Skaia (42 page)

Paulinus nodded, though he was very glad Glaucus had never hurt Skaia during their play. He cleared his throat. “They spoke of Greece often. Just children’s nonsense when they young; as they got older and learned more of the country’s history, they talked more seriously. It was Glaucus who spoke of the two of them visiting Greece together. I warned him it was highly unlikely.”

“
You should have told me, Father. I could have ended this foolishness before it got so far.”

“
Perhaps.”
Maybe, if Skaia hadn’t been so attractive, it would have been different. More like with Thane… Or Lucius.
“I’m glad you are proud of your son,” Paulinus finally said. “I am proud of him, too. But that doesn’t mean he’s perfect or blameless. He’s on this journey for far more than learning about Greece, Thaddeus. He will learn about life. And the compromises he must make. Think back to your own coming of age. Do you remember your feelings on leaving Thane behind?”

Again, Thaddeus hesitated as the memories came back to him. “I felt nothing for him at that point,” he admitted quietly. “I didn’t even tell him good-bye.”

“
No, you didn’t. And he was distraught for weeks after you left. Not one single time did I chain him away in the dark because of it.”

“
It was all so different,” Thaddeus muttered. “I don’t see how you can even compare the two.” But the difference was that Glaucus
sought
Skaia out. Thaddeus took a large swallow from his own glass of water. “Things will change, Father. I enjoyed the afternoon with Skaia. He was obedient and submissive. He will not be chained, or whipped again, unless he disobeys me and deserves punishment. I promise you.”

Paulinus began to understand that something basic had changed between his son and the slave. And that Skaia had brought it about, without his help. “Come,” he said, standing. “Let me show you the changes I wish to make in the garden.”

Glaucus was working on his first post home. Yesterday, riders from Rome had announced that they would be available to transport messages back, and Glaucus found himself wishing that he had started his letter sooner, rather than trying to remember everything at once. But as he thought about what to write, more things came back to him.

He wrote of going to Pella, where it was said the great Aristotle taught the Greek conqueror Alexander. Just two days ago, he and his friends had toured the caves and had seen the paintings of the Greek mythical heroes. Glaucus wrote that it was rumored here that Pompey had fled to Egypt, and Brutus and Cicero would return to Rome, though he was receiving the information secondhand.

Their guides, at any rate, felt safe enough now to venture eastward to visit Troy and Ephesos. Glaucus re-read what he’d written and finished his letter.

Father and Grandfather, I promise to write again as soon as we reach Troy. Please inform Antius and Flavius that Trestus and Bessus are enjoying the journey as well, just in case you get my post before theirs arrive. Grandfather, I hope your garden thrives. And, Father, I hope that Skaia is proving satisfactory for you. I pray daily that you will be blessed by all the gods.

The entire household was in disarray as the trip to Umbria was planned. More slaves than usual would be taken this time; household men, to keep them out of Castor’s way, and also to do extra cleaning at the villa. Thera, of course, to be gifted to Thaddia on her birthday. And Kaleel, a last minute purchase for Crassus—just because Thaddeus knew his younger son would be upset to be the only family member not to have a slave of his own.

It had been an interesting experience to select him. Thaddeus had gone to the slave market on three separate occasions. Once with Antius, once with Flavius, and finally on his own. Both his friends had seemed to act more like they were making purchases for themselves, examining young boys with an eye to how attractive they might become. Though he tried to hide it, Thaddeus felt himself growing impatient He had no desire to make the same mistake as he had with Glaucus.

Not that he’d consciously selected Skaia for his looks. Just his eyes. Thaddeus almost laughed at himself.
I was foolish then,
he thought. And he was determined to do better for his second son.

He hadn’t taken Skaia on these trips, both to prevent the comments he could expect from his friends, and because he knew how much the markets upset the boy. They had talked about it in bed one night, and Thaddeus had patiently coaxed and threatened out the young slave’s story. He was determined not to let the boy’s tears affect him, and when he received word that a middle-class household was being dismantled, he had been eager to check the stock.

Kaleel was only eight. Not unattractive, but with little possibly of future beauty. A slave since birth—even with his strange name—Thaddeus was interested in him after just a brief conversation. The boy had never known his father, had only the scantest memory of his mother. And seemed not the least concerned that his master had died.

No baggage,
Thaddeus had thought.
No awful memories.
He’d put in his bid.

Skaia surprised Thaddeus a few nights later, kneeling at his feet as he double-checked his list of what was to be taken. “Master, please,” he begged. “Please, can Gotus come, too?”

Thaddeus turned to face him, always enjoying the sight of the boy’s red curls between his thighs. “Why ever would you care if Gotus stays or goes?”

Skaia didn’t look up. “He is my friend, sir. Since I was a child.”
He never gets to go anywhere. He’s never seen anything…

Thaddeus said nothing at first, just looked down at Skaia’s hands, twisting nervously in the length of his tunic.
A friend.
Of course, the slaves would have friends among each other; he’d just never considered Skaia having friends before. “Who else is your friend?”

Castor, Aulus, Vibius, Meera…
“There are several, sir. But Gotus…”
is special.

Surprisingly, Thaddeus had a moment of distress. Jealousy, he wondered.
Absurd.
But he was glad he had a reason to turn Skaia down. “Castor has specifically asked for him to remain here. Apparently, he thinks Gotus can be helpful to him.”

Skaia nodded in acknowledgement. He certainly would not argue—and risk Thaddeus’ anger at Gotus—or himself. “Yes, Master. Thank you, sir.” He started to get up again, but felt his master’s hand on his shoulder.

“
Have you packed my things?” Thaddeus asked. “Everything I told you?”

“
Yes, Master. Everything you asked for is in your traveling chests.”

Thaddeus handed Skaia his latest list. “I’ve added new clothing for you. Make sure Castor… or Gotus… has them prepared.”

Skaia looked over the list quickly. Outdoor shoes, more sandals. New tunics. Loincloths. Apparently, he would be doing more than simply kneeling in Thaddeus’ rooms when he was on the farm. “I will see to it, sir.”

Thaddeus touched Skaia’s elbow, urging him up. “The others I am taking will be working at the villa. It will hardly be a holiday for them. I doubt your friend would think so.”

You don’t understand what it means to leave this place,
Skaia thought. But he would not argue. “Yes, Master.” He started to turn away, meaning to check the traveling chests again. But Thaddeus was speaking.

“
Is there something I could do to make this time special for those left behind?”

Skaia looked up in surprise.
Thaddeus was offering something?
“Hot water in the slave bath, sir,” he said promptly. “Many are… are envious that you allow it for me.”

Thaddeus was almost astounded. That something so simple—so basic—would be considered a privilege. “It will be ordered,” he said softly.
And my friends will think me a fool,
he realized. He found it made little difference to him, and turned to make yet another note for Castor.

And Skaia went to the chests.

Almost all the slaves were on hand to wish the traveling party a good journey. Thaddeus had just ordered everyone into the wagons when Gotus pulled Skaia aside. “Did you know,” he asked in a whisper, “that we are all being allowed a weekly bath? That Castor has ordered a tub for us?”

“
With hot water?” Skaia guessed.

Gotus grinned. “It’s because of you, isn’t it?”

Skaia shook his head. “No, of course not. Thaddeus is just…” He didn’t know what to say.
Was Thaddeus being kind?