The Master's Wall Read online

  She closed her eyes and sighed.

  “Thank you, God of David, for making me land on the right side.” She froze and looked around for any listeners. It was becoming more comfortable to talk to David’s God, but she had to be careful not to do it out loud. As she sat up, pine needles clung to her hair and wet stola. She shook them off as best she could, climbed to her feet, and wiggled her arms and legs. Nothing seemed broken.

  Anxious to get back, she ran through the woods. The weighty sensation still throbbed in her chest, and dizziness made her steps falter, but she kept running. When she came to the field, she expected to hear the boys playing, but no one was there. In fact, it was much later than she realized.

  As she scurried by the stables, from the corner of her eye, she saw David gawking at her.

  “What happened to you?”

  She waved her hand casually toward the trees. “I was just walking through the woods.”

  David threw a rag over his shoulder. “Alethea.” He shook his head. “What happened to your clothes?”

  She looked down at her stola. The front of her otherwise white dress was now covered in dirt and pine needles, still damp, and even torn in places.

  “And your arms. Look at your arms.”

  Her arms were scraped all the way up to her elbows, where she noticed blood. It was an awful sight, and when she realized her condition, her body throbbed in pain. She had been so desperate to get back, she hadn’t even noticed how she looked or felt.

  “Fortuna’s foot! Now everyone will know.”

  “Everyone will know what?” He stepped closer.

  A glitter of amusement danced in his eyes. David. Her only friend. Of course, she had Vibia, her perfect cousin, but David knew more about her than Vibia ever would. She wasn’t going to tell anyone where she’d been, but all of a sudden she realized she didn’t mind telling David. Besides, if she got lost next time, he could tell people where to find her.

  “I went to my old house.”

  “You what?” His mouth gaped. “You went over the wall?”

  She nodded, grinning.

  David looked toward the trees where she had come from. “But, how—?” Then a look of knowledge washed over his face. “You climbed that pine tree. The one that’s right up against—”

  “How did you know?”

  “Then you slid down that mound of dirt and rocks, right?”

  “How did you know?” Was he a seer?

  “You’re lucky you didn’t get hurt. Or hurt, more,” he said, shaking his head.

  “But how did—”

  “Don’t ever do that again!” David’s blue eyes flashed. “Don’t you realize—there are barbarians out there!” He paced in front of her, raking his hand through his hair. Then he faced her, his mouth turned down into a furious line. “Suppose you ran into thieves. Do you realize what they could have done? They could have snatched you up and sold you, or much worse.” He shook his head as though shaking the thought out of his mind. “Don’t ever do that again.”

  “I had to see it!” Her mind soared, her cheeks flamed, and she wanted to cry. “You don’t know how desperately I’ve been wishing to see it all this time. I never knew I could, I didn’t know it was possible. I didn’t know that tree was there until today, and when I saw the mound of dirt on the other side, I knew it was my only chance. I had to see it, David.” She wiped her nose, making it black, and her hands trembled. “Besides, you’re not my master. I can do whatever I please.”

  He straightened and folded his arms. “I’ll tell your grandfather.” His light brown hair, falling slightly over his brow, grew darker in the fading sunlight.

  “Then I’ll tell on you.” She stomped her foot for emphasis. “How did you know about the pine tree and mound of dirt anyway?”

  He dropped his hands and stared past her.

  For the first time, she noticed that the scar on his cheek not only gave him a rugged appearance, but somehow made him more attractive.

  “That’s what I thought,” she said, forcing her mind back to the issue at hand. “You’ve been going over the wall too.” She looked toward the house and stables for any listeners. She should lower her voice. Seeing that no one was around, she put her swollen hands on her sore hips. “So, what have you been doing on the other side?”

  He folded his arms again and arched his brow. A half grin formed on his face, revealing his wonderful dimple. “Rescuing someone’s doll.”

  Heat climbed from her neck to her cheeks. How foolish. Of course, he would have gone over the wall to get her doll, it just never occurred to her until now. At the same time, she wondered why he didn’t try to escape.

  Suppose he’d gotten caught? He could have been sold, beaten, or killed. Or worse, he could have been taken from her.

  “I don’t want you to get hurt,” he said.

  She looked up into his concerned eyes. Warmth spilled from her heart to every limb. “I won’t do it again.”

  He nodded as if he’d settled the matter.

  “Under one condition,” she added.

  “What’s that?”

  “Smile.”

  “What?”

  “Just smile.”

  “What did you do, hit yourself on the head?” He pursed his lips and smacked her with the rag.

  Pain stung her leg. “Hey, that hurts!” She giggled and jumped away.

  She wanted to see his dimples and had no intention of promising not to go over the wall. She had to see her house again, and next time, she would have courage enough to go closer, maybe even go inside. But not anytime soon. She scurried away from David.

  As she neared the gymnasium, she turned and saw him walking back toward the stables. She called over her shoulder, “You didn’t smile!” She stuck out her tongue. For some reason he didn’t laugh at her joke, but just frowned and shook his head. Still, she skipped to the house. He cared for her and she got to see her house. Life couldn’t be better.

  When she had to explain her appearance to Grandmother, Alethea made up a story. She wanted to say she was climbing a tree and got stuck and nearly fell out of it, but there was no way she could explain how she had gotten wet. She made it sound like she only went as far as the stream and after she’d fallen in, came back home. This, of course, did not calm Grandmother and only increased her worry. Alethea had to admit, she found her grandmother’s concern somewhat comforting. Her mother didn’t seem the least bit worried.

  She thought it was interesting that her mother didn’t ask how she had gotten up over the wall, but she wasn’t about to offer any new information. If they didn’t ask, then she wasn’t going to tell. Besides, she heard them talking about checking the locks on the small doors.

  Mother simply told her not to do it again and called for Portia to take Alethea to the baths and clean her up for the evening meal.

  That night Alethea cried into her pillow. She didn’t care if she woke Vibia. Alethea longed for Mpampas. Why did her mother ignore her? If Mpampas were here, he would have beaten her backside, but then he would have held her close and told her how worried she’d made him. She didn’t exactly wish to be punished, she just wanted to know her mother cared—like she used to care. Without Mpampas, Alethea felt like she was falling into a deep dark pit, out of control, with no one to keep her safe.

  Ω

  Several weeks later, Grandmother Renata called Alethea and Vibia to her side.

  “I have a surprise waiting for you in Rome.” Grandmother eyes danced. “You will both be thrilled.” She clasped her wrinkled hands together.

  Alethea couldn’t imagine what could possibly be waiting for them in Rome, but just the idea that she might be going to the city tingled her with excitement.

  “It’s very important that you be on your best behavior.” Grandmother glanced at Alethea, brushing a curl away from her face.

  She knew that comment was only for her. Of course, Vibia never made mistakes.

  “And you will make a small gift as a token of apprec
iation for the gifts you will receive.”

  “What’s the surprise?” Alethea couldn’t stand the suspense.

  “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, now would it?” Grandmother handed each of them a piece of silk. “I have prepared these squares for you to embroider. They have been soaked in your favorite scents. You are to sleep with them under your head every night.”

  “Who are these gifts for?” Vibia asked.

  “That is part of the surprise.” Grandmother grinned. She pulled both girls to her bosom and stroked their hair.

  Alethea enjoyed the moment of warmth and comfort. Things like this didn’t happen often. Usually, she was standing at the end of her grandmother’s accusing finger.

  “It will be a splendid time for everyone,” Grandmother said.

  “When do we leave?” Vibia asked.

  “In a few months.”

  Later, both girls worked diligently on their embroideries.

  “I’m sure it will be a kitten,” Alethea said. “Won’t it be wonderful cuddling a sweet ball of fur?”

  “Or perhaps they plan to give us jewels? Or a colorful stola, or golden sandals?” Vibia said.

  “Or maybe a new doll?” Alethea wasn’t sure she wanted a new one. She preferred the one she already had, even though it was worn and tattered. Besides, why would they travel all the way to Rome for a new doll or a kitten or jewelry?

  Both girls, eleven years old, chattered excitedly about the prospects of a surprise. Something splendid awaited them in the wondrous city of Rome.

  eleven

  Alethea didn’t like Rome at all. It was crowded, loud, and filthy. She’d never seen so many buildings and people packed together in one place. Now she was packed into a dressing chamber with Vibia, being poked and prodded by Portia and other maidservants. They were preparing for a banquet; it and the surprise were the only exciting things about the whole trip.

  “The girls must look exquisite.” Grandmother helped Portia twist flowered vines between Alethea’s braids.

  Alethea stood before a full-length, bronze polished mirror, staring at her white stola pinned at the shoulders. She pulled at the pink silk, which was too tight around her waist. She wondered why they would want her to look skinnier than she already was. A blue sheer wrap crisscrossed over her chest and the ends hung in a loose knot down her back. Imagining they were wings, she moved from side to side, watching them flutter behind her.

  “Be still, Alethea. We can’t do your hair when you’re moving around like that.” Grandmother gave her a stern look as she moved to Vibia.

  The thought of a banquet excited Alethea, but Grandmother’s anxiousness made her nervous. It was very difficult to be still, and her thoughts were constantly guessing what the surprise would be. Would it be a pet of some kind? A new toy? A new stola or sandals? Or as Vibia suggested, perhaps jewelry of some kind?

  The banquet was to be held at the home of Maximus Demetrius Arnensis. The name meant nothing to her, but Vibia seemed duly impressed.

  “Do you have your embroidery ready?” Grandmother yanked a little too hard on Vibia’s hair, jerking her head back and making her flinch.

  Portia finally finished. Alethea grabbed her embroidery and tucked it into her belt. She had worked hard on her silk square, taking great care to make the dark blue and gold colors swirl just right around its white edges. It would be difficult to part with the silk, and she decided she would make a mantle of the same coloring and design.

  She couldn’t contain her curiosity any longer. “What’s the surprise? Do we get it tonight?”

  Grandmother had already made it clear that the banquet was not the surprise but rather what they were celebrating. Alethea skipped toward Grandmother, who now supervised the finishing touches on Vibia.

  Her cousin turned, showing off her luscious braids. Alethea wished she could trade hair with her. Vibia’s hair was an uncommon color of reddish-brown. The auburn color made Alethea seethe with jealousy. Not only did Vibia have beautiful translucent skin, she had the hair of a goddess. Though Alethea had to admit, her own skin could be just as translucent if she wouldn’t spend so much time outdoors.

  Grandmother pulled the girls to her. She breathed deeply and smiled.

  Alethea clasped her hands together and giggled. Finally, she would discover the surprise.

  “Tonight is a very special evening. As you know, one day you will both marry and have children. Vibia, your father has chosen a husband for you.”

  Vibia gasped and covered her mouth with her hands.

  Grandmother turned to Alethea. “Grandfather has, with my help, chosen your future husband. Tonight we celebrate your betrothals.”

  Vibia jumped up and down, clapping her hands with glee. “Father promised he would find someone young. Is it who I think it is?”

  Grandmother smiled and shook her head. “I don’t think so. But he is young.”

  Alethea backed away. “I . . . I don’t . . . .” Was this awful news the surprise? What happened to the jewels? The new stola? The golden sandals? “I don’t want to get married!”

  “You have no reason to be nervous.” Grandmother pulled Alethea into a hug. “We have made extensive arrangements with Demetri’s family, and I’m sure he’s going to like you. You look lovely tonight. Demetri won’t be worrying about how thin you are at this stage.”

  “Demetri?” Vibia shrieked. “She’s going to marry Demetri?” She scowled at Alethea. “I wanted Demetri!”

  Alethea was about to let her have him when Grandmother slapped Vibia across the face. Alethea stepped back in horror, watching Grandmother scold her.

  “You ungrateful child! Have you any idea how much trouble has gone into finding you a suitable young man?”

  Alethea put her hand to her own cheek. She had never been slapped the way Grandmother just slapped Vibia, even after all her rebellious acts. But then she’d never been so blunt as Vibia was just now, except for the night she screamed. Good thing she had run away. She watched the scene in a daze. She had better make sure she didn’t show any ungratefulness.

  The voice of her grandmother ranted and raved, making her ears ring. She was completely and utterly disappointed, helpless and trapped. A prisoner held captive by her own family. And once she was old enough to escape their clutches, she would be thrown into the grips of a man she didn’t even know. But what if they expected her to marry him now? Her body shuddered.

  “It isn’t fair.” Vibia stomped her foot, turning toward the mirror, voicing Alethea’s own thoughts.

  The upcoming nuptials soared through her mind. Tears filled her eyes and her body trembled.

  Grandmother pulled Alethea to her bosom. She snuggled into her grandmother’s arms. It was nice to be held, even though she felt miserable.

  “Forgive me, Grandmother. I am very happy with the surprise,” she said, trying to sound grateful even though it was a lie, “but . . . I don’t want to get married. I’m too young!” She wanted to say that she had already found a husband but knew her grandmother would disapprove of David.

  Grandmother shook with laughter. “Oh child!” She held Alethea in front of her and smiled. “Dear Aucella . . . .” Grandmother wiped a tear from Alethea’s face.

  “You don’t have to marry him now.” Tears pooled in her grandmother’s eyes. “You may wait until you become a woman.” Grandmother laughed again and squeezed her close.

  With that thought, the future seemed a little brighter, despite her disappointment with the surprise. There was hope, and she would have to find a way to marry David before she had to marry this Demetri person.

  Ω

  Alethea leaned back against the cushions of the litter. Normally she would have to walk alongside or behind the fancy stretcher, but not today. She smoothed out her stola, trying to appear sophisticated. It was an exciting time, despite her inner misery.

  She moved to the veiled curtain to peer outside. The litter tilted, and she gripped the cushions. Thank Fortuna she didn’t have
to sit on a sedan chair like her grandmother and grandfather did, otherwise she might fall off.

  She pulled back the curtain and leaned out. She barely saw Grandmother and Grandfather ahead. Her grandparents, aunt, and uncle led the procession as they rounded the street corner. The light beige houses, with their green foliage and iron-grilled windows, all looked the same along the street. One thing was different on the Palatine from where she first entered Rome; the streets here were actually clean. She released an exasperated sigh. Where the streets were clean, she wasn’t expected to walk, and where they were dirty, she had to wade through the filth.

  “Mistress, we can hold the litter steady, if you’d be still,” David said with his typical distant air, so as not to give away to the others that they were close. He was one of four slaves carrying her litter.

  “Of course,” she said, and plopped back onto the cushions, leaving the curtain open to look outside. Too bad she and David couldn’t just chat. The slaves knew they were close, but her family didn’t, and she dared not risk revealing their secret friendship.

  The litter rocked again as she moved, making her stomach churn. The cushions in the litter began to turn and she hoped they would arrive soon. Disappointed that her stomach felt sick, she couldn’t make the most of this experience. It shouldn’t be long now, since they only had to go to the other side of the Palatine.

  After they rounded the corner, she looked on in amazement. Grandmother and Grandfather were escorted from their sedan chairs to a beautiful house. Columns lined large iron grilled windows on each side of the door, while palm trees sprouted on both ends of the house, and colorful flowers spread out like a blanket over the front garden. Her stomach lurched at the thought of who awaited her in this grand place.

  Vibia’s parents and brother were helped out of their litters, while David and another slave helped Alethea out of hers. A wave of dizziness swept over her as she came to her feet, forcing her to lean on David’s strong arm.