Gladiator: Resurrection
Chapter Five
Aureilius soon discovered the truth about her delicate condition firsthand. A week after Maximus' primitive test showed them what to expect, she was hit with a strong case of morning sickness. He rarely left her for very long; despite Kelse's protests that she was capable of caring for her mistress.
As a rare treat, he carried her out to her bench in the garden. They sat together under an evening sky as stars began to appear. She looked up at him and for the thousandth time since she had met him, memorized his face. The strong jawline with its black beard, the smooth cheeks over subtle bones. The piercing blue eyes were what drew her in though and held her captive. Light as a summer sky on a warm day when he gazed at her. She fell in love with those eyes and now wondered if their child would have the same. Would she get to ever see those eyes too?
"What will happen to our child after we give it to the Royal family," she asked quietly as he gazed back thoughtfully.
"I don't honestly know. The Gods gave what information they thought I should have. What happens was not one of those things."
"Have you really thought about this? We are creating a life that we will ultimately never see again. Didn't the Gods plan for this?"
"I've thought it over and I believe that they did. They told me that the one thing that matters most shall not be taken away from me."
"How very prophetic of them. Do you understand this?"
"Not really. I trust I will find out."
"Maximus, I've heard stories about the young Queen. They say she is cruel and evil to those she does not favor. I know she will not take my arrival as a blessing. I won't give her this child."
"We won't have to. She is another dark entity besides your ex. Both must be overcome to achieve our goal."
"In another words, they will have to die," she sighed.
"One of them will, yes. I'm not sure which though. Aureilius, don't worry about that which you cannot control. That is my duty."
"That may be, but everyone will not be after you. You aren't the pregnant mother here. I am. I'm worried for not only my safety, but the baby and yourself."
"I can take care of myself."
"That doesn't mean that I won't worry any less about you. I love you, Maximus Decimus Meridas. The Hero and Savior of Rome once again," she ran her fingers over his cheek and he dipped his head into the feel of her touch, much like a cat.
"Oh, how I have come to love you too, my sweet and brave soulmate. If I had only found you sooner in my life, things would have been much different."
"I can only imagine you as my husband."
"Yet, it is better this way. If I had met you sooner, you would be in Elysium now and I would be sitting here with another."
"No regrets, Maximus. Your life is not your own and neither is mine."
"So true," he smiled sadly as she turned and rested against him. They gazed out on the darkening skyline.
"Any news from your friend, Juba," Aureilius asked.
"I suspect he will arrive here very shortly, along with another person I've never met."
"A person you've never met? You can trust them with your secret?"
"He is the son of a fallen comrade. Another gladiator named Haken who died for me. If the Gods called on him, then he must be trustworthy."
"I'll put my trust in you," she said and they fell quiet again.
* * *
A plume of dust coming down the road foretold of someone's arrival. Maximus walked down from his perch on the hill to greet them. A small wagon pulled by an ox came to a stop in front of the house. That meant only one person. Juba the African hunter.
The tall, muscular African man unfurled himself from his seat and stood stretching his long legs a moment. When he caught sight of Maximus, he could barely keep from running to greet him. The two men embraced as brothers and laughter brought Aureilius out to meet him too.
"Maximus! I could not believe it when I began to have dreams that you would return, but here you are! My friend and brother, it is a miracle," Juba proclaimed with a smile.
"Miracle indeed that you made it! The real miracle is over there," he pointed out Aureilius.
"Oh, my friend. The Gods have chosen well. A fine lady such as this is only fit for someone divine as yourself. Please introduce me to her."
He led the way and they walked over to the porch where she waited. The African bowed before he took her hand and kissed the back. She laughed, charmed.
"Greetings! Welcome to our home," she giggled at his big grin.
"The greetings should be on my part, for such a beautiful lady."
"A flatterer! I will have to keep my eye on you."
"Oh no. You belong with my friend here. Maximus is the only man for you."
"Thank you for the reassurance. Let me show you to your room," Maximus gestured him inside the villa as Aureilius sat down outside in her chair.
"He keeps odd company," Memmon came up to sit across from her.
"What makes you think that?"
"A big African. He's the kind of guy you would find as a slave, I guess. I had him pictured as not so lean."
"You've had dreams too?"
"Haven't we all? Anyone who is near him gets a calling card from the Gods while asleep. You can't tell me the mother of the next Caesar has slept soundly without visions?"
"I had dreams while traveling here, but nothing since then."
"Perhaps they are sparing you the trauma because you are pregnant now."
"Most likely. I don't know though if it's all over for me. Why don't you see to Juba's ox? I'm sure he would appreciate it."
"I'll pasture it with the horses," he took off to unharness the animal. She noticed then the lone rider approaching.
"Maximus! We have more company," she called out for him.
A young man with hair as blond as gold came racing into the drive on a silver dappled steed. Maximus and Juba had come back down and now stood watching the entrance. The rider dismounted quickly and plucked his saddlebags before handing the reins to a stunned Memmon. He strode to the villa's porch with the swagger of rough-and-ready.
"Can I help you," Maximus asked.
"I'm looking for the Hero of Rome. You must be him. I thought you'd be taller," the youngster replied smartly.
"I am Maximus Meridas. You are?"
"Temhas, son of Haken. At your service by request of the Roman Gods. This must be Juba and the fair maiden, Aureilius Percius."
"Yes. Welcome. Make yourself at home," she offered with a sweep of her arm.
"I certainly will. Thanks," he smiled ruefully.
Temhas went inside while Juba went to unload his cart. Aureilius looked at Maximus with a knowing smile.
"Do they have any more arrivals planned," she teased and he shook his head, although she wasn't sure it wasn't disbelief.
"No, I don't think so. At least not like him."
"He is an impetuous boy, most likely no older than 18. I'm certain with a little guidance from you, he'll change."
"I hope so. The battle ahead will be dangerous. I don't need to deal with a hot-tempered young man."
"Between Memmon and Temhas, things should be fun," she laughed as he rolled his eyes.
"Ah, there are no free rooms upstairs," Kelse appeared, a blush to her cheeks and Temhas in tow.
"He can have Maximus' room and I'll share. Is that alright?"
"Oh sure. Fun indeed! I'll go move my things," Maximus scowled and went indoors. She sat down with a sigh.