Duncan Long
Assignment #5
Historical Detail
Tomorrow morning Titus Claudius has been
instructed to report with his legion in preparation for their departure to
Spain. Civil war has overtaken the Roman
Empire. Claudius holds the position of Military Tribune, as his father serves
in the Senate, and has requested that Felix accompany him in battle. It was
more of an order than request actually.
“Felix you shall journey with me
and our great superior army to defend Rome in the Spanish lands,” Claudius
demanded just two days before.
The night before departure, Felix
has planned for his escape. The slave is terrified of battle and has devised a
plan to runaway. Once he escapes Palatine Hill he will head for the Forum
Boarium to catch a boat ride down the Tiber. From there he will board a ship in
route to Egypt to live as a free man. With no slave collar, Felix will be safe
once he reaches the Tyrrhenian.
As the sun fell below the horizon,
Claudius discussed last minute revisions with his centurions. Felix sat patiently
in the room waiting for the night to drag everyone to bed. That was when he
would make his dash. The night rolled along and the family ate dinner in what
could be their last one together as a whole family. Felix was growing anxious
by the second as his spoon shook nervously in his hand. Claudia took notice to
this at the table. However, she was unaware of Felix’s plan to escape. He has
concluded to not inform his love of his running away. As much as it pains him,
he must leave without Claudia.
Once Claudius and his wife laid
down for bed Felix ventured to Claudia’s room for one last secret visit. He
still would not inform his love of his plan of escape tonight. He denied any
accusations of acting strange at dinner. However, Claudia suspected something
was different tonight.
“I reassure you everything is
fine,” explained Felix. “I am tired and must go to bed. I will see you tomorrow
my love.” He would not however.
Felix kissed his secret lover
goodbye and left for his room. He would depart in less than an hour.
