For those of you that do not know my
work, I grew up hearing stories from other boys about self-exploration and
sexual partners with other boys and girls. I have not had any such experiences
in Real Life as some of us call it. However, that does not mean I do not think
about it and wish that things turned out different than they did.
IF the laws in your country make it
illegal to or read fantasy stories about minors, or if you are under the age of
eighteen or have someone in your presence under the age of eighteen, you must
stop reading and leave this site immediately. Copyright 2012 Remmy Meggs I reserve all rights.
You may not upload this file to any site.
AS THE AUTHOR, I RESERVE THE RIGHT
TO CHOOSE MY HISTORICAL FACTS AS IN ANY HISTORICAL FICTION. IF YOU HAVE
INFORMATION THAT WOULD MAKE THIS STORY MORE REALISTIC, FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME,
AND I WILL TRY TO MAKE CORRECTIONS. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU GIVE ME YOUR SOURCE OF
INFORMATION SO I CAN READ IT MYSELF.
Remmy Meggs
Grapes of Italy – Chapter 06
Lothario woke up hearing his horses
whinny and causing a commotion. Then he heard men yelling. He sat up and saw
through the door of the tent and it was sunrise. ‘No one gets up this early’ he
cried. He went to the door and walked out. Tents were coming down around him.
Men were loading horses and donkeys with equipment. He went to the side of the
tent and settled his horses by talking to them. “Let’s go pee.” He said to them
and as they walked, they sidestepped workers and equipment.
As he was peeing Giulio
and Paolo ran up to him, “Are you alright?” Paolo asked as Lothario rubbed his
eyes with one hand.
Lothario yawned, “Why are we
breaking camp?”
“Tito said we have to go to the next
campsite.” Giulio frowned, “I don’t know why we have
to do it so early.”
“We have to meet up with the goat
herders and the cattle herders.” Tito said from behind. Lothario and the others
jumped at the unexpected voice. “Paolo, you and Giulio
get Master’s belongings together and packed, and your own for that matter. They
will be taking down the General’s tent any moment.”
When Lothario finished he turned and
looked at Tito, “Well you’re not clean faced, but that is a lot better than
yesterday.”
Tito nodded, “I am doing my best, since
I had to go to every soldier to get a knife. Finally, Capo Andio
let me use one. What were they discussing last night?”
Lothario walked toward the tent, and
Tito tried to stay with him, “At first Don Fedele was
yelled at about you. After that was over papa talked about how the money father
had to take from the Don’s to give to the King for the
army was killing them. So they started with ideas on how to just pay the normal
tribute and the Generals put together their own armies in a new way.” They got
to the tent and Lothario spoke to Paolo, “I need a fresh thong and tunic.” He
turned to Tito again, “They were saying that the freeborn could pay for their
own uniforms and equipment. They could serve six years and become citizens.
They talked about having the Latinos, Greeks and others who are not citizens to
do the same thing.”
“I wonder who would pay them.” Tito
said.
“They would only be paid if there
was war, except for the ones on duty, they would get something. That would come
from the Dons. During war I guess the Dons could go broke, but father says as
long as the men were fed and cared for a small wage would suffice, I think is
the word, until the war is over.” Lothario said as he put the saddles on his
horses. Tito started to help and Lothario barked, “Don’t even try, you will
upset them. This is my only job I have to do and I take care of it on my own.”
Paolo ran up with the clothing and
helped Lothario dress. Lothario sighed and looked at Tito, “You don’t have
sandals either. I can’t have you walk all day without
any. You will ride my horse, just don’t try to guide
him, he will only follow me. I will ride with papa. You can help the boys get
in the saddles.”
Lothario waited as the three
mounted. Then he began to walk towards his father’s horse. Senator General Don Nico Praetorio was talking to
some of the soldiers when Lothario walked up. He would never interrupt his
father, and he stood silent a few feet away until the man finished. Don Nico turned to see the boy and looked up at Tito. Nico laughed a belly laugh and said, “How does it feel to
be on a war horse you can’t control Tito?”
Tito knew better than to say
anything. He let Don Nico have his laugh. Nico turned to his son, “I guess you want to ride with me?”
“Si papa.” The boy grinned as he hugged his father.
“Very well, I would enjoy that.
Before long you will be a man and not want anything to do with me.” The General
put the boy on the horse, and then mounted behind him.
Don Fedele
rode his horse over to Don Nico, “We are ready to
move out General. We put the slaves on the four wagons to make it faster, and I
left four men with the sheepherders in case of trouble. Capo Andio will ride at the front of the wagons with the other
two and we will take the lead.” He turned and looked at Tito, “Be careful with
that horse, you won’t have to worry about what Lothario will do to you. I saw
that horse kick a man to death for trying to mount him without the boy’s
permission.”
Lothario frowned. If the horse did
that to someone he was not there to see it, and no one told him about it. Fedele would not lie about it, so Lothario decided to ask
him about it later.
Tomasino smirked, “I would never be on that horse!”
The General slowly rode the horse to
the road, and watched as the wagons and horses got into position. After the
column began moving Lothario grew restless, “Why are we going so slow papa?”
“Because we have five or six hours
of riding and I do not want everyone wore out, especially the horses. Lothario
I heard you bought a slave to work the household for your mother and I as a
gift.” Nico smiled.
Lothario shot Fedele
a most gruesome betrayed look. Fedele bit his lip and
shrugged. “Si papa, you aren’t happy about that?”
“I am overjoyed Lothario, but I
don’t think Esta will be happy about it.” Nico smiled.
“That is what I told Fedele!” He yelled as he tried to grab Fedele’s
arm to hit him.
Nico pulled the boy back, “Settle down baby. I have another idea
that would make Esta the happiest woman in the
world.” That got Lothario’s attention and he ignored Fedele
for the time being. “You know, Esta is a citizen, but
she has no home. She will spend the rest of her life with us. She has household
staff, but she doesn’t have anyone to take care of
her. Like doing the extra things, she can’t do all in
one day. Now Esta has taken care of you since you
were born. She will take care of you until she dies. Why not give Esta this slave as a gift. She already adores you, but
wouldn’t that make you special in her eyes?”
“But papa, I only bought trinkets
back for you and mamma; Fedele said this was the best
gift.” The boy was almost in tears.
“Lothario any gift you have given us
we have treasured, but you are the best gift. I won’t
force you to do what I am asking, but I want you to think about it. That is not
all of it, if you give her the slave, then your mother and I have been talking
about building Esta a small house.”
Lothario shot another mean look at Fedele. Don Fedele knew he would
be in trouble with the boy for weeks, maybe months over the things that happened
in the last week. Lothario wiped his eyes, “Si papa.”
Unlike the first camp, the second
camp had already been set up. So would the third and the forth camp before they
returned home. Generals at the time had the equipment for three to four camps
so they would not have to wait. They would show up and everything would be
ready. This was very important in wartime where an army had to travel fast.
Three to four caravans would be ahead of the General’s camp.
Lothario was interested in that
because he did not understand how so few people could move so much in a short
time, not to mention too few slaves and freeborn that it would take. As the
days went by his mind replaced them with getting home to his own bed, and his
mother. His father was always there for him, but now he knew that even though
camping was fun, it was not something he would like to do for a long time.
Lothario, who had never left home,
did not even know how close he was on that fifth day. He had cattle, sheep,
goats and even chickens… that he did not plan on, many slaves and a loving
father. Most of his talks with his father consisted of where on the land the
animals would live, the care that they would need, and how to make a profit.
The boy had enough grazing land, and
farmland that still had to clear for corn, grapes, wheat and barley for the
animals. Of course, his father was providing the land. When they came over the
rise, Lothario saw the house on the hill. “Papa we are home!”
In the valley, you could see
barracks starting to build for the soldiers. Workers dominated the valley area.
Most of the wagons turned off in that direction once they reached the base of
the first hill, which is where Andio and his men left
the General. The wagon with the slaves and the remaining provisions went to the
house.
The homecoming was especially nice
for Lothario. He gifted his mother an expensive gold-jeweled necklace to wear
with her blue toga. For his father he gifted a set of wicker woven over clay
wine bottles. Of course, they were more than pleased with the gifts and
chastised the boy for spending so much on them, but that did not diminish the
happiness it gave them and him.
Esta stood by making sure the freeborn and slaves took care of
the family, including Don Fedele. Don Nico looked at his son and nodded toward Esta, “While we are giving gifts with the family, this
would be a good time to give yours.”
Paolo and Giulio
had already fixed up Augustina in the nicest way they
could, including combing her clean wavy brown hair. Paolo stood by waiting for
the word to bring in the woman. Augustina was at
least eighteen but not more than twenty years. Lothario stood up not knowing
whether he could keep back his tears. He had decided on his own to give the
girl to Esta, it only made sense. He had practiced for
days deciding on the words. Now it was that time to use them. Now the entire
household staff of slaves, freeborn and citizens joined the family in the
dining room.
To Lothario, speaking in front of
others was not new, but to speak to someone he cared about in public was. He
took a deep breath, walked over to Esta, and held her
hand, pulling her to the center of the room. This alone embarrassed her, she
felt out of place. Lothario took another deep breath and only looked at Esta so he would not blush at what he was about to say. “Esta, since I was born you have taken care of me. During
that time, you earned your freedom, and since then you have become a citizen, a
well off citizen I might add. You have lived here, toiled and sweat, you have
worried as much as my mother and father, and still to this day you are there
for me no matter what I have done, good or bad. I know you do not need my help
or anyone else. You have the freeborn and slaves do most of the work, yet you
are in the background making sure mamma and papa and our friends are well taken
care of.”
He swallowed hard trying to smile at
the now tearing Esta. “Originally I thought to get a
gift for momma and papa to help with the household, and then it was like
Jupiter himself sent Mercury to change my heart. A few weeks ago, you asked
Paolo and Giulio to help you. I didn’t
realize it then, but I do now. Even though the people you are in charge of take
care of the household. You are over worked whenever we
have visitors. Esta it is my honor to give someone to
help you. Not for our household, but for yourself, to do your bidding at any
time.”
Paolo took the cue and motioned for Giulio to bring in the slave girl. She came into the room
and knelt in front of Esta, “Do with me what you
will. I will serve you until death.”
Although Esta
was crying over Lothario’s words, one could not put into words what her
expression was like. She grabbed Lothario tight kissing his head all over,
“Bambino. Bambino, you bring happiness to my heart with your kindness!”
“You are getting my hair wet with
your tears.” Lothario said, and then bit his tongue realizing he should have
been quiet. Those in the room stifled their laughter.
Therefore, as not to wet his hair
more, she pulled up his face and kissed him all over, which for the boy was
even worse. He blushed knowing everyone was watching. He finally grabbed her
hands and pulled away lovingly, “I hope you are pleased with what I have done.”
He said.
Lothario’s parents then stood, his
mother spoke, “Since you were a young girl, barely able to hold our son, you
stayed with us and took care of us in peace and war. Lothario has already
covered how hard you have worked, your accomplishments and rewards. This has
always, and will always be your home. Yet, for the last three years we have
noticed more than just a flirtation with Caius.” She nodded toward one of the
citizens near the entryway. “Since Caius lives in the village, he has to travel
from early morning, work, and go home late at night. Surely, with Caius’ good
intentions of marrying you, Don Nico and I thought
maybe it was time you had your own home. So to accomplish this we have decided
to build you a home, one large enough for you and your children that will come,
on a hectare of land nearby.”
With everyone congratulating the
couple and the laughter and merriment Don Nico smiled
and raised his hands, “For all of the household staff, not the personal slaves,
we wish you to join us for this celebration.” He then looked at his frowning
son, “On second thought even the personal attendants, just make sure we do not
run out of food and drink!”
**+
Tarquinius the former king who was exiled* from Rome, was mounting
support to attack Rome to take back the Kingdom. Don Nico,
Lothario, their servants and personal slaves had to move into Rome itself so
Don Nico, as a Senator, could help bring the Republic
into a solid existence. They left the household staff, his wife, and others at
the villa, leaving Don Romano in charge of the estate. Don Fedele
took charge of the army conscripted and formed by General Nico.
Don Nico took full advantage of change over from the
Kingdoms to the Republic, by using his rights to build an Army. The new
republic attacked from all sides, and from within, needed the additional troops
that he and the other Generals were training.
It was a time of intrigue and
deceit, of soldiers and rulers. For Lothario standing next to his father on the
floor of the senate speaking, it was boring. Yet he tried to act as interested
as the other boys did before him. They
were just as bored. Don Nico was in favor of first
strike initiative on the Etruscan and Latin cities that continuously threatened
and attacked in small forces. Other Generals agreed but the rest of the Senate
needed persuading.
Although Lothario’s days were boring,
his nights were not. With his father being in Rome, the family regained their
stature. He and the children of other Senators and other nobles roamed the
streets, with purpose of course, with their personal slaves and bodyguards.
They usually traveled in groups of three or more. While the parents were having
important meetings and some were on the battlefield, or even at large parties,
they left the children to themselves.
Lothario now nearing twelve summers had begun
to develop and began playing more games with the others instead of standing
alone. Without a doubt, he and the other noble boys his age were developing
well-formed muscles. This happened because of training at home, and in the
gymnastics schools of the area. To them it was fun, not work and they enjoyed
running around naked as most boys did.
For the boys two highlights of the
schools were exciting, one of course being they were able to admire each other
close up. Two being that in the baths they were able to groom each other and
play at the same time. The competitions were also exciting for the boys. Those
parents that could attend did so. Each month a competition between the various
schools of Rome took place and even those who had no boys in the competition
would show just for the amusement. To many these games were more enjoyable than
the bloody games in the arena with the gladiators.
This day would be no different. In
the youth arena, sixteen schools were getting ready for the Olympian Games as
they did each month. However, there was something different about this contest.
The arena was almost packed, but the crowd was much more subdued than normal,
enough that everyone noticed. When the boys from all the schools bolted out to
the center, they stopped dead and looked around. Soldiers, hundreds of them in
full uniform were in the audience. Even the schoolmasters stopped, wondering
what this uncommon show of soldiers meant. Capos, Centurions, Generals and
staff from the four legions were in attendance.
When the crowd began getting louder
demanding the show, the headmasters’ pulled themselves together and began
instructing the boys. Each of the boys had their eyes on the audience, looking
for their parents, including Lothario who was looking for his father. Then the
games began. In most cases with boys, it was a hard decision to make. A boy
that had one several months in a row could come in second or not at all. The
judges in each event did their best to be fair and impartial as far as we know,
but in Rome, the crowd itself made the final decision.
Lothario did well; he did not win
most of the competitions but enough to be proud. The overall winner of the
night was a fifteen year old from another school. It was his first major win
and the boy was ecstatic, as well as his school. The baths were a different
story. Soldiers led by different Capos waited for each boy. As each boy
dressed, soldiers whisked him off on a horse, litter or lectica*.
Tito and the boys followed Lothario
and the soldiers out of the building. There were eight slaves next to a lectica waiting and around them an armed escort of more
soldiers. Tito quickly put Giulio and Paolo on their
horses and he mounted his own horse. Lothario’s horse was upset and stood next
to the boy looking and watching as they lifted the lectica
and they started running off with the contraption following the lead rider.
Lothario opened the curtain and looked out, “Tito find out where we are going
and why we are in such a hurry!”
Of course, Lothario was not going to
complain about laying in the lectica on a mattress
stuffed with wool, or the beautiful pillows he rested on. In some ways, he
would rather be on his horse, and then there was the fact that he had played
hard in competition all day, just had a warm bath and he was somewhat tired. He
was also getting hungry because the ceremonial banquet was forfeit over the
military intrusion.
At dusk, the procession stopped and
the lectica set on the ground. Lothario squatted and
came out of vehicle then stood. He looked around and there were at least fifty
other boys from the schools he knew either ahead of or behind his own group.
Capo Andio rode up to Lothario, “Master we have
stopped to eat. We do not have much time, but neither should you eat too fast.
We can’t have you getting sick.”
Lothario frowned, “What is going on Andio? I think I have a right to know.”
Andio looked at Tito and the two little slave boys all of whom
were working to get food to their group. He turned back to Lothario, “We are at
war. The commanders want their oldest boys to be with them to see the battles.
If something should happen, the boys will immediately know to go home and take
over business.”
“We are at war with whom?” Tito
shouted.
Andio turned to see Tito, and then he turned back to Lothario,
“The Etruscans and some of the Latins attacked a
village, we do not expect to find many survivors, and they have made a camp
outside that village. We only have a few soldiers this far north, and we are
waiting for reinforcements from the Don’s, but that will take time.”
Tito ran up and knelt in front of
Lothario, “Master let me fight with the soldiers.”
Andio tilted his head as he looked at Lothario. Lothario frowned,
“Your duty is to protect me.”
Andio smiled slyly, “If you were to leave Lothario’s side at a
time like this Don Fedele would kill you himself!”
Paolo brought a seat and pillow for
Lothario to sit on. Then he sat next to him and handed him grape juice, bread
and cheese, “It is all we have master.” Paolo offered.
“It is fine Paolo, and you and Giulio and Tito eaten?” Lothario asked.
“Giulio is
bringing our food now. We wanted to eat as close to you as you would allow.”
Paolo spoke hoping for a positive answer.
“Next to me will be just fine.”
Lothario looked around to see that the lectica
bearers and soldiers were eating. He turned to Andio,
“How many men are protecting these boys?”
“About five hundred Lothario, why do
you ask?” Andio frowned.
Lothario thought before he spoke and
finally answered, “By the torches I can see we are spread out over two
kilometers. Each boy has one or more bodyguards and personal slaves. It seems
to be that the procession would be a tenth of that if the boys were directly
together, protected by a small group of soldiers. That would leave 450 soldiers
to go ahead and be with the main force.”
Tito grinned wide and looked at Capo
Andio, “He is brilliant!”
Andio slid off his horse, “The problem with that is that the
Capos and some Centurions are personally responsible for getting the boys to
their fathers. They are not going to leave no matter what you say Lothario.”
Tito frowned knowing that Capo Andio had the upper hand, even though Lothario is the one
that made sense. Giulio came forward and saw Paolo
sitting close to Lothario. He smiled and sat as close as he could. Lothario
looked up to the sky where the stars were just starting to show. Then he looked
back at Andio, “How long before we reach the war?”
“By morning, that is why you are in a lectica
so you can sleep.” Andio smiled.
“So you, the other soldiers, and all
the slaves will be up all night?” Lothario asked. Andio
lost his smile and Lothario continued, “So if there is a battle tomorrow all of
you will be too tired to fight. If the soldiers went on without us, they could
make it in half the time, and be able to sleep.”
Andio had a grimace on his face, “Si but the Capos and Centurions
won’t leave their duties and they could lose their heads if something
happened.”
“Most of the boys are on horses. I don’t think they can stay up all night after the games. If
they were to leave now, the soldiers and troops should make it by midnight, or
soon after, don’t you think? That would give them all
some rest before daylight. Those in the lecticas and
slings could be closer together and have more than enough protection.” Lothario
suggested.
Andio looked over at the smiling Tito, and then turned back to
Lothario, “Very well. I will explain your plan to the Capos and Centurions and
they can make up their own minds. You make things very difficult at times
Lothario Praetorio.” Andio
rode off to talk to the others.
Lothario stood up and realized the
slaves were all looking toward him, “Si for all of you it will be a long night,
but we will take breaks and many of you can nap between now and morning.”
The carriers and fire boys all
mumbled between themselves. Paolo stood and spoke to them, “This is why we have
the best master of all. He understands and cares, and we hope you learn to love
him as much as we do.”
Lothario saw movement at the front
of the caravan and smiled. Andio rode up to him, “I
still have to get to the others but almost all of them are heading out.” Then Andio took off again.
Tito looked toward Lothario, “I
never would have thought of something like that. Neither had anyone else, I
salute you.”
Lothario sighed and watched as soldiers
and their charges rode by. Those in the rear in lecticas
began moving closer. Lothario turned to the slaves, “Let’s go to the front so
we can close the gap.”
Andio waited until all the slings and lecticas
gathered together. He was hardly in charge of the procession; three centurions
outranked him, by service dates alone. Considering the sixteen noble boys left
in the procession were the future of Rome, there were enough soldiers and
cavalry left to push back any small to medium force.
Something Andio
and the other officers were not prepared for was the fact that now close
together; the sixteen boys began talking to each other. Centurion Darius
watched them and waved to Andio to join him. Andio rode up to the Centurion. Darius looked puzzled,
“That is Lothario in the middle of those boys?”
It was getting dark but Andio could make out Lothario’s form, “I am not sure but I
believe so.”
“You think he is up to more
mischief?”
Andio smiled, “He may well be, but if so, it is for the best of
us all.”
Darius sighed, “He is too young to
be taken seriously whether he is logical or not. I can’t
have him making my decisions for me Andio. Try to
keep him quiet.”
Andio nodded, “Easier said than done Darius. You try to silence
him and he gets louder, because he then realizes that you may not like the idea
but it is in everyone’s interest.”
Darius’ horse pulled away and he
brought it back around, “Why can’t he just play with himself like the other
boys? He has two personal servants he should be worn out and asleep, not making
military decisions!”
“He is like his father I am afraid,
yet Darius, if you would get to know him, you could see how cute he is when he
comes up with these ideas of his.” Andio said as
Darius horse rode toward the group of boys, Andio
followed. They stopped once they got in hearing distance of the boys.
Quintario spoke to the other boys, “I think it would be grand if the
Generals allowed us to have the games. The soldiers hardly ever get to see
something like that, and we are the best. I think they would like it.”
Lothario who was in the middle of
the group spoke, “Si they would, but for all we know they are in battle as we
speak. If all of you insist, we can petition the Generals at the meetings, if
you all stick together with the idea. It will not hurt to ask them, but if they
say no try not and press the issue. None of us has ever seen a battle much less
a war like this one. Soldiers will be dying out there, I think it is a good
idea Quintario, I just have reservations on how well
the idea would be accepted.”
The boys nodded toward the
Centurion. Lothario turned to see him and Andio on
their horses, “We are just talking, and you may join us. We would appreciate
your input.”
The two soldiers dismounted and
walked to the boys. Darius smiled, “Lothario may be right about the setting and
time of an event like this, and your trainers and coaches are not with us,
which could get someone hurt. I do think the men would love it, and I think the
Generals will jump on this regardless of the outcome of a single battle. All of
you are over twelve summers or nearing twelve summers. You have been kept away
from the cruelties of slave ownership and battles to the death…” He looked at
Lothario, “Well most of you have been kept away from them. What you will see in
the next few days, weeks or months, will sicken you and believe me, all of you
will have a viewpoint to see everything. I think you should ask, just remember
at any moment you may lose your audience because they may need to go back on
the battlefield.”
The boys stood silent, more in shock
than anyone may have expected. Quintario’s idea was
good. However not even Lothario imagined their own soldiers dying on a
bloodstained savannah. Andio shook his head, “Sons of
the nobles, we have a long journey. If you wish the slaves to rest each hour,
then we need to move out.”
The boys went back to their
transportation and carriers. Lothario was quite solemn compared to his usual
self, tiredness played a large role in how he felt, but he would not have
realized that point. His mind was full of a war he did not understand, a
wonderment and downright fear. He turned to the head slave at the lectica. He nodded to Giulio and
Paolo, “Can you carry the three of us?”
The slave smiled broadly, “We could
carry six warriors such as yourselves master.”
Surprised, Giulio
and Paolo climbed in the lectica behind Lothario. A
few moments later, it lifted from the ground making the younger boys uneasy
until it was in place on the slaves’ shoulders. Outside the fire boys, lit
their oil torches and they began moving forward. To get all three boys on the
divan would not be easy to do. Made for one person and two if the idea pressed,
the divan would never hold three comfortably. The logistics of all three would
be near impossible. Instead of trying, Lothario threw several of his pillows at
the other two and told them to sleep.
Although Lothario fell into a fast
and deep sleep from the activities of the day, Paolo and Giulio
grinned at each other knowingly. Giulio giggled, “Are
you thinking what I am thinking?”
Paolo tried not to laugh, “Even if
he caught us sucking on it he would be too tired to stop it.”
Giulio was not so sure, “And if he gets upset, Don Fedele will spank us so we can’t sit for a week.”
Paolo shrugged, “If he likes it we
may be more play time with him, isn’t that worth it?”
“You have always liked doing these
things more than Master Lothario or I have liked it, even if it is fun.” Giulio tried to frown but it came out as a mischievous
smile.
“Help me get his clothes off Giulio!”
Giulio frowned, “We shouldn’t do that. They will stop for a rest,
and if he should awaken, he will be naked and go outside. Then he will really
be upset!”
Paolo leaned against the divan, “Si
you are right. It is not as much fun when he wiggles and squirms though, we
can’t see anything.”
Giulio laughed aloud and Paolo reached over with his hand and put
it over the younger boys’ mouth, “Tell everyone what we are doing silly!”
Tito was riding his horse next to
the lectica and could hear the boys talking. He could
sense their desire and their fear, but he had to be silent. He could not coax
them or tell them to refrain. The decision they would make had to be on their
own. Although Tito grew up in a similar situation and he knew Lothario would
like it, Lothario was more reserved when it came to such matters. Tito smiled
to himself and just listened as the two boys hatched their plan and decided
whether they would act on it or not.
“Well help me get his thong off
then, he is laying on it.” Paolo frowned.
“Alright, but if he wakes up you are
the one in trouble.” Giulio answered, as he got
closer.
“I will untie it and lift up his
behind, you pull it off.”
Giulio saw no harm in that, after all, Lothario did not like to
sleep in his clothing. Lothario was in a deep dream state. First, there was
Dino and others and they were riding horses around the villa. Suddenly all of
them were naked as they rode and they were having a good time. Then his dream
turned to the “Grapes of Italy” baths with boys of all ages running around
naked. Then without warning, it turned to the baths after the games where a boy
was putting oil on his stiff member. It felt good, a shock ran through him, and
he looked up and smiled. The boy sounded like he said ‘more?’ and Lothario
smiled and the dream continued.
Giulio and Paolo froze when Lothario’s body stiffened and slowly
relaxed. Paolo did not take his mouth off Lotharios’ hard member, but he
quietly waited until Lothario’s breathing went back to normal. Giulio whispered, “You almost woke him up!”
Finally, sure, that Lothario was
back asleep; Paolo hesitantly slid his lips off Lothario’s still throbbing
member. “Let him rest until the next stop, and then you can do it.”
Giulio frowned, “Okay but it is not fair.”
“If you weren’t such a baby all the
time you could have gone first.” Paolo countered.
“You were right Paolo, it is not as
much fun as when he is naked and we can watch all his muscles. Maybe after the
next stop we can get him to take off his tunic?” Giulio
asked.
“If he wakes up that will be easy,
if he doesn’t it won’t be easy at all. Let’s nap; we will wake up as soon as
they put the lectica down.” Paolo smiled and laid his
head on a pillow.
Giulio fell asleep fast as the procession to the front lines
continued. The boys slept for hours, missing four different rest stops. Capo Andio and the Centurions were happy with the progress they
were making. Centurion Darius especially was impressed with Lothario’s idea of
resting each hour. The slaves rested could travel faster, more than making up
for time lost. Darius guessed correctly that they would make it to the
encampment; he hoped it was still there and that his troops had not lost many
members.
Darius also worried about the boys
he was in charge of and the ones that were ahead of him. If the battle was
raging when they arrived, it could be devastating. He felt the boys should be
acclimated to their surroundings before they saw the bloodshed and horrors of
war. Yet if Mars wanted the war, it would not be up to the troops to decide when
to attack or defend; the gods had their own way of doing things.
Capo Andio
had other things on his mind. Tito may be Lothario’s bodyguard, and there is no
doubt Tito would die to protect the boy, but it was Andio’s
responsibility overall. If the lines broke, it would be his job to get the boy
to safety before the enemy could catch them. Inside Andio
saw running from a battle as cowardly, but in his heart he knew that the safety
of Lothario and the other boys were paramount to the future of Rome. He only had
one boy to take care of. He wondered how many others would survive.
Tito on the other hand was a
well-seasoned warrior. There was no doubt in his mind that the Roman army,
regardless of how small it was, would be triumphant. His regret is that he
would not be in the battle itself, however if the enemy even neared the boys,
many would die before he fell. His horse carried twelve short spears, and four
long spears, a mace and two swords. He would stay mounted as long as he could,
then go to the ground to keep them back while Lothario escaped. He would die
and he knew it, but what greater way to die than protecting the future of Rome.
For the three men, their fates
seemed to set. Two would watch the battle with the boys in relative safety.
Darius would take his infantry, charge with a mighty force, and maybe survive
it. The other Centurions and Capos would of course be unpredictable, including
the ones watching the boys of the nobles. As Darius rode over the rise, he saw
the flaming arrows headed north. There was no battle, the arrows sent out as
lights to see if the enemy was moving in. At the top of the rise, Darius saw
hundreds of tents and fires burning.
Darius turned to the other
Centurions, “It is time they woke up. They need to see this for themselves;
they may never see anything like it again.” Less than a mile from the Roman
camp, you could see hundreds of fires from the Latin and Etruscan armies.
The word spread, the lecticas and slings were set down and the boys awakened,
sleepy eyed they dressed the best they could. They and their servants, still
half-awake, followed the Capos up the hill. As the boys looked at the site
below, they were awestruck. Never had so many fires, oil lamps, torches been in
one place, as far as they knew. They could easily see one thousand soldiers
moving around, and they could not comprehend the amount still asleep. Arrows
shot toward the enemy and the enemy shot back. No one was being hurt; it was a
way the armies could spot the enemy.
Lothario eyes were as wide anyone’s
were. If there were that many soldiers so close together that their fires lit
up the sky, then how many people actually lived in Rome? He knew there were hundreds, but thousands,
maybe tens of thousands. The carriers
made it to the top of the rise, and most of the boys took their positions
inside the lecticas. Lothario mounted his horse; he
was not going into the camp looking like a baby.
The sun was beginning to rise in the
sky. Centurion Darius told the other officers to take their charges to their
fathers. As they neared, Lothario saw his father’s tent, but he also saw a
larger tent nearby, “Andio, who does that tent belong
to?”
Andio looked at Darius, “You have any idea who that belongs to?”
Darius smiled, “I believe that is
the old king’s tent. The Consuls must be using it. If they are here, they
probably plan to lead the battle. It is a huge tent, more like a small palace.
The other tents around it must be for the Generals.”
“Father’s tent is near it, and so is
Don Fedele’s tent. You must be right.” Lothario
chimed in.
Darius patted the boy’s shoulder, “I
wish that little Marcus were as astute as you Lothario.”
“Don’t wish for that Centurion, each
of us have our own place. You are lucky to be a part of such a great family,
and Marcus is a born leader, and fun to play with. He will be a great warrior
someday. Someone like me may or may not lead; I do more planning than
fighting.” Lothario said as they rode into the camp.
“What you say is true young
Lothario. I should count my blessings. Si Marcus is a warrior and very fierce,
I have to remember the good points, thank you for reminding me.” Darius grinned
almost in awe of the loving nature of Lothario. He broke off, taking Marcus’s lectica to his father.
Lothario and Andio
rode to Lotharios father’s tent and dismounted. There were no officers around,
but there were plenty of soldiers. Inside the tent, Lothario saw that his
father had already awakened and left. He surmised they must have been meeting
at the consul’s tent. He started to turn and leave but Tito blocked him, “Let’s
wash your legs and feet and change clothes before you run off to see your
father. You might even want to wash your face.”
Lothario frowned. He looked and
realized Giulio and Paolo must still be asleep in the
lectica. Tito understood and said, “I will help you,
let them sleep. They will be chasing you around all day.”
The boy took off his tunic and
finally realized he was not wearing a thong. He immediately knew who took it
off, but he was not sure why. Lothario washed his own face, but Tito took care
of his sandals, brought in clean clothes for boy, and helped him dress. Then
Tito brought out a second tunic, a shorter, purple one, and put it on Lothario.
Then a black belt and wrapped it around the boy’s waist several times. Tito
stood back and looked at Lothario, “Very nice I must say.”
Lothario looked at the second tunic,
“What is this for?”
“That is to make sure everyone in
the camp knows who you are, so there are no questions. It is too bad you are
not old enough to wear a proper toga. This will have to do.”
“Why is it shorter?” Lothario asked.
“You have the white under it with
the purple edging. The purple on top has your family crest. You haven’t worn it I guess. With this on, you will have free
reign over most of the camp. In a battle, or near a battle, the soldiers will
not see a purple edging, this they can see easily. Don’t worry the other boys
will be dressed similar.” Tito explained. Tito stepped back, “We need to brush
your hair, but other than that you are cute and charming.”
Lothario blushed and waited for Tito
to finish. Lothario looked at Tito, “I really like you and you do take care of
me when you have the chance. Tito, you are close to the battles that are to
begin. Will you be able to stand by me when you are so close to it?”
“Master I have thought about that throughout
the night. To be honest, Si it will be hard for me. Already I want to charge
into battle. I have thought about this. I also thought that over the year how
precious you and the other boys are. You are not yet a man, but someday you
will be, and there will be other battles to fight. Andio
likes me; maybe he would be one to let me serve in his command. Master
Lothario, I realize that all the boys that came with you are special to many
officers and Dons, besides their families. Yet for me who has no children, for
Don Fedele who has neither a wife nor child…” Tito
wiped his face, “You are what I live for now. The battles we will fight are in
the future when I will stand by you in battle as we slay the evil that
threatens us.”
Lothario was at a loss for words.
There were several moments of silence. Lothario took a deep breath, “How does
anyone know you are with me? They can see that Giulio
and Paolo are, but how do they know you are?”
“I am not dressed as a citizen, or a
freeborn. I am not dressed as a slave either, and I do wear the Praetorio crest. I always stay near you. That should be
enough.” Tito bowed.
“Get me my cloak, and wake the boys.
They must have been up half the night playing their silly games instead of
sleeping.”
Tito laughed a belly laugh and left
the tent. Lothario frowned knowing Tito knew something that he did not. Tito
came back in and put the cloak on Lothario. He put the gold clasps in place and
stood back, “Si you look very good. You have your bulla* on?”
Lothario nodded and they left the
tent together. The half-awake boys, still disorientated followed sheepishly to
the Consul tent. There were four guards at the tent. They crossed their spears
to block the four from entering. Lothario raised his eyebrows, “Let us pass.”
One of the guards spoke, “They are
making plans for war, now is not the time. We were told to keep everyone out.”
Lothario raised his voice, “No other
boy has entered the tent?”
“You are the first boy we have seen
in the camp!” The soldier replied.
Lothario thought about that for a
few moments and turned to Tito, “Am I not supposed to be with father during
these meetings?”
Tito looked at the soldier in
charge, “My Master is the son of General Praetorio,
who has requested that his son be with him anytime it is possible. Even if I
and his personal servants stay outside, he has the right to be in that
meeting.”
General Fedele
heard Tito talking loudly. The two Consuls stopped talking and nodded to Fedele, “Whatever it is take care of it.” Brutus demanded.
Fedele went outside to see Lothario and the others, “Lothario you
and Pablo can come in, you other two stay outside and wait. All of you be quiet
and listen. They do not need your input. You are here to learn Lothario, so
please keep your big mouth shut.” Fedele hugged
Lothario and took him and Paolo inside. He had them walk behind the men to his
father. His father smiled and took Lothario’s hand.
Consul Brutus looked at one of the
Centurions, “I thought the boys would not be here until after noon.”
“They must have changed plans or
taken a different route Consul. I cannot explain how they arrived so fast.” The
Centurion bowed.
Brutus looked at Lothario, “What is
your name boy?”
“Lothario Praetorio,
Don Brutus.” Lothario answered.
Brutus smiled, “Si, I hope you are
honored to be here to see this glorious day.”
Lothario nodded, “Si Don Brutus, not
many boys will witness this meeting or the battles that will come in due
course.”
Brutus smiled and looked at General Praetorio, “Just like his father, salute Don Nico.”
Don Nico
bowed and then the meeting continued. “Their cavalry took out over one hundred
men yesterday. Not prepared for a cavalry fight we lost many good men. Luckily,
our troops were steadfast and continued to advance. I do not want the same
thing to happen today. I want archers and chariots behind our infantry today. I
know we only have a few chariots, but if they bring out that cavalry again, the
archers could have a field day, and the chariots, if given the order at the
right time can cause havoc with the cavalry.”
“General Felisimo,
your men are well rested. I want you to take the front line. Following you will
be General Fedele’s troops. General Praetorio, I want you to hold back your men unless needed.
I am not sure about them, but I trust you. I have just never seen a formation
like that, and I do not understand what you are doing. We will use your troops
as a reserve.”
Lothario let loose of his father’s
hand and stepped forward, “But Consul Brutus, that
is…”
Fedele put his hand around the boy’s mouth and pulled him back.
Brutus cocked his head and looked at Lothario, “Well you are the first person
to say anything for the last two hours.” He looked at the others, “A boy will offer
advice when the rest of you wouldn’t? No General Fedele
let him speak.”
“I have been studying the map. This
is where the cavalry came from. Put father’s men at the pass. They can stop
them there.”
“What makes you think infantry can
stop them?” Brutus asked.
“My Greek teacher taught me about a
Phalanx. It is almost impossible to break through. Let father lead the men, and
in a short time they can wipe out the cavalry before they even get near the
battle.” Lothario offered.
Brutus frowned, “You want me to send
one of my best Generals, your father, to his death, based upon a Greek
teacher’s word?”
Don Nico
spoke up, “Forgive him Consul Brutus, he is full of ideals of heroism.”
Brutus smiled, “The gods made
children beautiful so we would not kill them for speaking out of turn. All is forgiven. Lothario right?”
Lothario nodded.
“Lothario, your idea may work, or it
may not. I cannot take the chance that it would fail. We could lose two cohorts
easily if it would fail, maybe more. I will not discount your teacher’s word. I
will give your father’s troops their chance to prove your claims; however I am
not going to risk your father’s life to make your point.”
Lothario shot back, “Consul Brutus a
leader of men must make the same sacrifices if the men are to respect him.”
Brutus smiled at Lothario and looked
at his officers, “It seems we have a warrior among us that we have not seen
before. Still boy, when the time comes, I will decide on what to do, not you.
You make a good argument, but you are thinking of a single battle. I am
thinking of an entire war.”
Lothario bowed and then stepped
back. The meeting took another two hours. The Generals began giving feedback
since a little boy was brave enough to do so. At the end of the meeting, the
officers began to leave. Brutus went to Lothario, “Boy, you have touched
something in my soul. I believe Mars has sent you to me. I do not know about
this Phalanx, but you are right about leadership. Today I will lead the battle,
not from this tent, but from the front line. Because of your words, the
Generals will lead their own men. We need something special to turn the tide
quickly, and you may have provided the answer.” Brutus looked at Don Nico, “I wish you well, if you must die today, I know you
will die a brave warrior.”
Brutus left the tent to get ready
for battle. Don Nico looked at his son, “I should
whip you for what you did in there, but I am also proud of you. Do us all a
favor, do not mess with the war again, until you have seen with your own eyes
what is about to happen.”
“Father I am sorry. It never
occurred to me that you would die. I didn’t mean to put you in danger.”
Don Nico
knelt and held his son’s shoulders, “What you said in there was the truth. It
is the way it should be. I have armor for your horses. Put it on them. You boys
ride around here on the hill where you can see everything. The enemy will think
that the nobility is still up here, and not down below where they will be the
targets.”
“What about Tito and Capo Andio?”
“Tito will stay with you. It is only
right that Andio join his men and fight, which is
what he would want. I may not care for Tito, but he will take care of you.”
Don Nico
looked at Tito. Tito nodded, “Very good care of him.”
Tarquinius exiled: History has not proven the exact year the last king
of Rome was exiled, but presumably, it was between 509BC and 497BC depending
upon what historical source you read.
Lectica: A divan carried on the shoulders of slaves, usually
covered and with sheer drapes on the sides to protect the passenger. At night,
fire boys would carry torches in front of it. Usually used to carry people of
importance, it was much more comfortable than an ox cart or riding a horse. In
later times, Lectica’s
carried women and images of deities.
Bulla:
The same as a modern Native American medicine bag, holding small items that
mean something to the wearer for protection.
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