heave, or the rosy flush on her cheeks. He reached for the tunica, and draped it carefully over her frame, securing the clasp with nimble, if reluctant hands. He went to the corner chest and retrieved a green riding cloak, which he also spread around her shoulders, and then he kissed her hand.

"I will have Maximus' boy take you home." He said gently. "You must be brave, my love. We must be brave together..." He fought the urge to kiss her again, and steered her out of the tent. "Strength and honor." he whispered, the military slogan seeming fearfully appropriate.

"Strength and honor."

 

*****

 

Paolina lingered in Maximus arms for nearly an hour, but then she grew restless. Where had Publius gone? She doubted that her father knew he would lead her cousin so far from the house. For what seemed like the tenth time in as many minutes, she pulled away from her husband's embrace and peeked out of the window.

Maximus sighed. "What do you think is going to happen to her, Selene...?" *that isn't going to happen to her tomorrow night*- the words were unspoken, but unmistakable in his tone.

Paolina's dark eyes flashed dangerously as her uncontrollable temple flared.

"Oh, is that what women are then, commodities to be used as their husbands please?"

"Paolina!" Maximus blinked, surprised by her sudden change of mood. "That is not what I said."

"But, perhaps it is what you meant."

"Paolina!" The tone in his voice was warning now, and Paolina backed down a little. She admitted to herself, sheepishly that she sometimes liked for Maximus to put her into her place. It was exciting to face a challenge...

"I am sorry, domine." She said contritely. "I am only worried...upset by the entire situation."

Maximus nodded, quieting any further explanation with a kiss. "It is late." He whispered. "And..." He hesitated, contemplating whether he truly wanted to risk mentioning the subject. "...tomorrow will be a long day." Paolina nodded. "Come to bed, my love. Aelia will be home soon."

His wife could not resist another glance out of the window, but then she obediantly threaded her hand through his own and followed him up the stairs.

Perhaps he was right. Perhaps it would be okay...better than okay. Tonight, at dinner, Publius had seemed almost intelligent. He certainly wasn't attractive, but he WAS educated and fairly rich...perhaps he and Aelia had reached a sort of understanding, and were caught up in a conversation...

Although the thoughts were improbable, they were comforting, and they quieted her mind enough to allow her to prepare for rest. After a few minutes of preliminaries, she blew out the lamp and climbed into bed beside her husband.

Almost immediately, Maximus' arm was around her waist. It was how they had grown accustomed to sleeping. Her little body moulded perfectly against his. Their chests rising and falling in together in the slow rythmn of sleep...Tonight, however, Maximus seemed restless. He squirmed fitfully, adjusting his position as much as possible without removing his arm.

"What is wrong?" Paolina said with a sigh, sitting up and trying to focus on his face.

"Nothing."

She sighed, smiling a little. "You're lying."

"You don't really believe that I think that..."

"Think what?"

"That women are...are commodities for their husbands to use..."

"Of course not! Why would you think that?"

"Well...." although she could not see his blush in the darkness, she could feel its heat. "I have been a bit... amorous lately."

"I haven't complained." She laughed. Playfully, she brushed her fingertips along his hip. "And you *have* promised me a baby...."

"Selene..." his voice was husky. "You're teasing me."

"I am not! I am serious..." The playful caress was extended into a more intimate one closer to the center of his body.     

"Oh, my wife..." he said, throwing his head back against the pillow in a show of mock-exhaustion. "Don't you ever want to go to bed and *talk*?"

Grinning wickedly, Paolina threw her knee over his hip straddling him, and then leaning closely to kiss the tip of his nose.

"We can talk when we are old."

Even Paolina, who was used to finding pleasure in her husband's bed, was amazed by the passion that they shared that night. It was as though, until that moment, they had been close, but afterwards, they were bonded. There was no longer a delimitation between Maximus and Selene. When they were together, they were one. She knew, without confirmation, that they had concieved a child that night. She saw him, and it was true that, at the moment of their completion, when the world was still shimmers and light, she saw his dark hair and eyes...and his father's lovely smile. Lying in Maximus' arms afterwards, she felt perfectly complete. As she drifted off to sleep, she felt only happiness, all thoughts of Aelia were forgotten.

 

*****

 

Maximus' servant, Cicero escorted Aelia to her home. It was a long and painful trip, her steps becoming heavier with each meter she walked. Her eyes were dry - she had not left any more tears to shed and her heart was black as the night which enveloped her.

Finally she arrived to the villa and knocked the door. Paolinus - whom had been waiting her sitting on a chair in the kitchen - rushed to open it and let her inside. He frowned when recorgnized the boy near her and wondered why his son-in-law's servant was with her. Paolinus offered Cicero to spend the night in the villa but the slave shook his head: he had to return to the camp and confirm Aelia's safe arrival. Paolinus understood at once to whom the boy had to confirm the news. He closed the door and turned to Aelia. The girl was in terrible condition and he was not able to question her about her whereabouts.

He simply told her, "Go to sleep my child,...the day will be here soon."

Aelia nodded, defeated, and murmured, "Good Night, tata."

"Good night.'

 

21

 

The following day a light rain began to fall, as if the Gods were weeping for the sad girl who was getting married that day.

Since there had not been the time the rest of the family members, it was Paolina who helped her cousin with the pre-cerimony rituals. She helped her to bathe, dress and attire herself. Aelia was silent during all the time, her eyes always lowered, following her cousin's instructions without resisting or showing any sign of interest. It was as if the entire matter did not concerned her at all.

Paolina felt her heart break at the resigned stance of Aelia and did not even think to give her advice about what happened between a man and a woman on their wedding night. How could she? She had just spent the most wonderful of nights in Maximus' arms and she knew that what Aelia will find in Publius' bed will be as different from her experience as the sun was from the moon. In the end she said, "Go to rest a little bit. I will call you when the time arrive."

As usual, Aelia stood up and went to her bed, without speaking.

Paolina sighed and left the room, closing the door behind her. She went to her own room, curled up in the bed and began to cry. Some minutes later Maximus - just returned from his morning inspection in the camp - entered the room and saw her.

Feeling his heart break, he rushed to her and tried to console her, while she sobbed all the pain, the sadness and the rage she was feeling about what the destiny was reserving for Aelia. Maximus did not have any sister or brother but in the short time he had known Aelia he had bugun to care for her and he too was sad for her. While he hugged his sobbing wife he promised to himself and the Gods that when the time will come he would never force his children to marry someone they did not love.

 

*****

 

Inexorably the time passed and once again Paolinus' household gathered for a wedding ceremony....oh, but how different the atmosphere was this time!

Publius had arrived with only his father and a couple of friends, his expression dark and his eyes already dullen by all the wine he had been drinking.

Paolinus went to fetch Aelia and led her in the big triclinium, where the ceremony would take place.

Aelia advanced with her head lowered, the perfect picture of the demure woman and Publius smirked...that night he would teach her a lesson she would never forget.

The officiant started the ritual and all the eyes concentrated to him. No one, not even Maximus and Paolina whom were standing near the door, saw Quintus enter the hall and hide behind a column. He had spent the night tormented by nightmares and guilt . In the end he had been unable to stay away. He wanted to be near his love, to offer her that little moral support he could give.

The priest went on with his speeches and the time arrived for the exchange of vows.

"Where you Gaia, I am Gaius." said Publius.

Paolina cringed upon hearing his tone...it was as if he was commenting the weather! Maximus squeezed her hand. How hollow and empty the words sounded! He had filled them with emotion and meaning, while Publius spoke as though he were reading part of a business contract.

It was Aelia's turn to reply with , "Where you Gaius, I am Gaia" and Quintus closed his eyes, trying to block out those words which would sign the end of all his hopes.

But the dreaded words did not come. Only silence echoed in the room.

Paolinus shifted his weight uneasily and watched his niece. Aelia was staring straight ahead, her lips set in a grim line, her eyes cold. The older man startled: what was not the face of a resigned girl...that was the face of a resolute woman.

The officiant cleared his throat and caught her attention, "Dear, it is your turn." he whispered.

Aelia turned to him and smiled bitterly, "I know."

"Then go on..." he encouraged.

"No."

The word cut the air and the small audience seemed to withold its collective breath.

"What did you say?" asked the officiant, hoping against hope he had listened wrong.

"I said NO." repeated Aelia, her voice even stronger than before, turning to glare at Publius. "I wont consent to this, not now and not ever."

Her promised husband's eyes bulged and he shouted, "You are humiliating me in front of everyone! You will pay for this insult, I swear it! I will teach you to respect your lord and master, you stupid, ungrateful bitch!"  He raised his hand and before anyone could react he slapped her hard across the cheek, sending her sailing to the floor.

Quintus felt his blood boil and leaving his hiding place walked straight to Publius, grabbing him by the neck of his tunica and hissing, "If you touch her again I will kill you!"

"You can't dictate to me...She is my wife!" Publius spat.

"No, she is not."

Publius glowered. "Yes, you are right, she is not good to be a wife, she is only good to be a whore...your whore! Oh, yes- I have heard about her visit in your camp yesterday evening!"

Quintus saw red and began to strangle him. Publius' friends jumped into the fray, hitting the soldier but they were no match for Quintus and soon feet and fists began to fly in the room.

Paolinus looked to Maximus and his son-in-law walked in the middle of the fight, trying to separate the opponents. He sent Publius' friends to the pavement with a firm push and ordered to Paolinus' servants to restrain them until they calmed down. Then he concentrated to Quintus who was straddling Publius hips and crushing his throat.

"Quintus, stop it!" he shouted.

Nothing.

"Liutenant, I order you to stop!!"

Nothing.

Maximus bent down and circled Quintus' waist from behind, trying to drag him away. Quintus hit him in the ribs more then once with his elbow but Maximus did not let him go and finally was able to pull him away, leaning him against a wall. The Spaniard's determined blue eyes locked with Quintus furious' ones, and he hissed, "I can't let you kill him, even if he deserve it! Calm down."

Quintus nodded and began to take deep gulps of air. Slowly his gaze cleared and Maximus let go his grip. The two friends looked around them. Paolina and Aelia were on the side, pale and distraught. Paolinus was bent down near Publius' body along the man's father and the servants were still restraining Publius' friends.

"Don't move." Maximus ordered to Quintus and then walked to Publius, bending down to check his conditions.

Publius' father raised on him angered eyes and hissed, "Are you the commander of the camp?" Maximus nodded and the man went on, "I want that man arrested, he almost killed my son!"

Maximus paled but he knew he had no choice. Publius senior was right.....Quintus' conduct had been highly unbecoming for an officer, not matter how badly Publius iunior had deserved the beating. He stood up and walked back to his friend. "Did you hear that?"

"Yes." Quintus replied flatly.

"He is right. I must confine you in your tent until we know for sure what damages he has substained." Maximus lowered his eyes and added, "I am sorry Quintus."

His friend shook his head and smiled faintly, "You are doing your duty. Don't worry about me. Whatever my punishment will be, it will be nothing compared the satisfation of beating him." He gestured to Publius. "Now let's go to the camp. The sooner you have me confined, the sooner you can return here. Paolina and her father will need you and I need you to look out for Aelia."

Maximus nodded, put his hand on his friend's shoulder and led him away.

"I will be back soon," he whispered to his wife as they passed by and she nodded gratefully.

 

*****

 

The two girls walked out onto the porch and watched as the men rode away, both hearts still hammering wildly in their chests.

"Oh, Aelia...what will happen?" Paolina gasped. She had seen the ashen grey of Publius' face... "If he dies..."

"He will *not* die.." Aelia said, matter-of-factly. "He's much too odious to be disposed of so quickly. Come inside, cousin. Tata will need our help in cleaning up the house and saying goodbye to our guests.

Paolina blinked, amazed at the cool, unruffled tone her cousin had used. It was almost as though the old Aelia had returned. The dark haired woman followed her fair-headed cousin into the house, still surprised as she watched Aelia strip away her wedding veil and begin directing the servants to organize the house. She barely blinked as Publius was loaded into a litter and carried back to his home. It was as though a piece of noxious garbage had been thrown on the floor and was being carted away.

When the unused feast platters had been cleared away, and the couches restored to their rightful places, Aelia dismissed the servants and entered Paolinus' tablinium. He was bent over the desk, pretending to look over his accounts, but really trying to fight his despair over what had just occurred.

"Domine?" Aelia said, dropping her usual appellation in favor of something more formal. "May I speak with you?"

Sighing, Paolinus waved his hand and indicated that she could enter. Paolina lingered in the doorway.

Their eyes met, and Paolinus shuddered as he saw the same look of resolution that had begun at the wedding.

"I have dishonored you." Aelia said, her voice wavering only slightly.

He bit his lip.

"I...I am sorry, domine. I know that you are wise, and know much more about what is best for me but I...he..." she sighed. "I have forfeited my right to be kept as a daughter of your house. If you will consent, I offer my services as housekeeper. I will endeavor to be a better servant than I have been a child."  When he still did not speak, she continued. "If you do not consent, I will leave tonight. There are a few things that are mine, I..."

"Where will you go?" Paolinus said, rising from his chair. Anger tinted his voice. "To the camp, Aelia? Is that what you wish to become after all? If so, you could have saved me a lot of humiliation merely by remaining there last night."

Aelia reeled a little bit, her expression belying the fact that she had expected Paolinus merely to tearfully forgive her and let things remain as they had always been.

"Aelia, you forget that you are living here on charity. You were not even my responsibility- if your father had any sense, he would have told us where his male relatives could be found- but rather than letting you remain on the street, selling flowers or...or worse, I brought you back here. I have always endeavored to show you love and kindness, but you must understand that they are gifts, and not entitlements." His cheeks flushed as he warmed to his topic, and Paolina realized for the first time from whence her own temper had sprung. "Aelia, happiness is not a common thing. I am sorry if it seems that everyone has it but you- each person laughs and cries in his own turn. It is fleeting. DUTY is constant. Because you have ignored your duty, a man- admittedly, not a particularly good man- may soon be dead. And what if he dies, Aelia?" He glared mercilessly into the girl's pale, wide-eyed face. "What do you think will happen to your Quintus- who, by the way, I have learned from a source inside the camp is a much more honorable man than you are a lady." The girl's knees began to tremble, but she did not tear her gaze away. "Will it really be easier for you to watch him run through with swords than to marry a leather-merchant's daughter?"

With a little cry, Aelia's knees finally buckled, and she collapsed into sobs on the floor. Paolinus felt his rage temper slightly, and he looked to his daughter- nearly as shaken by his anger as her cousin. "Take her away. We will discuss the future tomorrow when we have a better idea of Publius' fate."

Paolina nodded and did as she was told.

 

22

 

Maximus and Quintus were silent on the ride home. The commander was amazed by the look of calm on his friend's face. It was the most peaceful that he had been in weeks...MONTHS, and Maximus wished, bitterly, that the pair could simply enjoy it, rather than face the awful, uncertain days ahead. The Spaniard wished, fervently, that Claudius would return. He knew too well how hard it would be to order a whipping, or other punishment if Publius were merely injured. If he were dead....

Shuddering, Maximus turned his eyes back to the road. He pulled backwards on the reigns sharply as he noticed two large carriages stopped at the gates. They were festooned with purple draperies, and the imperial seal of Rome...could it be...?

Quintus paled, remembering his father's senatorial status also allowed for purple cloth and reaching an opposite conclusion.

"Lieutenant!" Maximus' horse wheeled around as if was approached on the left side by one of the young officer trainees that copied letters in the Praetorium. "Oh, sir- I'm so glad you're back....we were trying to stall and..."

"What is it?" Maximus asked, frowning.

"Sir...its...its...it's the emperor!"

With a gasp, Maximus kicked his horse in the ribs and galloped to the back gate, arriving at the Praetorium just before his guests. He didn't wait for Quintus. He had little fear that his friend would run off, and he could understand the young scribe's fear- the leader of the empire in their little camp, and not a single member of the command staff to greet him? The door of the first carriage opened just as Maximus arrived, grateful that the occasion of the wedding had given him reason to be wearing his finest tunica.

"Hail Caesar!" he called firmly.

"Hail Caesar!" echoed throughout the ranks.

As the door creaked open, the commander looked down along the ranks of men. They were in nearly perfect lines, flanking the Via Praetoria on either side, their uniforms polished and their backs held in rigid attention ...he smiled proudly. They had not been caught unawares- this was no coincidence, it was the dividend of careful discipline...discipline they had honed out of loyalty to Claudius- and now to him.

Marcus Aurelius stepped out into the afternoon sun, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the harsh light.

"Ah...Maximus..." he said, companionably. Maximus felt his cheeks flush, flattered that he had been remembered. "It is good to see you again."

"And you as well, Caesar." Maximus said, respectfully taking the older man's hand and bring it to his lips. "It has been too long."

"Yes..." the emperor looked over his shoulder at the other carriage. "Too long."

They shared a smile. For a moment, the Spaniard allowed himself to think back to the summer, five years before, when he was merely a young scribe himself. He had indulged in a youthful flirtation with the emperor's daughter. Lucilla. The name was still musical to his ears. She had been so lovely- so much a princess in her fine silks and jewels. Of course, the summer had ended- and there could be no letters. Maximus' presence around the girl had been tolerated only because he was such a gentleman and because it was understood- by all parties save the lovers themselves- that the dalliance could never amount to anything more. Lucilla was already engaged to Lucius Verus- the Co-emperor and co-heir of Antoninus Pius. Maximus was a farmer from Spain. Still, it was a pleasant memory... it caused him to hold his smile a moment longer than perhaps he should.

"Hello Maximus." It was almost as though he had heard her voice.

He blinked.

He had.

The emperor had been joined by the rest of his entourage. His daughter, Lucilla- older, but even lovelier than he had remembered...her glittering smile reminding him that she had not forgotten him either. To her left, a toga-clad man whose fair, if greying hair, and sharply Roman features branded him unmistakably as Quintus' father. And then, slightly behind the rest, a tall, plain-looking girl whom Maximus assumed to be his friend's intended bride.

"Ave, Lucilla." He said, taking her hand and kissing it as well. The heat of her skin made his stomach tense with guilt. He held it only as long as necessary to be polite before turning away.

"And this is my distinguished travel companion, Senator Clarus."

Maximus made a curt bow of his head. "Ah, senator...we have been expecting you- your son will be along shortly." No sense telling him about the scuffle at the farmhouse just yet- he would learn of it soon enough. Perhaps his anger would be mitigated if the secret were not revealed in front of the Emperor himself...."and lasty my I present you the Lady Fulvia Alba.." She did a sketchy sort of curtsey, allowing Maximus a better opportunity to observe her.

She was no Aelia. That was clear from the first glance. Not ghastly or unpresentable, but she lacked the grace and luminosity of his sister-in-law. Aelia was smaller, and her features were more finely wrought. The merchant's daughter, though richly attired, wore her clothes uneasily, like a frilly blanket thrown over a battle horse, and there was a look of haughty superiority in her gaze that made his hackles rise. She would not make Quintus happy...he was certain of it. He managed a small attempt at humor- perhaps she could become Publius' bride.

"Is Claudius not here to greet me?" The emperor asked, filling the awkward silence. "...or does he have more pressing engagements this afternoon? " The tone was teasing.

"The General has not yet returned from the front." Quickly, Maximus recounted the situation along the border, culminating with Claudius' tentative peace, and his orders to relocate half of the legions to winter quarters before the season's end.

"A risky endeavor."

"Yes, but one with great dividends if it succeeds...and little loss to our ranks if it does not."

The emperor nodded. He glanced at his daughter, who made a great show of covering a yawn.

"Perhaps we should continue inside. The ladies will want to be rested...and I would like a more detailed explanations of Claudius' proposed terms...I will send my messenger ahead to inform him of my arrival...if the barbarian chieftains can spare him, I would like to discuss this treaty in person."

"Of course, Caesar."  Maximus led the little party into the Praetorium.

Members of the Praetorian guards flared out in front of them silently, like a little bubble protecting the emperor on all sides. They seemed to know their way around the Praetorium, and Maximus found himself pressed to the rear of the group, beside Senator Clarus.

"How are you, Maximus?" the senator asked. Although they had never met, he had heard the man's name in letters from his son since the boy had joined the army at age fourteen. "Married, I hear?"

"Yes."

"Happily?"

"Very."

"Any children?"

"Not yet...soon."

The older man nodded. "Good...well, it is good to be settled. I think that Quintus will benefit from it as well..."

"If the girl is right."

Titus Clarus blinked. "You find Fulvia unacceptable?" He laughed. "Well, you have not seen the size of her dowry, I suppose."

Maximus merely tilted his head in assent, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

"Where is the boy? I would like to see him."

Maximus glanced over his shoulder, to the little room that he and Quintus had shared. It was flanked now, on either side, by uniformed guards- no doubt placed there on Quintus' own orders. "There's been a bit of trouble ...." Maximus whispered.

Clarus' eyebrows arched questioningly. "He isn't hurt, is he?"

"No...he's..." Maximus looked forward again to where Lucilla, Marcus, and Fulvia were engaged in a quiet banter- Fulvia complaining about the roughness of the tents, Lucilla trying to impress her with the even less inspiring camps that she had seen, and Marcus lecturing them both on the folly of a sitting room in war camps to begin with. "...perhaps it would be better if we spoke alone."

Still concerned, Clarus nodded.

At last, the little party reached the main tent, and they paused. The quarters were reserved for the use of the emperor alone and, since Marcus Aurelius' reign, they had existed in each Praetorium, regardless of whether the emperor ever intended to visit at all. The predecessor of Marcus and his co-emperor Lucius Verus, Antoninus Pius, had never left Italy. Although his devotion to domestic policy had reaped great dividends, order in the provinces, and discipline in the army, had suffered. Marcus and Lucius had both worked to combat the problem. Each year, they took tours of the various camps. Marcus usually surveying the west, while Lucius covered the Eastern holdings. The visits were often unannounced, and so the quarters were constantly held open and readied for the imperial visitor.

Maximus stopped at the door. "I will leave you, Caesar, to get settled in. Then perhaps I could show you the maps that we talked about."

The emperor nodded. "Yes. That is acceptable....an hour?"

Maximus nodded and turned to go. Senator Clarus fell in step beside him, obviously hoping to pry away news of his son.

"Maximus-" It was Lucilla's voice. "Wait..." She crossed the room so that she was standing very close to him again. "You didn't say that you missed me." She said, pouting slightly, and wiping an imaginary piece of lint off of his collar.

"No, I didn't." He said quickly, wanting to be away. The feelings she evoked were confusing. It was impossible to deny their happy past, but is was over...Lucilla's overly friendly tone made him worry that she didn't recognize that reality. "I didn't tell you congratulations on your marriage either." He said stiffly, offering a subtle reminder. "Congratulations."

"And I hear that congratulations are in order for you as well." She answered, clearly miffed by the rebuke.

"Yes."

She held his gaze for a moment. Searching for something. "Join me for dinner."

"My lady, I would be honored but...."

"And your little wife." He railed a little bit at the use of the term ‘little', but Lucilla did not back down. "Dinner with the Imperial family. That must be a thrill for provincials." She turned to Fulvia, who dutifully laughed as though Lucilla were the most brilliant wit in a century.

"I cannot. We are already having guests." He lied.

"Tomorrow then!" The emperor himself had cut in. Clearly, he did not appreciate the dynamics passing between his daughter and her old friend. Now there was nothing the soldier could do to avoid the invitation. "The whole family must come."

"We would be honored, Caesar." He said, grudgingly, not liking one bit the way that Lucilla's eyes danced with delight in her victory. "Now...If you will excuse me...."

Marcus Aurelius dismissed the soldier and the senator with a nod.

Turning toward the hall, Maximus began yet another unpleasant task. "I hope senator, that you were not hoping to hold the marriage right away...if so, I'm afraid that there may be a delay..."

"What?"

In clipped tones, trying to avoid admitting to the romance with Aelia as much as possible, Maximus explained what had happened.

"He said that?....in your father-in-law's own house!- Well, was it true?...was she really at the camp?"

Maximus swallowed, mentally asking forgiveness from the poor sub-lieutenant he had pegged with Quintus' actions. "No!" he said vehemently. "I mean..she was at the camp...She..." his brain raced for an excuse. Then he remembered Paolina's visit. "She was looking for some medicine for...her sister."

"Your wife?"

"Her sister-in-law....who was...who was in for the wedding."

"Ah." the elder Clarus sighed sympathetically. "Well, you can't blame her really. Girls often act before they think, and what the groom says was rather harsh. He probably made things worse by making a scene...but what did you say her name was? Aelia? I could have sworn that Quintus mentioned..."

"Well, I was very proud of him for sticking up for the girl." Maximus began speaking quickly, hoping to prevent the father from realizing the facts that his son's friend had omitted. "Unfortunately, Publius is the son of a powerful local landowner, and he is demanding a trial."

"The emperor will pardon him."

"If the boy dies?"

Maximus and the senator started at each other silently. "I am sure that the emperor will agree that it would be best not to act too hastily...let us wait and see. There may be no need for the emperor to know. Quintus may move around the Praetorium freely...and we will wait and see. Besides, don't your son and Fulvia need time to get to know each other?"

"If they do, the wedding might not happen at all." Titus said glumly. In a conspiratorial tone he added regretfully. "I do not think that she is the sort of girl who improves with time."

Maximus blinked, surprised by the revelation. Could it be that the man was having second thoughts about what he was doing to his son? Perhaps he would relent if he saw the pair together.

At last, they reached Quintus' chambers. Maximus nodded to the guards and they were allowed to enter.

"Quintus!"

"Father." The son did not reflect the joy in his father's face at their reunion. He knew that the man's presence meant that Fulvia had arrived as well. The doom that he had partially avoided a few hours earlier was still advancing toward him with relentless focus.

"I have...told him..." Not everything. Maximus wished that he could send his friend a telepathic message, warning him not to give himself away.        

Quintus nodded. "Thank you, my friend."

With another curt tilt of his chin, Maximus exited the chambers.

 

*****

 

Maximus sent for Cicero and hastily penned a letter to Paolina. Oh, how he wished that she could join him here! Or, even better, that he could run away back to their farm. But that was impossible. It would be unfitting for her to come to the camp except as Lucilla's guest, and Maximus could not commit her to the elder girl's clutches. With Claudius away, and Quintus confined, he could not leave the camp without a commander. He hoped that she would understand.

His pen hesitated as he came to the end of his letter...should he tell her about the invitation to dinner, or merely make excuses for her lack of attendance. He sighed heavily. Paolina would be furious if she learned later that he had hidden such a situation from her- and he *did* want to see her. Besides, the invitation had been to the family ...Paolinus might come as well. It would help the families status in the region to be seen with the emperor, and might help them recover from Publius' slight. Still uncertain that his actions were correct, he added a paragraph including the imperial request.

 

*****