The Barbarian's Mistress (34 page)

‘Good then. Help my wife unload the horses, while I see this oaf off the premises.’

The woman scuttled for the door where Lara stood. The stench of unwashed body and fear hit Lara as soon as she was within two feet of her. Breathing through her mouth, to reduce the smell, Lara led the woman back to the horses. What went on inside she didn’t know, but a short time later the little man came limping out, a red and swelling wound on his left cheek, his arms full of belongings.

‘No one steals from Annius Bibulus and gets away with it. What kind of fool would think I’d let you take gold with you?’ Vali said to the man who limped away, head down, face a picture of fury.

They watched as the Biraci made his way down the dirt track toward the ford and the few dwellings to be found there.

Vali was then at Lara’s side, helping her unload the heavier items. His towering arrogance was gone now, and the gentle Vali she knew was back. It never ceased to amaze her how different he could be, depending on who he was dealing with. He was like the mythical shape-shifters, appearing different to all who saw him.

‘Is there a well?’ Lara asked the woman. ‘Or do we fetch water from the river?’

‘From the river, mistress,’ the woman answered softly.

‘All right. I want you to go and round up all the slaves and bring them here. Vali, I assume this meets with your approval?’ She looked at her husband, and smiled for the first time since they arrived, adding a teasing note to her tone.

‘Yes, wife, it does. Then we can get water up to the house and have some cleaning done. I have no desire to spend the night in that midden.’

‘My thoughts exactly.’

‘They’re all out harvesting mistress… ‘

‘This late in the season?’ Vali said, frowning.

‘It’s the hops, sir. They’ve taken longer to ripen. We’ve been harvesting them the last few weeks.’

‘I see. It’s nearly dark. Why are they still working?’

‘Master says, “dawn to dark”. That’s what they work.’

‘Hmmm. And you feed them when they come in?’

‘Ummm. No, they get their daily meal midmorning, that’s all.’

‘What about that pig on the spit?’

‘For the Master, sir.’

‘And you?’

‘Oh no, sir. If I ate any of it, I’d be flogged. Master says the meat is too precious to waste on us.’

‘Hmm. Well, get them in here. How long before the pig is cooked?’

‘Soon, sir. I was just about to serve the Master when you arrived. ‘

‘Good. Well, off with you girl. I want everyone here as fast as possible.’

‘Shall we take the pig off the spit and start cutting slices?’ Lara asked Vali, as they moved toward the villa with their arms full of bags.

‘Yes. We’ll feed it to the slaves when they get in. Call it a feast, celebrating new management. It smells good, anyway.’

By the time the slaves returned in the glooming, Lara had laid out platters of meat on a wooden trestle she and Vali had brought from inside. The expressions on the exhausted, filthy faces was heartbreaking. Fear and trepidation shone in their sunken eyes. That they were mistreated was apparent. Lara felt her anger at such injustice rising within her.

‘People, I am Gaius Annius Vali, you may call me Vali, or sir. This is my wife Lara. You may call her Lara, or mistress. We are the new estate managers. The poor excuse for a man
, who was previously in charge here, is now gone. You’ll find your lives will improve from this point on. Tonight, to celebrate our arrival, my wife has served up pork and bread. There is enough for everyone, including the children.

‘Once you have eaten your fill, there is work to be done…’

‘Vali,’ interrupted Lara. He stopped and turned to her. ‘Not tonight. Look at them. They’re about to drop. Cleaning can wait another day…’

‘But where will you sleep? Not in there. I won’t have it.’

‘Out here. By a fire. We’ve done it before.’

Vali smiled at her, remembering their first nights together in the Pontine Marshes. ‘If you wish. It’ll be cold.’

‘We have warm rugs, and a fire will do the rest. Please Vali?’

W
hite teeth shone bright in the gathering dark. Lara was once more stunned by her husband’s good looks and gentleness. This was not the same man who had so harshly removed the manager.

Vali turned back to the waiting gathering. Several children were whimpering, eyeing the food with obvious impatience.

‘My wife believes you have done enough for one day. Eat and sleep. Tomorrow at dawn we start afresh.’ He waved them toward the waiting food and stepped back beside Lara, as they watched the first tentative moves toward the bounty. When one child broke from his elders and rushed to the table, there was a gasp from the adults. When no punishment followed, and the child began to stuff food into his hungry mouth, the rest took courage and followed.

Soon the table was surrounded, and people were hungrily devouring what had been placed out for them. Lara handed Vali a trencher of hollowed out bread that had juicy meat overflowing it. With a grin of thanks, Vali tucked in, grease trickling down the sides of his mouth. Lara laughed, and wiped the juices away.

‘Love you,’ Vali said between mouthfuls.

Lara grinned. ‘You only say that when you’re devouring something.’

‘Will the fireside be private enough for you?’ Vali stopped eating long enough to ask, his eyes burning bright.

‘We’ll be alone out here and under a lot of covers. I think that’s private enough.’

‘I’ll have to keep my sword at hand, in case that bastard comes back. Wouldn’t put it past him.’

‘No different to every night, then?’ She grinned again, letting her eyelashes drop flirtatiously.

‘Wife, how did I hold out so long against you?’

‘Stubborn. Always stubborn, my love.’

‘I like to hear you say that.’

‘That you’re stubborn?’ she said innocently.

‘My love. I like it when you call me that.’

‘That’s because you are. I don’t think I’ve ever been as happy as I have in the last months with you. I can’t imagine my life without you now.’

‘Well, wife, you don’t have to. But it’s not going to be easy. Look at them. More trouble than they’re worth at the moment.’

‘No, never say that about a human being. They’ll get better. Stronger, healthier, and cleaner. And then they’ll work for you because they respect you, not because they fear you. Your production will increase because of it.’

‘Yes, you’re right, of course. How did you get to be so wise, wife?’ He looked as if he wanted to draw her in against him, but his hands were occupied with the messy meal.

‘Eat, husband. Time for more later.’

And more there was, once the slaves had been sent to their beds and a blazing fire lit not far from the front of the house. On hay from the shed, covered by woollen blankets, Vali laid his wife down. Once they were covered he began the delightful task of disrobing her, and she him. Then, for a few minutes, they lay naked in each other’s arms, watching the fire that burned their faces with its heat.

‘Not what I expected,’ Lara said dreamily.

‘A lot worse than I expected. But this country looks lush, with plenty of water. There’s a beginning. With hard work we can make this place into something your family will benefit from in the future.’

‘Gaius you mean? There is only he and Publius now. I’d hate to think our hard work went toward supplying my younger brother with his degenerate lifestyle.’

‘It may well be the case. But that won’t mean we can’t have a good life. We’ll build a new villa, one that meets the roman demands for cleanliness and size, and my need for warmth and efficiency. We’ll run pipes up to the house, build a bathhouse on the back, a walled garden for vegetables and herbs for the household. Better storage for grains and produce, more animals to assist with the heavy work…’

‘You’re amazing, do you know that? How can you be so capable at everything you do?’

‘In this moment, the only capability I care about is my ability to satisfy my wife. Do you want to see how capable I am in that area, Sweetling?’

‘Please, Vali. I’ve missed your touch so much…’

When he lowered his mouth to hers, the tenderness soon turned to hunger. And though the fire was hot, their lovemaking was hotter, until they both collapsed in a shuddering heap, exhausted but satiated.

Sometime later, with Lara dozing in his arms, Vali drew his sword closer to his side. Nothing moved in the night. But that didn’t mean there was nothing out there watching, and waiting its opportunity. Even so, he felt happier than he ever had. With his woman at his side, his new home behind him,
and his future assured, what could go wrong?

Chapter Twenty Four

15 October 79 CE
, Londinium BRITANNIA

Braxus allowed Ninia to lead the way from their vessel at dockside. He had never been so glad to see the back of anything. The sea had been turbulent, the wind, icy. If they hadn’t been hugging the coast all the way, they would surely have been blown off course or capsized. But their master and crew were locals, and they knew the waters well. And the last stretch of their journey may have been rough, but it had been safe.

Ninia gathered her cloak around her shoulders, shivering in the strong wind that came off the sea. Once he was on shore, Braxus wrapped his arm around her, drawing her in close, and warming her with his body. She was such a little thing, barely bigger than a child, and yet she was anything but a child. She was stronger and more resilient than any woman he’d
ever known; determined and yet kind; innocent and yet hedonistic when it came to bed play. She was what every man dreamed of as a mate. And she loved him.

For the rest of his lonely life he would remember this time with gratitude. For a short time, he had it all.

‘It’s smaller than I expected,’ Ninia commented, as they walked up the straight gravel street toward the forum. One of the best things about Roman towns was their layout. Streets running parallel to each other and at right angles, the forum and the other important administrative buildings and temples were usually located at its centre. It meant that wherever in the empire you were you could quickly get your bearings, and find what you wanted.

For them it was information. And for that they needed inns that would surround the docks or the forum.

When they found one squat and ugly looking dwelling, with an anchor nailed to the door, they went in. The noise and smell almost had them turning back again. But Braxus pushed on, knowing it was just this sort of place that would give him the information he needed.

‘Two wines, your best,’ Braxus yelled at a passing barmaid. She looked him over with calculating eyes, then noticed the small woman at his side. Her expre
ssion changed to something blander as she nodded and hurried away.

While they waited, Braxus found them some stools at a heavy, wooden table. There were
a few women in the place, mostly prostitutes or barmaids. One or two wives cowered in corners, well out of the way, while their husbands stood watch over them. Braxus saw the way eyes slid in his direction, caught first on Ninia and then on him. They evaluated him, considered their chances, and decided against confrontation. He smiled. His scar was good for moments like this.

When the female returned with their order, Braxus dropped a few ass
es in her hand.

‘I’m looking for a big, fair-haired man. He’d be asking for the Bibulus estate.’ He had to yell to make himself heard, not just by the woman but by as many people as possible in his close vicinity.

It had its effect. The girl shrugged and went on her way, but a skinny little runt with no chin pricked up his ears, and sidled over in their direction.

‘You a friend of his?’ The man was already drunk, his features showing a lifetime of excess.

‘The opposite. You know of him? I’ll make it worth your while.’

‘The enemy of my enemy is my friend. I’d be pleased to help you find that bastard. He walked in about nine days ago and took over my place. I’d slaved over that estate for the best years of my life, and then he walks in and throws me out. Who does he think he is? Bastard!’

‘He with a woman?’

‘Yeah, his wife
, he said. Pretty thing. Seemed meek and biddable enough. Would have to be with that brute.’

‘Where can I find the estate?’

‘Follow the road east toward the coast, and then follow the river south. It’s about six miles out. You keep following the river until you get to a ford where you'll see a hamlet. The next estate on the other side of the river is the one you’re looking for. You won’t be welcome. I’d take men with you, if you plan on confronting that oaf. He’s got those lazy slaves treating him like a god.’

‘Thanks, my friend. Is there a place I can get a horse or donkey?’ Braxus began to slide a few sesterces from his purse.

‘Edge of town on the way east. Getting a bit late. Better to set out tomorrow. This place has floor space once they close up for the night.’

‘I may take you up on that, later. For now, we’ll look around.’ He dropped the coins into the man’s already outstretched paw. He saw, out of the corner of his eye, Ninia cringe.

‘Come on,’ he said, rising from his stool, and waiting for her to go before him. Soon they were in the fresh, cold air again, just as the sun began to dip toward the rolling hills on the horizon.

‘I don’t want to stay there,’ Ninia said under her breath, tightening her cloak around her.

‘Me either. We’ll get some food at the marketplace and then hire a horse. It may be dark by the time we get close, but that will suit me. I can check it out better that way.’

‘Will we sleep outside tonight?’ Ninia sounded hopeful.

‘Why would you want to do that? It’s cold.’

She scowled and glanced away. He couldn’t hide the smile that tweaked his lips. ‘Ah, you want to be alone with me, is that it?’

‘Brax, you’re sooo arrogant. Do you like making me… beg?’

He grinned at her, and pulled her into his arms briefly, kissing her cold lips, before setting her aside. ‘Beg? Will you beg, my pretty girl? I think I’d like to hear that. What will you beg me for? My kisses on your mouth or on your nether lips? My fingers in your hair or…’

‘Brax, stop it, someone might hear.’

‘I’m so desperate to be inside you, I don’t give a damn if the whole world hears me. You’ll have your camp in the woods, away from civilization. And me beneath a blanket, wrapped around you so tight you won’t feel the cold at all.’ He watched her face suffuse with blood, pleased and embarrassed. Gods, she was so beautiful! He’d remember her like this for the rest of his life.

Before he was tempted to do more than just talk about his plans for her, he took her hand, and began leading her toward the edge of town. He’d passingly considered leaving a message at the inn for Menolus, but as there had been no messages for him anywhere along the way, he assumed his partner was dead. That storm had taken more than Ninia’s ship, they’d been told along the way.

By the time they reached the Bibulus estate, the sun had set, and the shadows were deepening. Braxus tied up their mounts just into the treeline
, so they would be hard to spot. Then, he sat Ninia next to the horses, to guard them and their possessions with a dagger in her trembling hand. He didn’t like leaving her, but it was more dangerous to take her. And he wouldn’t go far. If she screamed, he could be back to her in minutes.

He crouched and took off at a run, following the shadows toward the villa on the edge of the river. The estate seemed busy: animals and people moving around; most of them slaves, going about their duties. Someone laughed, as a child squealed with delight. There was a good feeling to the place.

As he reached an outbuilding, he caught sight of a tall, blonde man stride in his direction. This had to be Vali. He was alone and unarmed. Was it going to be this easy? He expected it would take a lot more to rescue Ninia’s mistress. This Vali was presenting himself like a beautifully wrapped prize.

Cautiously, Braxus moved around to the side of the shed, peering around the corner, to see where the man was going. Definitely in his direction. What was this shed anyway? It smelled of hops.

When the man was close, and reaching for the door, Braxus made his move. Silent as a shadow, he came up behind the giant, and thrust his dagger forward, aiming for the vulnerable space just below the ribcage.

But the dagger didn’t connect. In the last split second, the man span out of his
way and knocked the dagger aside. Only his training stopped him from losing his grip on the handle. Then he was facing his victim, still with the advantage, but not by much.

A shout went up. Someone had seen the scuffle, although neither of them had made a sound. Vali glanced toward the house briefly, but not long enough so he could make a move. He had only seconds left before he was surrounded. Was there time to go in for the kill?

‘Vali!’ A young woman came running toward them. The look of terror on her face was unexpected.

‘Brax!’ This was Ninia. What was she doing down here? She was supposed to stay with the horses. He tried to see her out of the corner of his eye. All he got was a shadow moving fast.

‘Fuck it, Nin get back!’ he yelled, ready to turn and run back to her. This was not what he wanted. She was in the open, in more danger than he was.

‘Ninia?’ The tall girl, who had been running toward them, suddenly stopped and turned toward the voice. She sounded astonished.

‘Anni? Stay back. We’ve come to save you!’

‘Save me? What are you talking about! I don’t need saving.’

‘It seems you do,’ the giant said, as he started moving in on his opponent. He was a head taller than Braxus, and his reach was greater. But Braxus still had the dagger, and he could move. As the giant lunged at him, he side stepped and came in at his back, cutting a bloody line across the man’s side as he went.

Vali bellowed with fury, and Ninia’s mistress screamed.

‘Stop! Stop, don’t hurt him!’ she cried.

‘Stay back, sweet, I’m fine!’ Vali sent her a jaunty grin without taking his eyes of
f Braxus.

This wasn’t right. Why did the woman he’d come to rescue seem so upset that her captor was under attack? Surely she should be running into Ninia’s arms by now.

‘Stop this, please. Ninia why is this man trying to kill Vali? Stop it now!’

‘You don’t have to be with him now. I’ve come to save you. Brax has come to save you!’ Ninia cried, racing the last few paces so that she was now directly behind Braxus.

‘I don’t need saving! I’m saved! For the gods’ sake, Ninia, stop this!’

Ninia looked stunned and then furious. ‘You have other choices now. You don’t have to let that brute hurt you anymore.’

‘Hurt me? Ninia, he doesn’t hurt me. He’s my husband. I love him. Stop this now!’

Braxus eyed the man in front of him, but began to lower his dagger. This girl didn’t sound like she needed saving. Why had Ninia thought she did?

‘You can’t love him! He’s a violent beast like… like…’ Ninia’s voice was getting higher with hysteria.

‘No, he’s not like Publius. He’s nothing like Publius! How could you think that! He saved me.’

‘That’s just because your father set him that task. But he shouldn’t have taken you away. Your father is out of his mind with worry.’

‘My father is dead!’

‘Dead? No. No he’s not.’

Vali was now moving slowly toward his woman, and in moments, the girl was pressed to his side. There was no way that this was the actions of a prisoner and her gaoler. This was a young couple in love. Braxus slipped his dagger back into it sheath, but neither he nor the big man in front of him were yet ready to relax.

Ninia came over to her mistress and took her hand. ‘I know it might seem you have no other choice but to be with him. But you do. You don’t have to let him hurt you…’

Exasperated and furious, the girl flung Ninia’s hand away. ‘Stop this right now. I don’t need another choice. I made my choice. Vali has never hurt me. He would never hurt me. Why can’t you get that? What he did to mother was at her insistence. Do you think she would have let a slave hurt her if she hadn’t told him to?’

‘He took her like… like P…’

‘Don’t say his name again! He is nothing like that pig! Don’t ever say he is.’

Ninia took a step back as if her friend had hit her. She looked stunned and confused. Braxus stepped up behind her, wrapped his arms around her, and offered her his strength. Her desperation was heartbreaking. His little love had travelled to the end of the world to save her mistress, only to find she didn’t need saving.

‘Come away, Nin, it’s over. Your mistress is safe… Come away,’ he said softly, running his hands down her arms, trying to calm her. He could feel her tears were close. The thought of them filled him with dread.

‘You followed me all this way because you thought I needed saving?’ The other girl asked, suddenly realising what had been happening here. Her voice was suddenly kind and gentle.

Ninia nodded, the first sob breaking through.

‘Oh, Ninia…’ The girl moved quickly away from the blonde giant, and came toward them. After a moment of hesitation, Ninia stepped away from him too, and rushed into her friend’s arms. Suddenly they were both crying and talking at the same time.

‘You better come in,’ Vali said to Braxus. ‘You got me a good one. You fight like a gladiator.’

‘Manumitted.’

‘Really? You must be excellent. I didn’t get as far as the arena.’

‘You’d have done well.’

‘Maybe.’

As the girls talked and cried, they wandered back toward the villa. The men fell in behind.

‘You brought Ninia all the way here?’

‘No. I was on another assignment when our ships were hit by the same storm. We washed up on the same beach. She saved me, and I offered her help. Her father died in the shipwreck.’