He thought about his parents and he bit down on his lip. It was the first time in a long time that he’d thought of them. To do so before would bring up emotions that he dared not indulge, except in the darkest of night. He was nearly two thousand years in the past and he would never ever see them. He thought about all his friends who had died. Their courage and valiant efforts wasted in death. Whether they were taken by sword, knife, lion or turn of fate, it didn’t matter, they were gone. At least Dean had gotten away, though he was banished far away from Thad. Syria was a hell of a long way from Sicily. His friends had been true Marines and true warriors and he would never forget them. He only wished that Septimus, Greg and Marco could have survived, perhaps in time, he could have helped them out of the life of the gladiator.
He turned his head when he heard Tullia’s laughter and she and her body servant were chatting. He and Tullia would consummate their marriage once they reached Sicily. It would seem that he wasn’t the only one who wanted to get out of Rome quickly. The senator had made haste and they had left the city quickly. There would be a ceremony and officiates, then he and his bride would make it official. It was a great honor to be married by the emperor. The great Drago weds a senator’s daughter and adopted by a great family. Thad chuckled mentally; it was something that was so totally left field and surreal. It was the first time in a very long time that he felt real hope and real joy. Dean was going to lose his mind when Thad wrote to him. He would send the letter to Felix’s family and he was sure that the family would ensure that Dean would get the letter. For now, he’d live each day as it came.
PTSD would be his friend for years to come he was sure and he hoped that Tullia would understand. The perpetual horror that he’d lived for the last three years would never leave him and were apart of him like an oily second skin. He would give much to shed that skin, but that was wishful thinking. He would have to put that life behind him and look forward to going to Sicily. His head swam with the knowledge of going to his family’s home. He remembered saving his money, so he and his parents could go and visit Sicily to find their family’s seat. He would be making the trip now, but without them and he felt a wave of sorrow sweep through him. It seemed so long ago and he had changed so much. He wondered what his parents would think?
He blinked back tears and cleared his throat. He took a deep breath and let out a long shaky sigh. It did no good to think of his parents or his friends right now, he would need privacy to let the grieving and hopefully the healing begin. He hoped never to see another gladiatorial game again. He sure as hell never wanted to see the emperor again.
They were now on the Via Appia Antica, one of the main arteries in and out of Rome. It was also the road where over six thousand of Spartacus’ people were crucified in 74 BC. He looked around at the beautiful landscape and the cypress trees that lined the road. The wind blew sweet and it washed the stench of Rome from his nostrils. The perpetual knots that roped his shoulders began to loosen. Three long years of hell was receding in the distance and he was giddy with joy, relief and sadness. Survivor’s guilt was heavy in his gut, but he knew he and Dean were the lucky ones.
“You look pensive my son,” Marius said.
“I’m sorry sir. This is very overwhelming to me. I’m very grateful,” Thad said.
“Please, call me father and I understand my boy. We both understand that Emperor Domitian could have easily refused your freedom and made a spectacle of your death.”
“Yes, father, I know. I was fearful that at any moment, things would go sideways,” Thad said, feeling odd calling another man father. He felt a heavy pang for his own father.
“Sideways?”
“Sorry father, I mean yes, it could have gone badly. Thank you again for adopting me, father. Truly. When I was told I was to be freed, I wasn’t sure what I would have done after leaving, I only knew that I needed to be away from Rome,” Thad said with a chuckle.
“I think you know I have plans, my boy. As you know, I have no living sons, nor heir and so I believe you shall be worthy of my family’s name and carry on my work in the senate. Mind, it will take years yet, but I shall introduce you into the world of politics and the senate,” he said.
“Thank you, father, thank you for all that you have done for me. Thaddeus Pansa has a good ring to it. I hope I do you and the name proud. Thank you again,” Thad said with a soft smile and Marius laughed and slapped him on the shoulder.
“Pansa may have a good ring to it, but it isn’t my family’s name, son. It is the name I use for the senate and official documents
