Chapter 3

Cassandra had been surprised by the clothes and the doll for Penelope. Before her father and husband had died, she had her own slaves. She had always treated them well. After all they lived in the same house. Why would she be cruel? But there was still a barrier between slave and master. No matter how valuable a slave, they were still property. Few masters would buy a child slave a doll and few would send a female healer to her to see to her health. Harry and Gaius had explained that slaves were not mistreated in their household. That her body was her own.

She didn't believe it.

Men could be beasts and slaves had no rights.

But she would do her best to protect Penelope.

The villa was on a hill overlooking a green valley and a winding river. There were orchards and goats grazing.

The villa's staff were lined up outside the gates waiting for their master's return.

Felix, the freedman in charge of the Villa's staff, pulled Cassandra aside and explained that her room was to be next to the master's new student. Her daughter would stay with her. Her duties were to be allocated by Master Harry and so she should talk to him about them. Finally, he had made it clear that the household was small and that he would tolerate no foolish fighting or troublemaking.

She had nodded and the older man had looked pleased. "Master Gaius is a kind man and a healer, so nobody is mistreated here and only punished when it is deserved." He lowered his voice slightly. "I was once his slave and secretary. The Domina, Julia, died in an accident when he was away. He has not and likely will not marry again. Nor does he take any of the household to his bed. So, no need to fear that from the Dominus. Although I cannot speak of the master's student."

"He has not touched me or my daughter," said Cassandra.

"Then you are indeed lucky. Now you had best go and change into work clothes, my girl. Dinner will be in two hours and the staff eat beforehand, can't have us salivating like dogs as we feed the master, can we?" He laughed merrily and left her blinking after him in surprise.

The meal was simple, as was what they served the masters. It seemed that Gaius and Harry had little desire for grand foods. The cook, Leta, a rotund woman of Hispanic stock, had explained that Gaius and Harry were both ex-military and such men usually preferred plain food most days.

"But why is ours so good?" Cassandra had become accustomed to poor food and little enough of that. A meal where she could eat her fill and contained meat, in this case well roasted lamb, was almost unbelievable.

The cook looked her over, eyes sad. "Ah, my girl, I see you have had a rough go of it. Don't fret, the Dominus is a good man. Fair and even-handed. And I don't doubt Harry is the same. If he abuses the household, well the Dominus will see him off."

Cassandra had put Penelope to bed, which was another glaring change. The beds were proper beds with well stuffed mattresses. One adult sized and one slightly smaller for Penelope. She had found herself shaking her head. Slaves usually slept on straw or if lucky in a shared room. A room to share with her daughter was not just unexpected it was shocking. With a final check on Penelope, she went to check what Harry required. She was still half expecting to be told to warm his bed.

Harry was sitting at a writing desk waiting for her.

"Please Cassandra, sit," he waited until she sat in the offered wooden chair.

"I will not keep you long as I am sure you are tired. I had not planned to buy you and I don't really want a slave, much less two. So, I will make a deal with you. Serve me, as my personal servant, for a year and I will free you. Penelope as well. I am more than happy to keep you on as paid servants and see to both your educations. Regardless, a year from now, I will free you. If I die, I will also make that a part of my will. I do not do this to entice you to my bed, but because I hate slavery and when I saw you…for a moment, you looked like a very good friend of mine."

Cassandra was struck dumb.

What could she say to that?

"Thank you, Dominus" she whispered.

"You are welcome," replied Harry with what looked like a sad smile.

Cassandra went back to her room in shock. What was happening, why was this Harry trying so hard to win her over? She lay awake for a long time considering before sleep overtook her.

oOoOo

Harry and Gaius ate breakfast and then retired to a large airy study.

Gaius sighed happily as he sat, "I confess that I love this room. The light, the breeze and the view of the valley. I find it relaxing."

Harry had to agree the room had a very nice view down the valley.

"I understand that you are in a difficult position. Foreign wizards are rare in Rome and not overly trusted. But Lucius made it clear that you are quite skilled magically and in particular with healing," said Gaius with a smile. "Caesar did you a great favour by granting you the citizenship. It will grant you protection."

"I'm by no means a healer," Harry pointed out. Although he had learned to access wounds and injuries and many of the basics, such as bandaging and stitching wounds from Lucius.

Gaius waved that away, "By your people's standards perhaps. For Lucius to approve of you means a lot. That you are also a wizard hunter is irrelevant. That is something you do occasionally, good healers are needed all the time. Lucius sent you my way because he knew that I need a helper." The Roman looked pleased as he pointed to the pile of notes and herbs littering his desk. "I have started writing a work on medicinal herbs and I shall, no doubt, have less time to see people. That is where you come in."

"I see," replied Harry.

"Oh, don't pout," said Gaius with a laugh. "I'm not talking about you doing everything. Just the day-to-day visits. You help me with my regulars, and I'll help you educate you on being Roman."

"Well, I do need a job," said Harry with a shrug. "And I'm sure I'll make mistakes fitting in."

Gaius smiled slightly, "Well, I think the Gods love you, Harry. You come to the attention of Lucius and manage to impress him. You buy a random slave, and she turns out to be an educated woman. Your instincts have served you well."

"An educated woman?" Harry asked, slightly puzzled.

"You didn't know?" Gaius asked. "I spoke to her for some time this morning before breakfast. Cassandra is the daughter and wife of merchants. It is not so rare for her to be taught to read and do basic sums. Many Roman merchants do the same. My sister all but ran my father's household after my mother died. As for Cassandra, sadly, both her husband and father died leaving debts unpaid." He sighed and shook his head, "She was sold into slavery to settle those debts. Well, the good news is that I am not a man that mistreats my household and I doubt you are. She and Penelope will be safe here and if you are thinking of freeing them, she will have a place here."

Harry was faintly surprised by his perceptiveness. "I spoke to her about it, and she seemed to find it difficult to believe."

"Can you blame her?" Gaius asked with some amusement. "Give her time to see that things can get better. I suspect her skills will be of use to you."

oOoOo

Harry began doing the rounds with Gaius. He was a well-known local healer and so he was in demand. Seeing him at work allowed Harry to take in the vast differences between his old life and the new. Many of the locals were farmers, although there were a few wealthy Romans that lived on nearby estates. Gaius had made it clear that most maintained these homes as holiday spots.

The first emergency happened when Gaius was away, seeing to a broken leg. A breathless slave appeared at the villa, having run from the home of his master. It appeared that his master's daughter had been injured when she fell and struck her head.

Harry had gathered his healers kit and had Gaius's servants harness a cart and make a fast trip to the country villa of Titus Pomponius Atticus.

The nearly two-year-old girl, Attica, was fitting when Harry arrived. The girl's mother was hysterical as she held the shaking girl, and the father was pale and clearly trying to be stoic and strong for his wife. She had a clear head injury, a lump that was bleeding profusely despite the slave holding a cloth to the little girls wound.

"You are not Gaius!" said the husband.

"I am his partner," said Harry with a nod. "Now how long ago did this happen?"

"Nearly four hours ago," replied Atticus.

"Has she been fitting…shaking the whole time?" Harry asked as he carefully checked the girl over.

"N…no," replied the mother. "It started a little while after."

Harry was not a healer, by his people's standards. But here he would be considered an expert. "She has injured her head, which is obvious. But what we cannot see is that she is bleeding inside the head. I can save her, but I ask that the slaves leave us. The…ritual is a secret."

Atticus studied him for a moment before waving the servants out.

Harry drew his wand and closed his eyes for a moment envisioning what he needed to achieve. Lucius had taught him that magic was not about gestures and incantations. It was about intent and power.

He pointed his wand and released a wave of healing power.

oOoOo

Harry awoke laying on a plain but comfortable bed. He sat up and saw a young man sitting in a chair. The man shot up and said something about getting his master.

A few minutes later Atticus entered, a smile on his face. "Ah, awake I see." The older man shook his head as he studied Harry.

"Attica?" Harry asked as he stood.

"Sleeping in her mother's arms."

Harry nodded, relieved.

"You have done us a great service Magi."

Harry didn't respond verbally, simply inclining his head.

"Come, I don't doubt you are hungry, and I would speak with you," he led Harry out into a garden where a table was positioned under a shady tree. Several slaves hustled about setting the table with food.

Atticus picked up a grape and popped it in his mouth, all the while studying Harry. After swallowing he smiled, "When I lived in Athens, I used to walk the city and on one such walk I met a magi named Leonis. He grew to be a friend and I spent many hours discussing his abilities. He had a been a warrior in his youth, a mercenary. He had many tales, which he shared. Some were about his abilities and those of other Magi he knew. It is a rare gift, so Leonis tells me. And that those gifted enough to use their powers for more than simple things were even rarer. Which is why I suspect both you and Gaius are careful to not garner too much attention."

Harry studied Atticus in return. He looked to be in his early to middle forties and was a man who was clearly smart and well educated. "I trained for a while under Lucius Barbillus. He instructed me to be careful as there was little love or even tolerance for Magi."

"Ah, a military healer. That explains much. Lucius is quite well known for his skills. He's been serving the legions for decades. Although I would argue that healers are always welcomed by the wise. Particularly those that served in the military." Atticus smiled wryly, "I'm given to understand that is because they actually know what they are doing."

Harry shrugged, "Perhaps, I am glad I was able to help Attica."

They enjoyed a light meal and then Harry graciously accepted a heavy bag of silver denarii before Atticus had two of his slave's escort Harry home. The slaves were quiet until they were about to leave. The elder of the two offered Harry a deep bow.

"You have the thanks of our household; the little mistress is a treasure."

"It was my pleasure. Have a safe journey back."

oOoOo

Gaius didn't return for two days. There had been a fire at a nearby farm and Gaius had been busy treating the farm family. On his return he had been pleased with Harry and even more pleased with the payment.

"That is a significant amount, Harry. A thousand silver denarii are well over a year's pay for a centurion. Not bad for a barbarian wizard!" Gaius explained with a laugh.

Harry smiled and shook his head.

It was a good start and Atticus turned out to be an excellent word of mouth referrer. Within the month they had new clients. Including several upper-class Romans, friends of Atticus.

Gaius was overjoyed and he began to allow Harry to take over all but the most complicated cases. Surprisingly Harry found himself enjoying the job. Life was simple at the villa and had a pleasant, welcome routine.

After two months Cassandra had cautiously approached him. "Dominus, may I talk to you?"

Harry, who had been reading a work by a Roman named Gaius Valgius Rufus on medicinal plants, set it aside. "Of course, what do you need."

"I…I would like to help you," replied Cassandra. "With your work."

"You are helping," replied Harry truthfully. Cassandra ensured that Harry didn't have to worry about the domestic side of things. She saw to it that his clothes were clean, that he was organised.

"I mean with your healing, Dominus."

Harry studied Cassandra carefully. Her hair was clean and neatly tied back and she looked far healthier and happier than when he had first seen her. "In Rome there are few female healers that aren't midwives. Something that Gaius and I do little of. I am sure that we could find someone to…"

Cassandra shook her head, "I mean assisting you. I already look after your tools and help with your accounts. Can I do more?"

Harry had not expected this, "You know that I am a healer and a magus?"

Cassandra nodded, "I do, I know of the Magi…my grandfather had the gift."

"Really?" Harry asked in some surprise. This was doubly unexpected. "Have you ever had anything happen around you, something that you couldn't explain."

Cassandra looked surprised by the question. "No, I don't think so Dominus."

"Magic is in the blood, Cassandra. It is entirely possible that you or Penelope inherited that from your grandfather. But we will look at that later, for now I will think on it."

"Thank you, Dominus!"

Once Cassandra had left Harry found himself looking out the window, considering her request. She might be a witch, but Harry doubted it. Regardless, she was an intelligent young woman and at twenty-six years old she was certainly capable of assisting him. The question was if she would be accepted. Rome was as far as possible from an equal society. Women had few rights and even the high-born had little control over their own lives. Their fathers or husbands controlled them and there were few that gained any autonomy.

Feeling like escaping his room to consider the offer, he stood and walked to the door, and out into the large peristyle garden. The continuous porch with its simple columns was shady and bordered a garden planted with a variety of medicinal herbs as well a few magical plants. He quite liked the garden; it was peaceful and freshly scented.

"Dominus! Watch out for the red beetles."

Harry turned to see Penelope and Lucretia. Lucretia was the slave who looked after the peristyle garden. She was a Latin woman of middle years and had a true gift for plants.

"Red beetles?"

Penelope ran over and pointed at one of the flowering plants. Harry bent over and laughed. Ladybugs, the plant had half a dozen red and black ladybugs on it. In fact, there were quite a few on the path as well. It was the first time he had seen them in the garden.

"Ah, I see them now. They are very pretty Penelope," he said with mock seriousness.

Lucretia knelt down by Penelope, "I call them red lions, because they hunt the smaller insects that feed on the plants. So, we don't tread on them because they help the plants grow."

"They don't look like lions," said Penelope.

"No? I suppose that they look too pretty but they are hunters. She peered at the plant and then lifted a leaf gently. "And there is their prey. The little green ones…too many of these and the plant will wither and get sick."

Harry watched with a smile on his face. Penelope was a sweet girl and a smart one.

"Thank you for telling me. I would hate to see the garden suffer because of my big feet," said Harry.

Penelope smiled and went back to watching the beetles. "They are our friends in the garden. Like spiders that catch flies!"

Harry grinned and watched the girl potter about in the garden beds.

"She is a good girl, Dominus," said Lucretia with a smile on her tanned face.

"She is," replied Harry. "I hope she can…"

Harry and Lucretia turned at Penelope's scream. The young girl was looking at one of the doorways and had spotted a figure with a bloodied sword standing over the slumped body of Felix. A second figure with a club followed the first into the garden and was advancing toward Penelope.

Harry didn't hesitate. His wand was in his hand as he stunned the swordsman and then turned his attention to the second man.

The large man yelled something in a language Harry didn't recognise and charged him. A moment later he joined his companion on the ground.

Lucretia was shaking in fear and had pulled Penelope into her arms. "W_what shall we do Dominus?"

Harry frowned, the two invaders may not be alone and charging off might get Penelope and Lucretia killed. "Stay behind me, I'll keep you safe."

Harry moved toward a door into the villa and paused at the sight of Gaius being punched as he was held by another man. Two other thugs stood by laughing and a third…this one with a staff glared at Harry's friend and mentor.

Nobody saw Harry in the doorway, and he took advantage of that, stunning the man holding Gaius. As the man fell, the others turned, and he stunned one of the other thugs.

"Get him!" screamed the man with the staff as he raised it to point at Harry.

Harry sent a stunner at the man, but he missed when the thug moved faster than he had thought possible. He didn't even have time to curse as the knife slashed toward his neck. Somehow, he managed to avoid the attack and acting on instinct he fired a blasting curse at his attacker.

The thug's head exploded like a dropped watermelon and his headless body crashed to the floor. Behind him, someone, possibly Penelope screamed. He continued moving, trying to line up the staff bearer.

Then he almost screamed as he was struck by a cutting curse. He fired off a curse in retaliation but the figure with the staff shielded himself. The figure then jabbed his staff toward Harry, forcing him to shield himself and those behind him from the spell.

Ignoring his injury, he sent a stunner toward the magi and followed up with a cutting curse. He would have to win and quickly. Stunners were off the table now with a child in the room.

His opponent sent another spell at him, and he blocked it causing a shower of red and yellow sparks. As he prepared to respond, the staff stabbed out again and a snake appeared. The man smiled evilly at him as he gestured the conjured snake forward.

"Well, that was a mistake dickhead," Harry muttered as he looked down at the snake and hissed. "Hello, can I ask you to whip around and bite the idiot behind you?"

The snake froze in place. "A speaker! Of course, master!"

The snake whipped around and bit the foot of the magi.

"No, I…arghh," the magi tried to scream but it was more of a moan as he fell to the floor and began to shake.

Harry transfigured a fallen cup into a mouse and stunned it before rewarding the snake with a meal before banishing both creatures.

Everyone was looking at him in shock as he turned back to the household.

oOoOo

"A dark magus was leading these bandits," mused Gaius as he shared a goblet of wine with Harry. "That is rather odd."

"It was effective. If I had not been in the garden, he might have killed everyone," Harry replied, his expression and tone grim.

"True my friend. I thank you for my life and those of our household. I have never been much use in a fight."

Working together, Harry and Gaius had managed to save Felix and treat the others injured in the bandit attack.

That night the household ignored protocol and ate together even as guards were set as well as messengers sent to others living nearby.

It turned out that another villa had been attacked but the bandits had made a terrible error for it had belonged to an equestrian military man turned advocate, whose family and friends had been staying overnight to celebrate his victory in a large case in the courts and his son being appointed a Tribune of the soldiers. The bandits had not expected the unarmed guests to resist and had been killed. Although the son had been quite badly injured and Gaius and Harry had made their way, come daylight to treat the man.

The slave leading the way and acting as an escort was quite concerned about his master's son.

"Marcus Curius is a brave man and was wounded killing the bandits that attempted to stab his father."

Marcus was a rather handsome young man with quite a serious stomach wound. His father, Marcus Curius senior, knew Gaius well and greeted Gaius and Harry at the door alongside his panicked steward.

"Gaius! Thank the Gods. Young Marcus is in his room."

The wound was bad and both Gaius and Harry knew that magic would be needed to save the young man.

oOoOo

They managed to save Marcus. But that opened a whole other can of worms.

The elder Marcus was a decent man for a lawyer. But his calculating expression when Harry used magic on his son had Harry itching to wipe the Roman's memory. Although to his relief the Roman seemed to let the matter drop, perhaps out of gratitude.

Gaius and Harry had been pleased with the generous payment offered and had returned home, tired, pleased and in Harry's case somewhat relieved.

The villa was returning to some sort of order, although Felix was still confined to bed. The surviving bandits had been secured and Gaius had announced that he had sent word to his friend Quintus, a retired legion officer of equestrian rank. Said Quintus arrived before midday with an escort of ten armed men. He was a short, stocky man of middle years with tanned skin and thinning brown hair. He clapped hands with Gaius and when introduced to Harry he had laughed and repeated his greeting with Harry.

"Ha, one of the medicus vulnerarius! I'll share a cup with you in thanks for all your brothers that patched me up in the field!" He did just that as his hard faced and professional men took their prisoners in to their custody.

"What will happen with them?" Harry asked as their shared a second cup of wine.

Quintus grinned, showing that he had several missing teeth. Harry hid a smile as his gap-toothed grin made him look like an overgrown naughty schoolboy. "Oh, don't worry Harry. I'll take them to the local magistrates, and they can deal with the scum all nice and legal."

"Good," muttered Harry.

"You must come over for dinner one night soon Quintus, bring the Julias so we have some something pretty to look at."

Quintus laughed as he nodded, "I will, Julia will be pleased that you called her pretty."

Gaius shrugged, "She is a good woman and an excellent mother."

"Far too good for me and I thank the household goods daily that her father gave her to me. Two stout sons and two daughters. The boys and Julia Major are all married now. Just my Julia and little Julia left at home now."

Gaius shook his head, "You wait, they'll all come around with their children come summer and you will be as happy as a pig in shit."

Quintus toasted Gaius, "Too true. In fact, Julia wanted me to ask if you would look in on Gallia, her slave, next time you can. She had a little boy a month or two ago and hasn't really been right since."

Gaius became serious as he slipped into what Harry called his 'Doctor' mode. "I will come tomorrow and see what can be done."

Quintus seemed pleased, "Thank you, Gaius. She has been with Julia since she was a girl, and we would hate to lose her."

Harry always found it hard to reconcile the Romans and their attitude to slaves. They could look on slaves as little more that cattle and yet fret when a favourite was ill.

Quintus finished his wine and made his farewells, almost marching off as he called orders to his men. Harry realised that they were likely veterans of the legions.

That night the household was almost back to normal.

The evening meal had seen Gaius thanking his household for their work and bravery. Each slave was given a handful of silver coins as a treat, and he once again promised that their diligence would be remembered.

By the time Harry returned to his room, he was more than a bit tipsy. The wine was usually well watered but tonight it had not and while not the best wine it packed a punch.

"Dominus?"

Harry turned and had to stop himself from swaying.

Cassandra studied him an odd look on her face, "Do you need help, Dominus?"

Harry sighed, "Cassandra, I wish that you would call me Harry when we are alone. You know that I don't consider you a slave."

For once she didn't look away from him, "I am a slave, and you are my owner. I…I understand that you would wish it otherwise but for now it is safe. The house here is a good place and Penelope is thriving." She took a deep breath and stepped closer. "You saved her, in the garden."

Harry nodded, slightly disconcerted by her sudden intensity.

"She is all that I have and once more you have saved her."

"I did what any…" his explanation was cut off by Cassandra who rushed forward and kissed him.

"What!" managed Harry.

She shook her head and grabbed his hand, tugging him toward his room. "Come on Dominus."

"You don't have to do this," he tried to explain.

"Of course, I don't. I want to!"

Harry was moving again before his brain caught up. "Hey, hold on."

Cassandra kept pulling him along.

Harry was now only a few steps from his room and while he was quite appreciative of forceful women, this felt wrong.

"Cassandra, stop…please."

Cassandra stopped, let go of his hand and averted her eyes. "My apologies Dominus."

Great, now he felt like a shit.

"Cassandra, please don't do that. I am trying to do the right thing."

"Yes Dominus."

"Oh for fuc…look if we were not in this situation I would have happily jumped into bed with you. I made a promise to you, and I meant it. You are safe here; Penelope is safe here and that includes safe from me."

Cassandra was looking at him now.

"If you want to have sex because you want to. That is fine. But not because you think you owe me."

Cassandra studied him carefully, a thoughtful frown on her face. "You are a strange man."

"I hope so," Harry admitted with smile.

"You do not want me to share your bed?"

"Not tonight," replied Harry.

He lay awake for hours before finally drifting off, trying hard not to think of soft lips on his.

oOoOo