Mark of Mars Page 7

  “It looks like it was built yesterday,” Amelia gushed. “It’s so clean and white.”

  “It was built very recently,” Luke piped up. “The previous wooden stadium was heavily damaged in a fire and Trajan rebuilt it.”

  “Is there anything you don’t know, Luke?” Amelia shook her head at him.

  “No much,” he shrugged.

  The three students took their seats, completely awe struck by their surroundings, the noise was incredible and the tiered seating was packed to bursting. They did not have to wait long for the races to start.

  “There are eight chariots per race and the winner of each race goes on to the next round until the final,” Gaius enlightened them.

  “Where’s the starting line?” Luke asked.

  “They start from the entrance gate at the far end. They have like a starting block.”

  “How many times do they race around the track?” Jenna was curious.

  “Seven times.” Gaius pointed to the central barrier. “You see those seven bronze dolphins on that pole? They flip up a dolphin at the start of each lap so the crowd can see where they are in the race. Two dolphins standing up means lap two and so on.”

  “Are there many accidents?” The last thing Jenna wanted to see was a horse getting hurt.

  “Quite a few crashes. I should also warn you that to get the best control out of the horses, the charioteer ties the reigns around his waist.”

  “What happens if the chariot turns over?” Amelia was stunned. “Surely the rider will be dragged along behind the horses?”

  “That’s why they all carry daggers. Quick reactions to cut the reigns can save their lives. Adds to the excitement,” Gaius beamed.

  All the spectators were on their feet as the first chariots burst into the arena. The horses were magnificent, the chariots shone and the riders looked resplendent, their armour glistening in the late afternoon sun.

  They were totally captivated as the race started, it was thrilling and terrifying at the same time. The chariots all charged into the arena, each one hoping to have a clear line around the first corner closest to the central barrier. Jenna held her breath as one overturned and another got crushed into the stands. Her eyes seemed to be everywhere, checking that the horses were fine, seeing if the riders got up. There was just too much to focus on. Finding a clear racing line took a tremendous amount of skill.

  It reminded Jenna a bit of motor racing, except here there was no safety car when an accident happened. One of the Red’s chariots overturned and the rider went under the hooves of the chariot behind him, his body was tossed about like a rag doll. Amelia buried her head on Luke’s shoulder.

  “I can’t bear to watch” she squealed. “Is he alive?”

  “Yeah, but it’s the medical crew I feel sorry for.” Jenna saw two men with a stretcher rush out onto the track and retrieve the injured rider as quickly as possible. The race was still underway and if they did not clear the track in time, they were cut down. It was the same for the poor guys who had to remove obstacles like broken bits of chariot. Speed was of the utmost importance for them as well.

  Each lap was fiercely fought over with only three chariots actually finishing the first race. The winner of the heat received deafening applause from the spectators and was presented with a purple coloured ribbon from the Emperor which he tied onto the handle of his chariot before leaving the arena.

  “Bloody hell, I nearly wet myself,” Amelia puffed out her cheeks. “How many more rounds are there?”

  “Lots more,” Luke grinned.

  Jenna looked at Amelia. “I guess with our dress choices I’m supporting the Blues and you the Reds”

  They sat back down whilst the arena was cleared and set for the next race. As soon as the new riders appeared at the starting gates, the stands went wild. They were off. Just as Jenna leapt up, an unexpected gust of wind caught her headscarf, and blew it high up into the air. She tried to make a grab for it but it was out of her reach. It seemed to hang in the air for a short time before floating down towards the track. Much to her embarrassment it got caught by one of the riders as he sped past.

  Jenna looked at Gaius a little sheepishly. “Sorry!”

  Gaius just shook his head. “I heard you were a complete nightmare to be around.”

  “At least he’s on the Blue team, so my scarf matches.” He was quite right, she was a disaster area at times.

  Brutus could not help grinning. The scarf he had just caught was going to give him so much pleasure. He knew the girl it had fallen from straight away; she was the one who had caught his eye during the procession. She was absolutely stunning and if he was not mistaken, she was the one his brother was after. And with the Marshall watching in Emperor Trajan’s box, he was going to have so much fun. But to do so, he needed to concentrate and win the race.

  The horses were going at a fearsome pace and Brutus made sure he was clear of any chariots as he made the turn into lap number three. Behind him he heard the unmistakable sound of crashing chariots. He managed to maintain his lead for the rest of the race. Having that extra incentive really made him focus. Saying that, the opening heats were almost too easy for him. It was the latter races where he would be tested. The crowd went wild when he crossed the finish line. Having received his purple ribbon, bowed in Emperor Trajan’s direction, he rode his chariot around the track and stopped in front of Jenna’s box. He had a pretty shrewd idea this would where she would be seated; a woman that beautiful would be sheltered, not out with the general populous. He kissed her scarf and bowed, even happier that she was in the front row, just within reach.

  Jenna felt the colour rush to her cheeks. He was thanking her for his victory in front of the whole stadium. The crowd loved it.

  “Give some sort of acknowledgement to him,” hissed Gaius. “It is expected.”

  Jenna blew him a kiss. “Is that the kind of thing you were after?” she looked sideways at Gaius.

  “Brutus seems happy so I guess that was fine.”

  “Is that the rider’s name?”

  “Yes, he’s the Blues’ best rider and very popular on the racing circuit, especially with the ladies!”

  Jenna sat back down and waited for the next race to start. So much for keeping a low profile.

  “Are they free men who race or are they slaves?” Luke asked.

  “A mixture. Many start as slaves and receive their freedom after winning a fortune for their owner. It has started to become popular though amongst wealthy, young Romans who enjoy dicing with danger.”

  “Like Brutus?”

  “Yes, Brutus is certainly not a slave. He’s the son of a very wealthy Roman apparently.”

  The next few races passed in a haze of action, crashes and mayhem; it really did make compelling viewing. Formula One racing look positively dull in comparison.

  “That’s all the first heats over with. Brutus should be up again next,” Gaius informed them.

  Jenna hoped he would have lost her scarf, but as the riders came back in, her blue scarf was tied to the handle of his chariot. He even flashed her a smile as he passed at breakneck speed. “Show off,” she muttered under her breath. However, she was soon shouting his name with the rest of the Blues’ supporters. He did not disappoint and weaved his magic with the horses and chariot which culminated in a nail biting finish.

  Brutus was feeling invincible and as he received his next purple ribbon he knew just what he was going to do with it. Having bowed to the Emperor once more, ignored the dagger looks from his brother, he rode around and stopped in front of Jenna. This time he leant over the barrier and gave the ribbon to her. As she took it from him, he raised her hand to his lips. The crowd cheered very loudly.

  “Can you ever do anything discreetly?” Gaius sighed in exasperation.

  “”I’m sorry, I’m just a magnet for trouble,” Jenna winced.

  Amelia giggled and tied the purple ribbon around Jenna’s wrist. “I’m always guaranteed a good show when you’re
around.”

  The next few races were just as exhilarating. It was difficult to predict who would win, whether anyone would be injured or what was going to happen. Each race held its own excitement. The last heat was won by a Red rider.

  “That’s Axia. He’s Brutus’ main rival,” Gaius scowled. He was a fan of the Blues through and through.

  The girls watched in amazement as Axia pulled his chariot up in front of their box. Had a bloody stop sign been installed, Jenna thought? Much to her amusement, Axia leant over the barrier and passed his ribbon to Amelia. She was wearing his colours after all. Amelia turned the same colour as her dress when he kissed her hand. The crowd hooted with delight.

  “My lady, might I be so bold as to ask for your scarf to bring me good luck for the final?” He had a very strong accent. Jenna thought possibly from Germania.

  Amelia was rendered almost speechless as she pulled of her headscarf and passed it to Axia. “I hope it brings you good fortune,” she murmured as she handed it over.

  Axia and Brutus weren’t just racing for the trophy now, they were racing for their respective ladies.

  Amelia glanced at Jenna. “Is it always like this in your world?”

  “No. I usually try and hide.”

  Luke glanced over at Gaius. “I almost get the feeling we’re redundant,” he grunted.

  The final was soon upon them. As the last eight riders entered the arena one by one, each interacted with the audience. Brutus came in last and from the noise the crowd made, it seemed he was very popular indeed. He took hold of Jenna’s scarf, kissed it again wound it around his neck. He really was the showman. Jenna secretly hoped Axia would win. Not just for her sake, but for Amelia as well.

  As the race started, it was a real battle. All eight riders were very skilled and none could take the outright lead. One eventually took a corner too quickly and overturned. Jenna was pleased to see he cut the reigns so was not dragged along by his horses. Brutus and another rider were having a clash for third place and the other chariot was the one who lost in the fourth lap. It left Axia and Brutus in a fight for first place with three laps to go. It was neck and neck most of the way, the wheels of their chariots getting tangled every now and then, each taking their turn to steal a few paces on the other. It was so close, it was a race to cross the finish line, Jenna could barely watch, but victory went to Brutus.

  He was ecstatic. He had won the tournament and succeeded in upsetting his brother at the same time. In fact, he was about to make his brother livid. Emperor Trajan presented him with his gold medal. Brutus held it up to the crowd before putting it around his neck. He did a couple of laps of honour to thank the crowd for their support before stopping again in front of Jenna. This time he leapt from his chariot and over the barrier.

  Jenna was more than a little shocked as he pulled her into the arms and planted the most theatrical of kisses on her mouth. Well it started as a bit of theatrics, but as his mouth met hers, it changed instantly. There was something about her that was just irresistible, her lips were so soft and she was just delightful to hold. He completely forgot there were a hundred and fifty thousand people watching him as he tightened his grip and lost himself in those fascinating deep blue eyes. He had to use all his willpower to break his kiss. He looked down at her beautiful face, her lips a little pinker due to the activity they had just seen.

  “Forgive me, you are enchanting,” he breathed, before jumping back over the barrier and riding out to the screams of the crowd.

  Gaius looked at Jenna in amazement. She shrugged her shoulders in response; what was she supposed to do if riders leapt over the barrier and kissed her?

  Brutus couldn’t stop smiling; she was not only one of the most stunning women he had ever met, but her mouth was just intoxicating. He would not have minded transporting her somewhere private. Very private. But most of all, he would dearly like to have seen his brother’s face as he kissed her in front of most of Rome.

  As he dismounted from his chariot, he wasn’t surprised to see Mars waiting for him. He looked very fierce indeed. “Hand me the scarf,” he growled.

  “Why, it’s really not your colour, Marshall,” Brutus grinned.

  “Need I remind you that I’m carrying a sword and you’re not, so unless you want me to put a scar down that baby face of yours, hand it over.”

  Brutus untied the scarf from his neck and raised it to his face. “She certainly does smell divine.” He inhaled her perfume. “She tastes sublime too. Perhaps I should go back for another sample.”

  “Don’t even think about it, Apollo.” Mars was in no mood for his brother’s games.

  “Why, worried she might prefer the other brother? Have you not yet managed to win the maiden over and are concerned that perhaps your talent for seduction is waning?” he taunted. The next second Apollo found himself flying through the air, before crashing to the ground. “Was that really necessary, Mars?” he rubbed his jaw.

  “Yes, it made me feel better.” Mars walked over and removed the scarf from Apollo’s grasp.

  “Frightened of a little competition?” Apollo taunted.

  “No, but if you so much as touch her again, I will make sure you live the rest of your life as a eunuch.”

  Luke, Jenna and Amelia followed Gaius out of the stadium. Jenna was feeling very exposed without her headscarf and was drawing far too much attention. She was aware of an excited chatter rippling through the crowd. She didn’t need any more excitement, she had had enough for one day. As the crowd dispersed, she could see what the issue was. Marshall Vilnus looking proud and menacing on his black horse.

  He dismounted and walked over to her. He was not in the best of moods. Brutus had made a play for the one woman he had shown serious interest in. He had all but challenged him publicly.

  “I do believe you lost something earlier,” he scowled and produced her headscarf.

  “Thank you, Marshall,” she blushed.

  As he wrapped it around her head, he ran his thumb firmly over her lips. Jenna’s colour deepened rapidly; the meaning was quite clear, he was removing the traces of Brutus’ kiss.

  “I couldn’t have half of Rome looking at that beautiful face. I have enough riots to deal with already.” He spoke so only she could hear. The urge to kiss her on those incredibly soft lips was almost overwhelming, he desperately wanted to stake his claim on her in front of everyone. But he knew it was a dangerous move. She was unpredictable and he could end up being humiliated instead.

  He strode back to his horse, remounted and took off through the crowds.

  “Is it me or was that seriously weird?” Amelia asked.

  “In what way?” Jenna asked.

  “The Marshall of the Peace returning your lost property? And he didn’t look too happy about it. I think our Marshall was suffering a little from the green eyed monster. Obviously doesn’t care for competition.”

  “Yes, it was a bit strange. But then this whole day has been a bit surreal.” Jenna couldn’t help smiling as she looked at the purple ribbon on her wrist. That was definitely going in her box of special treasures. It would always remind her of a brazen young chariot racer, who just so happened to be an excellent kisser.

  “The miserable git didn’t even retrieve my scarf,” Amelia grunted. “No manners.” Although secretly she was quite happy for Axia to keep it.

  CHAPTER 9

  Jenna, Amelia and Luke were perched on a bench at the edge of the Trajan market enjoying the late afternoon sun.

  “Most men would not look quite so miserable being dragged out by two lovely, young women,” Jenna scowled at Luke.

  “But some disaster usually befalls you, Jenna. I have learnt it is safer to keep my distance.”

  Jenna slapped his shoulder. “We must persuade Gaius to take us on another outing together somewhere.”

  “Are you keen to go back to the Circus Maximus?” Luke teased.

  Jenna poked her tongue out at him in response. She wasn’t sure whether or not she’d w
ant to kiss Brutus again. It was very nice but she didn’t appreciate it in front of so many people.

  Amelia nudged her. “You’ve zoned out, Jenna. Brutus was it?”

  Jenna felt her cheeks turn pink. “Of course not,” she snapped defensively. “We need somewhere new. Definitely not the Circus. The Colosseum perhaps?”

  “Only if they’re not killing people that day,” Amelia shivered. “I’d love to see inside it, but not what goes on in that arena.”

  “We haven’t seen the city gates yet?” Luke suggested. “We have to, at the very least, step on the Apian way.”

  “There’s the theatre,” Jenna said thoughtfully. “Not that I know much about Roman plays.”