This story is entirely a figment of my imagination, a fantasy that makes me hot. I'm sure it's historically inaccurate.
In Germania, Part One of Two
I sat the sturdy horse and contemplated how much I hated my life. The guards were ahead and behind us being vigilant for threats as my father's bondsman chattered happily away at my side. I detested him and his constant prattling, I found it incomprehensible that my father could put his trust in such a sniveling creature. But then, my father never explained his motives to me.
We were a week out of Rome on the road through Germania to a small village. We had just crossed the Danubius and would make our destination within days and I prayed to all the gods that we would find quick resolution. The patrician class of Rome were not allowed to own or operate certain businesses, usually the most lucrative ones, and so they must operate through trusted bondsmen. Generally the bondsmen were former slaves, like my travel companion, who "owned" the land or business for their masters in exchange for a good living and freedom. We were headed to Germania to see to my fathers' investments there, of which most were in the name of Gordianus who rode beside me.
When I was a child my father had quelled a minor uprising in Germania with the help of several roman legions. He came into possession of profitable land and holdings in the area; as such I had been schooled in the Germanic languages by a tutor from a young age. I had just turned eighteen and this was a test of my father's to prove that I was a man capable of handling my fathers' affairs. I would prove to him that I could do this and return to Rome for my reward, a vacation villa near Capua.
Capua was the location of the best gladiator schools in all the Roman Empire and I hoped to invest in some warriors. I'd become smitten with them since my friend, Portius, had paid for me to spend a memorable night with one of the most popular fighters as a thank you gift. At first I'd been somewhat frightened of the large man but he'd held me tenderly as he fucked me like a rutting animal.
Portius and I had been friends since childhood. He'd discovered my secret attraction to men when he'd found me in my room sucking the cock of one of our slaves. He eagerly stepped up to take his turn in my mouth and we'd been closer ever since. We had spent much time in the public baths as both our tastes ran to more plebian men. The coarse laborers and soldiers we found there held more appeal for us than the circumspect men of our own class.
Our only difference lay in the fact that Portius liked to fuck men and I preferred to be fucked. He claimed I was a fool, that I didn't know what I was missing. I'd tried it but it wasn't so much to my liking as the feeling of being penetrated. Portius thought it was my own fault for letting some of our household slaves fuck me from the time I was fifteen but I knew better. There had been no "letting" I had commanded them, practically threatening them with crucifixion. My desires were something I'd been born to. Portius did not seem to care much, however, as he was always more than ready to fuck me himself.
Now I was in Germania without Portius or slaves, sharing a tent each night with Gordianus who was a fat slob with pocked skin and terrible smelling breath. He never left my side so I couldn't even try to tempt one of my father's hired guards into my bed. I was frustrated, cold and miserable.
As we neared the village I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape as we approached the steppes to the mountains. I looked to the stone building that was the seat to the ruler of the tribes in this area. It was not impressive by roman standards but it was far better than most of the settlements we'd passed since entering Gaul. I had never realized how the barbarians lived like squalid animals in thatched huts without the most basic of amenities. Even the Roman settlements we'd passed through had been of lower quality than I could have anticipated.
"That there is where the king lives," Gordianus broke my reverie. "He leads all the tribes here about. He's the one we'll be dealing with."
I nodded and stared at the low stone walls of the structure, noting the crude way it was assembled. I turned to my travel companion to ask, "How long has it been since you were last here?"
"Two years, sir. Even from here I can tell they've improved things quite a bit. That fort there was just being built."
"And this so-called-king, Tylus, reigns from there?"
"Aye, sir, that is him. A wise man and a good host, you'll find him easy to deal with I'd say."
"If the gods see fit we will complete our dealings quickly and return to Rome within the month."
Gordianus just nodded and went on to tell me more of the customs of the people but I only half listened, thinking of how much I hated all this. At least my father had the foresight to teach me the language which would hopefully speed matters along greatly. In fact I'd found that I spoke the Germanic tongue better than Gordianus who was capable of communication but not as articulate as I.
As the sun began to fall in the west we approached the village. All the people gathered to watch us approach and followed us to the fort. Tylus, the king, came out to greet us with his women and children. I dismounted to greet him formally and clasp his hand. I'd brought gifts of wine and cloth for him, beaded jewelry and trinkets for his women and children. He thanked me profusely and led my small party into the great hall where food was being put out.
Gordianus and I were seated at the front of the hall with Tylus and his family. The king himself served me the choicest cuts from the meat and fowl put on the table. It took me some time to acclimate myself to their particular accent but we were soon conversing and eating merrily. I certainly enjoyed the fresh food after so much road rations. We drank of the local ale which I found bitter but serviceable. I was soon a bit drunk and tried not to drink so much as I needed to keep my wits about me.
There was no talk of business, just as Gordianus had told me to expect, though I was impatient to begin. I knew that by serving the customs of the people I would earn more respect from Tylus and our negotiations would proceed more amicably. As the dinner proceeded a bard came in and sang a tale of a great battle and the heroes involved. By the time the tale was told I was yawning mightily, tired from the long journey to get here.
Tylus placed his hand on my shoulder to get my attention and said, "You are tired from travelling so many days on the road. We have reserved the room of my oldest son to be yours while you are here. I hope you will find it to your liking. Come and I will show you." He motioned to one of the women servants and told her to have warm water brought to my room. I could have kissed the old man when I heard that.
"What of my guard and Gordianus?" I wasn't sure if I should go alone but Gordianus nodded and smiled before saying, "We'll be well taken care of, sir. Tylus is well known for his hospitality. Enjoy your bath."
I turned and followed the king down a hall to a large and well-appointed room. There was a small antechamber with a low bench and beyond that a wide room with a large fur-covered mattress on the floor. A fire blazed along the further wall. I was suitably impressed and thanked Tylus. A boy was preparing a bath in a large wooden tub and I itched with the need to get clean. Tylus called out a name and a stout woman entered the room with four young girls.
Tylus beckoned the girls over, saying, "These women are here for your pleasure, lord. They are the most beautiful in this land and will keep you warm in the night." He leered at me expecting approval except I had no idea how to respond.
"Um, your o-offer is greatly appreciated, Tylus." I couldn't help stuttering and felt a blush spreading up from my neck. "But this is unnecessary. They are comely women to be certain." And even I could tell that was true.
"Nonsense, my lord Cassius. I wish your stay here to be as comfortable as possible. And a happy man deals better with the business we will be discussing on the morrow. Let these women please you."
I wasn't sure if I should just accept or how I could even refuse. I knew that someday soon I would have to take a wife and have children but the idea of being intimate with a woman was something I felt disgusted by. I would do my duty when the day came, even if I had to force myself, but I could not do it here and now.
"Tylus," I placed a hand on his shoulder and stepped closer so that only he could hear me. "I do not, um, keep the company of women." A look of confusion passed over his face and I knew the exact moment he understood me as his eyes brightened and he smiled.
"Ah, yes, my lord, I understand you. Berta, take these women away." He waved his hand at the stout woman and she led the girls from the room. "I will let you enjoy your bath in peace then and I will return soon."
"Thank you, Tylus. And you needn't return as I will retire after my bath."
"It is my responsibility to see that you are well rested this night, my lord. I cannot let the son of the one I am beholden to pass the night disagreeably. I will return shortly to wish you goodnight."
