As days passed, the two slaves spent many nights together,
with Servius inheriting the tenuous task of stealthily leaving his master’s
premises in the dead of night.
Brutus’s large estate and lack of attention paid to the whereabouts of
his slaves once the sun descended created prime circumstances for the Adelia
and her sneaky lover. While the
two certainly spent many an hour entangled, they always found time to eavesdrop
on Brutus’s many late night meetings with various Roman elite. It seemed that the date of treason, the
day they would assassinate Julius Caesar, was drawing near.
However, on this day,
in the final week of February, 44BC, Adelia and Servius received the chance to
see each other in an environment so joyous that no one would bother to oppose
their mingling. A day at the
Circus Maximus lay ahead, with thousands of Romans and their slaves making the
trek to the Vallis Murcia to revel in the festivities. As Servius arrived with his master
family, an ebullient flame burned in his belly, fueled by the thoughts of the
leisure and fine company of Adelia which lay ahead of him. As the circus got underway with the
traditional circus parade, complete with competitors, dancers, musicians, and
incense bearers, a festive wave showered over the crowd. Having determined a meeting place
amongst the stadium, Servius soon separated from his contently distracted
masters and found his way to Adelia.
Standing as beautiful as ever, Servius approached the dashing
blonde.
“I feel as though each
year, more and more days of ludi have sprung up on the calendar, Adelia. I must say, I can’t complain. You look gorgeous.”
Adelia, smiling with
eyes fixed on Servius, walked toward him gracefully. “I do agree, dear.
Just a week or two ago, the Lupercalia took place. I believe you are correct
though. Maybe Caesar believes that
constant public distractions will keep him in place forever. Seems to working so far. “
Flutes played in the
background as the two chatted about the day ahead. Suddenly, the crowd became
louder, and many hooves and whips could be heard as the chariot race began. “Servius,” said Adelia with a hint of
urgency. “Our time is growing
nearer. I heard last night what
I’m almost positive is the proposed date of the murder. If my ears do not deceive me, and they
rarely have, we have a bit more than two weeks to plan our escape.”
Dust flew up as the chariots passed by
the two slaves.
“I would only do this
for you, Adelia, you know that right?”
She smiled and kissed his cheek.
The two looked out into the distance, past the temples of Ceres and
Flora, and into a horizon of freedom.
