Heart of the Gladiator (Affairs of the Arena Book 1) by Lydia Pax

Author:Lydia Pax [Lydia Pax]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Princeps Publishing
Published: 2015-10-13T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 27

In the afternoon of the next day, Aeliana ventured down to the city of Puteoli proper for more supplies for the games. They would be traveling to the arena in Capua for the first several days of the celebrations. Later in the month, there would be even more combat and death in the Puteoli Amphitheater that would require fighters from the Varinius ludus.

It was, of course, all very much stupid in Aeliana’s mind, but still it was stupidity that required a medicae. And a medicae required supplies.

She traveled, as she always did in the day, by herself. Even though she was a slave, she was allowed to travel on her own. Most Roman slaves did, unless they carried vast sums of money. The Romans kept immaculate records about who was free and who was not, and it was not as if Aeliana could escape somewhere outside of Rome. She wouldn't even know where to begin.

The trip would be a short one, perhaps less than two hours to arrive at the market, buy what she would need, and return. In all, it was rather routine.

And then, surprising Aeliana totally, her father appeared on the street before her. And it was not just random chance—in his eyes there was expectation. He had wanted to find her. There was little warmth on the face of Vitus Galerius Rutila—and indeed, as ever, he looked as though he had just swallowed something sour. Down the road, merchants called out their wares. A dog tied to a pole whimpered helplessly as two young boys teased it with meat tied to stick.

“Father,” said Aeliana. “How nice it is to see you.”

It truly wasn’t, but there was little use in telling him that. He pulled her out of the center of the bustling street under the awning of a dentist’s shop. He wore an immaculate white tunic with a gold-banded rope around his waist. The hairs of his head were wispy and fragile.

“Daughter.”

She reached in to hug him, but he held up a hand. “Don’t be ridiculous. We can’t have you crying in the street.”

Any act of emotion, in her father’s mind, was something of a weakness. And a woman, therefore, was only about two steps away at any given time from breaking down in tears.

“Your duties have brought you to town?”

“Yes, Father.”

“You received my letter?”

She nodded.

“Good. And I expect the news struck you in a positive manner?”

“I am...” she chose her words carefully. “I am grateful you are looking out for my future, Father.”

“Wonderful.” He clapped his hands together slightly. The old, withered skin of his palms made a soft puffing sound. “You should know that it is possible for me to expedite the process. The General of the Danube legions makes his summer home here. He styles himself after Sulla in that way. I supply his men with more than half of their olive oil and almost all of their fruits. He owes me a favor or two. With a nudge, I could have him buy you before your contract is even up.

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