Warrior Games
Part Three:
“As you suspected,” said Anibal. “He is beating the sea with a fish.
You are lucky he is so beautiful, he is clearly mad.”

Rating: NC-17
Warnings:
Summary:
Notes:

Hesperos was carried into the great villa; a place he recalled all too well. He shivered with fear; too sore and battered too struggle even if he dared. Some ghost of a memory crossed his mind, and he looked around, expecting to see Cyrek, though he knew him to be dead.

“Your hero is not here, slut,” said Augustus, guessing the thought that crossed Hesperos’ mind. “Word has reached me that he is dead, and that you came here for your sons. Well, you are in luck. I am going to let you have them. And you and Cyrek and your bastard offspring shall all live together in the underworld. Are you not pleased?”

Hesperos tried to struggle, but was suddenly and violently struck by one of Augustus’ companions. He flinched, feeling his lip tear on his teeth, and his hot blood began to flow down his chin. He was carried downstairs, past the slaves’ quarters, to the deepest part of the villa. There he was thrown into a tiny room that stunk of human waste and death, too small for him to stand in or lie down. The door was slammed, and he was suddenly encased in hopeless blackness. A few minutes later the door opened again, and in were shoved a pair of toddlers, hardly more than a year old, their skin the same shade of gold as Hesperos’. The children were crying and frightened as they were thrown into the stinking dark chamber. Hesperos threw his arms around them and pulled them close, comforting them as best as he was able, cuddling them to ward away the fear. He felt tears come to his eyes as he heard the door locked, and two iron bars were sealed into place. They were in the deepest part of the house, where none could hear them scream, left to die and rot here in this cell.

“Well there you are, all together again,” said Augustus. “And together you shall all remain, forever.”

Hesperos held his crying children, shivering in silent fear, watching the bobbing lights of the torches depart through the cracks in the door, leaving them in blackness.

***---***

Atoninn spoke to the tax collectors working on the dock – large slaves owned by the city who ensured that nothing was being smuggled into or out of the port, and all proper taxes had been paid. He described Hesperos, making certain to emphasis his slave was lost, not a runaway. The punishments inflicted upon runaways were harsh indeed, and Atoninn did not wish to see his beloved scribe put to death. He gave the men a hefty bribe, with promise of a greater reward when Hesperos was returned to him. He had already made similar bribes and promises to the local magistrate, as well as the small senate that oversaw the matters of the little port metropolis, and left word in the local forum that anyone who found his slave would be rewarded. Then, reluctantly, he permitted Anibal to take him to his villa just outside the town.

Anibal’s villa was beautiful, and his gardens glorious sanctuaries of flowering plants and peaceful green pools filled with fish, blessed by Venus herself no doubt. Indeed there were none who could claim that his hospitality was wanting in any manner, but Atoninn was in no mood to appreciate it. His heart told him that his Beauty needed him, and he was not at peace. He paid his respects to his host, voiced his regrets, then promised he would discuss Darith’s sale in the morning before retiring to his room. Anibal watched his friend leave the dining room, dispirited and grieved, then turned to look at Darith.

“I have business I must attend to before I may come to bed. You have the run of my Villa. I will seek you out when I wish to retire.”

Darith smiled, and watched as his soon-to-be Master departed, feeling his heart do strange things in his chest. He was suddenly aware of a large presence beside him. He glanced over to see Lion, surprise showing in his eyes.

“Lion. I did not hear you approach.”

“I know. You were… distracted.”

Darith raised an eyebrow. “I do not care for your tone.”

“I do not care to see you replaced in our Villa.”

“A little late for that,” said Darith. “As Master always says, if you throw something away, you cannot take issue with the man who finds it. And you threw me away. Repeatedly. Anibal is a good man, and he desires my company. You, on the other hand, have made it very clear that you do not.”

Darith turned and began walking away, heading deeper into the grand house. Anibal had given him permission to explore, and he planned to do just that. With luck he would one day be a free man living here. Likely he would have to tolerate the presence of a wife also, should Anibal marry, but that was all right. Many lovers had to put up with such irritants.

And speaking of irritants…

Lion followed Darith, catching up to walk beside him. “I thought I did not care for you. I was mistaken.”

Darith ground his teeth. “Minerva grant him wisdom, he sees not how thick his skull is.”

“Darith I am telling you I love you.”

Darith turned sharply to face the large, powerful man, staring into his dark brown eyes.
“It is too little, too late, Lion. Had you said that earlier, things might have been different. As it is now, I am due to be sold in the morning, and my Master cannot insult our host by going back on a promise.”

“No,” said Lion quietly. “He cannot.”

The two stood in the hall, gazing at each other. There was nothing more to say. Lion had come to realize his feelings too late. Darith was to be sold, and they would never be together. They stared at each other in helplessness. Then without uttering a word, Lion walked away. Darith lowered his head and closed his eyes, and did not move for a long time.

***---***

The night passed slowly and horribly, Hesperos keeping his children close, not daring to fall asleep for fear the rats would get them. He was ravenously hungry and desperately needed to urinate, but was determined to avoid soiling the cell any more than he had to. Finally however he had no choice. He felt the earthen floor to determine which way it sloped, and relieved himself at the lowest point to keep the waste away from them.

It was while he was doing this that he noticed something; the tiniest hint of light. He stared at it, not sure he was really seeing it; he had been hallucinating tiny dots of light all night. But as he looked closer, he saw this was no delusion. It was light.

He reached out and touched the wall, feeling stonework. The light was coming in near the ceiling of the tiny chamber, and he began scratching at the wall, pawing at it like a wild animal, tearing the tips of his fingertips. A few small flakes of mortar fell aside, and the light grew brighter.

He glanced over his shoulder at his babies. They were on their father’s khiton, the cleanest thing in the room. He had taken it off to give them a place to rest, and they were still asleep, exhausted by a long night of fear and hunger. Hesperos looked back towards the wall, touching it, feeling for any more weakness. He began searching around the room for anything he could use to dig with, finding nothing other than the rat-chewed remains of the last person to be locked into the chamber.

Hesperos reached out and took hold of a thighbone, silently apologizing to the unlucky owner. He then turned once more to the tiny crack of daylight, and began chipping at the wall with the bone. The mortar was beginning to decay, but it still had some strength to it, and it was an hour before he dragged one small stone from its place in the wall. He dropped it to the floor and peered out of hole, trying to determine where he was. He found himself staring at a short stretch of scrubby grass leading to the sea, only a hundred feet or so above the tide line, and too sandy to be of use for gardening or grazing. With luck, no one came back there for any reason. He might just be able to escape.

He heard a soft noise behind him, and glanced over his shoulder to see one of his sons sitting up, rubbing his eyes with one tiny fist, looking scared as he saw he was still in the horrid little room. Hesperos began once more attacking the wall, praying to Zeus to show mercy and let him dig his way free and escape with his sons, and he would sacrifice for him three bulls. Hesperos had no idea how he would afford such an offering for the God, but at this point he was not thinking past getting the next stone out of the wall. The little dungeon was isolated and nearly soundproof, to keep Augustus from being disturbed by the dying despair of those locked into it. With luck, he would be long gone before anyone noticed.

His baby came to watch what his father was doing, and pointed to the light. Hesperos could tell the child wanted out as much as he did, and when he pulled out the second rock and more light poured in, the toddler reached up as if to touch the sun. Hesperos grabbed a third rock and pulled, and it came out easily. He hoped perhaps the weakness had spread throughout the wall, but no such luck. The rest of the wall was much stronger. Closing his eyes briefly to beg for strength, he resumed digging.

***---***

The contract for Darith’s sale was drawn up in the morning. Anibal purchased him for 1000 drachma and a slave of lesser worth, and the only person who seemed unhappy with the entire transaction was Lion, but he had no say in the matter. As a free man he could have purchased Darith himself, but he did not earn enough to pay for him. Besides, he had never considered it until last night.

“You shall regret this, my friend,” said Atoninn. “He will eat every meal you are served, and his snores will shake your house so badly it will fall down around your ears.”

Anibal smiled, pulling Darith onto his lap. “I shall survive. It is still not to late for you to take my catamite as part of the bargain.”

Atoninn looked at Endre. “No, thank you. I think I have suffered enough. And now, with my windfall, I shall go to the villa of Augustus and see if I can negotiate for the purchase of the twins. I may not be able to find Hesperos, but I shall at least keep my word in regards to his children.”

“Do not expect Augustus to be reasonable,” said Anibal. “He is not a reasonable man. He is proud and arrogant, and a very skilled fighter. And if things do not please him, he is not above taking his rage out on the first being he sees. He treats his slaves horribly. Not that I am one to tell another man how he may treat his property, but rumor has it he has small rooms in his villa, deep in the cellar, where he locks those he is displeased with, and leaves them to die of thirst and hunger. It is likely these babies you seek long ago found their way to the bottom of a well. If he does still have them, he will want more than their worth.”

“It matters not. I made a promise and I am a man of my word, and the longer I sit here the more anxious I become. Come, our business here is done, let us ride to Augustus’ villa and see if he has the children.”

Anibal nodded. Darith rose off of his lap, stepping aside to let his new master depart, watching as Atoninn and Anibal made their way to the stable. Horses were made ready for them, and they set out on the road that would lead to the great villa belonging to Augustus.

“What do you know of this man, other than his cruelty?” asked Atoninn as they made their way down the road, the hooves of their horses kicking up small dust clouds.

“Very little. He shrouds himself in secrecy, and many suspect he earns his wealth in less than honorable ways. But he is very rich, and powerful, and few in this area would dare raise a hand against him. If we wish to obtain your Beauty’s babes, we had best be willing to leave our pride outside the door.”

Atoninn nodded. “Then so be it. I am in no mood for posturing and teeth-barring. I want the children, and I then wish to resume my search for Hesperos. He cannot be far. If he is alive I will find him.”

“If he is alive,” said Anibal.

“I do not wish to think of him as dead. I love him.”

“I will help you look, my friend. If he draws breath, we will find him.” He glanced at his friend. “Speaking of slaves, do I detect a hint of displeasure from Lion over the sale of Darith?”

“More than a hint, I daresay. Darith let it be known he fancied him for almost a year, and only now does Lion realize he fancied him back. But Darith I think will be happier with you.”

Anibal laughed. “I hope so! It shall be his duty to amuse me on nights when my wife has no use for me.”

“So you have found a lady you wish to marry?”

Anibal nodded. “Yes, and a more fair and sweet maid never walked the land. She arrives in nine weeks with her family. I hope you will come to the wedding?”

“I shall indeed! What sort of a friend would I be if I were not on hand to toast your union, and to advise you on what chair to permit your new bride to sit, so as to avoid having her bottom pierced by pins placed in a cushion by an uppity slave?”

“He would do no such thing!”

“He would and has, but I let him get away with much because it amuses me. You may find yourself having to shorten his lead.”

Anibal raised an eyebrow. “Well if he causes too much strife I shall send him back to you, and ask for my slave back.”

“Done. Now let us make haste. How far is it to Augustus’ villa?”

“Not greatly far, we shall be there before lunch.”

They arrived at the great villa just after noon, and walked up to the huge slave guarding the door. He greeted them formally, but made no move to get out of their way and let them enter the villa.

“Could you tell your master he has guests?” said Anibal.

“May I ask your names, esteemed gentlemen?”

“Anibal, and this is my friend Atoninn.”

The slave bowed, and called into the house for a second slave. The man that came was thin and nervous, with the demeanor of an animal who has been beaten far too often. He took the information, then scuttled into the house to tell his master he had guests. The large guard at the door crossed his arms and awaited word from his master. Atoninn glanced at Anibal.

“I like not how this man keeps his house slaves.”

“Nor do I,” said Anibal, “but it is not for us to tell a man how to treat his own property.”

“My father had a saying,” said Atoninn. “Show me a man who mistreats his slaves, and I will show you his grave.”

“Nonsense,” said Anibal. “Slaves are put to death for such a thing.”

“Aye, and a fat lot of good it does you after you have been poisoned and stabbed in the back.”

Anibal conceded the point, then nudged Atoninn as he saw someone approaching the door. The man was large, well built and handsome, dressed in fine cloth. He was followed by a slender young man wearing a blue khiton, hemmed in gold, and Atoninn suddenly recalled that he was on the isle of Shalva – an island renowned for its warriors. Atoninn was well versed in the ways of combat himself. But as he stared at the flaming winged horse tattooed on the shoulder of his host, he knew that he would be better off being humble and polite than he would starting any sort of physical confrontation.

“Greetings, good guests! I am Augustus. I have heard of you, you train great fighters. Welcome to my humble villa. Come join me for lunch, and be welcome!”

Atoninn and Anibal followed him into the villa, followed by the beautiful young catamite. Atoninn could hear his soft tread behind him, and he could almost feel the pointed tip of a poisoned dagger in his back, and he forced himself not to look at him. He and Anibal exchanged glances, each seeing fear in the other’s eyes.

“Come sit at my table, here we can see the gardens and pools, are they not lovely? There you see my peacocks, imported from the end of the world. I enjoy their beauty as much as their haunting calls. They are quite savage, did you know that? If my slave is the least bit late feeding them, they begin attacking and killing the other birds.”

Atoninn looked at the beautiful birds, symbols of Hera, beloved by her. Then he looked towards the catamite.

“I see you have more than one variety of peacock gracing your home.”

Augustus looked towards his catamite, and laughed. “Yes I see what you mean, strange I never noticed the similarity. There it is, the beautiful plumage, the elegant stance, the bloodlust in the cold eyes. This is Myles.”

Atoninn looked him over with a practiced eye. “Very fine.”

“Is he not? He is as lovely as he is lethal. I have only had one other finer than he, but I think you know that.”

Atoninn felt his gut clench, though he showed no outward reaction. “Nonsense, I doubt there ever breathed one finer than he.”

Augustus smiled, and motioned for his guests to sit. Myles positioned himself behind his Master’s chair, keeping a cool eye on the two men seated at his table. Augustus reached for his glass, and a skinny and very subdued slave filled it.

“You need not hide your knowledge of Cyrek,” said Augustus. “Merdine told me that you purchased him. If I had any sense I would have him killed. Merdine was supposed to have disposed of Cyrek personally, not let him be purchased by you.”

“Well there was the flaw in your plan,” said Anibal. “Clearly you momentarily forgot that Merdine cannot break wind without two learned men to tell him how.”

Augustus laughed. “Well if the Gods willed that I should have such an oversight, then I have no choice but to obey. But I do not think you sailed all the way from Icaria to talk about how I dispose of my property.”

“As you say,” said Atoninn, “he was your property, and you as his master may dispose of him as you see fit.”

He watched Augustus carefully. The man seemed relaxed, and in good humour, but then why shouldn’t he be? He had broken no law, and while inflicting unspeakable cruelty upon one’s slaves was distasteful, it was not a crime. Cyrek, according to edicts of their land, had stolen a slave, and was himself a slave. His master had every right to beat him and sell him. Hesperos had also been his property, and it was his business if he sold him. It mattered not what vows Atoninn had made to Cyrek; if Augustus chose not to sell the twins, there was little Atoninn could do about it.

“So what brings you to my little cottage?” asked Augustus, signaling for more wine.

There was no point in words games and ruses; Augustus had been informed of their coming, and likely the reason for their journey. Atoninn decided to pretend this was just another business transaction.

“I have come to discuss the purchase of Hesperos’ twin sons, if you will hear me.”

“Who?” asked Augustus. Myles whispered into his ear. “Ah! The slut. The bitch’s whelps were sold months ago. You do not think I kept them, do you? I am not a wet nurse. They are on their way to Macedonia, for what purpose I neither know nor care.”

“Macedonia?” exclaimed Atoninn. “To whom did you sell them?”

“A slave dealer, who else? If you wish to seek him out, his name is Zenas, he should be back here in a month, he makes regular trips.”

Atoninn felt his stomach churn. Macedonia? How would he find them there? Assuming this Zenas even recalled the name of the man he had sold the twins to, it was a long journey, and who was to say they had not in turn been sold to someone else? And he could not leave without Hesperos. Atoninn’s heart sank He had made a promise to Cyrek, and now he would never be able to fulfill it. He had even failed to keep Beauty safe. What would the Gods think of such a man?

“I am sorry, have I caused you grief?” purred Augustus.

Atoninn steeled himself. He would not let this man see what anguish he felt in his heart. “Nay, not at all, I was merely trying to think now where I might find twin sons.”

“A difficult thing to find, I agree,” said Augustus. “May your quest prove fruitful. Here, try the lamb, I insist! My cooks prepare the finest lamb on Shalva!”

Atoninn and Anibal stayed and dined with Augustus, playing the part of the perfect guests, while Augustus played perfect host. Then, after lunch, they made their polite excuses and departed. It was not until they were out of sight of the villa that Atoninn began to swear quietly.

“How could I have been so foolish as to come all this way? Now I have to wait a month for a slave dealer named Zenas to arrive to ask him to whom he sold the babies! For all we know Augustus could have thrown them into the sea. I could end up searching the world and never find them!”

“Calm yourself my friend,” said Anibal. “We have done all we can. Now we must wait for Zenas, and hope we find your Beauty.”

Atoninn nodded, willing himself to stop feeling so overwhelmed and despondent. He could only do one thing at a time.

“It will be late when we reach your villa,” said Atoninn. “It will be hard to wait until tomorrow to learn if any have found my Hesperos.”

“They know my villa well,” said Anibal. “If he has been found, a messenger will be sent there.”

“Then let us hurry,” said Atoninn. “And may the Gods grant I shall have one thing go right this day.”

***---***

It was early evening, and all was still when Hesperos finally dug a hole large enough to squeeze through. He pushed his babies through the hole first, then dressed in his soiled khiton before squeezing out of the hole. There was still a hint of daylight light, and Hesperos took advantage of it to disguise the hole as best as he was able with some rotted wood and a few bushes he uprooted. It was not perfect, but it would buy him a little time.

His children were weak and listless, and he knew their small bodies could not endure much longer without food and water. He gathered them up and made his way to the beach, skulking along as best as he was able, avoiding being seen. He spied some fishing huts ahead, and stashed his weak and weary children in the bushes before approaching one of the huts. He did not wish to get caught stealing, knowing what his fate as a thief would be. He had no money, but he had a simple silver bracelet, and he traded it for some goat’s milk and dried fish. He took the milk and fish back to his sons, and let them gorge themselves on the milk while he ate some of the fish, saving the finest fish for a friend.

Hesperos watched his babies drink the milk greedily; too hungry to fuss and play with their food. Their bellies full, they now wished only to sleep, but Hesperos knew they had no time to linger. He carried his children down to the surf, washing them in the clean ocean water, desperately hoping to see a familiar finned back. He would have sobbed with relief when he saw her break water had he been able to make a sound. He ran over to the hippocampus mare, embracing her around her long graceful neck. He gave her the fish, then, while she ate, he gathered up his twins once more. Returning to the mare, he got onto her back, and pointed her in the direction of the Shalva port, hoping beyond hope that he would find Atoninn there.

***---***

The mare carried them to the port, letting Hesperos off near the docks, but far enough away that he could remain hidden from unfriendly eyes. His twins were wet and miserable, and crying. He would have liked to do a little crying himself, but he knew he would not be safe until he found Atoninn, assuming Atoninn had survived the shipwreck. There was every chance Atoninn was nothing more than hydra droppings at the bottom of the sea, but he had to look. He had to try.

Hesperos wearily hoisted his unhappy sons and began plodding towards the small building where the magistrate would be, body shaking, his joints afire. He was ill and cold, and he did not know how much further he could go before he simply collapsed.

“You!” said a voice.

Hesperos turned in dread, eyes huge, terrified he would find one of Augustus’ men coming for him. He saw a huge, burly man, balding, dressed as a slaver, carrying a whip and coming towards him. Hesperos felt himself drop to his knees, eyes welling with tears as the slave dealer halted before him.

“Is your name Hesperos?”

Hesperos opened his mouth, trying to speak, praying that Zeus would grant him the ability to talk to this man, if only for a moment. The slaver looked him over.

“You must be Hesperos, you certainly fit his description. I am Cenon. Your master Atoninn is searching high and low for you.”

Hesperos closed his eyes and promised Zeus another bull as the huge man took his arm and helped him up.

“Come along, come with me. I will take you to my home and have your master alerted. I’ll give you something to eat as well; you looked as though you could use it. Come along, make haste, I don’t want to be standing here all evening!”

Hesperos followed along after the man, feeling safe at last. Cenon led him to a little house behind the warehouse where the new slaves were kept. Once there, Cenon put Hesperos and his twins in a back room, asking his wife to bring them food, water to wash with, a new khiton for Hesperos, and fresh cloth diapers for the babies. Washed, fed and safer than they had been for days, Hesperos collapsed on the simple bed with his twin sons to sleep, while Cenon set out for the villa of Anibal to let Atoninn know his slave had been found.

***---***

Augustus thought long and hard upon Atoninn’s offer as he whiled away the day, shadowed wherever he went by Myles. If the fool was willing to offer money for the infants, then why not let him have them? It was coin in his pocket, and he was just going to let them die anyway. Finally, as he was sitting down to his supper, he barked the name of one of his slaves.

“Daphnis!”

The slave appeared. He was thin and nervous, and badly scarred from repeated beatings.

“Yes Master?”

“Go to the cupboards in the cellar and bring me the twins, if they are still alive. Leave the bitch, though. I have no use for him”

The slave scuttled off to do as he was bid, while Augustus eyed his beautiful catamite, ignoring the angry looks given him by his wife, Adara. She, like his slaves, had long ago learned to keep her thoughts to herself, and she said nothing as Augustus began running his strong hands over Myles’ body right before her. He was still pawing him when the slave came running back.

“Master they have escaped.”

Augustus snapped his attention to Daphnis. “What?! How?”

“He dug his way out, Master. The wall must have been weak.”

Augustus screamed in rage and threw his laden silver plate at the slave. The slave instantly began scrambling to clean the mess, while Augustus raved in a fury.

“Myles! Come with me. I know where this bitch is heading. We will teach him to steal from me!”

Augustus stormed out of the villa, screaming for his horse to be brought to him. Adara sighed and looked at the slave picking up the spilled food and wine.

“Take heart, Daphnis. We can always poison him tomorrow.”

“Yes Mistress. Perhaps we can throw his body into the paddock with the new stallion, and make it look as if the horse did it?”

“Oh I like that idea. Here’s a better one. We’ll use one of the poisoned daggers his little tart is so fond of and blame it on him.”

Daphnis grinned. “Far be it from me to question your wisdom, Mistress.”

***---***

It was late, and Atoninn was drinking with Anibal in the villa garden. Both were well into their cups, dabbling their feet in a huge fountain that featured a truly obscene marble statue of Pan making love to a goat. Lion had gone to bed, and Darith was passed out on one of the elaborate couches.

“Can’t hold his wine,” remarked Anibal.

Atoninn gave his friend a bleary look. “Well I never let him have four bottles before.”

Anibal raised an eyebrow. “That’s a lot of wine, considering he already had all of his dinner and most of mine.”

“I told you he’s a pain. You’ll be sending him back to me ere the year is up.”

“Never!” Anibal grinned. “I love him. And he is so cute when he is tempting the fates.”

“Cute, aye, he is that. And a pain. You’ll be beseeching the goddess Cybele to call him to her service.”

“Cybele…” said Anibal slowly, thoughtfully.

“She is the one who demands self castration as a sacrifice.”

Anibal spat wine. “Nay I will be doing no such thing! I’ll have no cymbal-clashing cross-dressing nutless wonder in MY villa! If he is an irritant I will give him his papers and coin for travel and send him home to you, and you can do the same for what’s-his-name.”

“Farris.”

“Farris, aye. Remind me why I sold you him?”

“He can read.”

“Oh, yes, that would be it. He has the wit of a goat, you know.”

“So long as he can read.”

Anibal laughed quietly, and poured his friend more wine. He sighed heavily, seeing the sadness in Atoninn’s eyes.

“Do not despair, my friend. We shall find your Beauty, and his sons. This I promise you. If a trip to Macedonia is called for, then I shall go in your stead, and leave you to keep an eye on my holdings. I have been there before, and am somewhat familiar with the place.”

“Let us hope it does not come to that,” said Atoninn.

The attention of the two men was abruptly caught as there was a commotion in the villa, and one of Anibal’s slaves came running to the garden.

“Master, Augustus is here, and he is shouting that he has been robbed!”

“Robbed?” said Anibal, doing his best to stand. “Rubbish! I’ve not robbed him!”

“Begging your pardon, Master, but he is not claiming that it was you who robbed him. He is claiming it was your friend Atoninn.”

“Bull pizzels!” said Atoninn. “I’ve not robbed him either!”

Augustus himself came storming into the garden, clearly enraged. “Atoninn! You have stolen from me!”

“I have stolen nothing!” Atoninn hotly retorted.

“You did! You stole the twins! Admit it!”

“The twins? How could I have stolen the twins when they are on their way to Macedonia?!”

Augustus planted himself directly before the drunken man. “I only said as such because I did not wish to be parted from them! But when I, out of the generosity and kindness of my heart, changed my mind and decided to sell them to you, at a fair price of course, I am told they are gone!”

“Gone? But…?” Atoninn paused, a thought coming to mind. He narrowed his eyes. “Then you must have had Hesperos in your clutches! None other would have taken them! You dare call me a thief?! Clearly sir it is YOU who are a thief! A thief and a liar!”

Augustus gasped as though he were a man of impeccable virtue. “I merely gave room to a man traveling alone! He was wet and hungry, and I offered him a place to sleep, and this is how he paid me back! By stealing! Oh how the Gods will curse such a man!”

Atoninn growled. If Augustus did have Hesperos in his clutches at one time, there was no proof of it, and none to say he did more than offer him a bed. The local magistrate and senate would not look kindly upon accusations leveled at one of their most wealthy and powerful citizens.

“Very well then,” growled Atoninn. “I will help you seek this thief out, then purchase these twins.”

“Nay. I have changed my mind. They are far too valuable, and besides I have grown most fond of them. I could not possibly part with them! You WILL help me find them, Atoninn, since it was YOUR slave who robbed me!”

Atoninn sighed. “Very well. But not tonight!”

“We shall search in the morning,” said Anibal. “In the meantime, good sir, let me make the hospitality of my villa available to you.”

“I am in your debt, sir.”

Anibal left the garden to take his unwanted guests to their rooms for the night, leaving Atoninn to sit in the garden and ruminate upon the current situation, frustrated. At least it seemed likely that Hesperos was alive. Now to find him and the twins, and, unfortunately, if Augustus insisted, return the babies to him. He sipped his wine and tried to think what to do.

The slave reappeared in the garden. “My Lord, you have a visitor. He claims he has most urgent news, and desires to speak with you at once.”

Atoninn sighed heavily. “Bring him to me, then. Let us hope it is at least good news.”

The slave bowed, then ran to do as he was bid. A brief time later, Cenon appeared. Atoninn felt his heart leap.

“Cenon? Have you news?”

Cenon nodded. “I have. Your slave turned up at the docks. He seems to have washed ashore with the tide.”

“Tell me he is well!”

“He is, well and safe at my home. He was exhausted and half-starved, and so were the two babes he carried.”

Atoninn silently thanked the Gods. “He had the children! Oh this is better than I could have hoped. Take me to him.”

Cenon nodded, and waited while Atoninn gave instructions to the slave to tell his master that he had gone to the home of Cenon the Slave Dealer to pick up Hesperos. Atoninn went to the stable to borrow a horse, and then he and Cenon rode off for the town.

***---***

Hesperos raised his head, feeling a light touch on his shoulder. He blinked, realizing it was just past dawn; he had slept straight through the night. A gentle hand stroked his hair, and as he turned to look at who was touching him, he saw Atoninn seated on the bed. Hesperos sat up and threw his arms around him, holding him close, shivering, weeping silently, relishing the soothing feeling of his master’s hand gently stroking his back.

“Cenon, have you a wax tablet and stylus?” asked Atoninn.

Cenon nodded and went to get the things he was asked for, returning quickly with the requested items. Atoninn passed them to Hesperos.

“Where have you been? What happened?”

Hesperos took the stylus in his bandaged hand and told his master about ending up on the sand bar, his near-rape at the hands of sailors, ending up on the shores of Shalva, his capture by Augustus, and lastly ending up in the cupboard in the cellar, left in to die with his twins. He left out the part about the hippocampus for fear his master would think him mad.

“But I was just at his home yesterday!” said Atoninn. “Do you mean to tell me you were digging your way out of his cellar while I was there, and he said nothing?”

Hesperos nodded, and unraveled the bandages to show Atoninn his torn and bleeding hands, the ragged flesh still oozing. Atoninn looked at Cenon.

“Augustus knew full well Hesperos is now my slave! He had no right!”

“Men as powerful as Augustus oft do as they please,” said Cenon. “Had your slave not escaped none of us would be the wiser!”

“Well I am the wiser!” said Atoninn, grinding his teeth in anger. “Perhaps one crime will even out another.” He looked down at the twins, then at Hesperos, hating what he had to say. “He wants the twins back.”

Hesperos eyes widened, and he shook his head, and scrawled, “He will kill them!”

“I know,” said Atoninn softly, “but if he will not sell them there is naught we can do.”

Hesperos pointed repeatedly at his last message. “He will kill them! He will kill them!”

“I know,” said Atoninn softly. “Hesperos I am so sorry.”

Hesperos stared at Atoninn, large dark eyes full of fear and helplessness. Then he looked up sharply as he heard Augustus’ voice booming through Cenon’s humble house. “Atoninn! You have my property, and I have brought the magistrate with me! Return them to me now!”

Atoninn sighed. “He must have seen us leaving Anibal’s villa.” He looked at Hesperos, feeling his stomach clench. “We must return the twins to him, Hesperos.”

Hesperos shook his head. Atoninn sighed. “Let me speak to him.”

He left the room, finding Augustus in the yard before the little house, his anger growing. He marched up to the larger man, and before Augustus could utter a word, said; “You dog, you knew I was looking for Hesperos and you had him locked in your cellar the whole time! You dare call me thief?”

Augustus gaped. Clearly he had not expected Atoninn to know what he had done. He backed up a step, then recovered his composure.

“I did no such thing!”

“You did do this and Hesperos told me!”

“It matters not, you have your slave back but I do not have mine back!”

The magistrate, a fat, puffing red-faced man named Nestor, stepped between the two.

“Now calm yourselves, esteemed gentlemen, there is no need to talk of theft. I am certain we can work this out as civilized men. Atoninn, you have your slave back, do you not?”

“I do,” said Atoninn, staring at Augustus, eyes fixed and cold.

“And he is in good condition?”

“Save for the grievous injuries to his hands, yes.”

“And he has these twins Augustus speaks of? And they are in good condition?”

“Yes.”

“Then return the twins to their rightful owner and we shall call the matter even. Unless Augustus is inclined to sell them?”

“I am not,” growled Augustus.

By now a crowd had gathered, drawn by the shouts, and stood, watching in curiosity. Included were a few of the local senators, come to watch the excitement before resuming their morning stroll to the local senate house.

The magistrate looked towards Cenon. “Be so good as to bring the twins to their rightful owner, my fine man.”

Cenon nodded and went to do as he was bid, while Augustus and Atoninn faced off in raging silence. Suddenly a man in the crowd shouted and pointed.

“Look! Heading for the sea!”

Atoninn knew what the man was looking at before he turned his head, and seeing it only confirmed his fears. It was Hesperos, heading as fast as he could to the water, and he had the twins.

“Oh what is he up to?” growled Atoninn.

“Thief!” bellowed Augustus.

Atoninn ran after Hesperos, followed hotly by Augustus and the crowd. The magistrate and senators did not run, however. They were too important. Atoninn chased after his slave.

“Hesperos! Stop this instant!”

Hesperos had absolutely no intention of stopping. He kept going fast as he could, but his long lead was shortening. He could not run as fast as those chasing him with the weight of the twins. But he managed to stay ahead long enough to get into the water. Clutching his sons as best as he was able, he pulled a dried fish out of his belt pouch and began slapping the water with it, looking around franticly. Atoninn reached the edge of the water and watched his slave, head cocked to one side.

Anibal was suddenly at Atoninn’s side, taking his arm. “Atoninn what is that man doing?”

Atoninn watched his slave beat the water with a fish. “I confess I have not a clue.”

“He’s trying to make us think he is mad and so save his hide,” said Augustus. “Call him out!”

“Hesperos!” called Atoninn. “Come to your master right now!”

Hesperos shook his head adamantly. A few in the crowd tittered. Naughty misbehaving slaves were great fun, so long as they belonged to another. Atoninn sighed.

“Hesperos! What are you doing?”

Hesperos showed him the fish, then hit the water with it.

“As you suspected,” said Anibal. “He is beating the sea with a fish. You are lucky he is so beautiful, he is clearly mad.”

“He’s not,” said Atoninn. “I just do not yet know his purpose…”

His last words trailed off as he saw a beautiful silvery back break through the waves. The creature approached fast, reaching Hesperos. Then a small, delicate head came up from the water, set elegantly upon a long graceful neck. The creature was silver with fine black stripes, her filmy mane glittering in the sunlight as she extended her head to daintily take the fish. Hesperos stroked her neck, smiling as she nuzzled him. He set his twins upon her back, and then looked over at the shore.

The entire crowd stared in utter silence, stunned. Some went down to their knees in reverence at the sight of the steed of Poseidon. The hippocampus shook her head and made an almost dolphin-like sound, pawing the waves with a foreleg that ended not in a hoof, but a flared fin. Hesperos put his arms around her neck, watching those gathered on the beach.

It was Nestor the magistrate who stepped forward at last. He looked rather shaken by the unexpected turn of events, but was determined to show his worth.

“My friends, clearly this slave, for whatever reason pleasing to the god Poseidon, has gained the protection of the sea-god. As this town owes its prosperity to the sea, we will not incur the wrath of mighty Poseidon by pursuing this slave any farther. Indeed so long as he stands in the safety of the sea, no man may touch him.”

“But what of my property?” groused Augustus.

Atoninn turned and said in a magnanimous tone; “Augustus, it is not fair you should be robbed of a good price for these twins. Permit me to pay you one thousand drachmas for them, so that you may be compensated. Surely you are far too wise to risk your ships to the ire of Poseidon by trying to take these children back from their father?”

Augustus stared at Atoninn, hate in his eyes. But his words were polite. “Such a generous gift you offer me. I graciously accept.”

“Then the matter is settled!” declared Nestor. “Let all slaves have this day to rest, and let no work be done! This is a day of feast and celebration in honour of the generosity of these two fine men, and to show our gratitude for the gracious kindness of Poseidon!”

The crowd cheered loudly, especially the slaves. Their masters were less excited, but it was still an excuse to have a day off. Anibal patted Atoninn on the back.

“Well done my friend. I shall get my boat and we will go pick your slave out of the sea. I do not think we wish to risk him coming back to the shore. He may stay there until you are ready to depart.”

Atoninn and Anibal sailed the pleasure craft to where Hesperos now stood, chest deep in the water, supporting his sons on the back of the hippocampus. He was plucked from the sea along with his children, and Atoninn threw his arms around him, holding him tightly, not minding how wet he was.

“I feared I would never see you again,” he whispered.

Hesperos closed his eyes, relieved to be safe at last. Then the entire boat shuddered as something hit it, and he looked to see his hippocampus sitting on the deck, looking smug. She showed Anibal her teeth, and he fled to the far end of the boat. Atoninn sighed.

“I believe your friend has made it clear that she is coming home with us and that is that. Well, far be it from me to argue with a lady. But you did not tell me about her. Seems there is more to this story than I was led to believe.”

Hesperos smiled and kissed him. Anibal dropped anchor, then hopped overboard to get away from the mare’s teeth, and to give his friend some privacy.

***---***

Atoninn, Hesperos, Lion, the children, and the hippocampus arrived home two weeks later. Atoninn had sent word that a great pool was to be built and filled with seawater on the grounds of his villa, and he was pleased to see the work underway when he arrived. The mare supervised construction from inside a great tub, hardly large enough to contain her but suitable for keeping her delicate skin wet, and she was fed fresh kelp and fish from the sea three times daily. Atoninn also kept his word to free Hesperos and award him his title, as well as adopt the children as his lawful heirs. He was less delighted to pay for four bulls to be sacrificed to Zeus, but a promise to the supreme ruler of the gods must be kept. All in all, Atoninn considered himself to be most blessed. Indeed the only person who did not seem delighted with the way things had turned out was Lion, but he did not complain. He settled back into his duties, and tried not to think about Darith.

Atoninn missed Darith as well. His new slave was quiet and efficient, but nowhere near as entertaining, and Atoninn missed Darith’s friendship as well as his antics. The villa seemed far too quiet without him, but he contented himself that his former slave was happy and well looked after. Still, he could not help but think about him.

It was about eight weeks later that Atoninn awoke to a strange sound. He lay in bed, trying to place the noise. It was a crunching, or a chewing, and far too large to be a rat. Atoninn lay with the covers over his head, hoping the noise would stop, then finally flung back the blankets. His eyes grew large at the sight before him.

“Darith!”

“Good morning master. Breakfast is exceptional this morning. You really should try some.”

Atoninn sat up, staring in astonishment at the man helping himself to his breakfast. “Darith what in the name of Hades are you doing here?”

“Anibal made good on his promise to send me home should I prove to be too much trouble.”

Atoninn sighed. “You put pins in his wife’s seat, didn’t you?”

“I did no such thing! I put them in her gown.”

“Darith…”

“I shall take myself out and have myself flogged forthwith, master.”

“See that you do. Then fetch me something you haven’t eaten and arrange to send Anibal’s slave back to him.”

“With pleasure, master. And may I say it is good to be home.”

Atoninn smiled. “It is good to have you back. Now shoo. Do as you are told for once.”

Darith smiled. “As you wish master.”

Darith rose from the bed and left the room. Atoninn sighed heavily and rolled over to put his arm around Hesperos’ small frame.

“The family is whole once again,” he said quietly.

Hesperos smiled and rolled towards Atoninn, putting his slender arms around his neck, closing his eyes in silent pleasure as he kissed him. He felt his Atoninn’s hands move over his body, carefully avoiding the joints that were already deteriorating and painful from Hesperos’ life as a skinny slave boy, hauling sand for the stables. Hesperos reached for a wax tablet and stylus.

“Will you still think me beautiful when I am old and crippled?”

Atoninn grinned. “Of course I do.”

Hesperos stuck his tongue out at him, and Atoninn drew him close, moving him onto his back, and lying over top of him. He kissed him, stroking his hands over his body, then reaching for the oil in the silver container on the small table beside the bed.

“Hesperos,” Atoninn said quietly, “I shall think you beautiful if you become the oldest, fattest, and slowest man on Icaria, with a beard you could use as a toga. My only wish is I never know another day without you.”

Hesperos smiled, and kissed him, relaxing as he felt his lover’s gentle hands sooth and caress his pained joints, and begin softly preparing him for lovemaking.

***---***

The research vessel ‘Sunfire’ sat on the calm sea, the sunlight shining softly on her as she bobbed gently on the water just a few miles off the coast of Cephalonia. There were two men standing on board, looking down into the water. They had come to investigate a reef here, said to have once been a trio of islands. They watched as a female scuba diver broke the surface of the water.

“I am sure this is the place!” she called to the men on the boat, looking delighted.

“But our research proved that one of the islands was called Icaria,” said one of the men. “And Icaria is all the way over in the Aegean! This is the Ionian sea!”

“Must be a coincidence, a second island with the same name!” she cried. “Toss me a ladder, I found something.”

The men rolled the ladder down to let her ascend onto the vessel. She climbed up, then walked over to a table to empty the little mesh bag she had with her.

“The whole place is completely intact, the islands must have sunk very fast when they finally did. No one had a chance to do any serious looting before the place vanished. But look at this. I know the ancients were fond of puns, but I can’t make this out.”

She showed her two friends a gold plate that had once been attached to something, possibly a slab of marble. They cleaned it off, and studied the words engraved on it. All were well versed in Latin and ancient Greek, but there was something odd about this.

“It’s a joke,” said one of the men. “Trouble is I think it’s an ‘in’ joke, and we’re a few thousand years too late to get it.”

They laid the plate on the table, reading and re-reading it, the sun warm on their shoulders as they studied the object before them. One of the men slowly read it aloud.

“Know you, friends, that here lies Hesperos, whom the Gods named Beauty, who did with great strain, as well as the aid of Poseidon and four bulls, bear for his master twin sons in his 20th year. He departed for the underworld four days after his beloved companion Atoninn, in his 53rd year. I, Darith, wrote this. Lion made this plate.”

They were too busy studying the plate to notice the slender, elegant head that poked out of the water. The nostrils snuffled the strange scents of the ship, then the head dipped back into the water. A black stripped body arched down into the water, diving deep to the kelp forests that now surrounded what had once been a villa with a swimming pool, keeping watch over the silent ruins as she had for over two thousand years.

Disclaimer:

All original fiction and the characters, places and situations with them are copyright Alyx Shaw, and may not be published, copied, distributed or archived without the author's prior written consent.

The characters, places and situations described in these stories are fictional unless otherwise stated in the story headings.

(C) 2008 Alyx Shaw