14. I've Got to Rescue Me!
Villa Possibilla
"Kimmicubus. Kimmicubus! Time for breakfast. I know that you were up rather late last night, but it's time to rise and shine. Your Mother and I want to hear about the Ball."
No answer. Senator Possibillis frowned. "Dear, could you check on Kimora? Perhaps she isn't feeling well. She's never been out late like that before."
Olivia went to the door. "Kimmie, are you all right? If you're worried about the door, I have the twins on a strict no trap policy this weekend."
Nothing.
Olivia opened the door. The light from the hallway spilled in, showing the empty bed. There was no sign of Kim having ever been there.
She closed the door behind her. Going to the dresser, she opened the secret compartment. Any message would be here.
Empty.
Olivia closed the drawer. Her heart was racing. "Jason! Jason! When did Kim come home?"
A sleepy servant came to the door. "She got home before the change of the second watch, madam."
She pushed past the servant; panic had her by the throat.
"CAIUS! CAIUS! KIMORA IS GONE!"
Somewhere in Rome
Kim lay on a pile of bags. The deathly cold had finally worn off. A ray of sunlight from a crack in the ceiling caused her to blink.
"So the Princess is awake at last."
A woman in black and green walked over. She carried a cup and plate. Sitting down beside Kim, she undid the gag.
"Don't bother screaming, no one will hear. Even if they did, this is not a part of Rome where people rush to another's aid. Besides, you know that I can make you quiet if I want to." Kim shrank away from the glowing hand.
"Playing the helpless Senator's daughter? I thought Rome used boys in girl's roles, so you can't be an actress. Now, here's a little bread and wine. Dancing can take a lot out of a girl."
Shegovia tore a piece of bread off the loaf and held it up to Kim's mouth. There was a brief debate between mind and stomach. Kim took a bite.
"Good girl. You'll need your strength for what's coming. Transformation is not that easy the first time."
"Transformation?"
"Gotta get you to Hanni. They'll be checking every wagon, cart, bag and barrel leaving Rome. No one will think to hold someone carrying a little girl, or a cat, maybe a mouse."
"You're taking me to Hannibal?"
"He signs the pay vouchers. The Masked Warrior should be worth her weight in silver. Maybe even a dinner."
Dinner?Hanni? "Seems to be an awfully close relationship."
"It's purely professional. Still," Shegovia's eyes sparkled, "the look in his eye when a plan comes together. And I'll be proven right! 'Wouldn't send a girl!' They didn't send you, you sent you."
"That's ridiculous! I'm just your basic, average girl."
"Well, you aren't going to save the Roman world today." Shegovia shoved another piece of bread into Kim's mouth. "In another day or so, you'll be beyond saving."
SPQR
Ronicus was on his way to the stables to check on Samnite, or as he called him, Sam. As much as he would have liked to stay in bed, or go over to Villa Possibilla, he now had the responsibilities of a true equestrian. His Momus was right, it would take a good year to make Sam into a horse that he could trust his life with.
"Ronicus!"
Lodi came running up. He was carrying nothing to sell. The look on his face caused Ronicus to freeze in his tracks.
"What is it? Is Hannibal at the gates? Have the Seleucids allied with Carthage?"
"It's Kimora!"
Oh, gods, no! Ronicus reeled at the words. The week had been one of highs and lows, almost too much to bear. Now that point was passed. He looked bleakly at Lodi.
"She was reported missing this morning. We know she made it home, but after that we're in the dark. The army is at her villa right now."
He nodded at the report. There was no time to delay. "I'll go get my gear. Tell the Masked Warrior to meet me at the usual location."
Lodi looked heart stricken. "That may be a problem."
Villa Possibilla
Centurion Veneris turned away from Jason. He compared his notes to those of the two other men who had questioned the servant.
"He's told each of us exactly the same thing, Gannonicus. Either he's telling the truth, or he's a perfect liar."
"Even for a servant and Greek that doesn't seem likely. Where was she the last night?"
"At the Rockwallerus-Flaggio Betrothal Ball. We're waiting for her escort to come in for a few questions."
Just then Young Scipio burst in. He was in his officer's tunic, armed but without armor.
Veneris took out his stylus. "State your name."
"Young Publius Cornelius Scipio."
"Where were you at approximately the time of the changing of the second watch?"
"I was on my way home, having brought Kimora home from the Ball. If anything has happened to her…"
"Just the facts, sir. You saw her enter the building?"
"Yes. So did the servant who opened the door for her."
"We've already questioned him three times. I'll be direct: did she come back out to see you?"
"Absolutely not! How could you accuse her of such improper behavior?"
"It would not be the first impulsive thing she had done that evening."
Caius and Olivia started at the statement. "Exactly what are you saying, Centurion?" Caius asked forcefully.
"At approximately twelve minutes before the changing of the second watch, your daughter was seen kissing the witness on the cheek."
Caius drew back defensively. Olivia looked confused. "She, kissed you?"
Young Scipio nodded. "I had only asked her where we stood. She seemed so close to Ronicus the when they danced at the Ball. She gave me a peck, and said 'consider this.'"
Olivia's eyes watered. Caius frowned at the young man.
"If you have caused her to do anything improper, you will answer to me, regardless of the closeness of our houses or my debt to you."
"She did nothing untoward, I assure you. It was the sort of thing any girl might do on an impulse. Pure and sweet, just like her."
Caius was mollified for the moment. His wife still appeared sad, like something she had been so sure of was crumbling. Everyone assumed it was a fear for Kim's safety.
Young Scipio turned to Veneris. "Centurion, I know that with the refugee situation the Civic Guard is overburdened. I have three maniples at my disposal, we are now at yours."
"Thank you, but I must request you stay out of this. Your men may be of use, but you are still a suspect."
Somewhere in Rome
Kim watched Shegovia as she sharpened her daggers. From time to time the two Gauls she had fought on the Catapult came in. She did not know Gaelic. The blond one said something which caused Shegovia's hands to blaze, and the two men left quickly.
"Head hunters." Shegovia spat. Kim shoulders hunched up. Being helpless was a new experience for her.
"The idiots don't understand I need you alive, and I have to be in contact with you for a few more hours in order to comprehend your flesh and spirit in order to reshape them. They don't think I have the right person."
"You're a witch. If I'm hiding something, can't you force me to tell the truth?"
"Got the spell, just don't have the main component."
"Which is?"
"A compulsively honest spell caster. I'm surprised I had to tell you that, surely like can recognize like. Or maybe I'm confusing fickle with lying."
Kim's eyes burned. "Lying! Fickle! What are you saying?'
"Not three months ago, you were singing 'Ron' wasn't it? Now you're kissing another. Don't get me wrong, it did look like a trade up, it must be hard to choose between heroes."
She could feel her cheeks burn as the witch smiled. "The new boy is quite the looker. So much more mature, though I hear that the blond is becoming very rich. That's a pretty dilemma. Too bad we'll never know your choice. Not that I care. No one can accuse me of being romantic."
"I saw your eyes when you spoke of your 'Hanni'." The witch's face betrayed her. "You aren't that cold."
"You're choosing between handsome and brave and rich and brave. Give me all three. If you want, when we win the war, I can tell them who you would have chosen; if either survive, that is."
The Etruscan Tombs
For hours Ronicus fumed in the torch light. Lodi had been evasive regarding MW. And Scipio is in town, but under suspicion. Maybe I should go see him. MW said he's not him. If I could look him in the eyes. Ron shuddered.
Why did they have that effect on me? It was almost like at the Ball, with Kim. Am I insane? All right, another hour and I hit the streets myself.
Lodi entered. "Ronicus, we've got to talk. Wadeamedes thinks he knows who's behind this."
"Who?" Ronicus started to draw his sword.
"Remember the witch? We think she's Ligurian. Maybe one of the Govi clan. Apparently a few years ago a family among them emerged with strange powers. They were well on their way to uniting the north of Liguria when they had a falling out among themselves. It's said each wears black mixed with a color to match the glow of their powers. One was a woman in green."
"Any idea of where they are?"
"We've tracked some activity down to an abandoned warehouse. Even now there are parts of Rome that few go to. We have to hurry, soon the witch will figure out how to get Kim out of here."
"But for what? Why do they want her?"
"Does it matter?" Another voice asked. "Is it not enough that you love her?"
"MW!"
The Warehouse
Drakko the Gaul twirled his sword. The sound helped drown out the low crooning that had begun a few minutes ago. Shegovia's songs of power always made him cringe.
"In an abandoned warehouse, waiting in ambush. Why do I have the feeling that this won't be the last time I'll be doing this?"
"Cuz, when your religion believes in reincarnation, everything has a sense of déjà vu about it. Yea, verily."
Kim's skin was crawling as Shegovia sang. Her hands glowed as she passed them over her captive. The smile lacked any warmth. The last words she had spoken before the song played over in Kim's mind.
A lamb. Yes, an adorable little lamb. What better gift for the Lion? He'll get you to bleat, and then Ronicus will fall. And after Ronicus, Rome.
I'm sorry, Ron. I never meant to hurt you. It's just…
"Kim!"
Ronicus and herself(?!) burst into the room at the far side. The Gauls charged toward them.
Shegovia stopped her song. "No! That can't be!" She drew face to face with Kim. "It's impossible!"
For the first time that day, Kim smiled.
"Possibilli omne possible."
She slammed her heel down on the top of Shegovia's foot. Shegovia shrieked. She raised a glowing dagger, but a spear caused her to duck.
Ronicus saw the Masked Warrior throw her spear and save Kim's life. Now his friend was unarmed. Eddorix brought his club across, and struck him in the side of the head. The Masked Warrior went down. Drakko had Ronicus blocked as Eddorix raised his club for the kill.
"Surrender in the name of the Law!"
Centurion Veneris was coming in from the front of the building, troops behind him. Shegovia gave an odd cry, and three crows flew out of a window.
Ronicus scooped up his friend and ran to the secret entry way they had used. Kim'll be safe now, I've got to see to MW. You should have seen that coming, why did you add that black veil to the mask?
"Gannonicus, untie the lady."
"Kimora!" Young Scipio rushed to her side. "Are you hurt? We were at your place when a tip brought us here."
"Ronicus? Where is Ronicus? He was here just a moment ago, fighting the Gauls."
"She must be in shock." Veneris stated. We heard sounds of a fight, but only saw the Gauls and the witch. The Gauls were probably just fighting among themselves. Could we get a statement from you later, 'mam?"
Kim nodded. "Ron. Where's Ron?"
"I'll take her home." Young Scipio said, throwing his cloak over her shoulders. He led her out to his chariot. Just then Senator Possibillis pulled up in his chariot.
"Father!" She ran to him.
"Kimmicubus!" he wept as he held her. "Thank Jupiter you're safe! That's two lives our family owes you, Young Scipio."
"She owes me nothing. Apparently the barbarians were fighting among themselves. We came in before they could settle who would finish her."
"I'll get you home, daughter."
"Where's Mother?"
"She went to the Temple to ask Minerva to guide the search. I'll send word to her."
"She says Ronicus was here."
"No one knows where Ronicus is. He's probably out looking for you like so many others. We'll be sure to get him the good news."
Notes
Possibilli omne possible—for a Possible, all things are possible. Special thanks to the King in Yellow for that touch phrase.