Flavius Aulus

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Chapter 4

The meeting had concluded that Flavius should be kept busy. He was still devastated by the loss of his father and although there were times when he needed be alone and weep it was decided he begin school again. Even without the controversy about his new status it would be an unsettling time until his father's funeral and no one would expect him to be at his best. Protocol demanded that Flavius senior should lie in state for a week.

Friday night there would be the reception that Flavius had promised and which Matthew, the majordomo had been busily organising. Whatever faults Flavius' mother might have she saw the reception as the time when the new order in the House of Aulus would start establishing itself.

She had been surprised at some of the favourable comments she had heard about her son's understanding of discipline and service and her attitude to the House of Sparta was softening a little. She might disapprove of changing the school system but since it had the Emperor's blessing she saw it as a stepping stone to Rome.

Much to his surprise, Matthew found Julia to be a willing partner in preparing the reception even though the boys in the House of Sparta were going to be involved in the proceedings.

Hans had been Flavius Aulus' body slave. When they were in the main part of the palace that was still his role. As his father had approached the end Flavius had slept spooned up against the older boy while Hans' tenderly took care of Flavius' needs.

However, that morning after the House of Sparta's inaugural meeting, Hans was most clearly in charge as they got ready for the day. When Flavius, Steven and Allan lined up for inspection just before they left, all three boys kept a nervous eye on the tawse in Hans' hand.

Steven was in his normal school clothes while Flavius and Allan wore the tunics they had worn the previous night.

"In future you act as master from the moment you wake up," Hans said to Steven, "You'll do for today but these two should have helped you brush your shoes and your jacket. I expect you to set the standards but considering they had to be sent round by courier it's not a bad turnout."

As Steven bent to pick up his bag, Hans coughed discretely and looked at Flavius who got the message and grabbed both school bags.

It was difficult walk for all three boys. Allan was uncomfortable being in the street and away from the office. He was also nervous at the reception he would receive from the other slaves and staff.

Flavius was unused to walking behind Steven. His status as Governor's son meant that most walked behind him except in the most informal situations. It was awkward carrying two bags. He was well enough known to recognised and everyone seemed to be staring at him in his new role.

Steven at the head of the little group also felt that the entire world was staring at him. He felt as if he could be arrested at any moment for impersonating a Senator.

It got worse after they dropped Allan at the office in time to greet Harold and got closer to the school. Steven's friends were too scared to get involved while the higher class students looked with open hostility at the way Flavius was apparently degrading himself.

Steven could well have been beaten up but stories that there was Imperial involvement prevented any attack.

Steven would have lost his nerve and fled if he had not been equally bound by the Imperial Edict.

The school authorities had received two messages. One from the Governor's palace saying that Flavius Aulus would not be returning and a second to say that in future Steven Cirenson would be attended by a slave.

The silence was almost like physical wall when they entered the classroom.

"Not there," Steven said quietly as Flavius went to take his usual place, "Unpack my bag then go and sit at the back."

"I'm sorry sir. I forgot," Flavius replied. He alone had detected the the tremor in Steven's voice.

"Take the cane and put it on your desk to remind you." Steven commanded more confidently.

Flavius had heard how Harold had introduced House of Sparta discipline to Steven and how Steven was expected to be equally strict with him. Like Harold, his father had never used corporal punishment and he had not enjoyed his first experiences from Hans. The idea of being punished in public scared him.

The front rows of desks were reserved for the sons of nobles. The chairs were like luxurious office chairs. They were not expected to stand when the teacher entered and discipline could only be administered by their fathers.

Steven sat in one of the middle rows. The furniture was more functional and less comfortable. Punishments could be awarded and the parents notified. The boys were expected to stand respectfully whenever an adult entered.

Flavius was relegated to the back of the room. Long wooden planks served as seats and tables. Punishment was arbitrary and was inflicted for the least sign of disrespect to anyone including other students.

A further distinction between the stratum of students was in the marking of work. A piece of work would be awarded a distinction if presented from the front, a pass from the middle and a fail from the back.

The system deterred students from the lower classes from even going to school and slaves only attended to serve their master's son as Flavius was apparently doing. Discipline was maintained more by the front rows being expected to set a good example than anything else.

The first lesson of the day was philosophy one of the lessons most likely to be affected by Flavius' challenge to the system.

The front rows would discuss or debate matters affecting the empire while while the rest would listen to wisdom of their betters. It was more about politics than philosophy but the title gave the class more academic standing.

The teacher was Marius Diollo a conservative man who disliked the idea of the lower orders even being in the class. He was almost obsequious as he accepted the greetings of the front rows barely glancing at the rest of the before waving them to sit.

"It's sad that his new duties prevents our esteemed Governor from attending any more." he said oblivious to the muffled giggles from the students before picking up his cane and continuing, "Where's the new boy. He may as well learn his true position in this class."

Flavius stood nervously and then desperately tried stifle his own giggles as the look on Mr Diollo's face changed from resigned contempt at a new slave in his class to bewilderment and near panic as he recognised Flavius.

"What's the meaning of this. Surely you're not playing pranks at a time like this. Please show some respect for your father, get properly dressed and take your rightful position."

"This is my proper position, sir." Flavius replied, "I'm here as Steven Cirenson's slave. Flavius Aulus, Governor of this province, does not want to bring the authority of his office into your classroom, sir,"

"That is very considerate of you Your Exellency but you go too far. I nearly caned you as a slave."

"Excuse me sir," Steven said, standing respectfully, "but I must insist that you don't show my slave any favours. I would get into trouble with my father if he had to apologise to the Emperor."

"This is ridiculous." Mr. Diollo snapped, "You're just the son of a clerk. Why should the Emperor be concerned with your father?"

"Officially His Excellency is is at the palace. If he should should choose to leave unofficially, incognito and with the Emperor's approval I wouldn't dare to challenge him. That boy is to be treated as a slave and if you don't cane him as you usually do then I'll do it during recess."

Steven wanted to turn round to look to Flavius for support but no master could do that. It may be Flavius' scheme but it was his responsibility to carry it through the first challenge.

Marius Diollo was at a complete loss. The staff knew that there was terrific pressure to reform the education system and that Flavius was going to make some gesture as his Imperial service. Some of them supported it but the old guard such as Mr. Diollo had expected to be able to ride out the campaign and carry on as usual but he now found himself in the front line defending his position against an increasingly powerful attack.

The rest of the class were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Mr. Diollo was not a popular teacher, not even with the front rows. He was just too much of a crawler and a creep. Whatever the bigger picture they were enjoying seeing him brought down.

Normally Steven would have found himself at the wrong end of Mr. Diollo's cane for his intervention but mention of Imperial support rattled the teacher.

"Steven is right........" Flavius began

"Be quiet." Steven and Mr. Diollo snapped together. Mr Diollo spoke without thinking trying to stop the boys ganging up on him and forgetting who he was speaking to while Steven was making sure that Flavius continued to act as a slave.

Both were visibly surprised at the moment of agreement to the noisy amusement of the class.

"I cannot continue with you challenging the proper order like this. You, boy. Go and fetch the headmaster."

The boy was in the front row and it was the first time that Mr. Diollo had spoken sharply to the son of a noble. The startled boy obeyed without question.

The Headmaster was one of those men who naturally commanded respect. Tall, well proportioned and with greying hair and never visibly excited no matter what pandemonium was being generated around him.

Even the front rows thought it normal to stand for him. Once all the boys were seated he was told what had happened.

"I think the Palace could have warned me of the Governor's plans." he said, "We could have made suitable arrangements. You boy, stand up."

Flavius obeyed, standing smartly at attention.

"I'll respect the Governor's wish to be incognito but I assume you're fully aware of his plans."

"Yes sir," Flavius replied, "I know what he's thinking."

"Good! So why wasn't I informed of this protest?"

"It's not a protest, sir. The Governor is committed to his service until he turns twenty one. I understand that the Emperor and the Board of Guardians believe that any discussion would have given bureaucrats the chance to dilute the plan. The Governor is sorry if you've been inconvenienced, sir."

"Thank the Governor when you see him and I take their point about interference. I had a letter from the Education Department today. I'm invited to apply for a number of grants related to integrating the various social classes into a single stream. There's generous compensation for setting up the program. I take it that it's not a coincidence and even the Governor and his peers will benefit from the improved facilities. Interference can work in both directions, don't you think?"

Flavius smiled, "Yes sir, The Governor would like to talk to you about it at the reception tonight if you're able to attend."

"Unfortunately mere teachers don't receive invitations to such events. I'm surprised you forgot that."

"I didn't forget, sir. You are involved with the completion of His Excellency's Imperial Service. That makes you eligible to attend. His car and a servant will be at your disposal to deal with any question of invitation if you and your wife are available at such short notice."

"Thank the Governor and tell him that I look forward to speaking to him in directly. Mr Diollo, may I request that you end your practice of caning new slaves in this class immediately?"

"And am I also expected to listen to the ramblings of slaves during our discussions?" Mr. Diollo asked.

"It seems that the Provincial Governor demands it," the Headmaster replied, "and His Imperial Majesty will be aware of anyone who obstructs him."

Mr. Diollo remained silent for a time before saying, "I think it's time I retired. I have no wish to be involved in destroying the social order that has served the Empire so well."

"This is not the place to make major decisions, Mr Diollo." the Headmaster replied, "You're one of the greatest authorities on the origins of our Empire and I'll be sorry to lose you. We'll have the resources to introduce that subject as a major course. Please come to my office and we'll discuss your options."

The next lesson was Maths. The teacher was far more tolerant and argued that mathematical problems could only be right or wrong. Nevertheless the back rows tended to lose more marks for untidiness and bad presentation though from that day onward they seemed to do much neater work.

The rest of the morning droned on without further incident. Teachers avoided any sort of class discussion or any marking of papers; generally avoiding any activity which might get them involved in Flavius' revolution.

Lunch was difficult for Steven. The nobles watched as Flavius dutifully laid out his food then hurried over to the other servants to eat his. Steven ate alone understanding why. It was not the first he had earned the hostility of the nobles and he did not wish to drag his friends into the conflict.

Flavius' cook had insisted that his Master eat properly, no matter what he was doing, and had packed too much of the best food in the larder. Flavius happily shared it all with the other servants making himself very popular.

Football was very popular with the lower classes. All it needed was a ball and space to kick it. There were proper fields and leagues across the Empire and although it was all right to watch the games no noble would be seen playing it seriously. It was something of a test for Flavius when he was asked to join in a game. It was an entertainment for their betters and so it had to be played properly but only slaves put on public performances.

All boys like to kick a ball around and Flavius like many other Nobles had been secretly envious of the slaves' chance for a bit of fun. He only hesitated briefly before joining in.

He might have kicked a ball around with friends in their gardens but it was the first time he had played where the other players took it so seriously and he was completely outclassed. His game finished when he was brought down by a tackle. He hit the ground face down face down, winded, with a bloody nose and his ankle badly twisted.

If it had been any other player the game would have continued. It was not a particularly hard tackle by the usual standards but Flavius was not the usual slave.

It had happened before to someone's servant so Steven knew he should not rush to Flavius' aid. The Nobles watching the game would have crucified the slave who had injured one of their own. The slave realised this and stood petrified with fear. The other players recovered from their own fear and seeing that no one was coming to Flavius' assistance helped him up. Seeing that he could not play any more, they helped him over to their rest area.

"Nice tackle." Flavius called out to the trembling slave, "I'll be ready for you next time."

The boy collapsed in tears and in his turn, had to be helped over to where Flavius was sitting, to recover. The slave belonged to the school and once lessons were complete would be set to cleaning up. If Flavius had asked, the boy would have been killed without further thought but when he put his arm round the boy to comfort him the incident was over.

The school had a fully equipped bathhouse for most of it's students. The exception of course were the slaves. As it became crowded more and more of the lower ranks were excluded. They made do with shower heads and latrines behind the bath house.

The slave boy nervously suggested that they get cleaned up and helped Flavius over to the slave area. Flavius looked aghast at the sparse amenities so different to the bath house he was used to. It was clean and that was it's only redeeming feature. The slave cleaned the blood off his face and before they stripped and stood under the shower.

It would have been an erotic experience if the water had not been so cold. Instead they helped each other get clean as quickly as possible before brushing down their tunics.

Flavius looked his old self and he could almost walk normally when he reported back to Steven.

"Did you enjoy yourself with the slave?" Steven asked.

Flavius grinned.

"No sir. He was too nervous and the water was too cold. We both wanted to get into the sun to dry off."

Steven laughed, "Never mind. You'll be home soon and you'll have your pick of your slaves."

"I wish Mother didn't find excuses to parade slave girls in front of me all time." Flavius said quietly, "I know I'll have to get married and I could really go for some of the girls she's got lined up. I just don't want to get some slave pregnant to prove I'm capable."

The remainder of the day passed without incident and Flavius was fully recovered by the time they got back to the Palace.

Hans insisted that Flavius and Steven rest before the nights activities. Steven was under orders to see that Flavius had everything he wanted and slept with Flavius' cock firmly planted in his arse and Flavius' hand firmly around his own manhood. Hans also insisted that Allan should also rest. Hans was older and had enjoyed a quiet day. He continued getting the House of Sparta ready for the reception.

He suspected that Titus and one or two of the other adults might want a quiet refuge before the night was over.

When he woke the boys he was careful to address Flavius as 'sir'. In a way it was like a game and now it was Flavius' turn to be 'it' while the other two had to do the rushing around helped by a few slaps and blows from Hans. From the the moment he woke, Hans expected Flavius to behave like the Governor while the others attended to his needs.

It was the role he had been raised for and he slipped to it easily. It may seem surprising but his experiences as a slave helped. He did not want to be in trouble with Hans for doing his duty poorly and where he had accepted his own humiliations with good grace he assumed that everyone else would. Allan and Steven understood their roles. Allan was used to being a slave while Steven knew he had to behave to the same standards he had expected from Flavius during the day.

Allan and Steven were still naked when Flavius was finally dressed and ready to join his family and took part in a little ceremony.

Hans knelt in front of Flavius and said, " Your Excellency, I'm at your service."

Steven, then Allan repeated the ritual before Flavius dismissed them and gave them fifteen minutes to get themselves ready. It had steadied Flavius and he was ready to meet his family.

He headed for the the family quarters with the other slaves of Sparta making up his retinue.

It was a grand entrance as Allan and Steven opened the doors for him and he stepped into the lounge.

"At last, Flavius," his mother began irritably.

Flavius remained silent. Hans, Steven and Allan stood dutifully behind as he raised his hand to show the ring on his finger. It was the one that he had taken from his father on his death and it was the symbol of his position.

Julia looked at the tableau in front of her. Flavius had entered as the Governor and there was nothing in his manner or appearance to suggest anything different. She had no choice but to follow the same protocols and traditions.

She curtsied briefly.

"My apologies. Your Excellency, I'm at your service."

Flavius looked at Titus who took his turn in front of Flavius. He bowed his head briefly before saying, "Your Excellency, I'm at your service."

His wife looked as if she was being dragged to the scaffold as she took her turn. She still had not accepted the new situation and was furious that she was not standing beside her husband while he accepted homage.

Their elder son took after his mother. He was sullen and resentful as he paid his respects. The younger son looked equally sullen until his back was towards his family when he winked cheekily and mouthed, 'Good Luck' before saying the formal line.

Other members of the family who had arrived to attend the reception also paid their respects to the new Governor. Flavius remained quiet and aloof during the ceremony, merely thanking them all for their support at the end.

There are fashions in protocol as in every other human activity. The main theme of the evening was to make Flavius undisputed Provincial Governor and pronounce him head of the House of Aulus. That dated back back to the earliest period of the Empire. At times protocol would have allowed him to be surrounded by bodyguards. Nowadays a token protection was allowed which meant when they made their way to the reception, Flavius led followed immediately by the boys and then the rest of the family.

When he stood on the podium, the Sparta boys stood immediately behind him. Dressed as slaves their role was obviously subservient and they separated Flavius from the rest of the family, again showing him to be undisputed head.

He stood as dignitaries from neighbouring provinces offered their congratulations and the Nobles and dignitaries of his provinces offered their support.

Finally he began his speech. he started by thanking everyone for their support, how he planned to continue the work his father had done, his hopes that the disputes with Scandinavia could be resolved and how he hoped to make the province more prosperous. It was all standard stuff.

After the Board of Guardians had paid homage they had been guided into the Ante-room as had Titus and his headmaster.

"As you know, until I reach twenty one I am to be trained by a Board of Guardians. They come from all ranks but they have been chosen by the skills they bring to their task. I ask that you all give them due respect for their contribution, not only to my Governorship but, to the Imperial Service I have undertaken.

"That service is to try and stimulate the Education system so that it produces more of the scientists and engineers. For that reason I would ask that you all show due respect to the Headmaster of the town school which has suddenly found itself at the forefront of the Imperial program."

The noble classes of the Roman Empire were always suspicious of favourites being taken from the lower classes. Although there were now slaves and a mere teacher standing at the front of the hall along with nobles, there were defined boundaries of what was expected. Protocol may have been bent but it had not been broken and if it had Imperial approval the nobles had more to gain by accepting the situation than opposing it.

As the gathering began to socialise Juan, Harold and the Headmaster found themselves being cordially greeted. Titus had chosen to stand with the Board of Guardians rather than with the family which had infuriated his wife while Germanicus Susitus was entitled to stand at the front anyway.

Flavius managed a few words with the Headmaster.

"Thank you for inviting me, Your Excellency." he said, "It's a little overpowering though."

"You should try going to school as a slave." Flavius replied, "Do you approve of the changes?"

"Oh yes! So do most teachers. Have you thought how you're going to encourage other schools?"

Flavius grinned.

"I was the star runner in the 800 metres. Are you going to allow a slave to compete in my place?"

"I see. If I allow one slave then I may as well allow others. If my school breaks ranks then what will the others do? We seem to be at the head of the list for a number of grants and your Uncle is asking about filling a number of apprenticeships in the shipyards. If we succeed then we'll be setting standards other schools will be expected to follow.

"There's one thing though. There's a certain slave who will be expected to keep up with his work and set the standards for the other boys so I'll be keeping a close eye on him."

Flavius swallowed nervously. "He'll do his best, sir."

"Headmaster not sir, Your Excellency." the Headmaster said, "You normally keep to your different roles brilliantly. So do the others. I recognise young Cirenson there. I could do with a slave like him to entertain me. I can say that to Your Excellency about one of your slaves. I would never say it about one of my students."

Flavius grinned, "You should have a body slave as a mark of your new status. You can't have one of the House of Sparta members though but if you see anything else you fancy let me know."

"I don't want one who's too bright though. I'd have to put him through school then I'd lose him."

Julia approached them. "Flavius my dear. Could you come greet Claudina. She's one of my dearest friends and she's got a daughter about your age.

Steven was slightly embarrassed about the Headmaster's comments and at the same time excited. He had never thought about attracting people before. That evening men and women had touched him, apparently by accident but he was not supposed to react. His duty, along with Hans and Allan was to stand dutifully behind Flavius so the he was not crowded. It was the first time he had attended such a gathering so he was content to watch events and listen to the conversations going on around him.

Allan had also been the subject of various gropings and lewd comments. He was more used to it than Steven but Hans had glared at him on more than one occasion to steady him but it was still an amazing experience for both of them.

Flavius' younger cousin, Marcus approached him.

"Having fun, Your Egg-lency." he asked cheekily.

"It'll be better when I have tongue cut out for your rudeness," Flavius retorted, grinning.

"If I tell you something will you protect Mother?"

"I didn't think she needed anyone's protection."

"I know what you mean. If there's trouble will you protect her?"

"I'll do my best. What's wrong?"

Marcus was silent for a while before speaking.

"I wish Mother wouldn't give Father such a hard time. She's always on about he should be Head of the House of Aulus and how he's such a failure. He's not though, is he? You wouldn't have given him all that extra work if you thought that, would you?

Flavius was having trouble seeing where the boy was leading. He tried to answer but Marcus continued,

"You have a family slave, David. Mother's promised him his freedom but she can't do that, can she? At least not while you're the head."

"What makes you think she promised him his freedom?"

"Do it and when my son takes his rightful place you'll have your freedom." Marcus quoted from memory

"Did she say 'son'?"

"Yes."

"What do you think Hans?" Flavius asked turning to his slave.

"I know David. He's a slimy lazy bastard."

Flavius glanced at General Maximilian and discretely beckoned him over. Without seeming to have a care in the world the general approached Flavius. He spoke affably to anyone who greeted him but hardly broke his step.

"I need to get to my office without attracting attention, General. Any ideas?"

"You were asking about the Battle of Armiens, sir. I could show you on a map."

Flavius turned to the other boys.

He said just loud enough for guests to hear. "I've got a military escort for a while. You can take a break."

Then quietly, "Allan, keep Titus distracted. Hans, fetch Matthew. Steven, stay with me."

Flavius and General Maximilian strolled through the reception towards discussing the battle. Once the General muttered, easy sir, as Flavius nerves got the better of him.

Once in the office, Flavius said apologetically, "Thank you General. I'm sorry but this is an extremely delicate matter and... er....."

"And you'd like me out of the way while you deal with it. Of course sir, I understand."

"Steven, take the General to the House of Sparta and look after him. Make our guest as comfortable as possible."

Matthew arrived as the General and Steven left. Flavius explained the situation.

"It's too soon to act, sir. We've no evidence and we should catch them in the act."

"No! I promised to protect Marcus' mother. If David acts against me then she is implicated in the crime. If no crime is committed then there is nothing against her.

Matthew nodded. "Minor things possibly but they could cause more trouble than they're worth to act upon them. Why the urgency?"

"I don't know what David is supposed to do or when. I'm not used to threats against me."

I understand sir. He's lazy and a troublemaker. I won't have any trouble finding a couple of slaves to take him and put him in solitary confinement. No one else will know and you can deal with him at your leisure."

"Thank you, Matthew. If we're wrong about him I'll find a way to make it up to him but for now, do what's necessary."

As Matthew left Flavius rang through to Steven.

"Tell the General that I'm ready to return to the reception."

"Yes sir," Steven replied sounding a little disappointed.

General Maximilian was as calm as ever but Steven was flushed and something was pushing his tunic outwards. Flavius thought that his nipples seemed pronounced and the surrounding skin had a red tinge.

"Military manoeuvres, General?" Flavius asked.

"Yes sir and if the boy cares to visit my quarters I will finish the campaign."

Flavius looked Steven who nodded.

"I'll see that there's a room available for you tonight. You can resume the invasion as soon as it is convenient."

"The General broke into a rare grin. "Thank you sir."

As they re-entered the reception they separated. Hans and Steven took up their positions as attendants to be joined a moments later by Allan. Flavius' absence had been noticed but no one doubted that it was anything but the General explaining some minor points of history.

As Flavius circulated around the guests a slave approached nervously. He was in his twenties and Flavius knew that it was one that Matthew trusted completely.

"Matthew says it's done, sir and all's well"

Flavius remained expressionless and dismissed the slave with a flick of his hands. He would reward the loyal slaves later but for now their needs did not exist. He began talking to a minor noble who was delighted to have been singled out and the reception continued.

Octavia was standing beside her husband Titus and their two children when Flavius was first able to speak to her.

"I see you have to drag your slave friends around with you," she said, "I'm surprised you're not dancing with one of them."

"Oh! I've got a boy who'll be dancing and singing for me tomorrow. He's tried to serve to serve you once or twice though I doubt that you remember him. His name's David."

"Why should I remember a slave. I know my rank."

Flavius thought she spoke less certainly than before and noticed that Marcus' brother, Publius had gone white and was looking anxiously at his mother.

"No reason at all, Aunt." Flavius replied, "I understand that you're taking Publius on an extended tour of your estates. Are you teaching him about farm management?"

"What's this my dear, "Titus asked, "It's the first I've heard of it."

"I'm sorry, Titus." Claudia replied, "I wanted to tell you myself. I've no idea how Flavius heard about it so soon."

"It's a pity that you'll be leaving before David's performance." Flavius said, "If you wish to leave the reception early to start your preparations I'll not be offended."

"Thank you! That's most considerate. Come Publius."

"Are you going to tell me what's happening?" thundered Titus, "You've sent my wife away. Why?"

"Easy Uncle." Flavius said as calmly as he could, "What would Aunt Claudia do to control the House of Aulus?"

Titus stared at Flavius.

"Uncle, if people see you looking like that they'll think war's been declared."

Titus relaxed and even managed a grin.

Flavius laughed, "It's lucky you're too high born to be an actor. You'd starve to death."

Titus laughed with him. "If you don't tell me what's going on I'll become an assassin and choke it out of you."

"I received intelligence that Aunt Claudia was using one of my slaves to spy on me and was talking about Publius becoming head of the House."

"Rubbish. Gossip and slander. How could you be so stupid as to believe it?"

"I wasn't sure that I did until I mentioned the slave's name and talked about her trip to the country."

Titus seemed to slump down, suddenly looking very old.

"What happens now?"

"Nothing." Flavius replied, "Apart from my informant everything has been kept within the House of Sparta."

"It's good of you not to publicly disgrace her."

"It's a promise I made," Flavius explained.

Titus looked puzzled then looked at Harold who had seen something was wrong and had been hovering nearby on the pretext of trying to introduce his wife.

"Welcome Mrs Cirenson," Titus said, "If you'll allow me to borrow your husband, I'd like us to get very drunk together."

"Marcus," Flavius said, "Would you be so kind as to escort Mrs Cirenson and keep an eye on those two."

Marcus led off a deeply flattered Mrs Cirenson, grateful to have something to take his mind off events.

"Hans, do you think I can relax a bit now? It's late and guests are already leaving."

Don't you remember what your father did. When your father took his coat off and dismissed his escort it was a sign to start winding up."

"I'm going to sleep all day tomorrow."

"You won't. You have duties as Master Flavius. House of Sparta's got four guests and they'll need looking after as well.

"Four?"

"General Maximillian, Marcus, Your Uncle Titus and Mr Cirenson.

"Marcus?"

"He'll probably feel safer until his mother and brother have left. Since Mr Cirenson has been waylaid by Titus can I arrange a car for Mrs Cirenson?"

As Flavius removed his formal jacket and loosened his clothes, sitting alone at a table, the remaining guests took the hint and began to leave. He watched as General Maximillian and Steven left together and saw Titus being helped out of the room by a couple of beefy slaves followed by Harold being carefully guided by Allan.

His mother approached him.

"What's happened tonight?" she asked, "Why is Claudia rushing off so suddenly?"

"I'll tell you about it later, Mother." Flavius replied, "It's all over for tonight."

"I was proud of you tonight. Your father would have been as well. Claudia's right about the the way you forget your rank and consort with the lower classes but she's a stupid bitch and does some ridiculous things. Whatever she's done done now, you've handled it very discretely and efficiently. I'm impressed. I'll tell that boy Hans that his training is having good results."

"Thanks Mother. I know you don't like the House of Sparta so I appreciate that."

Finally it was all over and Flavius thankfully headed off to bed. For once, all the boys lay down to sleep rather than play and everything was quiet, except for General Maximillian's room though even they slept eventually.

Only David, cramped and uncomfortable in his cage failed to get any rest. He awaited the following day with dread and in the pitch black lost all sense of time. He knew why he had been taken and every sound filled him with dread wondering if they were coming for him at last.