The Forgotten Legion

Bre

'Thank you.'

Romulus watched with fascination as Bre

'Can't agree, boys?' Bre

'Piss off, barbarian!'

'Who asked you anyway?'

All four legionaries glared at him belligerently.

'Got two fives, a three and a one there.'

'Deaf too, scumbag?'

'Don't be like that,' said Bre

'We don't need any friends.' The biggest soldier, a stocky barrel of a man with a broken nose, pushed back his stool, screeching it off the stone floor. 'Dirty Gaulish bastard.'

'That's not very nice.'

'Oh no?' sneered the legionary.

His friends began to stand up.

'No.' With a heave, Bre

Romulus didn't wait to see what happened next. Macro had noticed the brawl and his attention would be taken up until it was settled. He darted to where Julia was standing, lips pursed, her arms folded in clear disapproval.

'Bre

'What?' She looked embarrassed. 'Why do that?'

'I like you. Wanted another chance to talk.'

'You don't even know me, Romulus,' she said, flushing. It made her even more attractive. 'I'm not worth anything.'

'Don't say that. You are beautiful.'

'Nobody could want me after what Publius has done.' Julia's chin trembled and she rubbed at a red mark on her neck. It resembled an old burn.

Determination and a surging anger filled Romulus. 'I do,' he said urgently.

'Go, before Bre

Romulus risked a glance over his shoulder. The fight was far from over. Two soldiers lay unconscious on the floor, but Bre

'He's fine,' Romulus said cheekily. 'When can I see you?'

At last she smiled, shyly. 'Only time would be when Macro is asleep.'

'When's that?'

'The tavern closes at dawn. Once he has thrown the last customer out and we've cleaned up, Macro goes upstairs for a few hours. I might be able to sneak out then.'

'How about tomorrow morning?' There was one rest day left at the ludus. Romulus knew the lanista would presume he was still lying low. 'I'll buy you breakfast in the market.'

Romulus had only been to the Forum Olitorium once or twice before, but his memories of cooking meat and exotic fruits there were still vivid. With the wi

Julia seemed scared for a moment. Then her face changed. 'Why not?' she said confidently. 'Sounds lovely!'

'See you in the alley at dawn!' Romulus leaned over the bar and kissed her. Instead of avoiding the contact, Julia moved closer, lips softly parting before his. They stayed locked together, eyes closed, oblivious.

Then the crash of breaking furniture reached their ears.

Romulus pulled away reluctantly.

'The last soldier is down. Go, or Macro will tear Bre

'Till dawn!' Romulus skipped from the bar with exhilaration. The four legionaries lay senseless nearby, surrounded by broken remnants of the stools and table. The Gaul was holding a wooden bench at arm's length, while his huge opponent swung violently at it with a spiked club. A circle of customers had formed around the fight. Men egged the pair on with cheers of encouragement.

'Get him, Macro!'

'Kill the dumb brute!'

'Show the Gaul who's in charge here!'

Romulus tore past. He could tell his friend was starting to enjoy himself.

'Let's go!'

Bre

Romulus had pushed his way through the jostling onlookers and was already pulling back iron bolts on the door. He took one last glance at Julia, who was watching him anxiously. Then he shot out into the street, the Gaul hot on his heels.

'That got the blood flowing, by Belenus!' Bre

'We kissed!' Romulus smiled in the darkness, the smell of Julia's perfume strong in his nostrils. 'And I'm meeting her tomorrow.'

'Glad to hear it.' Bre

'Thank the gods!' said Romulus. 'I trod in some shit in the alleyway.'

'Smells like it!' Chuckling, the Gaul came to a halt. Light flickered from torches on the wall of a building nearby. 'That's about half a mile. Should be enough.'

'You've run from Macro before?' asked Romulus with surprise.

'Many times!'

Shaking his head, Romulus put a hand on Bre

'I slip him a few sestertii now and then. Don't usually start the fights either.' Bre

They both laughed, relieved at escaping unscathed. As the adrenalin rush subsided, Romulus took more notice of the nearby arched doorway. Torchlight profiled a giant painted penis jutting either side, clear evidence of what was on offer within. A small hooded and cloaked figure sat in the shadows some feet from the entrance. Romulus presumed it to be a cripple waiting for alms.

'That a whorehouse?'

'Lupanar, they call it,' said Bre

'Tried it?'

'When I was feeling rich.'

A chill ran down Romulus' spine at the thought of Fabiola. 'Ever seen a girl similar to me?'

'Don't think so.' Bre

'No!' Romulus felt sick. 'My sister could be in there!'

'She 's not,' said Bre

'I've had enough,' muttered Romulus. 'Let's go home.'

'Come on!' Bre

Romulus paused, remembering the half-naked prostitutes he had seen in the ludus.

'We 'll just go inside and take a peek.' The Gaul pointed at the entrance. 'The girls are stu

Romulus' groin throbbed. There would be privacy in such an expensive brothel and the chance of Fabiola being inside had to be remote.

Sensing his indecision, Bre

Most did not even notice.

They had almost gone by when a stocky, redheaded man with a hard face stumbled into Romulus.

'Clumsy brute. Watch where you are going!' The middle-aged equestrian swayed gently, giving off a strong smell of wine. 'I used to have men crucified for less on my latifundium.'

'Sorry, Master,' said Romulus, cursing instantly at his involuntary admission.

The Gaul tensed, instinctively knowing this man could be more dangerous than many opponents in the arena.

'You are a slave?'

Romulus nodded, face completely blank.

'Hurry up, Caelius!' one of the party called out. 'The night is still young!'