The Forgotten Legion

retiarius in the ludus who told fantastic stories about his homeland.

Romulus wasn't really listening. He glanced towards Julia, who smiled radiantly. His mouth went dry with tension.

'Eh, Romulus?'

'What?' With a guilty start, he gaped at Brennus. 'What did you say?'

'Plundering Jerusalem doesn't sound like a bad idea.' The Gaul elbowed him none too gently.

'Can't hold his wine!' Macro had not noticed what had gone on. 'Keep him in line, Brennus.' With a deep belly laugh, the huge slave stalked back to the door.

'What are you doing?' hissed Brennus as soon as he was out of earshot. 'Staring like that? If that ox sees you again, you will regret it.'

'I want to get to know her,' Romulus protested. 'She 's lovely.'

'Macro kills men who don't do what he says.'

Romulus was not going to be put off. 'What would you do if Memor took Astoria?'

Brennus was nonplussed. 'Not the same thing.'

'Why?' challenged Romulus. 'What if she had been Memor's bed companion before you saw her?'

'She wasn't. Good point, though.' Brennus grinned. 'Got something in mind?'

'I need to talk to her.' The barmaid had set Romulus' heart racing.

'Forgetting the slight problem of Macro?'

'That's where you come in.'

The Gaul raised an eyebrow.

'Just keep him occupied for a few moments,' pleaded Romulus, forgetting their decision to have a quiet night.

'I'm not fighting that monster,' laughed Brennus. 'I want to keep all my teeth.'

'So pick a fight with someone else.' Romulus indicated the room full of legionaries. 'I don't need long.'

'Your first time, then?'

He poked the Gaul in the ribs. 'Can you do it or not?'

Brennus smiled. 'I never say no to a good brawl. Beats killing men for a change. But make it quick. You saw Macro in action earlier.'

'Thank you.'

Romulus watched with fascination as Brennus decided whom to quarrel with. The big gladiator didn't take long to make up his mind. He winked at Romulus before sauntering over to a group of soldiers arguing loudly about a game of knucklebones.

'Can't agree, boys?' Brennus pointed amiably at the worn pieces of sheep tailbone lying on the tabletop.

'Piss off, barbarian!'

'Who asked you anyway?'

All four legionaries glared at him belligerently.

'Got two fives, a three and a one there.'

'Deaf too, scumbag?'

'Don't be like that,' said Brennus. 'Only being friendly.'

'We don't need any friends.' The biggest soldier, a stocky barrel of a man with a broken nose, pushed back his stool, screeching it off the stone floor. 'Dirty Gaulish bastard.'

'That's not very nice.'

'Oh no?' sneered the legionary.

His friends began to stand up.

'No.' With a heave, Brennus lifted the end of the table, sending everything flying. Bone playing pieces, wooden beakers and an amphora of wine flew up and two soldiers fell cursing to the floor.

Romulus didn't wait to see what happened next. Macro had noticed the brawl and his attention would be taken up until it was settled. He darted to where Julia was standing, lips pursed, her arms folded in clear disapproval.

'Brennus is only doing it to give us a moment.'

'What?' She looked embarrassed. 'Why do that?'

'I like you. Wanted another chance to talk.'

'You don't even know me, Romulus,' she said, flushing. It made her even more attractive. 'I'm not worth anything.'

'Don't say that. You are beautiful.'

'Nobody could want me after what Publius has done.' Julia's chin trembled and she rubbed at a red mark on her neck. It resembled an old burn.

Determination and a surging anger filled Romulus. 'I do,' he said urgently.

'Go, before Brennus gets hurt.'

Romulus risked a glance over his shoulder. The fight was far from over. Two soldiers lay unconscious on the floor, but Brennus was taking plenty of time with the others, keeping them between him and the circling doorman.

'He's fine,' Romulus said cheekily. 'When can I see you?'

At last she smiled, shyly. 'Only time would be when Macro is asleep.'

'When's that?'

'The tavern closes at dawn. Once he has thrown the last customer out and we've cleaned up, Macro goes upstairs for a few hours. I might be able to sneak out then.'

'How about tomorrow morning?' There was one rest day left at the ludus. Romulus knew the lanista would presume he was still lying low. 'I'll buy you breakfast in the market.'

Romulus had only been to the Forum Olitorium once or twice before, but his memories of cooking meat and exotic fruits there were still vivid. With the winnings from the fight, he could buy Julia anything she wanted. Astoria could give him some good advice before he left. Romulus was desperate to show the barmaid he was not a dull- witted fool like the men who frequented the inn.

Julia seemed scared for a moment. Then her face changed. 'Why not?' she said confidently. 'Sounds lovely!'

'See you in the alley at dawn!' Romulus leaned over the bar and kissed her. Instead of avoiding the contact, Julia moved closer, lips softly parting before his. They stayed locked together, eyes closed, oblivious.

Then the crash of breaking furniture reached their ears.

Romulus pulled away reluctantly.

'The last soldier is down. Go, or Macro will tear Brennus apart!'

'Till dawn!' Romulus skipped from the bar with exhilaration. The four legionaries lay senseless nearby, surrounded by broken remnants of the stools and table. The Gaul was holding a wooden bench at arm's length, while his huge opponent swung violently at it with a spiked club. A circle of customers had formed around the fight. Men egged the pair on with cheers of encouragement.

'Get him, Macro!'

'Kill the dumb brute!'

'Show the Gaul who's in charge here!'

Romulus tore past. He could tell his friend was starting to enjoy himself.

'Let's go!'

Brennus came to his senses. He flung the long seat at the doorman and bolted for the exit. 'See you another time, Macro!'

Romulus had pushed his way through the jostling onlookers and was already pulling back iron bolts on the door. He took one last glance at Julia, who was watching him anxiously. Then he shot out into the street, the Gaul hot on his heels.

'That got the blood flowing, by Belenus!' Brennus yelled with sheer exuberance. 'How did you get on?'

'We kissed!' Romulus smiled in the darkness, the smell of Julia's perfume strong in his nostrils. 'And I'm meeting her tomorrow.'