Vittorio Carvelli

The Story of Gracchus

LIBER IV
The Fourth Book

Chapters 29-32

XXIX. Finis et Novum Initium
29. The End and the New Beginning

Warning: this chapter features nudity, torture, explicit sexuality and language, – do not read if you may be offended

Noctem Meminisse (A Night to Remember)

"Petronius! 3; Petronius! 3; I think something really terrible has happened!"

"Why? What's the problem?

It's only a little storm, and it seems to be over now." Petronius answered calmly, smiling.

Inwardly, however, Petronius was worried, thinking that this might be some sort of continuation of Marcus' problem with his previous illness.

"I saw you – but it wasn't really you, – out in the garden, and another figure in a black cloak," Marcus babbled. "And you asked me what I was doing in the garden – and you said it was dangerous – and then something about an owl – and the you fired an arrow over to the villa – and then disappeared! Do something!" Marcus begged.

"Adonios!" Petronius called.

"Go down to Terentius, and ask him to check that there is no problem for the Dominus, and get the guards to check the villa gardens. Tell him that the Iuvenis Dominus has concerns about our security."

Adonios obediently ran out of the atrium.

"Now calm down Marcus, I am sure that all will be well," Petronius said gently, taking Marcus by the hand and guiding him to a couch.

As he did so there was a tremendous flash of lightening, and moments later, a deafening roll of thunder. Marcus looked up at Petronius, obviously not convinced.

"Now listen, Marcus – if there is a problem, then you must get hold of yourself and be strong. So I will get you some wine, and remember that you are the son of the Dominus, and we all look to you for an example."

Aurarius looked puzzled. He still thought that the people in the villa were very strange.

"It's only a storm, master, and I'm not frightened," he said, encouragingly.

There was then a frantic banging on the door.

"Where are the guards?" Petronius shouted, running over to the large, bronze doors.

One of the doors the opened suddenly, nearly hitting him in the face.

It was Adonios – looking terrified.

"Petronius – the Dominus! He's dead!" Adonios spluttered.

"Where are the guards?" demanded Petronius, a second time.

"They are with Terentius, preparing to find whoever did this," Adonios replied, tearfully.

"And how do you know the Dominus is dead?" Petronius asked, trying to get to the bottom of the story.

"I saw him!" Adonios shrieked. "In his study – there was blood!" the hysterical boy continued.

"Alright, 3; you go and sit down quietly, and Marcus and I will deal with this," Petronius said, trying to calm the sobbing boy.

"I know who did this!" Marcus said, coldly.

"Alright, 3; but let's get to the study, and see Terentius," Petronius said, ignoring Marcus' odd statement, and moving towards the half open door.

As Petronius and Marcus moved through the corridors there seemed to be guards everywhere, checking doors and rooms. Eventually they arrived at the doors to Gracchus' study. The guards there bowed respectfully to Marcus.

Novus Dominus (The New Dominus)

Marcus entered the room, thinking of the first occasion, so long ago, when as a frightened slave-boy, called Markos, he had his first nerve wracking interview with the Dominus. Now, to his horror, he saw Gracchus sprawled, face down on the marble topped table, which was drenched with blood.

Terentius was standing by the table looking gaunt.

"We must do this quickly!" he said, in a strained voice.

He took from the folds of his tunic a large, heavy gold ring. As he did so Adonios and Aurarius crept into the room. Terentius began speaking slowly and carefully. "This is the seal ring of the House of Gracchus, passed on to each dominus for hundreds of years. As the most senior servant of the House of Gracchus it is my duty to place this ring on your finger, and confirm you as Marcus Octavianus Gracchus, true heir and son of the deceased Dominus, Gnaeus Octavianus Gracchus, and to pronounce you from this moment as Dominus of the Noble House of Gracchus."

He placed the ring on Marcus' ring-finger, bent down on one knee, and kissed the ring.

"I am always, and ever will be your loyal and honoured servant."

"And friend," Marcus added.

After Terentius, Petronius swore his fealty, followed by Adonios and Aurarius. And at that point, Marcus took command, as if he had been born to it.

"Adonios and Aurarius – go back to my apartments and prepare for my return later!"

"Yes Dominus!" they both replied, and ran off to what were now the Dominus' apartments.

"Terentius, send a carriage to Novius. I want to speak to him," Marcus then said.

"But Dominus, it is so late, and there is a storm," Terentius said, forgetting himself for a moment.

"I want to speak to him now!" Marcus insisted.

"Of course, Dominus!" Terentius replied, and hurried off to make the appropriate arrangements.

"So 3; How do you feel now?" Petronius asked.

"Lost without Gracchus – but I still have you!"

"But you are Gracchus – now!" Petronius reminded Marcus.

"Yes, I suppose so," Marcus said sadly.

"And what did you mean by saying that you knew who had done this?" Petronius asked intrigued.

"Well, it's Servius, of course – he was the only one who had a real motive," Marcus replied.

"You are almost certainly right – but there is one other who could have a motive, but I think is too young to have done this," Petronius said, mysteriously.

"And who could that be?" Marcus asked.

"My answer to that question must wait until we have had time to talk to Terentius and Novius," Petronius replied.

"So, is there something important that I haven't been told?" Marcus asked.

"Yes!" Petronius replied, "But first you should attend to the matter of Servius, if you will forgive me for suggesting it."

"Of course!" Marcus said.

Now today, if we came across someone who had obviously been murdered we should immediately contact the local police force – who would investigate, and hopefully arrest a suspect, who would be prosecuted by the state. In Roman times (as has been stated before) there was no police force as such, and no public prosecutor – no state run law courts, and no long term prisons for murderers. Normally individuals and families would rely upon a patron to deal with the matter – usually in the form of rough justice. Marcus, however, now that he was Dominus, was a patron himself, so he was expected to deal with such matters – using his retainers and slaves.

Marcus reaction was simple. He ordered a group of villa guards to ride out to Servius' villa and find Servius. He gave express orders that Servius was not to be harmed, and that Servius was to be taken to the Ludus. Any of Servius' slaves found at the villa were to be 'disposed of'.

"Dominus," Petronius interrupted, "Servius had a boy with him – one of your slaves – what should happen to him?"

"Just bring him back to the villa – Terentius and Nerva can sort that out later," Marcus replied, not knowing of the significance of the boy.

Meanwhile, slaves carefully removed Gracchus' body, while other slaves cleaned the study of all traces of blood. Gracchus' body was then taken to his private apartments, to be washed and prepared for the funeral.

Consiliarius (Councellor)

Eventually Novius arrived at the villa.

"My dear Marcus!" he exclaimed, "I am devastated!" the old man said. "How could this have happened?"

"This, my dear Novius, is what we plan to find out," Marcus replied.

"But first I have something important to do.

I am appointing you my Consiliarius (a counsellor, one who participates in the decisions, a trusted adviser), and I require you to pledge your fealty to myself as Dominus, and to the House of Gracchus," Marcus stated, with the new sense of authority that he seemed to have acquired.

"I am an old man, Dominus, but if you think that I can be of help I will serve you as best as I can," Novius replied.

Marcus then held out his right hand, and Novius bent low, and kissed the seal ring of the House of Gracchus.

"I am grateful," Marcus said, "and I have work for you tonight."

"Of course, Dominus," Novius replied.

Glaux (Minerva's Owl)

As Terentius came into the study, a small owl flew in from the open door. It fluttered once round the room, and then settled, rather unsteadily at first, on the back of the beautifully inlaid chair where Gracchus usually sat.

"That, Dominus, is an omen," Novius whispered.

"I know," Marcus replied.

Petronius look strangely at the bird, which was fluffing it's feathers, and then at Marcus.

"You mentioned an owl, when spoken to in the garden," Petronius said.

"Yes," Marcus said.

"The owl of Athena – Athene noctua" – ('Athena's owl has taken flight') - Don't disturb it," Novius said.

"Let it stay here 3; It will bring you wisdom," Novius quietly added.

And they all watched the cute little bird – wondering.

"We should call him Glaux (γλαύξ), and invite him to stay," Novius said.

"But isn't he an evil omen of death?" Petronius asked, eying the bird nervously.

"According to the Greeks and the Etruscans he can be – when he perches on the roof of a dwelling. But this little fellow has already done his warning of death – and now I feel he is a gift from Minerva – to bring this House, and it's new Dominus wisdom," Novius explained.

Athenian coins bore and image of the owl of Athena (Roman Minerva) and in daily use the Athenian drachmas were called glaukes (γλαῦκες, owls) – as Marcus well knew.

"And what did you say Dominus, about an owl in the garden?" Novius asked.

"Well, it's a strange story, Novius. When the storm cleared for a short while, I went out into the garden. I thought I saw Petronius standing in the garden, with a bow and a quiver full of arrows – stupid I know. Then he spoke to me – but it didn't sound like Petronius' voice. He said something like – 'What are you doing out late – this is a night to remember – a dangerous night – Thanatos hides in the shadows, and arrows fly' and then he said 'Athena's owl takes flight – so take care, and remember – Deus veniet cito!'"

"So the prophecy – Deus veniet cito – and the figure, – I think was the God himself – Apollo."

You are a strange young man, Dominus – and the Gods show you such favour, as I have never seen before. Be grateful!" Novius concluded.

"I am grateful, Novius – but often fearful also," Marcus replied, shaking his head.

"But no problem, you have fine friends, and now you have little Glaux to guide you," Novius said, smiling.

Conferens (The Conference)

"But enough of this," Petronius interjected. "We have some important matters to discuss."

"Terentius, you and I spoke at length yesterday, and now that our late master is no longer with us, and we have a new Dominus, we need to make him aware of certain facts." Petronius stated, taking a lead well above his station.

"You are right, Petronius – let us all be seated."

Marcus, sitting in the chair on which Glaux was perched, and Novius and Petronius seated on other chairs, drawn up round Gracchus' marble topped table, now clean and shining (thanks to the work of some slaves) prepared for a momentous discussion.

"To begin with, Dominus – and gentlemen, everything that is said round this table is confidential, and we must swear by Athena's owl, little Glaux there, that we shall not reveal anything that we hear tonight to any other person without the permission of our Dominus. Is that agreed?" Terentius said.

They nodded in agreement, while Glaux awkwardly stepped off the back of the chair, and settled himself on Marcus' shoulder.

"The matter concerns a boy called Demetrius," Terentius began.

"Excuse me, Terentius, but why are we discussing this 'Demetrius', rather than Servius, who has just committed murder?" Marcus asked, somewhat confused.

"This is the whole point of our discussion. The motive for the murder may well be Demetrius – but information about Demetrius was withheld from you by the 'late Dominus'," Terentius replied.

"And why was that, Terentius?" Marcus asked, slightly angered.

"That, if you will excuse me, Dominus, is what I am coming to," Terentius replied.

"The late Dominus, when he was somewhat younger, had a child by a slave girl, here at the villa," Terentius explained.

"Did you know about this, Novius?" Marcus asked, looking completely perplexed.

"I'm afraid that I did, but the late Dominus forbad me to discuss the matter with anyone, even, and maybe especially you."

Marcus stood up – obviously angry – and Glaux nearly lost his balance, and looked at Marcus, with a hurt expression, having almost lost his dignity.

"So the late Dominus had a true son 3; so am I, or am I not the Dominus?" he demanded, looking particularly at Terentius.

"Of course you are the Dominus. The boy Dimitrius is just a slave," Terentius answered quietly, trying to calm Marcus.

"And where is this boy?" Marcus asked, resuming his seat.

"The boy to whom you refer, Dominus, was the boy who was with Servius," Terentius replied, waiting for another explosion from Marcus.

Marcus just sat, numbed and shook his head in disbelief.

"The boy is probably now at this villa – locked in a cublicum, under guard, and awaiting your pleasure."

"I take no pleasure in this boy!" Marcus said coldly. "It were better that he were still-born!"

"I agree, Dominus, but he is here, and I fear he may be involved in another conspiracy against you and the House of Gracchus," Terentius said, wearily.

"So what's this new conspiracy?" Marcus asked, not entirely convinced, as Glaux nibbled gently on his ear.

"What's this stupid bird doing?" Marcus said, tickling Glaux's head.

"I think it's his way of saying that you should listen carefully," Novius said, smiling.

"Now you're not telling me that this crazy bird knows what we are talking about?" Marcus said, incredulously.

"Oh yes," Novius replied. "Athena's owl is very, very intelligent – that's why he's been sent to you."

"Well now I've heard everything." Marcus said in resignation.

"But what's this conspiracy, Terentius – and yes, Glaux, I am listening," Marcus continued, humouring Novius.

"As I think that you know, Servius and Petronius went to Rome to collect your new pugio – which I have here with me, incidentally, – but they also went to arrange for the assassination of Marcus Sabinus. Now the only proof that we have that Marcus Sabinus is dead is a seal ring that Servius brought back in a wooden box. It is a cheap seal ring – low quality gold – marked with the letter S. I could have had one made for next to nothing here in Baiae, let alone in Neapolis or Rome."

Terentius pushed the box over to Marcus. Marcus opened it, and took out the ring.

"I see," Marcus said.

"So we have to take the word of Menelaus," Terentius continued. "A man who seems to be, according to myself and Petronius, too well informed of matters in this villa. Now Menelaus, whom I know, and Petronius met, was the person who selected Demetrios, of all people, to guide Servius and Petronius round Rome – and Demetrios is the boy who is not supposed to exist. Now Demetrios is very handsome, and I gather that Menelaus knows that Servius has an insatiable lust for attractive boys, and it appears that Demetrios was encouraged – one assumes by Menelaus – to make himself available to Servius. Petronius, for example, knows that Servius and the boy had sex in Rome on at least one occasion. And it also seems that Menelaus encouraged Demetrios to get Servius to take him back to this villa – and presumably the boy escaped from the villa with Menelaus' connivance."

"Well that is all making sense – but to what purpose?" Marcus interrupted.

"To the purpose of creating a problem between Servius and the late Dominus – a possibly murderous problem – or perhaps Servius was given gold to kill the late Dominus. Then it was simply a matter of presenting Demetrios as the natural son of the late Dominus, and ensuring that the inheritance did not go to you, but the boy – to be possibly shared by Menelaus, his guardian (Menelaus had looked after the boy for many years), and Servius, his lover – enabling Marcus Sabinus, whom I do not believe is dead, to take his revenge on the House of Gracchus," Terentius concluded.

Novius, Petronius and Glaux all nodded in agreement.

"Well, it's complicated, but makes sense," Marcus agreed.

"So what should we do?" Marcus asked, looking obviously worried.

"If I may make a suggestion," Petronius said, "I think it might be wise to send some guards to Rome to escort Menelaus back here, on the pretext that he should meet the new Dominus, and attend the funeral of the late Dominus – then we can question him, and if required – deal with him."

Marcus looked to Terentius and Novius. "Do we agree?" he asked.

Both nodded.

"So do I – then we are all in agreement! Right, Terentius. When we finish this meeting please attend to that!" Marcus briskly ordered.

"Yes Dominus," Terentius replied.

"And Terentius – is there another Freedman at the Domus?" Marus asked.

"Yes Dominus – there are a number," Terentius replied.

"And who is the best and most trustworthy?" Marcus queried.

"A boy called Nicander," Terentius said, after thinking for a moment.

"Good – get Quintus to draw up papers appointing him as magister domus – but do not have the papers handed to him until Menelaus leaves."

"Very wise, Dominus," Terentius answered.

"And the Magister equorum, who arranged the killing, Dominus?" Terentius asked.

"We don't have time to waste on him – have him disposed of," Marcus said, coldly.

"You mean killed?" Terentius asked, surprised.

"Yes," Marcus replied.

"As you say, Dominus."

"Now what about Servius?" Marcus asked. "Should we torture him to get the truth about Menelaus and Demetrius before we have him killed?" Marcus asked, somewhat brutally.

"There is another way, which Terentius has knowledge of, and which I used on Petram and Glykon, with the permission of the late Dominus, – to good effect," Novius interjected.

"Indeed, Dominus," Terentius added.

"It is a method of obtaining the truth, that uses no torture, and which those who are subjected to it do not even have a recall of the information that they have given away."

It gave the late Dominus all the information he needed from Petram and Glykon, and I am sure that Novius could make it work with Servius to good effect," Terentius said.

"You intrigue me. So Novius, what is this method?" Marcus asked.

"All we do is give the subject a special – and harmless potion, and then send them into a half-sleep, and open their thoughts and memories to our inspection. At the end they are commanded to forget all that they have been asked and all that they have said – and if all goes well, we have the information that we desire," Novius explained.

"That sounds excellent, Novius," Marcus said enthusiastically.

"And when can we do this?, Marcus asked, eagerly.

"I think it may be possible tomorrow evening." Novius replied.

There was a pause.

"And so finally, gentlemen, we must decide what to do about the boy," Marcus stated.

"Well may I suggest that that will depend on the boy's knowledge of his origins, and previous life, and his knowledge of any possible 'conspiracy', and also what Menelaus has told him, and what passed between him and Servius," Novius suggested.

"And then, when we know that – can you, in some way manipulate his memories so that he no longer poses a threat?" Marcus asked.

"I have no affection for the boy, but I see no reason to eliminate him if we can effectively simply turn him into a harmless slave-boy – to work here in the villa," Marcus continued.

"It may be possible," Novius replied, thoughtfully.

"He is young, and I would imagine that he could be easily influenced."

"Before we do that," Petronius interjected, "maybe, as I know him, I could go and speak to him and try to discover what he knows and understands – in, what shall I call it – his normal mind."

"Yes, Petronius, I would be interested to know what you could discover," Novius replied.

For some time Glaux had been stamping around on Marcus' shoulder.

"I think our little friend is getting restless, so perhaps we could draw this meeting to a close," Marcus said, looking at the little bird and smiling.

"So – Petronius, go and see this boy Demetrios, when you have time, but also I want the scaffolding removed in the Amphitheater, and appropriate preparations made for the funeral and the munera," Marcus said.

"Novius!" Marcus then said, and the old man, now Consiliarius to the House of Gracchus, looked up expectantly, "I hope to see you tomorrow evening."

"Of course, Dominus!" Novius answered obediently.

"And Terentius!"

"Yes Dominus!" Terentius replied.

"Have Quintus prepare papers granting freedom and citizenship to Petronius," Marcus ordered, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Petronius jaw dropped, and Terentius, and Novius smiled broadly.

"And about time!" Novius said, patting Petronius on the back.

"What can I say, Dominus?" Petronius mumbled.

"Nothing needs to be said," Marcus replied.

Itaque dormitum (And so to Bed)

"What's wrong with this stupid bird?" Marcus exclaimed, as he walked down the corridor to his private apartments, with Glaux still sitting on his shoulder.

"I think that you are stuck with Glaux, like you are stuck with me," Petronius said, carefully avoiding mentioning the unexpected instruction that Marcus had just given to Terentius.

"Very likely," Marcus replied.

When Marcus arrived in the Atrium of his apartments, Adonios and Aurarius ran up, waiting for orders. Immediately they saw Glaux. Adonios reached up to Marcus' shoulder, and Glaux, in a most dignified manner, stepped off Marcus and onto Adonios' hand.

"He's beautiful!" Aurarius exclaimed.

"Where did you get him from?" Adonios asked.

"From Mount Olympus," Marcus replied with a smile. "Now Novius says that we must look after him – so be good to him, but show him respect – he stands very much on his dignity, as he is very wise," Marcus explained to the two entranced boys.

Immediately Adonios and Aurarius sat down together on a couch, tickling and fussing over the little owl. Glaux appeared to be enjoying every minute of the attention, but Marcus found that he had to go and get his own goblet of wine, as his two slaves seemed to have forgotten all about him.

"I think Petronius, that in the end I will have no slaves. They will either be freed men – or the slaves of little Glaux!" Marcus joked, as he poured some wine for Petronius.

Strangely, the horror of the night seemed to have faded away – and an odd kind of peace and serenity had enveloped much of the villa. Novius, of course would have seen it as the work of the God, – protecting his chosen ones from the violence and horror of death and separation – by the simple expedient of a sweet, fluffy little bird. Marcus, after taking a drink from his goblet, lay back, and was lost in the oblivion of sleep. Petronius laid a silk coverlet over Marcus, and gently kissed his sleeping friend goodnight. Adonios and Aurarius snuggled up together on the couch, and Glaux, rather peeved that no food had been provided for him, flew off noiselessly into the peristyle garden to do some hunting. Petronius left the Atrium, and went to his apartment, to snatch some sleep before going to the Amphitheater in the morning.

Mane Novum (A New Morning)

As the sun rose, Glaux fluttered back to his new home, landing somewhat awkwardly on Marcus' pillow (owls are designed to land on tree branches, and not soft pillows). Marcus stirred from his sleep, and as he awoke the enormity of the previous night's events hit him hard. If Adonios and Aurarius hadn't been up, and preparing a light breakfast, Marcus would have certainly given in to uncontrollable sobbing, but he remembered that he was now the Dominus, and never again should he give in to the ordinary weaknesses that were permitted to most people.

He rose from his bed, and dressed. In deference to the death of the late Dominus, he dressed, like everyone else of any standing in the villa in black, but his tunic was decorated in heavy gold bullion embroidery. As he straightened his tunic, and prepared to greet Adonios and Aurarius, Glaux fluttered up, and took his place on Marcus' shoulder. Normally, Marcus would have flicked the little bird away, but taking note of Novius' advice, he allowed the small owl to sit by his ear.

It was obvious that the two boys had been crying – but Marcus was not prepared to indulge them, and sent them off to find out what was Petronius was doing.

As it happened, Petronius was, at that moment, riding into Amphitheater, having already travelled all the way to Neapolis to order the endless yards of black embroidered material that would be required for the decoration of the Amphitheater, for the funeral ceremony, and later the munera, for the late Dominus. The wagon carrying the cloth, and other essentials was further back down the road, following Petronius.

Already the slaves were working on the removal of the scaffolding, and making good the final refurbishments of the Amphitheater.

As soon as Petronius arrived, he supervised the unloading of the cloth. He then went to his office in the ludus, and quickly prepared some sketches, indicating to his foremen how he wished the cloth to be draped over various parts of the structure of the amphitheater. While he was doing that, Adonios and Aurarius arrived, closely followed by Marcus.

All the slaves stopped working as Marcus entered the arena, staring in surprise at little Glaux sitting on his shoulder. Owls were known to be omens, particularly when they appeared in the daytime (unusual, as they were nocturnal birds – so owls usually sleep during the day – but they are only 'half asleep' so they don't fall off their perch, and are partly aware of what is going on around them). The slaves, realising this, looked upon their new Dominus with a certain awe, and even more respect. Soon the rumour spread round the villa that the owl was a personal gift from the goddess Minerva to the new Dominus, which he had received on Mount Olympus.

Terentius, wisely did nothing to discredit this rumour.

They all obediently lined up, and bowed to Marcus. Marcus decided that some words were required.

"As you probably know our beloved Dominus was cruelly murdered last night by his own tribune. That tribune will be punished as is required at the next Games. Meanwhile we must prepare for the funeral of our beloved, late Dominus. As your new Dominus I expect you all to show your devotion to the late Dominus, and the noble House of Gracchus by giving your best efforts to making the funeral, and the subsequent munera the finest ever seen in Baiae. Now return to your work!"

The slaves all applauded and cheered their new Dominus, and swiftly returned to their duties. Hearing the noise, Petronius left the Ludus, and walked over to the arena. Once in the arena, Petronius and Marcus looked over the drawings that Petronius had made, and then started supervising gangs of slaves to put up the curtains and swags of black material. At the same time, Marcus was able to admire the newly completed Propylaeum (Gateway for the Pompa – see right of image) – which now bore his name, and the also inspected the enlarged Pulvinus. In addition, the top, marble columned arcade also bore an inscription of dedication to Marcus and the God Apollo.

As the middle of the day was approaching, Petronius left Marcus to continue the supervising of the funeral decorations, and rode back to the villa.

The previous evening he had offered to speak to the boy Demetrius, on behalf of Novius, so he went to the partly disused wing of the villa, where the boy's room was locked and guarded. The guard had been previously told to allow Petronius access to the room.

Sermo Cum Demetrios (A Talk with Demetrios)

As Petronius entered the room where Demetrios was being held, a young slave-boy came rushing up the corridor.

"Petronius!" he shouted. "I have a message for you from Terentius!" the boy said breathlessly.

"Don't be too long in there!" the young guard said gruffly to Petronius.

The boy messenger passed Petronius a rather bulky scroll, and stood waiting obediently in the corridor. Petronius took the scroll, and broke the seal. It was no ordinary message – Petronius recognized the handwriting. It was Quintus, writing in Latin, and then a very formal Greek translation, below.

It had been sealed by the Dominus, Marcus – and it was notice that Petronius, as a 'libertus' and a Roman citizen, now held the position of M. tribunus et dominus amphitheatri – which is very formal Latin for 'Tribune to Marcus and Master of the Amphitheater'.

"Do you read, young man?" Petronius asked the rather officious guard.

"Yes, as it happens, I do," the young guard said casually.

"Then read this!" Petronius said.

The guard slowly read the text, then stiffened to attention.

"My apologies!" he said nervously.

"I didn't realise who you were."

"Be sure to tell your friends!" Petronius said grinning.

"Of course, Tribune!" the guard said, stiffly.

"Boy!" Petronius called to the young messenger.

"Tell Terentius that I am very grateful!" Petronius said, and then shut the door, and concentrated on Demetrios.

"Well hello Demetrios! – Do you remember me from our time in Rome?" Petronius asked, trying to be friendly.

"Yes sir," Demetriosanswered nervously.

"Now the Dominus has asked me to come and have a chat with you, because he wants to know a little more about you," Petronius explained.

"From what I have been told, you have lived in the Domus Gracchi in Rome, and it seems that you have met Terentius before. Is that correct?" Petronius probed gently.

"Yes sir. Terentius sometimes came to the Domus. I saw him, but he never spoke to me," the boy answered.

"And what did you do at the Domus Gracchi?" Petronius asked.

"I was personal slave to Menelaus," Demetrius answered.

"Did that mean that you were expected to let Menelaus fuck you!"

Demetrios looked decidedly uncomfortable and squirmed on the stool he was sitting on.

"Yes sir," Demetrios replied, and then added, "Quite often."

"Was he rough with you?" Petronius asked, gently.

"Yes sir – he whipped me sometimes."

"Because you had done something wrong?" Petronius asked, intrigued and concerned.

"No," the boy relied – "because he enjoyed it."

"So why did you leave the Domus and go with Servius," Petronius then asked, getting down to the important questions.

"I went because Menelaus told me to – and because Servius was Tribune to the Dominus – and anyway I wanted to get away from Menelaus," Demetrios answered.

"I thought the Dominus wanted me to come here, and that was why he sent Tribune Servius – but then, when Terentius was angry with me – and had me locked up, I didn't know what to think," Demetrios mumbled, almost close to tears.

"And then Servius took me on horseback to his villa, and later men armed with swords came, killed the slaves in the villa, and put me and Servius – tied up, in a waggon, – and brought us here – and I have been in this room ever since," Demetrios continued.

"Tell me, Demetrios, where were you born?" Petronius asked, changing the subject.

"In Rome, I think," the boy replied, vaguely.

"And how did you become a slave?" Petronius asked.

"I think that I always was – probably born slave," Demetrios replied.

"Well, you have been very helpful," Petronius said, smiling.

"And tonight there is a kind old gentleman – a friend of the Dominus, who would like to have a talk to you – so just answer him clearly and truthfully, like you did for me – and I think that things will turn out well for you."

"Thank you sir," Demetrios said, obviously relieved.

Petronius knocked on the door for the guard. The door opened, and a very nervous looking guard appeared.

"Move him to a good cublicum, in the guest wing, and get him a good meal and some wine – with plenty of water in it – and tell Terentius where he has been moved to. I want him bathed and dressed for early this evening, as he is to see the Dominus," Petronius ordered.

"Yes Tribune!" the guard smartly replied.

Essentially, Petronius felt sorry for Demetrios, assuming that the boy was telling the truth. Puzzling over the lad's story, Petronius walked back to the main wing of the villa, to Terentius' study. There, not surprisingly, Petronius found Terentius up to his eyes in scrolls and papyrus, and in the middle of an argument with Quintus – (now Marcus' secretarius – secretary – and apparitor Gracchi).

This was nothing unusual.

Quintus, who was just a slave, however, was a stickler for detail, and was always nitpicking with Terentius.

"Thank the Gods you're here!" Terentius said in relief.

"Quintus is driving me crazy with his obsession with perfect Latin grammar."

"So 3; did you get time to speak to the boy – and also, how are preparations going in the amphitheater for the funeral ceremony and oration?" Terentius asked, trying to get his table cleared of rolls of papyrus.

"Well, Marcus seems to have everything sorted out in the amphitheater, and yes 3; I did speak to the boy 3; and a messenger boy also brought me your scroll – beautifully written, may I say, by Quintus," Petronius added, trying to placate Quintus, who calmed down when he realised that at least someone appreciated his work.

"Yes, and Quintus – now please don't take this the wrong way, – but I need to speak to Petronius privately for a moment, so could you leave us – just get on with writing some of your scrolls."

Quintus, realising that Terentius had some difficult business to deal with, picked up a bundle of scrolls and left the study.

"Petronius – this business about you being granted your freedom. I want you to understand that the late Dominus dearly wanted to do this for you, but he also knew that Marcus needed your help and support," Terentius paused for a moment, to work out what he was going to say next.

"So he transferred ownership to Marcus, and you became Marcus' slave – and then he was unable to free you, but had to leave that decision to Marcus. Marcus felt then, that if he freed you, he would appear to be ungrateful to the late Dominus – and it was only with the tragic demise of Gracchus that he then felt able to give you your freedom. Then, when Servius betrayed us, it seemed obvious to both Marcus and myself that, as dominus amphitheatri – responsible for the secure management of gladiators and condemned prisoners, it would be appropriate for you to also be Tribunus (commanding officer), responsible for the villa guards, and the security of the Dominus himself and therefore for the two positions to be merged. Just to make things clear to you – legally you are now a 'client' of the Dominus Marcus, as I am, and your legal name will include the name of the Dominus – so – Petronius Marcus Octavianus (Gracchi libertus) – as my legal name is Terentius Gnaeus Octavianus. I hope that makes everything clear to you."

Petronius nodded.

"Quintus is probably now preparing papers allocating to you the salary for both your positions, and also complete ownership of the villa, previously used by Servius – although I would imagine that you will probably want to sell it – and I can arrange that for you also – but I will take no fee – as you are my friend," Terentius continued.

"I am grateful," Petronius replied.

Novius operas Incantationem (Novius Works his Enchantment)

Marcus had returned from the Amphitheater, and had managed to get Glaux to stay with Aurarius. Marcus then bathed and changed his clothes. As soon as he came back into the atrium, Glaux abandoned Aurarius, and fluttered over to Marcus, and perched on his shoulder.

"Damn this bird!" Marcus said, looking at the now wide awake owl, who looked back at him defiantly. Deciding it was easier to give up on the matter, he then went down to the Officium Domini (as Gracchus' study was now called). There Novius and Terentius were waiting for him.

"Ah, I see Glaux has brought you with him!" Novius said, with a mischievous grin.

"Greetings, dear friend!" Marcus said.

"Yes, I can't get rid of the damn bird! He sat on my shoulder, fast asleep all day, while I was at the amphitheater, – sat with Aurarius while I bathed, and then was back on my shoulder as I came here," Marcus continued.

"Well, that's not surprising. They don't like water. But remember – you should start worrying when he flies away, and doesn't come back," Novius warned.

"Now I have a few things that I would like you to do for me, Dominus," Novius began.

"Go on 3;," Marcus said.

With that Novius placed onto the marble topped study table a thin necked, stoppered jug, a small scroll and a gold Etruscan pendant. Glaux immediately fluttered down, and paced warily around the jug, striking it with his beak a couple of times. Satisfied that it was harmless, he then went over to the scroll and nibbled at it.

"That's enough Glaux!" Novius said firmly. "That scroll is very valuable!"

Glaux cocked his head to one side, and gave Novius a suspicious look, and then decided to stand guard over the objects, on the table. Presumably the pendant, in the form of an Etruscan spirit, was a little too intimidating for him to investigate.

"The first thing is for the slaves to curtain off one corner of the study, so that you can hear all that is said, but not be seen," Novius said, returning to his theme, after the interruption by the inquisitive owl.

"Well that's easily done, and very sensible," Marcus said. "Can you arrange that, Terentius?"

Terentius nodded, and left the room momentarily. Novius turned to Marcus.

"Now the jug contains 'kykeon' (κυκεών), Dominus, which is a potent narcotic that is able to open the 'gates of the mind'.

The barley used in kykeon (from κυκάω, 'to stir, to mix'), is parasitized by ergot, and the psychoactive properties of that fungus trigger an experience of depersonalisation which intensifies the hypnotic trance associated with it. The use of hypnotic states originated in ancient Egypt, and the knowledge was passed on to the Greeks, and by them to the Etruscans. Such states were exemplified in the ancient practice of oracles – individuals employed by temples to divine the future. Like 'Sleep Temples' in Egypt and Greece, individual expectation and 'overload' were essential ingredients for both the oracle and the subject.These were accomplished through preparatory processes including the drinking of herbal mixtures (kykeon). The result of this process was a heightened suggestibility in the mind of the subject, creating a receptive environment for a profound emotional experience.

"The scroll contains a powerful 'invocation', which demands that the God Hypnos, the son of Nyx ('The Night') and Erebus ('The Darkness'), whose brother is Thanatos ('Death'), assist us in our endeavours. The pendant is simply an attractive, glittering object, which, if concentrated on, can steal away a person's control and mastery of their thought and memories."

Marcus listened and looked at the paraphernalia, fascinated.

"Now we need to have exactly half the kykeon taken to Servius. He must drink it, and then, after it has entered into his system, he must be brought into this room, where I shall 'steal' and expose his thoughts and memories – for your benefit, Dominus," Novius concluded.

"Terentius. Can you attend to that?" Marcus demanded.

"Of course, Dominus," Terentius replied, taking the flask from the marble topped table, and getting pecked by Glaux for his trouble

"And Terentius – a little later, give the other half to Demetrius, so that he is ready when I have finished with Servius," Novius added.

Terentius nodded, and then left the room with the flask, while Novius unrolled the scroll. Novius burned a small pinch of incense, and read, in Oscan, from the scroll. The room seemed to become strangely dark, and a very timid owl, flew up onto Marcus' shoulder. Marcus then went behind the temporarily hung curtain, to await developments.

Servus Loquit (Servius talks)

Terentius and a guard then brought Servius into the room. Terentius then, unobserved by Servius, stepped behind the curtain to join Marcus in the alcove, while the guard left the room.

Servius looked somewhat emaciated (presumably he had not been well fed since having been brought to the villa some time previously) and was only wearing a brief loincloth. His eyes looked strange, and he had a vacant expression.

"Come and sit down," Novius said, guiding the young man to a couch. "You have nothing to fear 3; I just want to have a little talk with you," Novius continued, reassuringly.

Servius sat down. He looked around the room – where presumably he had possibly committed the murder, but didn't seem to recognise it. Novius then picked up the pendant, which was attached to a long gold chain, from the table.

"I have something here – very special – that I would like you to look at."

The glint of gold immediately caught Servius' eye.

"It's very old – from the time when Rome was founded. Very 3;very 3; very old," and as Novus said this, he began to swing the pendant in front of Servius' eyes.

"Very 3; very 3;very old," and each time he said 'very' he swung the pendant.

Then as Servius' eyelids fluttered, there was an audible rumble of distant thunder, just as had happened on the night of the murder. In a matter of moments Servius's eyes had glazed over and, it seemed, he was seeing nothing.

Novius then read, in Oscan, a second brief invocation from the scroll.

"That's good, Servius." Novius said, and paused, to make sure that Servius was fully affected by the kykeon, and the invocation.

"And where are you now, Servius?" Novius asked.

"I don't know," Servius replied, sleepily.

"Well 3; I want you to go back to when you first came to the villa, and met Gracchus. Tell me what happened."

"It was Tribune Marcellus – he was a client of Gracchus, and recommended me to him. I was serving with the Legio XIII at the time. Gracchus interviewed me, and said he had a slave-boy, called Markos, who needed a coach to build him up, physically. It all sounded very odd to me – but I presumed that this man had a 'thing' about muscular young boys, and wanted his 'favourite' to put on some muscle. What was also strange was that this slave-boy had a Latin, and a Greek tutor. Anyway, Marcellus had arranged it, somehow, that I still got my centurion's pay, and also got a ridiculously high salary from this Gracchus – who seemed to be enormously rich – at least he had a huge villa, hundreds of slaves, and his own amphitheater. I was to live in the villa, which was in a really high class town on the coast – so I couldn't believe my luck," Servius said, enthusiastically.

"And what about the slave-boy?" Novius asked, gently moving the story on.

"I could understand why he might be this rich man's favourite," Servius continued. "He was quite attractive, very well spoken but had a funny accent – like a Greek. He had a thing about training naked, which it seems he picked up in Athens, where he used to live. I didn't mind, but it did turn my mind to fucking him," Servius said.

"And did you fuck him?" Novius asked.

"Yes – on the beach, in a place we thought was hidden – but Gracchus' guards saw us, and reported us," Servius replied.

"And what happened?" Novius asked.

"Gracchus spoke to me – but he didn't do anything, and then later he made me Tribunus. But he also adopted this slave-boy, Markos – so eventually Markos, then became Marcus Octavianus Gracchus – would you believe, – and was above me, and I had to call him iuvenes dominus – so I had this position, but no power – me a Roman citizen, being ordered around by a slave-boy!"

"So why didn't you leave your post?" Novius asked.

"Well, by then I had some rather heavy gambling debts from by dealings in Baiae and Neapolis, and so I needed the position for the salary – but with this slave-boy Marcus taking over everything, I was looking for a way to lessen his power," Servius continued.

"And did you find a way." Novius asked.

"Yes. I got friendly with two slave-boys Glykon and Cleon, who had connections with Rome, through a young gladiator called Petram, and were planning to get rid of Marcus. The two boys were very jealous of Markos. Apparently Markos had 'dropped' both of them, haveing a new boyfriend – Petronius. My part in their plan was to let Cleon escape, weaken the guard around Marcus, and generally not pursue any investigations into the matter – for which I was to be well paid."

"And what happened next?" Novius said, continuing his questioning.

"The attempt to get rid of Marcus failed – Terentius killed Cleon, and the other two boys were locked up in the Ludus. I was responsible for their interrogation and torture – but I didn't pursue the matter very vigorously, especially when Petronius was there – as I didn't want them to implicate me in any way. Then Gracchus sent me and Petronius to Rome – it seems to arrange for the killing of Marcus Sabinus, the senator who had helped in putting the boys up to getting rid of Marcus. He had a problem with Marcus because of he murder of Nymphidius. It was there that I met Menelaus – who was working secretly for Marcus Sabinus, and it was through Menelaus that I discovered about the boy Demetrios – who was supposed to be the real son of Gracchus – but was really just a slave. Sabinus wanted Menelaus, who was a sort of guardian of Demetrios, to put the boy up as the real heir of Gracchus – and so get rid of Marcus. Menelaus therefore faked the death of Sabinus – who is now in Antioch – and told me to take the boy Demetrios to the villa in Baiae. The problem was that – as soon as I saw the boy Demetrios – I got obsessed with him, and wanted him for myself – and forgot all about Menelaus' plan – and I got this idea to buy the boy off Gracchus – which was crazy, as the boy was Gracchus' real son. When I went to see Gracchus about the boy Demetrios, we quarreled, and I lost my temper. He was holding the pugio that we had brought him from Rome, and when I grabbed hold of him, he fell forwards onto the table, and the pugio went into him – but I didn't kill him! So I panicked, got the boy, and rode back to my little villa in Baiae, where the villa guards found me, and took me and the boy back to Gracchus' villa," Servius concluded.

"Well that is all very interesting – but now I am sure that you are very tired," Novius said, very quietly.

Servius nodded.

"Now, when I click my fingers you will forget everything that has happened since you sat down in that chair. Is that clear?" Novius said forcefully.

"Yes!" Servius answered obediently.

Novius then clicked his fingers, and Servius opened his eyes and looked around, a little confused.

"So what did you want to talk about?" Servius asked.

"Oh – nothing in particular!" Novius answered, calmly.

"You may go now!"

Terentius then emerged from the curtained off area, took Servius by the arm, and guided him to the doorway of the study.

***

Marcus then pulled the curtains to one side, and emerged to speak to Novius. Novius was smiling.

"What's amusing you?" Marcus asked, seeming somewhat annoyed.

"Well in case you haven't noticed – you have a sleeping owl sitting on your shoulder. At this time of night he should be wide awake – so I do hope he has not become 'enchanted', like Servius," Novius replied.

"Well at least I might get a bit of peace if he stays like that for a while," Marcus said, looking at his sleeping companion.

"So 3; what did you think, Dominus?" Novius asked.

"I found it very disturbing," Marcus replied.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realise that my methods might displease you, Dominus," Novius replied, rather taken aback.

"No 3; Don't misunderstand me. Your methods I find fascinating. What disturbs me is what Servius told us. I first met Servius shortly after I arrived at the villa, and for a long time I thought of him as my friend. Now I learn, from his own mouth, that for most of the time that I have known him he has resented me, and has plotted against me, and deceived the late Dominus," Marcus said angrily.

"Do you believe him when he says that he did not murder the late Dominus?" Novius asked.

"Yes 3; I think that he is probably telling the truth. I don't think that Servius is a cold blooded murderer," Marcus replied

"So, Terentius – let's hear from the boy Demetrios now!" Marcus said as Terentius re-entered the study.

"At once, Dominus!" Terentius said, turning on his heel, and disappearing to get Demetrius.

Demetrios Loquit (Demetrios Talks)

Some moments later Terentius returned with a very frightened looking Demetrios, wearing a beautiful, newly cleaned, white Greek tunic.

"Come and sit down, young man." Novius said, guiding Demetrios to a couch.

"You have nothing to fear 3; I just want to have a little talk with you," Novius continued, reassuringly.

Demetrios sat down, and looked nervously round the room. Novius then picked up the pendant, which was attached to a long gold chain, from the table.

"I have something here – very special – that I would like you to look at. It's very old – from the time when Rome was founded. Very 3;very 3; very old," and as Novus said this, he began to swing the pendant in front of Demetrios' eyes.

"Very 3; very 3;very old," and each time he said 'very' he swung the pendant.

But before the pendant had been swing more than a few times, Demetrios mouth dropped open, and his eyes stared, apparently unseeing, at Novius.

"That's good, young man – very good. Now just relax."

Then Novius began the questions.

"Tell me, where do you live?" Novius began

"In Rome, sir," Demetrios answered – in Greek – (because of the effects of the enchantment – as his mother was Greek, and had brought him up speaking Greek and Latin)

"And how long have you lived in Rome?" Novius asked.

"All my life," Demetrios replied.

"Do you remember your parents?" Novius continued.

"Yes – I remember my mother – but she's dead now," Demetrios said, with a touch of sadness in his voice.

"And your father?" Novius queried.

"No – I don't know who my father was," Demetrios replied in an emotionless manner.

"And when were you bought as a slave, Demetrios?" Novius continued.

"I think that I was always a slave, sir." Demetrios said.

"Where did you live in Rome?" Novius asked.

"In a very big house – more like a palace, called the Domus Gracchi. It was named after the rich man who owned it – but he didn't live there. He just visited, sometimes, and when he came I was not allowed to see him," Demetrios replied, providing far more information than Novius has asked for.

"So tell me – why weren't' you allowed to see him, Demetrios," Novius asked becoming very curious.

"I think it was because he didn't like little boys," Demetrios replied.

"And Terentius, the man who gave you a drink, and later brought you into this room. Did you ever meet him at this big house?"

"I saw him, but he never spoke to me. I got the feeling he didn't like me," Demetrios said sharply.

"If the owner of the big house wasn't there very often – then who was in charge?" Novius asked, probing more deeply.

"That was a man called Menelaus – but he treated me badly – beat me, and did other things," Demetrios replied, bitterly. "He used me as his personal slave when I was older, and always took me with him when he went around the city," Demetrios continued.

"And on these trips round the city – did Menelaus ever visit a man called Marcus Sabinus?" Novius asked.

"Yes – I remember that name, because the man had a very big house, and was always very nice to me," Demetrios innocently replied.

"Now tell me," Novius continued, "did Menelaus ever take you to a very big villa in a town called Baiae, by the sea?"

"Yes, quite a few times," Demetrios replied.

Novius paused.

"So – recently there were two visitors who stayed at the big house in Rome. How did you get on with them?" Novius asked, bringing his questioning to recent events.

"The one called Petronius I really liked. He was kind and friendly. The other, called Servius, was more like Menelaus, but younger – and he and Menelaus got on well," Demetrios explained.

"And what happened between you and Servius?" Novius asked.

"Well – I didn't like Servius much, but Menelaus said that I should get friendly with him, and do whatever he wanted – as it was possible that Servius could arrange for me to be given my freedom," Demetrios replied.

"And did you believe him?" Novius asked, incredulously.

"Well 3; it was a chance, sir," Demetrios replied.

"Did this Servius want to have sex with you?" Novius then asked.

"Yes – he was like Menelaus – he liked fucking boys," Demetrios replied, apparently unaware of the language he was using.

"So how did you come to be here in Baiae?" Novius asked.

"Menelaus told me to go the the Forum Romanum, where Servius would meet me – to take me to a place where he could buy me from my owner. He said that after he had bought me he would give me my freedom. But then I found myself in the big villa by the sea, where I had been before, – and with Terentius shouting at me – so I thought that Menelaus and Servius were making a fool of me," Demetrius replied, bitterly.

"So what happened next?" Novius asked.

"Then Servius came to the room where I had been put, and took me on horseback to a little villa in the nearby town. Later men with swords came to the villa, killed all the slaves, tied up Servius, and took us both back to the big villa by the sea. I was locked in a room – and the only person I saw was Petronius, who came to talk to me – but he looked odd, because he was all dressed in black and gold, and looked very important – not like in Rome," Demetrios explained.

"Well 3; that was a very nice talk, Demetrios, but now I expect that you are very tired, so just sleep for a while," Novius said gently.

Demetrios visibly slumped and his eyes closed completely. For a moment the only sound in the room was Demetrius, breathing deeply.

"Demetrios! Can you hear me?" Novius asked quietly.

"Yes, sir!" Demetrios replied, sleepily.

"When I click my fingers you will forget everything that has happened since you sat down in that chair. Is that clear?" Novius said forcefully.

"Yes sir!" Demetrius answered obediently.

Novius then clicked his fingers, and Demetrios opened his eyes, shook his head, and looked around, a little confused.

"So what about the talk?" Demetrios asked.

"Oh – that – it's nothing," Novius answered, calmly.

"Go with Terentius. He will take you back to your room."

Terentius then emerged from the curtained off area, took Demetrios by the arm, and guided him to the doorway of the study.

Marcus then emerged from the curtained off corner, with a now bright and perky Glaux on his shoulder.

"I must congratulate, my dear Novius!" Marcus said, shaking the old man's hand.

"I can see now why you were such a good friend of my father!" Marcus continued.

"Your father?" Novius said, surprised. "I was wondering when you would make that slip, and show how you really felt."

Marcus, with a single tear running down his cheek, looked closely at Novius. "You are very clever at getting the truth from people, my friend," he said, carefully controlling his emotions.

"It's nothing to be ashamed of," Novius said.

"He was a good father to you, and you were a very good son – and that's the way it should be," Novius concluded.

"Yes – you maybe right – at least about him being a good father," Marcus said, as Terentius returned to the room.

"So, Terentius! Now we know – thanks to Novius," Marcus said, trying to put a brave face on the last few moments.

"Yes, Dominus. It seems to be very much as we suspected. The boy Demetrios I think can be trusted. His account, given to Novius, matches almost exactly the answers that Petronius reported to me, after he had questioned the boy," Terentius said, reassuringly.

"And what about Servius? Do we believe what he said about the murder?" Marcus asked.

"Does it matter, Dominus?" Novius questioned, shrugging his shoulders.

"For what he has done – regardless of whether his hand was on the pugio or not, I cannot see that he can be allowed to live," Novius continued.

"That's all very well, and I agree, Novius, but we must remember that Servius is a Roman citizen, and was previously a centurion," Marcus said.

"Well, we can't let him live – so I suppose the answer may lie with Tribune Marcellus – who is now, apparently, a Legatus Legionis."

From the time of Octavian Augustus, the emperor gave the title of Legatus Legionis to senior commanders (former military tribunes) of a legion, except in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where the legions were commanded by a Praefectus Legionis of an equestrian rank. The Legatus Legionis was under the supreme command of Legatus Augusti pro Praetore, of senatorial rank. A Legatus Legionis could order capital punishment.

"And who is this Marcellus?" Marcus asked Terentius.

"Well, Dominus, he was a close friend, and a 'client', of the late Dominus, and the sponsor and 'patron' of Servius. You may remember him 3; he came to the villa for the munera ad Augustum. He almost certainly would know about the boy, and his family, and undoubtedly, once he knew of his friend and patron's death, we could 'lean' on him, as he is a Legatus Legionis, to ease the situation regarding the execution of Servius," Terentius explained.

"That sounds good, Terentius 3; And would it be appropriate to arrange a meeting with him?" Marcus asked.

"I don't see why not, Dominus. My informants tell me he is stationed close to Rome – and it would be appropriate to invite him to the funeral ceremonies – and use that as an opportunity for you to be formally introduced to him – as he is one of your inherited 'clients', so that he could renew his vows of loyalty and service to you. Then it would be difficult for him to refuse any requests, regarding Servius, that you might make," Terentius suggested.

"That sounds excellent, Terentius. Get Quintus to send him one of his excruciatingly polite and formal invitations." Marcus said.

"I will get that done, Dominus," Terentius replied.

"And now, if you will excuse me changing the subject, Dominus, I think that our next problem is Menelaus," Terentius said.

"Yes 3; and this interests me. Now, Terentius, do you know why the late Dominus chose Menelaus to be the Magister Domus in Rome and Tibur?" Marcus asked, looking puzzled.

"I don't think it was really a matter of choice," Terentius replied. "Menelaus was originally a Greek slave. He was very good and efficient at his work, and soon became the indispensable assistant to the Magister Domus of the time – an old but experienced freedman – who subsequently died. At the time, the late Dominus had started to spend many months here at Baiae, away from his wife, and decide to free Menelaus, in thanks for his support of his elderly Magister Domus. Obviously Menelaus filled the vacant post of Magister Domus. Unfortunately, the late Dominus, being so wealthy, had little understanding of the real value of coin, and was inclined to overpay, or more often underpay, those around him. Fortunately he always paid me well, and he was extremely generous to you when he first freed you, but Menelaus always felt undervalued an underpaid. Because of this, I felt that he was lax at his work – and he looked to others to help his financial position, which was always compromised by his tastes in expensive boys, drink and gambling. I think that in that way he fell in with Marcus Sabinus," Terentius explained.

"Well he should be here tomorrow, and then, if Novius agrees, I think that we might try some Etruscan enchantment on him – and get at the truth of the matter," Marcus said, looking to Novius.

"That would be no problem, Dominus," Novius replied.

"So, 3; gentlemen, I think that we have done well today – and now I am going to retire, to dine with Petronius, and hopefully this very alert bird will fly off to do some hunting, and leave me alone for a while," Marcus said to Novius and Terentius.

"And Novius!" Marcus called as he was leaving. "There is a carriage for you at the main entrance or, if you prefer there is a suite prepared, so that you can stay the night."

"Thank you, Dominus, but I would prefer to go back to my villa. I will see you in the morning – tomorrow – if that is convenient?" Novius said, as the large bronze doors were opened, and he left the study.

Marcus turned to Terentius. "Things are going well, my friend, but we are running out of time. Have the guest invitations for the funeral celebrations been sent," Marcus said.

"Of course, Dominus!" Terentius replied. And with that Terentius left the room to go to his study, and Marcus left for his private apartments.

After a pleasant meal with Petronius, Marcus retired to his bed. Previously, during the day, an artist from Neapolis had offered, for his approval, a death mask of the late Dominus. It was a fine piece of work, and Marcus had given his approval, and instructed Terentius to make an appropriate payment – at the same time ordering three more copies.

Noble Roman families (like the House of Gracchus) often displayed a series of imagines maiorum ('images of the ancestors') (sing. imago, pl. imagines) in the atria of their villa or domus. These 'images' were usually funeral masks. The 'images' could be arranged in a family tree, with a title (titulus) summarizing the individual's offices held (honores) and accomplishments (res gestae), a practice that might be facilitated by hanging masks. Funeral masks were usually made of wax, and possibly molded as death masks directly from the deceased. They were also copied from wax masks and created in ceramic or painted bronze. They were often worn in the funeral procession by slaves or appropriate members of the family, and displayed during the funeral rites. The display of ancestral images in aristocratic houses of the Republic and the public funerals are described by Pliny, Natural History 35, 4-11.

That night however, the mask came to haunt Marcus' dreams. He found himself by the river Στύξ – Styx.

In Greek mythology, Στύξ – Styx is a river that forms the boundary between Earth and the Underworld. The rivers Styx, Phlegethon, Acheron, Lethe, and Cocytus all converge at the center of the underworld on a great marsh.

There, by the river, was the same figure that Marcus had seen in the garden, the night that Gracchus was murdered. This time he took it to be Thanatos – the beautiful young God of Death. He then saw, superimposed on this vision of the River of the Dead, the death mask of Gracchus, along with the live face of a boy – who he took to be Demetrius – but then, it could equally have been Gracchus when he was a boy. The boy was smiling at him, but the mask of Gracchus was eyeless, and without expression.

Marcus woke up in a cold sweat, wishing that Glaux was snuggled up beside him on his pillow – but Glaux was far away 3; hunting in the night.

Alius Dies (Another Day)

And so preparations for the funeral of the late Dominus were frantically put into effect – with invitations being sent out to all those with significant connections to the House of Gracchus. The funeral was an important social event, as many of those attending the funeral would have their first chance to meet the new Dominus, and his circle of advisors. In addition, most of those attending would be clients whom the new Dominus had inherited, and the funeral would be the occasion on which they could offer their oath of fealty, loyalty and service to Marcus as their new Dominus.

The Roman funeral was a rite of passage that signified the transition between the states of life and death. It was very important to conduct the proper ceremonies in order to avoid having a malicious spirit rising from the underworld.

The more wealthy and famous the deceased was in life, the more elaborate were these ceremonies – and Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus was undoubtedly wealthy and famous. Freedmen and clients of the deceased, also participated in the procession as a way of showing respect to their patron. After cremation, the ashes and remaining fragments of bones and teeth were interned in a funerary urn. It was believed that until the funeral rites had been completed, the 'shade' (spirit) had not crossed the River Styx (see above) yet (the river that takes one from the World of the Living to the World of the Dead). Thus, there was a sense that the psychic impression of the deceased still lingered around friends and family, and the spirit would become angered if anything negative was said about it. The Eulogy (laudatio funebris) was a formal oration or 'panegyric' in praise of the dead, which followed the cremation. It was one of two forms of discourse at a Roman funeral, the other being the chant (nenia). The practice is associated with noble families. On the ninth day after the person died, the funeral feast and rites called the 'Novendialis' were held. A libation to the Manes was poured onto the grave, or for the wealthy, into a trench in front of the mausoleum. Also, in the case of the very wealthy, the Novendialis could include a munera – as was being arranged for the funeral rites of Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus. The Novendialis then concluded the period of full mourning.

Later in the day, Menelaus arrived from Rome, by carriage, at the Villa. He was instantly led through the newly decorated Atrium Magnum, and escorted by guards into the Officium Domini.

Marcus Octavianus Gracchus – complete with his inevitable companion – Glaux – was standing at the large marble topped table. Behind him, and to either side stood Terentius, Novius and Petronius and Quintus.

Marcus, before offering any greeting to a rather overawed Menelaus began very formally.

"This gentleman, who I believe you have met before," indicating Terentius, "is the Excelsus Procurator ad nobilium domum Gracchi (High Steward of the Noble House of the Gracchus), and this gentleman," indicating Novius – "is the Consiliarius ad nobilium domum Gracchi (Counsellor to the Noble House of Gracchus). This young man, who you have also met in Rome, is the Tribunus et Dominus Amphitheatri ad nobilissimum domum Gracchi (Commanding Officer and Master of the Amphitheater to the Noble House of Gracchus)."

Finally Marcus indicated Quintus.

"This is the Domini Secretarius ad nobilium domum Gracchi (Secretary to the Lord of the Noble House of Gracchus), and he will record all that is said at this meeting."

There was then an embarrassed silence.

Menelaus had looked surprised, but had tried to hide his concrn, when Petronius was named as Tribunus ad nobilissimum domum Gracchi – as he presumably believed that Servius still held that post.

"Salutem Dominus!" Menelaus then said, suddenly realising that Marcus had finished, and that he was expected to speak next. "I wish to convey my deep condolences, and those of all at the Domus in Rome, and the villa in Tibur, for your tragic loss."

Marcus nodded, but said nothing – while Glaux, who had woken from his doze, sensing something interesting was happening, decided to try to look menacing (but not very successfully).

"I have heard so much about you Dominus, and now I am able to finally meet you, – but not, unfortunately, in the best of circumstances," Menelaus continued, stuttering occasionally.

Petronius watched Menelaus closely, and he was very much surprised to see the rather arrogant and blustering individual that he had met in Rome, now reduced to the level of a stuttering slave.

"I think perhaps you have heard a little too much, and not all of it true," Marcus replied, enigmatically.

Menelaus looked puzzled.

"With respect 3; I do not understand you, Dominus," Menelaus said.

"I have been informed that your work in Rome and Tibur has left much to be desired, and that you have been involved with individuals who have not had the best interests of the House of Gracchus at heart," Marcus stated coldly.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Dominus. I have always done my best to serve the House of Gracchus," Menelaus replied.

"I think not," Marcus replied.

"Terentius received a letter from you recently, saying that the slave-boy, Demetrios had run away from the Domus in Rome. I know, however, that you arranged for him to be taken from Rome by the young man called Servius, and brought to this villa – for reasons which I am not prepared to discus at the moment. Well 3; you may be interested to know that the young man Servius – now no longer my Tribune, is chained naked in a cell in the Ludus here, awaiting execution," Marcus continued.

Marcus then turned to Petronius.

"Tribune 3;have this man taken to the Ludus, under guard!" Marcus ordered.

"No! 3; Please Dominus! 3; You don't understand! 3; It was all a mistake! 3;," Menelaus begged, but within moments he was hustled out of the door by Petronius' guards – his protests no longer audible.

As Menelaus was led away, Novius warned Marcus against letting Menelaus see Servius. "Firstly they may communicate in a way that might interfere with your investigations. Secondly if he sees what has happened to Servius, he may be too fearful for us to extract the truth from him. – Terror does not always loosen a man's tongue, or at least make him speak the truth." Novius said carefully.

"That is true," Marcus replied.

"I suggest that Menelaus is only stripped to his lorum (thong), and chained up," Novius added

(Servius had been stripped completely naked, chained to a metal frame, and impaled through his anus on a large iron phallus. Servius had then become immediately 'priapic' [highly sexually aroused] – and the guards punished his erotic response by painfully binding his penis, and hanging a heavy weight from his scrotum. They were careful, however, not to make the weight too heavy, as Petronius had ordered that Servius was to have his balls and cock cut off while he was being publicly executed during the Ludi, in the arena.)

The phallus was ubiquitous in Roman culture, particularly in the form of the fascinum, a phallic charm. Statues of Priapus – a phallic God – guarded Roman gardens. Roman boys wore the 'bulla' (which features in this story), which is an amulet that contains a phallic charm, until they formally came of age. A sacred phallus was among the objects considered vital to the security of the Roman state, which were in the keeping of the Vestal Virgins in Rome. Sexuality in ancient Rome is characterized as 'phallocentric' (see 'Preface' and 'Sexuality in Ancient Rome').

"So go and speak to Petronius now, and then return to me, as I want to spend some time learning about the correct way to celebrate the rituals connected with the funeral." Marcus said, as Novius left the room to join Petronius. "I will leave you now to make arrangements, with the help of Quintus with regards to the funeral," Marcus then said, turning to Terentius.

"Of course, Dominus!" Terentius dutifully replied, and he and Quintus went off to Terentius' study.

Marcus then sat and mulled over the recent events, and pondered on his disturbing dream of the previous night, while he awaited the return of Novius.

Menelaus Loquit (Menelaus Talks)

That evening, after Novius had carefully explained to Marcus the complex rituals involved in celebrating the funeral of a man of wealth and renown like Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus (which would include an eulogy – to be composed by Lucius – and read by Marcus), Novius, Terentius and Petronius, (along with a wide awake Glaux), met in the Officium Domini, so that Novius could 'work his magic' on Menelaus, and maybe finally unravel the conspiracy masterminded by Marcus Sabinus, and the mystery of young Demetrios.

Menelaus had been brought over from the Ludus.

Then, Menelaus was brought into the Officium Domini, clad in only a tiny thong – and Petronius, being unsure of Menelaus' reaction to Novius, had taken the precaution of keeping the suspect bound. Petronius, however, didn't take into account the effects of the κυκεών – kykeon – which not only acted as a hallucinogenic, but also as a sedative.

So, Menelaus sat quietly as Novius recited the incantation in Oscan, and gently swung the ancient pendant, and in a very short time Menelaus was amenable to answering any questions put to him.

"So you are the Magister Domi of the 'Domus Gracchi' in Rome, and at the Villa at Tibur?" Novius began, with an obvious and simple question.

"I am," Menelaus replied.

"Let me take you back many years – there was a young boy born to a slave-girl – a slave-boy called Demetrios – is that correct?" Novius continued.

"That is correct!" Menelaus answered.

"And who was the father of that slave-boy Demetrius?" Novius asked.

"The father was Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus, the owner of the house, and the owner of the slave-girl – and the slave-boy – and my patron," Menelaus answered, succinctly.

"And what happened to this slave-boy?" Novius continued.

"Well 3; the father did not repudiate him – publically at least – did not do away with him, or sell him – but rather hid him away, never seeing him, or even meeting him," Menelaus answered.

"And why was that?" Novius asked, arriving at an important point in his questioning.

"I really don't know. Perhaps he feared public ridicule, or problems with his wife – he was married at the time – or he just couldn't face the boy 3; – I don't know 3;" Menelaus trailed off – seemingly baffled.

"So who cared for the boy?" Novius asked, pursuing a different line.

"At first the mother – but then she died – and then it was put to me to be his guardian – as no one else wanted to care for him," Menelaus answered.

"So why did you decide to look after the boy?" Novius asked, curious.

"Well as Gracchus – his owner, didn't want him, then I could have him as my own, personal slave. At the time I didn't have any slaves – and I thought that when Gracchus died, there was always a possibility that he – as Gracchus' son – even if he was a slave – and he could always be freed – might inherit – and I could well benefit."

"I see," Novius said, reflectively.

"So tell me – how did you meet Marcus Sabinus?" Novius asked – getting to the nub of the matter.

"Well 3; I have many friends in Rome, some freedmen and some patricians – whom I count as patroni. When I would visit in the mornings I would take Demetrios – when he was older – as he was a very handsome boy – and popular with many of my friends. One of my friends introduced me to Sabinus – who took a fancy to Demetrios. He wanted to know about the boy, and eventually persuaded me, over much wine, to tell him of the boy's origins. At that point Sabinus asked me to become his cliens, and I could see that as a great advantage to me."

Patronage (clientela) was the distinctive relationship in Roman society between the patronus and his cliens. The relationship was hierarchical, but obligations were mutual. The patronus was the protector, sponsor, and benefactor of the client; the technical term for this protection was patrocinium. Typically the client was of inferior social class (as in the case of Menalaus and Sabinus), From the emperor at the top to the local municipal man at the bottom, the bonds between these groups found formal expression in legal definition of patrons' responsibilities to clients. Benefits a patron might confer include legal representation in court, loans of money, influencing business deals or marriages, and supporting a client's candidacy for political office or a priesthood. In return, the client was expected to offer his services to his patron as needed. A freedman became the client of his former master.

"So how was Demetrios involved in this relationship between you and Sabinus?" Novius said, probing more deeply.

"I later learned that Sabinus was a cliens of the familia Nymphidii, and had an obligation to avenge, in some way, the House of Gracchus, who, they claimed, had been a cause of the murder of Nymphidius. He wanted, through me, to place, as the head of the House of Gracchus, the boy Demetrios – who was the true heir, – displacing Marcus Octavianus Gracchus, on the death of Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus. As his cliens I was obliged to assist him in this, and set about arranging matters with the Tribune Servius to have Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus killed – his so-called heir 'Markos', discredited as a common slave, and his freed son Demetrius instated as his true heir."

"And what were you to gain by arranging this with Servius," Novius asked.

"For this I would be well paid – by Sabinus – and given the position of Senior Steward and Freedman of the House of Gracchus," Menelaus replied, a little boastfully.

"And to aid in this I believe that you sent Demetrios with Servius to the villa at Baiae?" Novius asked.

"That is correct," Menelaus answered, very formally.

"Well 3; that was an informative session, Menelaus, but now I expect that you are very tired, so just sleep for a while," Novius said gently.

Menelaus slumped forwards, as far as his bond would allow him, and his eyes closed completely.

"Menelaus! Can you hear me?" Novius asked quietly.

"Yes!" Menelaus replied, sleepily.

"When I click my fingers you will forget everything that has happened since you sat down in that chair. Is that clear?" Novius said forcefully.

"Yes – that is clear!" Menelaus answered obediently.

Novius then clicked his fingers, and Menelaus opened his eyes, shook his head, and looked around, a little confused.

"So what about these questions?" Menelaus asked.

"Oh – that – it's nothing," Novius answered, calmly.

"Go with the guard. He will take you back to the Ludus!" Novius concluded.

Conclusio (Conclusion)

Marcus, Terentius and Petronius then emerged from their curtained off area. They were silent – obviously very disturbed by what the had heard.

"I don't think that we need to hear any more," Marcus said, with a note of resignation in his voice.

"Terentius, you have heard all these sessions – and I would be grateful if you and Quintus, between you, with the help of Novius and Petronius, could write up all this information for me to witness, sign and seal," Marcus asked.

"Of course, Dominus – that will be done tonight," Terentius replied.

"So gentlemen – I think that, as Dominus of the House of Gracchus, I have no option – kill them all! – except for the boy," Marcus said, grimly.

"Agreed!" Marcus' three advisors said, in unison – and Glaux nodded and blinked.

'and the story continues - The Funeral of Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus – And we meet Titus Flavius Vespasianus – and later witness the planning of the Colosseum by Titus and Petronius.

Marcus gives a funeral oration over the funeral pyre of Gnaeus – establishing his position as Dominus of the House of Gracchus.

The munera is prepared for Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus.

XXX. Funus Munera et Ludi
30. Funeral, Spectacles and Games

Conventus ad multam noctem (A Late Night Meeting)

Glaux was puzzled. His two humans were strangely quiet, and he was unable to penetrate their thoughts – as if a dark veil was thrown over their feelings.

Petronius and Marcus said a quiet, reserved bonum nocte (good night). Marcus then entered the vast atrium of his private apartments. Adonios and Aurarius, as if anticipating their master's reserved mood, stood quietly.

"Good evening boys!" Marcus said quietly, as Glaux fluttered over and perched on Aurarius' shoulder, and pecked gently at his ear.

"It has been a difficult day," Marcus said sadly.

He then turned to Adonios. "Find me Novius – he should be in the small guest suite – and ask him to come and see me!"

"At once, Dominus!" Adonios replied, and ran off.

Glaux, sensing that something interesting was happening, flew off in pursuit. Some moments later Novius appeared with Adonios and a perky looking Glaux.

"You wanted to see me, Dominus?" Novius queried.

"Yes! I'm sorry to disturb you so late, but there's one thing on my mind," Marcus said, hesitantly.

"And that is, Dominus?" Novius asked.

"It's about Demetrius," Marcus said.

Adonios and Aurarius looked at one another, puzzled. At least, so far, they had not heard anything about a person called Demetrius.

Marcus turned to Adonios and Aurarius. "Boys – please leave us now 3; Go and get some food and wine for myself and Novius – but knock before you enter!" Marcus said, wishing his conversation with Novius to be private.

"So what's the problem?" Novius asked.

"Well 3; as you know, although it was decided to execute the four conspirators, it was decided to let the boy live. What I want to know is how much you think that the boy knows about the truth, and how much of a danger is he to us!" Marcus said.

"According to Petronius he believes that he was born in Rome, has always been a slave. When he was under the effects of the kykeon, and the enchantment, he said he didn't know who his father was – and that's crucial," Novius, replied

There was a quiet tap on the door.

"Enter!" Marcus said, loudly.

Adonios and Aurarius came into the room, bearing trays with two wine goblets and a flask, and choice pieces of meat, along with cheeses and fruit – and of course, clasping the edge of one of the trays was a very inquisitive, and probably very hungry owl.

"Ah 3;food!" Novius said, appreciatively.

"Many thanks, boys!"

"Now Glaux 3;," Novius continued sternly.

"Why don't you go and get your own food?"

Glaux looked at Novius, somewhat crestfallen, blinked, and then took to his wings, disappearing out through the open ceiling of the atrium.

The atrium corinthium had an large opening in the ceiling, and below it was the impluvium, which was a shallow pool sunk into the floor to catch the rainwater. It was by this impluvium that Marcus and Novius were sitting on couches, with small bronze, marble topped tables beside them for their papers, and in this case their food and drink.

Novius waited until the two slave-boys had laid out the food and the napkins, and had then left the room, quietly closing the door behind themselves.

"If Menelaus or Servius – or anyone else, for that matter – had told him that his father was Gnaeus, then I am sure he would have told us that," Novius continued, ignoring the boys' departure and the earlier soft flutter of feathers.

"And does he know that Gnaeus Gracchus is dead – probably killed by Servius?" Marcus asked.

"That I do not know – but I don't think he does," Novius replied.

"And do you think he knows who I am?" Marcus asked.

"Well 3; as far as I know he hasn't met you, or seen you, and has no idea who you are. If he was told that you were the Dominus of the House of Gracchus, and his master, my guess is that he would simply accept that," Novius answered.

"I see," Marcus said, thoughtfully. "So – as Consiliarius, what do you recommend?" Marcus asked.

"Well, with all respect, Dominus, before I recommend anything, I would be interested to know why you are so concerned about the boy?" Novius asked.

"I will be honest with you, Novius. It would have been easy for me to have had the boy killed, but in the back of my mind is the constant thought that he is the son of Gnaeus, and with Gnaeus' spirit still haunting this villa, these rooms, and my sleep, I cannot just be rid of the boy – who has, after all, done nothing against me," Marcus said, and Novius nodded.

It was believed that until the funeral rites had been completed, the 'shade' (spirit) had not crossed the River Styx yet (the river that takes one from the World of the Living to the World of the Dead). Thus, there was a sense that the psychic impression of the deceased still lingered around friends and family, and the spirit would become angered if anything negative was done or said about it.

"I will now tell you my secret thoughts – which are, until I may say otherwise, for you, and you alone," Marcus said seriously.

"I understand," Novius said gently.

"There is no one to inherit from me, and I have no plans to marry, or have children. In the future, if Demetrios grows strong and true, it would be possible for me to free and adopt the boy, as Gnaeus adopted me, and then the blood of Gracchus would flow true. Gnaeus was not expecting to die – and he was still relatively young – despite what the oracle said. He adopted me just in time to ensure that the House of Gracchus could continue. Equally I do not know when Apollo's arrow might strike me – so I should look to the future – and this boy – if properly prepared – may be the answer," Marcus explained.

"Your thinking is good and right – and beyond your years, Dominus – but first I would seek permission to work my 'enchantment' one more time on the boy, to probe the boy's mind, and maybe prepare him for the plans that you have revealed," Novius said.

"I think that is wise, and I give my permission," Marcus said.

"You will do that tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow, Dominus," Novius replied, taking a sip of wine.

Dormire in aurem dextram (Sleeping Easy)

The night passed easily for Marcus. The crisis had passed, and the only challenges that now lay before him were the Funeral of the late Dominus, and the munera, and then there would be the satisfaction he would take in the Celebration Games, when his enemies would meet their 'just deserts'.

Glaux landed with a thump on Marcus' pillow, as the first light glowed in the cool morning sky. He had obviously had a good night's hunting – and Marcus ruefully reflected that he was probably condemned to a life of early awakenings.

That morning he rode with Petronius to the amphitheater to watch the heavy carts arriving with the long logs of wood that were to be used to make the funeral pyre for the following day.

Later, a carriage arrived from Neapolis bearing the exquisitely carved, painted and gilded wooden coffin that would contain the late Dominus' embalmed body, which would be smothered with piles of Frankincense to produce a beautiful perfume as the body was burned. Another cart arrived from Neapolis, a little later, bearing a gilded wooden statue of 'Απόλλων ο τοξότης' – Apollo the Archer – and four gilded wooden sculptures of Roman eagles. These were to be fixed atop the coffin.

Terentius, who had by then arrived by carriage, was there to inspect the items, obtain Marcus' approval, and make the appropriate payments to the artisans.

It was then the task of Petronius' assistant foremen to organise the slaves to build the pyre from the heavy wooden logs. At the same time, the craftsmen from Neapolis were securing the eagles and the Statue of Apollo onto the removeable top of the loculum – coffin. While the removable top was kept overnight at the Ludus, the loculum was transported to the villa in a wagon swathed in black drapes. At the same time part of the wooden flooring under the sand of the arena was being taken up, and a raft of granite slabs were being installed to replace the sand covered floor which would support the burning pyre.

While these preparations were being undertaken, three flamines – priests – from the Temple of Apollo at Cumae (clientes inherited from Gnaeus) came to the amphitheater to offer their consolantes, and to speak to Marcus about the funeral arrangements – particularly about the sacrifices.

Demetrios et Novius (Demetrios and Novius)

Earlier that morning a slave had awoken Demetrios and given him, along with a small morning meal, a drink of Novius' kykeon. Later a slave had escorted him to Officium Domini, which was not in use, as Marcus was with Petronius and Terentius at the amphitheater. When the huge bronze double doors were opened for him, Demetrius found Novius waiting for him.

"Servus sum!" Demetrios began, respectfully.

"Bonum mane, Demetrios!" Novius replied, smiling.

"The Dominus has asked me to speak to you once again – so sit down and relax," Novius explained

Novius then went through the ritual of showing Demetrios the Etruscan pendant, and reciting the invocation in Oscan, neither of which Demetrios seemed to remember from the previous occasion.

"Now, Demetrios 3; tell me where you were born," Novius began.

"As far a I know – in Rome," Demetrios answered – once again in Greek.

"And who was your father?" Novius asked.

"I don't know. I was never told," the boy explained.

"I believe that your mother died when you were quite young, and that you lived in a big house in Rome – is that true?" Novius asked.

"Yes, sir. It was a big house – like a palace – but I never saw the man who owned it. I don't think that he ever lived there," Demetrios explained.

"And were you ever told the name of the man who owned the house?" Novius asked, pursuing the point.

"He was only ever called the 'Dominus' – so I thought he must be someone very important and very rich," Demetrios answered.

"Now tell me, Demetrios, is everything that you have told me the truth?"

"Yes, sir 3; everything." Demetrios answered.

Novius then brought the 'enchantment' to an end, and Demetrios 'awoke', unaware that he had been questioned.

"Demetrios – later we will go out to buy some things in Baiae – but first I must have a serious talk with you," Novius said.

"Now tell me, are you feeling alert and rested?" Novius asked, anxious to check that the effects of the incantation and the kykeon had passed.

"Yes sir, I feel fine," Demetrios answered, cheerfully.

"So 3; I need to tell you that the man who owned the large house where you lived has recently died 3; and I'm afraid to say he was probably murdered by the young man, Servius, who you met in Rome recently," Novius said slowly.

"Oh!" Demetrios said, obviously shocked.

"Can you tell me why he was murdered, sir?" Demetrios asked, struggling to cope with the idea of Servius having killed this wealthy and important man.

"Well 3; I'm afraid that I don't know, but it is of no matter for you to worry about," Novius answered, carefully dissembling.

"I see," Demetrios replied.

"That man was the Dominus of the house where you lived, and was the Dominus of this villa, and also many other houses, villas and properties. The young man Servius was his Tribune, but he and your old master Menelaus – betrayed the late Dominus, and both will be punished," Novius explained.

"The young man's son is now the new Dominus, and wants to care for you, as he believes that in the past you have been mistreated. He will meet you later today, and you must be very polite and respectful to him," Novius continued.

"Tomorrow you will attend the funeral of the late Dominus, and today we must buy you some clothes for the funeral – so until the Dominus decides what will happen to you I will look after you. Do you understand, Demetrios?" Novius gently concluded.

"Yes, sir, – thank you sir," Demetrios replied, obviously relieved that at least some things had been explained to him.

Visita ad Baias (A Visit to Baiae)

Novius then called for a carriage, and after a brief wait he and Demetrios rode in style to Baiae. Once there, Novius let the boy explore the sea-front as Demetrios had never seen the sea. He was also fascinated by the many expensive shops. Eventually Novius took him to a high class tailors. Novius explained that he required a tunic for the boy – and made it clear that this was being bought on behalf of the Dominus Gracchus, for the funeral the following day.

As Marcus had inherited the ownership of half the town of Baiae, and the late Dominus was well known to all the residents, the service that that and Demetrius received instantly became of the very best.

The shop owner gave his somewhat excessive consolantes regarding the recent demise of the late Dominus, and Novius selected the finest black, richly embroidered material, to be decorated with gold bullion, and made it clear that the tunic had to be ready that evening, to be delivered to Terentius at the villa, when full payment would be made if it proved satisfactory. The shop owner insisted that no payment would be required, as the item would be a funerary gift to the House of Gracchus.

Demetrios was obviously impressed as, for the first time, he realised the the nature of the respect that his new master commanded. Novius then took Demetrios to a high class thermopolium for a meal.

"So, Demetrios 3; how do you like Baiae?" Novius asked, as he watched his young charge happily munching his way through his meal.

"It's wonderful!" Demetrios said, with boyish enthusiasm.

"In Rome there were rich people, but too many very poor people, and it was very noisy and smelly. Here, there are some poor people, but most of the people seem rich, polite and friendly, and the sea smells so sweet, and the buildings are all clean and new," Demetrios explained.

"Well what happens, Demetrios, is that the rich people in Rome get tired of all the smelly, noisy poor people, and decide to take a holiday here – or in some cases they decide to live here, at least for part of the year – but living here is expensive," Novius said.

"So am I going to live here, from now on?" Demetrios asked, hopefully.

"That, young man, is in the hands of the Dominus, and if you are polite and respectful 3; then he may decide to let you live here – but you will have to earn your keep," Novius replied.

"That would be so good – and I will do anything to stay here!" Demetrios said excitedly.

"That is not a wise thing to say, Demetrios. Always think before you speak, especially when you are speaking to the Dominus – which reminds me – we must return to the villa as the Dominus wishes to speak to you – so finish your food!" Novius said reprovingly, as he paid the manager of the thermopolium.

He then stepped into the street with Demetrios, where their carriage was waiting.

Occursus cum Domino (Meeting the Dominus)

The carriage rolled into the long driveway leading to the main entrance to the villa. As Novius and Demetrios left the carriage one of the huge bronze doors was opened by a young successor to Glykon. They then made their way to the Officium Domini. The double doors opened, and Novius gently pushed Demetrios forwards to meet the Dominus. Marcus was sitting behind Gracchus' large, marble topped table, with Petronius standing to his right, a little behind him. Marcus, for the sake of appearance, had managed to get Glaux to sit on Petronius' shoulder.

Demetrios stared incredulously.

"Servus sum," Demetrios mumbled almost incoherently, unable to stop looking at Glaux. "He's got an owl on his shoulder!" the amazed boy blurted out. Instantly Glaux took flight, noiselessly crossed the room, and perched delicately on Demetrius' shoulder, and started nibbling his ear.

"So 3; Dominus! Another omen," Novius said quietly, smiling.

"Perhaps," Marcus said, studying the boy.

"But you're too young to be Dominus!" Demetrios spluttered, while Novius tutted, and shook his head, and Petronius gave one of his famous grins.

"Again – perhaps. Maybe the boy is more clever than he seems."

Marcus stood up, and Demetrios looked suitably intimidated, while Glaux took flight again, this time landing on Marcus' shoulder.

"I am Marcus Octavianus Gracchus, Dominus of the House of Gracchus 3; and this is Glaux, the guardian of wisdom, a gift from the Goddess Minerva, and fresh from Mount Olympus 3; and you are?" Marcus said, smiling.

"I'm just Δημήτριος (Demetrios)," Demetrios said quietly, looking overawed, and a little dejected.

"I think more that just Δημήτριος (Demetrios)," Marcus said, in perfect Greek

If Glaux favours you, then you must be someone special," Marcus said, resuming his seat.

Novius took a step forward. "Forgive me, but if I may interrupt for just a moment, Dominus," Novius said.

"Of course, Novius," Marcus answered, handing a rather annoyed looking Glaux over to Petronius.

"Today Demetrios and I had a completely satisfactory discussion, and all is well," Novius explained, emphasising certain words so that Demetrios would not fully comprehend what they were talking about.

Marcus nodded.

"And then later I took Demetrios to Baiae, and ordered a fine mourning tunic for him for the funeral tomorrow – and the tunic will be delivered this evening for you to inspect. The young man likes Baiae, I am pleased to tell you. ".

Again Novius accentuated some words – this time about the funeral, so that Marcus would be alerted to the fact that Demetrios knew about the death of the late Dominus, and the imminent funeral.

"That's very good, Novius. I look forward to seeing the boy in his new clothes," Marcus replied politely.

"Now, Demetrios, as Dominus, I am going to change your name. Here we behave Romanæ modo (in the Roman way) – and you must have a Roman name – so no more 'Δημήτριος' (Demetrios) – you are now Demetrius – do you understand?"

"Yes, Dominus," Demetrius replied.

"So, Demetrius, how do you like the villa?" Marcus asked, feeling his way, carefully.

"It's very beautiful, but not as large as the house in Rome," Demetrius replied – somewhat undiplomatically.

"That's just because it's only my holiday home – but it's got beautiful gardens, a couple of swimming pools – one inside and one outside, a gymnasion, a private beach and views of the sea."

"Truly?" Demetrius exclaimed, wide eyed.

"Truly," Marcus replied.

"And in Baiae the Dominus has an amphitheater – and that's my job. But don't go too near the sea – unless you can swim. Can you swim?" Petronius asked.

"No Sir," Demetrius replied, looking a bit dejected.

Marcus turned to Petronius. "How come you get called 'Sir', and I don't get called Dominus?" Marcus asked – joking.

"I'm so sorry Dominus!" Demetrius exclaimed, panicking. "But I've never spoken to a Dominus before."

"That's alright, Demetrius, but just try to remember. Petronius, Terentius and Novius are all called Sir – and I am always called Dominus."

"Now I have limited time, so call Terentius," Marcus said.

Terentius was duly summoned.

"I believe that you met Demetrius at the Domus Gracchi in Rome?" Marcus asked Terentius.

"That is correct Dominus," Terentius replied formally, and a little nervously.

"Now Demetrius – I want you to understand that Terentius was under instructions not to make any contact with you. Do not make the mistake that he did not like you. Is that clear?" Marcus asked.

"Yes Dominus!" Demetrius replied, meekly.

"I rely almost completely on Terentius, and I hold him as a dear and faithful friend, (Terentius modestly shook his head), and I am sure that he will be a great help to you as time passes. Always feel free to ask his advice on any matter. – Do you understand?" Marcus stated firmly.

"Yes Dominus!" Demetrius replied again.

"Petronius!"

"Yes, Dominus."

"I am handing this boy into your care, for the time being. Make arrangements with Lucius and Aristarchos to see him daily. In addition I hold you personally responsible for his fitness, and his ability to use weapons – and teach him to swim!" Marcus ordered.

"Yes, Dominus."

"And get Vulcan to take off the collar. Terentius has a 'bulla' which Demetrius can wear from now on – it once belonged to a very frightened little boy," Marcus continued.

Petronius smiled, knowing just who that 'frightened little boy' was.

"I want to see Demetrius in my private appartments when his new tunic arrives," Marcus concluded.

"Yes, Dominus," Petronius said, as he guided Demetrius out of the room.

"Well," Terentius quietly said to Novius, "It's just like old times."

"I heard that!" Marcus said, smiling, "But this time we'll do it right!" Marcus retorted.

Novus Puer (New Boy)

Marcus returned to his private apartments, accompanied by Glaux.

It had been a busy day, and the funeral would be the next day – but late in the afternoon – and the morning would be taken up with receiving guests.

As always, Adonios and Aurarius were waiting at the doors. As soon as he entered the atrium Glaux hopped onto Adonios' shoulder.

"Bring me wine, boys!" he ordered, too tired to even greet them properly.

They were not 'put out' however, as they could see that their Dominus was worn out. They returned with a tray containing a gold goblet and a gold flagon.

"Sit down boys – I have something important to talk to you about."

The lads sat at his feet. Marcus took a sip of wine, pondering as to how he would explain the situation.

"We have a new boy in the villa," he began. "He is not a slave – he is more like family, and about your age."

Now strictly speaking Demetrius was a slave, and it was not normal for slaves to be freed before they had 'come of age' – but it was very much up to the pater familias (owner of the family estate) to make such a decision. Within the familia (which included blood relatives, freedmen and slaves), law and tradition (mos maiorum – see below) allowed the pater familias powers of life and death. In this way, slaves could be executed, sold or freed. No special ceremony was needed to free a slave – and it could be enough even to invite a slave to eat with the family, as a sign of the slave's freedom. The wearing of a bulla (which had originally belonged to Marcus), in Demetrius' case, was an indication of his free status.

"At the moment Demetrius is being cared for by Petronius," Marcus continued.

The two boys looked at one another – a little surprised – but they guessed from what Marcus had said the previous night.

"His name is Demetrius. He has had a bad time in the past, and has no family, apart from us – so I want you both to take it easy with him, and not ask too many questions. He is a very pleasant young man, and I think that you should both get on well with him. It would be nice if you could become friends," Marcus paused for a moment, trying to gauge the boy's reaction.

"I am sure that you are both aware of the problems that jealousy and misunderstanding have caused in this villa recently. What's left of the mutilated remains of the slave-boy Cleon, who you knew, Adonios, hangs from trees between here and Neapolis. Glykon, who you also knew, and Petram, who you saw in the arena, are locked up in the Ludus awaiting execution. Also Servius, who was the previous Tribune is to be executed. The fates of these individuals is the result of their lack of 'self control', their jealousy and their scheming. Here, in the House of Gracchus, we abide by the mos maiorum, and those who do not will be destroyed, rather than us see infamy in the House of Gracchus. With regard to this boy you will offer him the courtesy and respect that is part of the mos maiorum. I hope that I make myself clear," Marcus concluded.

"Of course, Dominus," both the boys replied, almost in unison, and suitably affected by the intensity of Marcus' warning.

The mos maiorum ('ancestral custom' or 'way of the elders') is the unwritten code from which the ancient Romans derived their social norms. It is the core concept of Roman traditionalism, as exemplified by the 'reforms' of Octavian (the Divine Augustus). The 'mos maiorum' was collectively the time-honoured principles, behavioural models, and social practices that affected private, political, and military life. Roman society stresses the importance of disciplina and moderation as related to education, training, discipline and self-control. 'Gravitas' was dignified self-control. 'Constantia' was steadiness or perseverance. In the face of adversity, a 'good' Roman was to display an unperturbed façade. Fides encompasses trust and trustworthiness, good faith and faithfulness, confidence, reliability, and credibility.

"Thank you for listening so attentively – and now let me rest," Marcus said as he stretched out on the couch.

The boys got to their feet and went off, very subdued, to tidy up. By then the light was fading, and Glaux flew up to the rectangular opening in the ceiling of the atrium. For a moment he perched on the ornate moulding, looking down at Marcus, blinking reflectively, and then he flew off, to hunt in the darkness of the night.

Moments later there was a soft knock on the door. Adonios answered it.

It was Petronius with Demetrius.

"Dominus! Petronius and Demetrius are here to see you."

Marcus got up, and instantly noticed Demetrius' beautiful new black tunic.

"Well, young man – you do look elegant. I think Novius has very good taste, but I would hate to think of the cost of all that gold embroidery," Marcus said.

Now Marcus had hardly needed to make his long speech about jealousy, as Adonios and Aurarius had equally magnificent black and gold tunics for the funeral. The boys tiptoed into the atrium to see the new boy's finery.

"Well, what do you think?" Marcus asked.

"A credit to the House of Gracchus," Adonios said, very diplomatically, and Aurarius, equally diplomatically, agreed.

The one thing that Marcus did notice, but did not comment on, was that Demetrius was wearing his gold bulla. (It was the bulla that had been taken off him when he was sold as a slave, but given to Terentius by Arion – the slave dealer).

"You approve?" Petronius questioned.

"Yes! Very much," Marcus replied.

"Well in that case I think that we should go now. Demetrius needs to get to bed, as it will be a busy day tomorrow, and I need to do some last minute checks in the amphitheater," Petronius said, apologetically.

So they all said their goodnights, aware that the next day was going to be extremely difficult for all of them, and especially for Marcus.

Sollemnia de Mortem (The Solemnities of Death)

The day began very early, and very badly with a loud knocking on the door of Petronius' apartment. Petronius, wearing only a brief thong, answered the door. It was a young, and obviously upset slave-boy.

"It's Ariston!" the boy blurted out.

"Come quick!"

Petronius slipped on a tunic, and followed the running boy down the corridor. The boy took him to a cubiculum next to the private apartments of the late Dominus.

"It's Ariston – he's in here!" the slave-boy said breathlessly.

Petronius opened the door to find young Ariston – naked, and hanging from a rope tied to a beam on the ceiling. He was obviously dead.

"Get a guard – NOW!" Petronius ordered.

"Yes, Tribune!" the boy answered, and ran off down the corridor.

Almost immediately guards arrived, and cut down the dead boy.

Ἀρίστων – Ariston, a Greek slave-boy, who we first met at the convivium held before the munera ad Augustum, was the personal slave of the late Dominus. When the late Dominus was murdered, Ariston was virtually forgotten, and mourned alone in his cubiculum – and it seems that in the end, overcome by his grief, and seeing no future for himself, he took his own life on the morning of his dead master's funeral.

"Lay him on his bed, and cover him decently – I must inform the Dominus, and I want two guards stationed outside this door.

No one is to enter without my permission – is that clear?" Petronius ordered.

"Yes Tribune!" the guards replied.

Petronius then went to Marcus' private apartments. Adonios answered the door.

"Wake the Dominus – we have an emergency," Petronius ordered.

Marcus quickly appeared, followed by Aurarius.

"The slave-boy Ariston has hung himself in his cubiculum, next to the private apartments of the late Dominus," Petronius reported.

Marcus looked shocked.

"He's been cut down. What shall I do with the body?" Petronius asked.

"He was a good boy – and I suppose he couldn't go on after his master died. We should have helped him more – I blame myself. Adonios – get me Nerva!" Marcus ordered.

Very soon Nerva arrived.

"Ariston is dead. Get the body properly washed and prepared, and get it embalmed. I want the boy cremated the day after the munera, with a decent funeral," Marcus ordered, his face and voice strained.

"At once Dominus!" Nerva replied, and disappeared as silently as he had arrived.

"And Petronius – see that everything is done correctly, and then supervise the transport of the body of the late Dominus to the Amphitheater," Marcus concluded.

"Aurarius – get my clothes laid out, and some food and wine!" Marcus said to Aurarius.

Marcus then slumped onto a couch, wondering what else could go wrong. At that point Glaux fluttered into the atrium, and perched on the small, marble topped table facing Marcus. He then blinked, and gave Marcus one of his looks – which Marcus took, on this occasion, to mean 'stop feeling sorry for yourself, and take command'.

"Alright, Glaux, let's get to work," Marcus said to his little friend, and took a sip of wine and started getting dressed for the day's events.

Marcus selected a beautiful piece of black armour, that the late Dominus had obviously been saving for some special occasion – and probably for Marcus. The armour that Petronius and Servius had brought back from Rome, which was still wrapped, he decided to wear later. With Aurarius and Adonios, already dressed in their black and gold tunics helping him, Marcus put on the elaborate ceremonial armour, and the boys were suitably impressed.

Receptio (The Reception)

So, with Glaux on Adonios' shoulder, the three of them made their way out of the atrium and down the corridor, to make a grand entrance in the huge reception hall of the villa. When they reached the hall, they were joined by Petronius and Demetrius. Petronius, for the first time, was wearing the piece of armour brought back from Rome. Appropriately it was black with gold ornamentation.

(It should be noted that only Marcus and Petronius [by the custom of the late Dominus] were permitted to wear the armour of a legatus.)

Demetrius, of course, was wearing his new black and gold tunic, with Marcus' gold bulla.

Moments later they were joined by Terentius, who was an essential member of the party. As Excelsus Procurator (High Steward) – he was able to whisper into Marcus' ear the names and titles of the various guests who would be greeting the Dominus of the House of Gracchus – as he was a compendium of such knowledge.

Also joining the group was Novius, who now had the official title of Consiliarius.

The group, after a number of greetings, then took their places on the raised rostrum at the far end of the hall, which had been appropriately draped with sombre black curtaining.

Quintus, it seems, had sent out a very large number of invitations. There were of course the local magistrates – from Baiae, Cumae, Neapolis and Pompeii. Also various prominent citizens from those towns. Then there was Marcellus, now promoted to Legatus Legionis. (The last time that he had seen Marcus was when Markos was still a slave, acting as 'cupbearer' to Gracchus, at the now legendary Convivium and munera ad Augustum.

There were also the Templi Apollinis Sacerdotes – priests from the Augustan Temple of Apollo in Rome, and also the priests of Apollo from Cumae. There were inevitably Senators, and a number of Tribuni Laticlavii, Tribuni Angusticlavii, and Tribuni cohortis urbanae (tribunes commanding the security cohorts in Rome).

In addition there were various business associates of the late Dominus.

The one guest that Marcus particularly wanted to meet was Nicander, who was the new magister domus (Master of the Household) of the Domus Gracchi – who had replaced Menelaus as a result of the advice of Terentius.

"Salutem Dominus!" Nicander said respectfully.

"I am pleased to meet you, Nicander, and I wish to speak to you after the funeral. Make sure that you wait in the atriolum of the Officium Domini. Terentius will show you where it is," Marcus ordered.

"Yes, Dominus!" Nicander replied, looking somewhat nervous.

"Between now and then you are to speak to no one about matters relating to the Domus Gracchi or the 'House of Gracchus'. To put it bluntly – 'keep your mouth shut', until I have spoken with you after the funeral," Marcus said, forcefully.

"Yes, Dominus!" Nicander replied, now looking somewhat alarmed.

Terentius, who had listened approvingly to the conversation between Marcus and Nicander, continued to work well, identifying all these individuals, but then there was a murmur in the large reception hall.

Titi testimonium (A Meeting with Titus)

A Praefectus Praetorio (Praetoria Prefect), accompanied by a number of Praetorian Tribunes appeared. The last Praefectus Praetorio that had visited the villa was the infamous Nymphidius – but he was now dead.

It didn't take long for Terentius to work out who this Praefectus Praetorio was.

"You have a special guest," Terentius whispered in Marcus' ear. "This is Titus Flavius Vespasianus – the son of Vespasian!".

As a young man, Titus was dangerously like Nero in his charm, intellect, ruthlessness, extravagance and sexual tastes. Gifted both physically and intellectually, exceptionally strong, short with pot-belly, with an authoritative, yet friendly manner, and an excellent memory, he was an good rider and renowned general. He could also sing, play the harp and compose music. He was not the kind of man that Marcus would choose as a friend, but as the heir to Vespasian, and a person of enormous power and influence, Marcus had no option but to show Titus due respect and consideration.

What had happened, unfortunately, was that Quintus had left a note that the Praefectus Praetorio (Nymphidius at the time), should be invited to any important event at the villa. When Nymphidius was murdered, and his supporters became involved in a plot against Marcus and Gracchus, this note should have been amended, but wasn't, – and an invitation was sent to the Castra Praetoria in Rome, which landed on the 'desk' of Titus Flavius Vespasianus, the recently appointed Praefectus Praetorio.

And why did he come?

The obvious reason was that he was fully aware of the part that the House of Gracchus had played in clearing the way for his father to become Emperor.

While Marcus was somewhat taken aback by the unexpected appearance of this individual, the appearance of the heir to the Empire at the side of the Dominus of the House of Gracchus would undoubtedly be an unbelievable boost to Marcus' reputation and standing.

Petronius, seeing the heir to the Imperium, immediately sent for a slave to give orders for the bronze Imperial Eagle, stored in the ludus since the the Ludi for Vespasian, to be hung on the front of the Pulvinar – which involved the slave in a very swift gallop to the Ludus, some frantic polishing, and the placing of the imperial insignia – and all before the guests took their places in the recently re-built Pulvinar.

Titus came up to the raised rostrum.

"Dominus, may I present the Praefectus Praetorio, Titus Flavius Vespasianus!" Terentius said in his best, formal Latin.

Marcus put out his hand, guiding his distinguished guest up the steps to join him on the rostrum.

"So you are Marcus Octavianus Gracchus that I have heard so much about 3;," Titus said somewhat enigmatically

"I am – but I do not think that there is much to tell," Marcus replied, somewhat taken bemused.

"Well, Marcus, – my father and I are indebted to you, and the late Dominus for ridding us of certain individuals who would have only prolonged the war of succession."

"I can assure you that it was all of the late Dominus' doing," Marcus replied, modestly.

"But introduce me to you staff," Titus continued pleasantly.

"This fine young man, for example, wearing finer armour that any I possess – who is he?"

"This, sir, is Petronius Octavianus Gracchus, recently freed, and a proud bearer of the name of the House of Gracchus. He is my Tribunus et Dominus Amphitheatri," Marcus explained.

"Well in that case I need to have some discussions with this young man," Titus replied – but failed to explain why he wanted to have discussions.

"And the handsome boy standing beside him?" Titus asked.

"He is Demetrius – a distant cousin of mine – whom I am looking after, and educating," Marcus replied – hoping that Titus would not pursue the matter.

"And the owl – with your slave-boys – that is rather strange!" Titus commented, standing next to a rather intimidated Adonios.

"Well, sir, there is a story to that," Marcus explained. "Like your esteemed father, I have been – but to a lesser extent – favoured by the Gods. It was Apollo himself, in a vision, here at the villa, who told me that an owl would be given to me – the wisdom of Minerva. He's called Glaux. You must excuse him, however. As it's early he is still sleeping, but if you remain with us until the sun sets, then I am sure he will greet you – probably by nibbling your ear," Marcus said, hoping that Titus didn't think he was crazy.

"So, you are like my father – chatting with the gods. Then I think that we are all going to get on very well," Titus said, chuckling to himself.

While in Egypt Vespasian visited the Temple of Serapis, where reportedly he experienced a vision and, as the 'New Serapis', healed two men. Vespasian had spent time alone in the sanctuary of Serapis saw, in a vision, a man named Basilides,who, being detained by illness, was supposedly miles away. Basilides conferred upon Vespasian certain objects – loaves, crowns, and boughs – that were associated with Ptolemaic royalty. The experience appears to have been a kind of miraculous 'coronation ceremony'.

Exequiae (The Funeral)

At that point a slave approached Petronius to tell him that the funeral cortege was ready to move off.

The cortege was led by a wagon, decorated with black drapery, and golden garlands, containing the magnificent black and gold, open wooden coffin, containing the embalmed body of the late Dominus, almost completely covered with fragrant frankincense.

It was pulled by four black oxen (castrated bulls), with gilded horns, and decorated around the neck and head with gold garlands, and led by young slave-boys in black tunics. The oxen would subsequently be sacrificed before the funeral pyre – hence their black colour and the fact that they were castrated.

Chthonic gods such as Dis pater, the di inferi ('gods below'), and the collective shades of the departed (di Manes – which would include the late Dominus) were given dark, infertile victims. Animal sacrifice usually took the form of a holocaust or burnt offering, and there was no shared banquet, as "the living cannot share a meal with the dead". Color had a general symbolic value for sacrifices. Demigods and heroes, who belonged to the heavens and the underworld, were sometimes given black-and-white victims.

There followed the numerous carriages of the various guests, with Marcus' carriage (bearing Marcus, Aurarius, Adonios with Glaux, and Demetrius) coming first, and the carriage for Titus and his tribunes coming second.

In the front to the whole procession rode Petronius, escorted by guards from the villa, on a large all black stallion, with qold equipage.

The streets of Baiae were crowded – as word had quickly spread that the day was the day of the funeral. All stood in respectful silence as the black and gold draped wagon, containing the open coffin of the late Dominus trundled down the cobbled streets. Many, who had never seen the new Dominus, thought that the young man on the huge black stallion, in black and gold armour was the new Dominus, and bowed respectfully – but of course it was only Petronius – entrancing everyone, as usual.

The wagon was guided by the slave-boys into the rear entrance of the Amphitheatrum Gracchi, Gracchus' beloved amphitheater, where the funeral rites were to be held.

The carriages began stopping at the Ingressus Magnus (Grand Entrance), in the main street. Young slaves quickly moved forward to open the carriage doors, putting in place a portable wooden steps, and ensuring that the crowded pavement was kept clear.

Marcus stepped out, and was followed immediately by Aurarius, Adonios with a sleepy Glaux, and Demetrius. As the slave-boys bowed respectfully, Marcus waited for the carriage bearing Titus.

Titus stepped out, with one of his tribunes, and the group made their way to the main prothyrum (foyer), where Petronius, who had dismounted and preceded them, was waiting for them – with his flashing smile, forgetting for a moment that it was a funeral.

They then waited in the prothyrum, taking refreshments from slave-boys, while the other guests made their way to specially allocated places in the amphitheater.

The Petronius led the special guests up the newly installed grand staircase to the enlarged Pulvinar. As they reached the Pulvinar, they heard the blare of tubas (Roman trumpets), and cornu (horns), and the thunder and roll of timpani – which sounded out across the whole town.

As they took their places they saw, for the very first time, the huge, gold plated, bronze doors of the new Propylaeum open slowly.

The Propylaeum was the late Dominus' last great work, raised in honour of his 'son', Marcus, and bearing the inscription 'MARCVS OCTAVIVS GRACCHVS APOLLINIS DEDICATA EST'.

The sound of the drums, beating out a slow, sombre rhythm, grew louder as the massive doors opened, and then the procession (pompa) began, with the coffin being carried into the arena.

The cover had now been fixed to the previously open coffin. The cover bore a wooden statue, covered in gold leaf, of the God Apollo, with his bow, (modelled once again on Petronius), and wooden sculptures of imperial eagles, covered in gold leaf, on each corner of the gilded coffin.

Slowly the coffin was brought in, and set down beside the huge pyre, built of massive logs. Then the amphitheater became silent, the drums and tubas stilled.

Marcus stepped forward, a scroll in his hands. He unrolled the scroll, and in a remarkably sonorous, slow and steady voice he read the eulogy. (the eulogy, of course, had been written for him by Lucius, his Latin tutor, in the most refined and noble Latin.)

Senators, Magistrates, honoured guests -

This is the funeral of the renowned Gnaeus Octavius Gracchus – an honourable and noble Roman, a Senator, a dutiful son, a devoted husband and a caring father. A help to the poor and the sick, and a scourge to those who would defy the Laws of Rome, and the venerable 'mos maiorum'. Always he held the Divine Augustus in the greatest esteem, and took him as his model, and expected me to do likewise. It was not simply Augustus' remarkable success in creating the Principate, but also his restoration of the greatest traditions of Rome – the 'mos maiorum' – and so I now possess one of the names of the Divine Augustus – the name 'Octavianus'.
Gnaeus Octavius Gracchus was also a benefactor to this town of Baiae, and to Cumae, Neapolis and Pompeii. This very Amphitheater is a testimony, and monument to his unbounded generosity to this town, and its people – just recently made even more magnificent and beautiful in the last weeks of his life.
To my father I owe everything, and my gratitude is unbounded. This funeral is just a poor attempt to show to you all my deep gratitude to him, and my unbounded admiration for him as a man, and my admiration of all that he has done. The tragedy of this funeral, however, is in the circumstances by which it came about. All funerals are tragic, but this funeral is the result of an infamy that cries out to the Gods for justice and retribution.
This amphitheater is dedicated to myself, by my father's wish, and also to the great God Apollo, who guided him in his later years – therefore I, as the servant of Apollo, and the true heir to my father, will bring that retribution down on the individuals who plotted and schemed to destroy the House of Gracchus. As the sweet smoke of the funeral pyre ascends to the heavens, so equally the wrath of the God will descend in this very same arena on those responsible for the death of the most noble of men – Gnaeus Octavius Gracchus."

There was an almost overwhelming stunned silence, as the guests were obviously moved by the nature of the eulogy, and Titus turned to Marcus and embraced him.

The eulogy, for a Roman eulogy, had been remarkably short, but also remarkably effective. Although in style it was the creation of Lucius, in content it was the carefully crafted creation of Marcus and Novius.

Gnaeus Octavius Gracchus was described as a 'family man' – 'a devoted husband and a caring father' – despite the fact that he had separated from his wife, and had an illegitimate son, whom he had repudiated, and hidden away – a fact that, in the end, almost certainly contributed to his death.

However, Marcus carefully associated Gnaeus Octavius Gracchus with Gaius Octavius – later known as 'Augustus' – who was given divine status upon his death – hence 'the Divine Augustus'.

The link was also made between Augustus' apparent restoration of the Republic, and his re-establishment of the 'mos maiorum' (traditions of the ancestors) in public and private life.

Just as the patron god of Augustus had been Apollo, so Marcus indicated that there had been a special link between Gnaeus Octavius Gracchus and the God Apollo, and pointing to the dedication of the amphitheater, where the cremation and sacrifice – and later the munera, were to take place, he had established that link between himself and the God Apollo.

The final part of the eulogy centered on the theme of retribution which would be meted out to those responsible for Gnaeus Octavius Gracchus' death – a retribution that would occur in the same place – the amphitheater, as the cremation of the late Dominus, and that retribution was ascribed to Apollo, and to Marcus, who portrayed himself as a servant of Apollo, and the 'true heir' of Gnaeus Octavius Gracchus – thus negating any criticism of his actions against the conspirators, and effectively preventing any questioning of his position as Dominus of the House of Gracchus.

Once the guests had been given time to ponder on the contents of the eulogy, at a signal from Petronius the drums and tubas started again – the noise drowning out the bellowing of the four oxen, stationed at the four corners of the funeral pyre, as they were sacrificed, and their blood gushed out onto the arena sand – the first of much blood to be spilled in the arena before the end of the period of mourning.

Once the sacrifice was finished, a Polyspaston crane was wheeled into the arena, and set next to the pyre, and was used to lift the heavy coffin onto the top of the pyre. When worked by four men, at both sides of the winch, a Polyspaston crane could lift 3000 kg.

Marcus, Petronius and Demetrius then descended from the Pulvinar down to the sands of the arena. It was the Roman custom for the heir of the deceased, or closest family member to light the pyre. In this case it did not seem strange for Demetrius to take part in this ceremony, as he was known to be a blood relative (though not the late Dominus' illegitimate son – except by a few individuals close the Marcus).

Petronius was handed a flaming brand by an arena slave.

Petronius then held out the brand, and both Marcus and Demetrius took hold of the brand, and as they thrust it into the pyre, the drums sounded along with the horns.

Moments later other slaves came forward with flaming torches, and ensured that the pyre was well alight, and more slaves threw powdered incense on the blaze from large, copper craters, sending clouds of sweet smelling smoke into the air.

All over Baiae the huge cloud of smoke could be seen hovering over the amphitheater, and the sweet scent of the incense could even be smelt on the seafront.

After some time the huge pyre began to fall in on itself, sending showers of glowing sparks, and more sweet smelling smoke skyward.

Marcus Titus and the rest of the group then started to leave the Pulvinar, which was the signal for the other guests to start leaving.

In Villa (At the Villa)

On arrival at the Villa, Titus asked Marcus if he could spend some time discussing matters with Petronius. This suited Marcus admirably, as he wished to speak urgently to Nicander, although he was puzzled as to what Titus and Petronius might have in common.

Marcus found Nicander waiting for him in the atriolum (antechamber) of the Officium Domini, along with Terentius. Marcus went into the Officium Domini, and sat behind his marble topped desk. Moments late Terentius brought in a very nervous looking Nicander.

"I hope that I have done nothing to displease you, Dominus!" Nicander began, hesitantly.

"Nicander – understand this. When you come into my presence, you wait for me to open the conversation – in other words, you only speak when you are spoken to. Is that clear!" Marcus said forcefully, establishing his undoubted authority from the outset.

"Yes Dominus!" Nicander replied.

"So 3; you are the Magister Domus in Rome?" Marcus questioned, rhetorically.

"I am, Dominus, and I am very grateful," Nicander replied.

"Don't thank me 3; thank Terentius," Marcus replied.

"And speaking of thanks 3; you should know that it can be a thankless job 3; especially for those who make mistakes. Your predecessor, Menelaus, is now awaiting his execution, which you are to witness – in a few days," Marcus continued.

And, of course, there was no answer to that.

"Tell me, Nicander, how well did you know Menelaus?". Marcus asked.

"Not well at all, Dominus," Nicander replied, warily.

"Most of his friends were outside the Domus, so he only spoke to me when he gave me orders," he continued.

"And did you meet any of his friends?" Marcus asked.

"No, Dominus. He usually met them outside the Domus. We only heard about them when he needed to send them messages or letters," Nicander answered, looking increasingly nervous.

"Did you ever hear of a man called Marcus Sabinus?" Marcus then asked, more pointedly.

"Yes, Dominus 3; once or twice, when messages were sent to him by slave-boys," Nicander replied.

"Did you ever meet him?" Marcus asked.

"No, Dominus," Nicander replied, apparently oblivious to the significance of the name.

"Now this is important 3;" Marcus stressed

"You have met Terentius a number of time, and also my Tribune, Petronius. Did you see anyone else today, at the funeral, that you recognised?" Marcus asked.

Nicander looked very worried.

"Yes Dominus." he answered, quietly.

"The young man on the Pulvinar, standing next to Tribune Petronius, who also held the torch with you."

Marcus allowed a short silence before he continued.

"And who was that young man?" Marcus queried.

"I knew him as Demetrius – a slave at the Domus, and a favourite of Menelaus 3; but he never mixed with the other slaves – had his own room."

"What else do you know about him?" Marcus asked, trying to coach Nicander to say more.

"Nothing – I was told he was born in the Domus to a slave-girl, but no one seemed to know who his father was. The slave girl died when he was very young, and Menelaus 'looked after him'."

"I see – you mean he was Menelaus' 'bed-boy?" Marcus asked bluntly.

"I'm afraid so, Dominus," Nicander replied.

"And you speak the truth?" Marcus replied forcefully.

"Yes, Dominus. Every word," Nicander answered, beginning to panic.

"So here's how it is, Nicander; You will be my Magister Domus in Rome, under the authority of Terentius. You will speak to no one about Demetrius, Menelaus or any of his friends. Is that clear?" Marcus said.

"Yes Dominus – I swear." Nicander said, nodding.

"In the future, the Gods willing, I will be spending more time at the Domus. You, as one of my senior freedmen, will have very large sums of gold pass through your hands – my gold. Always keep in your mind what happens to Menelaus, and his friends, in the upcoming games that you will be attending – and if you ever betray my trust in you, know that you will suffer the same fate," Marus concluded, threateningly.

"I understand. Thank you Dominus."

"Good – a suite has been prepared for you – and I will see you at the munera tomorrow."

And with that Nicander was dismissed.

Once Nicander had left them, Terentius began on a long and complex explanation of how Nicander, and the other freedmen under his authority, would be conducting various financial and mercantile activities, from Rome and the port of Ostia, which would be highly beneficial to the overall finances of the House of Gracchus.

He had just got on to enumerating the various and vast property holdings that they managed on behalf of Marcus in the city (in a rather boring manner that reminded Marcus of his tutor Lucius), when a slave announced that Petronius was seeking to speak with Marcus.

Petronius came in, looking quite pleased with himself, accompanied by young Demetrius.

"So, Petronius, what did our friend Titus want to 'discuss' with you?" Marcus asked, suitably intrigued.

"It was the amphitheater!" Petronius said. "His father, Vespasian, wants to build a big amphitheater in Rome, and Titus was so impressed with our amphitheater here that he wanted to know all about it," Petronius continued, enthusiastically.

"So 3; tell me more 3;?" Marcus said, encouragingly.

"Well, as no one is using Nero's 'Golden House' anymore, and as Vespasian wants to gain popularity with the people in Rome, he has decided to knock most of it down. And the small lake, in the gardens of the house, he is having filled in, and there he plans to build his amphitheater. He has architects working on plans and designs, (mainly Greeks) but he really likes our amphitheater, so he would like some of his architects to come here, and make drawings that can be adapted to his own building," Petronius explained.

"Well 3; I can see no problem with that, afterall, we are not in competition with Rome, and as most of the wealthy visitors to the town come from Rome, then it would be good for them to find that Rome's amphitheater is based on our amphitheater here in Baiae," Marcus replied.

"Anyway, Vespasian is planning to call it the Amphitheatrum Flavium (what we now call the Colosseum), which is similar to the way that we call our Amphitheater here after Gracchus," Petronius concluded.

The site chosen by Vespasian was a flat area on the floor of a low valley between the Caelian, Esquiline and Palatine Hills, through which a canalised stream ran. This densely inhabited area was was devastated by the Great Fire of Rome, following which Nero seized much of the area to add to his personal domain. He built the grandiose Golden House on the site, in front of which he created an artificial lake surrounded by pavilions, gardens and porticoes. Vespasian's decision to build the Amphitheatrum Flavium on the site of Nero's lake can be seen as a populist gesture of returning to the people an area of the city which Nero had appropriated for his own use. In addition to the new amphitheater, Vespasian also built gladiatorial schools and other support buildings, and these were constructed within the former grounds of the Golden House. In contrast to many other amphitheatres, which were located on the outskirts of a town or city, the Amphitheatrum Flavium was constructed in the city centre; in effect, placing it both symbolically and precisely at the heart of Rome. The Amphitheater of Gracchus in Baiae, however, like the Amphitheatrum Flavium, was also built in the center of the town. Construction of the Amphitheatrum Flavium began under the Emperor Vespasian in AD 71-72, and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir, the Emperor Titus. Further modifications were made during the reign of the Emperor Domitian.

"So 3; did our honoured guest view our amphitheater," Marcus asked.

"Yes indeed. Myself and Titus and Demetrius rode out to the amphitheater. I left Demetrius in the Prothyrum, having a snack, and Titus and I went to view the Ludus, where he caught sight of some of the condemned prisoners, in the cells. He also was impressed with some of our young fighters who will be appearing in the munera tomorrow.

I then took him round the other buildings; the Armamentarium (where the armour and weapons were stored – under heavy guard), the Summum Choragium (where the scenery and various other devices were stored), the Sanitarium (the medical facilities under the supervision of Agathon), and the Spoliarium (where the dead from the arena were stripped and the bodies prepared for disposal) – I think that he was a little disappointed that there were no corpses to view.

Marcus smiled.

Petronius continued: "I also showed him the practice arena – but of course there were no fighters training as today was the day of the funeral. I then took him onto the sand of the main arena, and got some slaves to dig away some of the sand to show him the construction of the floor of the arena. The only thing that troubled him was the lack of a velarium (awning over the seating of the amphitheater), but I explained that it was not being used because of the danger of it catching fire as a result of the burning funeral pyre. What particularly appealed to him was the arched colonnade at the top of the building, which he thought was very grand, and very Roman, reminding him of a series of triumphal arches – (unfortunately this was a feature omitted from the finished building that Vespasian and Titus constructed – probably because of considerations of cost). He was also very impressed with all the Porphyry – particularly the perfume burners, and was interested to know where you had them made. I said that as that part of the renovation was your own project, you would talk to him about it later," Petronius continued.

"And what about the new Propylaeum?" Marcus asked.

"That he was not very keen on, as it was Greek style, and he would have preferred it arched, but he was very taken with the gilded bronze doors, and the large statues of Hermes," Petronius replied.

The origins of the Roman triumphal arch are unclear. To fully understand this development however it is important to understand the importance of basic arches in Roman civilization. The Romans had learned how to construct effective arches from the Etruscans, who lived in central Italy. This knowledge had a major impact on the architecture of Roman civilization. As a result, the Romans used arches for things such as aqueducts, amphitheaters, bridges, and domed temples. They had effectively used the arch in various aspects of their civilization and city structure, and the arch symbolized, for them, perfection and triumph in Roman society

"So he was generally impressed?" Marcus asked.

"Yes, Dominus, very much so," Petronius replied.

Marcus then looked to Demetrius. "You enjoyed your snack at the Amphitheater, and your ride?" Marcus asked.

"Yes, Dominus – very much," Demetrius replied.

"That's good – but now I would like you to go to Petronius' apartments and wait for him there, as I have some private matters to discuss with him," Marcus said.

"Yes, Dominus," Demetrius replied, and he left the Officium Domini.

Marcus then turned to Petronius. "I'm glad that you didn't take him to the Ludus – I'm not sure how he would react to seeing Servius again."

"Yes – that's what I thought 3; But I'm worried about the boy. I sometimes think that, perhaps, he's still under that 'enchantment' of Novius – as he just doesn't seem to react to anything," Petronius said.

"Yes – know what you mean. I think that I will chat to Novius about him, and maybe get Novius to talk to him again. Meanwhile, take him to the beach. Get him swimming and running around – perhaps that will help – and it should also be a break for you before the munera tomorrow. Anyway 3; I will see you this evening – when we dine with Titus," Marcus concluded.

For Marcus, however, there was more to worry about that just Demetrius. With Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus, his adoptive father, now well and truly gone, he found himself on his own. Not long before he had been a carefree youth, running around with teenage street gangs in the dusty streets of Athens. Then he was a meek and humble slave-boy. Now he was Dominus – with wealth, power and authority beyond imagining – with senators grovelling and looking for his favour, and he was now finding himself rubbing shoulders with the young man who was soon to be the ruler of the vast Roman Empire.

But essentially he was still Marcus – or was he?

But there was little time to reflect. That night he would be dining with Titus, and the following morning he would preside over the munera.

'and the story continues - After the funeral of Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus, Titus, on behalf of his father,Vespasian, offers Marcus the position of Roman Senator – the munera, organised by Petronius, is held in the amphitheater, in the presence of Marcus, Demetrius and Titus Flavius Vespasianus