Chapter 21 Deviation

Since the villa Kushrenada was located just slightly northwest of Rome itself there was no need to backtrack to Porta del Popolo to begin their journey instead they could follow the rural route of the Via Flaminia as it wound its way through flowery meadows and olive groves. Treize kept the pace easy so the boys could get better acquainted with their mounts. He practiced the various commands with them, forming the team from a stretched out line to a wedge formation then into a horizontal line which came together in a diamond shape. The wolves paced them easily, though they ranged some distance from the road, disappearing all together when the highway became too congested

The road was replete all manner of traffic from Lumbering Ox carts piled high with grain grown in Val Padana (the Po valley) to brightly gilded carpentum which were the conveyance of the noble patricians. Drivers shouted and swore mules brayed, sheep being driven to market added to the chaos. The nobles complained and their carriage men used their whips to urge fellow travelers out of the way as often as they did their beasts. And that is not even taking into account the throngs of foot traffic, messengers running full tilt, slaves about their masters business, and tradesmen of all description.

The sight, the sound and most markedly the smell of so many individuals practically stacked nose to tail was definitely an assault on the senses; Treize never seen the congestion quite this bad. All his attention was bound on keeping the members of his household together. He was glad they had practiced the formations when they had the chance because the diamond shape was just the thing to shoulder other commuters out of their way. Even so, he had to call Bryn and Argent to heel, the two wolves positioned themselves practically beneath the legs of his long-suffering Epion for the time it took to cross the majestic span of the Pons Mulvius (Milvian bridge), over the river Tiber.

The sun was beginning to sink when they finally broke out of the press and forged ahead into the dense forests that clothed the range of the Appennini. They had passed the Aquaviva way-station several miles back but it looked so crowded and the public houses smelled of refuse better left alone. It was not difficult for Zechs to convince the others to make the most of the remaining daylight and press onward to Aequum Faliscum.

The wolves vanished into the woods and the road continued to climb up to the softly, rounded ridges of the lesser mountains. The miles stretched on and the way station did not appear. Treize's frown deepened and finally he called the column to a halt to refer to the itinerarium Germanous had sent with his brother to guide them to Augusta Vindelicorum.

Very quickly Treize was giving voice to a string of Greek curses his tutors had never intended for him to learn, not to mention more than a few he picked up from Zechs and others while on campaign.

"Something the matter?" Duo asked needlessly.

"We're lost." Treize frowned.

"Lost!" Zechs tightened his grip on the reigns and his mount shied nervously under him. "How is that possible?" the blonde demanded.

"I've been keeping careful count of the milestones as we've been riding by, but since we are in something of a hurry and mounted rather than traveling afoot, I had not been taking the time to read each and every one we pass. Most just record who had it constructed and which local Lord is responsible for its upkeep. Unfortunately I did note the last marker, and it clearly stated this is the Via Cassia, not the Via Flaminia, as I had thought. The two roads diverge and we must have missed it." Treize admitted frustration coloring his cultured tones, "If we had stayed on the way of the flame we might have already reached the point where the Via Annia passes along the coast. But instead of crossing the Apennines this road follows along them. I really don't want to have to backtrack if we don't have too. But if we pres onward Germanous' itinerary is practically useless until we find the Via Augusta." The noble ground out. "I suspect we may have made it into the lower fringes of Cispadane Gaul. If that is true than I may be able to use that sketch Sally made detailing the area around the Po river valley. There may be another pass we can use to join up with the Via Amerina on the other side and take that to the Via Claudia Augusta."

"Oh, you think it will take you long to figure out?" Duo asked toying with his reigns.

"Why?" Treize asked with a mild frown.

"Wellll," the boy drew the word out in a long sigh, "I'm sure this here is a mighty fine animal you've let me ride, but I'm no horse-boy. My rear has been communing with death for the past hour and a nice walk might be enough to lure it back from the underworld. Besides, it looks like there are some nifty ruins just up the way there, a bit off the road. If we've got some time it might be fun to explore."

Treize was well aware the braided youth had re-christened his mount 'Death' some time ago due to the aching in his lower back, legs and most especially rear. He was confident the boys would all grow accustom to the ache before too long. So Treize chose to ignore the boy's comment on the lamentable condition of his posterior but his clear blue eyes scanned the tree line. "Ruins hmm?" Since the boy had pointed them out Treize noted the tumble of rectangular blocks amid a scant covering of ivy and scrub. "Ah yes, I'd say it was a settlement of the Falisci or Etruschi."

From the little bit he could discern through the trees It looked to have been an extensive settlement. "Most likely Etruscan. They were a fiercely proud and independent people who ruled this area not terribly long ago. Before settling in these lands their ancestors built the towers of Troy. Most of their settlements are on hillsides in areas where the old roads converge. Tarquinius the Proud was their last king and there are still some people scattered about who have not forgotten him. This place looks to have been abandoned some seven to ten years ago. Still if there were an old road I expect this would be a good place to begin looking for it. While I go over the map you boys can stretch your legs a bit and see of you can find anything. But don't stray too far," the noble cautioned. "I'll call you back in a little while." Treize loosed his eagle from the pad behind his saddle and cast it aloft to hunt knowing it would return of its own accord. He had tried to free both eagles after his father's death but they had been hand reared and although they knew how to fend for themselves they never stayed gone for long.

The slaves agreed and He and Zechs led the horses off the road and through what had likely been the gate to the once walled city. Beyond it was an open clearing with plenty of tumbled stone blocks large enough to serve as a table. Zechs spread out the map so they could examine it in detail.

As soon as they settled the wolves appeared from wherever they had been prowling and lay beside their master, eyes bright in hopes of getting scratched. Both men were happy to oblige them.

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Duo was the first to come bounding out of the wood at Treize's call. "Look what I found!" he grinned proudly held out a handful of glass beads, a few copper coins, a bronze cloak pin in the shape of sleeping lion and last, but not least, a small filigree earring that looked to have been made of gold.

"Very nice," Treize agreed. "Where did you find them?"

"They weren't grave goods if that is what you are thinking. I might have poked around in the crypts, I like to look at the statues, but I wouldn't steal from them. My patron is the god of death after all. These things were in the ruined houses. There was lots of pottery and other stuff too. Looks to me like who ever lived here didn't take much with them when they left. There is even a big old bronze bed frame."

Heero came walking balanced atop a segment of the defensive wall that, although crumbled and weather worn, still toped Zechs head by at least an arm's length. The gladiator crouched down peering at the others, "What I've seen confirms that. Some of the stone and wood dwellings look to have been damage by fire. Parts of the wall were purposely dismantled as well. I'd say we are looking at the aftermath of a battle." He said then jumped down, landing neatly with his feet together.

"I may have found a road up that way." WuFei interjected pointing farther east, away from the city proper. "That is the way we want to go isn't it?"

"Yes," Zechs looked relieved.

"Oi Cat," Duo greeted the younger blonde. "What have you got there?"

Quatre approached carefully. He held the hem of his tunic gripped in both hands so it could serve as some sort of impromptu basket. "I found an orange tree. The fruit is just so juicy and sweet I wanted to share. Would you like some?" he knelt on the hard packed soil careful not to dump the fruit.

"Sure thing Q I never turn down a snack." Duo relieved the other boy of two of the fist sized oranges. The others were quick to follow in suit peeling away the thin skin, to reveal ruby colored flesh.

"Delicious." Treize announced. "I love blood oranges. This was a surprising find, especially this late in the season."

"Now we won't have to stop for lunch." Zechs smiled licking some of the sticky juice from his fingers. To his mind, they were already behind schedule. He was more than willing to see anything that would speed their journey as a blessing. "Ready to get back on the road?" he asked hopefully.

Quatre sighed resigned, rose to his feet and brushed himself off.

WuFei snickered to himself since none of the others seemed to have heard the perpetually sunny blonde mumbling something about the trials of making friends with a "thick-skull-ed, rock-hard, lump-less, camel."

"Now Quatre, don't be so tense," the former temple slave suggested. "If you are nervous or uncomfortable, the horse will know. Would you like me to give you a few pointers?" the blonde nodded mutely so WuFei continued, "Duo and I have both given names to our mounts. Have you done so?"

"No" the Quatre mumbled.

"Names have power…" WuFei began then seemed to recall who he was speaking to and changed his tactic mid stream, "How do you expect to make friends with him if you don't even care to know his name?" he asked, "You've got to move as one…Part of a team. Don't fight it."

"Sandrock then," Quatre sighed as if patronizing the other boy.

"Not me, Look into his eyes and tell him what his name is." WuFei told him.

Quatre, more familiar with camels was understandably reluctant to place himself too near the front end of the mount that bore him. "Horses don't spit--" the other slave reminded as he positioned Quatre before the buff coated stallion. "--and Treize's are too well mannered to bite or kick unless commanded to."

Deep blue eyes met warm brown and Quatre drew closer, soft velvety nose brushed his cheek. Warm breath ruffled his sun-kissed hair and the boy breathed in, surprised. "Sandrock." This time the name was said with awe, "My dear Sand-rock."

"I think he will have an easier time of it now." WuFei informed his master. "We just have to get him to stop worrying about where the horse is putting his feet and keep his eyes focused on where he is going and we'll be able to move at a much smoother pace. Are we just about ready?"

"We're still waiting for Trowa." Treize pointed out. The Beast master was normally so quiet; He easily faded into the background. The noble wouldn't have been at all surprised if the others had simply taken it for granted that the young man occupied the nearest patch of shadow. But seeing as that wasn't the case…

"Hay Tro!" Duo shouted at the top of his lungs. "Hurry-yup already! I'm gonna eat your snack! Oranges juicy and sweet…perfect fruit for jug-ling." His voice echoed off the stone and was lost in the surrounding woodland, but the missing youth did not appear.

"I hope he didn't take it into his head to run off." Treize frowned.

"If he did there will be further delay while we chase him down." Zechs voiced his thoughts aloud. Running his fingers nervously through his hair "Then, he'll have to be punished." The slaves weren't accustomed to seeing the tall man looking so serious. "Gods please don't let him have run off." Zech sighed then seemingly remembering where he was and asked, "Did anyone see which way he went?"

Quatre closed his eyes as if in concentration then gasped stumbling several paces backward clutching his hand to his breast. "Trowa!" the word was half cry. And all color had drained from the boy's face. "Find him. Find him quickly!" the blonde found it difficult to catch his breath. WuFei and Duo both reached to steady the suddenly fragile looking youth. "That way I think." Quatre pointed deeper into the ruins.

Zechs was already in motion, moving in the direction his cousin had indicated. Treize looked torn between the urge to find his lost slave and the need to assist his distressed one.

"I'll go too." Heero volunteered and hastily rose to catch up with the long-legged blonde.

Chapter 21 notes

For purposes of description, Roman vehicles can be divided into the car, the coach and the cart. Cars were used to transport one or two individuals, coaches were used to transport parties, and carts to transport cargo.

Of the cars, the most popular was the carrus ("car"), a standard chariot form descending to the Romans from a greater antiquity. The top was open, the front closed. One survives in the Vatican. It carried a driver and a passenger. A carrus of two horses was called a biga; of three horses, a triga; and of four horses a quadriga. The tires were of iron and the wheels could be removed when not in use for easier storage. A more luxurious version, the carpentum, transported women and officials. It had an arched overhead covering of cloth and was drawn by mules. A lighter version, the cisium, equivalent to a gig, was open above and in front and had a seat. Drawn by one or two mules or horses, it was used for cab work, the cab drivers being called cisiani. The builder was a cisarius.

Of the coaches, the mainstay was the raeda or reda, which had 4 wheels. The high sides formed a sort of box in which seats were placed, with a notch on each side for entry. It carried several people with baggage up to the legal limit of 1000 pounds. It was drawn by teams of oxen, horses or mules. A cloth top could be put on for weather, in which case it resembled a covered wagon. The raeda was probably the main vehicle for travel on the roads. Raedae meritoriae were hired coaches. The fiscalis raeda was a government coach. The driver and the builder were both named a raedarius.

Of the carts, the main one was the plaustrum or plostrum. This was simply a platform of boards attached to wheels and a cross-tree. The wheels, or tympana, were solid and were several inches thick. The sides could be built up with boards or rails. A large wicker basket was sometimes placed on it. A two-wheel version existed along with the normal 4-wheel type called the plaustrum maius.

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The events in this chapter and the next were originally written to occur in the ruins of an Etruscan settlement at the intersection of several prominent roman roads (modern Firenze.) The site was abandoned in around 5 BC and no roman settlement replaced it. I changed the route realizing Firenze was too far north for a first stop. Instead I had our party discover the ruins of Falerii (now Civita Castellana) This was one of the twelve chief cities of Etruria, situated about one mile west of the ancient Via Flaminia, c. 50 km north of Rome. The Falisci, often allied with the Etruscans, and resisted the dominion of Rome for long time. Wars between them appear to have been frequent. I expect there were many abandoned settlements this part of the country where these chapters could have taken place.

The town of Falerii was situated on a plateau, about 1100 m by 400, not higher than the surrounding country (140 m) but separated from it by gorges over 60 m in depth, and only connected with it on the western side, which was strongly fortified with a mound and ditch; the rest of the city was defended by walls constructed of rectangular blocks of tufa, of which some remains still exist. Remains of a temple were found at Lo Scasato, at the highest point of the ancient town. Others excavations on the outskirts have revealed building of wooden construction, with fine decorations of colored terracotta. Numerous tombs hewn in the rock are visible on all sides of the town. Important discoveries have been made in them and many objects, both from the temples and from the tombs, can be found in the Museo di Villa Giulia at Rome.

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Orange trees are semitropical non-deciduous trees and, like other citrus fruits, they probably originated in Southeast Asia. Cultivation of oranges gradually spread through China and India to east Africa and then to the Mediterranean region. They were prominent commodities during the Roman Empire. Oranges became widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean basin during the Arab dominance of the area during the ninth and tenth centuries.

Italian Blood oranges tend to contain few seeds, have red-pigmented flesh and peel that can cause a "blush" of pigment when the peel is damaged or removed. The appearance of the red flesh and deep red juice can be striking. Usually the inside of the fruit is darkly pigmented. When ripe, the skin can also exhibit a reddish blush to a deep-red cast, depending on the variety. The red pigmentation varies with climate and can be intense when blood oranges are grown in regions with large diurnal temperature fluctuations (hot days, cold nights such as can occur in mountainous regions). History tells us the first blood oranges appeared in the sunny groves of Sicily in the South of Italy sometime during the 17th century but like to conjecture that, If the conditions existed there might have been groves early on that simple weren't documented.

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