12. Charitable Notions

Rome

Two triari stood at the gate as the decrepit wagon approached. Three figures were visible. An old woman hunched over at the reins. Two boys were behind her. One had a round face, black hair and black eyes. The other had long blond hair. Clearly they were related.

"Welcome, Grandmother." The first guard said. "What sorrow brings you here?"

A tired, deeply lined face, framed by wisps of lank white hair looked at him. "They found the farm at last. Curse Hannibal! Their Mother and Father stayed behind to try to restore the land, but there was only so much food remaining."

The second guard shook his head. "Savages! Since many have returned to their homes, the Lucretia Brutus School has some room. You will be able to put down some pallets, and get a little bread and gruel at least."

"The gods adore you, good sirs." And she urged her old nag onward.

They did not even bother to check the wagon. They had seen too many of these over the years. The blessing was also familiar. By the time the wagon was out of sight, it was forgotten.

The Temple of Minerva

Kim stepped into the training room and looked in puzzlement. All of the shields and weapons were still on the walls. Mats covered the floor. Her Mother and Nana stood in the center.

"We're doing something a bit different today, dear." Nana began. "Since you now know that the weapon you rely upon may not always be there, we will teach you how to defend yourself without one."

"It can also be useful on social occasions." Her Mother added. "You can't hide a spear in a dress."

Kim sat down on the bench. The two older women began to circle each other. There seemed to be a tension in the air.

"An important part of self-defense is to not hesitate." Nana lunged forward, caught Olivia and threw her to the ground. "You must be decisive."

She closed in, but Olivia sat up and took Nana's feet out from under her with a leg sweep. "But you can't just plow ahead without thought. You must know what you're going to do before you do it."

The two were back on their feet. Both women's eyes narrowed as they searched for an opening. They sprang at each other. Kim winced as hands and feet clashed, along with the words.

"You don't just hang around like Fabius. Inactive is worse than useless."

"And charging in blind like Varro is better?"

"Timid rabbit!"

"Wild wolf!"

They went down to the floor. Nana was on Olivia's back, trying to bring her foot up to where she could put it in her ear. Olivia had Nana by the hair. They strained.

Kim felt a presence. Dorcas Directoria was behind her. She carried a quiver in each arm. Her eye looked dubiously at the scene before her.

"I brought the additional arrows you requested, Kimora." Setting them down, she never stopped watching Nana and Olivia. "I'm glad they have been of use."

"My thanks to you and the Temple. I shall continue to practice."

Dorcas nodded distractedly. "Practice is always recommended. As for you two," she spoke to the ones on the floor, "I would recommend cold compresses…and maybe a leech or two."

Nana and Olivia were sitting up now. Olivia was rubbing her teeth with a finger. Finally she smiled up at Kim.

"So, Kimmie, ready to start?"

Lucius Qunictius Cincinatus High School (It's the Social Season)

The announcement caught Kim's eye as she headed for the lockers. She stood up on tip toe to see over the girls in front of it.

BETHROTHAL BALL

The Rockwalleri and Flaggiones are pleased to celebrate the conclusion of negotiations with a grand ball, to be held on the Veneris of the following week, at the private facilities at the Temple of Venus.

Attire is formal.

The secondary purpose of the Ball is to raise funds for the City's charitable institutions, which have been badly depleted due to the depravations of Hannibal. Please come, celebrate the love of the couple, the efforts of their attorneys, and assist with those whom Fortuna has forgotten.

RSVP should be received by Bonillia or Brickus no later than this Veneris.

"Oh hello, Kimora. I believe congratulations are in order: to me."

Remember what Tara told you. "Yes, they are. Congratulations and happiness to you and Brickus."

Bonillia looked slightly surprised. "Why thank you. That was very nearly sincere. I trust you will be coming. Given the short time, Young Scipio may not be able to make it, I fear. His unit is in Gallia Cisalpina. That would be quite a ride, even if he could get away. There's always your usual, I suppose. It wouldn't be the same without you, both of you."

Bonillia joined the crowd and moved along. Kim stood alone and stewed.

"What's wrong, girl friend?"

"You mean, 'who'? Monique. Bonillia planned this so that Scip couldn't be here! She wanted to be sure she and Brickus will be the noblest couple."

Monique looked a little disappointed with Kim. "You can hardly blame her for wanting center stage in this drama. Let her have her day! After all, you're the one with the real man."

Kim nodded and smiled. "You're right as always, Monique. I really shouldn't let her get to me like that. Let's go find Ronicus."

"Hold it, Kim." Monique stopped her friend. "This is a formal occasion. It really should be handled properly. Let me get it started."

Villa Possibilla

"Yes, Amelia, that would be great." Olivia nodded to Mrs. Stoppabullus. "I had no idea that this was coming up."

"It was sudden. My own attorney lost several sesterce over it. Since Young Scipio will not be available, and it is only appropriate that Kimora be escorted, and they know each other so well, it only seems natural."

"I think it's a wonderful idea. I'm sure Kimmie will agree. Oh, Kimmie."

Kim entered. "Hello, Mrs. Stoppabullus. Yes, Mother?"

"Amelia and I have been discussing the upcoming Betrothal Ball of Bonillia and Brickus.

We've agreed that Ronicus would make a perfectly acceptable escort for you."

"Why, that would be fine, Mother. I should have thought of it myself."

The Etruscan Tombs

Ronicus took off his helmet to wipe his brow. The sparring dummies behind him slowed, they almost seemed disappointed that they had all missed him. He smiled broadly at Kim, and she smiled behind the mask. It seems a happy Ronicus is also a good learner.

"You certainly seem happy, Ron."

"And why shouldn't I be?" He slipped his sword into its scabbard. "In a week and a half I take an absolutely beautiful girl to a formal dance. It's absolutely badacus!"

"Beautiful?" Kim blushed, glad that Ronicus could not see. "I've never heard you describe anyone that way before."

"Well, you know about how we guys like to keep our feelings to ourselves. And," he suddenly appeared awkward, "for a little while I was beginning to think that Kimora was seeing you."

"Me?" She looked past Ronicus to Ruffio, who gave a shrug and crossed his eyes.

"It's not that odd. Whenever she had a date, you had a date. I mean, what are the chances?"

"Greater than you think. Rome may not be Alexandria, but it's not a village on the Tiber anymore either. We don't have to go out and steal wives from our neighbors. We have a goodly supply of home grown girls."

"Not like Kim. She will never forget this night. I'm pulling out all the stops! Money is no object." The smile warmed Kim's heart.

"I think I can lay any issues of whether I'm seeing Kim to rest. What color are Young Scipio's eyes, do you remember?"

"That was a long time ago, and why would I want to remember the color of a guy's eyes?"

"I'll tell you. They're brown. Now, look at mine."

Roniucs drew close. The torch light played across his face. Kim's eyes widened as he drew closer. Ron's mouth opened slightly as he looked into her eyes.

"Green. A lovely emerald shade of green…"

Ronicus jerked, he seemed alarmed. "I, I've got to go, MW. Come on, Ruffio."

He ran out of the cave. Kim watched and smiled. I'm glad our enemy is not as clever as you, Ron. I may not be seeing the Masked Warrior, but it's always a double date.

Villa Possibilla

Olivia looked at the floor with satisfaction. It had been hard work for the servants to get everything clean. The twins' traps had caused a whole new set of problems. It had taken additional help to get the floor tiles clean and back into place.

She paid the old woman. The crone handed each of the boys a coin so that they could bite them for her. They nodded.

"My thanks, noble lady. The gods will remember your kindness to the unfortunate."

"No, I thank you. The three of you did far more than I ever thought you could. You work like someone much younger, and they are so mature for their age."

"The effects of war, noble lady. The effects of war."

SPQR

Kim was making her way to Club Republic with Monique. Kim had some serious shopping to do. Now that she had the price range of Bonillia's gown, she knew which area of the store was appropriate.

"Kimmicubus!"

"Father?" Kim started as the chariot pulled up beside them. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm filling in for Mercury today." he laughed. "I have great news—Young Scipio will be in town tonight, and will be able to escort you to the Ball tomorrow! It took calling in some old favors, but there's always some assignment in this city that needs a first class officer."

"Father…"

"Don't thank me. Thank Senatorial privilege and Roman naval superiority. Well, I have to get to the Senate. Here's a little more to get something nice."

Kim watched him drive away, the gold weighing heavily in her hand. She looked at Monique. Each had the same stricken expression.

"What will I tell Ronicus?"

SPQR

"Oh, man, that was exceptional!"

Ronicus and Ruffio had eaten an amazing, or appalling amount of food, depending on one's perspective. Kim and Monique reclined with their purchases, but had made no jokes or sarcastic observations. Ronicus was on top of the world.

"Going to need the energy for tomorrow night, Kim. We are going to dance! Every dance! I've had lessons, only the best teachers. And wait until you see the chariot I've rented…"

"Ron."

"And the new tunic, which I will NOT lose. I even had support pins put into it. Don't worry, they aren't any place that you would touch."

"Ron."

"Everything will be perfect. Bonillia will see what a friend I am."

"Ron!"

"Yes, Kim?"

She swallowed. "I'm, I'm sorry, but I'm not going with you tomorrow night."

"What?" he looked like someone had driven a pike through his heart.

"Father pulled some strings, and Young Scipio will be in town for the Ball. I only found out a few hours ago. I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Ronicus said evenly. "I'm always here, 'the last resource is in the Ronicus' Fortunately things worked out for you. I'm happy."

"Ron, please…"

"Stand aside? Go away? Sure thing, KP!" He picked up Ruffio, who gave Kim a glare that doubled her guilt. They stormed out the door.

Kim slumped on her couch. Monique gave her a consoling look.

"Have I lost him?"

Notes

triari--a spear armed infantry made up of men nearing retirement from active duty. Often used as guards

the last resource--actually referred to the triari, who made up the final line in the Republic's armies at this time. The expression meant that things had gotten desperate