Chapter 6: The Audience
The door sung open and a young man dressed in a simple white tunic with brown stripes on the sleeves stood in the doorway. He wore brown leggings and low cut boots. Around his neck was the collar Beast Boy had just described. His face was smooth and his short brown hair was cut evenly around his head. He had a slight beard and looked a couple of years older than him.
"Augustus wishes to see you," he said curtly.
"Ok," Beast Boy stood up and reluctantly came forward. "Wait, what's your name?" Beast Boy was tired of not knowing who he was talking to.
The young man seemed caught off guard. "I am Sebastian."
Beast Boy extended his hand. "Sebastian, it's nice to meet you." The young man looked at his hand unsure what to do, then awkwardly extended his. Beast Boy clasped his hand and shook it. "I just wanted to say thanks for helping me earlier today. You saved my life. My name is Garfield," some how Beast Boy didn't fit this setting.
Sebastian nodded his head and seemed taken aback by Beast Boy's introduction. He released his grip. "Come, Augustus is waiting." He turned and led Beast Boy down the hallway. Beast Boy could hear rough voices coming from the dining area. The other men were having a good time by the sound of things.
Sebastian stopped in front of a large ornate wooden door. He pulled the latch and swung the door open and waited. Beast Boy hesitated then realized he was to enter first. The room was much bigger than his. A large window occupied one side. To his left a fireplace was lit shedding an orange glow on the room. In front of Beast Boy was a large table with a man seated behind it. He was reading a paper on the desk and his attention was still not directed to the people who entered the room. After moment he looked up and stood to greet them. He wore a fine purple tunic and matching cape with gold trim. A wide black belt with large golden buckle was wrapped around his waist. A short sword was clipped to his belt. His face was shaven with some slight wrinkles around his eyes. His hair was blond and held some type of braid in it made of gold and lined with pearls. He stepped around the table and approached Beast Boy. He was an imposing figure and stood at least six feet tall by Beast Boy's estimate. Augustus shot a disapproving glance as he approached him.
Beast Boy extended his hand. "I have brought him as you requested Augustus." Sebastian said in a low voice. Beast Boy turned and noticed Sebastian had taken a knee and cast his eyes downward. Beast Boy quickly withdrew his hand, took a knee and cast his eyes downward mimicking Sebastian.
Augustus halted several feet from Beast Boy. "What is your name and where are you from." Augustus curtly addressed him.
The fire cracked in the silence as Beast Boy tried to formulate a response. "I am Garfield. I come from a city far to the east." Beast Boy nervously replied.
"The others have told me you opened the gate at Tortona allowing our escape. What say you?" Augustus inquired.
"Yes, I did." Beast Boy was unsure how else to reply.
"Some also say they saw a green beast push the gates open. I also thought I heard an elephant trumpet announcing the opening of the gate. Would you know anything of this?" Augustus' voice was very stern.
Beast Boy considered Gaius' reaction when he saw him morph into the elephant, then decided to be coy in his response. "Are you suggesting I turned into an elephant and pushed the gate open? Does that seem possible to you?" Beast Boy looked up to gauge Augustus' reaction to his response.
Augustus frowned and his eyes narrowed. "Some men believe such sorcery and evil exist in this world; I am not one of them."
Beast Boy was relieved his response did not arouse any further suspicion. Using his powers in this time period was apt to get him killed.
"What do you do in your land Garfield? You seem well mannered, are you a person of some importance?" Augustus inquired.
Beast Boy's mind raced through a whole host of possible answers. He tried to respond quickly and not arouse suspicion. "My friends and I are the city's defenders."
Augustus's expression suddenly changed. "Please stand Defensor. Have you eaten?"
Beast Boy stood, "No sir, I have not."
"Sebastian, please get Garfield something to eat and give him a clean shirt. I suggest we retire for the night, we will ride early tomorrow." Augustus directed his guests back out of the room.
"Yes Augustus," Sebastian replied as he stood up and escorted Beast Boy through the door and back to his room.
Beast Boy took a seat on his bed and Sebastian exited the room turning towards the dining area that was emitting even more noise than before. After several minutes Sebastian retuned with a small table that he gently set before Beast Boy. He exited back into the hall and retrieved a flat slab of wood that held a large loaf of bread. Sebastian broke the bread in half then took a small jar and poured some oil over it. He placed it back on the block in front of Beast Boy who took it and stuffed one of the ends into his mouth. The bread was light and chewy topped with olive oil. He had never been more satisfied with such a simple meal. Sebastian produced a cup and poured some liquid into it from another large clay jar. Beast Boy took the cup and held it up to his face. It smelled like sweet grapes. He paused a moment then looked at Sebastian.
"This wine is much better than what we had at the post house," Sebastian quickly stated.
Beast Boy nodded then took a long swallow. The drink was sweet and Beast Boy could feel a warm sensation as it flowed down his throat. He made quick work of the bread and finished his cup of wine. Sebastian quickly filled it again and Beast Boy worked his way through his second cup. He began to relax a bit as the affects of the wine began to hit him.
Sebastian remained standing while Beast Boy finished his meal. "Come on Sebastian, sit down and take a load off your feet," Beast Boy did not feel comfortable with the formal setting.
Sebastian returned a slightly uncomfortable look and remained standing. "What are you, my slave or something," Beast Boy said half kidding.
Sebastian fidgeted a bit then looked down. "I serve Augustus; my family has served his for generations."
Beast Boy laughed at this revelation, "You're kidding, right?" Sebastian looked slightly hurt. "I'm a buccellarii," he meekly replied.
Beast Boy quickly composed himself not wanting to offend the person who had helped him earlier, "I'm sorry Sebastian, I didn't mean to put you down. There are no slaves where I'm from." Sebastian looked at him in disbelief. "I think I'll turn in for the night, Sebastian. Can I help put this stuff away?"
Sebastian's eyes suddenly widened in fear, "No I will take care of this." He quickly gathered up the remains of the meal. Beast Boy grabbed his cup. Sebastian halted, refilled it then picked up his things and exited the room.
Beast Boy blew out the lamp and sprawled out on the bed. He sat up briefly and swigged down the last of his wine then collapsed on the bed as the songs of the Scythians serenaded him to sleep.