Read The Road to Rome for Free Online

lied about the quality of their produce, offering a taste to anyone who would listen. Blacksmiths toiled over their anvils while neighbouring carpenters and potters exchanged idle banter over a cup of acetum . The stink from the nearby tanneries and fullers’ workshops laced the air. Money-changers sat at low tables, glaring at the cripples who were greedily eyeing their neat piles of coins. Snot-nosed urchins ran through the crowds, chasing each other and stealing what they could. Nothing looked different to any other day in Rome.
    Except for the plentiful numbers of Antonius’ legionaries, of course, thought Fabiola. The old law denying entry to the city to soldiers had been set aside by Caesar himself. With the threat of rioting constant, there were more of them about than ever. The knowledge gave her strength. In addition to Sextus’ presence, they would ensure nothing happened to her. Fabiola stuck out her chin. The Lupanar wasn’t far. ‘Come on,’ she declared.
    Sextus grinned, used to her determination.
    A short while later, they had reached a street that Fabiola knew better than any in Rome. Close to the Forum, it was home to the Lupanar. Again her feet slowed, but this time her fear was under better control. Today, she was no terrified thirteen-year-old dragged here to be sold. Soon Fabiola’s nervousness had been replaced by excitement. She began to outstrip Sextus.
    ‘Mistress!’
    She ignored his cry. The crowds finally parted a few steps from the entrance and Fabiola’s mouth fell open. Nothing had changed. A brightly painted, erect stone penis still jutted forth on either side of the arched doorway, graphic evidence of the business’s nature. Outside stood ashaven-headed hulk, clutching a metal-studded club. ‘Vettius,’ she said, her voice cracking with emotion.
    The huge man did not react.
    Throwing back the hood of her cloak, Fabiola moved closer. ‘Vettius.’ The doorman’s brow wrinkled at being called by name and he glanced around.
    ‘Don’t you recognise me?’ she asked. ‘Have I changed that much?’
    ‘Fabiola?’ he stuttered. ‘Is it you?’
    With tears of happiness filling her eyes, she nodded. Here was one of the most loyal friends she had ever had. When Brutus had bought Fabiola’s freedom, she had been desperate for him to free the two doormen also. Wily to the last, however, Jovina had refused all offers. The pair were simply too valuable to her business. Leaving them behind had torn a deep wound in Fabiola’s heart.
    Vettius rushed to give her a hug, but stopped short.
    Sextus had shot in front of Fabiola. Dwarfed by the other, he nonetheless drew his sword. ‘Stay back,’ he snarled.
    In a heartbeat, Vettius’ face went from surprised to angry, but before he could respond Fabiola had laid a hand on Sextus’ arm. ‘He’s a friend,’ she explained, ignoring her bodyguard’s confused expression. With a scowl, Sextus stood aside, allowing Fabiola and Vettius to gaze at each other. ‘It’s been too long,’ she said warmly.
    Conscious of his low status, the lantern-jawed doorman did not try to hug her again, instead making an awkward bow. ‘Jupiter, it’s good to see you, Fabiola,’ he said, half choking. ‘The gods must have answered my prayers.’
    Fabiola picked out the concern in his voice at once. Sudden terror filled her. ‘Is Benignus all right?’
    ‘Of course!’ A lop-sided smile split Vettius’ unshaven face. ‘The big fool is inside. Snoring his head off, no doubt. He was on the late shift last night.’
    ‘Thank Mithras,’ she breathed. ‘What is it then?’
    He looked around uneasily.
    Jovina, thought Fabiola, remembering her own caution when she lived here. Nothing wrong with the old witch’s hearing yet then.
    Vettius stooped low to her ear. ‘Morale has been terrible for months,’ he whispered. ‘We’ve lost most of our customers too.’
    Fabiola was shocked. In her time, the Lupanar had been busy every day. ‘Why?’
    The doorman