Fists of Iron: Barbarian of Rome Chronicles Volume Two Read Free Page B

good.”
    Clodian looked up, forcing a tight smile. He took a bite of his own, and after a moment enquired, “When will this training begin?”
    “Soon, immediately after another important event that I must tell you about.” He quickly came to point. “I know how close you were to your mother, and no one will ever replace her in our hearts. But…I have decided to take another wife.” Gaius realized that his voice was unsteady, his words awkward.
    Clodian spoke nervously into the silence. “Who will this woman be?”
    “She will first and foremost be a wife to me and a mother to you. This home of ours has been without a woman’s presence for far too long. And her name is Flavia. She is the youngest daughter of my old friend in Rome, Durus Inciatus, and so is of good patrician stock.”
    “I, I see,” Clodian admonished hesitantly. “When will the marriage ceremony take place?”
    “Flavia will arrive from Rome in two days’ time, and the ceremony will take place three days after.”
    “So soon?”
    “There is no reason for delay,” said Gaius, “it has been arranged.” There was iron in his voice when he spoke. “I expect you to warmly welcome her to our home, as she is young, only three summers older than yourself. “
    Clodian’s head dipped once more.
    “Do I make myself clear?”
    “Yes,” Clodian replied, this time not raising his head.
    “Good, and so there’s nothing more to say,” concluded Clodian, somewhat relieved. “I will not keep you from your day any longer. He stepped forward, lifted his son’s head, his palms cupping his chin. He kissed him softly on the forehead. “I love you very much, and that will never change.”
    “I know,” the answer was barely a whisper.
    Gaius watched his son’s slim back as he walked way, into the bleaching sunlight. He reassured himself that the meeting had not gone badly, and he hoped Clodian would soon get used to the coming changes to their lives. Yet, a seed of worry ate at him like a worm in rotten apple, knowing that Clodian loved the gentler things in life. He’d always cherished learning about herbs and things that grew, and his mother had taught him how certain potions could advance healing and alleviate pain. When he was younger, Clodian had accompanied him to the games at the arena and he’d delighted at the colour and spectacle, and he’d seemed to admire the grace and skill of the champion gladiators, and had always looked forward watching Caetes ( see prequel: War Raven ), the great champion fight. Even in those early days, his son seemed to take as much pleasure watching the crowd and speaking to those sat close by, as he did watching the contests in the arena. And, as the years passed he’d had ever less enthusiasm for the games; regularly making excuses to use the latrine or get a drink when the beast men performed and the criminals were punished, and after, when the gladiators fought to the death.
    Later, Clodian could never be found when it was time to depart for the games, and he had not forced the issue, had not coerced him to attend. He remembered that his wife had had no taste for the games too. Perhaps he had been too soft with the boy, too indulgent with him? But, he loved him greatly, as he’d loved his mother, before the wasting disease had so painfully stolen her from him.
    Yet, he also knew that his son had a sharp mind. He also had determination and resourcefulness when he turned his attention to subjects that he enjoyed. He’d seen it himself, and his tutors had reported these qualities back to him. The task then was for him to apply his resolve to other matters – matters important for him to succeed as a man and his heir…and to survive.

Chapter 3
     
    FLAVIA INCIATUS
     
     
    The bed-chamber was partly lit by the moon-light that filtered through the fine cotton drapes that separated it from the large balcony. The villa was sumptuous, built high up on Rome’s Esquiline Hill, but the night was heavy, moist.