Maximus' Story
Chapter 1 – Hispania
A. D. 161
Maximus Decimus Meridius sat on the rocky beach, his strong arms wrapped around his drawn-up knees. The warm wind lifted and tousled his thick, dark wavy hair but his gaze remained steadily on the distant horizon of the Mediterranean Sea, the blue-green color of the waves duplicated in eyes of the same hue. The hot sun had bronzed his skin and the fourteen-year-old boy glowed with health and strength.
He loved this part of Hispania, the south, near Saguntum, where the beach stretched endlessly in both directions, in stark contrast to the rugged mountains to the north-east where he had been born and spent his early years. Maximus considered himself a man now, albeit a young one, as he had faced and handled more than most boys his age. He rested his chin on his knees and allowed his memory to conjure up images of his childhood, memories that at all other times he pushed to the security of the locked room at the back of his mind.
He could visualize his house clearly -- a small, cozy building made of wood and pink stone and surrounded by lush gardens of vegetables, fruits and herbs. Green pastures stretched beyond the house and contained an assortment of animals including cows, horses, sheep and goats. He could almost smell their pungent odor now. Colorful flowers spotted the meadow just as fluffy white clouds dotted the sky overhead. In the distance rocky hills appeared purple where their peaks kissed the deep blue heavens.
Maximus cocked his head and listened, his eyes focussed on nothing. He could hear his father's deep voice, laughing. His father had always laughed and Maximus loved the warmth of those low, rumbling tones. His mother's voice came to him now, like a soft tinkling bell. Her words were indistinct but Maximus knew she called to his younger brother, Julius, who played with their dog in the yard.The young soldier turned his cheek to his knees and closed his eyes as he let the memories wash over him in waves that were as warm as the water that lapped at his toes and sprayed his lower legs with salty foam. The drops of moisture on his knees were not from the sea, though, and he lifted his head and rubbed his eyes impatiently with the heels of his hands. His gaze returned to the horizon and Maximus was almost overwhelmed with loneliness as he surveyed the vastness of the world around him.
He had been without a family for six years now, ever since his parents and brother had died in that horrific fire. Maximus had been visiting friends on that fateful night and had been spared a dreadful death but something within him died with his family and the carefree boy changed forever. Neighbors tried to keep him away, tried to spare him the site of the charred remains of his home and loved ones, but he spent days combing the ashes for traces of them. He found only one thing really recognizable -- a lizard's tooth that had been his brother's prized possession. He now wore it a leather thong around his neck.
Taken in by very distant relatives in a far-off mountain village, he became one of a family of nine children and despite the constant presence of people, felt more alone than ever. He worked hard to repay his great aunt and uncle for their kindness, tackling any chore that they asked of him. He soon knew enough about farm life to run the whole operation and was often put in charge when his uncle took produce to town, over the objections of his older cousins.
But fate was to change his life once more. One cool autumn day his uncle asked Maximus to accompany him on a longer journey through the hills, knowing that the strong boy would be quite capable of helping him fend off robbers in the passes. Just outside the town of their destination they encountered row upon row of white tents -- hundreds of them -- flying the flag of Rome. Soldiers in armor tended to their tasks and didn't give the man and boy in the wagon a second glance but Maximus was transfixed. He had never imagined anything so wonderful as this army with its snapping flags and gleaming weapons. He begged his uncle to stop for a moment and he sat as still as a marble statue absorbing every detail of the camp.
He saw men of every size and shape sitting outside the white tents as they prepared for their evening meal. His eyes were drawn to an area of frantic activity and he was astonished to see boys his own age and younger scurrying to deliver bowls of steaming stew and freshly-baked bread to the soldiers. Then he noticed more boys, some cleaning armor, some tending horses, laughing and joking among themselves, obviously at peace with their place in the world.
A tall man in gleaming armor with luxurious wolf pelts tossed over his shoulders moved easily among the men, his cape billowing behind him as he covered the ground in long, sure strides. A General. He must be a General, this magnificent man with great pride and confidence evident in his posture. And suddenly an overwhelming desire to become part of this glorious army engulfed Maximus. He almost moaned in pain as his uncle slapped the reigns, urging the horses forward and he twisted in his seat until the camp was lost to view around a bend in the road. As Maximus slowly turned back his uncle glanced at the boy's resolute face and the old man knew that he would return home without him.
Chapter 2 - The Camp
Maximus took to army life easily and felt that he had found a home once more. He belonged here with these strong men and their pledge to defend the glory of Rome, a place Maximus could only imagine. Being new, he was given the lowliest task at first -- mucking out the stalls -- but he loved it and was determined to be the best mucker that the army had ever had. His resolution did not go unnoticed and he was soon given more meaningful work that included caring for the horses and polishing the soldiers' armor. Only the best boys were trusted with such jobs and he performed them with pride.
A quick learner, Maximus soon knew intimately how every aspect of the camp functioned and when he wasn't working he positioned himself to observe what no boy was allowed to participate in, the soldiers practicing with their ominous weapons. He knew how heavy they were and marveled at the way the men swung the swords as if they were made of wood. The only evidence of their effort was the grunts and shrieks that ripped from their throats as steel clashed and sparks flew.
The army had been to Toletum in the middle of Hispania and much of their armor and weapons had recently been forged there of the finest steel in all of the empire in honor of the new Caesar, Marcus Aurelias, who was the adopted successor of the deceased Antoninus Pius. The camp near the shores of the sea was a temporary one and every man knew they would soon head north again to squelch uprisings in northern tribes who took advantage of the change in power in Rome. There were even rumors that Caesar would visit the camp soon as he inspected his many legions.
The camp was not all work. In the evenings the men sat around the fires and chatted in low tones, or engaged in less dangerous games involving dice and stones. He was also well aware that some local women visited the camp at night and he saw soldiers disappear into tents with them, one at a time, only to emerge minutes later scratching their bellies and laughing while another took his place. Maximus was well aware of what went on those tents, as were the other older boys, but they understood in only general terms what happened between men and women.
He and his two closest friends, Lucius and Quintus, sat with their backs against bales of hay and watched the parade of men entering and leaving the tent. Quintus, a year older than his companions, had boldly tried to join the line but had been cuffed back to his place with the boys amid much laughter and taunting from the men. At fifteen, Quintus was already training with real weapons and he considered himself quite the man. He sat beside his friends steaming with fury and embarrassment.
Lucius broke their silence. "They don't take very long, do they. Even dogs take longer than that."
Maximus and Quintus turned their heads in unison to look at him and Quintus smirked, "It takes as long as it takes." Quintus hailed from Rome and considered himself far superior to his companions who were both from the provinces, Lucius being born in nearby Aquitania. There was quite a rivalry among the boys who all knew that the army was to be their life for many years, and who all vied for the jobs with the most prestige. They knew that in years to come the leaders of the army would be chosen from among their ranks and they were anxious to make the best impression with the most important people. The ideal situation was to be singled out to serve an officer of high rank and live in his quarters. Quintus was sure that his time would come soon for he had been with the army since he was nine.
Maximus looked Quintus in the eye and said quietly, "You don't know any more about it that he does, Quintus." The superior tone of the older boy could cut deeply but it never impressed Maximus who took it upon himself to put Quintus in his place whenever he saw the need.
"And I suppose you do?"
"I never claimed to."
Quintus knew when he was losing the argument to Maximus as it happened often. The Spaniard seemed impervious to the older boy's jibes and had the knack of silencing him with one quiet statement. Quintus decided to change the topic of conversation. "I hear that young soldiers will be selected soon to serve some of the highest-ranking officers including General Patroclus." Quintus smiled. "That job will be mine, you wait and see."
Maximus said nothing. He had heard the same rumor.
"I'd like to do that," said Lucius.
"What have you done to impress anyone?" replied Quintus.
Lucius was getting angry now. "I'm as good as anyone here. I work hard. I'm smart and I'm better looking than you."
Maximus roared with laughter at Lucius' direct hit on Quintus' vanity.
"What're you laughing at, Maximus? As if anyone would ever look twice at you!" Quintus leaped to his feet and stormed away, not daring to give his companion the last word.
Maximus slapped Lucius on the knee, "You got him that time, my friend. Good for you."
"I hate him sometimes."
"Oh, he's okay. He's been here a lot longer than us and feels he's got a few more rights, I suppose. He's also a very good soldier, Lucius, very good."
"You're as good as he is."
"Maybe, but I haven't had the opportunity yet to fight with anything but wooden swords. It won't be long, though."
"Are you going to try for a place with one of the officers?"
"Yes."
"Which one?"
"General Patroclus."
Lucius looked at his friend in wonder and admiration. He, for one, had no doubt that Maximus was destined for greatness. It was in every fiber of his being -- his voice, his posture, his attitude. It was just a matter of time.
Chapter 3 – Hercules
"Here boy. Come here, boy." Maximus held out his hand and coaxed the huge gray dog with a bit of meat. The dog lay outside it's master's tent as it always did, ready to jump to the command of the General. Its large ears cocked forward and its nose twitched as it tested the air. Its decision made, it lazily got to its feet and lumbered forward to stretch its tongue and swipe the meat from the extended hand. Maximus managed a quick pat on the animal's head before it turned it's back and resumed it's place at it's master's door. The boy crouched, talking to the dog in low tones about nothing in particular. Most people in the camp were terrified of the animal which resembled a large wolf. The dog rarely left its master's side and even accompanied him into battle.
Maximus had kept small amounts of his food behind for days now, stealing to the tent before nightfall to tempt the dog. The first few times he had been ignored but the animal was gradually getting used to him and soon, he hoped, it would come to him without coaxing. He didn't have much time.
The following week all of the boys in the camp rose extra early and bathed carefully, taming unruly locks with water and spit. Boots had been polished the night before and stood waiting at the end of every cot. They chatted nervously as they prepared for the day's events knowing that within hours some of the lucky ones would leave their shared tent for more prestigious quarters.
By mid-morning they stood in a long line, at attention, as officers who needed additions to their entourage looked them over. Maximus prayed that he wouldn't be selected and kept his head down until he heard the voice he had been waiting for. At the head of the line, no more than five boys away, stood the General, dressed casually this morning in leather armor. Beside him was the dog.
The General moved down the line slowly, smiling kindly at each boy and saying a few words of praise. As he approached, Maximus wiggled his fingers and was rewarded when the dog stopped on the spot and stared at his hand, it's ears forward. It glanced at its master uncertainly for a moment then loped over to Maximus and snuffled its nose into his hand.
The general stopped and regarded the scene with astonishment then walked directly to the boy. "Do you like my dog, Maximus?"
"Yes General, sir." The general knew his name?
"Most people are quite afraid of him."
"I'm not, General, sir." Maximus dared not look the man in the face and kept his eyes at chest level.
"No, I can see that. Do you know his name?"
"No, General, s--"
"Just 'General' is fine, Maximus."
"No, General."
"It's Hercules. I've never seen him leave my side and go to someone like that before. The dog is getting too fat from lack of exercise and he will not go with anyone else. Do you think you could handle that task, Maximus, taking care of Hercules?"
"Yes, General. It would be a great honor, sir. I love dogs and horses too."
General Patroclus chuckled. "Well, let's just start with the dog. Go get your belongings and report to my quarters. One of the men there will show you where to get settled."
A huge sigh of relief escaped Maximus and he dared raise his eyes momentarily to the General's face. He said with great sincerity, "Thank you, sir. You will not regret your choice."
The General smiled then dismissed him as he moved down the line of boys. It had been an easy choice. He had had his eye on young Maximus for quite some time now.
Chapter 4 - The Emperors
Life in the praetorium -- the area in the camp where the General's tent was pitched -- was quite different from the boys' compound and it took Maximus a few days to adjust. He missed Lucius, and even Quintus, both of whom had been selected to serve officers of high rank, although they had time together each evening. At first Quintus was very cool and accused Maximus of trickery but he was secretly envious that Maximus had thought of the ploy and not him. A great rivalry was developing among the boys and Maximus was already ahead in the game.
Maximus lavished attention on Hercules and soon he and the dog were the best of friends. They went for long runs together and often stopped by the beach to romp in the waves. Hercules lost the desired weight and Maximus increased his strength and endurance beyond any of the boys who had more sedentary lives.
He was also starting to spurt in height and his voice cracked occasionally, cascading between the low tones of his father and high squeaks that embarrassed him terribly. The General, who was pleasant but preoccupied, eventually noticed the changes in both the dog and the boy and gave Maximus the added responsibility of caring for his magnificent gray horse, Sparta.
Working so close to the General, Maximus saw the constant movement of officers as they conferred with their leader and he soon learned their names and ranks. Often, dispatches would arrive with messages from other leaders in all parts of the empire. One warm fall day a dispatch arrived at full gallop, his exhausted horse lathered in sweat. He was rushed into the General's tent and Maximus was sent off to care for the spent animal. The next morning Maximus was ordered to bring the rested horse around and he held the animal for the dispatch to mount while the General ordered the dispatch to make haste in taking his mail to the Emperors lest they arrive before the message reach them.
Arrive? The Emperors were coming here? That evening Maximus searched out Lucius and Quintus with his news.
"Lucius Verus is coming? I was named after him, you know," said Lucius proudly. "He served as Emperor a while ago for a short time and I was named after him."
"I don't understand why there are two Emperors," admitted Quintus.
"Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius are brothers, I think - the adopted sons of Antoninus Pius who died a few months ago. Maybe he couldn't decide which one should rule after him so he appointed both of them," said Maximus.
"That sounds really stupid. What if they don't agree?" wondered Quintus. "Who would get the final say?"
Maximus shrugged. "Maybe the oldest one."
"Who's the oldest one?" asked Quintus.
Maximus shrugged but Lucius piped up, "Lucius Verus probably is because he was emperor a while ago. I was named after him, you know."
"We know," said Maximus and Quintus simultaneously.
"I wonder when they're coming?" asked Quintus.
"Soon, I expect. People are working overtime in the praetorium getting tents fixed up and things looking really nice - new draperies and lamps and beds. Everything is being polished and cleaned."
"You'll get to see them," said Quintus with a touch of jealousy.
"We'll all get to see them."
"Not up close like you will."
"I want to see Lucius Verus up close," chimed in Lucius. "I was nam--"
A sharp look from Maximus stopped him short.
Lucius was silent for a moment before he started again, very cautiously, "I wonder what his horse looks like. I wonder-" This time the sound of a horn stopped him. It was the signal for all men to return to their tents and prepare for bed. The boys said a hasty goodbye then scurried into the blackness in three different directions.
Four days later the sound of another horn alerted the well-prepared legion to the approach of the Emperors. The infantry and cavalry quickly scrambled to their places on either side of the roadway and Maximus stood to the side of, and slightly behind the General, ready to receive the reigns of the Emperors' horses. Beside him stood Lucius who was there at the special request of Maximus. The General looked splendid dressed in his finest armor and furs, and Maximus beamed with pride at his side.
Then, over the helmeted heads of the men bordering the road, Maximus saw the tops of billowing flags and standards then gasped as a huge golden eagle with its wings spread wide seemed to soar above the men. The sun glinted off its molded feathers and Maximus held up his arm to shade his eyes. He jumped as horns blasted near his ears heralding the arrival of the two most powerful men in the empire.
Soldiers bowed their heads to the approaching party and the word "Highness," issued solemnly from thousands of throats. It was impossible to absorb the details of images that danced before his eyes: prancing white horses with plumed harnesses, heavily armed Praetorian guards in long black cloaks, standard bearers, trumpeters -- all swirled before his eyes. Maximus focussed again on the magnificent eagle high above his head and was momentarily confused when the eagle changed to the head of a snorting white horse, then to the face of a man. He wore a golden laurel wreath around his head -- a symbol of his power.
Maximus stared in awe at the straight-backed man dressed royal purple, gold-trimmed armor lavishly decorated with symbols of power. Emperor Marcus Aurelius drew in his reigns in front of the General then glanced at Maximus and smiled down into the boy's wide blue eyes. Maximus suddenly flinched and dropped his chin to his chest as the soldier behind him smacked him sharply between the shoulder blades. He blushed furiously realizing that he had dared greet the Emperor as if they were equals.
A soft chuckle of mirth drifted over his head and Maximus started to tremble with apprehension. Marcus Aurelius dismounted gracefully and moved closer until his booted toes obscured the ground under the young soldier's eyes. Behind him another similarly garbed man dismounted and greeted the General who bowed before him.
"What's your name, boy?"
The Emperor was addressing him? Maximus drew a deep breath willing his voice to be steady but his reply came out in a small squeak, "Maximus, your Highness."
"Maximus! What a grand name for one so young. Look at me, young man."
He raised his eyes slowly, his head still bowed, until he realized how timid he must appear so he lifted his chin until he once again looked up into the merry eyes of the Emperor.
Marcus stroked his brown and gray beard as he considered the young face with the direct gaze. His tone turned serious. "And do you intend to live up to your impressive name, son?"
Maximus nodded with equal seriousness and great conviction, "Yes, Highness, I do sir. I intend to be a great soldier." Laughter rippled through the Emperor's men and Maximus felt the colour creep into his face again, but his eyes still held those of Caesar.
Marcus reached out and clasped the boy's shoulder, marveling at the strength he detected in such a young man. "No doubt you will, my boy, no doubt you will. I will need strong soldiers like you and I'm sure the empire will be safe in capable hands like yours."
Maximus stared at him, stunned.
"Now, take my horse, Maximus," said Marcus as he passed the reigns to the young soldier. "I'm sure I can trust him with you."
"I will guard him with my life, Highness," replied Maximus as he bowed his head once more.
"Father, what about my horse?" The sweet feminine voice drifted to Maximus' ears from behind the Emperor.
Marcus stepped aside to reveal another perfect white steed, smaller than his own, upon which was perched the loveliest girl Maximus had ever seen. He estimated that she was a couple of years younger than himself but she sat her horse like a grown lady. Soft brown curls tumbled over her shoulders from underneath her blue, fur-trimmed hooded cape and she gazed at Maximus with curious green eyes. A slow smile spread over her features as she regarded him and he cursed silently as the heat spread from his neck again. He was positively glowing with embarrassment.
Marcus regarded his daughter proudly. "Lucilla, I'm sure that Maximus will have his hands full with my horse. Another soldier can take care of yours," he said in a teasing tone.
"I can manage them both, Sire," Maximus interjected quickly. "I'm used to handling horses." General Patroclus extended his open hand in front of the boy warning him to speak no more.
Marcus looked from the boy back to his pretty daughter whose eyes had not left Maximus. "Well, then, I'm sure-"
"Father! What's taking so long!" whined a voice from behind Lucilla and Maximus followed her gaze as she turned to regard her younger brother. The boy's face wore an unattractive scowl and he kicked his black horse viciously making the animal snort and prance as he bullied it abreast of his sister. As Lucilla's eyes returned to Maximus her brother turned his scowl upon the young soldier who regarded him evenly.
Maximus had guessed that the two were brother and sister even before Marcus Aurelias addressed his son. "Commodus," the Emperor warned, "Don't take that tone of voice. There's no need for it."
"Look at him," Commodus snarled at Maximus. "He didn't even bow his head to me!"
Realizing his mistake, Maximus dropped his eyes to the ground. Above him he heard the Emperor sigh and once again felt the gentle hand on his shoulder where it squeezed reassuringly. "He's tired, son. It was a long journey for a seven-year-old." The Emperor reached up and clasped Lucilla around the waist before placing her gently on the ground. He handed the reigns of her horse to Maximus with a wink. Then he turned to Commodus and lifted him to the ground but gave the reigns of his animal to an older soldier.
With a child clinging to each hand, the great man finally greeted the General then turned to join the waiting Lucius Verus and led his children in the direction of Patroclus' quarters. Lucilla cast a quick last glance back at Maximus before she turned and skipped happily beside her father.
Immediately hands slapped his back and fists cuffed his chin as the soldiers teased him unmercifully. "Hey Maximus, maybe she's hopin' you'll live up to your name, too!" guffawed a familiar voice behind him.
Maximus whirled to face his friend, fury evident in his youthful face. "Back off, Lucius," he growled. "She's a Lady. Don't talk about her like that."
Lucius retreated a step. He didn't see Maximus angry very often but when he did young soldiers withdrew abruptly. There was something about Maximus that the other youths did not want to challenge. As usual, though, the storm cloud left his face quickly, replaced by a firm resolve. "I have work to do, Lucius, and so do you." Maximus regarded the magnificent bay stallion of Emperor Lucius Verus, the reigns clutched in Lucius' tight grip. "And so do you."
Lucius shrugged, glad not to argue with his friend. He never won those arguments. "We'd better get busy."
"Good. Follow me." He turned the two horses and walked in the direction of the stables determined to groom the animals until they gleamed. As he walked he pondered the kind eyes that had held his own, the teasing voice and the gentle touch. It had been so long since anyone had called him "son."
Chapter 5 – Lucilla
The royal family remained in the camp for three days to rest and allow the Emperors to converse with one of the army's finest Generals, Patroclus. They didn't venture much beyond the praetorium which had been lavishly appointed in honor of the royal visit. Even Maximus had new clothes and boots, which was just as well as he was constantly outgrowing his garments and footwear anyway. As he worked around the General's compound he occasionally caught brief glimpses of the tall Emperor and his pretty daughter.
Maximus was fascinated by her. He had not had a sister and the only females his own age that he had ever befriended were his cousins. But those girls had been plain, nothing like this young vision in silks and furs. She wore her hair unbound and it floated around her shoulders in clouds. Golden bracelets and rings adorned her hands. Precious gems twinkled at her ears. He had never imagined such beauty.
Although she hadn't appeared to notice him, Lucilla had done her share of staring as well, often observing Maximus from the General's doorway when the boy was busy with some chore. What she saw impressed her. Maximus was sturdy and tall with thick, wavy hair and beautiful, but somewhat sad eyes. At times those eyes appeared blue and other times they seemed more green. His voice entranced her as he talked to the dog or hummed and whistled tunes as he worked and he moved with the strength, grace and agility of a young stallion. If he happened to glance her way she pulled back quickly into the tent, to the amusement of her ever-present attendants.
Lucilla was bored. She was tired of listening to her father and Lucius Verus discuss affairs with the General - affairs which she could not understand -, and she was tired of the games and stories offered to her by her servants. She wanted to explore beyond the tent --- and talk to the boy with the dog. Her opportunity came on the last evening of her visit, when she spied Maximus sitting outside his tent carefully brushing burrs out of the dog's dense fur. Lucilla moved quickly, leaving her startled attendants behind as she ran in the direction of the boy.
Maximus was alerted to trouble when Hercules emitted a full-throated growl and the fur on his neck stood straight up. He barely had time to see the young girl in the floating silk approaching before he grabbed the dog's neck with a sharp order to be quiet. But Hercules was having none of that. The dog was quite determined to protect its young friend from this stranger in odd clothing. The dog reared up, then crouched, its fangs bared. Lucilla stopped abruptly, her face pale, her hand to her open mouth as if to stifle a scream. Maximus threw his full weight on the dog and clamped its jaws shut with his hands. At the same time he barked a command for silence then tossed his leg over the animal securing it between his strong legs. Only when he had Hercules completely under control did he look up at the young girl, fully expecting to see tears of terror.
But she was laughing! She was laughing! Did she not know that this dog could tear her limb from limb? Maximus was furious. As Lucilla's attendant's grabbed her from behind he growled, "Are you crazy? This dog could kill you. He's trained for battle and he doesn't like people, especially girls."
"Is that so?" Lucilla shook off the hands of her servants who desperately tried to pull her away. "Then why doesn't he kill you?"
"Because he knows me, I work with him every day."
"Is he your dog?" Lucilla stepped closer despite the protests of the women.
"No, he belongs to the General."
Lucilla slowly extended her hand towards Hercules and Maximus felt the growl rumble in his chest again. He tightened his knees even more. "My Lady, please don't do that. I'm not sure how much longer I can control him," he pleaded.
"Why, aren't you strong enough to control him?"
Maximus was aggravated. "No, yes! Yes I am, but--"
"Then let me pet him."
"Not a chance. Keep your hand away or he'll take it off."
Lucilla cast him a sly glance. "I'll bet he'll let me--"
"Lucilla!" The girl dropped her hand at the sound of her father's voice, but she kept her eyes on Maximus and her lips turned up in a small conspiratorial smile.
"Father, Maximus was just showing me the General's dog."
Patroclus spoke directly to Maximus. "Well Maximus made a mistake in judgement, Sire. I'll see that he's severely punished."
Lucilla's eyes flew open in shock, an emotion that was reflected in Maximus' face. He had never been do much as reprimanded while at camp - and now he was to be "severely punished?" Words of protest started to form in his throat but he pushed them down. His eyes moved from Patroclus to Lucilla then he turned his attention to the General's dog who was now whining between his knees.
Lucilla whirled to face General Patroclus, her face chalky. She had no idea what such punishment would involve but she knew that she could not be responsible for this boy suffering any pain. "No... don't... it wasn't his fault, sir. I was the one who approached the dog and Maximus warned me away. He's really very brave, sir, and kept the dog from biting me."
Marcus Aurelius regarded his daughter with fond exasperation. "I know you are bored, my dear, but we leave in the morning. Can you stay out of trouble until then, do you think?"
Lucilla considered her father, caught her lip between her teeth in a teasing manner that took Maximus' breath away, and replied, "I'll try, papa."
The Emperor smiled at the boy still straddling the dog as he took his daughter's hand, "Thank you, son. My daughter is somewhat impulsive, I'm afraid, but it looks like you have the situation well in hand."
"Highness," Maximus whispered, the lump in his throat at, once again, being addressed as “son” restricting further sound. He stood there with the dog between his knees until long after the royals had disappeared inside the tent. The squirming of the huge canine brought him back to reality and he sat down beside the animal. He looked into the dog's brown liquid eyes, hugged his neck and said, "Thanks, Hercules."
The next morning Maximus arose extra early, tended to the horses as usual and took Hercules for his accustomed run. But by the time he got back the Emperor and his family were gone. The young soldier stood in the road staring down its empty length wondering if he would ever see the gracious Emperor and his playful daughter again.
