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Post by ~*¤elizabeth¤*~ on Jul 25, 2005 22:22:12 GMT -5
Prologue Aurelia sat in concentration; her brown eyes focused on the music before her. Her lyre was on her lap, and she practiced purposefully. She distantly heard a horseman approaching; she heard Marius open the iron gates of the estate. Aurelia ignored the sound; she had oft heard it. People were always entering or leaving the estate; it was natural. "Aurelia!" Alexandria called for her mistress perhaps an hour later. "Yes?" Aurelia glanced up from her music. "Your mother wishes to speak with you; it is an urgent matter," Alexandria replied with a sigh. "She is in her chambers." Aurelia nodded to her friend and servant. Alexandria was seventeen years old, two years older than Aurelia. The girls had grown up together as best friends, and still remained so. They were alike in appearance, and were often mistaken for the other from behind. "Mother?" Aurelia opened the door to her mother's chambers. "You wished to speak with me?" Calpurnia glanced up at her daughter from her chair, her eyes red and a bit puffy from crying. She nodded, motioning for her daughter to come closer. Calpurnia's trembling hand held the scroll that had been delivered to her earlier in the day. It was from the military. "Sit down, Daughter," Calpurnia softly said. Aurelia complied. Her mother was crying; her mother never cried. Aurelia's heart began to race; something was amiss. She waited for her mother to speak, but heard only the occasional sniffling as her mother composed herself. Finally, when Aurelia felt she could stand it no longer, her mother reached down and placed her hand on her daughter's. "Aurelia, I received word today of . . . Aurelia, your father is dead," Calpurnia whispered. "I-It is not true," Aurelia shook her head, a moment later. Calpurnia nodded her head solemnly. She handed her daughter the scroll she had read repeatedly. She watched as Aurelia's eyes scanned the scroll once, then twice, and then a third time. How she wanted to relieve her daughter of the pain and hurt she saw in her eyes when she accepted the truth! "Your father gambled occasionally; he has left a few debts. If we are to pay off the debts, we must do without a few possessions," Calpurnia gently said, and saw her daughter's confused expression. "We must sell a few of our possessions to pay the debts. I have already listed a few things." Calpurnia began reciting her mental list. Aurelia listened, but did not hear. Her father was dead. She had spoken with him but a month ago. He was so strong; he could not be dead. Yet, the scroll she held in her hand confirmed the passing of her father. The seal on the scroll was official; it must be true. Aurelia went to her chambers. Feeling lost and alone, she laid down on her bed. She turned onto her side and cried into her pillow. Her father was dead. She would never again hear his deep laugh or sonorous voice; he was a skilled orator. He was also a skilled soldier; how could he have fallen? He was always so cautious. Aurelia would never again feel his strong arms embrace her; she would never again see his face. She cried. Rome had lost a great man.
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Post by ~*¤elizabeth¤*~ on Jul 25, 2005 22:23:12 GMT -5
I: Captured Aurelia walked through the streets of Rome. The air was hot, humid, and stifling. The summer sun beat down upon her. Dust was stirred into the air as the throng of people moved about. Merchants and vendors hawked their wares; children ran and laughed and occasionally pickpocketed a citizen or two; customers gossiped and haggled over the best prices. Chickens squawked in their cages. "Birds of Paradise!" a woman smiled at Aurelia, holding a bright blue parrot. "Pretty girl, would you like a pretty bird?" Aurelia smiled and kindly refused. She continued walking. Her mother had requested that she purchase olive oil. Shopping is servant work, Aurelia sighed to herself. However, I have lately been degraded to the status of a servant. Exactly one month had passed since the death of her father. The date was March 15. She was still in mourning, but she and her mother needed food. Five of the servants had been dismissed. Aurelia counted the staff mentally. Cook still remained; Marius, the guard, remained; Susanna and Alexandria stayed, and so did Adrien, Aurelia's Greek tutor. Of course, Adrien was also a slave; he had no choice but to stay. Half of the servants had been released. With the dismissal of the servants, not as many of their possessions were forfeited. The litters, and a few vases had been sold. Her father's horse and equipment had been sold. Aurelia sighed. So much had happened in the past month. But, she decided not to worry. Her mother's brother, Marius, would soon be returning to Rome from Greece. Calpurnia had told her daughter that she had written to Marius; he would send money to them. Aurelia purchased the olive oil. Turning around, she decided not to attempt to walk through the crowd to her home. The last time she had attempted to do so, she had been robbed of her purse. Aurelia walked down a deserted side street she deemed safe. Gangs often patrolled the side streets and alleys, and it was never safe. "What brings you so far away from home, my lady?" a man suddenly appeared before Aurelia, mocking her. She backed away a step. He advanced with a sneer. Aurelia stepped backwards again. This time, she backed into something. She turned around. Another man stood in her way. Panic arose as she searched for an escape. There was none; the street was not wide enough for her to pass either man. "It would seem as though you are alone. You should know better than to wander the side streets alone. There are dangerous men in Rome," the second man smirked. The first man suddenly lunged forward, grabbing Aurelia's wrist. She dropped the olive oil to the ground. The clay container shattered on the cobblestone. Aurelia reached down for the dagger she always carried, but then he had her other wrist, as well. The second man produced a length of rope and a strip of cloth. "Please, is it money you want? I shall give it to you," Aurelia pleaded, frightened. "We'll get money; don't worry," the first laughed. He began binding Aurelia's hands. She screamed loudly and began struggling to free herself. She knew what was happening; she had often heard stories of men who kidnapped girls and sold them into slavery . . . or worse. Aurelia screamed louder at this thought, until the second man slapped her hard across the face. "Scream again, and I slit your throat," he produced a sharp dagger to prove his point. Aurelia was silent as they gagged her. Laughing, they blindfolded her and dragged her away. Panic and fear surged inside of her as she was dragged deeper into the shadows. Where were they taking her? What would happen to her? What would her mother do when she did not return home?
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Post by ~*¤elizabeth¤*~ on Jul 25, 2005 22:27:56 GMT -5
II: Sold The air was stifling and hot. She could not breathe. The gag did not let her breathe through her mouth. The foul air, heavy with body odor and waste and everything else did not allow her to breathe through her nose. She could not see. Where was she? It seemed they had travelled for an eternity; it seemed as though an eternity had passed. Days had crawled by. Or was it weeks? Aurelia was not certain. Aurelia felt rough hands on her forearms, grabbing her and dragging her. She knew who they were. They were the same men who had captured her in the street. She didn't know who they were exactly, or where she was, but was certain they were the same men. "I'm going to remove your blindfold and gag. If you scream or try to escape, I will kill you," Aurelia recognized the voice of the man who she had first seen; she felt a rusted blade run lightly across her throat. "Understand?" Aurelia nodded vehemently. She felt someone untie her blindfold and remove her gag. She gasped for air. Aurelia looked around her. She was in a room, no, she was in a cell. A prison? As long as I am with them, wherever I am is a prison, she thought. Someone was approaching; she heard footsteps. Aurelia turned to see who was coming. "Well, it appears as though the gods have smiled upon you," an older man chuckled to the men as he circled Aurelia. "Where'd you find her?" "She was on a side street, walking alone," the first replied. "You should know better than to walk alone," the old man mockingly scolded Aurelia, then turned to the men. "She'll fetch a pretty penny. Good work." Money was exchanged between the three. Aurelia was roughly shoved to the old man. She struggled to free herself, until the second man produced a knife again. She was immediately still. "Good, that's more like it," the old man laughed, leading her up a staircase. Aurelia found herself outside in the heat of the day again. She was in a caged area. She fancied it to be a waiting area. There were several others there, all women and children. Men were in an area to her left. The women were crying, and so were the children. Some were silent; they could cry no more. Most were scantily clad; a few wore nothing at all. Aurelia felt frightened for herself, yet compassionate towards those people. She felt guilty. She wore a dark blue stola and sandals. Her hair was elaborately piled atop her head, with gold clips and such ornaments. Aurelia pulled the clips out and placed them in her purse, which she still had. Perhaps, they could be of some use. She walked around, looking for a friendly face. "Hey," a woman called. "Come here." Aurelia did as she was told, studying the woman. She was dressed in a tan tunic. Her hair, dark brown, was tangled and dirty. Yet, her eyes held hope and a bit of a mischievous gleam. She appeared to be Aurelia's age. "My name is Caecilia. What is your name?" the girl asked. "Gaia Aurelia," Aurelia replied. "You look like someone of importance," Caecilia noted. "My family was, once," Aurelia slightly nodded. "You had best not tell anyone else, then," Caecilia warned. "You'll be sold, along with the rest of us. Your title may raise your price, but it may not benefit you other than a wealthy master." Aurelia nodded, understanding. She sat down beside Caecilia, in the dirt. Caecilia pulled a small dagger from her tunic. "If we are both sold, you will have greater need of this than I," Caecilia whispered. "Thank you, but I am safe," Aurelia replied, slightly raising her stola so the dagger showed. "You are more intelligent than I thought," Caecilia nodded with a wry smile. "How were you captured?" "I did not want to push through the crowds; I needed a fast route home," Aurelia admitted. "My parents were killed. Someone insulted my mother; my father intervened and both were murdered," Caecilia sighed. "I was alone at my home when the same men who killed them came to my house and kidnapped me." "I am sorry to hear that. My father is also dead," Aurelia sighed. A few moments passed. The two girls sat in silence, neither knowing what the future held for them. Finally, they were herded into another area. Richly dressed people were everywhere. The girls sat down, and people walked past, inspecting them and deciding whether they wanted to purchase them or not. "Certainly, we are not in Rome," Aurelia whispered to Caecilia. "My father had many friends; they would recognize me. Yet, several people have passed without a second glance towards me." "Rome? No, we aren't in Rome," Caecilia laughed. "We're in Spain." Aurelia's eyes widened the slightest bit. They were in Spain. They were hundreds of thousands of miles from Rome. Aurelia scanned a mental list of her father's acquaintances and friends. She could not recall any who lived in Spain. "Her," she faintly heard a voice say. Aurelia glanced up. A man was standing a few feet away from her. He was pointing at her, and talking with the old man Aurelia had been sold to originally. No, please, no, Aurelia thought to herself. I am no slave. I am not to be purchased or sold. I am a human. I am a Roman. I am a Roman citizen, and am not to be treated as a common barbarian. Aurelia sent another prayer to the gods as she was lifted to her feet. "Good luck," she heard Caecilia whisper. Aurelia could not glance behind to look at her friend. Her master was pulling her away. She followed him obediently. Perhaps, once they were alone, she could tell him who she was. Perhaps, she could persuade him to free her. "Sir," Aurelia began, as she was mounted upon a horse. "You will refer to me as 'master,'" the man coldly replied as they began riding. "Master, please. This is a misunderstanding. My name is Gaia Aurelia Bellica, daughter of--" "Silence!" the man interrupted her. "You will learn to hold your tongue, or I shall cut it out! I do not care who you are. I do not care about your title or your family. You belong to me, now. You will do as I say." Aurelia was silent. She had been spoken to in such manner only by her father, and only once. She was unaccustomed to such treatment, but swallowed her pride. Her master would not listen to her. She had noone. Perhaps, she thought, the mistress of the house will give me an audience; perhaps she will listen to me. If she does not? I shall think of that when the time arrives.An hour had passed before Aurelia, her master, and another of his servants rode down a lane leading to a large estate. It was clearly Spanish in style. Aurelia ached for something or someone Roman. "You will sleep here," a few minutes later, Aurelia was being led around by another slave. "These are the servant quarters. You'll draw water from the well out there. You'll rise early every morning to prepare breakfast. Then, there's the washing. And the midday meal. And cleaning to do. You'll help with dinner. There's always the extra chores the mistress will expect you to complete without her telling you to do them." Aurelia listened intently. The servant subtly hinted at the mistress' temper. She decided the mistress would be of no assistance, but she decided to try and speak with her, nevertheless. "And, here. You must think you're rich or something, wearing that," the servant handed Aurelia a brown tunic. "Now, change and get to work!" Aurelia nodded. She sat down on the bed, which was not a bed at all. It seemed the most distant thing from a bed, quite unlike hers at home. It was a thin pallet with nothing soft or reminiscent of a bed. There was a small table with a single candle. A chair sat in the corner, completing the furnishings. She sighed. She could endure this. Aurelia thought of the stories she had heard. The girl's title or wealth did not matter. If she had been captured and sold, she was the property of her master. Besides, the first night of their slavery, most of them belonged to their masters in more ways than one. Aurelia shuddered at the thought. She had to escape. She had to do something. She had to find the mistress.
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Post by ~*¤elizabeth¤*~ on Jul 25, 2005 22:36:20 GMT -5
III: Pleading Aurelia was in the bathing chambers, scrubbing the tile, when her mistress walked in. The woman ignored her, but Aurelia took the opportunity to gather her thoughts. Finally, Aurelia was certain she knew what to say. "My lady," she said, and the mistress turned to look at her. "My name is Gaia Aurelia Bellica. I arrived here yesterday." "What do you want, Bellica?" the mistress asked, swimming towards her from the center of the pool. "I am a lady of Rome. I was walking home . . . a while ago, when I was captured. I was sold as a slave, but I am no slave. I am the daughter of a Roman general, heiress to a large estate," Aurelia spoke more quickly. "I simply wish to return home. My father is dead, but my mother will pay you whatever sum your husband paid for me." "Bellica, you do not understand. I am not certain whether or not to believe you, but I am certain of one thing. When my husband purchases a slave, especially a pretty one, such as yourself, he is not apt to part with her any time soon," the mistress crossed her arms on the edge of the pool, and laid her head on them as she studied Aurelia. "Please, Mistress, is there nothing I may do to free myself?" Aurelia asked, on her knees. "I beg of you to help me!" "Bellica, rise. I cannot help you. Do not beg. It is unbecoming of you. You do not seem a person who begs," the mistress studied her. "You do not seem a slave. Let me see your hands." Aurelia presented her hands to the woman, who studied them. The mistress laughed as she looked at them. She let go and glanced up at Aurelia. "You were telling the truth, then. Your hands are too smooth to be accustomed to labor," the woman laughed, pushing off from the wall of the pool. "Your skin, however, is a shade darker than that of a Roman noblewoman. Tell me, why is your skin not lighter?" "My father was a general, as I said. He and I were often outside. He trained me with the use of a--" Aurelia cut herself off; she had exposed too much. "Continue," the mistress said. "He trained me with the use of a sword," Aurelia quickly said. "Ah. Did you think I would fear you or lock you away because you are a learned swordswoman?" the mistress asked, and Aurelia nodded. "You have nothing to worry about. We have a rather large amount of guards. They would kill you before you could touch me. At least we have established why your skin is dark. Now, I wish to relax. Leave me." Aurelia nodded, bowing once before leaving the room. She smiled. The mistress seemed pleasant, even if her husband was not. Perhaps, she could eventually persuade the woman to speak to her husband and free her. But, then her thoughts turned to the remainder of the conversation. When my husband purchases a slave, he is not apt to part with her any time soon. Aurelia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. He will part with me.
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Post by ~*¤elizabeth¤*~ on Jul 27, 2005 15:07:00 GMT -5
IV: Chores Aurelia completed the tasks she had been assigned, searching for the mistress all the while. She was unaccustomed to the work, but did not complain. Her father had instilled her stubbornness in her at an early age. He told her never to complain, and Aurelia did not. At least, she did not complain aloud. Aurelia finished scrubbing the last plate. She sighed with both relief and frustration. She had seen the mistress once, leaving the chamber she was to clean. She had no opportunity to speak with her. The sun had sunk below the horizon. She had only to empty the dish water before she could go to sleep. She both welcomed and dreaded the thought. Aurelia had heard the stories. Would her story be like the others? Would she suffer the same fate as the other girls? Her hand dropped to her side. Her dagger was still there. She quickly moved her hand away while glancing around. She had barely touched the weapon, but she was not certain if anyone had seen. Aurelia took the bucket of dirty water outside and threw it into the dirt. The dry ground greedily devoured the water. She went to the servants' chambers. Aurelia lay down on her pallet. A few servants were still awake; their duties had not allowed them rest yet. She stared at the ceiling for a brief moment, thinking of her mother. She decided to ask the date the next day. Her eyelids fluttered. Sleep claimed her.
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Post by ~*¤elizabeth¤*~ on Jul 27, 2005 15:10:04 GMT -5
V: The Date? Aurelia woke the next morning. Her muscles were a bit sore, as though she had finished another training exercise with her father. However, she had not. Memories of the previous day assaulted her. She was a slave to a Spanish master. She had spent the day working. Aurelia sighed, wishing she could return to the peaceful unconsciousness that had claimed her. Someone pounded on her door. Aurelia stood and walked over to the door. For a moment, panic rushed through her as she wondered who was on the other side. Was it her master, or was it someone else? Aurelia opened the door hesitantly. "Good, you're awake," a servant said. "There's a breakfast to be made." Aurelia nodded and closed her door. She felt for her dagger once more, then hid her purse under her pallet. She had nowhere else to put it. Only partially satisfied that it was safe, she left her room. Later in the day, she was on her hands and knees, scrubbing a floor. Another servant had also been assigned to the task, though neither girl talked. Aurelia thought it seemed as though everyone was rather distant and cold from each other. Noone seemed to have any friends. "Excuse me," she finally glanced up from the floor to the girl. "What day is it?" "I don't know," the girl replied, then continued her chores. Aurelia stared at the girl a moment longer, before returning to the floor. What day is it? Can noone tell me? Aurelia finished washing the floor. She threw the cloth into the bucket of dirty water. She tossed the water and washed the cloth. After dinner had been served, Aurelia found herself in the kitchen again. She was washing the dishes. The dinners of the family she served were reminiscent of her own lavish dinners at home. Home, she thought. Hundreds of miles away. I wonder how Mother fares. Aurelia continued washing the dishes. She wondered how everyone fared at home. Her mother must think her dead. What would she do? She had lost both husband and daughter but a month apart.
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Post by ~*¤elizabeth¤*~ on Jul 27, 2005 15:16:22 GMT -5
VI: Alone? Days passed. Aurelia still had not learned the date. She occasionally saw the master or mistress, but never had the opportunity to speak with either of them. However, she resolved not to capitulate. She would not relent and become a slave. She was not a slave; she was a lady of Rome. Aurelia finished her chores. The tasks had slowly become less difficult to perform, and took her less time to complete. She sighed and looked around. She had almost memorized the layout of the grand home, but not its surroundings. She knew only that the land nearest to them was full of rolling hills. Farther away were mountains, where rumors claimed barbaric tribes awaited to attack. "Excuse me," she asked Cook while dinner was being prepared. "What is the date?" "You ask me every day, Gaia Aurelia. Every day, my answer is the same," Cook partially smiled with amusement when she saw Aurelia's disappointed expression. "However, I did have the opportunity to ask someone else. Today is the first of June." "Thank you," Aurelia smiled, though she was mentally screaming. She had been away from home for two and a half months. For two and a half months, she had been enslaved in Spain. Her mother was either worrying and searching for her, or she had deemed her only child dead. Aurelia knew her mother would never give up. Mother knows something happened to me. She must know!Aurelia laid awake in her quarters for a long time that evening. Night had fallen. Everyone else was asleep, except for the guards; they were always awake. She sighed as questions ran through her mind. Would she ever return home? Was her mother well? What would happen to both of them? Would she be given the opportunity to speak with either her master or mistress again? Her last question was answered a short while later. She heard someone in the hallway of the servants' quarters, and she immediately sat upright. Her hand flew to her dagger; she did not recognize the footsteps. She saw candlelight spill into her room as her door was opened. "W-Who is there?" Aurelia asked, unsheathing her dagger. She quickly sheathed her dagger when she recognized her visitor. "I see you've waited for me," her master stood in the doorway. Aurelia was speechless. Weeks had passed. She had lived in relative peace. Then, suddenly, he decided to "visit" her, as the other servants said. Aurelia's hand was still on her dagger. She could kill him. She had been trained to use a sword or gladius or any other weapon she could think of since she had been old enough to hold it. She could also wrestle him; perhaps she could strangle him. That required no weapon. She had defeated men larger than her before. She was certain she could do it again . . . but, this time, she would have to kill him. Could she do that this time? She was not certain. No, she remembered. I would not have to kill him. I could render him unconscious. I could escape. Where would I escape to? I would not know where to go. Aurelia's mind raced as her master advanced towards her. She saw him reach to remove his toga. She turned away. She was innocent; she would not see. She would kill him before he could touch her. He advanced towards her again. His eyes were hungry and determined as he studied his newest servant. He smiled menacingly. He grabbed her wrist as she grabbed for something; he was not certain what she was reaching for. Aurelia connected the fist of her free hand with his jaw, using all of her power. He reeled back a step as pain exploded in both his jaw and her hand. She gasped with pain, cradling her hand as her master backed into the wall. "You little wench," he hissed, quickly advancing towards her again. Aurelia fumbled through her stola to find her dagger. She felt its reassuring coldness. She pulled it out, but he had already charged into her, pushing her to the ground. She heard the dagger clatter to the ground a few feet away. "What was--" her master's voice trailed off when he saw the weapon. "Trying to kill me, eh? That won't be easy, I'm afraid." Aurelia began screaming as loudly as she could. Her master put his hand over her mouth, but she bit it and screamed louder as warm, metallic blood flooded into her mouth. Everyone on the estate heard. Everyone heard; noone came to her aid. Everyone pretended not to hear. Aurelia reached for the dagger again. Her master slapped her and shoved the dagger farther away. He reached down to rip her tunica. She slapped his hand away, digging her fingernails into the flesh of his arm. She became mad and acted sick as she flailed and repeatedly hit him as hard as she could, wherever she could. He hit her again. This time, she stopped. Her vision was full of multi-colored spots. She thought he had hit her at least twice as hard as she had hit him. It felt as though he had, she thought. He reached down again, then suddenly stopped to listen. The dogs were barking. The guards were yelling. Someone was at the gate. "The gods will not smile upon you tomorrow evening," he hissed as he rose from her, fleeing her room to see who was at the gates. Aurelia stared after him. She sat upright and searched for her dagger. She clasped it to her chest as though her life depended upon it. He did not return. She sighed with relief and replaced her dagger with a trembling hand. The gods had indeed smiled upon her that eve. She rose to shut her door, but a servant was there straightaway. "Who is at the gate?" she whispered. "There's no need to whisper; everyone's awake," the servant replied, and Aurelia was not certain if they were awake because of her screaming or the guards'. "I don't know who's at the gates." "Go see," Aurelia replied. By this time, several of the servants were in the hallway. They murmured among themselves. She heard bits of their conversations. Some included her. Others included the relentless noise and shouting at the gates. But, all looked upon her with pity. "He did not touch me. Stop staring!" Aurelia finally screamed, and the women turned away. "What is the commotion about?" Another servant ran into the hallway. She was flushed and out of breath. She seemed frightened, and all crowded around her to hear what she had to say. Suddenly, it sounded as though the gates had been forced open. More screams and shouts could be heard. "Marcus Horatius is here with a group of his followers. They've decided to go and burn every estate loyal to Caesar!" she worriedly exclaimed, and several of the ladies gasped or shrieked with fear. "What do we do? They're at the gates now, and it sounds as though they've broken through!"
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Post by ~*¤elizabeth¤*~ on Jul 27, 2005 21:05:07 GMT -5
VII: Fleeting Freedom They're burning every estate loyal to Caesar? Then, I shall receive no assistance from them, Aurelia thought as she listened. She shoved through the crowd of women and ran out into the courtyard. The servant had been correct. The guards were being slaughtered by mounted men who appeared to be Roman. Her eyes scanned the scene. The guards were outnumbered; but most of them were quite skilled. Even as she watched she saw two of the citizens impaled. Her gaze fell on the stables. It was across the courtyard, but she could reach it; she was certain. The estate was in such disarray that she was certain noone would notice her. "Bellica!" the mistress raced from the house towards her; an armed man ran after her. "Bellica, help me!" Aurelia reached for her dagger to protect her mistress when the man launched his spear towards the woman. Aurelia watched, horrified, as the spear reached its target. Her mistress' face was contorted with pain and fear as the shaft partially protruded from her chest. She glanced down at the weapon before falling to her knees. A red flower blossomed around the spear. The mistress glanced up at Aurelia as her face blanched. "Forgive me," Aurelia whispered, as her mistress fell. Aurelia looked for the man who had killed her mistress. He was dead. She watched as a guard returned the favor he had bestowed upon her mistress. Aurelia searched for her master. He was running out of the house, sword in hand. Aurelia wondered how long he would survive. Not long, she thought. She did not bother to see if he would live or not. The fight was spreading towards the house and towards the servants' chambers. Aurelia raced back to the servants' quarters, yelling for the women to run if they treasured their lives. This only caused them to scream more, and Aurelia fancied them an easy target, gathered in the hallway as they were. Finally, a few collected themselves and ran to their chambers. When they returned to the hallway, they carried what few possessions they owned. They all ran out of the hallway to escape. Aurelia watched them for a moment, then ran to her chamber. She threw her pallet aside and retrieved her blue stola and purse. Slamming her door closed, she changed into her stola. She tied her purse to her and opened the door again. Running out to the courtyard again, she saw what she had feared. Several of the servants, be they man or woman, had been slaughtered. Aurelia barely recognized Cook's mangled body lying next to a citizen whom she did not recognize. Aurelia raced to the stables at a full sprint. The first horse she spotted was the master's. If he has not already taken it, then he will have no use for it, Aurelia thought to herself as she mounted the beast. Under different circumstances, she realized she would have enjoyed herself. It was quite unproper for a lady to ride a horse at all, let alone bareback and as a man would. She spurred the horse out of the stall. Slowly at first, Aurelia sneaked past the fray. But, the gates were in sight. She could contain her excitement no longer. In an instant, she was past the gates. The shouts of men yelling at her could be heard behind her, causing her to spur the horse to hasten his gallop. She was free. Aurelia almost laughed, but she continued riding. She glanced up at the stars. It was a clear night. She quickly orientated herself. For a brief moment, panic seized her. She thought she was riding west, but she was riding east. She continued east, towards home. Her heart was light, though she knew she had not completely left danger behind. She thought she heard hoofbeats behind her. Aurelia turned around to see a swiftly approaching man on horseback, gladius in hand. With a frightened gasp, she dug her heels deeper into the horse's flanks and pushed him faster. She looked behind her again; the man was closer. Aurelia turned the horse so she could gain a few feet of distance, but it did no good. The man was as accomplished rider as Aurelia's father had been. She wondered if he was also in the Roman army. If he was, there was no trick she could pull to lose her pursuer. Aurelia continued riding as fast as the horse would take her. She saw the nose of the man's horse from the corner of her eye. Glancing to her left, he was almost beside her. He reached over to grab her, and dodged his grasp. She heard him curse under his breath and try to ride ahead of her to stop her. Aurelia turned her horse again and threw him off her course. He persisted and rode beside her again. Suddenly, he leapt from his horse to hers, grabbing her and throwing them both to the ground. Aurelia gasped upon hitting the ground. Her breath left her. She immediately rose to her feet, unsheathing her dagger. The man saw her weapon, and he flicked his gladius in the moonlight, as if comparing the two. "You are full of more surprises than I thought," he smiled, amused. Aurelia was silent as she watched her opponent. She remembered everything her father had taught her. She studied his stance and his weapon. She tried to guess how much force she would have to use to throw him off balance, but decided it was probably impossible. He was tall and well-built. His build was not one that came from training at a gym, but from hard work. Aurelia decided he was a soldier, but she decided she would never relent. He lunged forward, slowly enough that Aurelia knew he was not fighting her as he would an enemy. This angered her, and stabbed his forearm with her dagger; blood rushed to the gash. He smiled again; he was clearly having fun. Aurelia was having no fun; she simply wanted to be allowed on her way, and she intended on having her way. "Why do you attack me?" she asked, circling him. "I should be asking you the same question," he replied. "Your master is one of my enemies." "What importance am I to you? I am a mere servant," Aurelia replied. "Mere servants do not own such daggers, nor can they wield them as well. Nor do they wear such garments," the man observed. "Nor would they ask such questions and fight; they would bow down and beg mercy." "If you are waiting for me to bow and beg, you will be waiting a long time," Aurelia replied, after a moment had passed. "Nor do they speak as you do. You sound too educated to be a servant," the man said. "However, I have known your master for a long time; you are not one of his daughters. Unless, of course, your mother is one of his servants." Aurelia was enraged by his last statement. She knew exactly what he meant, and he knew she knew. She lunged forward with her dagger and sliced another neat cut below his rib cage. He seemed not to mind; he seemed to have been expecting it. "What is the purpose of this if you will not fight me!" Aurelia angrily exclaimed. "You wish to fight? Fair enough," the man dropped his gladius and charged at Aurelia before she could react. In an instant, she was on her back and the air had left her again. He was above her, grinning like a cheshire cat. He lifted her as though she weighed nothing, and threw her over his shoulder. Aurelia kicked him and punched him and screamed, but he only laughed as he carried her to his horse. After some struggling on her part, he managed to bind her wrists and mount her on his horse, ahead of him. He managed to persuade the other horse to follow with the use of some oats he had in a saddle bag. However, as soon as they began riding, Aurelia thrust her head back to connect with his nose. She heard his moan directly after she heard the crack of bone. She could almost see the blood running from his nose. Jumping from the horse, she began running as fast as she could. She heard him curse again before she heard hoofbeats. I should have remembered, she angrily thought. He has a horse. I do not. We are in the middle of a plain; there is nowhere for me to hide. A few seconds later, she felt his strong arms reach down and lift her to his horse again, without slowing. "Try that again and you will not live to attempt it a third time," he whispered in her ear as they rode towards the estate again.
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Post by Jack Sparrow on Jul 29, 2005 11:16:48 GMT -5
Nooo...it can't be happening!!! Lol...keep writing!!!
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Post by ~*¤elizabeth¤*~ on Aug 4, 2005 10:34:08 GMT -5
VIII: New Home They reached the estate in silence. Aurelia gasped in horror as they reached the gates. The men had slaughtered all inside, and had begun to set fire to the entire estate. A bright orange glow rose in the sky. Aurelia turned to see two more flame engulfed estates; they had not been burning earlier. She then realized that there must have been more men against Caesar than had visited the estate of her master. "Are you not happy? Are you not joyful to see the place that kept you captive burn?" the man whispered, somewhat cruelly. Aurelia did not reply. She heard him chuckle behind her, and she contemplated breaking his nose again. However, she remembered that he had threatened to kill her if she tried that again, and she stayed stolid in the saddle. "We're finished. Who's that?" a man, his garments smelling of smoke, rode towards them; he motioned towards Aurelia. "I am not certain of her name or her status. She does not fit the profile of a servant, as she claims to be. Yet, she is not of Brutus' family," the man behind Aurelia said. "Taking the spoils of war?" the second man teased, causing Aurelia slight discomfort, which he noticed. "Don't worry your pretty little head. Marcus may be a brute, but he's a gentleman." Aurelia nodded, only slightly comforted. She now knew who the man was; he was the same man who was leading this band of rebels. She glanced around her. Ten other men rode towards them. She recognized none of them from the fight, but everything had happened so quickly that she did not study faces. Several questioning glances were cast her way, but she ignored them. They began riding down the road. At times, Aurelia had to fight to keep her balance. Her bound wrists prevented her from being able to stop herself if she fell, and she gasped once when she felt herself fall almost completely off of the horse. However, Marcus was always there to prevent her from hurting herself. She knew that his arm was hurting him, though. She felt only slightly guilty for being the cause of the wound. He deserved it, she thought. He should have just allowed me to continue riding. He would be without both of those wounds. She wondered if he thought she was intentionally trying to fall of the horse. She wondered if she should tell him that she wasn't meaning to slide around; she had nothing to hold onto. "If I release you, do you promise not to run or attempt to escape or harm anyone?" Marcus finally asked her. Aurelia smiled to herself, happy that he could not simply ask her not to run, but he had to ask her not to attempt to escape or harm them, as well. She thought for a moment. She was not one to give her word falsely, yet she was almost certain she would run if given the chance. "No," she finally replied, shaking her head. "I suggest you do not unbind me." She heard several chuckles among the men. Marcus shook his head with amusement behind her. She was unlike any woman he had ever met. She could fight like a soldier in training, but she could not lie. He was satisfied with her answer; she was honest. He was even more confident when they met with the second group of men, who had burned the estate closest to Aurelia's master's, who she now knew was once Brutus. She thought his name, which mean "the stupid, foolish one," fit him well. Aurelia felt Marcus reach around her with her dagger. He had taken it from her earlier. He sawed through the ropes that bound her, and she immediately began rubbing her wrists. "Why did you--" Aurelia began. "There are too many men. Most of them are noble, a few are not. You would either be cut down or taken if you ran," Marcus replied, cutting her off. Aurelia nodded in understanding. She glanced around at the faces of the men riding around her. She believed Marcus. Several of them appeared rather brutish. Marcus saw her looking around and he smiled. He had been telling her the truth. Most of the men riding with him were either his friends, or friends of his friends. Either way, all of them were alike in some way. If they were not, they would not have just burned down three estates with such rapture. They arrived at a large estate, alike in dignity and style to Aurelia's. She swallowed the tears that were forming as she thought of her family. They rode inside the gates, which were closed behind them by two guards. Aurelia turned in the saddle to see the guards close them; it was like the sealing of her fate. The men dismounted their horses. Marcus reached up to help Aurelia dismount the horse, but she slapped his hand away. "I can dismount myself," she replied, leaping down. "I'm not helpless." "Indeed, you are not," Marcus replied, much to the amusement of his friends. The men walked toward the house. Aurelia did not ask who the estate belonged to, but assumed it was Marcus'. She looked around the courtyard. A somewhat neglected garden sat before them. The house was large, and similar to Aurelia's. "Caecilia," Marcus called to a servant passing by. "Please take our guest to the baths, where she may change and rest a bit. She seems a bit abused. She will be staying here for a while." "Caecilia," Aurelia gasped with surprise upon seeing her friend. Caecilia's jaw dropped open a bit when she saw Aurelia. She quickly bowed to Marcus. Her eyes lit with happiness as she took Aurelia to the baths. "It would seem as though they know each other," the man who had spoken earlier, at Brutus' estate, mused after the two women. "Perhaps she is a servant, as she says." "Her speech is too educated, Crassus. Besides, you heard the way she spoke to me. A servant would never speak in such a manner," Marcus smiled, still puzzling over the girl. "You said she was abused. Is she . . . ?" Crassus let his voice trail off, though he knew that Marcus knew what he meant. "I do not believe so. She has spirit; I doubt she would have allowed him close enough. She did have bruises on her face, which I did not notice until we arrived here and I saw them by the torches. Her wrists were bruised, as well; I am not certain if they were caused when I bound her wrists, or by a rough touch." "It would seem as though she has suffered much," Crassus sighed. "Yet, she does not show it." "No," Marcus agreed, as the men went to a table to sit and talk. "How long have you been here?" Aurelia asked Caecilia as she sat her purse on the floor near the pool, when they were alone in the baths. "I was sold a week after you left," Caecilia replied, helping Aurelia undress, and handing her stola and tunica to another servant to wash. "My, I thought you were of noble blood; I did not imagine you to be an acquaintance of Marcus Horatius!" "I am not," Aurelia laughed, stepping into the warm pool. "The man who bought me, Brutus, took me to his estate. I served him there as a slave. Earlier this evening, he came into my chamber. Fortunately, the gods smiled upon me and sent Marcus; unfortunately, the gods did not smile upon anyone else. Marcus and his men slaughtered everyone on the estate. I mounted a horse and fled; I am trying to return to Rome. Marcus must have seen me flee, for he was soon behind me. I could not escape him; he threw me off my horse and we both stood for a moment. I was waiting for him to attack. Instead, he lunged towards me and threw me over his shoulder. He bound my wrists and mounted me atop his horse, but I broke his nose and ran. He captured me again and brought me here." "You have been rather busy," Caecilia laughed, handing Aurelia a bar of soap. "I have been here. My life has not been nearly as exciting as yours." "At the moment, I would prefer your life," Aurelia sighed, submersing her head under water for a moment. "I only wish to return home and see my mother again." "I doubt that will happen," Caecilia sighed, sitting down and folding her knees to her chest as she watched Aurelia. "Marcus Horatius is known for his commanding ways and he is accustomed to having his orders obeyed. If you are to stay here, you will not be leaving soon. Are you loyal to Caesar?" Aurelia thought for a moment. Should she reveal her loyalties? It was clear that Marcus Horatius was disloyal to Caesar. If he knew she trusted Caesar, she knew she would never leave. But, could Caecilia be trusted? Aurelia glanced around the room; noone else was present. "Yes," she finally whispered, and Caecilia shook her head. "I won't tell anyone," Caecilia reassured her friend. "You'd better not, either. I am loyal to him, as well." "I won't tell a soul," Aurelia laughed. Aurelia finished her bath. Caecilia handed her a different tunica to wear while her blue one was being washed. Aurelia thanked her, and Caecilia led her to the chambers which she would occupy during her stay. Sighing, Aurelia fell upon the soft bed. She had not laid on an actual bed for months. She realized how she had taken advantage of the simple comfort. Caecilia smiled and told Aurelia she would wake her in the morning. Aurelia thanked her and watched Caecilia leave. She glanced around the room. A small table, chair, dresser, and vanity furnished the room. It was by no means sparsely decorated, the floor mosiacs and bedsheets were lavishly designed. However, her own chambers were a bit more decorated. Aurelia pushed the thoughts away; she should be grateful to Marcus Horatius and the fact that he was allowing her to stay for a while. She wondered if she would ever escape. Aurelia laid on the bed a moment longer, then grew restless. She walked across the room to the door. Quietly opening it, she stole out into the hallway. Torches were lit, but she saw noone. She heard talking below. The men must not have left yet, she thought. Her bare feet were silent on the stone floors. She crept closer to the edge of the wall, invisible in the shadows. She listened, though she knew she shouldn't. "No, Gaius Aurelius is dead. He died a few months ago in a battle to the North," she heard someone say, and raised a hand to her mouth; they were talking about her father. "That's one less person we have to worry about, then," someone else said. "He was rather fond of Caesar. He would have been difficult to defeat, and we would not have been able to persuade him. If the senators could not persuade him, neither could we." "Yes, but his wife is rather wealthy. She is popular, as well. Her social status and political standings are still high, without her husband," another added. "And, what of their children?" Aurelia recognized Marcus' voice. "They had one child," Aurelia heard Crassus say. "They had a daughter, but she died." "How unfortunate," Marcus said, but Aurelia could not tell if he was serious or not. "How old was she?" "I am not certain," Crassus answered, and Aurelia almost sighed with relief; they did not know her age. "Pity," Marcus replied. Aurelia heard no more of the conversation. She returned to her chambers. Lying awake in bed, she knew she could expect no help from Marcus Horatius or his friends. They may have admired her father, but they knew he was loyal to Caesar. An hour had passed, when Aurelia heard footsteps in the hallway. Someone was opening her door. She feigned sleep. She heard someone walk into her room, and she could see the light of a candle through her closed eyelids. Someone stood over her, watching her. She knew who it was.
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Post by ~*¤elizabeth¤*~ on Aug 5, 2005 15:05:31 GMT -5
IX: Aula Cornelia Marcella Aurelia woke before the sun's rays tinted the sky the next morning. As a soldier, her father always rose before the sun. He also woke Aurelia at the same time, when he lived. As she had spent the past few months as a servant, Aurelia had been forced to rise early. Now, it only seemed natural for her to wake before the sun. Caecilia knocked on her door a few minutes later. While Caecilia helped Aurelia dress, Aurelia thought of her plan again. She was uncertain whether it would work or not, but she had to try. "Caecilia?" Aurelia asked. "Yes?" Caecilia asked, brushing Aurelia's hair. "Would you refer to me as 'Aula Cornelia' or 'Marcella,' from now on?" Aurelia asked. "You are the daughter of General Gaius Aurelius," Caecilia suddenly realized. "How did you know?" Aurelia asked. "I am a servant; nothing goes on in this household without my knowledge," Caecilia laughed. "Do not fear; your secret is safe with me." "Thank you, Caecilia," Aurelia smiled with relief. A few minutes later, Aurelia found herself eating breakfast with Marcus Horatius. She hid her apprehensiveness to the best of her ability, and concentrated on her food. Unfortunately, Marcus noticed Aurelia's lack of spirit. He attributed it partially to her bruises, which were much more colorful and dramatic in the morning sun, but it seemed as though something else plagued his guest. "You have yet to tell me your name," Marcus said. "Aula Cornelia Marcella," Aurelia finally said, trying not to break eye contact as she lied. "Aula Cornelia," Marcus repeated. "It is a very beautiful name. 'Marcella.' 'The warrior.' You certainly live up to your name." "Thank you," Aurelia quietly replied, knowing she did not live up to her name; Marcella was not her name. "You seem somewhat diminished. Forgive me; I intrude. You have not explored, have you?" Marcus asked, and Aurelia shook her head. "Good. I shall show you around, then. Come."
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Post by ~*¤elizabeth¤*~ on Aug 5, 2005 15:06:20 GMT -5
X: Plans "Tell me, Aula Cornelia, why were you at Brutus' estate?" Marcus asked Aurelia as they walked through the gardens. "I was a servant," Aurelia replied, glancing around at the dying flowers. "Who tends the gardens?" "Noone, but do not change the subject. You were not born a slave. You do not walk, nor do you speak, as a servant," Marcus said. "Correct," Aurelia smiled. "My parents are wealthy, at least my mother is. My father is dead." "I am sorry to hear that," Marcus nodded. "He died years ago," Aurelia lied. "His death is not so painful." "If you are wealthy, why were you serving him?" Marcus inquired. "My mother and I were travelling to visit my uncle. We were attacked by . . . I am not certain who they were," Aurelia recited the story she had devised the previous evening. "We were captured and sold." "You were not guarded?" Marcus asked, surprised. "We had few guards; we did not expect to be attacked," Aurelia answered. "Did anyone escape?" "My mother escaped; she has probably reached my uncle's home." "Where does your uncle live? I could send word to him and let him know you are safe; your mother must worry," Marcus offered. "Thank you, my lord. However, I am not certain of the name of the city my uncle lives in. I have been there but once in my life," Aurelia quickly replied. She hoped Marcus Horatius believed her lie. She had never been to Spain in her life. Her uncle lived in Rome; she knew of no near cities. "What is his name? I shall search for him," Marcus nodded. Caecilia entered the gardens. Both Marcus and Aurelia paused their conversation. Aurelia smiled with relief. She appreciated Marcus' willingness to help her, but what would he say when he learned she had lied? "There are some men here to see you, my lord," Caecilia bowed. "Thank you," Marcus nodded, then turned to Aurelia. "I must go; Caecilia will take you wherever you wish." "My lord," Aurelia stopped him. "Thank you for your kindness. I do not wish to trouble you further. If you will lend me a horse, I will be on my way." "My men are positioned throughout Spain. A woman riding alone may prove a temptation. I would rather escort you myself. If you will permit me a few days to ensure safe passage, I will escort you wherever you wish to go. It is rather dangerous at the moment, for everyone," Marcus replied. "Thank you, my lord," Aurelia bowed as Marcus left. She sighed. Marcus would be of no assistance. Perhaps, she could ask Marcus to take her to a large city and lose him there. From the city, she could journey east and home. However, that could still take days. Aurelia was too impatient; she wanted to leave immediately. She could not tell Marcus the truth. She could trust only herself . . . and perhaps Caecilia. Aurelia wondered if Marcus had any maps. Of course he has maps, she thought to herself. Aurelia successfully avoided Marcus for most of the day. He spent most of his time talking with his friends and planning their next target. Aurelia crept about the house, learning its layout. She found several maps in Marcus' study, and memorized the fastest route to Rome. She would be home soon enough. "Caecilia, I need your help," Aurelia said, late that evening when they were alone in her chambers. "You know who I am. You know I cannot stay here. My safety and the safety of my family depends on me reaching Rome again. I have studied Marcus' maps and found a fast route to Rome. Will you help me?" Caecilia was silent for a moment. Aurelia knew she was thinking. She was asking Caecilia to defy her master, and perhaps risk her death. Aurelia knew the decision was important, but she needed an answer quickly. Finally, Caecilia nodded. "I will help you. If I was in your position, I would want help, also. What is it that you need?" Caecilia asked. "Thank you!" Aurelia smiled, grateful. "Marcus kept Brutus' horse. I will use it for transportation. However, I will need my dagger. Marcus still has it in his possession. In my purse, I still have some money and a few items I can sell for food if I must." "Marcus Horatius is leaving again tomorrow evening. I know it is sudden, and will not give you time to plan, but it may be your only chance," Caecilia shook her head. "Thank you," Aurelia embraced her friend. "I will not forget your kindness, Caecilia." "Do not thank me yet," Caecilia laughed. "Marcus is cunning and swift. Things rarely happen without his knowledge." Aurelia went to sleep happily that night. She was happy for the first time in weeks. She would be on her way home soon enough. Marcus would be away for the evening. Caecilia would retrieve her dagger, and Aurelia would have a horse and money. Nothing could stand in her way.
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Post by ~*¤elizabeth¤*~ on Aug 5, 2005 15:09:18 GMT -5
XI: Suspicions Aurelia woke early the next morning, as usual. She smiled happily to herself. She would soon be free. Soon, she would be home with her mother. Aurelia missed her mother dearly. She hoped all was well at the estate; she had not been home for months. Caecilia entered a short while later. The same mischievous grin was pasted on her face. She pulled Aurelia's dagger from the folds of her tunica, and sat it on the vanity in front of Aurelia. Aurelia turned around with a grateful smile. "Crassus and the others will arrive late this evening. Marcus will leave with them; he will be gone a while. I have heard they plan on burning four estates to the northwest. You will be heading in the opposite direction; you will be safe," Caecilia explained. "Thank you," Aurelia smiled. "You have done so much for me." Caecilia smiled and helped Aurelia dress. Aurelia hid her dagger at her side, immediately reassured by its presence. She hid her purse once more, in case anyone decided to sneak into her chambers. Aurelia went to breakfast, while Caecilia resumed her chores. "The color has returned to your face," Marcus remarked. "The bruises seem to be fading a bit. You must have struggled quite a bit." "Yes," Aurelia replied, remembering that night. She had fought as though her life depended on it. Her life may have depended on her struggle. If it did not, her reputation certainly did. Aurelia pushed the thoughts away and decided to behave cordially. It would be the last time she would see Marcus, and she wished to repay him for his kindness. "I have sent men ahead of us. They have begun searching for all relatives of Aula Cornelia Marcella," Marcus smiled. "I was remiss in my duties; I forgot to ask your uncle's name. However, I thought you would want to find your uncle as soon as possible." "Thank you, my lord," Aurelia uneasily smiled. "You are very kind." "You are probably the first and only person to ever make such a claim," Aurelia and Marcus turned to see Crassus. "Good morning." "Good morning, Crassus," Marcus smiled and shook the man's hand. "It would seem as though your young guest is healing," Crassus smiled, then spoke to Aurelia. "He has not mistreated you?" "No, my lord. On the contrary, he has been most kind," Aurelia smiled. "Good, good," Crassus nodded. "Marcus, I have splended news. The widow of Gaius Aurelius is searching for her daughter. Apparently, the girl is not dead, as we all assumed. She disappeared a while ago." Aurelia felt her blood run cold. Panic rose in her, along with fear. She was certain they would learn her identity. What would they do to her, once they learned the truth? "Noone knows her whereabouts? Perhaps," Marcus chuckled. "We should help the lady find her daughter." "I have heard her daughter is quite the orator. She would be a wonderful asset to our cause," Crassus smiled. "Marcella, have you always lived in Spain?" Marcus turned to Aurelia. "Yes, my lord," Aurelia nodded. "I lived south of her, along the coast." "Then, she would not know of Gaius Aurelius," Marcus shook his head, though Crassus glanced at Aurelia oddly. Aurelia kept her gaze firm with Crassus. She would not feed his suspicions. She would escape from Marcus Horatius if it was the last thing she ever did. She did not need his friends suspecting her true identity. "Of course not," Crassus smiled, returning his gaze to Marcus. "Anyway, I came to discuss this evening's plans." "Of course," Marcus nodded, then turned to Aurelia. "I have some business to attend to. You are welcome to explore." Aurelia nodded and bowed to both gentlemen. She watched as they walked away. Perhaps Crassus suspected her, but neither suspected that she would flee. The sooner she could leave, the better. But, what if they do suspect me? What if I am unable to leave? What if they learn my identity; will they detain me, or kill me? I should write to Mother and let her know what has happened.Resolved, Aurelia went to her chambers. She sat down and thought of what to write. Then, she began writing a long letter to her mother. "Caecilia," Aurelia called after her friend, a few hours later. "Could you send this for me?" "Of course," Caecilia smiled, accepting the letter. "I will send it tomorrow, if you would like." "Thank you," Aurelia smiled. "It is not good for us to be seen together so often. I think Crassus suspects me." "Crassus suspects everyone," Caecilia laughed. "Do not fear him. He is very protective of Marcus; they are dear friends. Crassus is a mentor to Marcus; he is like a father. Marcus' father died a while ago, I've heard. He was a soldier." Aurelia nodded. She knew how it felt to lose a father to war. She considered using the information to appeal to Marcus, but knew it would not work. Besides, she was not particularly fond of black mail. She needed to leave soon. She had no time to plead. Aurelia ate dinner with Marcus. They spoke of their families, which Aurelia detested. Everything she told Marcus was a lie, and she continued to build onto the lie. All it would take was one slip of the tongue, and he would know she was lying. He would never trust her again. Not that I need his trust. I'll soon be away from here. Aurelia smiled at the thought. She would soon see her mother again. She knew, at least, that she had not given up on her. She was still searching.
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