Vittorio Carvelli

The Story of Gracchus

LIBER VI
The Sixth Book

Chapters 35-37

XXXV. Ad Romam
35. To Rome

Reditus ad Villam
Return to the Villa

On arrival back at the villa everyone was just anxious to get bath, and then have a change of clothes, and a brief moment to relax. It had been a long, hot, dusty and tiring day. Fortunately, as the ludi came to and end, the sun was low in the sky, and on the verge of setting.

Adonios and Aurarius soon discarded their formal clothes and then, stripped down to their loincloths, were busy preparing tasty little morsels for Marcus, (and Glaux), along with some wine (well diluted with water), while he relaxed in his luxurious, marble lined bath. Of course, as soon as there was some food around, Glaux was 'tiptoeing' around, (do owls have toes?), trying to be as unobtrusive as possible, as he tried to discover if there were any tasty morsels left unguarded.

This, however, was only a brief interlude for Marcus and the others in the villa, as there was a banquet arranged for the evening with, of course, Titus as the guest of honour.

Festum post Ludi
The Feast after the Ludi

Even if Titus had not been a house-guest, however, it was the custom at the villa to have a celebratory meal on the evening after a successful ludi. And undoubtedly this ludi had been successful, as Marcus had achieved two important 'goals'. The first, and the most important, was to have enacted his public retribution on those who had conspired against the late Dominus, and himself. They had all been publicly humiliated, brutally and obscenely tortured, and finally very painfully executed, and that should be sufficient warning to anyone else who may wish to take action against the House of Gracchus. The second goal, dating back to the days when Marcus had first met Petronius, when they were both slaves of the late Dominus, was to stage a tableaux based on episodes from Homer's Iliad.

With these two goals achieved, one 'political' and one 'personal', Marcus could now, hopefully, relax, and concentrate on taking control of the vast assets that the late Dominus had bequeathed to him, and developing his 'political' standing in the capital. As soon as everyone had bathed, snacked and changed their clothes, in response to requests from slave-boys sent to their rooms, they made their way down to one of the large Triclinia for the cena.

A triclinium, (from the Greek τρικλίνιον), as its name suggests, describes a dining room consisting of three (tri) couches. Each couch (κλίνη, klinē) was large enough to accommodate three diners, so an average triclinium would allow for nine guests. By the time of our story, however, dinner parties often numbered many more guests, so some of the Triclinia at Marcus' Villa were quite large, and accommodated large groups of diners.

For the cena to celebrate the ludi Marcus had invited Titus, Terentius, Novius, Petronius, Demetrius, the legate Marcellus,Vespasian's two senior Tribunes, two priests from Cumae, and two magistrates from Baiae. As always, the Romans were obsessed with status, and Terentius had to ensure that everyon was accomodated in due order of rank. Titus Vespasianus was served by Adonios (with Glaux), to whom Titus had taken a particular liking. After the meal there would be the comissatio, when drinks would be served, and individuals could move around the room and indulge in more private and personal conversations.

The triclinium opened out onto a beautiful Peristyle garden, with flower beds, and fountains, and many of the guests, after the meal, took their drinks with them into the cool of the flower scented evening, while the slave boys waited in the shadows, between the columns, ever watchful of the guest's needs.

Satyri & Napaeae
Satyrs & Nymphs

It was during the comissatio that Novius diffidently approached Marcus. Marcus was looking out over the Peristyle garden, deep in thought, remembering the night that he had, what he had come to believe was, a vision of the god Apollo. That 'vision' had been on the night that the late Dominus had died, and the night that Marcus had felt that he had been finally left alone in the world.

"I think that I know what you are thinking, Dominus…," Novius said, quietly.

"Am I that easy to read?" Marcus replied, smiling at the old man.

"It would be easy to read the mind of anyone who was in your position, and had gone through all the events that you have experienced since the day that I first met you, when you were a frightened young teenager."

Marcus smiled again. "Yes, Novius, I suppose it might be easy.".

There was a momentary silence.

"May I be frank with you, Marcus?" Novius asked, dropping the title 'Dominus', and using Marcus' first name.

"Of course," Marcus replied, "You are my most trusted adviser."

"More trusted than Petronius?" Novius asked, pertinently.

"Petronius is young, as I am. I trust him implicitly, but he has not lived long enough to have a deep knowledge of the world. You, however, are like Gnaeus."

"You mean your 'father'," Novius interrupted.

"Yes, of course… My father." Marcus quickly responded, correcting himself, and stammering with embarrassment.

"So, Marcus, my dear friend, if I may call you such, I sense that you feel that you are very alone."

Marcus nodded, shifting his gaze to the statues in the centre of the moonlit garden.

"You had young Cleon. Your first love, I believe. And he relived you of your anxiety and loneliness, and helped you to deal with the pain of losing your parents, and your loss of freedom." Novius shifted his stance, uneasily. "But when you became free, young Cleon turned against you, and now he is dead."

"Yes…" Marcus replied, almost choking on the word.

"And then there was Petronius," Novius continued, "but when you gained your freedom you then felt you needed to free Petronius, and so your love remained 'unconsummated', I believe, as it would not be proper for you to have a relationship with your own freedman, a boy just slightly older than yourself, although many do follow that path, to the derision of their peers."

"Yes." Marcus nodded.

Sex between adult men who were Roman citizens was not considered proper. For a Roman male, penetrative sex was essential, and so one of the men would have to be the 'passive' partner. Sex between a citizen and a slave, particularly if the slave was of a similar age, or younger than the citizen was, however, entirely proper. If Petronius had remained a slave, Marcus could have physically consummated the relationship without any problem, but once Petronius became a free Roman citizen, Petronius or Marcus (whoever was presumed to take the 'passive' role) would have lost all social standing. For male on male sex, which was Marcus' preference, his partner would have to be a (preferably younger) slave.

"And now you are 'dominus'," Novius continued, "and will go to Rome, and become a senator, and a friend of Titus, and his father, Vespasian, and people will gossip and wonder, why has this young man no wife, or even any female slaves to satisfy him."

Marcus looked at Novius startled, and it was obvious to the old man that his dominus had not thought of this matter.

"So you see, Marcus, even if you prefer handsome young fauns to nymphs, for the sake of propriety you must take a wife, from a good patrician family, and one that will cement your standing in the senate, and Roman society."

Fauns, (derived from the Greek σάτυρος satyros), were conflated in the popular and poetic imagination with Latin spirits of woodland, and with the rustic Greek god Pan. As Dionysiac creatures they are lovers of wine, and they are ready for every physical pleasure. In the period of our story the terms Faun and Nymph were classical euphemisms for boys and girls, in the sexual sense. It was the common view among (mainly Greek) physicians, and the Roman upper classes in general, that it was essential for a healthy, virile male to indulge himself with both nymphs and fauns (boys and girls), for the sake of his health.

"Now, my boy, if you take a bride, which I strongly advise, there is no need for you to 'over exert' yourself with this young girl, particularly if you find the task less than attractive, and remember that you will still have your pick of attractive young slave-boys."

By then Marcus was listening with rapt attention.

"Which brings me to Adonios and Aurarius."

Marcus sat on one of the pale marble benches placed conveniently round the garden.

"I have known many attractive slave-boys in my long life, for I too am attracted to young 'fauns', but I have never come across such beautiful boys as those two. But, it has been rumoured, that you never use them for your pleasure, and the poor boys think that they do not please you. You also are very young to be their master, and are, as I remember from when I first met you, very attractive. The boys are besotted with you, and also Petronius, but they see, with regard to yourself, the ghost of young Cleon forever standing in their way. And here you are, feeling alone, with all your feelings unexpressed, and yet in your very own private apartments is the answer to your loneliness and frustration. So, if I may advise you on so personal a matter, let these boys show their love for you, and take your pleasure with them, and if they do not meet with your approval, which I doubt, then in Rome you will surely find beautiful young 'fauns' who will undoubtedly satisfy your needs."

Novius stood back hesitantly, hoping that he had not abused his position as adviser to his 18-year-old dominus.

"You speak very truthfully, and wisely, Novius," Marcus replied, after a few moments thought, "And I will undoubtedly act accordingly, but I shall require your further advice with regard to choosing wife, as I have no knowledge of such matters."

"Of course, Dominus. My advice is always available to you on all matters within my competence."

At that moment Terentius approached Marcus, which was just as well, as the conversation between Marcus and Novius had a reached a somewhat embarrassing pause.

"Dominus…" Terentius interjected hesitantly.

"I am sorry to interrupt your conversation with Novius, but I simply wanted to congratulate you on the magnificent Games that you staged today, a truly appropriate event to mark the beginning of a new era."

"Well, it is far from all my own doing," Marcus replied, somewhat embarrassed. "As you doubtless know, I always lean very heavily on the Master of the Arena, Petronius," Marcus explained.

"Of course," Terentius replied, "So please pass on my congratulations to Petronius."

"Indeed I will," Marcus replied.

"But now, Dominus, I am afraid I will have to leave this gathering as I need a good night's sleep, as there will be much to do tomorrow when we leave for Rome."

"Of course," Marcus replied.

"And I too must get my sleep, so goodnight to you both."

As Terentius walked away, Novius took hold of Marcus' elbow and guided him to a secluded spot in the garden.

"I know that it has been a long and difficult day, Dominus, and you are obviously tired, but I have something else to say about your slave-boys."

Marcus looked questioningly at his friend and adviser.

"Go on," he said, intrigued.

"It concerns Aurarius. Terentius was asked, at one point to make inquiries about you, as the late Dominus believed, and rightly, that you were no Greek slave-boy. Subsequently, of his own accord, Terentius, after the purchase of Aurarius, also made inquiries about the boy. From these inquiries, Ternetius and I are almost certain that Petronius and Aurarius came from the same village in Greece, Ἐλευσίς, and are more than likely, considering how much they resemble one another, brothers. Now we are concerned that Petronius, who is obviously very fond of Aurarius, particularly since your relationship with him has changed, should not become, how shall we say, erotically attached to a boy who is, in fact, his younger brother. My suggestion, therefore, if you will permit me to interfere in such intimate matters, is that you take Aurarius as your boy, and steer Adonios towards Petronius."

Novius looked hesitantly at Marcus, hoping that his Dominus would understand the situation, and not consider that he had overstepped the mark in giving such intimate advice.

Marcus was, to some extent surprised. He had often noticed the physical similarity between Aurarius and Petronius, and in particular their relaxed manner and winning smile. Both the boys spoke Greek with an identical 'country' accent, and he thought himself foolish not to have realized that possibility that they might have been related.

"Yes, Novius… you are very astute, and I think that you may well be right." Marcus paused for a moment to think. "Yes…if Aurarius agrees, I will take him as my 'boy' (pusio or pullo), for the present, and will put Cleon, who is no longer in this world anyway, aside."

Novius looked relieved. "That is good, Dominus. Aurarius is a fine, handsome boy, and I think he will be good for you."

"And now, dear friend, I must retire, and go to my new 'golden boy'," Marcus said, with a grin.

Novius patted Marcus on the shoulder. "Good night Dominus…and may Eros favor you."

As soon as Marcus left, the party broke up. No one, not even Titus Vespasianus, would 'party on' once Marcus had retired, as from then on silence would rule in the vast villa complex until it was known that Marcus had awoken.

***

Now Marcus, as you should by now have realized, was far from 'stupid', and it took very little thought for him to realise that Adonios and Aurarius had obviously spoken to Novius. Of course they would not have approached Terentius. While Terentius was a most loyal friend to Marcus, his exalted position made him, to some considerable degree, unapproachable to everyone except Marcus, Petronius and Novius. Novius, on the other hand, was more like a respected 'uncle' and, superficially at least, kind-hearted and amenable. He would have sympathized with the boys' situation, and would have been concerned to avoid any of the jealousies and frustrations that had (probably unintentionally) led to the deaths of Cleon and Glykon, (not to mention Servius).

All three had been enamoured of Marcus, he simply had that effect on people. All three felt they had been thwarted and rejected, and all three had turned against Marcus, which then resulted in their eventual downfall. But because of this, Marcus had shut himself off from all emotional attachments, even including his beloved Petronius, and now this was eating away at him, body and soul.

Novius had seen all of this, and had, for that reason, accepted the request of Adonios and Aurarius to speak to their master, although neither boys were aware of the further revelation that Novius had passed on to Marcus.

Marcus had slept on numerous occasions with young Adonios, when he had been lonely, or when the occasional chill of a winter night had prevented him from sleeping, but he had never used the handsome young lad sexually. And why? Because, as we have already said, Marcus was in the first place haunted by his first 'love', Cleon, and for many, the 'first love' is the 'only love'. There was also Petronius, but that was another story.

As Marcus returned to his private apartments, Novius words echoed in his mind, along with remembered visions of his lustful encounters with young Cleon. He knew that Novus was right, that the ethereally handsome Aurarius would make a perfect partner. Marcus also knew that his 'mourning' for lost loves was of no advantage to him, particularly now that he was to shoulder so many of the burdens of position and power. The only problem that remained, however, was how to 'guide' Adonios to Petronius, or for that matter, how to 'guide' Petronius to Adonios.

But before we get to Marcus first night with Aurarius, there is a shattering explanation of the revelation regarding young Aurarius, see below.

So who is Aurarius?… He first appeared in Chapter 25. He was a twelve-year old, blond slave-boy; a Greek, bought about half a year ago by Terentius in Brundisium from Arion, the same slave dealer who had sold Markos, (now Marcus Octavianus Gracchus), to Terentius some considerable time before (see Chapter 2). Gracchus (the late Dominus) was depressed and upset after the attack on Marcus, and Terentius thought that a new slave-boy (particularly one as attractive as Aurarius), might cheer up Gracchus.

Originally Aurarius had been simply called 'Boy', as he had forgotten his original name, and his senile master couldn't remember it either, so he was just known as 'Boy'. 'Boy' was uneducated, and couldn't read or write, but after a difficult start he appeared to be devoted to Marcus, and a good friend of Adonios. Almost immediately the late Dominus gave him to Marcus as a personal slave (possibly intended to take the place of Cleon, by then dead). 'Boy' was eventually given the name 'Aurarius', which means 'golden one' because Novius was convinced that 'Boy' had been mentioned in the second oracle, given by the Sibyl, just before the death of Gnaeus Gracchus (Marcus' adoptive father).

In Chapter 26 Gracchus and Novius interviewed Aurarius, and discovered that the boy originally came from a village near Athens, in Greece, which Terentius' inquiries had indicated was probably the village known as Ἐλευσίς (Eleusis). Further inquires by Novius (who had questioned Petronius carefully), seemed to point to the fact that Petronius himself came from the same area in Greece, and probably the same village. Also both Novius and Terentius had commented that Aurarius 'had a smile like Petronius, which was totally disarming'. And so the possibility began to take shape in the minds of both Novius and Terentius, the possibility that Aurarius was Petronius' younger brother, two brothers who had been sold into slavery by an impoverished family. The second prophecy of the god Apollo (in Chapter 25 had stated:

An nova aureus puer ascendat
cum seniorem fratrem eius dextram
aurea puer ad sinistra
Semper, usque ad consummationem saeculi

Aurarius nomen puero

'And a new golden boy is to come, With an older brother at his right hand, The golden boy shall be at his left hand, Always, until the end of time. And his name is to be 'Aurarius'.

Initially Novius misinterpreted this part of the prophecy, viewing the relationship between Marcus and Petronius to be 'fraternal', whereas it now seemed that the prophecy needed to be interpreted more literally, meaning that Marcus would have two individuals supporting him, and those individuals would be brothers, Petronius and Aurarius.This, therefore meant that Aurarius' position had become more significant, and also, incidentally, that Petronius needed to be warned about avoiding any erotic attachment to Aurarius, as the boy was almost certainly his brother.

It should be remembered that, on the insistence of the late Dominus, Marcus had been instructed by his Latin tutror, Lucius, in the works of Virgil (see the Preface). Virgil, in his great work, the Aeneid, draws on the Greek tradition of 'male love' by portraying the love between Nisus and Euryalus, whose military valor marks them as solidly Roman men (viri). Virgil describes their love as pius, linking it to the supreme virtue of pietas as possessed by the hero Aeneas himself, and endorsing it as "honorable, dignified and connected to central Roman values." In describing the ideal partner in a 'male on male' relationship, Martial, (writing in the reign of Titus' successor, Domitian), states that a slave-boy who "acts more like a free man than his master," that is, one who can frame the affair as a stimulating game of courtship, is the preferred male sexual partner, and this was very much the view that Marcus held, and mirrored the relationship that he had enjoyed with Cleon. Judging by Aurarius' character, this was exactly what Marcus would find with his new pullus.

And so, Marcus, while having to possibly give up his beloved Petronius, was able to have the next best thing in Aurarius, who was literally a younger version of Petronius, which was probably all to the good, as youth was a prized aspect of Roman male sexual relationships with regard to the passive partner.

Amor invenit Marcum (et Petronium)
Love finds Marcus (and Petronius)

In classical mythology, Cupid (Latin Cupido, meaning 'desire') is the god of desire, erotic love, attraction and affection. He is often portrayed as the son of the love goddess Venus and the war god Mars. He is also known in Latin as Amor ('Love').
His Greek counterpart is Eros. Eros is generally portrayed as a slender winged youth in Classical Greek and Roman art, but subsequently he was increasingly portrayed as a chubby boy, and his iconography acquired the bow and arrow that represent his source of power: a person, or even a deity, who is shot by Cupid's arrow is filled with uncontrollable desire. The sarcophagus of Ariston (the deceased slave-boy of Gnaeus Gracchus) was decorated with such 'chubby cupids', representing the boy's love for his master.

Cupid is winged, allegedly, because lovers are 'flighty' and likely to change their minds, and 'boyish' because love is irrational. His symbols are the arrow and torch, 'because love wounds and inflames the heart.' In myths, Cupid is a minor character who serves mostly to set the plot in motion. He is a main character only in the tale of Cupid and Psyche, when wounded by his own weapons he experiences the ordeal of love. Although other extended stories are not told about him, his tradition is rich in poetic themes and visual scenarios, such as 'Love conquers all', and the retaliatory punishment or torture of Cupid. In classical art, Cupid also often appears in multiples, as the Amores.

Virgil (favorite poet of Octavian Augustus and also of Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus) writing in his collection of Eclogues states: 'Omnia vincit Amor: et nos cedamus Amori.' ('Love conquers all, and so let us surrender ourselves to Love.') Of course, we should remember that in the Classical world of the Ancint Greeks and Romans, when we use the term 'love' we should not confuse it with the 'modern' notion of 'romantic love', which evolved with the development of 18th and 19th century Romanticism. In the ancient world love was more often equated with what we should consider to be more in keeping with the notions of 'lust' and 'carnality'. To the Romans, however, people didn't 'fall in love'. It was not a matter of personal volition. Love was the work of Cupid, (Eros) the son of Venus. It was believed that this lad would pierce someone's heart with one of his 'magic' arrows, so that they were helplessly ensnared in loving (or lusting after) the individual that 'Cupid' had chosen for them. So in this sense love had 'found' Marcus, binding him now to Aurarius, just as he had been previously 'bound' to Cleon (see Chapter 6) and was still, even now, 'bound' to Petronius. Love, therefore, was thought of as a 'wound', as a disability, enthralling and 'taking over' an individual.

When Marcus reached the doors to his private apartments he decided that long explanations to his two slave-boys would probably not be appropriate, and anyway would undoubtedly be very embarrassing. He turned to Adonios.

"Give me Glaux… and go to Petronius' apartments… he wants you for the night."

Adonios looked surprised, but meekly handed over the little bird to Marcus.

"Yes. Of course Dominus," Adonios replied obediently, placing Glaux on Marcus' shoulder.

"And you, Aurarius, come with me," Marcus said firmly, gesturing to the slave-guards to open the massive double doors to his apartments.

By this time Aurarius' brain was working as fast as possible. The twelve-year-old slave-boy knew that he and Adonios had spoken to Novius about Marcus, and he had seen Novius and Marcus deep in conversation earlier in the evening. Then, for some reason Marcus had sent Adonios to Petronius' apartment, 'for the night', and now Marcus was guiding him, with his arm around his shoulder, a gesture that he had never performed before, into Marcus' bedroom.

As they had passed through the atrium of Marcus' apartments Glaux had taken flight, disappearing through the open roof, well knowing what his two humans were about to do, and secretly approving. Aurarius' immediate instinct was to run forward and open the doors to the palatial bedroom for his young master, but Marcus had tight hold of him. Feeling Aurarius' intended move, Marcus gripped his slave more tightly.

"Tonight, pusio (Latin slang for 'my lad'), your are not my 'slave', but rather my puer (Latin, 'boy')," Marcus said gently, in a tone that Aurarius had never heard him use before.

"Yes Dominus," Aurarius replied obediently, but what Marcus did not see was the smile that flickered over the handsome boy's face. So Aurarius was possibly going to get what he had been dreaming of, but the question was, would it be all that he hoped for?

"May I take your toga, Dominus?" Aurarius asked, as they approached Marcus' huge, richly draped bed.

"Yes," Marcus replied, beginning to unwrap the heavy, awkward garment, "and my tunic."

Aurarius, by now a well trained personal slave, quickly helped Marcus with his toga, and then, folding it neatly took it into the dressing-room. When he returned, Marcus had not waited for Aurarius to help him with his elaborately embroidered tunic, and was standing by the bed wearing only a very brief, white loincloth. Aurarius, pretending not to notice the pouch of Marcus' tiny loincloth bulging ominously, with studied nonchalance, busied himself carefully folding Marcus tunic, which his master had discarded on the polished and inlaid marble floor.

"Forget about that," Marcus said curtly.

"Let me help you," and with that he pulled Aurarius' tunic up and off, over the startled boy's head.

"Thank you, Dominus," Aurarius mumbled, shocked at having his master 'serving' him.

"I told you already, παῖ (Marcus was now calling Aurarius by the Greek name ['Boy'] that he came with, when he first arrived at the villa, remember Marcus and Aurarius always spoke in Greek to one another), when we are together like this, you are not my slave, and I am not your master. And you doubtless know my name, 'Boy', it's Marcus".

"Yes, Dominus… I mean Marcus." Aurarius quickly corrected himself.

"But remember, that is only between you and me, and only on occasions like this."

"But what is this 'occasion', Marcus?" Aurarius asked, for even after some considerable time at the villa, he was still inclined to be somewhat cheeky.

"You know very well, παιδί μου (my lad), I'm going to fuck you," Marcus said bluntly, but with a broad smile.

"Yes…," Aurarius answered, looking Marcus straight in the face. "I rather hoped so." And Aurarius was grinning.

And that was exactly what Marcus wanted. He didn't want a boy who would be subservient, and lack passion. Rather he wanted a boy who would enjoy the game of seduction, and who would respond with passion and vigour.

***

Meanwhile, in Petronius' apartments, next door, Petronius was puzzled. Of course, Petronius was not (as yet) aware of the conclusions that Novius and Terentius had arrived at with regard to the probable origins of young Aurarius, and the implications that posed. However, Petronius, having been given young Adonios for the night, was not about to look the gift horse in the mouth.

Adonios, of course, was as 'smitten' with Petronius as he was with Marcus, and probably more so, and so he was quite happy to go along with whatever Pertonius wanted to do on that warm, Spring evening. So, in next to no time the fifteen-year-old boy was stark naked, and kneeling on the smooth marble floor, bent over the side of Petronius' bed, and the 21-year-old Petronius, also naked, was thrusting his well oiled penis deep into young Adonios.

Surprised at the sheer size of his newly found lover, Adonios had managed to take Petronius 'steel hard' gladius (Latin slang meaning 'penis'), and was soon enjoying Petronius' repeated, vigerous thrusts. Almost as soon as he had been penetrated by Petronius' very thick, and very long penis, Adonios had become extraordinarily aroused, with his slim, boyish 'tool' standing fully erect.

***

And all this had happened while, unbeknown to them, Aurarius was still 'flirting' with Marcus, which was exactly what Marcus was looking for, as it was making him even more eager to fuck his incredibly 'cute' twelve-year-old slave-boy.

And back in Petronius' apartment, things were getting quite frantic, as Petronius continued to pound his moaning fifteen-year-old boy.

"I'm sorry, Petronius, I need to wank!" Adonios moaned, as his right hand hesitantly moved down to his violently jerking penis.

"Get on with it, boy!" Petronius grunted, between thrusts, not caring what his firm young companion did, as long he was was left to enjoy himself. And so on it went, the most amazing sex that young Adonios had ever experienced.

"Oh shit!" Adonios moaned, "I think I'm gonna cum!".

"Me too!" Petronius grunted, as his vigorous thrusting intensified.

***

Meanwhile, (in Marcus' apartments), Aurarius had deftly removed Marcus' loincloth, and was gently caressing his 'master's' incredibly stiff penis.

"Put some oil on it, Boy. I want it to slip into you nice and smoothly," Marcus said gently, passing Aurarius a glass flagon of olive oil.

"Yes, Marcus, but promise not to cum when I rub it in," Aurarius replied, grinning, and looking disturbingly like Petronius.

"Don't worry Boy, I've got more than enough spunk for the night," Marcus replied surprisingly crudely and boastfully, as far as Aurarius was concerned.

"I'm pleased to hear that, but we shall see,"Aurarius answered, playing along with Marcus' coquettish way of talking. As Aurarius rubbed the fine olive oil onto Marcus' stiff penis, predictably his master's 'tool' became more swollen and even more erect. By that stage Marcus was dribbling copious amounts of clear liquid, and his smooth glans was beginning to become exposed. Aurarius then decided to be bold, and gently pulled Marcus' foreskin right back, so that the whole of Marcus prominent, purple glans was on display. This could be problematic as Romans, who were not slaves, were very 'touchy' about exposing the glans, even in highly intimate situations, but Aurarius seemed to have judged the situation accurately, and Marcus showed no sign of embarrassment.

"What a fuckin' huge 'helmet'!" Aurarius exclaimed, admiring how well endowed his young master was as he held tightly onto Marcus' throbbing rigid shaft.

***

Back in Petronius apartment Adonios was moaning as he finally splattered the marble floor with his creamy 'seed'. Then Petronius brought to an uncontrollable and magnificent climax as Adonios' anal muscles began to contract rhythmically and vigorously as he pumped his 'boy-juice' over the floor, continued to ram his huge penis deep into Adonios, as he repeatedly squirted his hot, thick seed into his groaning partner.

Finally Petronius collapsed on top of Adonios, and the two very sweaty 'lovers' lay still for a few moments, gasping for breath. Petronius then lifted himself up, and slowly withdrew his still stiff, glistening penis, which was dribbling the last of his semen, uncia by uncia (inch by inch), from Adonios' still tight anus.

"No please!" Adonios murmured as the huge, swollen glans emerged, "I like you inside me."

"Yes… well I like to be inside you, too, but I need to get up and change my position, and I need some wine," Petronius, smiling answered, as he ruffled Adonios' blond curls.

"No!… Let me get it for you!" Adonios said, somewhat alarmed that he had forgotten the needs of his superior.

"Don't be silly, Adonios, this is as much your night as mine, and no one is the servant in this situation."

"I see… Thank you Sir," Adonios replied, rather puzzled and confused, and now sitting up on the bed, looking wistfully at Petronius, while Petronius went over to a gilt-bronze, marble topped table, picked up two goblets and a ewer of wine, and brought them over to the bed.

"And don't call me 'Sir' when we're like this. I'm Petronius," Petronius continued.

There was a pause.

"You do know that I really love you," Adonios said softly.

"I think you do," Petronius answered, putting down the goblets and ewer by the bed, and taking Adonios' face in his hands, "but…"

"I know," Adonios interupted, "It's the Dominus, and I know you can't have him, and why," Adonios continued, sadly.

"But you can have me. I know I can't take his place, but perhaps I can help you to bear not being with him," Adonios said, holding out his hand.

"Thank you… You are so sweet." Petronius said, gently.

***

Meanwhile, back in Marcus' apartments, Aurarius and Marcus were sitting together on the bed. After Aurarius had pulled back Marcus' foreskin, while oiling his penis, Aurarius had gone one step further, and had started masturbating Marcus.

"Oh that's so good, Boy!… Now just hold me a bit firmer…," Marcus groaned, pushing up his hips in time to Aurarius' slow, firm downward strokes.

"Yes… that's good!" Marcus murmured, looking at his beautiful slave-boy, and noticing, approvingly, that Aurarius' penis was getting erect.

"Do you want me to make you cum, Marcus?" Aurarius asked, as he began to increase the speed of his strokes.

"No… just take me really close, I'll tell you when…," Marcus replied, thinking back to when Cleon would do the same, some considerable time before. Aurarius, however, didn't wait for Marcus to tell him, as he could feel Marcus' penis begin to twitch ominously, and gently released his master's throbbing tool.

"That's good," Marcus said, ruffling Aurarius' spiky blond hair.

"Now lets get down to some fucking," Marcus said, brightly, rising from the bed, and standing over 'horny' young Aurarius.

"So how do you want to 'take' me?" Aurarius asked boldly.

"Well… first time, from the rear, so lie on the bed on your front, and raise your backside a little."

Aurarius immediately complied, and waited for Marcus to penetrate him.

"So there's going to be more than one time?" Aurarius questioned cheekily, looking back over his own raised, pert buttocks at Marcus.

"Tonight? Yes, I certainly hope so," Marcus answered, smiling.

***

In Petronius' apartments Adonios and Petronius had been talking. During the conversation Petronius' penis had softened slightly, but after Adonios' sweet declaration of 'love' Petronius had become erect once again.

"I think that you might be ready for some more," Adonios said slightly questioningly, gesturing towards Petronius' jerking, swelling penis, and emboldened Petronius' apparent acceptance of his 'love' and his fine body. Adonios, himself, had once again become very 'aroused', and was lusting to be filled with Petronius' massive, masculine bulk, and to feel his new found love's insistent pounding.

"Alright, so lets do something more 'athletic'…," and with that he grabbed Adonios up off the bed, lifted the surprised boy up. With apparent ease Petronius then swiftly lowered Adonios onto his practically vertical penis.

"Oh shit!" Adonios groaned, as he was instantly impaled.

"You're so fuckin' big!" the squirming blond slave-boy moaned.

"And you're so fuckin' hot and tight!" Petronius replied as he started, with apparent ease, to vigorously fuck young Adonios by jerking him up and down.

***

So… while Adonios was undoubtedly enjoying his first 'standing sex', Marcus had got behind Aurarius, and was slowly pushing his huge gleaming 'knob' into Aurarius' tight little anus.

"Fuck!" Aurarius grunted, beginning to wonder if he could 'take' his remarkably well-endowed 'master'.

"Don't worry, Boy, I'll go slow," Marcus said, reassuringly, as he continued to push his swollen penis deep into young Aurarius. By then Aurarius had begun to relax, and accept Marcus' masculine bulk, spreading his legs, and lifting the smooth hemispheres of his cute 'bubble-butt' invitingly. First Marcus grabbed Aurarius', buttocks, caressing and squeezing them, and then he grabbed his blond slave-boy by the shoulders, and pushed his penis more deeply into Aurarius' anus, making the boy groan.

"Right… now I start to plow you!" Marcus grunted, as he began thrusting, but slowly at first. Each thrust elicited a grunt from Aurarius, and a moan from Marcus, and slowly the speed of Marcus' thrusts increased, and Aurarius' hips began to buck as he began to enjoy each forceful move.

"Fuck me harder!" Aurarius heard himself say, not realizing that he had become overwhelmed by the excitement of the moment. Marcus didn't answer, however, being totally engaged in pounding the life out of his prone boy. Aurarius' penis was being rubbed violently against the elaborately embroidered bed cover, and he had the strongest erection he could ever remember having, and he was worried that at any moment he might have an orgasm, and squirt his thick, creamy seed over the costly coverlet..

"I need to wank, Marcus!" Aurarius' blurted out, hoping that Marcus could control himself long enough to let him turn over.

"Alright," Marcus grunted, not really happy at being interrupted. He gently 'pulled out', and then let Aurarius turn over, and settle himself on his back.

"So lets get on…" Marcus said, trying not to sound too annoyed, as he stared rather pointedly at Aurarius' very large, and very erect penis.

"You are quite a boy," Marcus said, flicking Aurarius' jerking penis, and making it bounce suggestively.

Marcus then spread Aurarius' legs very wide, took hold of Aurarius by the rear of the boy's hips, and then gently pushed his penis deeply into Aurarius' 'anus. Aurarius moaned, and grabbed his own penis, as he felt himself once again impaled by Marcus' huge 'tool'. Marcus then roughly pushed away Aurarius' hand, and grabbed hold of Aurarius stiff penis. As Aurarius was unbelievably firm, Marcus used the squirming boy's stiff penis as a 'handle', and pulled Aurarius, by his penis, down onto his own massive, pounding 'tool' Aurarius groaned, wide eyed, as he was penetrated incredibly deeply, and he found that Marcus' firm grip on his penis was effectively masturbating him, and slowly bringing him to a shattering 'climax'.

***

Meanwhile, Adonios himself was about to 'climax'.

"Shit! I'm cumming!" Adonios groaned, as a huge spurt of spunk arched out from his violently wobbling penis, and splattered onto the marble floor, followed by four further spurts. At the same time Petronius groaned "Fuck!…," very loudly, and Adonios felt Petronius' penis swell violently, as his muscular partner's hot 'seed' gushed up inside him. As he was overwhelmed by his orgasm, Petronius was unable to remain standing. His legs trembled and crumpled, and both he, and Adonios with him, collapsed back onto the bed. Panting and moaning, both boys then grabbed at one another, kissing frantically and moaning in the final moments of their overwhelming climax. Slowly the embracing and kissing calmed, and the two lads lay back, grinning.

"Well…That was quite something!" Petronius said softly, gently cradling Adonios' head in his hands. Adonios nodded weakly, lost in a precious reverie of longing for his new love.

"So, my 'horny' young friend," Petronius said, trying to gather his thoughts together. "much as I would like to go on with this, and don't think I couldn't," Petronius continued, looking down at his stiffening penis, "tomorrow will be a very busy day, and we will doubtless have many more opportunities to repeat all this, in the future, so we must sleep. But first go and have a splash in my bath, dry yourself, and then come to bed, and while you do that I will tidy up here."

And so the roles were once again reversed, and Petronius took on the part of a 'slave', tidying the room, while Adonios luxuriated (if only briefly) in Petronius' huge, marble lined bath.

***

While Adonios was removing the sweat from his lithe body in Petronius' bath, Marcus was repeatedly pulling Aurarius down towards himself using the blond boy's ridiculously hard penis as a point of purchase, and effectively, but not intentionally, 'jerking-off' his moaning young partner in the process. Eventually Aurarius could take no more.

"I'm fuckin' cummin'!" Aurarius cried out, and his 'cock-head' seemed to explode in a series of massive spurts of 'boy-juice' that splattered over his naked belly.

"Oh shit!… That's it!…," Marcus groaned, as his thick, hot seed gushed up into young Aurarius. Aurarius was looking straight at Marcus at the point of 'climax', and his eyes widened as he felt Marcus 'cum' violently inside him, while at the same time Marcus' hand had tightened convulsively on Aurarius' swollen penis, as it spewed out even more of the writhing lad's thick 'boy-juice'. As the overwhelming double climax subsided, Marcus fell forward, on to of Aurarius. Lying together, face to face, Marcus smothered his golden headed boy with kisses, while still holding onto the panting lad's slowly shrinking penis.

"I love you, Boy!" Marcus whispered so very softly.

"And I love you, my lord!" Aurarius replied. But here, Aurarius was not using the word lord as 'dominus' but as rather as a description of his 'ruling love'.

As with Petronius, Marcus (despite the fact that their love-makinghad been quite brief, decide that they should sleep, as the following day was to be one of much activity. And so, in both apartments, Petronius and Adonios, and Marcus and Aurarius slept peacefully and contentedly in one another's arms. And in all cases it was one of those deep, dreamless slumbers, that only come with complete exhaustion, and the final resolution of much distress.

It was not usual for a master to be so informal with a slave, even when having sex, but both Marcus and Petronius had longed for the two slave-boys for so much time and had, until Novius had spoken foolishly deprived themselves of the consummation that they so desired, that when it was finally achieved they had found it difficult to maintain the normal Roman reserve, and had expressed long withheld and deeply felt feelings and equally the same had applied to Adonios and Aurarius.

It was truly another 'night to remember' and a 'new beginning'.

Ad mane
In the Morning

Glaux, still unable to come to terms with landing on soft pillows, flopped down beside Aurarius' head, and began gently pecking at the boy's ear. He knew that it would be best if Adonios didn't return to the apartment to find Aurarius sleeping with, or even making 'love' with Marcus, so wisely (and after all owls are known for being wise), Glaux wanted Aurarius awake, and up, and making breakfast for Marcus. Still half asleep, but woken by Glaux's pecking, Aurarius was surprised to find himself naked, (Roman boys normally wore a loincloth in bed, pajamas had not yet been invented) in Marcus' bed, with Marcus' arms wrapped round him, and then the previous night came back to him, and he smiled, contentedly. But Glaux was an insistent little bird, and kept on pecking.

"Alright, Glaux, I'll get up!" Aurarius said grumpily, realizing what the wise little owl was up to. So Aurarius prepared some fruit-juice, and some bread and cheese, and gently woke Marcus. Marcus opened his eyes, and smiled weakly at Aurarius.

"Good morning, Dominus!" Aurarius said respectfully, having remembered, while he was preparing Marcus' food, what Marcus had explained to him the night before. So now he was, once again, Marcus' slave boy… Dutiful, respectful and obedient.

As Marcus was getting dressed, the doors to the introitus praetorium (entrance hall) of Marcus' apartments opened. A very sleepy looking Petronius and Adonios arrived, and made their way to the atrium, where they waited for Marcus.

"So…you two are awake," Marcus said cheerily, striding into the atrium energetically, while wiping his hands on a beautifully embroidered linen towel, after having washed after his breakfast, (Romans usually ate with their hands and not cutlery).

"Yes Dominus… and good morning!" Petronius said respectfully.

"Adonios, go and help Aurarius, I need to speak to the Dominus privately," Petronius said quietly to Adonios.

Adonios obediently did what he was told, as Marcus look quizzically at Petronius.

"So what have you to say that Adonios shouldn't hear!" Marcus queried.

"I think that I have made a bad mistake, Dominus," Petronius said.

"And what might that have been?" Marcus asked, although he had a good idea of what was troubling Petronius.

"Well… last night you sent me Adonios, and I wasn't quite sure what you wanted me to do with him, so… well… I fucked him," Petronius said, hanging his head, and looking sheepish.

"And I know now it was wrong. He's not my slave, and I had no right, but with him there all the evening… well I couldn't resist it."

And there was a tense pause, as Petronius waited for Marcus reply, while Adonios and Aurarius, who were supposed to be preparing for the journey to Rome, eavesdropped at a door to the atrium, which was slightly ajar.

"Well… I was hoping that you would," Marcus replied, in a 'matter of fact' manner.

"After all, he's a very attractive boy," Marcus continued, and Petronius looked confused

"And, coincedently, I fucked Aurarius," Marcus added, as Aurarius, (unseen by Marcus and Petronius), grinned at Adonios.

"So you're not angry?" Petronius said, obviously relieved.

"Why should I be?" Marcus answered, smiling.

"I've known for a long time that Adonios was 'crazy' about you, and you would be a fool not to want him as your 'boy'," Marcus explained.

"But Dominus, he's your slave! What if other people know?… I'm sure the slaves guarding the doors know already, or have their suspicions, and you know how rumors spread," Petronius remonstrated.

"Well, we can make it public knowledge that we jointly own both Aurarius and Adonios, get Quintus to draw up the scrolls, and tell him to 'leak' the information."

Petronius nodded.

"But there is a reason for what has happened, but there isn't time to tell you about it now. Later, when we travel to Rome, you and I, and also Novius and Terentius can travel in the main carriage, and the boys (meaning Aurarius and Adonios) and Demetrius can travel in another carriage. That way we can discuss matters privately, and it is important that our discussion is private," Marcus explained.

Despite Marcus' explanation, neither Petronius, nor the boys, who were eavesdropping, really understood what was going on, but they accepted, as always, what the Dominus told them.

"So now, let's get ready for the journey…," Marcus concluded.

Iter ad Romam
The Journey to Rome

Terentius had already been up for hours, making arrangements, ordering Nerva to organize the slaves who were packing numerous crates, and loading them onto wagons at the rear of the villa, while Quintus, miserable and grumpy as ever, supervised the packing of his own scrolls and records, and Lucius and Aristarchos organized the careful packing of certain essential items from Marcus' library. Meanwhile the Magister Equorum, ('Master of the Horse') had been getting ready the carriages, supervising the harnessing of the horses, and briefing the outriders.

Back in the villa, Novius, oblivious to all the hustle and bustle was being served his breakfast (many Romans ate very light breakfasts, and did without). However, Novius, anticipating a long carriage drive before the first stop for refreshments, had decided on a substantial breakfast that morning. Eventually Marcus, Petronius, Demetrius, Aurarius and Adonios, with Glaux, half asleep on his shoulder, arrived in the main atrium to be greeted by numerous slave who were busily carrying boxes and crates to the waiting wagons and carriages.

Finally Terentius realized that the Dominus had arrived.

"Dominus, please accept my apologies. I didn't realize that you were here," Terentius said, unusually flustered.

"And good morning Dominus, and good morning Petronius, and young Demetrius," Terentius said, while still trying to keep an eye on the numerous slaves who were passing through the atrium.

"Now calm down, Terentius. I am sure that, with your skillful organization, all is well, and you can leave the details to Nerva," Marcus said, reassuringly.

"Yes Dominus, of course. But this is the first time that you have been to Rome, and I want everything to go well," Terentius explained.

"Now Terentius, please remember, I was born in Rome, so this is not going to be my first visit," Marcus said, putting his hand on Terentius' shoulder, and smiling. Terentius smiled back.

"Of course. Excuse me. I am not myself this morning, I really don't like all this disruption," Terentius explained.

"I know, I don't either," Marcus agreed.

Nerva then approached. "Good morning Dominus," he said. Nerva had always been distant, but respectful to Marcus ever since the first day that they had met when Markos, (as he was then known), had arrived as a practically naked slave-boy. (see Chapter 3) Nerva had found if more difficult than most to come to terms with the fact that the 'slave-boy' was now Dominus.

"Everything is now ready, Dominus, and you may leave whenever you wish," Nerva explained, obviously proud of the way he had made the preparations for the journey.

"Thank you Nerva, and I now leave the care of the villa in your capable hands."

Nerva bowed, and then took his leave.

"Right, Adonios, go and get Novius and Titus, and we will set off!" Marcus said decisively.

Marcus and Petronius walked over the their carriage, and waited for the appearance of Novius and Titus. Eventually Titus arrived with his Tribunes, followed by Novius.

"Good morning, Marcus!" Titus said cheerily.

"I see that everything is excellently arranged, you should become a legatus with your organizational abilities."

Titus turned to his tribunes. "Go find your mounts, and accompany my carriage," he ordered briskly.

"See you when we have our first stop for refreshments." Titus called over to Marcus, as slaves helped him into his carriage.

"Well, he seems happy enough," Petronius said to Marcus.

"Indeed, but let's greet Novius, and bring him over to our carriage," Marcus said, raising his hand to attract Novius' attention.

"Greetings, Dominus!" Novius said.

"Please excuse my lateness, but I have been making a brief offering and prayer to the god Mercury for a safe journey and prosperous stay in Rome," Novius explained.

"Thank you Novius, the way I neglect the gods I am surprised that I am even still alive," Marcus said, grinning at Novius.

"Please… don't say that, my boy. You are favored by the gods, and in particular the great Apollo. Other people always need to be begging for their help, but you, you have their favor forever, and it has been promised to you." Novius said insistently.

"Well… I hope that you're right,"Marcus replied.

"Now lets get into the carriage, otherwise all the baggage and the slaves will get to Rome before we do. And Petronius, get the boys and Demetius into their carriage, so that they can follow us." Marcus added.

And so, once settled in their carriages, they set off on the journey to Rome. For Aurarius and Adonios it was a great adventure, as neither boy had been to Rome. Demetrius, however, had been born and lived his childhood and early teenage years in the great city, and during the journey he regaled the other two lads with many tales, some slightly exaggerated. What he did not tell them, however, was how unhappy he had been in the 'Domus Gracchi', Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus' opulent palace in Rome.

For those who may not have read some of the previous chapters here is some information about Demetrius., Demetrius is the natural (but illegitimate) son of Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus. Born as the result of an 'affair' between Gracchus and a slave-girl in the palatial Domus Gracchi, in Rome, many years before the appearance of Markos (later Marcus), Gracchus rejected the boy, and had him brought up as a slave in the Domus. Demetrius' mother died during the boy's infancy, and Demetrius was 'brought up' by the abusive Major Domo, Menelaus, (subsequently executed in the arena, [emasculation and drowning], for conspiring against the House of Gracchus). Demetrius later became the unknowing and unwilling center of a plot to usurp Marcus as Dominus of the House of Gracchus, and was subsequently the subject of an infatuation by Servius. Eventually Servius demanded that Gracchus give him Demetrius a a slave-boy, and the ensuing quarrel resulted in the death of Gracchus (see: ) -
(Servius was later executed in the arena [emasculation and flaying alive] for the murder of Gracchus). Having been deeply traumatized by various events in his short life, Demetrius was brought to Marcus' magnificent seaside villa', where he is 'treated' by Novius (an ancient form of 'hypnotherapy'), and after being freed, is put into the care of the ever faithful Petronius.
Publicly, it is suggested that Demetrius is Marcus' nephew, while Marcus has tentative, long term plans to adopt the boy, (not unusual in Roman patrician society).

Novius had spent much of his youth in Rome, mainly studying, and, it must be said, chasing after attractive young slave-boys. For Terentius, Rome was just another place where he conducted business for the Dominus of the House of Gracchus, first Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus, and now Marcus Octavianus Gracchus, and he knew it well, and had many contacts in the teeming city.

Petronius had visited the city on only one previous occasion, (see Chapter 28), when he had been accompanied by Tribune Servius (now dead, executed in the arena for conspiracy against the House of Gracchus) That had been when he was sent by Gnaeus Gracchus to arrange a murder, and collect a pugio (dagger). On that visit he had met Menelaus, Gnaeus Gracchus' devious and abusive senior freedman in Rome (now dead, executed in the arena for conspiracy against the House of Gracchus), and during that visit he had also met, for the first time, Demetrius, and experienced a high class 'boy brothel', and indulged in 'underwater sex'.

The route that the convoy of carriages, wagons and outriders took started on the Via Popilia, which took them to Capua, (famed now for 'Romeo and Juliet' and the gladiatorial combats featured in the mini-series Spartacus), where they would stay overnight. At Capua, they would then join the renowned Via Appia, which would take them directly to Rome.

Terentius had already made arrangements for various hostelries in Capua to accommodate members of the convoy, with various groups of slaves being housed in the more down-market establishments, while Marcus, and his companions, (including Terentius himself of course), would be accommodated in the most luxurious establishment in the city.

Disputationes in ræda
Discussions in the Carriage

Having settled in their carriage, there was an uneasy silence. Novius then decided to 'start the ball rolling'.

"I think, Dominus, that this would be a good time to discuss certain matters relating to our talk last night, if you are agreeable."

Marcus nodded.

"Indeed! This is about as private as we could be, and as there is nothing else for us to do, except perhaps look at the passing scenery, I think that we should be well employed in considering certain matters."

At this point Petronius stirred awkwardly in his seat.

"We have some important matters to discuss regarding the slave-boy Aurarius." Novius continued, carefully.

Immediately Petronius was somewhat relieved, as he imagined that this 'discussion' was to be, in fact, a criticism of his behavior the previous night with Adonios, regardless of what Marcus had told him just a little earlier.

"This matter particularly concerns our esteemed colleague, Petronius," Novius then added, and Petronius immediately began to feel nervous once again. Marcus then cleared his throat.

"Perhaps it might be better if I explained the matter to Petronius, and if either you, or Terentius, wish to clarify anything that I have said, then feel free to do so," Marcus interjected.

"It seems that when Aurarius, or 'Boy' as he was then known, arrived, Terentius was a little puzzled about the lad. This was the second expensive blond slave-boy that Terentius had purchased, I was the first, to the best of my knowledge. Now there was no suspicion that 'Boy' might not be a 'bona-fide' slave, but there were some odd facts about him that Terentius, quite rightly, but without the knowledge of the Dominus felt obliged to investigate," Marcus explained.

By now Petronius was looking very puzzled, but still nervous.

"Terentius eventually discovered that 'Boy' came from a village in the West of Attica, called Ελευσίνα, on the Θριάσιο Πεδίο. People there have a particular accent, which I know well, having spent most of my youth in that area, the same accent spoken by Petronius. We know that 'Boy' was sold into slavery because of the debts of his family, and Terentius' records show that that was the same reason for Petronius becoming a slave, the late Dominus was assiduous in keeping record," Marcus continued, glancing at Petronius, who was by then shaking his head.

"Also, when Petronius arrived at the Villa, some considerable time ago, he, like 'Boy', could neither read nor write, and spoke no Latin, and it was the late Dominus who educated Petronius, just as he educated myself," Marcus then looked to Terentius and Novius, just to check that they were in agreement with all that he had said up to that point."

Both men, who had been listening intently, nodded.

"Then we come to the second prophecy of the God Apollo, which mentions another golden boy, to be called 'Aurarius', and brothers, standing together. Novius originally thought that this referred to Petronius and me, but a more careful reading of the Latin translation from the Oscan indicates that, in the original Oscan text, the correct reading implies that Petronius has a younger brother."

By then Petronius was looking alarmed.

"Finally, of course, as so many people, including myself have observed, in physical appearance, manner, accent, and of course with that inimitable, wonderful smile it seems obvious that Aurarius is almost certainly Petronius' younger brother.!" Marcus apparently concluded.

"And the remarkable coincidence of his arriving at our villa is no accident, but the profound and fortuitous workings of the God, bringing the prophecies of the Sibyl to fruition," Marcus added.

"And you think this is true?" Petronius stuttered, still shaking his head.

"I am sure that it is true, and that our esteemed friend Terentius, was simply an agent of divine providence, unerringly guided by the God to purchase this unlikely lad, and bring him here, to help and guide our Dominus," Novius added.

"I can't believe it!" Petronius muttered, as he considered the 'carnal' thoughts that he had been entertaining for so long about the boy, and he was simply so relieved that he had not pursued those thoughts, and began to wonder if that was why Marcus had 'given' him Adonios the previous night. Petronius looked at Marcus and smiled.

"And you knew this?" he asked Marcus.

"Yes, Novius explained it to me earlier in the evening."

"Well that explains a lot," Petronius said.

"Thank you Marcus., I am so very grateful," Petronius said, stretching out to take Marcus' hand.

"So, without being disrespectful, Dominus, what are you two talking about," Terentius asked.

"Well we are all 'men of the world', so I see no reason why we should not also discus this aspect of the matter," Novius interjected, wisely trying to avoid Marcus being embarrassed in any way.

"The boys, Aurarius and Adonios had spoken to me some time earlier about their strong feelings for the Dominus, and how they felt that he was ignoring them, in the 'physical' sense. They felt that this was not good for their master."

On hearing this Terentius nodded in agreement, while Petronius began to feel remarkably embarrassed, which was very unusual for him.

"I mentioned this to our Dominus, suggesting that it would be good for him to start having physical relations with his slave-boys, but I also explained to him about Aurarius and Petronius. Now as we all know, our Dominus has a very close relationship with Petronius, but as they are both adult Roman citizens, it would not be seemly for them to give this relationship physical expression, however, as Aurarius is young, and a non-citizen, and in all ways like Petronius, Marcus would be free to have a physical relationship with the boy, just as Petronius is free to have such a relationship with Adonios." Novius continued.

Marcus could see that, in a seemingly useless attempt to avoid any embarrassment, Novius was tying himself up in knots.

"Well, Novius, let's be frank about this, and 'cut to the chase'. Realizing what was going on, and after talking to you, I gave Adonios to Petronius for the night, and Petronius fucked him, and I took Aurarius, and I also fucked him, and it seems that we all enjoyed ourselves immensely," Marcus stated forcefully.

Petronius grinned.

"Well, that seems to have solved the problem." Terentius said, smiling.

"And I think that I should give Adonios to Petronius, as his permanent personal slave, and I will have Aurarius, if Petronius has no objections, with the provision that at some time, in the near future, when my ardor for Aurarius, and Aurarius' ardor for me has worn off, I will grant him his freedom. As for freedom for Adonios, well that is up to Petronius."

And after that intense discussion the four slightly bemused travelers resorted to 'small-talk' about Rome, the new Emperor (Vespasian), and the Domus Gracchi which neither Marcus or Petronius had never seen, even although Marcus owned it, along with quite a few more houses and villas spread over the empire.

Adventus in Capua
Arriving in Capua

When they arrived at Capua, Titus bade farewell to Marcus, as he needed to be in Rome as soon as possible. However, on leaving his new, young friend, he gifted him with a fine, and very heavy gold ring, bearing a cameo of a Roman eagle on its bezel, in thanks for Marcus' generous hospitality, and Marcus invited Titus to visit him, when it would be convenient, in the Domus Gracchi.

It was late before all the wagons and the carriages had been secured, and the slaves and varius other hosehold workers had been allocated their sleeping quarters. Marcus and Petronius dined alone, they had much to discuss… obviously. Aurarius, Adonios and Demetrius had their meal in the same establishment, but not in ear-shot, while Terentius and Novius chose to dine separately and, considering the previous nights events, and the subsequent discussions, for that night, at least, everyone slept alone, in their own room, except for Aurarius and Adonios, and of course 'Glaux', who all slept together, (Glaux had not slept during the day, as was his custom, as he was frightened when in the carriage).

'and the story continues, and the weary travellers arrive in Rome to settle for a long stay in the palatial Domus Gracchi…
Aurarius and Adonios, and Marcus and Petronius seem to sort out their complex relationships,
and Marcus has a long talk with Demetrius as he plans to buy a slave for for the boy.

XXXVI. Ad Domum Gracchi in Roma
36. In Gracchus' House in Rome

It was very early, and the sun had only just risen, but Nicander had already been awake for hours, desperately supervising his slaves as they prepared for the arrival of the new Dominus, Marcus Octavianus Gracchus, and his suite. Matters were not helped by the fact that, at the time of the funeral of Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus (the late Dominus) Nicander had been ordered to replace all the slaves at the Domus, and at the villa at Tibur. So now Nicander had to prepare the huge Domus for his new Dominus using new, and relatively untrained staff. Having watched at first hand how Marcus had taken his revenge on Menelaus, and the other conspirators (see Chapter 34) and having been subjected to a very 'tough' interview with his new 'boss', young Nicander was, quite rightly, somewhat afraid of his apparently implacable master, despite assurance from Terentius that, if he did his work well, and was totally honest in his dealing with Marcus all would be well, and he would grow to like his new Dominus.

Meanwhile, in Capua, the weary travelers were partaking of a very light breakfast, while they waited for the horses, carriages and the numerous slave that they had brought with them to be prepared for the next, and final part of their journey. It was from Capua that they were to link up to the Via Appia, which would take them to the very gates of Rome. The day was fine and bright, and Marcus was hoping that the remainder of the journey would be easy.

It was still quite early when Marcus, Petronius, Novius and Terentius resumed their places in their luxurious carriage. For most of this part of the journey Novius told tales to Petronius of his youthful adventures in Rome, while at the same time Terentius, now far more relaxed, but ever mindful of business, discussed with Marcus the various purchases that he felt should be made during their stay in Rome.

None of the three 'boys' had slept particularly well, disturbed by strange food and strange beds, and they spent most of their time, along with Glaux, dozing in their carriage. Eventually the sight of tombs along the roadside indicated that they were very close to the city. Titus, knowing that Marcus would be arriving in the city in the early morning, had alerted his Praetorian tribunes, and when Marcus carriage passed through the Porta Appia, the Prætorians rode up and stopped his carriage.

The coachman, along with the outriders were, not surprisingly, terrified, but the tribune, after greeting Marcus, made it clear that the were there to escort the convoy to the 'Domus Gracchi'. This was a considerable act of courtesy, on the part of Titus, as navigating the crowded, bustling streets of Rome would have been a long and fraught experience, whereas the Prætorians were able to clear the way, and ensures that the last part of the journey would be completed in comparative ease.

At that point, Aurarius and Adonios were hanging out of the window of their carriage, in a most undignified manner, drinking in the sounds, smells and sights of the great megalopolis, while passers by, seeing the mounted Praetorians surrounding the carriage could only assume that the lads were closely related to the new Emperor, Vespasian. Realizing that, Aurarius and Adonios started to give passers by dignified waves, while Glaux, sitting (or rather wobbling) on Aurarius' shoulder looked on haughtily, after all, he was a close friend of Titus Vespasianus.

Demetrius, of course, had seen it all before, and sat back, pretending to be indifferent to all the attention that the carriages were receiving. For Marcus, as for Aurarius and Adonios, this was a new experience. When he had left Rome, with his parents, to go and live in Athens, he had been so young that now he had practically no memories of the remarkable, and unique city. And now he was about to take possession of a new home (just one of many), a home that he had been repeatedly told was a 'legend' in the great city, for it's size and magnificence.

Gradually the convoy mounted the Esquiline Hill, where the Domus Gracchi was situated.

The political advisor, art patron and the close friend and adviser of Octavian (later Augustus), Maecenas (70 BC-8 BC), sited his famous gardens, the first gardens in the Hellenistic-Persian garden style in Rome, on the Esquiline Hill, near the gardens of Lamia. It contained terraces, libraries and other aspects of Roman culture. It was partially on the site of the Gardens of Maecenas that the Domus Gracchi was built with permission given to Gracchus by the Emperor Nero. Maecenas is most famous for his support of young poets, hence his name has become the eponym for a 'patron of arts'. He supported Virgil who wrote the 'Georgics' in his honour. Rising above the valley in which Vespasian and Titus later built the Colosseum, the Esquiline was probably the most fashionable residential district in Rome.

As soon as the convoy was sighted by Nicander's 'lookouts', they rushed to their master to inform him that the new Dominus was about to arrive. And so, while Nicander was helplessly panicking as his new master arrived, Marcus received his first, breathtaking view of the 'Domus Gracchi', standing proudly on the Esquiline Hill, facing the Capitol, its dazzling white Pentelic Marble walls gleaming in the sun. Terentius and Petronius had seen the Domus before. Novius, however, had left Rome before it had been built, and he, like Marcus, was stunned by its size and its beauty.

"Well I never knew that Gnaeus had a house like this!" Novius said, his words for once strangely lacking in eloquence.

In the carriage holding the boys, the response was somewhat more 'down to earth'.

"Shit! Look at the size of it!" Adonios exclaimed.

All Aurarius could do was just look, eyes glazed, and mouth wide open, while Glaux blinked.

"I never though that the 'old guy' was that rich!" Aurarius finally managed to say, referring to the late Dominus.

"Shhh! Don't speak of Gnaeus Gracchus like that!" Adonios corrected. Adonios, after all, since he was very young, had known the late Dominus, and he had the deepest respect for him, as he had for his successor, Marcus.

Demetrius, of course, had seen it all before.

Eventually Nicander managed to compose himself, and he ordered the great bronze doors opened. (these were usually only ever opened for Emperors, Consuls, Praetorian Prefects and, of course, the Dominus, who was now Marcus.) As the doors opened, slaves rushed down the huge flight of steps in order to help the guests from the carriages.

To begin with there was a slight problem, as none of the slaves had ever seen Marcus before, and Nicander was far away, at the top of the steps, so they didn't immediately realize just who was the Dominus. Terentius, however immediately stepped in to save any embarrassment.

"May I present your new Dominus, Marcus Octavianus Gracchus," Terentius said very formally, indicating Marcus with an eloquent gesture, and reminding Marcus of the way he had spoken when Marcus had first arrived at the villa at Baiae, seemingly so very long ago.

The slaves were obviously surprised at the youth of their new 'lord and master'. Regardless, they all bowed profusely, and then slowly helped the passengers from the first carriage. The next surprise for the Domus slaves was that the second carriage contained two young slave-boys. They did not immediately recognize them as slave-boys, as the were so sumptuously dressed, but it was obvious that they must be slaves, as they were wearing the silver slave collars worn by all the slaves of the House of Gracchus.

They had no idea who the other boy (Demetrius) was, as all the slaves that had worked at the Domus when Demetrius had lived there had been dismissed, pensioned off or sold. However, it was obvious that he was 'freeborn' (surprising how wrong people can be), as he was wearing a beautiful gold bulla (originally Marcus' bulla).

Demetrius obviously savored the moment when the Domus slaves addressed him as iuvenis dominus (young master). Before, he had been Menelaus' 'boy', and was looked down upon by almost all the slaves in the Domus. Now, thanks to the foresight of Marcus and Terentius, the only person in the Domus who knew anything of Demetrius' past was Nicander, and he was so terrified of Marcus, (for good reason), that he would obviously say nothing to anyone, about anything. (In order to discover why Nicander was terrified of Marcus go to Chapter 30.)

Marcus then mounted the huge flight of steps, leading the way. To his right was Terentius, accompanied by Aurarius, and to his left was Novius, accompanied Adonios, who was holding a very aggressive looking little owl.

This was the moment that Nicander had been dreading, coming face to face with his new master, Marcus, once again. The last time that he has spoken to Marcus, at the funeral of Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus, Nicander felt that every word he had spoken had been misplaced and wrong. That, however, was not entirely true. Nicander was, according to Terentius, a financial genius, and an excellent organizer, but he was young, and lacked confidence in his own abilities. Marcus realized that, knowing himself what it was like to lack confidence. It was Gnaeus who had given Marcus the confidence to be Dominus, and Marcus, after firmly establishing his authority with Nicander, was then planning to build the lad's confidence as, in actuality, he very much liked the boy. Nicander bowed low as Marcus reached the top step.

"Salutem Dominus!" Nicander said respectfully.

"Hello, Nicander! No need to be so formal," Marcus said, smiling. Nicander looked confused. On either side of Nicander stood a Domus Guard. Marcus scrutinized them carefully,

"First thing we much do is to change the clothing, such as it is, of these guards. They seem to me to be rather under-dressed."

Terentius smiled.

"They look more like they should be in the arena, rather than guarding a private residence," Marcus continued, as Adonios tried to stifle a giggle, and Glaux blinked. "Now we can always arrange for them to fight in the arena, after all, Nicander, you have seen my arena… " The two guards looked positively alarmed at the way the conversation was moving. "But I think a slightly more modest apparel would be appropriate, so see my designer Apelles, he's in one of the carriages down there, and he will make some designs."

"Of course Dominus," Nicander replied, not sure just how serious Marcus was being.

"So… shall we go into the Domus?" Marcus then asked, wondering why they were still standing at the top of the steps.

"Of course, Dominus. What was I thinking of?" Nicander replied, obviously embarrassed.

They then passed the huge, heavily gilded bronze doors, and found themselves in the Introitus Praetorium (main entrance hall), which was vast.

"If you will follow me, gentlemen…" Nicander politely suggested, having finally recovered his composure, "I will take you to the Atrium Magnum, where some suitable refreshments have been prepared for you."

So they slowly made their way across the huge expanse of inlaid marble floor, through a magnificent archway, and found themselves in an atrium, that was almost as large as the Entrance Hall. There, beside a shallow, tranquil indoor pool, open to the sky, they found some luxuriously appointed chairs (unusual in a Roman house) couches, and small occasional tables. All the furniture was of gilded bronze, with dark red cushions, and the tops of the tables were of beautifully veined, creamy marble. Immediately slaves approached with gold trays filled with flagons, goblets, and plates filled with delicacies.

"So let me introduce, or re-introduce you to my associates," Marcus said to Nicander, as he gently lowered himself into one of the regal chairs, while Terentius and Novius also pulled up chairs, and the boys settled on one of the couches. Glaux, seeing the opportunity for a tasty snack, had meanwhile fluttered from Adonios' arm, landed delicately on one of the marble topped tables, and was carefully inspecting the beautifully prepared food, hoping for some dormice.

The edible dormouse was farmed and eaten by the ancient Romans and the Etruscans, (usually as a snack), hence the word edible in its name. The Romans would catch dormice from the wild in autumn when they were fattest. The dormice were kept and raised either in large pits or (in less spacious urban surroundings) in terra cotta containers, the gliraria, something like contemporary hamster cages. They fed these captive dormice walnuts, chestnuts, and acorns for fattening. The dormice were served by either roasting them, and dipping them in honey, or stuffing them with a mixture of pork, pine nuts, and other flavorings.

"This gentleman," indicating Terentius, "as you well know, is my Excelsus Procurator, Terentius, and he is also your immediate superior. This gentleman," and Marcus indicated Novius, "whom I think that you have met before, is my esteemed Consiliarius, Novius, who will be present during most of our discussions. This young gentleman," indicating Petronius, "is my Tribunus et Dominus Amphitheatri. From now on all the Domus Guards, and all those in the Domus who are concerned with security will be answerable to and under the authority of Tribunus Petronius."

Marcus then turned to the boys sitting on the couch. "The boys wearing slave collars are the senior slaves, despite their youth, from the villa, and here they will also be my senior slaves, having precedence and authority over all other slaves here at the Domus. The one on the right is my own personal slave, Aurarius, and next to him is the personal slave of Tribunus Petronius, who is called Adonios. The owl is Glaux, and let me make it clear, no one, under any circumstances is to touch or interfere with Glaux. Anyone doing so will immediately be sent to the villa at Baiae, to be dealt with in the arena there. I hope that I make myself clear!" Marcus concluded, menacingly.

"Of course, Dominus, all the slaves and other workers at the Domus shall be warned."

Marcus then indicated Demetrius, "And finally you may know the young man who is also sitting on the couch. As you should know, Demetrius is a Roman citizen, and should always be referred to by yourself, and all others in this Domus as iuvenis dominus. Failure to do so will have the same consequences as those that I have already indicated regarding the treatment of Glaux," Marcus concluded, having undoubtedly displayed his absolute authority from the moment that he had entered the Domus.

"Of course Dominus. Thank your for the introductions, and also for making the positions and authority of those with you very clear and precise," Nicander replied, trying to be as conciliatory as possible.

"So… if you wouldn't mind stepping away with me, I have some requests about acomodtion that I would like to discuss with you," Marcus said, rising, and taking Nicander by the arm.

The others were not sure what this was about, but were content to enjoy their refreshments while Marcus and Nicander talked privately.

"As you know, this is the first time I have stayed at the Domus, so tell me, are the apartments for the late Dominus still available?" Marcus asked, unsure of the situation.

"Of course, Dominus. I have had them completely refurbished since I was informed by Terentius that you were to visit," Nicander replied.

"Good, and is there accommodation included in the apartments for my personal slave, Aurarius?" Marcus continued.

"Yes Dominus, there are a number of rooms furnished for members of your suite. The apartments for the Dominus here are obviously very lavish, with terraces overlooking private gardens and the valley, with baths, and a study and library, plus a triclinium and atria, and, well, everything that you could possibly require," Nicander enthused.

"That's good, and are there any other apartments with similar facilities?" Marcus asked, thinking about accommodation for Petronius, Novius and Terentius.

"Yes, Dominus, there are two other large guest apartments that are very lavishly appointed on the same floor," Nicander confirmed.

"And tell me, Nicander, does Terentius, who stays here quite often, have his own accommodation?" Marcus asked.

"Yes Dominus, he has his own apartment, and also a suite of offices for his work," Nicander replied, surprised at the detailed questioning from Marcus.

"That's good," Marcus said, looking very satisfied with Nicander's crisp answers.

"Now listen carefully., This is what I want. I want Aurarius installed in my apartments, and ensure that all access is well guarded, Petronius will check. Also I want a large apartment for Petronius and his slave-boy Adonios, and I will leave the security for his accommodation to Petronius. I also want a guest apartment for Novius, and I want you to select a young, Latin speaking, educated slave-boy for his personal slave, to be accommodated with him. And presumably Terentius will use his own apartments and office." Marcus then looked quizzically at Nicander, waiting for confirmation.

"Yes Dominus. All that shall be done immediately," Nicander confirmed.

"And what about a slave-boy for Terentius… does he have one here?" Marcus asked.

"Yes Dominus. he has a boy called Phillipos."

"That's good," Marcus smiled.

"And now what about showing us all to these apartments, and then allowing us to get out of these travelling clothes, and bathe before our meal?" Marcus queried, guiding his freedman back to his chatting companions.

"Yes Dominus, I will take you to the next floor as soon as you are ready."

Marcus, Aurarius, Petronius and Adonios were allocated a slave-boy by Nicander, and were taken along a wide marble veneered corridor on the 'piano nobile', passing a series of guarded, gilded bronze doors, while Novius was escorted by another slave to the guest suite that had been selected for him. Terentius, however, was immediately met by Philippos in the atrium, who took him to his office. Terentius obviously wanted to get to work straight away. Nicander then diffidently approached Demetrius, who was still sitting on the couch, wondering where he was to go.

"Iuvenis Dominus, on the instructions of the new Dominus your old room is no longer available, as the Dominus thought that it was not now appropriate to your new status," Nicander said.

"A suite of rooms has therefore been furnished and decorated for your use, and if you will follow me I will take you to your new apartments. Also, and I don't know if the Dominus had told you, he will be buying you a slave-boy of your choice, here in Rome, but in the meantime I will provide you with a young lad to look after you."

On hearing the good news, Demetrius brightened up considerably, and followed Nicander to the new apartments.

Meanwhile, on one of the corridors on the 'piano nobile', the largest set of doors, at a gesture from the slave-boy who was guiding them, were opened soundlessly by two muscular, tall Domus guards.

"These are your personal apartments, Dominus," the boy announced rather pompously. Marcus entered, followed by Aurarius.

Meanwhile, the slave-boy took Petronius and Adonios to the next set of doors, which led to a further set of apartments, which apparently were now reserved for Petronius and Adonios.

"Just let me wash all this dust off!" Marcus exclaimed, as he entered the apartment, and flung himself down on the nearest couch in the atrium.

Roman roads were dusty, and even luxurious carriages, such as the ones used by Marcus, were not equipped with glass windows, but rather had fabric or leather blinds, and often, because of the heat, these could not be lowered. The result of this was that travelling, even for the privileged and wealthy, was an uncomfortable and dirty experience, and was not helped by the lack of 'sprung' suspension. A bath was therefore essential after even a short journey.

"Let me get you a drink, and then I'll try to find the bathroom," Aurarius said, smiling at his exhausted young master. Aurarius wandered off, clueless as to where any of the rooms were located in the magnificent suite.

"I've found the culina!" (kitchen), Aurarius called out, his voice echoing off the marble veneered walls.

The culina that Aurarius referred to was not a proper kitchen, as no food would be cooked there. The real kitchens were on the ground floor, and if Marcus wished to eat in his suite, slaves would bring the food to his private triclinium. The kitchen that Aurarius had found was in reality a food and drinks preparation room, with washing facilities for plates, cups utensils, and other items, plus storage for snacks, and drinks. If very cold drinks were required then slaves would bring snow from storage pits to mix with the drinks, or pack round amphora. This was very costly, and was only available to the very wealthy, like Marcus.

"Good!" Marcus replied, eagerly waiting for a cool refreshing drink. Aurarius returned to the atrium, bearing a tray with a gold goblet.

"Is everything in this domus made of gold?" Marcus asked, grinning incredulously.

"It seems so," Aurarius replied., "Either gold or marble," he concluded, smiling.

"So now I will go and try to find the bath," Aurarius added, running off, obviously excited by his new surroundings.

"I've found your coluisse locus (dressing room), and your cubiculum lectuli (bedroom), and yes… the balneae (bathroom)!" Aurarius called out from seemingly far away.

"Right!" said Marcus,

"So let's have a bath, Boy!" Marcus called out.

While most Romans used Public Baths, the very wealthy had bathing suites in their domus or villa. Marcus' bathroom suite in the Domus Gracchi was far more lavish than most, and consisted of an vestibulum balnearum, (vestibule) off which was situated a latrina (lavatory). There was no apodyterium (undressing room), as dressing and undressing was performed in the suite of the cubiculum lectuli (bedroom). The bath suite also contained a caldarium (hot bath), tepidarium (warm bath) and a piscina (small, cold swimming pool). Pools of differing temperatures were provided as they were kept permanently filled with water at the correct temperature, (except for daily cleaning by slaves), as the Romans had no 'mixer taps' or showers! Because some of the water was kept constantly warm in the balneae, bronze doors, leading to the suite, were 'sprung' so that they remained permanently closed, and were provided with leather seals to prevent moist, humid air entering the apartments.

Of course, Aurarius had noticed that Marcus had called him 'Boy', and was desperately hoping that this might mean some more intimate moments. There were a few hours before the main meal, which would undoubtedly be taken with Petronius, Terentius, Novius, and maybe Nicander, which would be quite sufficient time for a relaxing bath, and who knows what else.

"And Boy… go tell the guards that I am not to be disturbed until I give further instructions, and then strip off, and wait for me in the tepidarium!" Marcus called.

"Of course, Dominus… right away, Dominus!" Aurarius excitedly called back.

Meanwhile, Marcus wearily got to his feet, cast off his dusty travelling clothes, and waited for Aurarius.

"It's done!…," Aurarius said triumphantly, his eyes lighting up when he saw that Marcus was naked, "No more interruptions!" he said, finding it difficult not to stare.

"That's good!" Marcus replied lazily.

"So… Dominus… you called me 'Boy' a moment ago. Does that mean that I can call you Marcus?" Aurarius asked hesitantly, but pleadingly.

"And that means…" Aurarius began.

"Yes, Boy… it does mean…" Marcus answered, not bothering to finish the sentence as he was sure that his boy knew what he meant. Marcus then put his arm round Aurarius' shoulder, and allowed the boy to lead him to the doors of the balneae.

In Petronius' suite, things were not going quite so well for young Adonios. Petronius has initially put him to work sorting out the crates of clothes and armour that Petronius had brought with him to the Domus, (remember that Petronius was Tribune, and had numerous swords and items of armour as well as his clothes that needed storing.) Petronius later approached Adonios who was carefully sorting out items of clothing in one of the many elaborately carved, inlaid and gilded chests that were placed round the walls of the cubiculum lectuli (the Romans did not have wardrobes).

"Adonios, please come into the atrium, as I need to have a talk with you," Petronius said quietly.

"Yes sir!" Adonios replied, wondering what he might have done wrong. Adonios stood nervously in the atrium, looking down at the floor.

"Please! Adonios, my sweet boy! You've' done nothing wrong," Petronius said, wondering why Adonios seemed so alarmed.

"I'm sorry about two nights ago, but I just wanted you so badly!" Adonios spluttered, near to tears.

"Yes, I know, and I wanted you, but it's not that."

"Now sit down, and let me explain," Petronius continued. Petronius sat opposite Adonios and began:

"Yesterday, while we were travelling, the Dominus, Terentius, Novius and myself had an important discussion, which was mainly about your friend, Aurarius. It seems that after Aurarius had arrived at the villa, Terentius, unknown to the late Dominus, had made certain inquiries about the boy. Terentius, you see, had known me when I first came to the villa, and saw a startling similarity between myself and Aurarius. Then there was also the matter of the 'second prophecy', which I think you know nothing of, which, when properly translated and interpreted, suggested a new 'golden boy', 'Aurarius', who had a brother. It was at that point that Novius started to take an interest in the matter. A short time a go, you and Aurarius, it seems, spoke to Novius about the Dominus, and it seems that at that point Novius became concerned that I might get 'physically' involved with Aurarius which, considering he was possibly my younger brother did not seem appropriate, as far a Novius and Terentius were concerned. Novius, therefore, suggested that our Dominus gave you to me, as he knew that we were attracted to one another, while the Dominus took the opportunity to become 'intimate' with Aurarius. And you know what happened two nights ago as a result of Novius' advice."

Adonios, nodded and smiled.

"So the Dominus has given you to me, to be my personal slave, but also my companion, and, I hope, lover… Now tell me, Adonios, truthfully, are you happy with what has happened?" Petronius asked seriously.

"Yes sir., I told you I loved you on the night!" Adonios said insistently.

"Truly?" Petronius asked, taking Adonios in his arms.

Adonios, on the verge of crying, nodded, and Petronius passionately kissed the beautiful boy fully and passionately on the lips. Now go and have a bath, and I will join you later, Petronius said, ruffling Adonios' spiky hair.

Marcus gently lowered himself into the tepidarium. This tepidarium, for a private bath, was quite large and quite deep. Marcus waded out int into the center, and stood, legs apart; hands on hips, and fully erect, waiting for Aurarius to join him.

And in Petronius' apartment, Adonios quickly stripped off, managed to find the balneae, and gently immersed himself in the warm water, feeling that he had been foolish not to completely trust his beloved Petronius. At this point he was so relieved after his talk with Petronius, that he cared little if Petronius joined him in the tepidarium, and made love to him. Rather, he would have been more than content if they had simply shared the bath, and each other's company for a couple of hours.

Aurarius, however, was less 'laid back' than his friend, Adonios in the neighboring apartment, and was eager for Marcus to fuck him. As Aurarius slid down into the tepidarium, his boyish 'manhood' rose eagerly, indicating to Marcus that the young slave-boy was ready for another encounter.

"Have you ever done it in the water?" Marcus asked, smiling.

"You mean fucked?" Aurarius asked.

"Well anything… fucked, wanked sucked, anything," Marcus persisted.

"Well… no, Marcus. Not really," Aurarius replied bashfully. looking down at his now fully erect penis.

"So… this should be fun, and something new for you," Marcus said.

Aurarius then did something surprising (for a Roman boy), and did it without thinking. He grabbed hold of Marcus' stiff penis.

The rules of sexual activity between males in the period of our story were very well and rigidly (no pun intended) defined. The boy (almost always a slave) was required to be the passive partner. He was to be fucked, and also could be required to fellate his dominant partner, and masturbate his dominant partner, but only when told to do so. He was not allowed or expected to take the initiate. He was always expected to be submissive.

By grabbing hold of Marcus' penis, Aurarius was being remarkable 'forward', particularly as this was the very beginning of their intimate relationship.

"Sorry, Dominus!" Aurarius spluttered, immediately releasing Marcus erect organ. "It was just so inviting… and beautiful, there, jerking in the water."

"Boy, I'm Marcus, and I want you to relax. I liked that, and if you want to do something, anything, to give either of us pleasure… then do it," and as Marcus spoke he took Aurarius' hand and replaced it on his penis, and with his other hand took hold of Aurarius' equally stiff penis. And for a moment they stood facing each other, holding each other intimately, and looking into each others eyes.

"So presumably you've never seen anyone 'cum' under the water?" Marcus continued, as if nothing unusual had happened. Aurarius shook is head.

"Well, if you jerk me off, then you can see something new!" Marcus suggested, smiling. So Aurarius started jerking off Marcus, but not very expertly.

"Sorry Marcus, I haven't jerked off anyone else before, only myself," Aurarius.

"Don't worry, I'm sure that I can give you lots of practice," Marcus said, grinning.

"But now I think I'd better finish it off," and with that Marcus released Aurarius' penis, and concentrated on jerking himself off. Soon he was roughly pumping his massive erection, and after a short while it was obvious to Aurarius that Marcus was about to cum.

"Keep watching!" Marcus groaned as he slowly allowed himself to sink down, taking a deep breath, as he finally ended up sitting on the tiled floor of the tepidarium. Suddenly a stream of bubbles came from his mouth as he reached his orgasm, and masses of creamy white spunk spurted from his massive penis. Moments later he noisily surfaced, splashing and groaning.

"Fuck, that was good!" he spluttered, as Aurarius stared in complete disbelief.

"Shit! Look at all that spunk!" Aurarius giggled, as he watched the clouds of spunk slowly disperse in the water.

"That's what good about it!" Marcus said, struggling for breath.

"It always looks more under the water.!" Marcus continued, watching his 'seed' disperse in the warm water of the pool.

"But I think that we need to get ready for the welcoming cena (a 'cena' is a modest evening banquet) as we must look our best. There will be plenty of time for 'playing around' in the pool during our stay, anyway."

Aurarius looked disappointed, but as he well knew, duty came before pleasure, particularly for a slave.

"So first lets go to the vestibulum, where you can give me a quick massage and a 'scrape', and then, while I sort out some papers, you cad get my clothes ready, and get properly dressed yourself."

By a 'scrape' Marcus was referring to the use of a strigil, a tool for scraping off dirt, perspiration, and oil. In Roman cultures the strigil was primarily of use to men, and particularly male athletes. The standard design is a curved blade with a handle, all of which is made of metal. Strigils were not only significant in a practical sense, but culturally as well. Wealthy and prestigious individuals usually had slaves to wield the strigil, and clean their bodies, rather than doing it themselves.

Aurarius gave Marcus a brief massage while his master lay on a fine marble waist high bench in the vestibulum. After the massage, Aurarius scraped off all the scented oil, leaving Marcus' bronzed skin smooth and gleaming,. Aurarius then cleaned up the marble bench, and put away the oil and strigil, while Marcus, still naked, went into the coluisse locus to select his clothes.

Adonios and Petronius had been lounging side by side in their own tepidarium, saying very little, but simply enjoying each other's company. Adonios was more than happy. Not only had he learned that now Petronius had been reunited with his younger brother, but he was also feeling more secure in his relationship with Petronius. In addition, however, a little later, while Petronius, like Marcus, was also receiving a massage, he had promised to Adonios to make the night after the cena memorable, with wine, and plenty of boisterous fun in the luxurious bedroom.

Later, both Aurarius and Adonios, while their masters were getting dressed, had informed the guards at the doors of the apartments that both the Tribune (Petronius), and the Dominus (Marcus) were available if any visitors, or messages came. Almost immediately one of the guards knocked at the bronze door of Marcus' suite. Aurarius carefully opened the door, but just by a crack, he was, rightly concerned about security in the new environment.

"There's a boy here with a message, and a letter from his excellency Prætorian Tribune Titus Flavius Vespasianus for the Dominus," the guard said in a quiet voice. Aurarius nodded assent, and a young lad put his head round the partially opened door.

"Nicander says the guests are waiting in the small triclinium, and I'm to take you down there, and here's a letter for the Dominus," the boy said breathlessly. He'd obviously been running up the stairs and through the corridors. He then handed a scroll to Aurarius.

"Thanks. Just wait there for a minute while the Dominus checks the letter, in case it's something urgent," Aurarius said, and the somewhat overawed boy stood back, on the opposite side of the corridor, waiting for the Dominus. Aurarius went back into the apodyterium (dressing room), and gave Marcus the scroll.

"The boy who brought this is waiting for us, and he wants to take us down to the triclinium, as all the guests are ready, Dominus," Aurarius explained.

"Good, now just check that this tunic looks good from the back, while I quickly glance through this letter," Marcus replied.

Cena
The Evening Meal

Going out for a meal in the evening is a very recent custom. In the past (even the very recent past), even the most wealthy almost always took their meals at home, or at the home of their family, friends or associates. In Rome, at the time of our story, there were no restaurants as we would know them, but only Thermopolium (quick, hot-food cafe, also serving drinks). So the 'cena' was yet another of those meals taken in the villa or domus, such as we have seen in previous chapters. As Marcus had just arrived in Rome, there had not been time for Marcus to consult with Terentius regarding appropriate guests to invite, Terentius, however, was already working hard on such matters, creating proposed guests lists, and lists of useful contacts. He had been unable to do this before arriving in Rome as he needed to be in direct contact with Marcus' many clients, as those individuals who would be available were a constantly shifting resource.

The result of their sudden arrival meant that the group of guests attending the cena were well known to one another and, apart from Nicander, were all from Baiae, rather than Rome. The feast was therefore to be attended by Petronius, Terentius, Novius, and the 'guest of honor', Nicander, (Glaux was also there for the very lightly cooked, and un-spiced and un-garnished dormice, which had been specially prepared for him, on the instructions of Marcus, who didn't want Glaux suffering an upset stomach, as he had done n previous occassions.)

The cena took place in a 'moderately' sized triclinium, off one of the 'moderately' sized atria on the ground floor. Although the decoration was somewhat more elaborate, the general size of the rooms made the setting seem very similar to the triclinia and atria in the villa at Baiae. After quickly looking through Titus' letter, Marcus took it into the cubiculum lectuli, and locked it in a small metal cupboard, set into the wall near the bed, (the ancient Roman equivalent of a safe).

"So, Aurarius, lets go and have yet another one of those interminable meals," Marcus said, pushing Aurarius in front of him so that the boy could open the large bronze doors for him. As the doors opened the guards saluted, and the young slave-boy, patiently standing opposite the doors, gave a slight bow.

"Bonum vespere, Dominus! (Good evening, Master!)," the slave-boy said deferentially.

"Bonum vespere, iuvenis! (Good evening, young lad!)," Marcus replied

It was very unusual for a master, particularly one as powerful and eminent as Marcus, to return the greeting of a slave, however this is an aspect of Marcus' character that now endeared him to those who served him.

"You are to take us to the triclinium?" Marcus asked.

"Yes, my Dominus. Your esteemed guests await your presence," the slave-boy answered, very formally. And so they proceeded down the corridor. Almost immediately they came to Petronius' suite.

"Has the Tribune Petronius been informed that the cena is about to begin?" Marcus asked the boy who was guiding them.

"Yes, my Dominus. One of my colleagues took him down to the triclinium a short time ago," the boy replied. Marcus nodded, pleased with the apparent efficiency that Nicander seemed to have imposed upon the staff of the domus. After walking through some more long, high corridors, they then crossed a large atrium. The whole of the Domus seemed to be remarkably quiet, considering how many people worked and lived there, but as they came to the atrium they could hear the distinct sound of conversation. From the atrium they entered the prothyrum (entrance hall), leading to the triclinium. There in the prothyrum, were Petronius and Adonios, with Glaux on his shoulder, Demetrius, and also Terentius with Novius. At the entrance to the prothyrum was Nicander, waiting to greet them.

"Bonum vespere, Dominus!" Nicander said to Marcus.

"Bonum vespere!" Marcus replied.

"And what about Aurarius?" Marcus said, slightly disgruntled.

"Please excuse me, Dominus," Nicander said, obviously embarrassed (and probably annoyed that Marcus had caught him out, yet again).

"Bonum vespere, verus iuvenis!" Nicander hastily added (verus iuvenis, esteemed young man).

Aurarius nodded and smiled, not wanting to get on the wrong side of Nicander.

Nicander was obviously very surprised that, as a freedman and the 'Magister Domus', he was expected to greet a mere slave-boy, but unfortunately for Nicander, he had not yet understood the high regard with which Marcus held his personal slave, and he also didn't know that Aurarius was now believed to be the younger brother of Tribune Petronius.

"I should tell you now that I was impressed by the way you organised the slaves to assemble all the guest in such a timely way," Marcus commented, trying to be complimentary, seeing that he'd rather ruffled Nicander's feathers, a thought which undoubtedly amused Glaux (Glaux, of course, knew what his humans were thinking).

"Thank you, Dominus, I am trying my best," Nicander said rather plaintively.

"So, Dominus, shall we go into the triclinium, as no one will enter and take a couch until you do so," Nicander then suggested.

"Excellent idea," Marcus replied, "as I am very hungry!"

And so the cena began. Marcus, while working his way through the gustatio, (hors d'oeuvres), started a conversation with Terentius.

"Tell me, Terentius, why did the late Dominus build such a large and magnificent domus here in Rome, after all, as far as I know he very rarely lived here?" Marcus asked.

"Well, Dominus, this was built at the beginning of the reign of the last Emperor.

Now that's a difficult one… There had been three emperors after Nero, and Vespasian was the fourth, but most people ignored the three emperors, Galba, Otho and Vitellius, and considered that Nero was succeeded by Vespasianus, so Terentius' comment refers to Nero.

The fashion then was for very large town houses and, although it was before you came to us, the late Dominus did live here for much of the time, only using the villa at Baiae in the summer," Terentius replied. He then continued, more quietly so as not to be overheard.

"It was only after the birth of Demetrius that he turned against using the Domus, and it was mainly used then by myself when I visited Rome on business, but of course most of the Domus was unused almost all of the time, a terrible waste," Terentius continued.

"I see," Marcus replied, thoughtfully.

"Now tomorrow I want rise early and have a quick guided tour of this place," Marcus continued, changing the subject.

"By 'this place', Dominus, I presume that you mean the Domus, and not Rome," Terentius replied with a grin.

"Yes, the Domus, but later I want to go into Rome," Marcus said.

"That's no problem, I will speak to Nicander, and get him to show you round the Domus," Terentius said, pausing as Glaux fluttered down and daintily landed on the marble topped table which Terentius and Marcus were sharing. The reason, of course, was obvious, it was the gustatio, which included Glaux's favorites, dormice.

"And where do you want to go in the city?" Terentius questioned, doing his best to ignore the greedy little owl.

"Well, I need to obtain a suitable urna sepulcralis (funerary urn) for the late Dominus, so I would like your recommendation for a top rate sculptor. Apelles has already made some drawings of the sort of design that I am looking for. And also I want to buy a slave-boy for Demetrius," Marcus explained.

"Why not speak to Nicander, and let Demetrius choose a boy from the slaves in the Domus? Why waste money buying a slave? All the slaves here you already own, so letting the boy choose from here would cost you nothing?" Terentius replied, as always trying to save money, despite the fact that he knew well that Marcus was probably the richest man in the Empire.

"Well… for one thing, I want Demetrius to feel that this is a special gift from me. I feel that I have somewhat neglected him. Also, and I am sure that you will understand this after all the talk about me and Petronius and the boys, Demetrius has reached an age when he need to assert himself 'as a young man', if you take my meaning, and for that he needs a really attractive slave-boy, not just a Domus slave, but a special boy," Marcus explained.

Terentius nodded and smiled.

"You mean like Aurarius?" Terentius said, knowingly.

"Exactly, you obviously get my drift," Marcus said, as the prima mensa (main course) arrived, and Glaux, not caring for the new food, fluttered off to perch on Aurarius' shoulder.

"Obviously I will need you to help me in this, as you have many contacts among the better quality of slave traders, and for Demetrius I want the best."

"Will you take Demetrius with you, when you buy this boy?" Terentius questioned.

"Of course., I intend to speak to Demetrius after this cena, to explain to him why he needs a slave-boy. He obviously does not need to have the matter of sex spelled out to him, the poor boy has had enough experience of that with Menelaus, Servius, and the gods know who else, but now, I think he needs some guidance on the new role he must play, as he is now a Roman citizen and a young man," Marcus explained, quietly.

"He needs to come with us because I must be sure that there is some real attraction between him and the boy he eventually chooses," Marcus concluded.

Meanwhile, on the couch opposite, Demetrius was chatting happily with Novius, blissfully unaware of the plans being made for him by Marcus and Terentius, and Petronius was doing his best to try to seem interested in Nicander's explanations of the intricacies of the financial management of the Domus and the Villa at Tibur, while Adonios stood behind his master, barely able to disguise a look of complete boredom as he was forced to listen to Nicander talking to Petronius. On the opposite side of the triclinium Marcus turned to Aurarius, who was patiently waiting on his master..

"Give me that stupid bird, Aurarius, and go over to Demetrius, discretely, mind you, and tell him that I would like to speak to him after the cena, in my apartments," Marcus quietly told Aurarius.

Glaux, rather haughtily, stepped off Aurarius' hand, and took his place on Marcus' shoulder. The wise little bird knew that Marcus didn't mean anything by using the word 'stupid', and that Marcus was really just terrified of anyone knowing just how much he loved Glaux. Roman men were not supposed to love pets, their slave-boys, or even their wives. The gods yes, and also the republic and the army, and maybe their best friend (just a little bit), but that was as far as it was allowed to go, and Glaux knew this.

The message was duly passed on, and Demetrius, not surprisingly started to look quite nervous for the remainder of the meal. Mindful that he had an appointment with Demetrius, and that his talk with the boy might be quite lengthy, and that he also wanted to spend some time, before retiring, 'relaxing' with Aurarius, Marcus decide to leave the cena as soon as his guests had finished the secunda mensa, in this case the final course. As he rose to leave with Aurarius, he motioned to the others in the triclinium to remain on their couches, and told the slaves to serve more drinks. On his way out, he stopped off to speak to Petronius.

"I know that this is an imposition, Petronius, but it would help me a lot if you would allow Aurarius to come to your apartment. The reason is that I need to have an important talk to Demetrius. I know that you and Adonios may want to be alone, but it may also be good for the boys to spend some time together, as they have been apart since we arrived here."

Petronius gave one of his winning smiles.

"Of course, Dominus! That's no problem," Petronius replied.

"Also," Marcus continued, "I was wondering if you would come with me when I go into the city tomorrow with Terentius and Demetrius. The trip is so that Demetrius can choose a slave boy for himself, and it would be nice if you were there, maybe to advise him," Marcus asked, a little shyly.

"Of course!" Petronius answered. "It will be a good opportunity to get a good look at some attractive boys."

On seeing Marcus and Aurarius leave the triclinium, the other guests quickly finished off their drinks and conversations, leaving Nicander to give instructions for tidying up to the stewards before he also left the room. It was not the custom, in the house of Gracchus, to continue 'partying' after the Dominus had retired.

Marcus arrived back at his apartments. He then explained to Aurarius that, as he was to see Demetrius, he wanted Aurarius to go to Petronius' apartment and spend some time with Adonios.

"Is it alright for me to tell Adonios about you and me?" Aurarius asked diffidently.

"Of course!" Marcus replied, "And anyway I think he already knows, because I think that Petronius told him."

"Petronius knows!" Aurarius said, seemingly shocked.

"Of course!" Marcus replied.

"Petronius is my closest friend, not my lover, but very closest friend… You must understand that," Marcus explained gently.

Aurarius hung his head. "Yes… I suppose I really knew that… of course he should know," Aurarius said wistfully.

There was a soft knock at the door.

"Answer it, Aurarius!" Marcus said as he seated himself.

"The Iuvenis Dominus Demetrius is here to see the Dominus," the guard stated formally.

"Of course, show him in!" Aurarius replied. As Demetrius entered, Marcus told Aurarius to tell the boy who had brought Demetrius to the apartment to wait in the corridor. After passing on the message, Aurarius then slipped out to go and see Adonios. Demetrius nervously stood in front of Marcus who was seated on a magnificent gilded inlaid curule chair.

The sella curulis is a design of chair noted for its uses in Ancient Rome. Its status in Rome was as a symbol of political or military power. According to Livy the curule chair, like the Roman toga, originated in Etruria. In Rome, the curule chair was traditionally made of, or veneered, with ivory, often gilded, with curved legs forming a wide X.

"You wanted to see me, Dominus?" Demetrius said (in Koine Greek), bowing very slightly.

"Yes indeed," Marcus replied (also in Koine Greek) smiling and trying to put the boy at ease.

Demetrius knew very little Latin, and he and Marcus found it easiest to talk to each other in ἡ κοινὴ διάλεκτος (Koine Greek), 'the common dialect', a form of Greek widely spoken in the Eastern Empire. Aurarius, Adonios and Petronius also spoke to one another in Koine, all being originally from Greece. Marcus learned his Koine in Athens, mixing with the Greek street boys, and still had a slight Greek accent when he spoke Latin, despite the best efforts of Lucius, his Latin tutor. Demetrius spoke Koine and very little Latin because his mother, a Greek slave, taught him Koine when he was a baby, and most of the slaves that he mixed with in the Domus were Greek.

"No need to stand, Demetrius, there's a couch there. Sit down and relax," Marcus said.

Demetrius sat down, but sat rather stiffly, and obviously not relaxed.

"First I need to apologize to you. Since you came to us (see Chapter 25) I have rather neglected you, lots of things have been happening, and I have been very busy," Marcus began.

"Thank you Dominus. I understand," Demetrius answered, almost mumbling.

"Now we are almost on holiday, and there is time to talk, and more importantly time to think about your future."

"Excuse me, Domine," Demetrius interrupted, showing off his newly acquired Latin word.

Domine means 'Sir', whereas Dominus means 'Master' or 'Lord'. As Demetrius was the natural son of a Roman citizen (Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus) he was entitled to call Marcus by his given name Marcus Octavianus Gracchus, (Marcus for short) or, being Marcus' junior, Domine.

Marcus looked surprised. Even his freedmen called him 'Dominus', but here was this young 'Greek' lad addressing him with the exact, and correct, Latin title.

"Who told you that you could call me 'Domine'?" Marcus asked.

"Why… Novius, Domine… He said it was the correct way to address you… I'm sorry if I have done wrong," Demetrius answered.

"Not at all," Marcus replied. "Now what is this question?" he continued.

"I have been puzzled, ever since you first spoke to me (see Chapter 30), that you were able to speak to me in our language, not like a Roman, with a funny accent, but as a true Greek, but you have a Roman name, so… are you a Greek or a Roman?" Demetrius asked.

Now it was a very good question, but one which very few people (apart from those who knew the truth) would dare to ask. Marcus sat back in his ornate chair.

"I think you are a clever boy, and I will, as always, tell you the truth. I was born here, in Rome. Not in this grand Domus, but in a small villa. My parents took me away to Athens when I was just a baby, maybe two or three, and I have no memories of Rome, so this is like my first visit. So I grew up in Greece, and being a bad boy, I did not obey my father, who wanted me to be a good Roman, but instead spent my time with Greek boys, so I picked up the Greek language of the streets," Marcus explained.

Demetrius listened, fascinated.

"So how did you become Dominus?" Demetrius asked, pressing Marcus for more information.

"That's a complicated story, but what I tell you must just be between you and me. Many people, like Terentius, Novius, and Petronius know the story. Some, who knew the story, and told others, without permission, are now dead, and you saw some of them die in the arena (see Chapter 34). So this is dangerous information, just between you and me, understood?" Marcus explained.

"Understood, Domine!" Demetrius replied, nodding.

At last Marcus thought that he had broken through Demetrius' strange 'reserve. No longer did the handsome young boy seem distant, but instead he was at last becoming enthusiastic and friendly, and so he briefly narrated the story of his early life.

"My parents had to come back to Rome, and as I was their only child I went with them. While we were crossing the sea we were attacked by pirates (see Chapter 1). My mother and father were killed by the pirates, who thought that I was their slave-boy, because I spoke such good Greek, and Latin with a Greek accent. I was wearing the bulla that you now wear, but the pirates though that I had stolen it. I was sold as a slave when we reached Brundisium, and it was there that Terentius bought me for the late Dominus (see Chapter 2). So, I was a slave like you were."

Demetrius eyes widened, and he shook his head in disbelief.

"But, to cut a long story short, with the help of Terentius, the late Dominus discovered that I truly was a Roman citizen, and later he adopted me, and finally left me everything in his will, and when he died, I became Dominus." Now Marcus had left a lot of important information out of this story, but he felt that the other facts could wait until Demetrius was older.

"Thank you for explaining all that to me," Demetrius said, still shaking his head, and obviously stunned by what Marcus had told him.

"Now, however, I need to get to the reason of why I asked you to come and see me," Marcus said, a little more sternly.

"Yes, of course, Domine," Demetrius answered obediently.

"Tomorrow I intend to take you to the city with the intention of buying you a slave-boy. The boy is not just to fetch and carry for you, or bring you meals or clean. There are plenty of slaves in the Domus, the villa at Baiae or Tibur, or my other properties who can do that. This boy is to be your concubinus. Do you understand the term?" Marcus asked.

"No, Domine," Demetrius replied, looking perplexed.

"Παλλακίς," Marcus stated, bluntly, in Greek.

"Oh!" Demetrius said, still looking somewhat perplexed.

"Now I know that I don't need to explain anything about sex to you, as I am aware that you have had sexual experiences with Menelaus, Servius, and perhaps others, but those experiences were those of a slave. As a free Roman those activities are no longer acceptable. By Roman custom, if you want to become a man, you cannot be passive when you have sex. Do you understand?" Marcus continued.

"Not really, Domine," Demetrius replied, looking really embarrassed.

"To put it simply, but crudely, a Roman man fucks, but never allows himself to be fucked. Also a Roman man allows himself to be fellated, but never fellates, and a Roman man allows himself to be masturbated, but never masturbates another. Is that clear now?" Marcus asked, getting a little exasperated at having to be so blunt.

"Yes, Domine. Sorry I was so stupid before."

"So…," Marcus continued, taking a deep breath, "this boy we are going to buy tomorrow is the boy that, a least for the moment, you can have in your bed, and have sex with regularly, but only in the ways that I have explained," Marcus concluded, obviously relieved that he had made himself clear.

"I understated now, Domine. Thank you," Demetrius answered.

Patrician boys (like Demetrius) were usually given a younger male slave as a concubinus. Within the hierarchy of household slaves, the concubinus was regarded as holding a special or elevated status. The relationship with a concubinus might be discreet or more open: male concubines sometimes attended dinner parties with the man whose companion they were. Martial even suggests that a prized concubinus might pass from father to son as an especially coveted inheritance. A military officer on campaign might be accompanied by a concubinus. The role of the concubine was regularly compared to that of Ganymede, the Trojan prince abducted by Jove (Greek Zeus) to serve as his cup-bearer.

"Now a slave-boy appropriate to a youth of your rank will be expensive, and if he does not prove satisfactory may be difficult to sell on at a profit (which would upset Terentius), so you must chose carefully," Marcus continued, and Demetrius nodded. "Remember that the boy is not just for sex, but should also be a good companion. We will of course choose a boy who is healthy, fit and well educated, and considering your past I think that he should probably be Greek, but also speak good Latin. Most important of all, and remember this, you must find him attractive, both in terms of his personality, and equally his sexual attractiveness for you. Is that clear."

"Yes, Domine," Demetrius replied.

"Well, unless you want to ask me anything else, I think that is all we need to say until tomorrow, and remember, Demetrius, always come to me if you think that you need me!" Marcus concluded.

Demetrius rose from the couch, and Marcus escorted him to the doors of the introitus praetorii, which he opened for his young guest, while at the same time calling over the slave-boy who had been obediently waiting in the corridor.

"Boy, go the the apartment of the Tribune Petronius, and ask Aurarius to come to me," Marcus told the young slave.

Moments later there was a quiet knock on the door and Aurarius quietly entered the introitus praetorii.

"Dominus, I'm back!" Aurarius said softly.

"Come 'Boy', come with me to my bed!" Marcus called.

'and the story continues, Marcus buys a slave-boy for Demetrius
and Petronius buys some new slaves for the arena at Baiae.
Later, when Demetrius' new slave-boy arrives, Demetrius takes his fist steps at becoming a true 'Iuvenis Dominus' by having his 'wicked way' with the 'cute' lad.

XXXVII. Servos acquirendum
37. Buying Slaves

Mane
Morning

Sunlight streamed into the bedroom. Marcus, who was entwined with Aurarius, awoke with his usual insistent morning erection, and was almost immediately prepared to continue the indulgence of the previous night, when there was a soft tapping on the door.

"By the gods!" Marcus exclaimed, apparently thwarted in his intention to give Aurarius a morning fuck on awakening.

"Go and answer that, Aurarius!"

Aurarius, who was equally 'aroused' on awakening, quickly put on his skimpy loincloth, which barely hid his 'excitement', and went to open the door of the introitus praetorii.

"It's ientaculum (breakfast)!" Aurarius called out.

"Well have the boy bring it in here!" Marcus replied, sitting up in bed. Aurarius, looking appallingly attractive in his barely fitting loincloth, returned with a young slave-boy bearing a tray laden with food. At the smell of food, Glaux, who was sitting next to Marcus on the bed, immediately became alert. It was the same slave-boy who had brought Demetrius to the apartment the previous night.

"Put it here, boy," Marcus said, indicating the bed.

"What's you name, boy?" Marcus asked.

"Elatos, Dominus," the boy replied, looking quite nervous.

"Good, Elatos. From now on, you're mine!" Marcus said firmly.

"When you go back to the kitchens, tell your steward to tell Nicander that from today you are attached to my suite," Marcus continued in Greek.

"Ναι, Δάσκαλε!" (Yes, Dominus), Elatos replied in Greek, looking rather shocked.

"Good., Now help Aurarius get some drinks, and then take my message down to your steward, and then come back here," Marcus said, as he and Glaux surveyed the food.

This Roman breakfast (far more elaborate than that eaten by the 'plebs'), consisted of eggs, cheese, dormice (for Glaux), honey, milk and fruit. Aurarius and Elatos then brought Marcus some wine, diluted with water, and then Elatos (asking permission to leave) returned to the kitchens to deliver his message to his steward.

"Do you like Elatos?" Marcus asked, as he started on his breakfast.

"I think he's sweet," Aurarius replied.

"Well, at least he'll give you some time to have a rest, and relax," Marcus said. Of course Aurarius knew that Marcus wanted to fuck the boy, (eventually), but he was not jealous, as he was confident of his position in Marcus' affections. Equally, he realized that Marcus almost certainly would expect himself and Elatos to have sex, which would at least give Aurarius the chance to play the 'dominant' role. Aurarius was not a cinaedus, as, if he had been, Marcus would not have chosen him, and not being a cinaedus meant that Aurarius had 'dominant' sexual needs of his own which he could not fulfill with Marcus.

Cinaedus is a derogatory Latin term, used in ancient Rome, denoting a boy who was 'gender-deviant'; his choice of sex acts was secondary to his perceived deficiencies as a male (vir). It was the most the most frequent Roman term for a boy who was considered to be effeminate. The clothing, use of cosmetics, and mannerisms of a cinaedus marked him as 'effeminate'. The cinaedus thus represented the absence of what Romans considered true masculinity, and the word is virtually untranslatable into English. Originally, a 'kinaidos' (Greek) was a professional dancing boy, characterized as non-Roman or 'Eastern'; the word itself may come from a language of Asia Minor. His performance featured tambourine-playing and movements of the buttocks that suggested anal intercourse.

Matters of sex, by then, however, were far from Marcus' mind. He had finished his breakfast, and Glaux was quietly dozing on the back of a chair while Elatos, keen to prove that he was a good worker, was tidying the rooms. Meanwhile, Aurarius was helping Marcus to choose some elegant clothes to wear for their trip to Rome. Once Elatos had finished his tidying, Marcus sent him to Petronius, to alert his tribune that they would later be setting out for the city. After that, Elatos was sent down to Nicander to tell him that Marcus was on his way to inspect the Domus. Elatos then returned, breathless, to tell Marcus that Nicander was waiting for them in the main atrium.

As they left Marcus' apartments, Marcus informed the guards that young Elatos was now one of his personal slaves, and should be given immediate and complete access to Marcus' apartments. And so Marcus and his two slave-boys arrived in the main atrium.

Inspectio domi
The Inspection of the Domus

"Salve, Dominus, Salve veri pueri," Nicander said cheerfully, being careful to greet not only Marcus, but also his slave-boys after the embarrassment of the previous evening.

"Salve Magister!" Marcus replied.

"I see that you have taken on young Elatos," Nicander commented.

"Like all the slaves now working in the Domus, he is new to the establishment, but I am assured that he is an excellent worker, and I think that you will be most satisfied with him," Nicander explained deferentially, but perhaps pointedly emphasizing the word 'satisfied'.

Now poor Nicander had, quite correctly, employed a large number of slaves to work throughout the night, cleaning and arranging all the 'public' rooms of the domus. What he didn't expect, however, was that Marcus would begin his inspection in the vast, labyrinthine basement that extended below the domus, and it was in this basement that no preparations had been made. The basement contained, as one would expect, store rooms, for food, wine, ice, utensils, table-ware, linen, clothing, fuel, spare furniture, arms and armour, the essential furnaces for heating and hot water, and so much more. It even contained numerous sets of cramped living quarters for the most menial of the slaves, and dining areas for slaves on duty. And so, a very embarrassed Nicander was required to guide Marcus, accompanied by Aurarius and Elatos, round this grim facsimile of Hades.

At the completion of the first part of the inspection, Marcus had only one comment. "I want it all repainted, white!".

"Of course Dominus, immediately!" Nicander responded.

"And now Dominus, I will take you by the lift (elevator) to the top floor." (Yes… the Romans even had elevators, but raised by slave-power.) This was Nicander's way of ensuring that Marcus was not put to the 'inconvenience' of having to climb any stairs, he would only have to walk down stairs after he had reached the top floor. Aurarius looked none to happy as the lift rose floor by floor. There were no lifts in the villa at Baiae, so this was a new and disconcerting experience for him. Elatos was equally unnerved as he had never been in the lifts at the Domus, which were reserved for guests, freedmen, high status slaves, and of course, Marcus.

The Domus Gracchi was built on the side of a hill, (the Esquiline Hill), and so the front façade was very deceptive. From the front it appeared to be a relatively low building, but in fact it had four floors, plus a basement.
On the top floor was a fabulous 'roof garden' with magnificent views of the city.
Part of the roof garden was also given over to a number of gazebos, (pavilions), connected to one another by pergolas. The roof garden even featured a number of pools, complete with fountains and miniature waterfalls. The floor below featured living accommodation for the higher grades of domus staff.
The next floor featured the living accommodation of the senior staff, including freedmen, and Nicander's apartment.
In addition there was a library reserved for senior staff, and Marcus' personal library and study, still filled with scrolls and documents originally belonging to the late Dominus. The next floor down was the area nobilis (noble floor), on which were situated various guest rooms, Marcus' private apartments, the private apartments of the senior advisers of the House of Gracchus, and the newly appointed apartments of the Iuvenis Dominus (Demetrius).

That finally brought them to the ground floor. This was the most extensive floor, consisting of the grand entrance hall, numerous atria and triclinia, rooms for meetings and conferences, a sculpture gallery, a gymnasion complex (that's not a 'typo', it's Greek) and an indoor swimming pool, (reserved for the Dominus and his closest advisers). There was also a small bathing complex for the domus workers, scrupulously divided into sections, in accordance with status. Most of the atria and triclinia opened out onto quadrangles, planted with flower beds, small shrubs and trees, and some led out to the extensive gardens at the rear of the domus, which had originally been part of the legendary Gardens of Maecenas.

Aurarius was overwhelmed by the size, luxury and magnificence of the place. Elatos, of course had seen most of the domus before, but not the breathtaking roof garden. Marcus gave the impression, (for the sake of Nicander), of seeing only what he expected, but like Aurarius, in reality, was overwhelmed.

On arriving back at the main atrium, they found Petronius, Terentius, Demetrius and Adonios waiting for them. Glaux was not with them as he was too sleepy, and was dozing in Marcus' apartments. On their way down the last, immensely wide set of steps, Marcus had complimented Nicander on the condition of the Domus, but had warned him that there were a few modification that needed to be attended to, which he would discuss with Terentius. He also warned Nicander that, in a few days, he would also want to inspect the Villa Pastoralis, in Tibur, (doubtless Nicander would be more thorough in his preparations, after the debacle involving the basement in the Domus) . At this point Marcus dismissed Elatos, sending him back to the apartments to continue tidying up, and to keep Glaux company, (remember that Glaux slept and dozed for most of the day).

In Urbe
Into the City

Nicander then began to order an escort of Domus guards, and two litters, for the trip into the city, but Marcus stopped him, saying that they would walk. Nicander looked suitably surprised. Wealthy Roman patricians never walked anywhere (they normally traveled in a litter or a carriage), and persons of Marcus' eminence were always accompanied by guards. Marcus, however, wanted to see the streets and the people, and as he was carrying his pugio (the final gift from the late Dominus), and Petronius was armed with a gladius and a pugio, Marcus felt quite safe.

The streets of Rome were notoriously unsafe late at night, but in the day it was quite safe. The guards that the rich and influential surrounded themselves with were, in reality intended to establish their status and wealth, rather than there to protect them. Guards were no protection against the unknown assassin as had been proved on numerous occasions.

It was an excellent day to go shopping! The huge gilded bronze doors of the Domus opened, and the seemingly small group, (of which only one was a true Roman, Marcus, who had been born in Rome), made their way down the magnificent flight of white marble steps.

"And what did you think of the Domus, Dominus?" Terentius asked.

"It's too big!" Marcus replied. "What was Gnaeus Octavian thinking of when he built such a huge 'palace'?"

"I agree, Dominus, but he was younger when he started to build, and he wished, at that time, to establish himself in Rome, and a grand Domus was a good way to do that. But as you well know, things then began to go wrong, mainly with Nero, but also the 'boy' (Terentius added quietly), and Gnaeus retreated to his villa by the sea. He lost interest in the Domus, and left it in the hands of that rascal Menelaus. It was one of the best things you ever did, getting rid of him, and when I first met you, I wouldn't have thought you would have had it in you!"

Marcus nodded as they finally came to the pavement.

"So… which way?" Marcus asked Terentius.

"Well you're the Roman, you tell us!" Terentius answered, joking.

Now we imagine that the city of Rome, at the time of our story, was a huge city, and it seems strange that Marcus and his companions should eschew the advantage of being taken round the city in a litter or a carriage. The real centre of Rome, however, covered an area of about five square miles, and all the main buildings and markets (fora) were in easy walking distance.

"So… what do you want to buy first?" Terentius asked, being serious once again.

"Well I need to find a sculptor to make a funeral vase for the ashes of the late Dominus," Marcus explained.

"Good! Well I know the very man that you need to see!" Terentius replied, enthusiastically.

"The man you want is a Greek called Diodoros. He's young, like our artist Apelles, but that means that his work is fashionable, and he's the best, but expensive," Terentius enthused.

"Now how did I know that you were going to warn me that he'd be expensive?" Marcus asked, with a grin.

"Well you know me, Dominus. I never like to waste money," Terentius retorted, as they made their way through grimy back streets. Eventually they reached a small, rather dilapidated shop. It reminded Petronius of the shop belonging to Timotheus where he'd collected Marcus' pugio for the late Dominus.

Looking round Marcus saw a small thermopolium, and directed Petronius to take the boys to have a drink and a snack, not that they really need one, as it was still quite early, but he didn't want Adonios and Aurarius getting bored and frisky, and maybe smashing some fine marble sculpture. Well he remembered the problems the boys had made in Neapolis when he was purchasing items for the previous Ludi.

Terentius then led the way into the small shop. There, in the shop, was a young man having a heated exchange with (probably) a customer about a bust of a not too attractive middle-aged woman (maybe the customer's wife?). When the young man caught sight of Terentius he grinned in recognition, and then did his best to bring his discussion with the presumed customer to a close. Finally the customer left.

"Hello Terentius!" he said cheerily. "Good to see you! How are you getting on with that new boss of yours?" the young man, apparently Diodoros, asked.

Terentius looked somewhat embarrassed. "Well actually this" (and Terentius gestured to Marcus) "is the 'new boss'. Marcus Octavianus Gracchus, Dominus of the House of Gracchus."

"Oh… I see. Sorry!" the young Diodoros said, rather sheepishly.

"Now Diodoros, that is your name?" Marcus began. (Diodoros nodded). "I have a drawing here, made by my artist, Apelles. It's based on a an Etruscan design… It is a design for a funerary urn, to be made in black basalt and decorated with gold ornamentation." Marcus handed the sketch to Diodoros.

"The dimensions are on the back," Marcus added. Diodoros looked at the sketch carefully, turned it over, and pursed his lips.

"You really want it in basalt?" he asked.

"Yes," Marcus answered sharply.

"You know that basalt is very, very hard, and difficult to carve?" Diodoros said, shaking his head.

"Yes," Marcus replied.

"Well this is going to be very expensive, and that's not taking into consideration the gold," Diodoros continued.

"Well you can discuss the financial side with Terentius," Marcus explained.

That remark made Diodoros look very concerned. He was all too aware that Terentius was a remarkably astute business man, and knew that Terentius' ability regarding 'haggling' was legendary in the markets of Rome.

"So, may I ask, sir…"

"Dominus," Terentius interrupted.

"I'm sorry… may I ask, Dominus who this urn is for?" Diodoros asked, wondering if maybe Marcus was going to try to sell it on as a genuine 'Etruscan' piece.

"It is to take the ashes of my dear and recently deceased father, Gnaeus Octavian Gracchus, and is to be placed in his mausoleum," Marcus said, and with that he left the shop, too upset to continue.

Diodoros looked at Terentius, Terenius looked at Diodorus.

"I think you should have been a little more polite, and not asked unnecessary questions," Terentius said coldly. "He could be a very good customer for you…"

Quickly Marcus 'pulled himself together', and crossed the street and entered the thermopolium.

"Is everything all right Marcus?" Petronius asked, sensing that Marcus was obviously hiding some upset. The boys, who were chatting, instantly looked up, startled that Petronius had used Marcus' first name, rather that address him as 'Dominus'.

"Yes, it's fine. The Greek boy" (Marcus said 'Greek' with unusual disdain) "is going to make the urn, and now Terentius is agreeing a price," Marcus replied, but his voice was strained.

"Well, I feel sorry for the 'Greek boy'," Petronius quipped.

"With Terentius, he'll probably end up paying for the privilege of making the thing!" By joking Petronius hoped to try put things right for Marcus, as he knew that the whole business of the urn and the mausoleum was upsetting Marcus.

"So now boys, as soon as Terentius has finished his business, we can help Petronius choose some new guys for our arena!" Marcus said, trying to lighten the mood. The lads cheered, Petronius paid for the food and drinks, and then they waited outside the thermopolium for Terentius.

Servos acquirendum
Buying Slaves

Once Terentius arrived, they started out for the slave market, which, fortunately, was quite near by.

The Slave Market was situated in the area called the 'Graecostadium' behind the Basilica Julia in the Roman Forum. The name 'Graecostadium' means 'market for Greek slaves'. Some of the first large numbers of Roman slaves came from Greece. The sale of slaves at the Slave Market was conducted in many ways in the exactly the same way as other goods and wares. The sellers would emphasize the features and benefits and any unique selling points. Slaves for sale were normally stood naked on revolving stands so the buyers could see exactly what they were purchasing. New arrivals brought from abroad were put on display with one foot whitened with chalk. Roman law demanded that dealers disclosed the ethnic origin (natio) of the slaves they were selling, so placards (tituli) were hung from the necks of the slaves for sale detailing their nationality, origin, abilities, their good and, less frequently, their bad points. The prices and costs of slaves varied considerably according to age, skills and qualities of the slave. Untrained slaves were priced about 12 times less than a skilled slave. Slaves of great beauty and rarity were not exhibited to public gaze in the common slave market, but were shown to purchasers in private.

For the slaves for the arena, Terentius, not wanting to spend too much, headed for the public slave market. Later he would take Demetrius to a private, 'classy' establishment, to obtain a high quality slave-boy. The buying of slaves for the arena was the part of the trip that the boys had been eagerly anticipating. When they arrived at the slave market, Terentius and Petronius went off to see some of the venalicii (slave traders), who were organizing the sales, with the intention of encouraging them (with a bribe) to mount a sale of suitable boys and young men for the arena, while Marcus, standing discretely where he would not be noticed, looked after Adonios, Aurarius and Demetrius, that part of the slave market was not only not salubrious, but could also be dangerous.

Terentius, was well known by the venalicius in this market, and they knew that he was likely to make numerous purchases, so they gathered together a group of likely looking lads for him and Petronius to view. Terentius, being a 'special customer', was subsequently taken to a private area of the market. There a particular venalicius (dealer), called Faustus ('Lucky'), a close friend of Terentius, (and actually a 'client' of the late Dominus and therefore now a 'client' of Marcus) organized a sale. This was the way that Terentius liked to do business.

Although Terentius was initially charged slightly over the normal price, as it was not an auction and there was no problem about 'bidding' against other buyers, it was simply a question of Terentius 'haggling' with Faustus, and if Terentius bought in quantity, then he would obviously not be expected to pay the 'extra', but would be given a very good price.

So Faustus started presenting his boys, while Petronius and Terentius looked on. At that point Adonios, Aurarius and Demetrius crept up to get a good look at the naked youths. Marcus himself hung back, this was not really his business, and slave-buying upset him, for obvious reasons. Although Marcus was very much involved in the presentation of the Ludi, he had no expertise in the selection of contestants for the arena, so he left that to the remarkably practiced eye of Petronius.

Terentius, himself, was not particularly attracted to boys (despite his close connection with young Phillipos), and knew very little about the activities in the arena, whereas Petronius was a connoisseur of attractive boys, as well as knowledgeable about assessing boys physiques for their potential as fighters. Little by little the boys being brought forward were separated into two groups, the rejects and those who would be taken to the Domus, and later to the Ludus at Baiae. The boys of whom Petronius was unsure would be questioned. Petronius was obviously anxious to know if they had any previous experience of combat, or if they had trained in a gymnasion, or wrestled or boxed. Apart from answering questions, Petronius would also get them to flex their muscles. With some boys he would feel their muscle tone, and test their strength with an impromptu, but friendly, wrestling hold.

Faustus, who had never met Petronius before, was very impressed with Terentius' new colleague, and realized that if Petronius were to attend his sales in future he would have to offer some really good quality boys. Eventually twenty boys were selected and Faustus, who knew where to deliver the purchases, finalized the price, and was paid by Terentius.

"Who is that young man you have with you?" Faustus finally asked.

"That is Petronius, Tribunus to my master, and Dominus Harenae in Baiae (Master of the Arena in Baiae)." Terentius replied. And Faustus was very impressed.

Puer servus pro Demetrio
A Slave-Boy for Demetrius

Having bought a good number of slaves for the Ludus, Marcus, Terentius, Petronius, Adonios, Aurarius and Demetrius made their way to what appeared to be a large 'town house' a few minutes walk away from the slave market. This was a private establishment which specialized in supplying very expensive and high quality slaves of both sexes.

Now by modern standards the idea of buying a young teenage boy for the purposes of sex may seem not only odd (and possibly repugnant) but also immoral. In Rome, at the time of our story, however, such behavior among the upper classes was considered perfectly normal and correct. It was thought to be far from satisfactory, for both medical reasons and for the formation of character, for a young Roman patrician to grow up without any regular sexual outlet. Casual girlfriends (or boyfriends) were socially unacceptable, (teenage patrician girls and boys rarely met socially, and boys and girls never met without a chaperone). Slave girls were considered inappropriate because of the inconvenience of 'periods', and the very likely possibility of pregnancy. The solution to these problems was the male concubinus.

Not surprisingly, Terentius was also known in this establishment.

"Salvete verus Domine! (Greetings, esteemed sir)," the proprietor said as Terentius entered.

"Salve!" Terentius replied. "I am am sorry to burden you with so many of my associates, but one of my group wishes to select for himself your finest slave-boy," Terentius explained.

"That is no problem, Domine," the proprietor replied.

"We can accommodate these gentlemen … refreshments will be served, but I presume that the purchaser would prefer to select the boy on his own, or with just selected companions?" the proprietor suggested.

Petronius was fascinated, as the whole procedure reminded him very much of the high class brothel close to the Esquiline, that he and Servius had visited on their ill-favored visit to Rome, (a brothel visit that he had revealed to no one at the villa). A slave ushered the group into a well appointed atrium, while Terentius and the proprietor spoke quietly in the exedra (hallway).

"In this case the purchaser is the guardian of the young man in question, who has reached the age where it has become appropriate for him to have a concubinus, so we need a very attractive young boy, who can provide sexual services for his young master, however, the boy must not be in any way effeminate, I am sure that you know what I mean. The slave in question should be just slightly younger than his master, who is about fourteen years, and should be slightly shorter in stature. We prefer a Greek boy, or one who speaks Greek, but he should also understand and speak some Latin. Payment, on agreeing a price, shall be made in gold, and the boy be delivered today to the Domus Gracchi, on the Esquiline."

The proprietor was obviously impressed by the clear and precise description of the boy required, and at the mention of the Domus Gracchi he raised an eyebrow, realizing that he had a very wealthy customer. He quickly spoke in whispers to a young man, presumably a slave, who then went off to select some possibly suitable boys.

"Perhaps the young man, and maybe his esteemed guardian would like to come this way," the proprietor suggested.

Terentius then went to fetch Marcus and Demetrius from the atrium, while Adonios and Aurarius desperately struggled to look serious and mature. Petronius had decided to stay with the boys as, much as he would have liked to see the slave-boys on show, he thought that too many people around when Demetrius was making a difficult decision might not be a good thing. The proprietor then led Terentius, Marcus and Demetrius into a moderately sized room, where they were offered chairs.

Then from a curtained, columned entrance four boys, all completely naked, emerged.

"Now take as long a you like, and if none of the boys appeals to you, then we have plenty more," the proprietor explained gently to Demetrius.

One of the boys was tall, blonde and well-hung. One was red haired, and looked rather petulant. Two were dark haired.

"Any of those that you like?" Marcus asked softly.

Demetrius was still very shy about the whole matter, but realized that he needed to make a choice, and that it was important that he got it right.

"I like the boy slightly to the right, showing off his muscles," he finally said. "The one with the dark hair."

"Ah, the Iuvenis Dominus has a good eye," the proprietor said encouragingly. "That's good.

"Get rid of the other three, and show the boy some more!" Terentius said firmly.

"Of course. And may I ask who is the guardian of our young master?" the proprietor asked.

"This gentleman is the boy's guardian, Dominus Marcus Octavianus Gracchus," Terentius said, indicating Marcus.

"Oh… we are honored," the proprietor stammered, not having realized how eminent was his customer.

"Bring three more boys, the best!" he called.

Three more very handsome and naked boys made their way past the curtains. Two of them, to Marcus' taste', appeared to be somewhat effeminate, and one was decidedly over muscled, and was probably older than Terentius had stipulated.

"What do you think?" Marcus asked Demetrius.

"I still like the dark haired one," Demetrius insisted, smiling.

"Right!" Marcus said to the proprietor. "Lets have a closer look at, and a word with, the one on the extreme right, with dark hair."

With a flick of his wrist the proprietor dismissed the other boys, leaving the one that Demetrius had indicated standing alone. Marcus rose from his seat and approached the dark haired boy, and Marcus was pleased to see that the boy held his ground, while keeping his eyes lowered.

"This is Mikkos," the proprietor announced, "but obviously you may change his name if you do not find that suitable."

"So… Mikkos…" Marcus said, getting hold of the boy's head, and opening his mouth to inspect his teeth and tongue, "Do you speak Greek?"

Once Marcus had finished his inspection the naked boy answered. "Yes, Dominus, I speak Greek," the boy replied, appropriately in excellent Greek.

"And I also speak Latin," the boy boldly continued, but now in Latin.

"Are you sexually experiencde, or are you a virgin, Mikkos?" Marcus then asked.

"I am sexually experienced, many times," Mikkos answered, again boldly.

"And do you think that you could satisfy my young nephew here?" Marcus asked pointedly.

"Yes Dominus. I believe that he would enjoy me," Mikkos answered, just slightly cheekily.

"And do you find him attractive?" Marcus asked, turning away from Demetrius, and speaking quietly to Mikkos.

"Yes, I think that the Iuvenis Dominus is a very attractive, noble young man."

"Well, Mikkos… you answer very well, and, may I say, very cleverly, but do not think for a moment to deceive me, for I'm a dangerous man, as those who have crossed me, and are now in Hades, well know," Marcus said grimly, wishing to establish (as usual) his ultimate and complete authority.

"I understand, verus Dominus… If I become the slave of the Iuvenis Dominus, I will be true to him, and to you, Dominus, always," Mikkos, answered.

Marcus was surprised by this answer. It was eloquent, and quite moving, coming from one so young. The proprietor, also surprised by the response of his slave, smiled and nodded.

"You see, Dominus, this boy shall be an excellent investment."

"So… Demetrius… you want this boy?" Marcus asked, turning to Demetrius.

"Yes… thank you Marcus," Demetrius replied.

"Good!" Marcus mumbled, glad to be finished. It was the first time that Marcus had personally bought a slave, and it brought back difficult memories of the time when he had been bought by Terentius in Brundisium.

"I will leave you to deal the the business, Terentius," Marcus said briskly.

Terentius was no fool, and realized that this purchase of a slave-boy had been difficult for Marcus, so he quickly made a deal with the proprietor, without spending too much time haggling.

"Send the boy over to the domus before sunset, fully and well clothed, and with the appropriate documents. Your man should contact Nicander, the chief steward, at the Domus," Terentius explained.

Terentius then entered the atrium, where he found Marcus and Petronius chatting, while Adonios, Aurarius and Demetrius were giggling in a corner.

"Well, boys will be boys!" Terentius remarked, looking towards to giggling group.

"So, Dominus, are we ready to return to the Domus?" Terentius asked.

"Yes, and let's have a rest, a drink and some food," Marcus said, relieved that the supposedly 'relaxing' shopping trip was finally over. Together they walked, hot and dusty, after their foray into the city.

Marcus walked with Terentius, Petronius walked with Demetrius, and Adonios had his arm around Aurarius' shoulder as they shared a joke (probably at Demetrius' expense). Not surprisingly, poor Demetrius would remain the butt of a number of joke between the boys until they managed to get Mikkos to tell them about the kind of 'performance' that Demetrius had managed. Romans, and particularly Roman boys, at the time of our story, had a very 'earthy' sense of humor.

"So what do you think about the boy?" Terentius asked Marcus.

"He's very attractive, but I think a little bold and forward," Marcus replied, and then paused.

"I do hope he won't be any trouble," Marcus added.

"Well may I suggest, Dominus, that you keep your eye on him, and bring him up sharp if he oversteps his position. It would be a shame to see all that gold wasted on a young corpse in the arena," Terentius said.

"Don't worry, my friend. I can't see it ending up like that… Probably young Demetrius and Mikkos will become completely infatuated with one another, be inseparable, and live 'happily ever after'."

"Yes," Terentius replied, unusually wistfully, "I do hope so. Demetrius deserves some happiness in his life."

Reversus ad domum
Back at the Domus

Wearily they climbed the huge, white marble staircase leading to the huge bronze doors of the main entrance.

"Why did the late Dominus have to make so many stairs in this place?" Adonios moaned.

"To keep you fit, Adonios," Petronius replied.

The massive gilded bronze doors opened, and there was Nicander, waiting for them.

"So good of you to greet us, Nicander!" Marcus said smiling, (having taken a secret oath to be much more pleasant to his chief steward.

"And good to see all of you!" Nicander replied, trying to be equally pleasant and friendly.

"And I have twenty strapping young lads waiting for you," Nicander added.

"That's good!" Marcus replied, "but they're for Petronius, not for me," Marcus answered grinning, implying that Petronius had a huge sexual appetite.

"And now we need some snacks and something to drink, if you could arrange that," Marcus suggested, ever so politely, to Nicander.

"Of course Dominus," Nicander replied, calling over a slave at the same time. "It has all been prepared, and this slave will take you to the atrium," Nicander continued.

Marcus then spoke to Nicander, while the others made their way into the main atrium. "Now before we go, I have bought a very special slave for Demetrius. He will not be put on the 'slave roll' of the Domus, as he will be coming back with us to villa at Baiae. He will be staying in the apartments of the Iuvenis Dominus, so please make sure that there is a suitably appointed room for him there. When he arrives, please send him up to my apartments. He is called Mikkos. Make him welcome, and show him respect, as he will be one of the senior slave-boys, along with Adonios and Aurarius."

"Of course, Dominus, I shall be waiting for him," Nicander replied.

"As for the 'strapping boys', you had better speak to Petronius," Marcus concluded, as he made his way to the atrium.

Nicander did speak to Petronius about the slaves, and an unused dormitory in the dingy basement was found for their temporary accommodation. Once the lads had been fed and bathed, Petronius, eager to get a look at his new charges, took them to the Gymnasion, on the ground floor, and put them through their paces. Petronius, accompanied by his ever faithful Adonios, at last had found something, (which for him was meaningful), to do in the vast palace of the Domus.

Terentius, before he got back to his endless scrolls and calculations, spent an hour regaling Novius, who had stayed in the Domus that morning sorting out the scrolls of the late Dominus in Marcus' private library, with an account of the trip into the city, and Demetrius' choice of his slave-boy.

Meanwhile, with Aurarius and Elatos tidying up Marcus' apartments, and checking on a very dozy Glaux, Marcus took Demetrius up to the roof garden for a look over the city, and a talk. Marcus pointed out some of the main building that he could recognize from his reading about the city, and what he had been told by Terentius and Novius, but young Demetrius was more familiar with the city than Marcus, having lived there throughout his childhood. Marcus then got Demetrius to sit down on one of the many marble benches, and spoke to him about his choice of slave-boy.

"I think you made a good choice with that boy today," Marcus said, encouragingly.

"Yes Dominus, but it was difficult. There didn't seem to be much time, and I chose him because he looked nice, but I didn't have a chance to talk to him," Demetrius said hesitantly.

"He's a good looking boy, but a bit bold, and clever, so I think that you will have to be firm with him. What you must remember is that you are the master, and he is just your slave. I know that's difficult, as you have yourself been a slave for so long, as I was, but you must forget your previous ways, and become strong. You must be firm with him, and then, as he comes to respect you, in time, he may well become your 'friend', but remember… he will always be your slave, unless you free him, as I did with Petronius. Marcus turned away and looked out over the city.

"So… the sun is low in the sky. The boy will soon be delivered to the Domus… so what are you going to do with him when he arrives?" Marcus asked, testing Demetrius.

"Well I will go down to the main atrium, and then take him up to my apartment," Demetrius answered.

"Wrong!" Marcus replied emphatically.

"You will get a domus slave to take him up to your apartments, where he will be left waiting outside. Meanwhile, you will while away some time having a drink of wine (to hopefully give you some extra confidence), while he gets nervous waiting for you," Marcus explained.

"You will then go up to you apartments, taking your time, so you don't arrive breathless from all those stairs."

"I see, Domine," Demetrius replied, nodding, and beginning to see what Marcus was trying to explain.

"You will then show him the apartments, going quickly through the atrium, to show him the kitchen, where he will work. You will then show him your dressing room, and all your clothes, and shoes etc., which he will have to organize for you. You will then show him the bedroom, the bed which he will have to make every day, and the same bed on which he will have to 'service' you, when you require it. You will then show him the bathing suite, and the area, where he will shave your body, and massage you. Finally you will show him the triclinium where he will serve you when you eat, and also entertain guests for meals. And finally show him his room, where he will sleep when he is not sleeping with you."

"Yes, Domine," Demetrius said.

"So you see, I hope, young Demetrius, what I am trying to explain to you?" Marcus queried.

"Yes, I see very well, Domine," Demetrius said, with unusual confidence. "I am to show Mikkos that he is a slave, and not a guest… Show him that he will be working for me."

"Quite right, boy!" Marcus replied with a smile.

"I think that you should make a good 'Dominus', one day."

Demetrius looked surprised. He had accepted the title Iuvenis Dominus (young master), simply as an affectionate courtesy title, usually applied to the young male relatives of wealthy Roman families. This, however, was the first time the lofty title of 'Dominus' had ever been mentioned in connection with himself. He wondered if it was a mere 'slip of the tongue' on Marcus' part, or if there was some greater significance to Marcus' use of the word. Marcus, however, had used the title purposefully, as he had been thinking long and hard about the future for Demetrius, and the future of the House of Gracchus.

"Domine… should I have sex with Mikkos tonight?" Demetrius asked, diffidently.

"I really think so," Marcus replied firmly. "You're not nervous about it… are you?" Marcus asked gently.

"No… not at all… but I didn't want to seem too eager," Demetrius replied.

"I see. Well I think it's important to start as you mean to go on… and you must impose your authority on him as soon as possible… and what better way than penetrating the boy?"

Demetrius nodded in agreement.

"It a bit like when we have our boy wrestlers in the arena, and the winner finishes off by fucking the boy he's beaten, to show that he's completely dominant. Now I don't think it's a good idea to treat your encounters with Mikkos like a wrestling match,"

Demetrius shook his head.

"But everything that you do, early on, should be designed to show that you are dominant. That is the mark of a Roman man. Remember 'viriliter agite' (Latin, act in a manly way)." Marcus paused, noticing that the sun was actually setting.

"Now let's go and see if this boy has arrived yet," Marcus said, and the two of them slowly made their way down the seemingly endless stairs to the main atrium.

"And, remember, when you first have sex with this boy, don't do it face to face, like you are 'making love' to him! Do it from behind, so it's clear that you are simply 'dominating' him," Marcus advised, as they finally reached the ground floor. (For more information regarding aggression and dominance in Roman sexual relationships see: the 'Preface', and scroll down to the section 'Ancient Roman Sexuality').

And when they arrived at the main atrium, there was Nicander, sitting and chatting with Terentius, while close by stood an obviously totally overawed Mikkos. Nicander and Terentius immediately rose, on seeing Marcus, each giving a slight bow, and using the Latin greeting Salve Domini.

"I see you have our new boy with you," Marcus said, putting both men at ease and encouraging them to be seated again.

With a quick click of his fingers, Nicander gave a sign to a nearby slave boy to bring a chair for Marcus, as neither Nicander nor Terentius would sit while Marcus was standing. Quite pointedly Marcus gave the new seat to Demetrius, and waited for another chair to be brought for himself. Eventually all four were seated, leaving only Mikkos (quite rightly) standing. Mikkos, no longer naked, was now wearing a fine, but plain, short white linen tunic. His luxuriant dark hair had been obviously skillfully brushed, and his lips betrayed the use of some rouge.

"Wipe that stuff off the boy's lips," Marcus said, with obvious disgust, and a slave instantly scuttled off, and returned moments later with a cloth. Terentius smiled, thinking it was so like Marcus to insist that 'boys should be boys', and definitely not effeminate.

"So, Nicander, what do you think of Demetrius' choice for his first slave-boy?" Marcus asked.

"He is…" and Nicander chose his words very carefully, "very beautiful, or rather handsome," Nicander replied, quickly correcting himself in mid sentence.

"I can well understand why you didn't want Demetrius to choose a boy from the Domus. We have many attractive young men here, but none to compare to this fine lad."

Marcus nodded, pleased with Nicander's assessment, while Demetrius blushed.

"He's so 'handsome' because he was so expensive!" Terentius said, mimicking Nicander's use of the word handsome and, as usual, reminding Marcus of the expenditure involved, but his smiling, relaxed demeanor indicted that he was, to a great extent, jesting.

"So what are we doing tonight, Dominus?" Nicander asked.

"Well I want a quiet night. I have to draft a reply to the letter that Titus Vespasianus sent me yesterday, and then I think that I shall spend some time on the roof garden reading," Marcus replied, rising from his seat, and omitting to mention his plans regarding himself and Aurarius.

"And I have a lot of work to catch up on," Terentius said, also getting up.

"So if you will excuse me, Dominus, I will return to my officium." (I don't think officium really needs translating).

Nicander then rose from his seat as Marcus indicated that Demetrius should give the appropriate instruction for Mikkos to be taken to the area nobilis. A slave quickly arrived, and took Mikkos, who looked thoroughly bemused, to a side, service stairway, while Marcus and Terentius mounted the vast flight of steps leading to the next floor.

Meanwhile, Demetrius, discretely followed by an attending slave-boy, wandered off to spend some time in one of the many peristyle gardens, (as Marcus had advised), and during this time Mikkos would be nervously kicking his heels in one of the long, high corridors on the area nobilis. Eventually, and trying to hide his nervousness, Demetrius dismissed his attendant slave-boy, and made his way up the stairs to his apartments. There he found Mikkos waiting. When Demetrius approached, the stunningly handsome lad gave a respectful bow.

"Ego sum servus tuus, Dominus!" (I am your slave, my lord!) he said quietly, in superb Latin, with barely a trace of a Greek accent.

"It is Iuvenis Dominus," Demetrius said curtly. "The title Dominus, for your use, is reserved for Marcus Octavianus Gracchus. Do you understand?" Demetrius continued.

"Yes, Iuvenis Dominus. Forgive me, I did not know," Mikkos answered subserviently.

While this little charade was taking place, the Domus guards, who were stationed outside Demetrius' apartments opened the large bronze doors. Demetrius entered, followed by Mikkos. As Mikkos entered the vestibulum, leading to the atrium, he looked around, wide eyed. Never before had Mikkos seen such a magnificent room. The walls of the atrium were divided into decorative areas by Tuscan pilasters, and were inlaid in marble, as was the floor. Although the atrium was not open to the sky, (there being other floors above), it still had an impluvium, fed by a small fountain in the center.

The impluvium is the sunken part of the atrium in a Roman domus. Designed originally to carry away the rainwater coming through the compluvium (opening in the roof), it is usually made of marble and placed about 30 cm below the floor of the atrium.

The atrium was furnished with gilded bronze furniture; the chairs and couches upholstered in pale blue silk, all designed by Apelles, and installed under the direction of Terentius, on the orders of Marcus. The tables were of bronze with white marble surfaces, and in the corners were situated massive, column shaped gilded bronze lamp stands.

Demetrius then led Mikkos to the large culina (kitchen), and then continued to show the boy round the rest of the apartment in the exact order that Marcus had instructed him earlier. Now, having completed the 'tour', Demetrius was not quite sure what to do next, as Marcus not had not gone into that much detail, and it should be remembered, at this point, that Demetrius had spent all of his previous short life taking orders from others.

"Go to the kitchen and bring me some well watered wine, Mikkos," Demetrius then ordered the boy, and flopped down onto one of the luxurious couches, desperately thinking of how to manage the rest of the evening. He was finding it almost impossible to maintain the posture of the stern Iuvenis Dominus, so he decided to be neither friendly nor formal, but rather give the boy a general interview. Mikkos returned, and placed a fine gold goblet on a small white marble table, close to Demetrius.

"Sit on the floor in front of me, Mikkos… I want to talk to you."

Mikkos obediently sat cross-legged in front of Demetrius.

"So where do you come from, Mikkos?" Demetrius asked, trying not to sound too friendly.

"I came originally from Δεκέλεια (Dekelia), in Αττική (Attica)," (where Atticus came from, remember him?) Mikkos replied.

"And you speak Greek?" Demetrios asked.

"Yes," Mikkos replied, looking slightly peeved. "It's my natural language," he explained, showing just a hint of annoyance.

"Of course," Demetrius replied, realizing that his questioning was sounding rather foolish. "So… I also speak Greek. My mother brought me up speaking Greek," Demetrius added, trying to placate Mikkos, "So perhaps it may be easier if we spoke Greek to one another."

"Yes, Iuvenis Dominus, if that is your wish," Mikkos answered, obviously not really caring.

"And how did you become a slave?" Demetrius continued.

"My family sold me to pay off some of their debts," Mikkos said rather morosely.

"And how old were you when you became a slave?" Demetrius asked.

"I don't know, but I was bought by an old, rich lady, and then, not long ago, she died, and I was sold to this dealer who took me to Rome, where he said he could get a good price for me, and a good master, and then he sold me to the dealer that you met, and then you bought me," Mikkos explained, seeming to open up for some reason.

"I see," Demetrius replied, beginning to feel sympathy for the lad. "Well I don't want to offend you, but I don't like the name Mikkos, and as all the senior slave boys have names beginning with 'A', I think that your name should begin with the letter A, as well."

"It is for you to decide, Iuvenis Dominus," Mikkos answered, knowing that he would have no say in the matter.

"Good. Like the other boys you should have a Latin name… I think that I shall call you…" and Demetrius paused for a moment, thinking about the various suitable Latin names beginning with 'A', and there were not many.

"I think I shall call you 'Aelius'."

Strictly speaking Aelius was a family name, rather than a first name, and it was derived from the Greek word ‘ηλιος (Helios), the name of the handsome young sun god whom the Romans equated with the God Apollo (which is odd, considering how important Apollo is in our story). Coincidentally it was also one of the names of Marcus' (now deceased) natural father, Gaius Agrippa Aelius, but Demetrius was not aware of that fact.
Ἀπόλλων (Apollo) is one of the most important and complex of the Olympian deities in classical Greek and Roman religion and Greek and Roman mythology. The ideal of the 'kouros' (a beardless, athletic youth), Apollo has been variously recognized as a god of music, truth and prophecy, healing, the sun and light, and poetry. Apollo is the son of Zeus and Leto, and has a twin sister, the chaste huntress Artemis (she's the one with the owl, Glaux). Apollo is known in Etruscan mythology as Apulu. Apollo was an oracular god, a prophetic deity. Hermes, (Mercury), Gnaeus Gracchus' original patron god, created the lyre for him, and the instrument became a common attribute of Apollo. Hymns sung to Apollo were called 'paeans'. In Hellenistic and Roman times, as 'Apollo-Helios', he became identified with the sun god Helios (Aelius). Apollo revealed himself to the Romans at Cumæ, through the Cumæn Sibyl. 'Apollo Phoebus' is the patron God of Marcus Octavianus Gracchus, and was also the patron God of Gaius Octavian, the 'Divine Augustus'.

In his study, Marcus Octavianus Gracchus was concentrating on drafting a rough reply to Titus, while Aurarius watched over his shoulder, and Elatos playfully 'fluffed up' Glaux. Aurarius was laboriously trying to read the Latin script, but he found it difficult as he had not been studying all that long with Lucius, his Latin tutor. Before being bought by Marcus, Aurarius had never been taught to read or write, in Greek or in Latin, and even speaking and understanding Latin had been difficult for him. Aurarius, however, was remarkably intelligent, and with the help of Marcus and Lucius he was making good progress with his Latin.

Later, when Marcus had completed the reply to Titus, he would send Aurarius (not Elatos, as he was not yet trusted with such confidential material) up to Quintus, Terentius' scriba (secretary), who would produce a magnificently lettered copy (often correcting Marcus' Latin grammar, which was still not as good as it should be). On completion, some time later, Phillipos would return the draft, and Quintus' copy, to Marcus. If Marcus approved, Phillipos would then heat the wax and apply it to the document, and Marcus would impress his seal, and sign the document. Aurarius was getting bored with trying to read Marcus boring letter.

"I wonder how Demetrius is getting on with Mikkos?" Aurarius said, somewhat suggestively.

"Wouldn't you like to know!" Marcus replied, with a twinkle in his eye.

"Very much!" Aurarius replied enthusiastically.

"Now remember, tomorrow, when you meet Demetrius, don't make a nuisance of yourself," Marcus advised.

"After all, I don't think that people have been asking you about what you do with me," Marcus continued.

"That's true, but then people are frightened of you," Aurarius replied, but only half joking.

Marcus didn't reply, but the thought worried him.

Having filled in some time talking to his new slave, and changing the boy's name, Demetrius, feeling hungry, decided to send the boy on his first task.

"Do you know how to get down to the next floor, Aelius?" Demetrius asked, deliberately using the boy's new name.

"Yes, Iuvenis Dominus," Aelius replied, rising to his feet.

"When you get there, ask any slave where the kitchens are, and then go there and bring me some vesperna (supper), and some for yourself," Demetrius explained.

"And what dishes do you require, Iuvenis Dominus?" Aelius queried.

"Anything, whatever you're having," Demetrius replied, anxious for the boy to be off. Aelius, quietly and discretely left the apartments.

Demetrius realized that, as the hour was getting late, soon he would have to do what was required, and establish his authority in no uncertain terms by having sex with the new boy, but he was grateful for a few moments alone to prepare himself for the task.

While he was waiting for Aelius to return with vesperna, Demetrius began puzzling over something odd that Aelius had said previously. When Marcus had asked Aelius if he had previous sexual experience, Aelius had replied that he was not a virgin, yet when Aelius had answered Demetrius' questions, he had said he was previously owned by an old lady, and that seemed a little odd. Regardless, Demetrius rationalized that other than the old lady, there would probably have been plenty of other men and boys in Aelius' life who could have had sex with him, but it just worried Demetrius that the boy could be dissembling.

Moments later there was a soft tap on the door, and Aelius entered along with another slave-boy. They were both bearing trays. Aelius took his tray to his cubiculum, while the other slave boy placed the larger tray on one of the many tables in the atrium.

"If you wish to sit here for your meal, Iuvenis Dominus, I will bring you a chair," the slave-boy said deferentially.

Demetrius nodded, took his place on the proffered chair, and sat waiting while the slave-boy fussed, and arranged the dishes on the table. Meanwhile, Aelius had returned with a drink, and a large linen napkin; both brought from the kitchen. Demetrius then dismissed both the kitchen slave-boy and Aelius.

Nox noctium mearum
Night of My Nights

Play on the cymbal, the timbal, the lyre;
Play with appropriate passion.
Fashion songs of delight and delicious desire
For the night of my nights.
Come where the so well beloved is waiting,
Where the rose and the jasmine mingle
While I tell him the moon is for mating
And 'tis sin to be single!

Later, having finished his meal, Demetrius called for Aelius to clear the table.

"I am going to retire now," Demetrius told Aelius. "When you have finished washing the plates, goblets and utensils, tidy up in here, and then undress, completely, and come to my cubiculum lectuli (bedroom). I will be waiting for you."

Now young Aelius knew precisely why he was to go to Demetrius' bedroom, and what would happen there, and he knew that it was important, on this first occasion, that he did everything correctly, and that his new master was, in the end, completely satisfied. Demetrius was lying on the huge bed, wearing just a small, white loincloth (Roman men and boys didn't wear pajamas, as they had not been invented yet, and Roman males would think pajamas extremely 'effeminate', probably rightly so).

"Come on the bed, lie on your front, and raise your backside!" Demetrius ordered Aelius brusquely.

Demetrius knew the position well, as he had, when a slave, had to take up the position many times for Menelaus, and sometimes Menelaus' friends. Demetrius then knelt behind his prone slave. By the bed there was a small table, and standing on the table was a small ampulla (a roughly spherical Roman flask, with two small handles), containing olive oil. Crude, unthinking Roman men would simply spit on their right hand, and then transfer the spit to the 'head' of their penis, as a poor form of lubrication. Demetrius was more sophisticated, and used a very light 'virgin' olive oil.

Aelius said nothing and lay still. He well understood that his role on this occasion was to be completely passive. Demetrius then sat astride Aelius prone body, and guided his very stiff and swollen penis up against young Aelius' twitching 'hole. Then quite slowly and gently he pushed forwards, forcing Aelius' anal sphincter to open. Aelius groaned very softly as he felt Demetrius considerable bulk enter him. Aelius had not actually seen Demetrius naked, as he had been facing away when Demetrius had removed his loincloth, and he was surprised at the size that he felt inside himself, as his young master slowly slid the entire length of his eager 'tool' into him.

Demetrius moaned, instinctively, as he reveled in the tightness of his fine young slave. He then started thrusting, slowly at first, and then with increasing speed and insistence. Slowly Demetrius became more and more excited, this was, after all, the first time that he had fucked anyone. Soon he was practically sitting on top of young Aelius, as he desperately tried to completely impale the boy on his rock-hard penis. Demetrius knew that he was going to climax soon, but didn't want to reach the point of orgasm, as he wanted to the fuck to go on forever. Soon, however, he felt the approach of the inevitable.

"Oh fuck!… I'm cumming…!" Demetrius groaned loudly. And then he erupted inside his squirming slave-boy, and his hot thick seed gushed into young Aelius, who also groaned as he felt to warmth of Demetrius seed, and the swollen throbbing of his masters' engorged penis, as Demetrius uncontrollably thrust, again and again in his final paroxysms of uncontrollable lust. Very gradually Demetrius calmed down, and then lay, very slowly, and breathing hard, on top of Aelius.

"You were like a magnificent young stallion, Iuvenis Dominus!" Aelius said, catching his breath.

"You pleased me," Demetrius replied, remembering Marcus' advice, and trying to sound in control and calm, which he wasn't. At that point all he wanted to do was to take young Aelius, smother him with kisses, explore every part of the handsome young slave's perfect body, and fuck him again and again, but he knew that on this first night he must be the master, and not the lover. Unsteadily he left the bed, getting to his feet.

"Get up, boy, and come with me to the tepidarium!"

As Aelius rose from the bed, he revealed a large stain on the beautifully embroidered bed cover, where he had ejaculated during their sexual encounter.

"And change the bed cover!" Demetrius ordered, as he saw the stain. On reaching the tepidarium, Demetrius entered the water, while Aelius stood on the pool side.

"Come on in boy, I want you to wash me!" Demetrius said, finally allowing himself a faint smile.

The bath did not take long, as Demetrius had to desperately control himself in order not to become aroused as Aelius touched him in his most private parts as he thoroughly washed his master. Having been washed and dried, Demetrius instructed Aelius to return to his own room to sleep, as on that first night, Demetrius had decided to sleep alone.

What the morning would bring, Demetrius did not know, and had not decided. Almost instantly he fell asleep, exhausted and, at least physically, satisfied, and he dreamed of his new slave boy. Unfortunately, as for so many other rich Roman boys, for Demetrius, the 'night of his nights' was not really a night of 'delight and delicious desire', but rather of lust and duty. But hopefully Aelius would eventually become Demetrius' 'so well beloved', and their future 'mating' would be redolent with the scent of 'the rose and the jasmine'.

Tragica ironia
The Tragic Irony

What happened that night in Demetrius' apartment points up well the corrosive effect of the institution of slavery during the Roman Empire. The Romans were not initially a slave owning culture; (unlike the Greeks, whom we like to fantasize were lovers of liberty and democracy). In fact, according to the legendary accounts of the origins of the Roman state, the rulers of Rome were keen to be 'inclusive' with regard to the various groups that they conquered (for example the Sabines and the Etruscans) It was only when their conquests spread beyond the confines of Italia, that defeated enemies became slaves, (mainly Carthaginians and Greeks at first). Gradually the Roman people became almost totally reliant on slaves.

One of the most pernicious effects of slavery was the perversion and warping of the economy, and disruption of Roman politics. As slaves became more and more numerous, the ordinary plebs, the Roman 'working class', were no longer required, and became an unemployed and politically unstable 'underclass'. As slaves didn't buy goods in any quantity, and unemployed plebs didn't buy many goods either, the result was a distorted manufacturing base, dedicated to the support of the military, the government, and providing ridiculously expensive goods for the remarkably small patrician class (see the Preface and scroll down to 'Rich and Poor').

And in a society where there was no 'mass-media', it was the slaves who provided the entertainment, whether it be the 'entertainment' in the arena, music, dancing, drama or sport, (and sometimes all of these were present in the amphitheater). And of course, almost all prostitutes, male and female, were slaves.

Present day objections to slavery are mainly based on the way that slavery invalidates what we believe are 'human rights', but for the Romans there were only the 'rights of the citizen', and slaves were not citizens, in fact, legally slaves were not even people, but rather things, posessions. Even the Christians ('Followers of the Way', as they were known at the time of our story), while condemning Roman Religion, and the 'divine status' (as they saw it) of the Roman Emperors, had no objection to the institution of slavery, as careful reading of early documents (what we now refer to as the New Testament and the apocryphal gospels), will clearly show, despite the attempts of modern Christians to deny the fact.

With regard to Demetrius and Aelius, however, the tragedy was that both boys were caught in a trap, a trap created by the mos maiorum, the 'ancestral custom', or 'way of the elders', which was the unwritten code from which the Romans derived their social norms. The mos maiorum is the core concept of Roman morality, distinguished from, but in dynamic complement to the written law.

If Demetrius wanted to be seen as a 'man' (more particularly, vir Romanus patricius, a patrician Roman man), he had no option but to coldly, and (we may well consider) aggressively, use his slave to satisfy his own sexual needs. Not to be seen as vir Romanus patricius would mean social disgrace and complete ostracism by his own class.

Equally, Aelius was obliged to be totally submissive during the sexual act, and give every indication that he was fortunate to be used in such a way, he compliments Demetrius on being iuvenis equus magnificus (a magnificent young stallion), but that is simply an overworked and conventional Roman cliché.

Not allowing himself to be used, to object, or not to play a completely submissive role would involve punishment, and even, in the most extreme case, death. (it should be remembered that the pater familias [male head of the household, who was Marcus, as Dominus] had the power of life and death over all the members of the household, including all the slaves).

So, it is ironic and tragic that, for all his privileges, Demetrius, like many young patricians was, in many ways, a friendless, frightened boy, and equally, Aelius, who had no real privileges, was a friendless, frightened slave.

Et mane novum
A New Morning

Demetrius awoke feeling somewhat depressed. First there was the question of what he should do with his new slave-boy. Then he knew he would, sooner or later, have to face his older associates, Marcus, Petronius, Novius and Terentius, and also the other slave boys, particularly Adonios and Aurarius.

"Bonum mane, Iuvenis Dominus!" (Good morning!), Demetrius heard, as he looked around, bleary eyed. And there was young Aelius, dressed only in a tiny loincloth, and broadly smiling.

"May I bring you your ientaculum (breakfast), Iuvenis Dominus?" Aelius asked brightly.

"Yes, of course," Demetrius replied, not really caring. As Aelius went for the door, the main doors of the apartment swung open, and Marcus entered. Aelius bowed low, and then scuttled out to get the breakfast.

"Bonum mane, Demetrius!" Marcus called out, respectfully not entering Demetrius' cubiculum lectuli (bedroom).

"Bonum mane, Dominus!" Demetrius replied, hurriedly getting out of bed and getting dressed. When Demetrius arrived in the atrium, Marcus was standing near the impluvium, smiling.

"Domine mei, please take a seat!" Demetrius pleaded, embarrassed that he had not been up to greet his guest.

"Gratias tibi!" Marcus replied, seating himself on a couch.

"So how is your new slave-boy?" Marcus asked.

"You mean last night, in bed?" Demetrius asked, sheepishly.

"Well, not just that, but if you want to tell me…" Marcus answered, leaving the option open.

"Oh he was good!" Demetrius said, but no over enthusiastically. "I did exactly what you advised, and it all went well," Demetrius explained.

"And you think that you will get on well with the boy?" Marcus asked, solicitously.

"Yes… he's very attractive… and he's very polite and helpful," Demetrius replied guardedly. "But may I ask you something, Dominus?" Demetrius hesitantly asked.

"Of course!" Marcus replied, as Aelius entered the atrium carrying a well laden tray.

"Excuse me, venerabiles Domini!" Aelius said with exaggerated politeness, embarrassed to have interrupted the conversation between Marcus and Demetrius.

"Bring the ientaculum later, I am having a private conversation with your master," Marcus said curtly.

"Of course, Dominus,"Aelius replied, and obediently disappeared into the culina.

"Remember, Demetrius, it is always wise not to talk in front of slaves. However much you feel that you can trust them. That is a lesson that the late Dominus taught me right from the beginning," Marcus said quietly.

Demetrius nodded.

"So, Demetrius, what is your question?" Marcus asked quietly.

"How long should I wait before I become a little familiar with the boy, after all, I do like him, and I think that he likes me," Demetrius explained, blushing slightly.

"Yes… I thought you might be asking that," Marcus replied. Marcus thought for a moment.

"Well let me tell you about my own experience. Sometime after I came to the villa as a slave, the late Dominus provided me with a slave boy, a handsome young Greek lad called Cleon. It was explained that I had to take the dominant role, very much in the way that I explained to you. It was unusual, as slaves are very rarely given other slaves in this way, but the late Dominus was obviously intending to prepare me for my future role. Foolishly I became infatuated with Cleon, and he with me (I think), and we became lovers. Then, when I was adopted by the late Dominus, and given my freedom, he became insanely jealous, and subsequently became part of a conspiracy, along with his friend Glykon, and your 'minder' Menelaus, (working for Marcus Sabinus) to bring down the House of Gracchus. You saw the other conspirators executed in the arena, but Cleon ran away the night that Glykon attacked me. Cleon was, however, cruelly tortured, for information, by a group of villa guards, led by Terentius, and was killed. Subsequently I found it very difficult to get over his death, as I had foolishly 'fallen in love' with him, and only recovered with the help of Novius, and of course young Aurarius."

Demetrius had listened intently.

"So I am warning you, Demetrius, be very careful with regard to your feelings about slaves," Marcus concluded firmly.

Demetrius nodded. "I will., Thank you Dominus."

"But now," Marcus said, "thinking about the boy, he should be taught to read and write, first, I think in Latin, and then Greek, so I will speak to Lucius." (the Latin tutor).

"And also," Marcus continued, "the boy is 'pretty', but a bit scrawny, so I think I will get Petronius, when he has some time, to build the boy up, and he will also probably need to learn to swim, if you agree." (oddly, unless they had been in the Roman Legions or Navy, most Roman males could not swim).

Demetrius nodded.

"Oh, and he needs a good Roman haircut. His hair, at the moment, looks a bit 'girly'." Marcus rose from his seat. "Now I suggest that you get Aelius to bring you your ientaculum, as today I want to go 'sightseeing', and I would like you to come with me, and bring the boy." And with that, Marcus left Demetrius' apartments.

Roma prospicerum
'Sightseeing' in Rome

(the Romans didn't have a Latin word for 'sightseeing', but regardless, there were many wealthy tourists who 'did the sights')

Not surprisingly Terentius was too busy to do any sightseeing in a city he already knew extremely well. Novius, however, offered to be the guide or the trip, and Marcus provided a litter for Novius, although Novius declined it, saying that he would only use it if he became tired later. Petronius and Adonios were keen to see the city, and Aurarius accompanied Marcus, while Elatos stayed with Glaux (who seemed a bit depressed), and Demetrius brought Aelius.

At the time of Marcus' first visit to Rome the capital of the empire was not at its best as the city had been damaged as a result of the 'Great Fire', during the reign of Nero, and subsequently during the 'Year of the Four Emperors' (68-69) prior to Vespasian taking the Imperium.

The first port of call for the band of sightseers was the Temple of Jupiter, surmounting the Capitoline Hill, directly opposite the Domus Gracchi.

In 69 A.D. the Temple of Jupiter, though un-garrisoned and un-plundered, was burned when the Capitol was stormed by the Vitellians, and subsequently rebuilt by Vespasian on its original lines but with still greater height [coins of the period agree in representing this temple as hexastyle, with Corinthian columns, and statues of Jupiter, Juno (left), and Minerva (right), in the three central intercolumniations, but they differ in the number and position of the figures surmounting the pediment, which includes quadrigae, eagles, heads of horses etc.]
The 'Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus' was more than simply a standard religious building. From its earliest phases, the temple also seems to have been a repository for objects of ritual, cultural, and political significance. For example, the Sibylline Oracles (books containing the prophecy of the Sibyls) were kept at the site, as were some spoils of war, like the Carthaginian general Hasdrubal’s shield. In addition, the temple served as the end point for triumphs, a meeting place for the senate, a location for combined religious and political pageantry, an archive for public records, and a physical symbol of Rome’s supremacy and divine agency.

Then it was down to the Forum. While Novius explained the significance of various buildings to Marcus and Petronius, the three boys, Adonios, Aurarius and Demetrius, chatted, while Aelius (not yet part of the 'gang', and excluded at the time because the boys were chatting about him), hung back, tailing Marcus. Marcus, while half listening to Novius, was pleased to see that Adonios and Aurarius were gentle in their questioning of Demetrius, who took their occasional jests in good part.

The Forum is the center of Roman public life: the site of triumphal processions and elections; the venue for public speeches, criminal trials, and gladiatorial matches; and the nucleus of commercial affairs. Here statues and monuments commemorated the city's great men. The teeming heart of ancient Rome, it has been called the most celebrated meeting place in the world, and in all history. Many of the oldest and most important structures of the ancient city were located on or near the Forum. The Roman kingdom's earliest shrines and temples were located on the southeastern edge. These included the Temple of Vesta (7th century BC), as well as the surrounding complex of the Vestal Virgins, (where Terentius had lodged the will making Marcus the heir to the House of Gracchus). Other archaic shrines to the northwest, such as the Umbilicus Urbis and the 'Vulcanal' (Shrine of Vulcan), developed into the Republic's formal Comitium (assembly area). This is where the Senate began. The Senate House, government offices, tribunals, temples, memorials and statues gradually accumulated in the area. The Roman Forum developed gradually, organically, and piecemeal over many centuries. This is the case despite attempts, with some success, to impose some order there, by Sulla, Julius Caesar, Augustus and others. By the Imperial period, the large public buildings that crowded around the central square had reduced the open area to a rectangle of about 130 by 50 metres.

The first thing that Marcus wanted to see in the Forum was the Templum Divi Iuli (the Temple of the Comet Star), built by his long-time hero, Octavian (later known as Augustus), and dedicated to his great uncle, Julius Cæsar.

The temple was begun by Augustus in 42 BC, after the senate deified Julius Caesar posthumously. Augustus dedicated the prostyle temple to Julius Cæsar, his adoptive father, on 18 August 29 BC, after the Battle of Actium. It stands on the east side of the main square of the Roman Forum, between the Regia, Temple of Castor and Pollux, and the Basilica Aemilia, on the site of Cæsar's cremation, and where Caesar's testament was read aloud at the funeral by Marcus Antonius. Cæsar was the first resident of Rome to be deified, and so honored with a temple. The high platform on which the temple was built served as a rostra (Rostra ad divi Iuli) and, like the Rostra at the opposite end of the Forum, was decorated with the beaks of ships taken at the battle of Actium.

The 'comet star' was particularly significant to Marcus, as it was mentioned in the first prophecy that Gnæus Gracchus received from the Sibyl at Cumæ.

Four shall seek to follow the path of the 'Comet Star',
and three, one fat and two bald, shall fall.
Then from the east shall come a saviour, and peace.

It was in the following lines that a reference was then made to himself:

'the 'golden boy from the sea'

A reference that convinced Gnæus Gracchus that Marcus would become free, and his heir.

On arriving at the temple, Marcus left the boys lounging around the Rostra, with Petronius, while he and Novius entered the temple. The priests knew Novius from long before, as Novius was an authority on Etruscan and Roman temple ritual, (as well as mythology and other arcane subjects), as Marcus had soon realized after the trips to Cumæ. Novius made a point of introducing Marcus, prominently including the name Octavianus, (it was Octavian who had ordered the temple to be constructed (see above). By the time of our story, Octavian was not a common Latin male name as, after the deification of Octavian Augustus on his death, the name had become so exalted that few families were prepared to use it in naming their sons.

The names of gods were not normally used as everyday names for children, and this is why 'Aelius', the name given by Demetrius (his own name, the male version of a female god, Demeter), was unusual because of its previously stated connection with 'Helios', who was equated with Apollo, and would imply a high status for the owner of such a name, paradoxical as Aelius was a slave.

Novius also, in introducing Marcus, performed a judicious example of 'name-dropping', by casually adding that Marcus was a close, personal friend of Titus Vespasianus. The result was that Marcus and Novius were given a very thorough tour of the magnificent temple, and an invitation to dine with the priests at some time during his stay in Rome. Eventually Novius and Marcus emerged from the temple, to find not only the boys, but also Petronius rather bored. To compensate, Marcus took them for a slow stroll through the Forum.

Unlike Baiae, where most of the population were either the descendants of Greek colonists, or alternatively wealth Romans, spending time in the attractive (and expensive) seaside resort, the people who thronged the forum, and many of the more notable thoroughfares of Rome, came from all parts of the empire, and even beyond so, for 'small town boys', the forum, and the streets of Rome were quite an adventure. Eventually their wanderings took them, as on the previous day, to the Basilica Iulia, behind which was situated the Graecostadium.

"Lets buy some more slaves!" Adonios said excitedly.

Aurarius agreed, and Marcus looked at Petronius, helplessly.

"What do you think?" Marcus asked Novius.

"Why not?" Novius replied, "After all, it is one of the best slave markets in the empire," Novius added.

"And also one of the most expensive, and we haven't got Terentius with us to help us get a good deal," Petronius said rather nervously.

"Now don't worry, Dominus, I'm an 'old hand' at this…" Novius said confidently.

Marcus looked quizzically at Novius.

By then they had arrived at the market, and Aurarius had found an auction of slave-boys who were about to be auctioned.

"What about these boys?" Aurarius asked enthusiastically.

It seemed that they were to be auctioned as a 'lot', and were being offered as a 'dancing troupe'. A shiver went down Marcus' spine.

Now if you have been reading this story from the beginning you will know that Marcus was captured by Cilician pirates while on a seaborne journey from Piraeus to Brundisium. The human cargo, (including Marcus), was taken to Crete, and later sold into slavery. Among the cargo were some Armenian prisoners of war, and a group of dancing boys, and it was the boys and Marcus who were subsequently sold by the Greek slave-dealer, Arion in Brundisium. So it was the 'troupe of dancing boys' that brought back painful memories for Marius.

Marcus, however, could take a 'back-seat', as he had when Mikkos was bought for him by Terentius. In this case Novius did the bidding, and arranged for the payment to be made, 'cash on delivery', at the Domus in the late afternoon. When the four blond boys had been bought, Marcus asked Novius a very pertinent question.

"Why in the world would I want four young dancing boys?".

"Well, Dominus, there are two very good reasons. The first is that now that your social standing, here in Rome, and elsewhere, is rising, I would imagine that you will be doing more entertaining. Dancing boys, particularly those who are slim and blond, are 'all the rage', so it will please your guests. Also, when you are not entertaining, they can amuse the audience in the amphitheatre between more, shall we say ' violent' episodes," Novius replied.

"But make it clear to Petronius," Novius continued, turning to the 'Master of the Arena', "that they are too expensive to be wasted in any of the more rough kinds of activities that go on there."

"Don't worry, Novius, I will be gentle with them." Petronius said, with a twinkle in his eye. So Marcus had no option but to sign the document of sale.

"So where to next?" Petronius asked.

"The Temple of Apollo," Marcus replied. Obviously, the temple of Apollo was a 'must' for Marcus. Not only was the god Marcus' patron, but also the amphitheatre in Baiae was dedicated to the god, the god who had given the prophecies foretelling the outcome of the 'Year of the Four Emperors', and also indicating to the late Dominus that Marcus was to be the heir to the House of Gracchus.

The Templum Apollinis Palatini (Temple of the Palatine Apollo) was a temple on the Palatine Hill of Rome, which was first dedicated by Augustus to his patron god Apollo. It was only the second temple in Rome dedicated to the god, after the Temple of Apollo Sosianus. It was sited next to the Temple of Cybele. It was vowed by Octavian, in return for the victory over Sextus Pompeius at the Battle of Naulochus, in 36 BC, and over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium, 31 BC, and was built on a site where a lightning bolt had struck the interior of Augustus' property on the Palatine. It was dedicated on October 9, 28 BC. The Ludi Sæculares (Secular Games), re-instituted by Augustus in 17 BC, and also largely developed and funded by him, involved the Templum Apollinis Palatini. The Temple also contained a cult statue of Diana (who had provided Marcus with Glaux).

On this occasion Marcus decided to take Petronius and the boys, as well as Novius into the Temple, as it was the temple to the patron god of the House of Gracchus.

Greek and Roman temples, unlike Christian churches, Synagogues and Mosques were not buildings to house communal worship, (which took place outside the Temple), but were rather buildings housing the 'cult statue' of the god, along with various works of art, and precious offerings given by devotees. The Templum Apollinis Palatini was particularly known for its fine collection of paintings and sculptures.
for more information about Roman Religion, temples and worship go to: 'Preface' (and scroll down to 'Roman Religion'.

The final temple that Marcus wanted to see was the Temple of Mars Ultor, ('Mars the Avenger')

Octavian vowed to build a temple honouring Mars, the Roman God of War, during the battle of Philippi in 42 BC. After winning the battle, with the help of Mark Antony and Lepidus, Octavian had avenged the assassination of his adoptive father Julius Caesar. He became the Princeps of Rome in 27 BC, and planned for the temple to be built in a new forum named after himself. Octavian used propaganda by fulfilling Julius Caesar's desire to create a Temple to Mars Ultor "greater than any in existence" linking himself with his 'divine' adoptive father, and thus obtaining a strong link with the Roman people through their love for the deceased dictator.

As they made their way through the crowded Forum of Augusts, the crowd mysteriously dispersed, and they heard the clank of armour. Coming up behind them was a troop of Prætorian Guards, led by a young Tribune. The Tribune headed directly to Marcus, while Petronius guardedly put his hand to his gladius. The boys looked scared, but the tribune smiled.

"I believe that you are Marcus Octavianus Gracchus?" the Prætorii Tribunus questioned politely.

"That is correct," Marcus answered.

"The Præfectus Prætorio, Titus Vespasianus, on hearing that you were in the forum, ordered us to escort you, for your safety," the polite young tribune explained.

"Well I'm sure there's no need," Marcus replied, not wanting to draw attention to himself.

"I understand, Domine, but orders are orders."

"Well, if you must," Marcus answered.

And so they set off, with the Prætorian troop coming up in the rear, as the crowds watched, wondering who Marcus might be that he deserved a Praetorian escort. When they reached the temple itself, the Prætorians lined the steps (almost as a guard of honour), while only the Tribune entered with Marcus, Novius and the boys. Adonios and Aurarius, with their boyish, cheeky sense of humor, 'milked' the situation for all it was worth, waving imperiously at the crown in the forum who were watching curiously as the group, guarded by the Prætorians, made their way into the temple. Everyone in the group, except Novius (who had seen it all before), were startled and impressed by the magnificence and opulence of the interior.

In the silence, and even Adonios and Aurarius were stilled by the overwhelming atmosphere of the temple, Marcus, without saying anything, made a vow, just like Octavian had done, all those years ago, to build a temple to Mars Ultor (Mars the Avenger) and Apollo Alexicacus (Apollo the Averter of Evil) in Baiae, next to the amphitheater, to commemorate the ludi when he took his 'vengeance' on those who had murdered the late Dominus, and had tried to bring down the House of Gracchus. Initially Marcus seemed in a somber mood on leaving the Temple, but then his mood lightened.

"Right boys, I think you might look good in some wrist guards, like young gladiators, so let's find a good leather shop."

The helpful Tribune suggested a high class leather shop that could be suitable, so of they went, followed by their 'clanking' bodyguard. With little ado the three boys, Adonios, Aurarius and Aelius, were fitted with leather, studded arm guards. Fortunately, Petronius had brought his money pouch with him, and had quite sufficient to pay for the items. Marcus rarely carried money as he would usually have Petronius or Terentius to deal with financial matters. Oddly, although Marcus was, in reality, fabulously wealthy, he had no appreciation of money or costs, and almost never even handled a coin.

"So… Demetrius. Can you remember the shop where you took Petronius to collect the pugio that the late Dominus had made for me, the owner is a 'client' of mine," Marcus asked.

"Of course, Domine, it's the shop of Timotheus! Would you like me to take you there?" Demetrius replied brightly, pleased to be able to show of his knowledge of Rome.

It didn't take long for them to reach the small, undistinguished shop. The Prætorians waited outside, while the group entered, with Demetrius and Petronius leading the way. Timotheus, a kindly looking middle aged Greek, standing behind the counter, smiled in recognition.

"Why, it's the young man who came on behalf of my late patron the honoratus Gracchus," Timotheus said, stretching out his hand.

"Salve!" Petronius replied.

"We were all so sorry to here about the late Dominus," Timotheus said regretfuly.

"Thank you," Petronius replied, "but may I present to you his heir, Marcus Octavianus Gracchus."

"It is an honor to meet you, Dominus!" Timotheus replied, bowing slightly.

"I am also happy to greet you, Timotheus, as I greatly admire your work. And now I have new commissions for you," Marcus replied. The boys, Novius and Petronius look at one another, wondering what Marcus was going to order. Marcus then brought Aurarius forward.

"Take a look at the collar this boy is wearing… Can you make it in gold?" Marcus asked.

"Of course, Dominus, but the medallion, do you want that also in gold?" Timotheus replied.

"Of course," Marcus answered.

"Then I must take a mold of it in soft wax," Timotheus explained.

While Timotheus got one of his assistants, presumably his son, to heat some wax and take a mold, Marcus continued.

"I also want a pair of arm guards (vambrace), in gold, for the boy here,", Marcus indicated Demetrius.

Demetrius looked surprised. "There is no need, Domine!" Demetrius said, obviously embarrassed.

Marcus turned to Demetrius, and put is finger to his lips. Demetrius was immediately silent.

"Of course Dominus," Timotheus said, busily preparing to take some measurement.

"At his age the young master should grow quite quickly, so I will make them so that they can be easily adjusted. And what style would you like?" Timotheus questioned. Marcus turned to Demetrius, who shrugged his shoulders, somewhat confused.

"One minute!" Timotheus said, and bustled into the rear of the shop. He returned almost immediately with a singe wrist guard, in gleaming gold.

"This is a test piece that I was getting my son, Panos, to work on." Timotheus placed it on the counter.

"It's beautiful!" Demetrios enthused.

"Good!" Marcus said, "Can you have two made up in the boy's size?"

"Of course!" Timotheus replied, smiling.

"It will take about a week… Shall I have Panos deliver them, or would you like to collect them, along with the collar?" Timotheus asked.

"I would like them delivered, to the Domus Gracchi, but I will need three of the collars, and also these three leather arm guards, they have steel studs, and I want them replaced with gold. Can you do that?." Timotheus looked startled

"Three collars and three arm guards?" Timotheus questioned.

"Yes," Marcus replied.

"For the three boys here," indicating Adonios, Aurarius and Aelius. "Is that a problem?…" The boys grinned at one another.

"No, not at all. I will set Panos to work on them, straight away," Timotheus replied.

"And payment will be made on delivery, if you agree? And just tell Panos the price, we have no need to haggle," Marcus concluded.

"You are most generous, Dominus, and I can assure you that the price will be the best you will find in Rome," Timotheus said, as he bowed, while guiding them to the doorway of the shop.

Timotheus, of course, would not think of overcharging Marcus and, if anything would undercharge. Marcus was Timotheus' 'patron', and in Roman terms Timotheus could go to Marcus (via Nicander and then Terentius) for help if he hand any problems (particularly legal or financial), so it was in his interests to give Marcus an excellent and a fair service. The client/patron relationship meant that they were bound to one another, and to one anothers' heirs, always. And so they left the shop and returned to the Domus, escorted by the Prætorians. And that evening there were four very happy young lads.

'and the story continues, Marcus prepares for his evening with Titus Vespasianus

NEXT PART