Hey everyone! Hope you like this installment…and I want some feedback. Ever since I've had this story in my mind, I've been planning for it to end sadly. Very tragic…interesting, but sad. Now, that's what I have planned but I don't want everyone to hate me lol…so please let me know if I should make some changes. Hope you all enjoy this installment!
Marcus Agrippa angrily wiped the streaming sweat from his dark brow, bitter thoughts crowding into his mind. "Who is Commodus to send me so far from my home…and now?" he thought wrathfully, as he shifted his travel pack to a more comfortable position. Agrippa had been the most feared centurion of the emperor's soldiers for many years now, though he was only just distancing himself from the glow of youth. Just now, now when he so intently wished to stay at his own villa…
News had come to the soldier that young Commodus was not as secure on his throne as he wished his subjects to believe. "That would mean, my friend," Senator Gracchus had informed him with a glint of evil greed in his hardened, bitter eyes, "that you would be a sure candidate for the throne. Think of it: a brave and victorious soldier, known to the people for his many deeds of courage would be sure to sway the hearts of the populace!" Marcus had agreed wholeheartedly; he knew without a doubt what a strong…and feared…leader he would be.
However, Commodus had seen fit to send him away from the palace…and his villa…just as things were getting so intriguing. "I have work for you to do in the heart of Rome," he had told him, just the night before. "These Christians are becoming so numerous in the empire…I will admit it, I'm beginning to be a little frightened. Who knows what could happen if they turn against us? I need you, Agrippa, to keep your eyes on them. Arrest all that you find." The young man had laid his hand on the centurion's broad shoulder, more than just a glimmer of fear shining in his dark eyes. "You have my trust." Of course, Marcus had assured the emperor of his devotion to him and to his cause—outwardly, at least.
"It is not FAIR!" Agrippa shouted madly, disregarding his age, his status, and the excessively curious stares that he received from those in the crowded forum as he walked by. "I should become emperor," he muttered to himself, more quietly this time.
The heat of the summer day was beginning to be unbearable. The seasoned soldier had been so furious when news of his deportation had arrived; he had neglected to pack sufficient provisions. He had long ago exhausted his supply of water—and he could feel his body loudly crying out for some rest and nourishment. Agrippa growled to himself as he approached a young peasant woman carrying a basket of figs on her cloth-swathed head.
"Where is a place I may find refreshment?" he snarled, pleased at the look of terror that clouded the face of the woman.
"I…I do not know for sure. A fine place you would need…"
"That goes without saying, you stupid woman." Marcus inwardly smiled at the woman's brave attempt to stifle her tears.
"The h-house of Leander M-Maximinus, the gem merchant, is kn-known throughout Rome as a p-place of g-great hospitality," she stammered, then, as an afterthought, "Sir." He smiled then, a smile of no great pleasantness…more like that of a beast contemplating it's prey.
"Where can I find him?" The woman swallowed.
"Not one mile, Sir. You will know his villa by the beautiful gardens." Marcus nodded abruptly.
"Take me there."
Even Marcus could not help being favorably impressed with the beauty of Maximinus' villa when the terrified woman led him to the grounds. He casually flipped her a coin.
"Be on your way." She scurried off, carefully clutching the piece of gold as if not believing such a treasure could come from such a beast of a man. "Like the dragon and his gold," Agrippa thought to himself, another shark-like smile crossing his lips. He strode to the door and knocked on it boldly.
"I have come for shelter and nourishment," he called loudly, "My name is Agrippa—a soldier of Rome." The door opened slightly to reveal a small old woman, her eyes wide with surprise.
"Is milord expecting you, Sir?" Kalyca asked hesitantly. Marcus narrowed his eyes at her hatefully.
"No." He pushed past her rather roughly, strode into the villa, and looked around. Even he could not keep his eyes from widening at the beauty of his surroundings. He turned to the woman.
"Your master must do very well for himself, Woman. Where is he?" Kalyca was opening her mouth to speak when Maximinus himself entered.
"Right here. And you are…?"
"Marcus Agrippa, soldier of the empire." The centurion appraised the young man at a glance—very youthful to have done so very well for himself. Leander glanced at Agrippa in his own turn, not liking much that he saw. He, however, hid his distaste and walked towards the man with a large smile and offered his hand.
"Welcome to my home. I hope that I may make you feel welcome here." He turned to Kalyca. "Please prepare supper now and immediately get the soldier something to drink." Agrippa felt himself stiffen at being called 'the soldier', and merely touched the hand offered him.
"Much obliged," he forced out. Leander folded his hands behind his back.
"Come with me, please." As the veteran followed the wealthy young man to his table, he could not help noticing that in addition to the attribute of his affluence, he was an uncommonly handsome individual as well. With his striking eyes and hair, and his muscles that looked as if he could lift boulders, even Agrippa found himself slightly intimidated by him. He found himself comparing his assets to those of Leander—while the former had the fresh beauty of youth and a good nature shone in his face, Agrippa had the seasoned look of one who had seen much turmoil, and had come through it victorious. His dark eyes were hard, his dark skin was lined, and his features were as sharp as those of a bird of prey. He was handsome, yes, but in a way that made women tremble with fear, not desire.
He was cruel.