Granted, I had never seen anything like this place before— the huge stone monuments and the happy faces of those around me. A perfect blend of the mighty and the meek; mingling in this corrupt pot of an imperialistic society.

  The stench rose up to greet me as I entered the city with nothing more than the clothes on my back. I had spent years searching, but at last, he could be in no other place. My heart drummed as I scanned the vendors and solders walking along the streets. I had no clue where I was going, or how long it would take me to find him, but there was something different about this place. This was the jewel of the Roman Empire and I knew I would find those responsible here.

  “You there!” A brute voice called over the crowd, and I watched as several men scattered like roaches in the sunlight. I stood my ground refusing to take notice of the man calling out. Before I could turn the corner, a blunt force was on my shoulder holding me back. Instinct snapped into play as I grasped the man’s hand and forced it off me.

  “How dare you strike a Roman citizen,” he cried as I dropped his hand. “You will pay for that.”

  “Will I now? How do you propose I do that?” I glared at him, towering over his weak body. The eyes of those around us burned the back of my head and I wondered if any man would step in to defend him.

  “You sir, are you a Roman citizen?” A tall hefty man, in shiny armor and carrying a long spear, stepped forth. The feathers on his helmet made me want to laugh. Just what did he think he was going to do? I had come too far to be taken down by a commoner.

  “Does it matter?” I replied as my eyes shifted from the man cowering on the ground back to the soldier.

  “It does.” The guard bent his elbow and jabbed the spear in my direction. I wanted to laugh. How many of these men had I taken down just to get here? I had lost track over the five long years of hunting. With my eyes narrowed on the point of the spear I concocted different ways to take him down. Suddenly, there wasn’t just one though, but many. The commotion of my single exchange had brought in more soldiers and I found myself surrounded.

  “Do you really think you can get away with striking down a citizen? You will come with us.”

  “I don’t think so,” I sneered releasing the man under me, who scurried back to the crowds. My lips twitched at the corners, watching the little man hurry back to the safety of his people, leaving me in the center of the soldiers alone.

  “Finally,” I mumbled. “A challenge worth my time.”

  The soldiers circled, closing in on me as I prepared for the battle to come. I wondered how many of them I would take down before they got me. The muscles in my arms flexed ready to strike.

  “There you are, Augustus!” A soft female voice drifted over the soldiers. Instantly fear entered their eyes, as a young woman pushed through their circle. Her face lit up the city and her tender soft smile startled me. I had been prepared to fight, yet now I found myself bewitched by her pale-green eyes and golden hair.

  “I have been looking for you,” she said moving quickly to my side. A subtle hint of lavender drifted off her skin and slapped my face.

  “You know this man?” one of the soldiers asked, lifting up his spear. My eyes darted around the men as each of them withdrew from their attack on me.

  “Of course, he is my cousin.”

  “He doesn’t wear the emblem of your house, my Lady,” the soldier stated with his eyes still holding me hostage.

  “Yes, well, he has been traveling in the wild and has forgotten his manners.” The young girl closed her arm around my waist and held me close to her, as if she was my shield. The soldiers quickly bowed and stepped away leaving only one behind.

  “Maximus,” the woman said keeping her gaze on him. “Is there something else?”

  “He attacked another citizen, my Lady.”

  “The senator will punish him for that and get him back to par with our customs,” she said with her shoulders back. “Unless you want me to explain to the senator how you refused him his service?” The woman spoke with such authority and prose that I couldn’t help but think of Iris.

  “You know how the senator loves to correct those who have fallen. Would you prefer I explain the situation to him?”

  “No my Lady,” Maximus said lowering his gaze as he dropped his head.

  She remained by my side until we turned the corner. Then, to my utter surprise she burst into laughter that echoed down the alleyway. Her laugh was like tiny bells. Her face flushed red as she turned to me.

  “I’m sorry,” she apologized and brushed her hands on her delicate dress before looking up at me.

  “Why did you do that? I could have taken them all out.”

  “Perhaps, but then, where would you be?”

  “On my way,” I said crossing my arms against my chest.

  “No,” she shook her head and kept her eyes locked on me like hooks digging into my very soul. Iris used to stare at me like that and I couldn’t help but let my guard down and submit to defeat. “You would either be dead or you’d find yourself in the coliseum. Then you would be dead.”

  “You don’t know that.”

  “I know enough about this city to say that you may have killed all those men in a blink of an eye—no doubt. But, they would come with more men and kill you.”

  “Maybe that is what I wanted.”

  “Doubtful. You have a gleam in your eyes that tells me you are here for a reason. Perhaps on a mission of some kind?”

  “What’s it to you?” I snapped trying to recompose myself. I wasn’t about to let a stranger get between me and my purpose.

  “Nothing,” she said flashing a brilliant smile that knocked the wind out of me. Her eyes glanced over my shoulder and she quickly stepped closer once more.

  “I don’t know why you are here, and I don’t care. But, if you are determined to get yourself killed, then by all means go. I won’t stop you next time.”

  “You’re letting me go, just like that?” She was stubborn, but kind and that wasn’t something I was expecting from any citizen of Rome. The stories I had heard about this place turned my heart to stone. Yet, here in the midst of the brutality was a flower blooming under the oppression of the city.

  “You Sir, are not my problem.”

  “Then why help me with those men?”

  “Because they think they can do whatever they want to whomever they want and it's not right. You looked as if you could use a friend here in the city.” She thrust her hand out towards me and held her smile. I tried to look beneath the facade, but no matter how I tried to discredit her, the smile was genuine.

  “My name is Athena,” she said. I reached out and shook her hand grateful to her.

  “Tobias.”

  “Just where do you come from Tobias?”

  “Does it matter?” I asked as she released my hand and began walking down the alley leaving the merchants behind.

  “I am just curious as to where someone, who is willing to stand up to the soldiers in this city, hails from. It’s not every day you see anyone standing up to them.”

  “Well, what about you? You seemed to know them intimately. Even called them by name,” I said deflecting the question as I kept pace with her.

  “There isn’t a soldier or senator I don’t know,” she admitted to me. A spark of hope shot through me, as if the soldiers had jabbed me with their pointed spears. Perhaps fate had finally smiled on me.

  “You say you know everyone of importance here?”

  “Yes.”

  We stepped out into the crowds once more and I watched as the men and women bowed their heads to her as we walked past them. Given the fear and respect they showed, it was clear she wasn’t lying to me. Although I may not have had a plan when I first entered this city, it was quickly forming in my mind.

  “Would you say you know a man by the name of Alexander?” My question stopped her short, and she turned on her heel. The softness in her features turned to stone as she faced me.

  “There are many Alexanders throughout the city. Which one are you referring to?”

  “The one with a bald spot on his crown. He has dark-brown eyes and a pointy nose.”

  “Many men of that name have those exact same features. You are going to have to do better than that?”

  Sighing in frustration, I pulled every detail I could think of to describe the man from the depths of my memory. With each bit of information I added, Athena’s eyes turned colder and colder, until finally she lifted her hand up to stop me.

  “Yes, I know him. Why do you seek an audience with him? Don’t you know how vile he is?”

  “So, I’m not the only one who thinks so.” Hearing her confess the evilness I had seen was more than I could have hoped for. She stepped closer to me. Her lips were inches from my face, as she whispered in my ear.

  “No one likes him, but you won’t hear anyone state it as plainly as you do. I would suggest you keep those thoughts private or you will find yourself in the bottom of a ditch.” She stepped back and locked her eyes to mine.

  “J

  If you must speak with him, you will find him in the last veranda on the east side of the city, three blocks before you get to the capital. There is a dragon fighting a wolf emblem etched in marble at the front gate.”

  “Thank you,” I said nodding my head.

  “You might find that he will be more inclined to hear you out, later tonight. He is hosting a banquet at his home and much wine; you might actually find him in good spirits.”

  She nodded once to me and stepped away. Her eyes darted to the spying eyes, before she turned her back to me. I watched as she walked away stunned not only by her beauty, but her innocence as well. If only she knew my plans for the senator. I shook my head befuddled by her.

  Perhaps I should take her advice, I thought to myself as I played out the scenario in my head. If I went there now, and tries to charge into his home, I may not even get past the front doors. But, if I wait, then maybe the element of surprise would be better for me. I’ve waited this long, what’s a few more hours?

  With nothing else to do, I slipped into the crowd keeping to the shadows. Every step she took, I followed until she paused at the corner of the alley and slipped into a shop. For a moment I wondered if I too should go, but the chances of running into her again were too great.

  She has already done so much for me; I shouldn’t risk getting her further involved. But, then again, she might be the only one who I can use to get close to him.

  I could see it all very clearly. Athena was the key I needed to take my revenge. If I played the game the right way, she wouldn’t be in any danger whatsoever. All I needed was but one more moment with her. One more encounter and she would lead me to the very man who had taken everything from me. You will pay Alexander, with your life.

  My eyes remained locked on the small shop, as I leaned against the wall waiting for her to emerge. The sun drifted over the stone buildings and trickled through the clouds as I waited. People from all walks of life passed by me as I stood there waiting for her. With each passing moment I pushed out the guilt rearing its ugly head and I hardened my heart. I knew the plans I had and what it could mean to her if I succeeded. But, the taste of vengeance was on my lips and no pretty face, or bleeding heart would stop me from getting it.

  I threw my shoulders back and sucked in a deep breath as she stepped out of the shop,

  “I’m sorry Athena,” I mumbled and followed her like a shadow through the streets of Rome.

  Chapter 3

  “Edith!” She turned the moment she heard her name and greeted me with a smile. Her hand flew up into the air as I rushed to her side and threw my arms around her neck.

  “Athena, what brings you to these parts?” she asked glancing at the package I carried, once I released her.

  “You know why I am here, Alexander requests your company tonight.”

  “He wants me to come to his party?” she sounded flabbergasted, as if she wasn’t expecting the invitation. I shook my head and narrowed my eyes at her.

  “You know he wants you to come.”

  “So he sends you to come and find me? When will he do things for himself?”

  “You know why he can’t.”

  “That doesn’t mean I have to like the situation.”

  “Oh, come on,” I said curling my arm into hers and moving out of the crowded street. “You love the attention he showers on you.”

  She smiled brightly as I pulled out the small trinket I had bought for her in Alexander’s name. I slipped the bauble into her hand and glanced up at her. A sting of jealousy pricked at me as I handed over the expensive earrings.

  “Payment for tonight I assume?” Edith glanced at the golden hoops with discontent.

  “No, more like a token of his affection for you.”

  “That man doesn’t love anyone. Not even his wife.”

  “He cares for you though.”

  “Did he tell you these things?” Edith’s eyebrows scrunched together as her eyes probed mine.

  “Of course not. But it’s clear. He doesn’t even give these things to his wife.”

  “But, he gives them to me.”

  “Because he wants you. You have to know; you have him wrapped around your little finger.”

  “The same way you have Luca wrapped around yours?” Edith’s lips pulled up at the corners as she squeezed my arm. Heat flushed through my face as I thought of Luca and I turned my gaze from her.

  “There is nothing going on with Luca,” I lied hoping to conceal the truth from her. She shook her head and threw it back with a loud burst of laughter.

  “Please, that man won’t look at another woman. You have him and everyone in the city knows it.”

  “That is what Alexander wants isn’t it? What he wants, he gets.”

  “Well, he doesn’t get everything he wants. Not from me at least.”

  “Oh, come on, you can’t be serious? You have to come to the party.” Fear shot through me as I wondered what Alexander would do if I failed to bring Edith tonight. The shock on her face was instant. I wondered if she could read my mind as she released my arm and pulled me into her. The comfort of her arms around my tiny frame was almost as secure as Luca’s embrace.

  “I’ll go, but only because I know what would happen to you if I didn’t.”

  I exhaled, allowing all the fear swelling in my chest to escape. I couldn’t have done much, if she had refused, and I squeezed my arms around her holding her to me.

  “Thank you Edith.”

  “Now, tell me,” she said pulling away from me and glancing at the earrings. “Why did you buy these? You know I won’t wear them.”

  “No, but you can sell them, or even get them melted down. I heard you needed the funds.”

  “I forget sometimes how close your ear is to the ground. So, what else have you heard? Any gossip I should know about?” Edith smiled, but the spark didn’t reach her eyes. I overheard a ton of stuff this morning, but I knew she would hear it all again once she was in Alexander’s arms.

  “Best to talk about those things when you come tonight,” I said pausing at a large stone building in the center of the city. Cheers and boos filtered out from the arena and flags danced in the wind high above me.

  “I hear the emperor has brought in a new group of gladiators,” Edith said. “Want to go check them out?”

  The thought of watching the brutality of men fighting in the arena terrified me. My body trembled as the crowds demanded more blood to be split. Although I knew the games were to show Rome’s might, all they did for me was expose the cracks in our society. I shook my head and stepped away from the building.

  “You go, and tell me all about it tonight.”

  “Come on Athena,” Edith said enthusiastically grabbing my wrist and pulling me towards the open gates. “They have beasts from the east. Surely you want to see those?”

  “No,” I shook my head and yanked my arm out of her grasp. “I can’t bear to see those creatures killed just because they are different. Who’s to say the elephants aren’t peaceful creatures? Or that tigers wouldn’t be as tame as house cats if only given a chance? No. You go. I’ll catch up with you later.”

  “Are you sure you are a Roman? It’s not as if these are the last of their kind. And if it’s about money, I can buy your ticket for the good seats.” Edith dangled the golden hoops as a crooked smile played on her lips.

  “I said no. It’s not right.” I knew if I let her talk me into going into the arena I would leave in tears. There was no reason for animal cruelty. No reason to place man against beast, when it was clear the men would win. The thought of what the soldiers were doing to the animals to get them riled up sent chills coursing through me.

  “Suit yourself,” Edith said as she stepped up to the gate. I watched her pull out the coin needed to secure her the best view and then she disappeared into the shadows.

  “Do you feel that way about all monsters?” I turned to find myself face-to-face with Tobias, again. His deep-set eyes peered into mine and his eyebrow lifted in curiosity.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked turning away from him. Although I hadn’t expected to see him so soon, the fact that he was there thrilled me. Sucking in a deep breath to steady my nerves, I turned my head back towards him.

  “Sightseeing,” he said plainly, as he walked with me down the street.

  “Really? What do you think of the arena?”

  “Barbaric, actually.” His voice was firm, but soft. The fact that he too seemed concerned about the creatures was comforting. I hadn’t met another Roman who thought pitting man against beast was insane. To everyone else it was entertainment.

  My lips drifted up at the corners and I glanced at my feet, trying to keep my eyes off him. I knew there would be people watching my every move, and I didn’t want to give the wrong impression. After all, Alexander was not a forgiving man and to disgrace him in public would be my death.