Chapter Two

The First Prisoner

"The emperor has decided that marriage is detrimental to his military power," Felix frowned as Julia related what she had heard that day at the market. "Apparently, he believes that the married soldiers would rather be home with their families instead of out dying on the battlefield. Can't say I disagree with his opinion there," he added with a short laugh.

"But… married men most likely have more will to fight!" Julia set a loaf of bread on the table and turned back to the cupboards to find a knife. "They have a need to protect their families."

"That's true," Felix sighed. "All I can say is that I'm certainly glad your brothers and sisters are married by now. Even little Diana. Only fifteen and such a good match. I'm glad of it."

"Aye," Julia murmured in a low voice as she bent her head over the loaf, slicing away at it as if her life depended on it.

Camilla added nothing to the conversation, simply looked at her husband in silence, her troubled eyes speaking volumes. She nodded toward her daughter and Felix shook his head in helpless sorrow. If Julia's situation had been hopeless before, it was even more so now.

A sudden pounding on the door startled the quiet family circle, but not for long. They were used to such rude interruptions at all times of day and night. With a sigh, Felix pushed back from the table and turned to answer the door.

"A prisoner for you, most noble Felix." Julia rose silently at the stentorian voice of the praetorian guard, wishing desperately that they wouldn't bring prisoners to the door of their home. As long as she lived, she didn't believe she'd ever be able to become used to the sound of iron chains.

"What is he charged with?"

"Publicly speaking against the new edict of our divine emperor! Name, Titus. Occupation, blacksmith."

"Titus!" Julia cried out, gripping the edge of the table until her knuckles were white. She could hear the rattle of chains again, as if the prisoner were turning to look her way. But he said nothing.

"Julia, calm yourself," Felix ordered gruffly. "Camilla, I'll return shortly." he turned to the guard, shutting the door behind him as he signified them to follow.

"Titus," Julia murmured brokenly as she sank down onto the rough wooden bench. "Daniel's older brother. How could this have happened? Oh, mother, this is terrible!"

"Julia, I'm so sorry, dear." Camilla brushed tears from her eyes as she looked at her daughter's stricken face. "I'm afraid there is nothing we can do about it."

"But it's so wrong!" Julia whispered. "So wrong."

oOo

Julia found Titus the next morning as she made her rounds through the prison. With a heavy heart, she slipped the plate through the door, then straightened up again, lifting her basket as she stepped closer to the bars.

"Titus… what happened? Why have they brought you here? How… how could you dare to speak against the emperor?"

"I had to," he answered quietly. "What could I do? We cannot simply stand by and let things like this happen. And besides…" his voice trailed away.

"You love Paulina," Julia finished for him softly. "I understand. This new edict will destroy your hopes and dreams. I'm sorry."

"So am I," Titus answered. "But I am yet thankful. God is with me here."

"God?" Julia frowned. "Which god? I… I don't mean to discourage you, Titus, but no god has ever done anything for me. And I can scarcely believe that any god will help you either."

"Julia, listen…"

"I have to go," Julia shook her head. "I'm sorry, Titus, truly I am. I…" she paused. "Do you hear that?"

"Hear what?"

"Sounds as if something is scraping along the wall. That's odd. I… I don't know. I hope that you are right, Titus, about your God being with you."

Turning, she stepped quietly down the hallway, pausing once again to listen. It did indeed sound as if someone was working on the other side of the wall. Perhaps repairs were being made. Shaking her head, she moved on quickly. Perhaps she could talk to her father about Titus… she knew he had influence with the emperor. Not much, but still, it counted for something.