Mark of Mars Read online

  “Talking of which, is it wise for you to be walking in a potentially rough area on your own?” She suddenly had an irrational fear that he was putting himself at risk by being with her.

  A huge grin crossed Marcus’ face. “Without wanting to sound too arrogant, I am the best swordsman in Rome. No-one in their right mind would approach me.”

  The bloody man also had a perfect white smile, almost unheard of in this century. “I might have to put that to the test one day,” she mused.

  Marcus shook his head. “You fight like a man, are incredibly outspoken and highly irritating. What other talents do you have I should know about?”

  “You are going to be very pained to hear I am well educated too,” she teased.

  “You can read and write?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why?” he quizzed.

  “Why not?”

  “You’re a woman.”

  “I am? Well thank you for enlightening me. That fact had completely escaped my notice,” was the sarcastic response.

  Marcus held his hand up in defeat. “What I meant was that there is no need for women to be educated. A man marries a woman for many different reasons, but not generally because she can read.”

  “If you ever marry, would you like your wife to just look decorative or would you not prefer for her to at least be able to discuss some areas of your business with you?”

  “To be perfectly honest, I would just like my wife to take care of all my needs with enthusiasm!”

  She picked up his meaning from his leery smile. “Pig.”

  “I’m a man, Jenna. You should expect no less.”

  “And you wonder why I have such a low opinion of men,” she sighed. “Come to think of it, how do you know my name? I never gave it to you.”

  “I’m Marshall of the Peace. It is my duty to know who arrives in Rome.”

  “You seem very young to head up Rome’s security. How did you get to become Marshall?” Curiosity got the better of her.

  “It is skill not age that leads an army. I was an exceptionally gifted general who had the honour of serving under Emperor Trajan when he was expanding the Empire. He asked me to return to Rome with him to help install a lasting peace in the city.”

  “How long have you been Marshall?”

  “A while.”

  “Where did you serve?” She hoped he wouldn’t say Britannia.

  “Germania and Gaul.”

  “What was Emperor Trajan like as a General, before he became Emperor?”

  “You mean his character?”

  “His character, his ability to lead, everything.”

  “His is one of the best leaders I have ever met. His military strategy was outstanding, he would never sacrifice soldiers needlessly. He truly cared for his men, making sure they were well fed, kept warm and had their injuries attended for. He never acted rashly, always thinking first. The noblest of men. Does that answer your question?”

  “Yes. As you might have gathered, I’m a huge fan of his.” She paused for a moment before asking her next question. She hoped he wouldn’t take offence. “I take it you must be Roman?”

  He showed those wonderful white teeth again. “Of course, Jenna. Only one of pure blood could hold such a position.”

  “As such a noble Roman, I am surprised you are talking to a foreigner.” Jenna could not resist teasing him.

  “You’re an interesting case so I will overlook that fact.” They had arrived to where his horse was tethered. “Will you let me see you safely back to your temple or are we going to fight about this?”

  The corners of Jenna’s mouth twitched. He wasn’t going to have it all his own way. “You can escort me, as long as I have a horse to ride. I don’t like being on the back.”

  He looked a little startled. “You ride?”

  “I’ve been riding since I was a young child,” she replied smugly.

  “As you wish.” He barked an order to a nearby soldier and another horse magically appeared. He was about to lift her up into the saddle when a thought crossed her mind.

  “This might seem a strange question, but do women here ride side saddle or astride? I have found that it varies from culture to culture and I would not want to cause offence unnecessarily.” Jenna felt her cheeks flush under his intense gaze.

  “Generally women do not ride. But the few that do, chose side saddle.” He took hold of her bent leg and hoisted her up into the saddle.

  Jenna felt a surge of adrenaline. She wasn’t just in ancient Rome, she was riding in it. As the streets were fairly empty, the horses were trotting along quite happily. All well and good had she been wearing a sports bra. But no, Roman woman didn’t wear bras. She made sure her elbows were tucked in tightly to her chest.

  “Do many women ride in Arula?” Marcus continued his questioning.

  “Quite a few. It’s our national past time.” Just as she answered a stray dog ran out from a side street, making her horse very skittish. She soon got it back under control; she would have been mortified had it thrown her off in front of Marcus.

  “You are correct, you are an accomplished rider,” Marcus acknowledged.

  They arrived back at the temple in next to no time. She was starting to get used to having him lift her down off a horse. Actually, she almost looked forward to it.

  “Thank you for the ride, Marshall Vilnus. I enjoyed it.” She thought she’d at least make an attempt at being polite for once.

  He removed his helmet again and flashed her a very disarming smile. “We have managed to pass much of the afternoon without an argument. And now I have done something you approve of. Be on your guard, Jenna, the people of Rome might actually think you’re warming to me.”

  “Oh, don’t get your hopes up. It won’t last.”

  “Good night, Jenna,” he shook his head despairingly. “And I would really prefer it if you would start using my name, not my title.”

  “Whatever, Marshall,” she grinned as she walked up the stairs into the temple.

  Amelia was happy to be back in Rome. She’d felt guilty at her initial annoyance of having to return to McVale so soon, but she knew her mother wouldn’t have tried to have got hold of her if it was not urgent. Her Grandmother had been rushed into hospital with suspected heart failure. But the old stalwart had pulled through and was making a marvellous recovery. Amelia was relieved she did not have to make a trip home.

  As she stepped outside Mars’ temple, she took a deep breath and inhaled the smell of Rome. The sun was low, the Forum of Augustus emptying, Rome was preparing for the evening. She was thrilled to be back and hoped Jenna had not gotten into too much trouble without her. She started to cross the Forum of Trajan, deep in thought about how weird it was having two completely different lives. She squealed loudly when strong hands grabbed her waist and lifted her off her feet. She was deposited back on her feet a few meters away.

  She stared at the column of mounted soldiers riding across the Forum. Had someone not grabbed her, she would have most surely been trampled.

  “Did you not hear them approaching?” a familiar centurion barked.

  Amelia felt herself colour. “Sorry, my mind was pre-occupied.”

  “Evidently,” he grunted. “In future you might want to pay a little more attention to your surroundings. Rome can be a dangerous place.”

  “Thanks for the advice,” she retorted and head off on her way. She could feel her cheeks burning; insufferable centurion.

  “I’m sorry,” he fell in beside her. “I did not mean to sound rude.”

  “Well, you did,” she snapped back.

  “Are you going to stop and let me apologise?”

  “Probably not,” she retorted, her tone lightening.

  He sighed in exasperation. “Are all ladies from your homeland this prickly?”

  Amelia could not help but laugh. “I am not prickly.” She stopped and turned to face him.

  He grinned and removed his helmet. “I did not mean to cause you offenc
e. Now will you let me escort you back to your temple?”

  Amelia felt like her stomach had suddenly filled with a thousand butterflies. He had curly light brown hair that stopped just above his shoulders and light brown eyes. He appeared to be just a couple of years older than her, and was certainly cute.

  “What is your name, centurion?” she fixed him with a hard stare.

  “Augustus.”

  “Very well, Augustus, you can ensure my safe return of Apollo’s temple.” She started walking again.

  “Where have you been visiting today?” He slipped his helmet back on.

  “The Temple of Mars?”

  He looked at her a little shocked. “What interest does Mars hold for a temple handmaiden?”

  “A good friend of mine is a priest there. I was visiting him, not Mars.”

  He seemed to stiffen at her response. “How long have you been at Apollo’s temple?”

  “Just a few days.”

  “Are you planning on staying long?”

  “I’m here to learn about Rome, so will hopefully be here a while.” She decided it was time to turn the questions to him. “How long have you been a centurion?”

  “Nearly two years.”

  “The riots, do they occur often?”

  “At the moment, yes. There is great unrest in some areas of the city.”

  “Do you work every day?”

  “I’m a centurion, I serve continually.”

  “Do you have a family in Rome?”

  “Yes. My mother and young brother.” He cast a glance sideways. “You ask a lot of questions for a woman.”

  Amelia bristled. “Forgive me. I am an educated woman and keen to learn more about the city and its inhabitants.”

  “I don’t meet many educated women.”

  “So I gather,” she responded haughtily. Luckily they were almost at Apollo’s temple so she would avoid another argument. “Thank you for walking me back, I hope it has not been too traumatic.”

  He shook his head. “Something tells me our paths will cross many times.”

  She hoped so. “Perhaps they will.”

  As she headed up the temple steps, he came after her. “Wait, you have not yet told me your name.”

  “Amelia.” She gave him her best enigmatic smile and scurried into the sanctity of the temple.

  “Don’t you look like the cat that got the cream,” Jenna teased as Amelia reappeared in the temple close to sundown.

  “Just passing the time of day with Augustus,” Amelia beamed.

  “Who’s Augustus?” Jenna’s interest was roused.

  “The cute centurion who keeps dropping me back at the Temple. And what about you? You’re looking very pleased with yourself.”

  “I’ve just been enjoying an afternoon of Marshall baiting. It’s very therapeutic.”

  “Is that what they call it now,” Amelia smiled knowingly. “He’s not too ugly without his helmet, you know.”

  Jenna rolled her eyes in response. “I wouldn’t know. How’s everything back at McVale?”

  “Fine. Mum just needed to let me know that Gran had a heart attack. She’s pulled through and should make a full recovery. She’s one tough old woman.”

  “Are you alright being back here?”

  “Of course. Mum will get a message to me again if I need to go. Now let’s see what Cassandra has in store for us next.

  CHAPTER 8

  Jenna and Amelia had been bounding around the temple all morning like overexcited children. Cassandra was extending their experience of Rome and allowing them to go to the Circus Maximus; ancient Rome’s version of a race course. Chariot racing to be exact.

  They changed out of their temple gowns and donned the standard dress worn by Roman women; a long tunic, tied at the waist with a silken cord and a triangular wrap for the head and shoulders. Jenna’s tunic was a light blue and Amelia’s a pale red. They braided each other’s hair which was then tied up elaborately with ribbons. It was even more exciting than getting ready for her first party thought Amelia.

  “Oh goodness,” gushed Cassandra. “You could both pass for noble Roman ladies.”

  “Just don’t let Jenna open her mouth and we might succeed,” Amelia giggled.

  “Always the comedian,” Jenna grunted. She noticed Cassandra had not changed. “Are you not coming with us?”

  “No, but don’t worry I wouldn’t send you on your own. Gaius and Luke are going with you. With a male chaperone, you will come to no harm.”

  And Gaius looked every inch the Roman father. He was dressed in a toga that seemed to ooze quality.

  “Well ladies, time to head out, we don’t want to miss the procession.”

  “What procession?” Jenna asked.

  “All that charioteers ride in a procession through the city streets. It adds to the hype for the races and lets the crowd get a better look at each of them.”

  The girls didn’t need asking twice. Head scarves were tied and they were out the temple in no time at all.

  “Please keep your heads covered until we get to the Circus. I’m in no state to fight off unwanted suitors,” Gaius sighed.

  “Is he always this cheerful?” Jenna grinned at Luke. Both girls linked their arms through his and followed dutifully behind Gaius. He stopped a short distance from the Circus; they were all buzzing with excitement.

  “The charioteers should pass by here, then it’s only a few minutes’ walk to the Circus Maximus,” Gaius instructed. “If you are not already aware, there are four teams which race – Blue, Green, Red and White. You will find that everyone has their personal favourite.”

  The three students waited excitedly. The street was lined with people and the louder the noise got, the closer they figured the charioteers were. They were not disappointed when the procession reached them. Each chariot was pulled by four horses; the riders sported a tunic the colour of their team, along with shining armour and helmet. They looked absolutely magnificent. Almost fit for battle.

  Each charioteer carried the emblem of the God or Goddess they supported. It was fascinating to see who they put their faith in. Flowers were being thrown in front of the charioteers by adoring female fans, the cheering from the crowd was deafening. And they hadn’t even got to the Stadium yet.

  The last team to pass was the Blues. “They’re the most popular in Rome at the moment,” Gaius whispered to the girls.

  As they were passing, one of the charioteers caught her eye. Well to be honest, she caught his; he was staring at her intently. From what she could see, he had blond curly hair, blue eyes and a very cheeky grin. He winked as he rode past. Showman, Jenna smiled to herself. What amused her most was the fact he carried Apollo’s emblem.

  When the procession passed, there was a mad dash to the Circus Maximus. “We are lucky as we already have seats reserved. Apart from the Emperor’s box, there is only one other box where you can reserve seats.”

  “How many spectators can the Circus seat?” Amelia asked.

  “Currently, over one hundred and fifty thousand.”

  Jenna looked at him in shock. “A hundred and fifty thousand spectators? That’s bigger than any stadium we have back home.”

  “It’s also bigger than the Colosseum which can only seat fifty-thousand. Chariot racing here is big business. People queue from dawn to get into the Circus.”

  “Then you must know some very influential people to have got these seats,” Jenna smiled.

  “I do. It is also one of the safest places to be. Romans do not like to see their teams lose and fights frequently break out in the stands if supporters of one team think another fouled their rider.”

  “No different to two London football teams playing each other then,” Luke remarked. Perhaps this was where inter-fan fighting started.

  The Circus Maximus was magnificent and so similar to some of the modern racing constructions. It was built out of white stone, tiered seating surrounded the entire oblong shaped track with the exception of the Emperor’
s box on one side and a second box on the other. The main arena was over six hundred metres long; a very ornate barrier ran down the centre of the arena and it was around this that the contestants raced their chariots.

  Gaius ushered them towards the box, he had secured them front row seats. The box was almost opposite the Emperor’s, but as the arena was around one hundred metres wide, she would not get that good a view of him.