Victoria bona
Prolog
Rome, 466
The moon had just appeared at the horizon, barely visible between the huge buildings that made up the centre of the Roman world, as two hooded figures escaped from the dark alley across the market place. Staying in the shadows they hurried along the narrow street.
" Quick now, Domina!"
The taller figure whispered, turning around to make sure the woman followed him closely. She was almost invisible in her black cloak, melting into the shadows as best as she could.
"Where are we going Marcus?" she asked in hushed tones.
" Away, as far as we can get. Away from this. To Britannia if we can make it. Your father has friends there."
" Britannia?"
" Aye."
There, Marcus could already see the stables in front of him. The horses should be ready by now. The stable master hadn't asked any questions...after quiet a sum of money to silence him. He would make sure this woman made it out of the city, he owed it to her father. Pelagius had always been a good man, too good maybe, too trusting definitely.
"There they are!"
A scream sounded not far behind them. Two soldiers appeared, running as fast as they could to catch up. A third suddenly stepped out of the shadows in front of them. Their way was blocked.
" Damn it!" Marcus growled and shoved the woman into the nearest doorstep. "Stay here and keep still ! When they are distracted then run! You hear me?"
" Yes." She nodded, melting deeper into the shadow of the door.
Her eyes, however, stayed with the man she had come to love like a brother. Marcus had always protected her, just as he did now. The soldiers had surrounded him, she could see the uniform they wore: the Papal Guard. Her father had been right then, this danger was real, not just some rumour. The clash of steel on steel stopped her thoughts. Now or never, she had to run. Marcus did well, he had already unarmed the first man, the second just connected with the ground, clutching his ribs, blood seeping through his fingers.
" Run! Eunike! Now! " Marcus cried, facing the third soldier.
And run Eunike did. Into the stable, onto her horse, the reins of Marcus' horse in one hand, out on the street, towards Marcus.