Foreword
After reading a few stories placed in the Roman Empire I decided to write a few myself. These stories won't show Rome like the kind you saw in old Hollywood movies, I intend to show the Rome the way Romans saw it. Language will be modernized. I won't use their own words and syntax, but instead modern language to express their thoughts. Somewhat like
The knights' tale
, only taking place in Rome.
The story is happening at the end of the 1
st
century. Location: Rome, urbs eterna. The protagonist is a young slave, Montanus, and this is the story of his rise to power.
* * * * * *
Prologue
I don't remember much of my early childhood, only faint images. I remember a village in the north, cold and snowy. My parents, I don't recall their faces, only voices remain. My next memory is of a fire, everything burning in the winter night, warriors plundering, killing, raping, everyone dead. These warriors took me as a slave with them, far to the south, their homeland, The Roman Empire.
I was sold at a market. I must have been around 4 or 5 years old then. From todays' point of view, I had incredible luck. An elderly patrician bought me as a playmate for his son, Aurelius. He also gave me a name, Montanus. I don't remember what my name was before that.
I had a fairly good childhood after that. I received quite an education while keeping Aurelius company. My master treated me well, I was rarely punished, and wasn't molested, what itself was a rarity. And I wasn't stupid, I knew my role and how to play my cards right. Keep the kid happy, stay out of trouble and enjoy every bit of life you can get.
I lost my virginity to Aurelius when I was 15, and he lost his to me. Pleasing him was a new role that I had to fulfil. We were almost like brothers so it wasn't much trouble. Life was ok until one day my master was accused of conspiring against the Emperor. Everyone knew this was a lie, but a serious charge came from a serious place, a powerful bureaucrat from the imperial palace, someone my master made an enemy of long ago.
Praetorians stormed the villa, imprisoned everyone. My master was thrown to the lions in the arena, his property confiscated by the state, household members and slaves were to be sold at the slave market. I am 18 years old and to be sold at the market again.
* * * * *
Chapter I. – Oak breaks, reed bends
'Attention good buyers, here I have the finest specimen in all of the Empire.' the slave-trader exclaimed pointing at me. '6'5'' tall, weighting 190 lbs, Nordic good looks, strong enough to rip of a bulls' tail, healthy as a horse, educated, speaks Greek. Whether you need a gladiator, a teacher, or if you're looking for pleasure, this one's got it all.' he added.
Soon the bidding started, quite lively I must say. If I hadn't been despairing over my future I would have found myself complimented as the final bid came to 2500 Sestercia, well above the initial price of 600. 'Sold to Iuvenal Maximus' the slave-trader proclaimed. My new master was in his late twenties, 6' tall, round 160 lbs, muscular, dark tanned. The last that I saw of Aurelius and his household was when I left the market following my new master to his home.
It was quite a walk to my new home. During the time we got there I got a few glimpses of my new master, and I was worried. I knew that my cushy life so far came to an end, and I knew that whatever future had in store for me I didn't like. We got to my masters' villa suburbana, not as lavish as the villas in the city, but still its' existence showed wealth. As we entered my master took me to the atrium.
I was ordered to strip, because my master decided to check if I was healthy and whole. After he was done feeling my body, he cuffed me with shackles to one of the pillars. As he briefly explained, now he was gonna show me who the master in this household was. I knew what was coming, getting whipped to remind you that you're a slave.