"A condemned man escapes death in the arena and Mr. Tibbs is on the case because he should have died! Marcus Colla is now a Gladiator at Senator Agenn's Ludus [Gladiator Training School] and has caught the eye of Lady Livia Drusilla Agenn and this can have consequences for Humanity. Jericho is tasked with restoring the current timeline by any means possible and that involves a trip back to Ancient Rome! Alex is quickly taken by big rough men who don’t know how to treat a lady…and she loves it!"
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| EPISODE INFORMATION |
SMOKING - ALCOHOL USE - VIOLENCE [INCLUDING SEXUAL VIOLENCE, BDSM] - STRONG LANGUAGE - GRAPHIC HARD SEX REFERENCES & DIVERSE SEXUAL PRACTISES.
This episode has a reading time of approximately 60 minutes.
This story can be found in "The adventures of Alexandra" BOOK SERIES 3 - Episode 5.
This is the alternative ADULT version of the original episode "MARCUS COLLA AND THE FIGHTING DEAD" which is published [both in print and online] in "THE TEMPORAL DETECTIVES" series. It will differ from that episode in some respects. Both series' are written by the author: Stephen J. Williams. To visit that website's page for the original version of this episode please click on 'DETECTIVE' icon in the Navigation Bar at the base of this story: IF AVAILABLE.
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1. THE ARENA AT SUBURRA; 9th
DAY OF JUNO 69BC.
They dragged him across the rough floor of sand and brick, pulling the chains that encircled his arms; Marcus Colla staggered and almost fell. “Come on you fucker! You can’t keep the audience waiting.” The Guard laughed and kicked Marcus up the arse, whilst the other tugged upon the chains and pulled Marcus towards the rusted Iron Gate which had splashes of fresh wet blood and little pieces of human skin – torn from the dead bodies - as they were dragged past it from the Arena to the Spollarium.
The Legionnaire on the gate rose from his crude little stool and took hold of his javelin, spitting pieces of goat fat from his teeth. The guard knew he would regret eating that old goat, but that was all the cookhouse was dishing up today. He should have stuck to bread and onions; he picked his teeth with a dirty finger and eyed the condemned man with little interest until he saw the tattoo on his right shoulder.
“What! Another fucking son of a whore from the bloody 8th. What did
you do to get this; fuck your Tribunes daughter?” He smiled, showing gaped and
yellowed teeth. The prisoner, who was being stripped of his chains, turned his
head slowly and stared at the man, his piercing blue eyes bright with anger; but
said nothing.
The fat guard pulled the chains from Marcus’s ankles leaving blooded red marks
about each and shouted to the Legionnaire; “This fuck head was found with his
Centurions wife!” The Gate guard laughed out loud and with some effort, pulled
the gate half open saying to Marcus; “Hope she was worth the fuck you dim
shit!” The fat guard took hold of Marcus by the shoulders and threw him through
the gate; “See you in Hades; you piece of shit!”
Marcus staggered out into the sunshine and wiped sweat and blood from his eyes
and face. The crowd was sparse and seemed uninterested in the latest
entertainment offered. Marcus could see the floor of the little Arena was churned
up with puddles of blood and several human limbs lay scattered around. An old man
appeared from behind the gateway and threw a gladius onto the sand by his feet,
shouting; ”May the God’s be with you!”
2. DEATH IN THE AFTERNOON.
Marcus gripped the sword tightly; after washing his hands in the warm sand to clean the blood and sweat from them. After eight years in the legions, this shithole was his reward. He thought about Titus Caelinus; the Centurion who had condemned him to the arena for bedding his wife Octavia and deeply regretted not killing him when he had the opportunity. He watched carefully as the two figures emerged from the shadows to shouts of encouragement from part of the crowd. The remainder appeared indifferent to the fate of Marcus Colla.
One, a big man who appeared to move slowly, was a Retiarius and Marcus knew he must avoid the net throws or be killed like a wild boar in a rope trap. The other was a Murmillo; Marcus also knew that he would have to get behind the large rectangular shield to inflict damage upon the Gladiator.
The pair lifted sword and Trident above their heads and saluted the crowd,
whilst Marcus pissed into the sand and waved his cock at them shouting; “Fuck
you!” A ripple of laughter swept the audience; arena crowds always had the
habit of supporting their hero’s or occasionally, an underdog that took their
fancy by outrageous behaviour in the arena. Marcus knew that he had nothing to
lose; win or lose. Live or die.
Marcus couldn’t see the young woman standing by the metal door, but then neither could anyone else. Neerja Naidu loosened her sari and flicked open her Soul Ledger; on the page was several names including ‘Marcus Colla’ with a little note saying: ’Suburra Arena.’ She also noticed two other names for the same arena and same time. They must kill each other she speculated and pulled her mirror from her sari and nodded with satisfaction. Three deaths and three souls to collect.
That’s when Neerja saw the thin dark man standing by the arena wall; he was wearing a light blue suit and stood, arms folded, watching Marcus’s fight for life unfolding in the hot sunshine. She also knew he was not human – well, not anymore - he lifted his arm and gave Neerja a small wave in greeting. She waved back, giving a little smile and wondered why a ‘Dispatcher’ would attend such an insignificant dispatch in person.
The young man walked around the fight and stood next to Neerja, showing his mirror as badge of office and said quietly; “Latest idea from ‘old man death’ – quality control visits!” He explained that Archangel Abraham had ordered Senior Dispatchers to attend randomly selected Dispatches [Deaths] for quality control purposes!
Neerja laughed outright, and then noticed that she had a soul to collect. Marcus, despite bleeding from a cut to his shoulder had killed the Murmillo and now the crowd was interested; he also had gained a better sword and now a shield. The Retiarius was twirling the weighed net above his head and approaching Marcus, trident at the ready. Marcus crouched behind the newly acquired shield and awaited the attack, spinning the sword in his right hand; checking its balance; it felt good.
The dead Gladiator stood next to Neerja and watched without emotion as the fight
to the death continued. “Didn’t think he would do that; slide across the sand
and come up under my fucking shield; the bastard gutted me like a fish!” He said
to her and sighed, staring at his dead body which had a bloody pile of
intestines lying to one side; “Like a fucking fish!” He repeated, shaking his
head in a mixture of sadness and surprise. “The fucking crowd loved that.” He added
and actually laughed gently to himself.
Suddenly the crowd was on their feet shouting and screaming; Marcus had slipped the net throw and was taunting the big man as he swung his trident wildly. As Marcus closed down the Retiarius, the Gladiator seemed to stagger and his free hand gripped his chest, dipping the trident towards the sand. Marcus leapt forward and pushed his sword through the falling man’s throat without hesitation, causing a large spurt of blood which sprayed into the air.
The crowd was roaring its approval as the Collector was joined by another soul
who was cursing loudly and shaking his head; ”I fucking had him; what the fuck
happened?” Neerja consulted her mirror and didn’t smile; the big man had
suffered a sudden and violent heart stoppage early, just a minute or so earlier
than he should have suffered it. But that little minute had changed everything.
He had dropped dead before he killed Marcus and not afterwards!
3. AN UNEXPECTED RESULT.
The Senator smiled and raised his thumb high up; Marcus had achieved life - for now. Lady Livia sat back and smiled at her Maid Julia who nodded to her mistress. Julia knew that the new ‘Gladiator’ would receive a warm welcome from her lady.
The surprised Collector consulted her Soul Ledger and saw Marcus had vanished from the page. The Dispatcher shook his head and looked quite anxious; “He is still showing on my Dispatch list; what the hell has gone wrong?” He spoke quietly to Neerja and returned to his office in an instance; to report this unexpected turn of events.
Neerja closed her little black book and watched as Marcus was walked back into the
dark interior by the guards; still very much alive. She returned to the
Collections Office with the two new souls and reported the incident to her supervisor,
who received the news with a grim expression because the Dispatch Department had
already contacted him for an explanation and Human Records were also demanding
answers.
Neerja and her supervisor walked down the bright corridor and stopped outside a door; the gold door plate said simply: ‘Duty Death Angel’. They knocked and entered when Angel Margret called them in.
Mr. Tibbs was informed of his new mission sometime later and the team gathered
in his study, served drinks and coffee by Mr. Harris. Jericho stood by the
blazing fire and outlined his plan; He and Alex would be disguised as wealthy
Roman's, seeking to purchase gladiators and would buy Marcus at a price his new
master simply could not refuse - then they would place Marcus back in the local
Arena against quite impossible odds - he would be killed, as he should have
been earlier, and the current timeline would be secure.
Alex was very unhappy at the thought of allowing a man to be brutally killed in the arena, but she knew the changes that could be created by his survival, would cause havoc further down the line and offer even greater danger to the future.
Wilson actually loved the idea of dressing up as the couples personal guard, he whispered to Owen; "As long as I can have a bloody big sword and handsome breastplate, I'll be happy." Owen grinned and added; "Don't forget a magnificent big fuck off helmet!" The pair laughed until they saw the disapproving look upon Alex's face. They both shrugged their shoulders and grinned together. Owen was also happy with his part; as the couple's travelling Steward he got to carry the money and order other servants about! Jericho also stated that Angel Margret had released several men from the era, who were currently in quarantine, to serve as Imperial troops which would certainly add some clout to their mission and greatly help the deception. The men had agreed readily; it was a chance to live again as they did before, then they would be passing into a new time and new lives. It also meant they escaped from quarantine early. The Devil’s Garden of the damned wasn’t a very pleasant place.
As the little group
headed for the light room, Alex consulted her mirror and spoke directly to
Jericho; "It appears that our man is already receiving favours from the
wife of his new Master and she appears to be quite insatiable, that could mean
trouble." Wilson grinned broadly; "Well, at least he'll die with a
bloody big smile upon his face!"
Jericho agreed with Alex's words; "The wife is not a problem, for the era
she is already past the age where she could conceive, but he could be given young
slave girls as a reward for killing in the arena and if one of those girls
produce a child that should not have existed, we could be in serious
trouble."
Alex nodded her agreement at that and they passed into the light and returned to
the Roman Empire at the height of its power and excess. On the dirt road just
outside the small city of Suburra, they met Christine from Supplies who
equipped the team for their mission. Thus, the convoy of wagons and troops
gathered together; then headed for the villa of Senator Brutus Agenn.
She chuckled at
that, Owen was certainly right, and her eyes caught a big man sitting away from
the others with a small wooden box held firmly in both hands. He appeared to pray
or think deeply. She wondered what the box meant to him. She walked over and he
immediately stood and bowed a little. She gestured to the box and asked about its
history.
Alex, wiping sweat from her eyes, gasped out “I think you’ve also slipped something in my box!” and the pair laughed, grabbing each other and kissing. Sedd, reached over and pulled his little box from his discarded shirt. He carefully opened it and gently blew a kiss inside and turned to Alex, smiling in a strange way, “I never thought I would add anything so beautiful as you into my little box. Thank you, my lady.”! Alex wiped a tear and pulled him close. They didn’t kiss, just held each other tight in a quiet silence. Without another word, Sedd, rose and dressed: the night guard was changing watches and he was on duty. He stood by the open tent flap as Alex curled up on the carpet, wrapped in her dress and smiled. He raised his hand in salute and was gone. Alex lay back and stared at the roof of her tent and really smiled. She grabbed the goblet and slowly sipped the sweet dark wine. Something about the big man had touched her inside and she suddenly thought about Freddie Babette. [See episodes: ‘Alexandra: the reluctant French Maid’ and ‘Alexandra and the Snooker, stockings & Devilish deceit plot’.]
Lupus certainly was worth his money and his ‘circus’ never failed to entertain; even the most sexually jaded palate was satisfied by what he offered. His “in circo amatorios” had even performed in Rome for some of the empire’s most discerning and dissolute wealthy aristocrats and Politian’s. It was rumoured that the new emperor himself had attended one of his shows. Lady Livia chuckled and wondered how long Emperor Otho would last; he was the second one already this year, having murdered his predecessor Galba. Such was Roman politics and Emperor’s came and went; normally removed from office quite violently and from life permanently.
She called for Julia and handed her the dildo. Julia dropped her robe and naked, climbed into the bath; her mistress was certainly insatiable when she was in the mood.
The smell of cooking swept about the place; chickens ran about the kitchens and small garden. The household slaves went about their duties; few smiled. Below the grand villa lay the Gladiator’s cells. The household guards stood about and waited for their shift to end. Most were former Legionnaires who had retired from the legions and returned home to marry and raise a family. Working at the Ludus allowed them that privilege and the pay wasn’t bad. The senator certainly knew the value of good guards about his villa with cells full of trained killers beneath it. Slave revolts were common and – by necessity - had to be crushed with extreme violence.
The Senators father had told him about such a revolt when he was a boy; over three hundred slaves had revolted, killing their masters, and raping their wives and daughters. It had been crushed and all the surviving slaves had been crucified or thrown to wild animals in the arena. Thus, Senator Brutus didn’t spare coin on his protection; his father’s words still haunted him to this day.
In the dark underground rooms lit by feeble lamps;
the gladiators tried to rest. Marcus Colla sat in his cell and touched the stitches
of his wounded shoulder with some tenderness; the attending Medici [surgeon]
clearly knew his stuff. The so called ‘doctors’ attached to his old
Legion couldn’t sew up a chicken’s arse for boiling!
His mind went over the afternoon’s events, and he stretched out upon the plain wooden pallet that served as his bed. He had killed two young men in the arena: hacking the head off one and ripping open the guts on the other; but not before that bastard, dying Gaul had nicked him with his spear.
But his Master; Senator Brutus Agenn had been well pleased with Marcus and rewarded him with wine and fresh meat for dinner; Marcus had been at the Agenn Ludus for Gladiators for some weeks now and had already killed three opponents in the arena. He knew that his next performance – if he survived – would be rewarded with a woman. Marcus grinned and gripped his flaccid penis and then sighed; “There must be something fucking wrong!” He had not had an erection for two days and he groaned loudly at the prospect of a really young slave girl for pleasure and no damn erection! "That old bitch is draining my balls dry." He muttered and lay back on the bed, staring at the dull ceiling, pulling his cock about in the hope that something may happen.Nothing did. Marcus cussed loudly in anger and frustration. “What the fuck are you moaning at?” Grego gripped the bars of his cell and laughed; “You survived those two Gaul’s and with the next victory; you’ll be given fresh young fanny to feast upon!” He was a large African with a shaved head and well-oiled body. Grego had been condemned to the arena for murder and had already dispatched several opponents – without suffering a scratch – ‘Blessed by Mars!’ Their Lanista Aquila would say before giving Grego a slap from his whip, when he foolishly lapsed during training and Aquila noticed everything in his training arena.
He was keeping a close eye on Marcus; a real killer that one, he thought to himself, whilst watching Marcus beating down his opponent on the training sand. He had explained to his master; Senator Agenn that Marcus was simply a killer and needed to ‘dress-up’ his kills for the audience if he wished to make a real name for himself and the house of Agenn.
Senator Agenn told Aquila to prepare four of the men for a private party to celebrate his wife’s birthday. “My old friend Senator Lucious will be attending, and he is in the market for Gladiators; for Rome.” That could mean good money for the House of Agenn if they had their gladiators presented in Rome.
Aquila nodded his agreement and started to assess his best gladiators for the show. He also knew that Lady Livia Drusilla Agenn would appreciate gladiators like Marcus and Grego, stripped down to their bare essentials and spilling blood. That thought made Aquila laugh under his breath, as he watched his Dominus disappear from his small office at the rear of the cells.
He knew that Marcus had definitely caught the eye of the Lady of the House and
that will mean trouble – so if he could get Marcus sold to Rome - that would certainly
solve a couple of problems. That made the old gladiator smile, and he took a
swig from the goatskin of wine that hung behind his door.
Aquila slumped into his rough wooden chair and leaned back upon the stone wall, staring through the small window into the house arena. Had he really lived here for fifteen years? He took another swig of wine and closed his eyes – Tessa’s face appeared in his mind, and he smiled – his first, and if he was honest, the only real love of this miserable life as Legionnaire, slave and gladiator.
But he was a ‘Lanista’ now and his eyes fell upon the small wooden sword that hung with real pride above his rough bed. The Rudus was the symbol of the freedom that he had won.
His mind slipped back to the hot dusty arena on that very special afternoon. It was a public holiday, and the place was packed with people drinking, fornicating, and eating the free bread and cheap wine supplied. He stepped out to huge applause; he was the local champion, and he raised his sword to them and his master; the senator. He was facing three men; two had some experience in the arena and the third was a big man from Germania, all hair and muscles. He was the unknown factor; the other two opponents Aquila knew and could exploit their weaknesses. But the big savage was a different matter.
The games editor dropped his arm, and the fight was on. As expected, the three came at Aquila, each from a different direction. He expertly side stepped the frantic jabbing of the first gladiator to reach him and actually jumped behind the fellow with some agility. The crowd cheered loudly as he drove his sword through the side of the man’s breastplate and pushed the screaming man at his friend who was coming at Aquila with his spear.
The crowd were now on the feet cheering and screaming for Aquila. The gladiator – rushing forward - had driven his spear through his colleague!
The big savage from Germania now came forward, slowly and carefully, like he was guessing the measure of Aquilia, his sword exchanging hands as he approached. Sword verses spear now as the big gladiator tried to skewer Aquilia but he was too fast for the big man and leapt upon him at the first chance he got. The big savage had now joined the fight and Aquilia had to deflect several swipes of his sword before he could dispatch the gasping big gladiator with his dagger, which he drove through his throat.
The crowd was now ecstatic with blood lust and cheered wildly as Aquilia and the savage fought it out on the sand. Aquila’s experience showed in the end; despite being cut on his right arm he managed to drive his dagger through the big man’s shoulder which made him drop his sword. Before he could pick it up with his other hand; Aquila struck again with his sword and sliced the big man’s hand in two. He staggered back screaming and cussing and Aquilia put an end to his suffering and the contest by running his sword through the man’s throat.
Panting and gasping, Aquilia raised his sword to the crowd who were now chanting “Freedom”. The games Editor: Senator Augustus Dexterous raised his thumb and declared by the authority invested in him by the senate and people of Rome; this gladiator was a free man.
Aquila had won his freedom in the arena and now trained gladiators for one of the city’s best Ludus - the house of Agenn - He closed his eyes and felt tiredness close over him, but he shook the feeling away; he still had work to do. He yawned and opened his eyes, reaching for the wine sack again, he stopped suddenly and jumped to his feet and through the small window he could see Lady Livia escorting a very wealthy looking couple and their guard and servant towards him.
The serving slave Julia stuck her head around his door and spoke softly; “The Mistress is looking for the Dominus, a wealthy couple visiting from Rome wants to look over the Gladiators.”
6. VISITORS.
Aquila grunted and told Julia that the Master would probably be in the wine room with the House Steward Claudius; he would be selecting the wine for the party. That’s when Aquila took a close look at the couple and smiled broadly; the woman was simply stunning, tall, pale skinned and with beautiful dark hair. He noticed her walk and the way she held her head: Aristocracy. Plain, simple and obvious: Aristocracy. He repeated to himself, then pulled away from her beauty and eyed her husband. Nothing special there; he has to be really wealthy to have married such an Aristocratic woman; really wealthy.
He looked at their African Guard; truly a big man with a large, curved sword
and silver breastplate and helmet. Aquila knew he could handle himself, just by
his walk and the way he looked about with each step. The skinny little servant
boy sparked no interest apart from the strange grin and shuffling walk, but the
dark leather bag hanging from his shoulder caught his eye; a money sack?
If they’re carrying money with them; then it’s a serious visit. Aquila grinned
broadly and wiped his hands upon his shabby tunic, he could see by the Southern
Gateway, several Legionnaires with red and silver tunics – By fucking Mars, their
guards were Imperial troops - who the hell are these people!
Then he heard his Mistress calling his name. Quickly fitting his best
breastplate, Aquila emerged from the semi-darkness of his small office and
stepped into the bright sunshine and bowed quite low. He followed the group
into the house as servants offered wine and grapes to the visitors.
My husband, Senator Agenn will be here immediately.” Lady Liva announced, and the guests sat at her bidding, everyone noticed that the big African guard remained standing behind his master; his face expressionless, but Aquila noticed his eyes were moving around the room and his hand remained upon the hilt of that deadly looking sword. Guards like him didn’t come cheap – this pair stinks of money and power he concluded – and his Mistress knew it.
Senator Agenn embraced his visitor like a long-lost son and kissed Lady Alex’s
hand. “Welcome Lord Tibbus to the house of Agenn.” He said with some pride and
the group sat chatting, sipping wine and nibbling at grapes and olives. “I
convinced my husband that we can find excellent fighting stock here in the
provinces – and have a little holiday together - from all the intrigues of
Rome.” Lady Alex smiled broadly and gripped her husband’s shoulder with some
tenderness, adding; “My father keeps about forty gladiators at his Southern
Villa and Ludus. They fight exclusively in Rome at the many festivals and
Imperial celebrations, so he is constantly seeking good stock.”
“I have heard your name several times in regard to good fighters, hence the
visit.” Lord Tibbus said quietly and glanced at Aquilia; “Some three years ago
I saw you fight here; you killed three warriors – they were Germanic - I think.
Excellent kills, good entertainment. Now as Lanista of such a house, I would
wager you’re producing some good fighting men; yes?”
Aquila bowed low and Senator Agenn nodded that he may speak in reply.
“My Lord, we have some good one’s coming up and maybe three or four have the
skills and experience to claim a place in the great and famous arena of Rome and
give honour to your house.” He slapped his fist across his chest in salute, like
he was back in the legions and saluting his Officer.
Lord Tibbus smiled and nodded at Senator Agenn; “Such a man can be believed!”
and raised his glass to Aquila in salute. “May we see your four best men?” He
asked the Senator directly and both the Senator and his wife knew that a man
like this didn’t make requests; he ordered. But Lady Liva told Aquila to bring
up his four best fighters; but not Marcus.
The look on her husband’s face spoke volumes about their real relationship;
they had loathed each other for some years, but divorce was out of the question
for both. He needed her money and father’s influence; she needed his position
as Senator and Master of Gladiators and so they played the game of happy families
to keep what they needed.
Aquila returned to the cells and ordered the chosen Gladiators to prepare with
oil. He had witnessed the altercation between the Dominus and the Mistress in
the small antechamber to the feasting room, over Marcus. What had been passing
between him and the Mistress was now apparent to her husband and for once, he
wasn't prepared to overlook this little affair. Even with their voices lowered
both Aquilia and Julia could hear what was being said. Julia grabbed Aquila’s
arm and whispered; “By the god’s if we can hear that, so can the visitors!”
Aquila nodded and slowly descended down to the cells where he ordered his assistant
– Gorgo – to fetch Grego, the Spaniard, Hurco and Mantle. Gorgo didn’t smile;
“Not Marcus sir?” Aquilia nodded and jerked a thumb upwards; “The Dominus
and the mistress are discussing that now.” He stated with some sarcasm in his
voice.
Alex sipped her wine and smiled at Jericho who shrugged his shoulders; “Well that put the cat amongst the pigeons, it appears Lady Livia is quite attached to her new man.” Alex nodded; “But if her husband wants to sell then we still have a good chance of getting Marcus.” Jericho rubbed his chin; “I’ll make the senator an offer he can’t refuse.” and grinned. That’s when the senator returned looking a little flustered and demanded that the wine cups are all refilled. He smoothed down his toga and smiled at the pair; “Just discussing the men with my wife.” he said quietly and swallowed down some wine.
Aquilia appeared and bowed low; “The men are ready for inspection Dominus.” The four gladiators appeared, and all stared at Lady Alex. The look she received from Grego made her feel quite uncomfortable and she turned away and smiled at lady Livia as she returned to the party. Jericho gestured to his ‘steward’ and Owen came forward and placed the bag upon a small table. Jericho patted the bag and spoke directly to the senator; “My wife and I managed to catch some of the games this afternoon and were particularly taken by a couple of your men; I believe that are called Grego and Marcus. I would like to see those two. The big black man Grego is here, but where is the other one?”
The senator stared at his wife and slowly smiled. He was about to say something when Jericho lifted the satchel and tipped some of its contents onto the table. There were hundreds of silver and gold denarius now sprawled across the table. There was enough there to by the entire villa, never mind a couple of gladiators. It was an absolute fortune. Jericho smiled; “You see, I have come well prepared to get what I want, and I wish to purchase those two gladiators.”
The senator gulped down his wine and placed the cup on a try held by his manservant; with a trembling hand it should be noted. Aquilia raised his eyes to the gods; he had been right about this pair; money and power. He restrained from smiling; the Dominus wouldn’t refuse gold and silver denarius for the two men, never mind his wife’s wishes. The Senator – still staring at the pile of coins – nodded his agreement and a deal was struck over the two men. Lady Livia couldn’t hide her anger and walked from the room, her maid Julia in tow.
“I’ll collect them tomorrow my friend. I’ll send my assistant Lanista to take possession.” Jericho finished his drink as the young steward counted out the agreed amount of denarius and poured the rest back into his satchel. Lady Livia had calmed herself down and now returned to announce that supper was available. The look that passed between her and the Senator could have frozen a lake in midsummer!
Meanwhile, a strangely disinterested Marcus sat in his cell and knew why he wasn’t called; a large smile gripped his face and he whispered sarcastically; “Up Mars and down Venus.”
7. ROMAN HOSPITALITY.
The Agenn’s were disappointed that Lord Tibbus took to his rooms to rest instead of joining the party but were delighted that Lady Tibbus stayed. Their friends had arrived including the Magistrate Claudius who wife was well known to enjoy a ‘party’ – any party – and she latched onto Alex straight way. A small woman with big breasts and an equally big sexual appetite that the old magistrate could never satisfy. The party started with African dancers who leapt around the place to throbbing drums. Claudius’s wife – Henia – sipped her wine and pointed out their big jiggling penis’s to Alex with some delight. “It could be quite embarrassing to drop a black baby if you fuck with one of them. But the trick is making sure the animal pulls out before spraying his bloody seed in you. “ She giggled and Alex grimaced at her shocking description of the men as ‘animals’. But that was the High-class Roman way of talking in these times. But that didn’t match her surprise – and further shock – when Henia confessed that a small mule could satisfy with no danger of an unwanted baby! Alex gulped down some wine and was thankful when Drusilla gestured her over. “I just know you will like this Alex, come and watch.” Alex followed her behind some curtains into an antechamber where a table was the centre of attraction to several women, all drinking and gossiping, watching the show.
A young woman slave was kneeling on the table, head down and stark naked. She was being fucked by one of the gladiators who was pounding her with some lust and stamina. Gripping her buttocks, he was ramming his cock into her with some force. She would be screaming but was gagged. Standing behind the gladiator were three more men jerking their erections to keep them stiff as they waited their turn to fuck her. Drusilla waved her goblet at the scene; “I’ve bet twenty Denarii that she collapses before number four. I know the second man waiting and he can fuck hard and fast for ages, whilst the third one is huge and that will finish her.” Alex stared at the third slave-gladiator in line and almost choked on her wine. Drusilla hadn’t exaggerated: he could embarrass a horse!
Alex wondered where the men were and soon found out. In another curtained off antechamber, two women were rolling around a mat in lesbian sex. One had a monster ‘strap-on’ and was fucking the other one with great skill and hidden strength. The men were tossing the odd Denarii on the mat in appreciation of the women’s efforts. When the strap-on was pushed into the girls arse, a shower of coins hit the mat, especially when she screamed in pain. Alex wandered back to the main chamber and saw two women splashing naked in the small indoor pool, sharing a large black and green snake between themselves. Then she realised that an orgy was in full force. There were naked men and women everywhere, some in groups of three and four, sprawled across the floor or on couches and pillows thrown on the tiles. Drusilla caught up with Alex and guided her to the back rooms and they stood behind a thin curtain and peered into a bedchamber. Two men stood arms folded, quite naked, and they were big men in all respects.
Drusilla pushed a white swan mask into Alex’s hands; “Take your pick my dear, the big Black one is quite brutal and fucks like a lion in heat. He gives no quarter, and you’ll walk like an old woman when he’s finished with you. The other one is a Gaul and fucks well and lasts for ages until you let him explore your brown flower, then he spurts like a fountain!” She laughed, pushing her own mask on – a demon – and pulled the curtain back, smiling and sauntering in, like she was shopping. She gestured for Alex to follow and have first pick. Alex slipped the mask on and pulled the curtains shut behind her. She picked the Gaul and that appeared to delight Drusilla who pulled the big Black man onto the pile of pillows tossed upon the floor, with some unbridled enthusiasm.
Alex had the big Gaul behind her as she knelt in the ‘doggy’ position, and he mounted her with some speed and real determination. She gripped the pillows beneath her as he fucked hard and fast, gripping her hips with rough, big hands. He was like a bloody power drill and pounded Alex without restraint. She groaned and cussed a little as she was forced downwards and he now was above her, still fucking hard, driving his cock deep into her. Her first orgasm came quickly, and she really moaned which seemed to drive him on. She glanced across to see Drusilla, with the standing gladiator, wrapped about him as he jerked her up and down on his big cock with some force. She gripped his broad shoulders and called him everything from a pig to a dog!
Alex was now on her back with the big man on top, still fucking like a sex machine on overdrive. She held his heaving arse tightly and felt another orgasm, a big one this time, rack her body and she cussed and moaned loudly. She stared over his shoulders to see a group of guests all watching from the curtains, casually talking and sipping wine. One large fat man gave the thumbs up, and the others laughed.
Drusilla insisted they now swap, and they did. The black gladiator now fucked her in the missionary position with real power and an expressionless face. He was violent and rough, as the pair rolled amongst the pillows and the hard tiled floor. Alex had another orgasm and that finished her: she told him to cum and he did. He pulled from her and stood panting as she lay – almost exhausted – upon the pillows and watched the big Gaul finishing in Drusilla eager mouth. He then joined his colleague standing by the window, both men hadn’t said a damn word during the incredible fucking session.
Drusilla giggled, accepting wine from a naked servant, “I told you they’re good for only two things: fighting and fucking!” Alex could only nod as she grabbed a goblet and took a well earned gulp of wine. Drusilla sat up as a naked young girl wiped her crotch with a soft cloth and poured oil over it. “I think I’m ready for that damn mule now!” she declared and the watching guests all applauded. Alex cleaned herself up and – rather awkwardly – headed for the curtains, to another round of applause from the happy guests. She walked slowly back to her rooms and was surprised to see Owen sneaking back to his with a young woman – stark naked, apart from a mask – on his arm. She smiled and gave him the thumbs up which made him laugh. Then she laughed as a elderly man with few teeth walked a mangy looking mule past her: the bloody thing seemed to have a smile on it's face!
8. GODS AND GHOSTS.
Aquila watched as the chosen men trooped up the rear stairs into the Viewing Chamber and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. This had caused serious division between the Master and the Mistress - serious division – and that was bad.
Bad for the house and him, but he joined the four gladiators and stood watching – in amazement – at the contents of the strange boy’s satchel. He couldn’t hide his smile when both Grego and Marcus were sold to the couple from Rome. He returned with the men to the cells and watched carefully as they were secured for the night. Aquila returned to his room and stared out the small window. He took a couple of swigs from his wine goatskin and sighed; “By Mars the couple from Rome may have stopped a real nasty story unfolding.” He murmured to himself.
He watched as two of the serving girls carried bread, cheese and beer to the couples guards, sitting and standing around the Southern gateway. He was about to return to the cells when he heard a very distinctive laugh, it stopped Aquilla in his tracks. He turned slowly and stared at the Legionnaires who were teasing and laughing with the serving girls.
One big man stood out: laughing loudly and swigging his beer with great gusto. The legionnaire turned and faced Aquilla with a big smile. Aquilla gripped the doorway and felt his legs slightly go from under him. The big man raised his tankard to Aquilla and smiled broadly; it was an old Legionnaire colleague of Aquilla from the 12th legion; they had served in Germanicus and Gaul together.
The big man had been dead for many years. He was a ghost; a Phasma and he was beckoning Aquilla over to him. He
shuffled past the serving girls - returning to the kitchens to fetch more beer
- like a slave in chains, his mouth dry and mind clouded with fear.
He had never felt fear like this before, never in all his encounters in the arena. But he could not stop himself from walking over to the dead man. Sedd smiled broadly and gripped his old friend by the shoulder and spoke quietly; "Don't worry Aquilla, they are not here for you!" He nodded towards the villa's reception room and spoke quietly; "That bastard Marcus Colla should be dead, and the two deities are here to collect what's due to them. Do as they order you, my old friend, you cannot defy the Gods. They will have his soul."
With shaking hand, Aquilla gestured to the other soldiers and whispered; "How is this possible? I freed your soul with my own hand when I set your pyre ablaze all those years ago; how can you be standing here drinking and laughing?"Sedd laughed, throwing back his head; "The hereafter is nothing like we've been told, my friend and you need not fear it. The two deities have resurrected me and these other men to act as guards for them; we're no more than props that are used in a theatre. But it means we can live again, even if it’s only for a few hours. They will arrange for Marcus Colla to die in the arena at Suburra, as he should have done. Remember; do as they order!"
Filled with fear and trepidation, Aquilla returned to his office and drank deeply from the goatskin of wine, collapsing upon the rough little chair and staring up at the ceiling. The servant girl Julia appeared in the doorway and told Aquilla that the Mistress wanted him in her bedroom's antechamber; at once.
Aquilla dragged himself from the chair and made his way to the rear of the
Villa. He watched as the couple left for the night with their guards. Sedd gave
him a wave which made him shudder and he hurried to his mistress’s chamber.
9. A DESPERATE FLIGHT AT MIDNIGHT.
Lady Liva had packed two travelling bags and placed all her jewels and some coin into a small chest. Her day cloak lay ready upon the bed, and she gave Aquilla clear instructions about his part in her flight from the Villa, the Ludus and her husband. She also pushed a bag of coin into his hand; the weight told him that his Mistress was deadly serious.
He had a terrible premonition about how all this would end. Aquila knew such thoughts had a nasty habit of coming true, which was no comfort to him right now.
Lady Liva had reached breaking point in the relationship with her husband, he had drunkenly told her, that he had indeed sold Marcus to the wealthy couple from Rome, and they would collect their purchase tomorrow. When she protested, the Senator had struck her several times and threatened to expose her sordid sexual acts with the Gladiator slave Marcus to all her friends and Peers: she would be ruined and a social outcast from 'polite' Roman society.
As the 'wronged' husband he would claim her property and fortune and she could rot in the streets, selling her body to survive and he didn't give a fuck about that; "You deserve nothing less you scabby old whore!" were his final words.
Thus, she had bribed Aquilla to stage the escape of Marcus from his cell and the Ludus. Lady Liva had arranged horses at the Southern gateway for Midnight and the pair would take flight to Rome, where, in that crowded metropolis they could simply hide in plain sight. Aquila could go along with that, but the second part of her scheme left him cold inside; he was to free Grego as well - who would also be rewarded with a large bag of coin and a horse - for killing her husband as he slept the drink off.
Everything could be blamed on the escape of the murderous Gladiators, including her apparent abduction, their theft of money and horses, and of course; the death of her husband. Aquila did all he was ordered; he released Grego and Marcus who went straight to his lover, whilst Grego disappeared to carry out his part of the plan and he did so with brutal joy.
As the pair approached the Southern gateway, they found Julia waiting with a goatskin of wine and a bag of food wrapped tightly. "The food is from me - I stole it from the Kitchens - the wine is from Aquila." She whispered quietly and bade them farewell. "So, the old bastard has a heart after all." Grego muttered and slung it over his saddle. They joined Lady Liva outside the gateway and the three riders made their way to the Northern Road; which ran to Rome.
Aquila lay upon his bed and stared up at the ceiling; he clutched the precious
Rudus to his chest and knew that come morning, the local magistrate would be at
the Villa, investigating the murder of Senator Agenn, the apparent abduction of
his wife and the escape of two dangerous slaves.
Everyone would be interrogated and that would not be pleasant; if he only received a whipping, he would have got off lightly. Julia appeared in the doorway and said simply; "It's done, they are on their way." Aquila nodded and held out his hand. Julia allowed her dress to slip to the floor and stood naked in the moonlight. Aquila pulled his shirt off and rose slowly from the bed and whispered; "This may be all we will ever have."
10. A CHANGE OF PLAN.
The three riders had made the ruins of Gamini Villa within a couple of hours and rested in the now derelict Olive grove. They fed the horses and gave them some water from the little stream that previously irrigated the trees.
Lady Liva was talking softly with Marcus and adjusting the girth of her horse when Grego struck her hard across the back of the head and she fell screaming to the ground. Marcus sat upon the ruins of a small wall and took swigs from the goatskin and watched with some satisfaction, but little interest, as Grego tore the clothes from her back and repeatedly struck her. Then he brutally raped Lady Liva upon the soft earth.
Realising that he had his first erection in days, Marcus turned the sobbing and hysterical woman over, as Grego held her face down, and pulled the cheeks of her arse apart. "Stick fucking wooden cocks up my arse for your own amusement you fucking bitch!" He took his revenge violently and with great satisfaction; Lady Liva had simply mistaken Marcus's obedience to her sexual desires as love - that was her fatal error - He was simply obeying orders, rather than receive worse punishment.
The two men took turns, in-between gulping down the wine, and finally Marcus pulled
his dagger from its scabbard and drove the sharp, thin blade through the throat
of the screaming woman. He wiped the blade upon her discarded dress and both
men rolled the naked body into a nearby drainage ditch.
Liva stood by the ditch and stared at her body; she could feel nothing but sadness; surely, she didn't deserve such a fate? Herbie the Collector just smiled at her, and they walked to the light. Unusually, for the newly departed, she said nothing to the Collector, and they vanished.
Marcus cleaned the blood from his legs and cock with the remains of her clothes and laughed softly, as Grego finished the wine and slapped his friends shoulder; "Let’s go, we must put a few more leagues between us and the city guard." Marcus nodded and both mounted their horses, with the third now empty, horse in tow.
Grego threw the goatskin into the stream, and they galloped towards the road that would take them to Rome and relative freedom; for now. But Marcus simply fell from his horse making no sound and lay sprawled upon the roadway, one hand still clutching the reins. Grego managed to mutter some obscenities and staggered from his horse, collapsing face down near the grass verge; he managed to puke a little and then death closed his eyes.
Kath the Collector walked both men quietly towards the light. Marcus halted for a few seconds and stared back at his body, sprawled upon the roadway. "Is that it? My Life I mean?" He asked her and Kath nodded. "I would have been better off as a fucking dog." He muttered and they disappeared into the light.
The two dead men lay on the road until about mid-morning when a passing tinker family came upon the bodies. The old Tinker and his two sons quickly searched the bodies and horses, retrieving Lady Liva's clothes and jewelry box. It was a good start to their day; they could sell the horses in the city for coin and his daughter now had clothes that she could be proud of.
The wagon disappeared down the quiet road with the horses following in single file behind, tied securely to the wagons rear door. The Tinker family was so happy that they sung and practiced their selling routines with some joy.
The bodies of the two dead gladiators were found by the city guard that
afternoon and were conveyed back into the city for disposal. The body of Lady
Livia was not discovered and rotted in the ditch until it became skeletal. Then
it was slowly covered with dirt, disappearing from sight and history.
All the House guards were condemned to serve in the Legions for ten years - which was considered too lenient by many wealthy Roman's - who feared a slave uprising in their own homes.Magistrate Claudius would ensure that no scandal would touch the name and honour of his old friend; no true Roman lady would decamp in the night with two vicious, murdering thugs of her own free will and so any such defense by the staff, would be disregarded. Thus, the servant Julia, as Lady Liva's personal maid, could not explain the bag of stolen food or the missing dresses [Magistrate Claudius reasoned that a woman being abducted by force wouldn't stop and pack!] was whipped and lawfully violated by four guards before being sold at auction to some Egyptian merchants, who were seeking new stock for their Thebes brothels. Her final fate was unknown to her friends and family.
Aquila, despite giving up the bag of coin as evidence that his story was true - which wasn't accepted by the Magistrate – then simply could not now explain how the two men escaped and stood in silence as his fate was decreed; he was lashed and sent to the Galley's as a rowing slave for ten years; he did not survive the ordeal and died of 'the fever' chained to the oar of a Roman Battle galley somewhere off the coast of Africa.
Some fellow slaves carried his body upon deck and simply threw it into the sea,
where it floated for a few hours, then sank beneath the waves. His precious
Rudus was discovered near his rowing position and was used as a spill to light
lamps until its useful life was over and was discarded.
He never told anyone how the poison had appeared in the goatskin because he
didn't know. But Julia was believed to have had a grudge towards her Mistress
for all the beatings she had received over the years and the savage sexual
assault she had suffered at the hands of Grego, about which her Mistress did
nothing. Her feelings towards Marcus were not known.
Mr. Tibbs and his team were surprised by the turn of events that had been generated by their visit to the Villa and Ludus of the late Senator Agenn - but the current Timeline had been preserved with only minor changes apparent - therefore the Mission was judged quite a success. Jericho had discovered from a Senior Time Controller that Marcus's survival in the arena, had been a 'glitch' - they happen occasionally - and that it was a direct descendant [not previously created] that would have caused serious change to the timeline, some centuries later.
Wilson had asked about those changes and a grim-faced Jericho had explained that Marcus's unscheduled descendant, working in the late 7th Century in Naples, had discovered the formula for gunpowder! The result could have had serious consequences for humanity, in that 'modern' warfare would have been introduced much earlier and the huge amount of extra deaths that would have created certainly changed everything. ‘Causality’ would have produced some very unwelcome results in the future for humanity.
"So, he's death is really a cause to celebrate." Owen muttered and sipped his brandy. Alex was the only team member who really didn't celebrate the successful conclusion of the mission.
she had consulted her mirror and found the fates
that had awaited the staff and guards of Senator Brutus Agenn's villa and
Ludus.
"One man had a stroke of luck in a filthy little arena and survived when it was decreed, he should die; all because it didn't fit the plan." She whispered to Ruth, who passed her a glass of brandy and Alex sat by the fireplace watching the flames dancing in the grate. Ruth just nodded; she knew Alex well enough to know when she wasn't happy and best left alone. Jericho had noticed her mood and wondered - if she viewed Marcus Colla's life tape to the end, including the violent rape - would she be so unhappy about the outcome of the mission?
NOTES:
The following are explanations
of terms used:
Spollarium: Was a building or chamber where the dead bodies of gladiators were
taken to be stripped of their armour and weapons: normally to be recycled.
The bodies were then mass buried or burnt, depending on what was available. If
a known gladiator had died, his family, friends or colleagues would claim his
body and have it burnt with some ceremony.
Murmillo: The murmillo
depended on his strength and endurance to survive the battle against foes who
were more suited to attacking. The tower shield gave him an edge in defense
and the gladius [long dagger] enabled him to thrust and swing at his enemies
when in close range. He was normally always paired with a more attacking style
gladiator. He normally came as a pair.
Retiarius: The retiarius was a Roman gladiator who fought with equipment styled
on that of a fisherman: a weighted net, a three-pointed trident, and a dagger.
The retiarius was lightly armoured, wearing an arm guard and a shoulder guard.
He was often paired with a Murmillo.
Circo Amatorios: translated
means ‘Amatory Circus’ or a sexual circus, such troops were common around the
Roman Empire. Usually, they involved strange sexual practices with animals and
slaves. This one, rather revolting in any era, consisted of children and young
adults being abused by chimps and dogs. Combined with Gladiatorial fights, it
displays the real state of Roman morality and ethics before the Christian era.
Rudus: A small wooden sword awarded to Gladiators
who had won their freedom in the Arena.
Denarii: Roman Coins that were very common about the Roman Empire, their value was determined – in reality – by what you could buy with them. It was the basic Roman Currency in this time period.
Lanista: A Trainer of Gladiators,
normally an ex-gladiator himself, they were ‘free’ men who were paid by the
owner of the gladiators. A really good one with successful gladiators could
earn money and own property and their own slaves, if fortunate. Their actual position in Roman Society is hard
to assess.
Phasma: A ghost or spirit, many Roman’s believed in such entities because of their multi-God faith and superstitions. Like their modern-day counterparts, they could be good or evil.
CHARACTERS
Marcus Colla's death from poisoning on the road to Rome had prevented
serious change to the Timeline and restored it to the original ordained
settings. The child he would have created [with a slave girl given to him as
reward for his actions in the arena] now did not exist - and the discovery of
gunpowder would now be much later - as the original timeline had it. His soul
was collected and processed. He was quarantined until 250AD.
Titus Caelinus [the Centurion] who had condemned Marcus to the arena for bedding
his wife Octavia, was killed in Gaul [modern day France] two years later. His
wife held a party to celebrate her new freedom! - His soul was collected and processed.
Octavia Caelinus had only betrayed Marcus to her husband after finding him with a much younger woman; she told her husband that he had attacked her. She became a widow after her husband was killed in Gaul. She re-married; a wealthy Syrian Merchant and lived in luxury in Damascus until her death some years later. She had no children by either husband. Her soul was collected and processed.
Grego had died just a week before he would have been killed in the arena. His early death made little change to the Timeline. His soul was collected and placed in quarantine until the year 840AD. He had to answer for some serious violent acts in his life, including rape and murders.
Senator Brutus Agenn's death caused a few changes to the timeline, which were deemed acceptable; he had died some months earlier than his scheduled departure date. But what concerned Human Records was that no soul was collected and that is under investigation by Temporal Detective Inspector Fran Anantasu and Team 63. There is currently no resolution to the case.
Lady Liva Agenn's early and violent death had changed the timeline very little. She would have been murdered by her husband, within the same year over her sexual indiscretions with two other men. Her soul was collected and processed.
House Steward Claudius was sent to the arena and just a few days later was torn to pieces by two African lions. His terrible death was greeted with applause and some laughter by the small crowd. His frantic attempts to avoid the lions had amused the audience greatly. He still tried to run, despite an arm ripped off and part of his torso missing. The lions quickly finished the job. His soul was collected and processed.
Aquila's death in the slave ship made little difference to the current Time-
line; he would have died just years after his unscheduled death on the boat,
due to an undiagnosed brain tumour. His soul was collected and processed.
Julia - the maid servant - was sold to some visiting Egyptian merchants and became a forced prostitute in a Thebes brothel. She died a year later; beaten to death by a drunken client. She never told a soul about poisoning her Mistress and Grego; she hated the pair [Grego and her mistress]. Marcus had been killed simply because he was with the pair and drank from the same goatskin! Her soul was collected and processed; she was quarantined until the year 350AD.
Magistrate Claudius moved to Rome and became quite a celebrated owner of Gladiators. Unfortunately - for him - he upset some powerful merchants and Senators by refusing to fix matches in the arena. He was found strangled in his bed one morning after a particular good day in the arena. No one was ever brought to justice for his murder. His soul was collected and processed.
Pullo Sextus; the gate guard at Suburra Arena should never have eaten that
ancient goat; he became violently ill and basically shit and puked to death. He
complained bitterly to Neerja Naidu - his collector - all the way to the light
about the damn goat. His soul was collected and processed.
Sedd [the legionnaire resurrected as a guard for the temporal detectives] had his quarantine sentence reduced considerably and his soul was allowed to jump back into the human lifecycle; she currently is a doctor’s wife in Bradford, England!
