The Circus Maximus Murders!!! Chapter VIII
Originally posted May 4, 2001
Author: Maria Marius [Reposted with permission


It was the middle of the night watch when Salvia arrived to report that things had settled down. The customers had either returned home to their wives, or paid the extra fee to await the dawn in the willing arms of one of the girls at the Sign of the Owl.

Salvia sank into a well-cushioned chair and sighed with contentment. The Corsican raised one sandaled foot so she could admire her painted toenails. "I like this gold color. Very Egyptian."

Aelia looked at the younger woman and smiled. "Yes. It's quite attractive. You give the guests some of the exotic allure of the east without requiring them to experience the inconvenience of travel!"

Salvia's responsive laughter held an edge of self-satisfaction. "Was it a profitable night? It looked to be."

"That's a difficult question. It depends on what value we assign to the circus tickets." Aelia scanned her account books. "On the whole, we seem to have done well enough."

"We could do better."

Aelia raised her eyebrow. "How so?"

"That little Greek singer is man-ripe. Put out the word and hold an auction."

"Salvia, auctions are more suited to the Transtiberina. I've no wish to cheapen the tone of this establishment. And we've visited this issue before with regard to other girls. I won't have anybody forced before she's ready. Laëtë knows what is to happen. But she hasn't quite accepted her role yet. She needs a little more time."

The Corsican snorted. "You coddle these girls too much. That old mentula Vibius is willing to pay you quite a premium to be the first with the little Greek."

"Yes. He's spoken to me twice. How much of a commission has he offered you to obtain Laëtë for him?"

"Less than he's willing to pay YOU! He said he'd double the highest offer you receive, even at auction. But he wants her now. Not in several weeks."

Aelia shook her head. "Publius Cornelius Vibius has no interest in a willing virgin. He refuses to wait because he wants to rape a reluctant child."

Salvia shrugged. "What's the difference? The Greek's going into service sooner or later. Sooner will yield more profit. Vibius desires the girl and wants the notoriety of outbidding all other takers. So let him have what he craves."

"It is both vulgar and unnecessarily cruel to auction off a fearful child in that manner. Laëtë is not yet ready. And I won't pander to a pervert's vanity by procuring a rape victim for him."

"Well, she doesn't have to be fearful or unwilling! Slip something into her wine. I know you can brew a philtre that will make her so desperate for relief she'll BEG for someone to rape her!"

"Salvia, stop. That's utterly revolting. I'll have nothing to do with such perversion. It should be a criminal matter to deprive anybody, even a slave, of her senses in that manner. I'll have none of it!"

"Why so hot?" Salvia was genuinely puzzled. "You bought the girl. You intend to sell her services when you decide it's time. Ultimately, she has no choice in the matter. Why be a hypocrite? It's how the system works after all."

Aelia was silent for a long time before replying. When she finally began to speak, her voice was quiet and devoid of emotion. "I did not originate the terms under which women must exist in a universe run by and for men. I've taken the world as I found it and managed to create a reasonably tolerable corner for myself and for those who have fallen to my care. Eventually, gentle coercion convinces even the most reluctant girl that it's wise to fulfill the inescapable destiny the gods have mapped out for her. It's cruel and unnecessary to rape a girl's mind with drugs so that depraved animals can violate her body. I've seen it done and I've seen the result of such torture. Even the thought of it sickens me. I won't resort to that unspeakable perversion."

Salvia had the grace to look away. "Very well then. Vibius must wait."

"Yes." Aelia cleared her throat. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd best finish these notations before retiring."

The Corsican took the hint and rose. "I'll be off then." She went out the door whistling the haunting melody Laëtë had been singing earlier.

Dorigo glanced over at Aelia from his station by the door. Marthrax moved to the latticed window to inspect the street. "You want us to take money to usual place?"

Aelia nodded absent-mindedly. "Yes. But later. At mid-day. It doesn't do to become a slave to routine. Only the unpredictable survive in this world." She locked her account books in the ironwood chest then and handed the leather pouch containing the cash to Dorigo. "I'm so tired. I can't seem to sleep properly. I suppose I should have a cup of wine and then at least try to rest."

The two men watched as Aelia closed the door to her cubiculum. Marthrax snorted. Dorigo contented himself with a mirthless smile.

"It's not wine she needs," he stated in Chattian. "Should I get Silva?"

Dorigo scratched his armpit meditatively then shook his head no. "If she wanted to send a message, she'd say."

Marthrax nodded and took his station by the door once again. He didn't much care for thinking or decision making. Dorigo undoubtedly knew best. They would await events.

Copyright © 2001, Maria Marius. All Rights Reserved.