15. Quo Vadis, Kimora?
Rome
Ronicus raced down the secret passage. Despite the armor, he carried the Masked Warrior as if he was Ruffio. The right side of his helmet was dented, and Ronicus thought he could see blood on his friend's neck.
Figures raced up to him. Lodi was with them.
"We'll take MW, Ronicus. You need to be with Kimora."
"But MW's hurt! I've got to help!"
"How? Are you a physician? Kimora's going to need you, more than you know."
Ronicus blinked. Lodi stared at him like someone used to being obeyed. "Yeah, you're right, Lodi. Let me know what's up with MW."
"As soon as we know anything."
Ronicus took the next exit. The men carrying the Masked Warrior looked at Lodi.
"We need to get her back to the Temple. I hope the helmet is the only thing that really needs restoration."
SPQR
Kim held her Father all the way home. She could see her brothers at the foot of the steps. Mrs. Stoppabullus was with them. Then her heart jumped, she saw Ronicus come up. He had taken off his armor.
The twins mobbed her as she got out. After hugging them, she went to Ronicus. With Father watching, she stood a proper distance from him, her head bowed.
"I want to thank you, Ronicus, for saving my life. Centurion Barcus should be impressed when he hears of your courage."
"Don't mention it." Then Ronicus rubbed the back of his neck, "I mean, really don't; to anyone. It's a secret thing, oaths and all that."
Still my noble friend. But what's wrong?
"Amelia, has Olivia received the good news?"
Amelia sighed, she touched Caius on the shoulder.
"Caius, Olivia was found on the floor before the great statue of Minerva. It's as if she had been struck down. She isn't responding."
The Temple of Minerva
Olivia lay on a bed someone had brought in. Her face was a pale as the finest sheet. She seemed to be scarcely breathing. Priestesses chanted and burned incense. Nana Possibillis left the group to talk to her family.
"No one knows what happened. They just found her face down. Some say she angered the Goddess, others that she offered herself in place of her daughter. Still others think she simply fell down the steps. There is a mark on the side of her head." Nana took Kim's hand.
I know what happened. She left herself unarmed and unprotected to save me. "What did the physicians say, Nana?"
"They fear that if she does awaken soon, she never will. Her skull is unbroken, but when she fell, she took a fearful blow on the steps. All anyone can do is watch and pray."
Hours crawled by. They took turns sitting beside her, applying cold cloths to her forehead. Father for the first time appeared to be without self-assurance. Nana stepped in, and forced each to rest in turn. Kim could see the Warrior of the First War in her eyes.
It was Kim's turn again. She spoke to her as she watched for any sign of awareness.
"I'm sorry. I should have been watching for that witch. She had me figured out the very first time we met! Maybe even before then. I sometimes forget that having top marks at school does not make you wise."
"You were wonderful, Mother. That throw was perfect! You never had the chance to don the Mask before then, but you did it proud. I'm sure Ronicus would agree."
At the mention of Ronicus, Olivia's eyes fluttered. Kim gasped. "Mother!"
"Why, Kim?" Her Mother looked at her through a red right eye.
"Why what, Mother?" She turned to call her family, but her Mother grabbed her arm.
"Ronicus. Why not Ronicus?"
"He's outside; he's been here the whole time. They won't allow non-family in here. Is that what you mean?"
"Did I hear? Olivia!" Father rushed in. He called to the twins and Nana. They stood around Olivia, who gave Kim's hand a gentle squeeze before she stood up so Father could talk to his wife.
Lucius Quinctus Cincinatus High School (Cadet Class Today: Another Hannibal Lecture)
Kim stood next to Ronicus as he took scrolls from his locker. It was too close for patrician propriety, but she did not care. At least with what has happened, people are giving me a break. Thank the gods I don't have to pretend to not know what happened. The biggest thing in our lives, the danger we share and pretend not to.
"Ronicus, may I talk to Kimora, alone?"
Bonilla stood behind them. He looked at Kim: she nodded. "See you in cadet class."
"If you're wondering where your throngs of well wishers are, there was a special assembly yesterday. They told us to give you some room. Being good Romans, they've obeyed." She hesitated. "Just in case you wanted to know, we raised nearly twenty talents at the Ball. Ronicus and Monique gave half a talent between them."
"You know, if you wanted to upstage me, it was enough to dance close and slow with homo loser. No more kidnappings, all right?"
The words were vintage Bonillia, but delivered without a hint of rancor.
Seeing that no one was looking, Kim hugged Bonillia. Since no one was around, Bonillia hugged her back
The Coast of Campania
Hannibal stood on the beach watching the ships making their way to shore. Shegovia smiled at his enthusiasm. She had dreaded returning in failure, having neither the girl nor any proof of her theory. However, Hannibal had news which reduced everything else to insignificance. Mago was returning!
The frustration of Capua and its continuing siege was forgotten. In the week that followed his excitement was expressed in a generosity which made Shegovia glad she was a valued lieutenant, and a beautiful woman. She ran her fingers along the silver of her new necklace as she watched one ship break from the others and head toward the beach.
"That's Mago! As reckless as ever!"
The crew expertly braked with their oars, bringing the ship to a stop. A man put his hand on the prow and jumped into the surf with an exuberant splash. He was tall and lanky. The hair was long, and just short of unkempt. The face was long, but pleasant, with a wisp of a beard. Dark eyes lit up as he saw Hannibal. He opened his arms wide as he walked out of the water.
"Han'! The man with all the plans! Biggest Bro!"
"Mago! Baby Brother!"
They hugged with the vigor of wrestlers, laughing and slapping each other on the back.
"How was Africa?"
"Perfect. Great climate, the most beautiful girls in the world and all asking the same question: 'When are the Barcid Boys coming home?' You've got to get back."
"After this then." Hannibal laughed. "Mago, I'd like you to meet the newest member of our organization. This is Shegovia, Witch of Liguria.
"Scratch what I said about Africa." Mago kissed her hand. "Liguria you say? I'll have to expand my recruiting base."
Shegovia shook her head. "Are all you Barcids this hopeless?"
"Nah. Has' is happily married, respectable, a real stick-in-the-mud."
"How did everything go?" Hannibal asked. "Did you get what I asked for?"
"Have I ever let my brother down?" Mago pointed to the ships weighing anchor. "It's all here, transportation for the army, the latest in Greek engineering, and the greatest in African fauna."
Rome
"So, how are things going with you and Ys?"
"Don't you mean YS? As in KP?"
"No, I mean Ys as in a word. Kinda accentuating the 'sss' sound. Like a snake."
Ruffio rose out of a fold in Ronicus's tunic, arms at his side swaying. He stuck out his tongue. "Hisss! Anguis."
"Jeal much?" Kim smiled.
"Just watching out for a friend. I, I just want you to be happy. I just don't know if Ys is the one for that."
"You don't? Well, do you have any names in mind?"
Ronicus blushed. "I'm just saying I think you could do better. Broken hearts are hard to mend. Be careful."
"Thanks, Ron. Oh, we're at the stables."
They walked inside. A huge black horse stuck his head out of his stall and nickered at Ronicus.
Ronicus took out an apple. "Morning, Sam." Ruffio reached out to touch the mane.
"Do you want to pet him, Kim?"
"Yes, please." Kim advanced cautiously. Her Father had warned her about war horses. Aggression was in Samnite's blood. A stranger would be risking life and limb approaching him alone.
Samnite leaned his head into her hand. "Good horse."
"You're a natural. You know your chariot skills have really picked up. I heard Barcus saying you'll place somewhere in the middle of the class. That's a real improvement from the first day."
"That was a memorable day." Kim backed up slowly. "I have to get to Temple. Have a good ride."
SPQR
Kim was making her way to the Temple. Directoria was assisting Nana with her training. Mother was attending Temple duties again, but was still unsteady. Nana said it would be months before she was fully recovered.
"Kimora!"
A group of soldiers were working on a section of the street. Young Scipio detached himself from them. His tunic was covered in dust. A man threw him a towel. "May I talk to you for a moment?"
"Certainly." The soldiers were watching as they pretended to work.
"I was hoping to see you away from your family. Venus must have been listening. There's something I want to ask you. We've been seeing each other for over two months now and, and…"
He licked his lips, hesitated. Kim could not help but smile.
Young Publius Scipio, winner of a Civic Crown, why are you afraid of me?
His voice and manner became more formal. "Kimora Possibillis, may I have permission for my family's attorneys to contact your family's attorneys regarding contract negotiations?"
Kim gasped. It was a question she had never expected. "Shouldn't you be asking Father?"
"I know what he would say." Young Scipio came closer, smiling. "But he would not have to bear my children, or wait for me to return from the wars, or have to listen to my insufferable Greek poetry. It only seems right that I ask you first. Now, I know this is unusual, and that you will want to consider your answer. I assure you I will do nothing before I hear from you."
"Scip." Kim could hardly speak for the shock. "I'm…"
"Please, don't say 'flattered'! That's the kiss of death. There's a mystery about you, one a man could spend a lifetime unraveling. I'm willing to make that investment. Just tell me you will consider it."
"Oh, course, Scip." Kim nodded.
"Thank you. As much as I would like to stay with you, I have work to do, and you have something to think about." He took her hands into his.
"Consider me."
Kim walked away slowly. She could hear the soldiers teasing their commander.
Yes, I know what Father would say. Before I talk with him or Mother, I'll see Ron and Monique. Mrs. Hatchetta, you're almost right. It's scary to be the first to know.
SPQR
Senator Possibillis was in a grand mood. "I tell you, Olivia, the Scipio campaign is going well. You can all but hear the scratching of stylus to parchment. Our Kimmicubus has Young Scipio by the heart."
Olivia sat at her dresser, absently combing her hair. Her injury was healing nicely, but she seemed stricken with something else. Even having Kimora back had not fully cleared away the gloom.
"That's nice, dear."
"Nice? Nice? We have our daughter positioned to marry one of the finest young men in the city, a man I'm convinced will go down in history, and all you have to say is nice? I don't have to be Centruion Veneris to know that something is wrong. What is it?"
Olivia sighed as she looked at Caius. "Kimora doesn't belong with Young Scipio. She belongs with another."
"Really? And can you tell me who this young god is? Why have I not seen him before?"
"You've seen him often." Olivia replied softly. "He's Ronicus."
Caius laughed. "Ronicus?! Of course, how could I have been so blind, looking at such silly things as family, fame and accomplishment! Ronicus will someday have a statue in the Forum. Granted it will be somewhat unique, his tunic down at his feet, a skewer in one hand, a piece of flat bread in the other. When did you know that this was the man for our Kimora?"
He regretted the sarcasm at once. The regret doubled when he saw the iron crack away from Olivia's mask of anger. Her eyes filled with tears, and her voice shook.
"You want to know? You really want to know? I'll tell you, Caius Possibillis. It was the day I had to tell our Kimora that her invincible Father had been crippled by the army of Hannibal at the Tinicus."
She looked away. "The schools were still segregated, of course. Kimmie was at the Lucretia Brutus School, Ronicus at the Camillus Academy, half-way across the city. He found out somehow. I was standing in the door with Jimulous and Temus, waiting for the litter that was bringing her home. Then I saw Ronicus. He was running alongside the litter. And he, he…"
The sobs took her. "He was holding her hand! Mercury must have loaned him his sandals. He never left her side the whole day, and when she finally cried herself to sleep that night, he was still there. I made him a pallet beside her bed. I don't know if he slept at all. The next morning when I came in, he was holding her hand, and stroking her hair with the other. He kept whispering, 'I'm here, Kim. I'm here.'"
"That's when I knew who would be there for Kim in all the sorrowful days to come, and they will come. No one is so rich or high-born to avoid them. Our Kimora will never be alone as long as Ronicus Stoppabullus lives! If he can't be there in body; he'll be there in heart and spirit. That kind of friendship, that kind of love, deserves to be there for all the joyous days as well."
"There, I've finally said it." She wiped her eyes. "The sad ramblings of a silly woman who kept silent too long."
"Olivia." Caius sat beside his wife. "You have never been silly. If this is how you feel, then we must talk with Kimora. She must know her heart! There can be no hope of happiness without that."
"Yes, when she gets home, we'll talk to her."
The Etruscan Tombs
Arrows struck targets in the torch light. Ronicus marveled as Kim used the Amazon arrows on a variety of targets. He stuck with the regular arrows and large targets. For the moment, his sandals were safe.
"This is getting easy." Another of Ronicus's arrows hit close to the center of the target.
"Not like girls, eh?" Kim laughed behind her mask. She looked over her shoulder at one of the tombs. On top was a statue of a man and a woman. They were reclining, she had a cup in one hand, he was pointing at something. They were looking and smiling. One could see the happiness, the love, captured for the centuries.
They were happy, and wanted all to know, even those who would never know them. Will I ever be that way? How can I know?
"Girls!" Ronicus sighed. "I know this one." An arrow flew from his bow, struck the center. "Beautiful."
"Beautiful?"
"Eyes that you get lost in, body like a goddess."
A goddess? Who would that be? It can't be Bonillia, she's taken now.
"Looks aren't everything." Kim's shot was off, barely hitting the target.
"It's more than that! She's not like anyone else. Familiar, but still exotic." He went on to a new set of targets, drawing arrow after arrow.
Exotic? Of course, Monique! I should have known! I jilt him for Scip, and he turns to a friend, one who doesn't let him down. And she's meeting us a Bene Kebob tonight!
"I need to go, Ron."
Ronicus kept loosing arrows; he was doing too well to want to stop just now. "Ah, I wanted to show MW my targets. I got the KP perfect!"
Bene Kebob
Monique frowned to herself. Kim was not remotely her normal self. She seemed to be swaying between nervousness and barely concealed anger. Of course so much had happened to her the last week.
"Kim, something is wrong. Has something else happened? I mean, aside from the Ball, and kidnapping, and your Mother?"
Kim sighed. "I ran into Scip today. He asked about attorneys; about a marriage contract."
"Really? What did you say?"
"Nothing. I don't know what to say. I mean, he's a good match, or at least Father thinks so."
"But what do you think? What do you want?"
"I don't know. Asking me was so considerate, so unexpected."
"Honey, there's something you need to know about Scipio…"
"Hello ladies!" Ronicus bounced in smiling. How's the lovely Kim, and the Jewel of the Nile?"
"Hi, Ron, hey, Ruffio."
"You know what I want?" Kim snapped to Monique. "Be happy! Both of you just be happy!" she ran out the door.
"What is that about?"
Monique stared at Ronicus. "When are you going to tell her?"
"Tell her what?"
"Fool! That you love her!" Monique was too angry for sarcasm. "Did she tell you what happened today?" Ronicus shook his head.
"Young Scipio wants to marry her."
Ronicus gasped. Ruffio shrieked and fainted.
"What did her Father say? When do negotiations start?" Ronicus was resigned.
"He didn't talk to her Father, he asked her. Yeah, Kim was surprised at that too."
"I guess I have lost her then. A real hero, a proud family."
Monique's eyes flashed. "Ron, listen to me! She likes Young Scipio, she respects Young Scipio, but she doesn't love Young Scipio. I think she loves you."
"Me?"
"I saw you two at the dance. There was no mistaking your eyes, or hers. You've known each other as long as you can remember, always been there for each other. Not even the gods could keep you from not loving each other. She's just been so intent on pleasing her family, of being the good Senator's daughter, that she can't recognize her own feelings."
That girl's heart is breaking—and she doesn't know why! Now she's about to say 'yes' to a man who fits someone else's plan for her. You can't be happy that way. Especially with that man.
"What do you mean?"
"While you two were dancing, he was conducting what in cadet class would be called a 'probing action' on my flanks, if you catch my drift. He stopped when asked, and didn't resume his offensive, but do you want your Kim with that?"
Ronicus's eyes flashed. "I knew he was a snake!"
"Ron. Go to her, now! Don't let her get home and tell her Father. Right now I don't think she's aware of what she's about to do! This is your chance; your only chance."
"You mean 'no chance'. Once she tells her Father, it's done."
"Ron, don't give up on her."
"Monique, let me fill you in on a little Roman concept, it's called patria potestas, 'the Father Rules'.
"And let me lay a Third Dynasty saying on you: 'If Mama ain't happy, then ain't nobody happy'! Ron, you have an ally in that camp! Olivia thinks you're the man for her little girl. She might even have the Grandmother with her. You have a real chance, if you act."
Ruffio nodded, "Nunc hic aut numquam!"
"I'll watch Ruffio, you two need to be alone for this."
"Thanks!" Ron took off through the door.
Monique looked down at Ruffio. "I hope he gets his chance."
SPQR
Kim was almost home. She had finally managed to stop the tears. Her mind was made up.
A great family, a good name, a fine match for my family. And he has always been the perfect gentleman. I like him, maybe love will come. Maybe…
"Kim!"
"Lodi?"
He was waving her into a small building. Her chariot and gear were inside. So was that of Ronicus.
"There's no time. A Carthaginian fleet landed off the coast today. They're very nearly at the gates! They have something with them, something huge!"
"And we need to find out what." Kim's mind focused on the crisis. Have you contacted Ronicus?" She stepped behind the screen Lodi had provided, and began to change.
"He's coming this way."
Probably to tell his 'friend' the good news, that he and Monique are in love. "I'll hurry and be ready for him.
SPQR
Ronicus ran through the streets. He did not know if Kim had taken a litter or just walked. He hoped he could reach her in time. Monique is right, it is a matter of talking to her. Why have I not done this? What could I lose?
A rumbling sound filled his ears. The chariot blocked the way.
"Ronicus! We have an emergency!"
"MW!" Ronicus moaned. "Not now! I…"
"Hannibal ad porta!"
Better Kim with a snake than Kim in chains. I waited too long. Then a hope came to him. Remember, you have an ally in the camp.
He jumped into the chariot. "Let's go, MW!"
Notes
Quo vadis—whiter goest thou?
Anguis—snake
Nunc hic aut numquam—It's now or never. Thank you Dr. Ammondt