Flavius Aulus

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Chapter 5

Everyone except Hans slept late in the House of Sparta that night. All was quiet in the guest rooms so he let Flavius and Allan sleep on. When they were needed they would wake quickly and get about their duties or feel the tawse which Hans always carried.

He would spend the day keeping the apartment running smoothly though he had one remarkable experience.

He was heading through the palace on some errand when he saw Julia, Flavius' mother coming the other way. Normally he just pressed against the wall and she would sweep by without a word. Today she stopped.

“Hello Hans.” she said, “How are you today? Not too tired after your efforts yesterday?”

“No My Lady,” Hans replied, “Thank you for asking.”

“Do you have time to come to my quarters for a few moments? Will your duties permit?”

“Yes, of course My Lady,”

Hans was frightened. The lady Julia just did not behave this way towards slaves. It had to be some cruel game.

When Julia was seated she snapped, “Girl, a drink for the boy.” and then to Hans she said, “I'm afraid I can't be as easy with a slave as my son seems to be but please relax.”

“Thank you My Lady.” Hans replied unable to say more.

“You know what happened between between my son and my sister in law don't you.”

Yes My Lady.”

“Tell me about it.”

“I'm sorry My Lady but Master Flavius has ordered that we should not speak of it. May I request that you speak with him about it.”

“I could have you flogged until you do tell me.”

“Yes, My Lady.”

“Oh for God's sake, sit down, boy. You know, I'm beginning to understand what Flavius sees in you and don't say Yes My Lady.”

Hans grinned, “Can I say No My Lady.”

Julia laughed, “Finish your drink and get about your business. Look after my son and you'll have nothing to fear from me.”

Hans left Julia's quarters hardly able to believe what had happened. It was the first time that she had ever treated a slave as a person.

General Maximilian woke next thanks to his military training. He was relaxed and rested and looked fondly at Steven lying beside him. The General was not a cruel man but sometimes he took a boy and used him very roughly indeed. Steven had the the marks and bruises to prove it and he would walk awkwardly for the remainder of the day but as a reward for accepting the General's harshness he had also experienced some of the biggest orgasms of his life. The General gave pleasure as powerfully as he took it and Steven gave up his seed until his cock ached and and he was too exhausted to produce more.

The General had started out far more cautiously than he would have with one of his soldiers but Steven accepted everything without complaint impressing the General who leant over and kissed Steven gently until the boy woke.

Steven groaned as he stirred and his aching body protested, then groaned again as his body began to react. Steven had learned not to protest at the Generals ministrations. In fact he enjoyed them.

“Still willing to serve me boy?”

“I'm the General's obedient slave, sir.”

Steven yelped at the slap he received and knew he was in for a hard time but he looked forwards to the rewards that would come.

The others only saw him briefly that morning when he was sent to fetch some breakfast. Harold was horrified at the sight of his sons battered body and Hans had to stop him from intervening.

“Steven, No one expects you to be treated like that.” he said, “If you wish I'll tell the General that you have other duties.”

Steven thought about what the General had promised to do to him and winced as his aching cock stiffened in anticipation.

“No, I'm OK. he replied.

Steven would visit the General whenever he had the opportunity and become known as the General's Boy by the soldiers who served General Maximilian. Some had experienced the General's special brand of love making and the the General had a fearsome reputation. No one ever discussed their time with the General which only added to his reputation. General's Boy was not a derogatory name, quite the opposite, and the personnel under General Maximilian's command treated Steven with the utmost respect.

Allan and Flavius were woken next. Allan was sent to kitchen to prepare food while Flavius was allowed to relax.

Hans had laid out informal clothes but they belonged to Flavius Aulus head of the House of Aulus.

Flavius knew why. He had to deal with David. Romans expected loyalty from their slaves and Flavius was no exception. He felt a grim anticipation as he considered the punishments he might inflict. No matter how cruelly or harshly he treated the slave, no one would think badly of him. Indeed, it would weaken his position if he was considered soft.

Allan served him breakfast as he considered his options. He sent for Matthew and told Allan to try and rouse Titus who staggered in holding his head a little later. As always Hans was ready to deal with situation and insisted, as firmly as a slave could, that Titus drink the cure he was offering.

Allan was sent to Marcus' room and wait until the boy woke up. Allan was to keep Marcus occupied and entertained for the remainder of the morning. For once, Allan failed to follow his orders. As soon as he was awake, Marcus insisted on speaking with Titus.

“It was me who told Cousin Flavius about Mother and Plubius.” he said as he stood in front of his father.

Titus was quiet for a while before saying, “So it was you who made Flavius promise not to harm her or Plubius.”

Marcus nodded.

Titus held out his arms and hugged the sobbing Marcus.

“I want you to stay here for now. Allan will look after you. He might be a slave but he's a good boy and I'd be pleased if treated you him well. Do you understand?”

“I mustn't whip him just to remind him of his place, Father.”

“You shouldn't have to whip him at all.” Titus replied.

“Mother says you let slaves forget their place and I shouldn't be soft like you.”

“Allan knows what's happening. He'll not divulge that knowledge to anyone outside the House of Sparta. You have to trust him as much as you trusted Flavius and that means you have to respect him.”

“Yes Father.”

“Take care of my son, Allan,” Titus said quietly.

“Yes sir,” Allan replied, “I'll tell him about the House of Sparta.”

Titus nodded, smiling, as he, Flavius and Matthew left for the slave quarters.

When David had finally heard his cage being unlocked his chest tightened with fear until he almost stopped breathing. He was gagged, stripped and, to his surprise, thoroughly cleaned until he was tied spread-eagled to hooks in the floor and ceiling of the interrogation room. His weight was still taken by his feet but he was stretched tight and he was left again until Flavius' little party arrived.

Flavius picked up a metal rod and pressed the button on the handle. The opposite end crackled with electric sparks casting a flickering cold blue light.

He pressed the end against David's thigh and pressed the button again. David screamed into his gag writhing in agony, almost pulling himself off the the floor as he tried to escape.

Flavius removed David's gag and said, “Tell me what I want to know.”

“Please Master. I don't know anything.”

Flavius moved the prod further up David's thigh and pressed again. David shrieked and threshed about again as the electricity seared through his body.

“Please Master, She threatened to cut my balls off.” David begged.

“That only hurts once. I can do this as often as I like.” Flavius said. He spoke quietly and he sounded that much more menacing. He held the prod to David's sac and and pressed the button again.

“Instead of cutting them off, I'll fry them off and I'm losing patience.” Flavius said when David had recovered enough to hear him.

She said that if I prove that you're incapable of being the Head of the House of Aulus I'd get my freedom when her son replaced you.

Flavius pressed the button again and David passed out. Smelling salts were kept in the Interrogation room and together with a bucket of cold water thrown over him, David soon revived.

“Start from the beginning and don't leave anything out.” Flavius jabbed the button. “I'll let you know if there's anything I don't understand.”

David was beaten and told them everything. He was prodded a few more times and it became harder to stop him talking than getting anything out of him. Later Flavius pieced together some of the details David did not know to finish the story.

Matthew had beaten David for laziness and David had been sullen and resentful. Claudia had found him sulking and explained how things would be different if she could run the place. It would be best for Flavius in the long run if he did not make Aulus a laughing stock with his antics. David was to find other slaves who could see the broader picture and who would find a way of sabotaging the nights reception. David was to steal any confidential papers he could find and pass them to Claudia. He was not sure what she would do with them but got the impression that she might make money out of some of them and others would turn up in places which would make Flavius seem irresponsible and careless. Enough had to happen to convince the court that Titus should become Guardian. It could not be one big disaster. They happen but a series of small incidents that showed that Flavius was losing control and the slaves were becoming lazy and careless would be far more effective.

David did not know how she planned to get rid of Titus but Plubius knew better than to challenge his mother so she would effectively have complete control.

“Which slaves agreed to help you?”

“Craig and Ty, Master.”

Matthew hurried off to fetch them. When they arrived Flavius had them strip and stand against a wall with their hands behind their heads.

He picked up a heavy cane and swung. David screamed again as the blow landed on his buttocks leaving a bloody line as the welt formed. He struck again and again until the slave's back was red and dripping blood from his shoulders to his knees. Twice David fainted and was revived. Blows landed on David's sides under his armpits, cracking ribs.

Flavius was tiring as he started on David's front but succeeded in drawing blood across David's abdomen. The last couple of blows were across David's cock and balls causing David to faint again. This time Flavius just let him hang.

He turned to Craig and Ty.

“Do you have anything to tell me?”

They had been frightened when they arrived and now they were petrified. Ty just stood unable to move as his his bladder emptied. Flavius managed to jump out of the way just in time.

“Master,” Craig said, “We work in the kitchen and David wanted us to do something to the food. He said that Lady Claudia said that it was OK and for your own good really. He made it sound so reasonable. I know how you are doing your Imperial Service and how well you're doing so I knew it was wrong and I did nothing. Neither did Ty.”

“You didn't report it either like you should have done.” snapped Flavius.

“I tried but Matthew had Lady Julia on his back about the reception. I'm sorry I meant no disrespect, please believe me, Master. I have an appointment to see him this afternoon.”

Flavius turned to Matthew.

“It's true, he did try to speak to me yesterday and I was busy. I do have appointment with him this afternoon. I'm sorry, sir but I had no idea.”

“And was my Mother on your back, Matthew?”

“She was determined to make the reception a success and was very demanding, sir.”

“She was on your back then and you don't have to answer that, Matthew.”

“Thank you sir,” grinned Matthew.

Flavius turned to Craig. “Take your friend and get him cleaned up. Come back here and clean this place up. I don't think we'll get much work out of Ty today so he can rest in his room.”

“Surely you're rewarding them for keeping quiet.” Titus asked, “They shouldn't have even considered doing it and told someone immediately.”

“If slaves obey me blindly then they would obey Claudia as blindly. These two thought about it and made the right decisions. They were prevented from warning me by the chain of command. I understand that from the House of Sparta.”

He turned to the slaves. “Craig, which would you prefer, a night in a brothel or with a rent boy?”

“With Ty sir,” Craig replied without thinking.

“That thing says he hasn't stolen anything yet. I don't know if I believe him. Organise a search. If you find anything, I'll see to it that you have a night of luxury with him. If another slave finds anything he can have the same choices as well.”

The three slaves were in their twenties. Their diet and lives meant that they were fit and healthy. Each one could snap the neck of a boy like Flavius without thinking about it yet all three were terrified of Flavius in his present mood. The feeling of power that Flavius was experiencing was turning him on like nothing had before.

“There's nothing more we can do until the search is done.” Flavius said to Titus and Matthew, “Why don't you go back to the Sparta quarters and wait for me?”

Titus hesitated before heading for the door. He still needed time to come to terms with his wife's treachery but at the same time he wondered what Flavius was up to.

While he was waiting for Craig to return, Flavius stripped. His cock almost slapped against his belly as it was freed from the constraints of his clothes, it was so hard.

He stood waiting for Craig to return who stared wide eyed as his master ordered him to kneel down. Craig was used to being fucked but he yelped with pain as Flavius thrust into him with pure animal lust. It only took a couple more thrusts before Flavius exploded with an intensity he had never felt before. His hips convulsed rather than pushed and he had no control of his body until his balls were drained of every last drop of cum.

Craig vainly tried to accommodate Flavius' wild assault but it proved too much. He was left sore and uncomfortable while Flavius was left drained emotionally, all the stresses and tensions of the last days sucked out of him.

Flavius ran some water to clean himself and Craig knelt before him ready to obey him.

“You were in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Flavius said with a grin.

Craig grinned back. “No Master. It was a pleasure to serve you.”

“So why did you hesitate before seeing Matthew.”

“It made sense that you were too young to handle your new position. The rest seemed to follow on until I saw you looking just like your father. David may really have thought he was helping you, Master.”

“Do you really believe that?”

“No Master. I suppose not. He was hoping for a reward not trying to serve you. I'm sorry I did something to hurt you, Master. I should be punished.”

“Turkeys don't vote for Christmas.” Flavius said, “Slaves shouldn't ask to be punished but I'll flog you if it'll make you feel better.”

“Thank you sir but no. I'll not rest until I've searched every inch of the grounds and slave quarters. I don't need to be rewarded if I succeed because I'll do my best anyway.”

Flavius had been dressing while they had been talking. He had forgotten everything in his moment of lust now the acrid smell from Ty's piss mingled with the sweat and blood on David and Flavius felt dirty.

“It's time for us both to attend our duties. I meant what I said earlier or at least keep Ty out of the way until I'm finished with that thing. I don't need to scare Ty any more.”

Craig was angry with David. He felt stupid for even half believing that Flavius was incapable. He was furious that he had put Ty in danger. Craig mopped up the floor and unceremoniously threw a bucket of water over David before washing him down. When he was done he put a bucket between David's legs.

“If you have to do anything, try and aim for the bucket.” Craig said as he left, “Keep this room fit for the Master to visit.”

David was in agony. If he moved to ease one one pain he triggered another. He had trouble breathing and he knew more was to come. He had found a document about troop movements on Flavius' desk when he was cleaning the office. It was amongst some old papers belonging to Flavius' father and was already out of date but it would not have looked good if it had been found in the street.

Slaves sometimes stole food and drink from their masters, even money and were skilled at hiding it. The document was safe against an ordinary search but the search Flavius had ordered was not an ordinary one because he had other slaves helping him. He knew the document would be found.

He was in despair as he tried to bend his legs so that he hung by his arms. It was not an easy way to commit suicide, and he was soon struggling back on his feet, gasping for breath crying at the pain from his broken ribs.

Meanwhile Flavius tried to relax in his office. He sent for the others and together they waited for the results of the search. Marcus sat on his fathers lap and Allan knelt beside them awaiting their orders.

Flavius smiled quietly at the scene. Titus never showed interest in boys but at that moment he needed their support.

Matthew sat miserably refusing anything Hans tried to serve. He had let Flavius down and had failed to control the slaves. He would not be surprised if Flavius were to sell him.

“Why so glum, Matthew?” Flavius asked.

“I'm sorry I let you down so badly, Master.” Matthew replied.

“It's not your fault,” Titus said, “How do you think I feel?”

“I don't care who's got the biggest guilt trip.” Flavius snapped. “People betrayed us and that's that. If it wasn't for my promise to Marcus, I'd have that bitch Claudia and her brat hanging alongside David.”

Flavius calmed down as Titus flinched and Marcus looked as if he about to burst into tears.

“I'm sorry Uncle and I'm sorry Marcus. I shouldn't have said that but they caused this, not you or Matthew.”

They waited in silence until Steven finally joined them. He walked with difficulty and he was in pain but there was a contented look about him and he smiled happily as he remembered his time with the General.

His appearance lightened the mood considerably as he endured some light hearted bantering and questions about his experiences with the General. Harold was relieved that Steven was all right and dropped his guard enough to make a crack about Allan's devotion to Titus.

Allan blushed furiously while Marcus looked curiously at his father but even Matthew had relaxed enough to enjoy the lunch that Hans had prepared.

Finally Craig stepped arrived holding the document he had found. He stood, frightened, in front of Flavius' desk.

“Is that all, Craig?” Flavius asked.

“I think so, Master.” Craig answered, “but...... er......”

“Speak freely, be disrespectful if you need to be but say what's on your mind. You won't be punished no matter what you say.”

“Yes Master. David used to hide in a garden shed if he wanted to skive off work. It was in an old tool box hidden under some junk. The thing is, it had one of those large combination locks and it was new. It looked out of place. That's what made us suspicious.

“I went and asked David about it. I had to point out that he would tell me or you, Master and he gave me the combination. He said the Lady Claudia had given it to him before your Father died.”

“Before?” Flavius asked.

“Yes Master. I wondered about going to the market and asking the iron monger if he remembered anything. Maybe she had bought two”

I don't suppose you've ever used the phone?”

Craig shook his head.

“Steven, take Craig through to the House of Sparta. Treat him like a guest and see what you can discover. You've done well Craig.”

“When the boys had left Flavius asked, “Comments anyone?”

“Why does it matter when mother bought the padlock?” Marcus asked.

“Because the whole thing was planned in case I didn't become Guardian,” Titus replied, “Your mother is not clever enough to think of contingency plans.”

“How about Aunt Julia.” Marcus asked.

“No, It wasn't her.” Matthew said firmly, “She's clever enough but she was determined that last night's reception succeed. She would have boiled Flavius and me in oil if it had failed.”

He paused.

“I'm sorry Master. I forgot my place.”

Flavius laughed, “She scares me at times, too. Besides, she'd lose too much status to Claudia if Plubius became Governor.”

“Uncle Titus made his move when my father died. It was simple and direct not devious like this. Besides he's a target as well. Marcus destroyed the plot by telling me otherwise I'd wonder if he wasn't planning on killing his mother and brother as well.

“It's all right. I'm not accusing anyone but explaining why I think there's an outside plot and that means I have to tell the Emperor.”

“That's going a bit far, isn't it? I'm not sure that we should bother him with this.” Titus said.

“That's what Craig thought, isn't it? He wasn't sure whether to take David seriously. What do you think Matthew?”

“I can see the parallels. Damned if you stir up trouble for no good reason and damned if you keep quiet and allow your master to be attacked.”

“You're talking as if Claudia was involved in some bigger plot.” Titus said, “I can't believe that.”

“I'm sorry, sir,” Matthew said, “But I have to say this. I don't think the Lady Claudia is clever enough to plan all this. She probably pushed you into trying to seize the ring but I doubt that she prepared a backup plan beforehand.”

“I feel sorry for David in a way. She made it sound reasonable when she talked about the ring and I'm not supposed to be gullible like a slave.” Titus said quietly.

“It was reasonable, sir.” Matthew said consolingly, “No one could have expected Master Flavius to be such a remarkable young man and you were the obvious Guardian.”

At that moment Steven and Craig burst in. Matthew looked at angrily at Craig while Hans glared at Steven. They both paled slightly at their appalling manners.

Flavius noticed the little exchange.

“I could forget to behave properly, myself, if there's some good news.” he said, “Let's hear it.”

“She bought it in a shop near one of her estates.” Steven said, “It was about a month ago. The shopkeeper remembered it because he's an ironmongers and it's not the sort of shop great ladies visit. They send their servants.”

“How did you track it down?” Titus asked.

“I was chatting to one of her slaves the other day.” Craig replied, “He said she'd been holding court there while waiting for the late Master to die. It was how he described it, sir.”

“Don't worry. I wonder where that slave is now. I'd like to speak with him.”

“The Lady Claudia has left but there's a few slaves packing the last of her baggage. If he's one of them would you let me speak to him, Master?”

“Why you, Craig?”

“He's terrified of his mistress. He scarcely speaks but when he does it just pours out especially if he's slightly drunk. He'd just clam up in front of you.”

Craig paused, “Master?”

“What's bothering you Craig?”

“I'm a slave and I'd be trying to get another slave to betray his owner. It would be like David, Master.”

“He's my slave, boy.” Titus growled, “She only gets title when I'm dead. Do what you have to.”

“See what you can do, Craig,” Flavius said, “You've done well today. How can I reward you?”

“Never separate Ty and me, Master.”

“Until you meet a beautiful girl and beg me to let you marry.”

“No sir. Neither of us have much in interest in girls and we love each other.”

“I could declare you married and find you quarters to match.”

Yes please sir. That would be wonderful. May I ask Ty first please.”

“First, go and see what information you can get from Claudia's slave. Come back and report. Matthew will find you a bottle of good wine and you can propose properly.”

Flavus turned to the others.

“I'm going to speak with my mother,” Flavius said. “Why don't you wait in the House of Sparta. You can relax there. It's a pity Craig's so old. He'd have made an excellent candidate.”

“You can't blurt it all out to the Emperor, my dear,” Julia said when she heard the story, “if you do you would make it official and there'd be trouble if you were wrong.”

“Phone him. Express your regrets that he can't attend your father's funeral in person and ask his advice about how to proceed. That way you've told him but it's not a formal accusation unless he makes it so.”

“But I've still told him. What difference does it make?”

“The Empire has been around for nearly three thousand years. There are protocols and procedures for everything. If he'd lived longer your father would have taught you but this is something you'll have to learn from your Mother. You're not the first to be uncertain whether you've uncovered a plot. Asking his advice means you've told him but it's down to him to make the decisions.

“Believe me, if you visit Rome, the finer points of protocol like this would be part of your daily life.”

“Yes Mother, I see.”

“Now what are you doing about the slaves. Your father would have had all three castrated and crucified. Matthew would have been whipped yet you're proposing to let two of them live as if they were married? Extraordinary.”

“Matthew was hassled over the reception and Craig didn't have anyone to advise him how to approach his betters, Mother.”

“It's a pity the Saturnalia is months away. You and your friends could have served at the wedding feast.”

“Pardon, Mother.”

Julia grinned.

“I must admit I was influenced by Claudia's poison and I still disapprove of you cavorting around with slaves as much as you do but you seem to be learning from it. Your father would never have seen beyond Craig's betrayal the way you have and Hans is proving to be an excellent servant.

“Let's show the world that the House of Aulus is unharmed and that we have every confidence in our servants. Let the slaves have their own party as a wedding feast. We'll attend and toast the happy couple.

“You've got a problem though.

“Traditionally the Master takes the bride on the wedding night as a display of his authority. In this case you'll have to decide which one it is.”