Ortanos watched on figuring out all the bits of his plan on how to get more information out of the barbarian. Evander was nearing the end of the food he had on the plate. He would give Cena a few morsels then a drink from a goblet filled with water.
"It's gone," Evander showed the man the plate. "Do you want this?" he nervously held the cup to Cena offering the last bit of water. Cena nodded and pulled on his chains to get closer.
Ortanos smirked enjoy the sight of Evander kneeling pressing the goblet to the captive warrior's lips. When Cena had finished the water Evander quickly collected the plate and cup and took his place at Ortanos' side.
"He will be back later with more for you to eat," Ortanos looked at the warrior. "If you harm him even a little you will starve," Ortanos looked down at Evander. "Let's go," Ortanos began on his way out Evander following. Both men could feel the prisoner's eyes on them.
"I don't want to feed him again," Evander whispered as they walked towards the exit.
"I need you to," Ortanos looked around to see if anyone was near. "Little one you're the only one I can trust to get information from him."
"But I don't like him," murmured Evander, hating how pathetic he must sound to the brave General, "Please. He scares me."
"I know," sighed Ortanos pausing to look at the small man beside him, wishing they were in private so he could embrace him he stepped closer and rumbled, "I do not believe he will hurt you. I need you to do this. If not for the good for of the state then for me, personally. And for Lord Rhodes."
"Lord Rhodes?" asked Evander frowning, "What does the young Lord have to do with this."
Ortanos sighed again he really hadn't wanted to add pressure to Evander but he knew the loyal slave had to know what they were fighting for.
"Lord Hunter gave me a month to get the information from the prisoner. Rhodes claimed he had heard the barbarian speak. If I fail, if we fail the captive will executed and Lord Rhodes imprisoned as a traitor."
"No!" exclaimed Evander, "No, Lord Rhodes is no traitor. No... no he…" He looked away then griping the empty plate he looked at his master and promised, "I will do everything I can to gain his trust I will tell everything that happens in that cave."
"I know you will," assured Ortanos. "That's why I've entrusted this mission to you because there is no one in the world I trust more than you…" he paused and taking a quick look around he reached up and caressed Evander's neck adding softly, "My precious Little One."
Evander nodded and they left the cave. "I need to go tend to dinner and such," Evander walked away from Ortanos mulling in his head what he was tasked with. He had to do it, there was no option Lord Rhodes life was at stake and it could mean something bad for Ortanos also. And he knew he would never willingly allow anything to happen to his Lord not when it was within his power to prevent.
Ortanos walked to the guard and left instructions that only himself and Evander were allowed down with the prisoner. Then he head to find Lord Rhodes to discuss what had happened with the man named Cena.
Walking towards Rhodes' quarters he heard faint noises. Opening the door to enter he saw Rhodes laying on his bed with the new servant assigned to him giving a massage. A nervous massage.
"Maeto," Ortanos spoke the slave's name starling him. "Go help Evander. I need to speak to Rhodes alone."
Maeto trembled but was relived and made a hasty exit out of the room. "Spoiling my fun," Rhodes sat up the evidence of his enjoyment of the massage resting against his thigh.
"You can't just force him into sexual activities with you," Ortanos looked at his young cocky protégé. "You need to earn his trust and loyalty first."
"Like you and Evander," Rhodes chuckled.
"No, we are different," Ortanos glared.
"Yeah right," chuckled Rhodes not seeing the expression on Ortanos' face, "When did you first fuck that little slave? He was about twelve, wasn't he? I know he was tiny, mind you he's always been…" his voice exploded into surprised yelp as Ortanos slapped him.
Rubbing his face where Ortanos had slapped him, he bowed his head fighting hard not to whimper as Ortanos got in his space the feared general growling, "Do not think that by being named my eromenos means I will not break you for insubordination."
"I apologise," murmured Rhodes meaning every syllable, keeping his head bowed he added humbly, "I asked my Lord's forgiveness."
"Not given," growled Ortanos.
He grabbed Rhodes' chin forcing the head up. Staring down into the brilliant blue eyes he snarled, "You insult Evander you insult my household you insult me. On your knees –dog!"
Rhodes obeyed instantly. His hands atomically going behind his head. He kept his eyes lowered knowing he had angered his lord, knowing if he got away without a lashing he would consider himself more than fortunate.
Ortanos circled his kneeling eromenos then lacing his hand in Rhodes' hair he yanked his head up growling, "You have a wild mouth, Boy. Do you understand the danger your mouth has ready got you? Lord Hunter is not bluffing. He wills imprison you if I can't get the information we need from captive. You will be broken and there will be nothing I can do to save you. "
He let go forcing Rhodes forward. As the younger man fell forward, just managing to catch himself on his arms, Ortanos sighed and tilting his head back he sighed wearily huffing, "I swear by the gods Rhodes you are pain in the arse."
He shook his head then rumbled, "Get up. We need to talk about the captive. And about your man management skills," he added with a soft chuckle as he sank into the chair stretching his long legs out in front of him.
As Rhodes regained his feet and turned to look at him, Ortanos raked him with an appreciative glance. Stealing a piece of meat off the platter, he added with a fond smirk, "And put some clothes on. It's too distracting to try and talk politics with you while I'm staring at your rampant cock."
Rhodes gathered his garments dressing quickly, feeling Ortanos eyes on him. Once fully dressed he sat on the bed so that he faced his commanding officer. "So I'm guessing he hasn't spoke yet."
"Quite the opposite," Ortanos said with a smirk. "He said his name."
'Really anything else?" Rhodes lend forward resting his arms on his knees.
"No but consider their culture getting a name after only two days is a great deal of progress," Ortanos replied trying to decide if to tell his eromenos his plan.
"Yes but who says he'll tell us anything of value?" Rhodes huffed.
"No one but we need more than just proof he can talk and understand out language. Hunter will only except something that is of value," Ortanos stretched his arms up. "I know he understands our language I just don't know if he's can talk it. But if he understands a little then maybe, just maybe he can be taught some."
"True but who would teach him? I doubt he was fond of you," Rhodes scoffed.
"He did not hate me I got a feeling of warriors respect from him but…" Ortanos paused.
"But what?" Rhodes could see the hesitation in his general's face.
"He liked Evander feeding him," he stood from the chair. "So I will send him with meals and I figure eventually the prisoner will speak to him, seeing him nothing more than a slave," Ortanos smirked.
Rhodes stared at his commander his face registering something of awe at the man. He gave a low whistle confessing, "It's a dangerous job. Is it wise entrusting it to someone like Evander?"
Ortanos glared at him and Rhodes quickly explaining, "I mean he's not a fighter. He's a household slave. No matter what else he is," he stuttered slightly un-nerved by the way Ortanos had turned to face him, "I'm serious my Lord. I fear for him."
Ortanos nodded slightly confessing, "As do I but it is the only way. Evander is the right man for what I need."
Rhodes nodded. Standing up he crossed over to where Ortanos was standing. With a soft sigh he confessed softly, "Forgive me for earlier?"
Ortanos regarded him then with a soft smile he nodded. Wrapping an arm around the younger man he drew him closer embracing him whispering, "You have the makings of great man. Do not waste your talent of being a bitch and bastard."
Rhodes nodded wrapping his arms around Ortanos' waist. Neither man willing to admit that pleasure they both took from the embrace. As soft knock interrupted them, Rhodes sighed. Without breaking the embrace, he called "Who is it."
"Evander My Lord. I need speak with my Master."
"Enter," sighed Rhodes looking up at Ortanos' who had turned to stare at the door smiling faintly as Evander slipped into the room.
Bowing low Evander, kept his eyes lower ed– a signal this was business and not pleasure – calling formerly, "Forgive me my lord - you have a visitor."
"Who?" huffed Ortanos, not in any mood to be dealing with visitors.
"Lord Hunter."