Maximus' Story
Chapter 41 – Rumor
Yet another battle was over -- the most recent in a seemingly endless stream of them. Maximus carefully unwrapped the leather strips designed to protect his hands and wrists allowing the blood to pour freely over his knuckles and drip crimson drops off the tip of his right index finger.
"Here, sir," said Cicero as he prepared to cleanse the deep gash on the general's arm, "let me take care of that."
Maximus was too weary to respond.
"A surgeon should have a look at that. Let me go fetch one."
"The surgeons are busy with soldiers who have far worse injuries than this, Cicero. Don't interrupt them."
Cicero nodded but Maximus could tell by his tight lips that he was not content. Maximus settled into his chair and rested his injured arm on the table, a thick cloth underneath to absorb the blood. Cicero moved the lamp closer and scowled as he examined the gaping gash down the general's forearm from just below the elbow to just above the wrist. "How did this happen?" he asked.
"I got careless."
Cicero briefly met Maximus' eyes then returned his task. "I doubt that."
Maximus sighed. "Two attackers came at me at once. One knocked my sword to the side and the other took a run at me. I managed to deflect the worst of the thrust but it caught my arm." Maximus was quiet for a moment as he leaned his head back and closed his eyes. "At least I still have an arm," he added quietly.
"The injuries to the soldiers are that bad?"
"Terrible. The tribesmen were well armed and well prepared for us."
"But we won."
"Yes... we won, but at great cost."
"Are the tribesmen all dead?" Cicero asked then added, "Sorry, sir," when Maximus flinched slightly.
"The river runs red with their blood. The few remaining survivors have been captured and are being held just outside the camp walls."
"What will happen to them?"
"Slaves. They'll be sent to Rome as slaves. Poor bastards. They'd be better off dead." Maximus flexed his arm to test the bandage and nodded his thanks to Cicero as he rose from his seat. "I've been distracted for a while. What else happened in the past few days that I should know about?"
"Why don't you rest now, sir?"
"Cicero -- what needs my attention?"
Cicero reluctantly handed Maximus a packet. "This came for you a few days ago. The courier said it was important."
Maximus regarded his servant with one raised eyebrow.
Cicero shrugged. "You were busy, sir."
Cicero knew he had been dismissed when Maximus turned his back to rip open the packet, so he gathered the medical supplies then headed for the cupboard on the opposite side of the tent. When he turned around again he found an ashen-faced Maximus clutching the letter and staring, his eyes focussed on nothing. "General, are you alright?" Maximus didn't respond. "Sir? Sir, are you alright?" Cicero approached Maximus, unsure of what to do. "Should I get the surgeon?"
Maximus turned glassy eyes on his servant and whispered, "Find Quintus quickly and bring him to me."
Without a word Cicero spun on his heel and left the tent. His servant's action snapped Maximus out of his daze and he scanned the letter again. He vaguely heard running footsteps just moments before Quintus burst through the door closely followed by Cicero. Maximus met the eyes of one man, then the other, and addressed his servant first. "Cicero, pack all of my armor and weapons and enough provisions to last at least two weeks then ready Scarto and Argento for a journey."
"Maximus, where are you going?" asked a concerned and puzzled Quintus. "What has happened?"
Maximus drew a deep breath. "You remember General Avidius Cassius -- commander of the eastern legions?"
Quintus nodded.
"He has declared himself emperor."
"What?" asked a visibly shocked Quintus. "Marcus Aurelius--"
"Is alive, apparently. He is somewhere in the south -- maybe Aegyptus -- but it seems Cassius heard a rumor that he was dead and has declared himself emperor even though he is far from Rome, where things are in an uproar. Cassius is a powerful man, Quintus, and he might try to take control of the empire even when he learns the truth about Marcus Aurelius. He may have even started the rumor himself as an excuse to do so. Marcus needs support and I have to help him."
"Who sent you the letter?"
Maximus hesitated slightly. "His daughter."
"She knows where he is?"
"No, not exactly, but she knows he's alive. I'm not sure how. The letter lacks details, Quintus. Lucilla requests that I stabilize the army and give Marcus the moral and military support that he needs to maintain control of the empire."
"I'll go with you, Maximus. You can't do this alone."
No, Quintus. You are my second in command and I need you here to take care of things while I'm gone. I leave you with my full authority to handle any situation and I'll send letters to the generals under my command telling them that. Try to diffuse conflict until I return and make sure that the tribes don't discover my departure, but take further action if the situation warrants. You have my full authority over the northern legions, do you understand? Right now I want you to ready the cavalry with full armor. I need them to accompany me. Don't discuss where we are going or why. I'll tell them when we are on the road."
"Surely if Marcus Aurelius is in dire need of help there is someone who is physically much closer who can assist him? It could take you weeks to get there--"
"He trusts me, Quintus. At a time when he is not sure who he can count on, he knows he can trust me."
Quintus nodded and placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. "I'm sorry this had to happen right now, Maximus. I know that you were planning a trip home to see your family."
Maximus looked at the floor and nodded.
"How old is little Marcus now?"
"He's two." A brief smile flitted across Maximus' face. "Olivia tells me that he's walking and chattering a lot." The smile disappeared. "I haven't seen him since he was an infant." Maximus raked his hands through his short hair. "Marcus Aurelius and the empire come before anything else."
Quintus wasn't sure if he heard a touch of bitterness in those words.
At dawn Maximus rode out at the head of the entire cavalry of Felix III and set a rapid pace south-east. According to Lucilla, Cassius was gathering his forces in Moesia near the Black Sea and Maximus would confront him there hoping to buy Marcus the time he needed to get back to Rome and organize his Praetorian.
The weather was favorable and the roads in the south-east wide and stable, so in less than two weeks time Maximus and his cavalry approached the camp of General Cassius flying the flag of Felix III and carrying the golden eagle standard of Rome. Despite the heat Maximus wore his full general's uniform with the two wolf furs over his shoulders and the muscled cuirass carved with the wolf's head. He approached the guards at the gate and summoned his deepest, most authoritative voice. "Tell General Cassius that General Maximus, commander of the northern legions, is here to see him." One guard immediately scrambled to do as he was bid while the others just stared in shock at Maximus and the fully armed cavalry behind him. A few curious soldiers assembled on the inside of the camp wall and Maximus heard his name repeated. Scarto snorted and pawed the earth as if in response.
The guard returned and addressed Maximus. "You may enter, General, but your men must remain outside."
"My men stay with me."
"The Emperor will not allow it, sir."
"The Emperor?" Maximus' words dripped with sarcasm. "Tell General Cassius to come outside, then, and meet with me here."
"He won't do that, General."
"Well... we seem to have a problem, then -- don't we?" replied Maximus as he braced one elbow on his knee and leaned towards the guard, glaring into his face. His voice dropped to a low growl. "Ask your General if he wants to incite civil war. My men far outnumber his and I can have my legions here within days."
The guard gulped and disappeared again without a word. Maximus straightened in his saddle and stared straight ahead, the reigns in his left hand, his bandaged arm relaxed on his knee. He spoke softly to Scarto and the stallion stood as still as a statue. Heads popped up over the camp wall to gawk at him but he ignored them.
The guard reappeared. "You and your men may enter, General."
Maximus nodded once and proceeded through the gate, his cavalry right behind him. A quick glance around told him that the camp was heavily fortified. Cassius was prepared for -- and maybe even expecting -- trouble.
And trouble had just arrived on the back of a gleaming black stallion.
Chapter 42 – Cassius
Cassius tried to adapt a casual air. "Come in, General," he said extending his hand to indicate the door to his dwelling.
Although wary, Maximus did not feel he was in any immediate danger and stepped through the doorway ahead of Cassius after quickly appraising the man. They were about the same height but Cassius was thin, surprisingly so for a soldier. Maximus judged his age to be about forty-five as his fine brown hair was liberally streaked with gray and his face lined from years in the sun. He was clean-shaven and his brown eyes were wary beneath bushy eyebrows that seemed out of place on his lean face. He had not had time to prepare himself for Maximus' visit and had hastily pulled on a gilded leather cuirass over what looked like a silk tunic, an odd combination to say the least. His thin legs were bare and his feet were in sandals.
Cassius laughed. "You can tell we come from different parts of the world, General. It's damned hot here in summer, and humid. Lots of sun but you pay for it with the heat. Must be much cooler where--"
Maximus cut him off. "I didn't come here to discuss the climate... General."
"No, no, I'm sure you didn't. I have heard a lot about you, Maximus... I hope you don't mind me calling you that."
"I would prefer you didn't."
"Oh... well... General... would you sit down?" Cassius was somewhat flustered now which surprised Maximus. Was it the shock of the sudden visit or Maximus' very cool attitude that was throwing the man?
"Before I do so, General Cassius, let me make one thing very clear. I serve Marcus Aurelius, emperor of Rome."
"Marcus Aurelius is dead, General."
"That is not true."
"Oh? And have you seen him recently?" Cassius had regained his confidence.
"No, not with my own eyes, but I have assurances that he is alive and well."
"I have heard exactly the opposite, General, and somebody has to take control to avoid chaos at a time like this. Since I am senior commander in the army, I thought it was appropriate--"
"You thought wrong. It is entirely innapropriate."
Cassius' confidence changed to anger. "I thought that a military man like yourself would understand such a move, General. The leadership of Rome cannot fall to Marcus' underage son, Commodus."
"I agree, General," said Maximus. "But there are appropriate and inappropriate ways of going about transfer of power and the first thing one must do is have absolute proof that the former leader is dead -- not rely on rumor."
"And by that time some fool in Rome has grabbed control--"
"If that happens then the army should react at that time. Not before."
Cassius looked Maximus up and down with deliberate slowness, a slight sneer on his face. "You're quite young, aren't you?" He circled Maximus and fingered the luxurious furs. "Are these supposed to impress me?"
Maximus didn't respond.
Cassius faced him again. "A gift from Marcus Aurelius?" The two men faced each other eye to eye. "You're the chosen one, aren't you, Maximus? A Spaniard promoted far beyond his station in life."
Maximus smiled slightly. "Are you afraid of me, General?"
"Not in the least."
Maximus moved so close that their noses practically touched and growled slowly, "Well you should be."
"Is that a threat?"
"Take it any way you wish."
"You're a fool, General, if you think you can ride into my camp and threaten me. Who do you think is going to protect you? Your cavalry? They are badly outnumbered. I'd say that makes your position precarious, very precarious indeed."
"If you harm me, General, the northern legions will swoop down and slaughter you and your supporters like lambs. Think about that before you do anything rash."
"And how will they know if you are dead? Who will go and tell them when all of your men are dead too?"
A slow grin creased Maximus' face. "They'll know, General. They'll know." Maximus tossed his head back and looked down his nose at Cassius, his hands on his hips, his sturdy legs spread. "If you are even contemplating leading your legions to Rome to take control of the city I'd think again. My legions will stop you, and my men far outnumber yours."
Cassius laughed abruptly. "You have great confidence in the loyalty of your men, General. It is my experience that soldiers will shift their loyalty like lightning to the side of power. They simply want to get paid and they don't care which emperor pays them."
"I think you severely underestimate the integrity of the men in the Roman army, General."
Cassius' face flooded with fury. "How dare you tell me about the army, Spaniard! I was born and raised in Rome -- a true Roman citizen. I have served Rome since before your birth!" He struggled to regain control of his temper. "Oh, I've heard about your methods of buying loyalty, Spaniard. All of those -- improvements -- that you made in your camps. Well, let me tell you, Spaniard, your men would turn on you without a second thought if somebody made them a better offer. There's only one way to maintain loyalty in an army."
"Care to enlighten me, General?"
"Fear! Fear!" screeched Cassius, his face twisted and ugly. "Punishment!"
"And who administers the punishment, Cassius?" Maximus spit out the name like a curse.
"My supporters, of course!" Cassius was momentarily confused.
"And how do you maintain the support of your supporters, Cassius?"
Cassius was silent.
"You buy them, of course, with money or power." Maximus' smile did not reach his eyes. "A flawed system to be sure, Cassius. Because -- to use your words -- all it takes is a better offer and they'll be gone. My men support me because I am fair and because I care about them. I lead through example and I am loyal to Rome and it's true emperor, Marcus Aurelius, not some general with a thirst for power. My men feel the same way. You could offer them all of the wealth and power of Rome and you would not sway them."
"How noble of them. How very, very noble." Cassius sat in an elaborately carved chair and propped up his feet on a table in an effort to appear unconcerned. "And what about you, Spaniard? You have ambition, otherwise a man of your lowly background would never be where you are today. Can you look me in the eye and tell me that you have not thought about a future as a political leader should the opportunity arise?" Cassius sneered. "You're just peeved because I beat you to it."
"My only ambition, Cassius, is to return to Spain to my wife, son and farm. Before that time I will use all of my talents to serve Rome to the best of my ability."
Cassius pored a glass of wine but did not offer one to Maximus who remained standing. "How very humble of you, Spaniard." Cassius threw the wine down his throat then poured more. "Is that why your men love you so? Because of your humility?"
"Love? Respect might be more accurate, Cassius, and it's a mutual respect. I recognize that they have all of the same desires and fears that I have. I am one of them. Marcus Aurelius knows who I am -- what I am. He was astute enough to see things in me that I was not even aware of."
"Oh... and what did the late emperor see in you, Spaniard?"
"All of the traits that he admires most in men. Honesty, perseverance, temperance, justice, loyalty he did not see ambition in me, Cassius, because it isn't there." Maximus propped his hip against the table close to Cassius' feet and folded his arms across his chest. "But, all I see in you is ambition. Nothing more. Marcus Aurelius would never choose you to be his successor, Cassius." Maximus unfolded his arms and leaned forward on the table looking directly into Cassius' eyes. "I have no interest in ever being a political leader, General, but I intend to insure that a man like you -- who has none of the characteristics so admired by the Emperor -- gains control of power. I'd just as soon see Commodus named emperor as you."
Cassius' face was white with fury, his lips pressed into a thin horizontal line. "I could have you killed right now."
"You could, but you won't. You're too smart for that." Maximus straightened up and laughed. "Tell me, Cassius, which loyalty do you think is the strongest? Loyalty won by mutual respect and admiration or by the promise of riches?" His voice turned deadly serious. "I warn you, General. Don't ever underestimate me."
Maximus stretched and yawned. "Now, General, I am very tired and would like to be shown to my quarters. I want my men and horses cared for too. And...," Maximus gestured to a curtained wall with his head..., "you can have your guards show themselves now. You're safe -- for the time being."
Chapter 43 – Claudius
"Pssst... General?"
Maximus rolled over on his cot, wondering what noise had wakened him. He sat up and stared into the blackness listening intently.
The hushed, urgent words reached his ears again. "General Maximus. Wake up sir."
Maximus looked in the direction of the back wall of his tent then he glanced at the door where he could see the silhouette of four armed guards in the moonlight. He slid off his cot and crawled across the floor then sat cross-legged by the back wall and waited for the voice again.
"Pssst. General, please--"
"I'm here," Maximus whispered back. "Who are you?"
"Oh." The hushed voice sounded relieved. "I'm Claudius Silvanus, sir. I served with Felix VI for eight years and I know who you are."
"And?"
"Sir, is Marcus Aurelius really dead?"
"No... he's alive," replied Maximus cautiously. Had this man been sent here to trap him?
"Are you here to stop Cassius, sir?"
Maximus remained mute.
"Sir?"
"How do I know I can trust you? How do I know you are who you say you are?"
"I expected you to be skeptical, sir, so I brought proof. I was awarded a medal for bravery in the battle against the Germanians at Castra Regina. I'll push it under the tent wall."
Maximus felt the tugging on the canvas and groped in the dark until he grasped the round, cool piece of metal. He didn't need to see it. His fingers traced the familiar contours and he knew it was real. He whispered, "Congratulations, Claudius. What did you do to earn this?"
"I saved General Avitus by taking a sword that was meant for him. After I healed the cold bothered me terribly -- made my bones ache -- so I was transferred here. It's not the same here, sir. I hate it. General Cassius doesn't treat his men the way you do. We're just part of the equipment to him. He doesn't care about us the way you did, sir."
Maximus glanced at the doorway again. The guards had not moved. "You are of medium height and build with fair hair and a scar down your left cheek. Right?"
Claudius gasped. "You remember me, General? You met me only once and for a very brief time."
"Shhhh, Claudius, keep your voice down. I have a mind for details. Sometimes its an advantage, sometimes its not. Why are you risking your life to talk to me, soldier?"
"I'm here to offer you my services, sir. I couldn't believe it when I saw you ride in today and I knew you were sent by the gods to save us. I'll do anything I can to help you."
"Save you? Save you from what?"
"Cassius. Life has never been good here, sir. Not like it was with you. But since he declared himself emperor it's become far, far worse."
"What do you mean?"
"He doesn't care about the legion or even the army anymore. All he's doing now is gathering his supporters and killing those who oppose him. If you're here to try to stop him, sir, your life is in great danger. Dozens of soldiers have disappeared and three weeks ago he crucified two of our best centurions because they dared to openly disagree with him. Left their bodies on the crosses until they rotted in the sun as a warning to the rest of us. Most of us here support Marcus Aurelius if he's still alive but we were far too afraid to do anything until you arrived."
"How many more are there like you, Claudius?"
"Plenty, sir. They already know all about you 'cause I told them how much better my life was with you in the north. We'll support you, General Maximus, in whatever you decide to do."
"Are there any high-ranking officers who feel as you do? Someone in his inner circle? Someone he thinks he can trust? As you can see, every move I make is watched."
"I know of one -- maybe."
"I need to communicate with him without raising suspicion. Do you think you can help me do that?"
"I can try, General."
"Claudius, listen to me. If you are caught it will mean death for you, me and all of my men. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir. Perfectly."
"Now listen to me carefully. I am joining Cassius, the tribunes and the centurions for dinner tonight. This man will probably be there and must give me a sign if he is willing to help me upset Cassius' plans."
"What sort of sign, sir?"
Maximus thought for a moment. "Tell him to cross the middle finger of his right hand over his forefinger, and not to be too obvious about it. I'll see it. Claudius, don't approach any man that you are not totally sure of. This can't get back to Cassius."
"I understand, sir."
"Report to me again tonight after dark. And Claudius--"
"Sir?"
"Thank you."
"It's my honor, sir. Believe me. Sorry to interrupt your sleep."
Maximus smiled into the darkness and shuffled back to his cot stretching out just before a guard poked his head inside to investigate the slight creaking noise. Satisfied that all was well, the guard returned to his position outside the tent. Maximus breathed deeply and folded his arms under his head plotting his next move.
Chapter 44 – Julia
The smell of food and the sounds of music and merriment wafted over Maximus and his guards before they were even inside the praetorium. He had accepted the dinner invitation in hopes of making first contact with a man in Cassius' inner circle who would support him in his mission to thwart Cassius' treasonous ambitions. As Maximus parted the curtained doorway to Cassius' tent he halted abruptly causing the four distracted men behind him to stumbled into each other, muttering curses about bruised heels and toes. Exasperated, Maximus turned to them. "I haven't quite figured out yet who it is that you are protecting but I assure you that I am in no danger tonight from Cassius and he is no danger from me. Stay outside!"
Maximus stepped inside and let the heavy curtain drop behind him. He was immediately engulfed by a cacophony of sounds and a combination of smells unlike any he had ever experienced inside an army camp. All of his senses snapped to attention. The smells registered first. The thick, moist air was filled with odors of spicy food and rich wine as well as heady scents of jasmine and rosewater. Through the haze to his left were tables laden with food and drink. Behind them, separated from the rest of the room by an opaque curtain, musicians played wood instruments creating a backdrop of sweet melody for the lively conversation that was punctuated by laughs, belches and squeals. Through a translucent curtain to his right Maximus could discern indistinct human forms and they obviously weren't all male. He took one step forward and brushed aside the filmy curtain which floated momentarily before it settled back into place behind him. He halted once more to allow his brain absorb what his eyes were seeing. So this was it, he thought. This was how Cassius bought loyalty.
Everywhere he looked men and women in various stages of undress engaged in sexual acts of all kinds, completely uninhibited and unconcerned with privacy. Bodies writhed on the soft rugs and cozy cushions as well as on the backless couches designed for easy intimacy. He watched as one woman dropped to her knees and proceeded to pleasure a tribune who continued to converse with a man who reclined on the next couch eating food fed to him one bite at a time by a completely naked woman. Between morsels and snatches of conversation the couple shared wet, greasy kisses. A few men ignored the carnal activities preferring to sample the food or simply converse with their fellow officers. Servants with food and drink moved freely among the guests seemingly oblivious to the sexual acts around them.
Maximus estimated that there were about fifteen men in the room and at least twenty women. And what women they were. They were stunning -- every one of them -- obviously not whores from the local villages. All were tall and slender but buxom with long, silky hair that cascaded freely down their backs and over their hips.
Despite the overwhelming distractions, Maximus was determined to complete his mission for the evening -- to find an officer with crossed fingers. He headed for the safety of the food where he could linger without suspicion while he scanned the room. Three large tables groaned under the weight of platters of meats, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, breads, fish -- a feast unlike which he had seen since his wedding day. Dozens of bottles of wine had been opened and consumed and dozens more awaited their turn. A servant offered a plate as he approached the table and Maximus thanked him with a smile. He then made a show of slowly inspecting the fare, carefully selecting appealing dishes and greeting any man nearby with a nod while dropping his eyes to surreptitiously glance at his hands. He circled each table at least twice and realized he had lingered too long when food started to slide off his overloaded plate.
"Hungry, General?" It was Cassius.
Maximus looked up so quickly that the plate tilted in his hand and meat and vegetables cascaded to the floor landing in a soggy lump at the toe of his booted feet. The beautiful blonde woman clutching Cassius' arm quickly stepped forward and grabbed the edge of his plate until Maximus regained balance. He nodded his thanks and she displayed all of her perfect white teeth in a dazzling smile before returning to her original position.
"General," Maximus' tone was somewhat sarcastic, "you didn't tell me I was supposed to bring a date."
Cassius laughed. "Oh, no need for that here. I take care of my friends. I take care of all of their needs," said Cassius as he poured wine into an ornate goblet and shoved it into Maximus' free hand.
"So I see." Maximus glanced at the couples again but was immediately distracted by two women who approached him with hips swaying, their long legs fully revealed between the loose folds of their diaphanous tunics, their full breasts thrusting against the fabric to expose deep cleavage and rouged nipples. One grabbed each of his arms causing the wine to slosh over his hand and the turkey drumstick to hit the floor.
"Ohhh... General!" squealed one as she squeezed his biceps. "Aren't you the best looking thing I've seen in a long time!" She lowered her head and looked up at him fluttering her long lashes. "But you're wearing far too many clothes." Her hands reached for the buckles at the sides of his leather cuirass.
Maximus' face was immediately pulled in the opposite direction by a hand on his cheek and a breathy voice said, "Hungry, General... for anything?" He looked down into darkly-outlined green eyes.
"Thank you, ladies, but I can manage just fine on my own." He rotated his broad shoulders spilling even more food and wine as he shrugged out of their grasps.
"Not interested in the women, General?" With a jerk of his head Cassius ordered the disappointed females away. "That rather surprises me."
"Right now I'm just hungry for food," Maximus replied in what he hoped was a convincing manner. "Quite the women, though. Are they local?"
"Oh my, no. They're slaves. The most beautiful in the empire, every one personally selected or bred by me."
"Bred?" Maximus schooled his face to hide his shock.
"Yes. It's quite a science -- something like breeding horses. If I were you, General, I'd take advantage of the situation. They are trained to pleasure men and they'll do anything you want... anything." Cassius stepped back and slapped Maximus on the shoulder causing a few more food items to join the soggy pile already on the floor and eliciting a giggle from his companion. "Eat up, General, then join the party. Pick any one you want even if she is with another man. You're the guest of honor here!" With that Cassius forced open the mouth of the woman beside him and jammed his tongue down her throat. Maximus saw her throat muscled contract as she gagged slightly before she gained control and responded in kind. Cassius' hands roamed over her buttocks squeezing her pale flesh as he pressed her against his hips.
By the time Cassius broke the embrace Maximus was back at the table where he handed his plate to a servant, his appetite completely destroyed. His head down, he glanced at Cassius from beneath his brows and was satisfied to see the man's face twisted in annoyance that his guest had not stayed for the entire performance.
Maximus swallowed a mouthful of wine and pondered what he had just learned. Cassius bought and bred these beauties for a life of sexual servitude. Somewhere in Rome he probably had a stash of little girls already being trained to take the place of these women when they grew too old or became pregnant or ill. Maximus shivered with revulsion despite the heat. He stared straight ahead, his unfocused eyes trying to blot out the writhing bodies at the edges of his vision. Filled with revulsion and loathing he shoved his wine goblet into the hands of a servant and headed for the door. He was leaving.
He had almost reached the filmy curtain at the entrance when a feminine voice called him from behind. "General? Not enjoying the party?"
Maximus turned to face a luscious redhead that had earlier been locked in the embrace of a gray-haired tribune. "No," he said simply as he started to turn away.
She grabbed his arm and pulled him back with surprising strength then pressed her breasts against his cuirass while her hand encircled the back of his neck and her lips brushed his ear. "I have messages for you, sir." She drew back and smiled into his startled face with soft coral-tinted lips and thickly-lashed brilliant blue eyes. Her flawless skin was like pure cream and her red-gold hair cascaded in thick waves to her hips. Her tunic was white silk shot through with golden strands that glittered in the lamplight. It revealed the tops of her full breasts and was pulled snuggly around her small waist with a golden braided belt. The soft fabric hugged her curved hips, opening at the front to reveal long, shapely legs. Maximus could only stare.
The woman was just a few inches shorter than Maximus and she held his gaze easily. Her voice was slightly husky when she whispered, "Come and sit down, General. I noticed you didn't eat any food." She smiled. "Later we can be more private."
He refused to move. "What's your name?"
"Julia."
"Julia," Maximus repeated but he didn't know why.
"Yes," said Julia as she pressed close to him again. She steadied his face with one hand while she licked his ear and nibbled the lobe before whispering, "General Maximus, please co-operate. This is dangerous for both of us. I have messages from Tribune Marcellus."
Maximus wrapped his arm around her waist and draped his right hand on her hip holding her close. He nuzzled her neck and asked, "Which one is he?"
"Tall, thin, gray hair and beard over by the middle food table."
Maximus peered at the table through the golden strands of her fragrant hair. The man who fit that description rubbed the middle finger of his right hand over the forefinger as if to scratch an itch then turned away. It was enough.
"Alright, Julia, I'll listen to what you have to say."
She slid her lips along his neck and across his bearded cheek to capture his mouth in a quick kiss before she nibbled on his bottom lip then ran her tongue along it. "We can't appear to be engaged in conversation, General, or we'll both wind up nailed to crosses," she breathed into his mouth. She took him by the hand to lead him away from the door but Maximus swirled her back into his arms and kissed her mouth passionately then whispered, "What is the name of the man who contacted Marcellus?"
Julia's voice was slightly breathless. "Claudius."
Maximus threaded his fingers through her hair and kissed her forehead then her eyes, cheeks and lips. "Lead the way, Julia. I do feel hungry again all of a sudden." His large hands framed her face as he smiled at her, blue eyes meeting blue. Her hands grasped his strong forearms.
Julia was too mesmerized to move. Marcellus hadn't told her that General Maximus would be like this. He was much younger and far more attractive and strong than she had expected. Her fears about her role in this plot lessened considerably. She felt safe with this man. She returned his smile with a very genuine one of her own.
Hand in hand they approached the tables. "There's not much food left, now, General, but I know what's good and what isn't. Do you mind if I make you up a plate?"
"Not at all. Thank you." Maximus stepped back a step and bumped into Marcellus. "Excuse me, I should look where I'm going."
"Not at all, General." Marcellus extended his hand and Maximus grasped it. "I'm Marcellus, senior tribune to Emperor Cassius."
"And a very loyal one, I see. I happen to believe that Marcus Aurelius is alive and well and remains the true emperor of Rome." Maximus could see Cassius watching their conversation with interest from across the room. He was also very aware that another officer had sidled up very close to them as he pretended to inspect the food on the table.
"Well, I hope we can persuade you to change your mind, General. A man of your legendary abilities would be very useful to an emperor who truly appreciated you." Marcellus looked him up and down. "Maybe even head of the Praetorian in Rome -- how does that appeal to you? No more army camps in miserable outposts."
"I serve Rome the way my emperor feels I am best suited, Tribune Marcellus, and I always will."
"Well... I can see that I am not going to persuade you to my way of thinking tonight, General. Ah... Julia is taking care of you, I see. You have good taste, General. I saw you refuse those other woman -- waiting for the best one to become available." Marcellus laughed. "Have a very good evening, sir. Oh... by the way... if you prefer a little privacy there are curtained rooms at the back that have couches and cushions -- very cozy." Maximus followed Marcellus' gaze and he saw a number of small areas separated from the rest of the room by heavy draped fabric. "Not very soundproof, you understand, but some men prefer not to put on a show for the rest of us." Marcellus laughed and Maximus nodded his understanding.
"Here you are, General, a small sampling of everything that's good. The Emperor's personal cook is excellent," Julia said.
"Enjoy, General." Marcellus bowed slightly as Julia took Maximus' hand again and led him to one side of the main room where she had spied a free couch. She set the plate down on the small table beside a slightly smoking oil lamp and plumped up a few cushions, piling them high for Maximus to rest against. He started to sit down but she stopped him.
"General, that leather looks so hot and stiff. Why don't you let me help you out of it." He obediently raised his arms and she deftly worked the buckles. The cuirass soon sat on the floor by the table. "That's better." Julia stepped back to admire him. Maximus now wore a simple wine-red tunic of light wool that barely covered his broad shoulders and fell to mid-thigh, held snug to his waist by a wide, leather belt. His muscled legs were bare except for the laced boots which covered his calves. "It's very hot in here, General. Wouldn't you be more comfortable in sandals? I could find--"
"I'm used to boots. They're fine"
"Whatever you wish." Julia was well aware that many women in the room were looking at her with envy even as they serviced other men. She had no intention of letting them get their hands on this one and she moved her body to block their view of Maximus once he sat down.
Maximus felt very foolish reclining on the couch while a woman fed him but he was determined not to risk her safety by being uncooperative. He played with her hair while she selected small bites of food and brought them to his mouth. He kissed her fingers before she pulled them away. He ran his hands down the silky skin of her arms making her shiver and smile.
Maximus swallowed a mouthful of food and then asked, "Where are you from, Julia?"
She paused with her hand mid-way between the plate and his mouth. "I was born in Rome."
"You're a slave?"
She nodded.
"How did that happen?"
"I was born a slave, sir. I don't know who my parents are." She leaned forward and kissed him, a long lingering kiss. Before she sat back she whispered, "You ask too many questions."
He persisted. "How old are you?"
"I'm not sure. About eighteen, I think."
Maximus sipped his wine as he studied her. She was quite simply the most beautiful woman he had ever seen or imagined and it sickened him to think of her as the plaything of Cassius or any officer who wanted her. He sighed heavily as he thought of the things that she had probably been forced to do in her young life.
Julia fretted. "I'm not making you happy." She ran her hand up his thigh and under his tunic before he grabbed her wrist to stop her. "Please, General. They'll know that something's wrong," she whispered urgently. "I'm usually so good at satisfying men."
He loosened his grip on her wrist but did not let go. "I'm married," he said quietly.
"So are half the men here. Cassius is married." Her eyes pleaded with him.
He sighed again. "Come here," he said as he pulled her body on top of his, her legs on either side of his hips, her breasts pressed against his chest. One hand caressed her back, then her buttocks as the other turned her face to his neck. He whispered in her ear. "Julia, I do not intend to risk your life. But understand this, I made a promise to my wife that I would remain faithful and I will keep that promise no matter how difficult it is for me, no matter how much I want you. Now kiss me then we'll go to one of those rooms at the back where conversation isn't so risky." He turned his face to the side and captured her mouth in a kiss that sent her senses reeling, his tongue exploring her open mouth. When he tried to end it she wouldn't let him and locked her mouth on his. She knew that he was aroused but so was she -- and that shocked her. She finally withdrew her tongue from his mouth and gently kissed his closed eyes while he struggled to steady his breathing.
"Maximus," she murmured.
His eyes flew open. "Don't call me that," he growled.
She loved his deep voice. "Why not?"
"It's too... too... familiar."
"Maximus, I'm lying on top of you. There is almost nothing separating our bodies, and you think calling you by your name is too familiar?" She laughed and kissed him again.
He couldn't think of a reply to that comment and she took advantage of his silence to snuggle against his chest, pleased to hear his heart pounding as hard as hers. His strong arms wrapped around her and held her tight.
"Maximus," she sighed against his chest. "That name suits you. So strong." She lay still for a few moments before she propped herself up and looked into his face, her fingers ruffling his thick hair. "But so gentle." Her tone was slightly incredulous. "Men aren't often gentle with me, Maximus. I don't remember ever being held before."
To Julia's astonishment, Maximus snarled. "You are one of the things that I intend to make Cassius pay for dearly." With that Maximus rolled Julia off to the side and caught her before she fell off the couch, with one arm under her knees and the other under her arms. He hoisted her up as if she were made of air and pressed her to his chest as he headed for a small curtained room, stepping over or kicking aside anything that stood in his way.
Chapter 45 - The Plan
Inside the private room Maximus set Julia on her feet and pulled the curtain closed darkening the small space considerably. One lone lamp burned on the table but it's meager light did not reach even the far corners of this space. Maximus waited a moment for his eyes to adjust then inspected the area which was enclosed by heavy, dark curtains on all four sides. Maximus fingered the fabric and discovered that the panels were stitched together effectively making the room private from prying eyes, but it was far from soundproof as Marcellus had warned him. Other rooms were on both sides of this one and the curtains did not reach right to the ceiling of the tent.
"Maximus--"
He silenced Julia with a finger to his lips and stood motionless, listening, his head cocked on a slight angle. After a few moments Maximus visibly relaxed and reached for Julia's hand to pull her close to him, her breasts just brushing his chest. "Very quietly now, tell me what you know."
Julia suddenly felt strangely shy and stood awkwardly with her hands at her sides, afraid to touch him.
Maximus prompted her again. "Julia, tell me what Marcellus told you."
"He sends a warning that Cassius--" Suddenly Maximus pushed her face into his shoulder smothering her words and she grabbed his arms for support.
"Stay very quiet," he whispered in her ear.
Her heart pounding, she wondered what he had heard, then she heard it too -- the sound of a curtain being drawn closed in the room to the right of theirs. Then all was quiet again except for the sound of her pounding heart and her quick, shallow breaths against his neck.
Maximus stared hard at the shared curtain of the two rooms looking for any sign of movement. The divider remained still. But somebody was there. Somebody was in the room beside theirs, quietly listening for their conversation or for sounds of their lovemaking.
Maximus let out his breath slowly and whispered to her again. "Quickly. Tell me what Marcellus said to you."
"Maximus, you are in great danger. Cassius plans to have you killed and make it look like an accident. He thinks you are far too powerful and that the army would support you against him -- that even his own men would."
"When?"
"I don't know. Soon."
"Go on."
"Marcellus believes that the only way to stop Cassius is to kill him. He is willing to do it if you will protect him and offer him immunity."
"How does he plan to kill him?"
"Cassius does not suspect that Marcellus is against him. He allows Marcellus to get close to him physically--"
"Shhhh...." Maximus had detected a slight movement of the curtain and a tiny ray of light slanted across the floor. Whoever was in the other room was getting curious or impatient. The light disappeared. "Julia, we need to make some sound. Some... passionate noises."
Despite their dangerous situation Julia couldn't resist teasing him a little. "Then you're going to have to make love to me, Maximus."
"No. I told you--"
"Yes, yes, I'm just teasing. Don't worry, I can pretend. It's something I do a lot, believe me." Julia rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes allowing her breathing to deepen.
"Can you listen to me while you're doing that?"
She nodded and punctuated her breaths with a few gasps.
Maximus continued, "Tell Marcellus that I had planned to stall Cassius until Marcus Aurelius got here but I have no idea when that will be so the plan to kill Cassius is the only one that makes sense."
Julia nodded and produced a husky growl deep in her throat.
Maximus' own breathing started to quicken and Julia smiled in satisfaction when she felt it. "Oh, General," she murmured. "Oh, do that again." She moved her hips against him and he grabbed her buttocks, stilling them, then jerked his hands away as if he had touched fire. Julia softly kissed the coarse whiskers on his neck before escalating her breathing again. She was fully aware that her passion was well beyond pretense. Leaning against Maximus it was very easy to imagine his strong arms lifting her and settling her onto his hips as he--"
"Julia, tell Marcellus to go ahead with his plan and that I will give him the support he needs. To do that, though, I must be nearby when he does the deed. It's very important that he does it -- one of Cassius' own men -- to show the others... Julia? Julia? Did you hear me?" Maximus whispered urgently.
"Yes...." Her word sounded dreamy and her hips pressed against him again but Maximus knew that her actions were now beyond her conscious control. She was deeply aroused and he was afraid she was losing concentration. He shook her slightly.
"Julia, listen. I am guarded closely. It will be difficult for me to get away from my guards but I may be able to slip out at night with Claudius' help." Maximus glanced at the curtain again and saw it move and in and out in a quick rhythm as if someone were leaning against it and breathing quite hard. Julia's performance was arousing more than herself -- and him.
Maximus took a few deep breaths, struggling for control of his emotions, then in one quick movement he swept Julia off her feet and lay her on the couch, its wooden legs creaking slightly in protest. Maximus stood beside the couch facing Julia, balanced on one leg, and he gently placed his other knee high between her parted thighs. She reached out to draw him to her but he shook his head and grabbed her hands, pulling them away. A little bit of pressure was all it took and she arched her back as she convulsed, crying out his name. Moments later a deep groan emitted from the other side of the curtain. Maximus gnashed his teeth in frustration, the only one of the trio not satisfied.
He winced slightly as he removed his knee from the couch and moved quietly to the curtained door of the room, parting it slightly and peaking out just in time to see a balding tribune scurry away, no doubt to report to Cassius full details of everything he had just heard. Maximus seriously hoped that his account would not include anything beyond gasps and moans. He glanced at the small room on the other side of theirs and saw that it too was empty. He dropped the curtain and turned back to Julia when he heard her quiet words.
"You're a strange man."
Maximus crossed his arms and allowed his body to sag somewhat. He was suddenly extremely tired. "Really? How so?" he asked in a hushed voice.
Julia rolled to her side and adjusted her clothing to cover her legs before explaining, "You're the only man I've ever met who isn't concerned solely with his own pleasure." She grinned wickedly. "You're going to pay for it, you know."
He rubbed a hand across his eyes then around the back of his neck. "I know. I just hope I don't have to get on a horse tomorrow."
Julia chuckled then her tone turned very serious. "I envy your wife. She's a very lucky woman."
Maximus smiled. "I like to think so."
"I hope she's worth it."
"She is. I promised her...," his words drifted away.
"Do you have children?"
"A son who's two. His name is Marcus."
"After the emperor?"
"Yes."
Julia rose from the couch and approached him stopping just before he was within touching distance. "You must think a great deal of the emperor."
"I do. He's like a father to me. I lost my father when I was young."
Julia sighed heavily and Maximus could see the tears glistening in her eyes. Her words were hesitant. "What you did to me... was it only because you had to?"
Maximus didn't reply because he honestly didn't know the answer. "Julia, you'll find someone someday. Someone very special," he said.
"Maximus, I'm a slave." Her words sounded slightly strangled as unshed tears tightened her throat.
"When Cassius is gone you'll have your freedom. You have earned it and so have the other women."
"There's only one you, though. And you're taken."
"Julia, I haven't seen my wife in two years. Being married to a man in my position has tremendous drawbacks. Olivia makes incredible sacrifices--"
"Olivia."
Maximus stared at the young beauty standing before him and anxiously turned the conversation back to the business at hand. "Julia... do you remember what I told you to tell Marcellus?"
"Yes."
"What?"
"That you will support him and that you need to be there when... it is done... but you are heavily guarded. I assume you want him to tell you when, where and how it will happen."
"Yes. And it must be very soon."
"He is to send a message through Claudius?"
"That would be the safest way."
"Maximus, please be careful. Your life is in great danger. Remember that," Julia pleaded, her hands reaching towards him momentarily before they dropped back to her sides.
He nodded. "I have to go. You've done well, Julia. Marcellus was wise to have chosen you." Anxious to end their difficult conversation, he swiftly pulled aside the curtain and let it drop behind him as he stepped into the main room only to find that many of the officers had already left and the few remaining were sprawled on couches either passed out or asleep. Their snores mingles with the muffled weeping coming from the room he had just left. He had successfully accomplished his mission for the night but he felt totally unsettled -- hollow.
He found his cuirass where he had left it and slipped it on, returning to the food tables to grab a hunk of bread as an excuse to slide a sharp knife under his cuirass before heading for the exit.
He stepped outside Cassius' tent and gulped the cool, fresh air then was immediately flanked by his four guards again. He determinedly ignored them and headed for his tent but the skin on the back of his neck crawled. Were these men to be his assassins?
