by Marcus Lupinius Paulus on Wed Mar 25, 2009 6:33 am
The commotion definitely subsiding, and the sight of Marius and the philosopher exiting the caupona without hindrance, gave Paulus courage to make his own exit. "Come with me", he said, taking Medusa by the arm and leading her away to the general direction of the ampitheater.
Guiding her into a dark archway, Paulus released her arm. "I think we are going to be alright. But still...I wanted to put some distance between us and that tribune. But since we are not in custody, I think you will not be in any trouble."
On a nearby wall was a small carved relief map of Rome with her districts and major roads depicted. Paulus found the ampitheater on the map, and then chose the road he would take back to his insula. "I guess it's time to call it a night", Paulus said, looking at the emerging stars above. "It's probably best we part for now, so your magister does not get alarmed." He playfully took her by the chin, and looked straight into her eyes with a smile. "You know, you are a dangerous woman! I almost got killed tonight keeping you out of danger." Then he let go of her chin, and a look of sincere and serious concern came across his face. "Svanhild, maybe I am mad, but I would gladly risk it all again if it would save you from this life you have in the arena. Listen to me...if you want to leave this behind you, remember this address. Insula Lupinia, Vicus Gemini, Trans Tiberim district. Just a bit that way, over the river. Vicus Gemini is easily found by the docks, and the insula has a wolf carved over the entrance. My family name derives from Lupa you know. If you are ever in danger or want to escape, well, you will have shelter at my insula, and when I return to Alexandria, I will do my best to get you there, or Africa, or Mauritania, wherever you want to go."
They heard the faint sound of a voice echoing across the plaza from the direction of the caupona. looking in the direction of the voice, they could see three figures silhouetted against the light from the caupona. Perhaps the tribune had ordered his servants to search for them? Or was it the soldier Marius looking for him to finish the fight?
"You better get back to your ludus", Paulus advised. Then he gave her a quick affectionate kiss on her forehead. "Take care of yourself little sister!" Quickly he departed down the street, staying close to the buildings to make it harder to spot him in the shadows.
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The nice thing about Rome was the commercial traffic moved at night, which allowed Paulus to dart back and fourth behind and between carts. Looking over his shoulder, he was sure he was no longer being followed. But two of the men at the caupona now knew his address. He gave it to them so they would have a rendevous place if they had to make an escape or run for their lives from the tribune's men.
Why had Paulus given them his address? It seemed a stupid thing to do. But at the time, it seemed right. And Paulus was still wondering if their meeting tonight had been by chance, or was it meant to be, arranged by the gods, or by his goddess.
A short time later, Paulus saw with relief his insula. He entered the building and made his way upstairs to the fourth floor, and unlocked his door.
As he entered the dim room, Paulus' arms were grabbed from behind. And as he began to struggle, a fist found his abdomen, knocking the air out of him. Paulus groaned and sagged to the floor, the unknown hands still gripping his arms.
The same fist that had punched him came again, this time striking the left side of his face. "Enough", sounded a voice, and the arms released him. Paulus rolled onto the floor, coughing and feeling blood flow from his mouth. He was aware of at least three people in the room. One was the man who grabbed him, one the assailant, and the third was the owner of the voice. Paulus looked and saw a figure of a man sitting in his window. But he could not see any more for the darkness of the room. The first thing Paulus thought was that these were the men from the caupona, who must have run fast to beat him to his home, and lie in wait for him. But the voice was not the same as the ones from the caupona.
The man moved from the window and came closer, and stood over Paulus. "Welcome home, Marcus Lupinius Paulus", the stranger said. "People call me Brutus".
"I can believe it", Paulus said weakly. And at that, the assailant raised a foot and kicked Paulus in the stomach. Paulus groaned and choked and rolled over to avoid more blows. "You are a funny man" another, angrier voice said sarcastically. But "Brutus" again interrupted. "No! That's no way to welcome a man home! Ignore his rudeness for now Flaccus. Can't you see the man is tired out from his journey?"
Paulus said nothing more, but was trying to breathe. "Paulus", said Brutus, we had a good working relationship with your father, Gaius Lupinius Festus. We hope to have the same amiable relations with you. We are a kind of fire brigade. This old city has had a nasty history of fires, don't you agree? Well, anyway, we are, as I said, a fire brigade. We protect against fires. But like all valuable things, you pay for the service. Understand?"
Paulus couldn't say a word, but Brutus did not wait for a reply. "I know you are just come from Alexandria, and it will take you some time to get your affairs in order. There is no need to pay your fee tonight. I think we could come back in a week. One week from tonight, same time. Is that convenient with you? Good. Expect us."
The three men were leaving, but Brutus stopped at the door. "Oh...how stupid of me. I forgot. The fee is 25% of your profits from this insula. And Paulus...don't try to shortchange us. We know how much an insula makes. Have a pleasant evening!" The strangers departed.
Paulus tried not groan too loud as he slowly picked himself up off the floor. Holding his stomach, he went to the wash basin and tried to clean his face. But it was very painful and the water in the basin quickly turned red. He staggered to his cheap bed and dropped himself onto the mat. "Thank you for the inferitance, father".