Maiden of Rome
by
ShannonQ
A noble Roman Tribune is captured in a battle with the Germanic tribes. He
is given to a witch and eventually turned into a woman. She is given the
name of Penelope. She is sent back to Rome. What will her family do? What
will her father say? What is her future in the greatest Empire on earth?
Rated R
ONE
The rains intensified as the XVII Legion made its way into the depths of
the Teutoberg Forest. Tribune Drusus Marcellus rode his horse down the
narrow path with his men using their soaked leather shields as prevention
against the cold wet elements. Along with the XVIII and XIX Legions being
strung out in single file through the darkened thick woods, Drusus felt
this was a bad omen. In an area like this, there was no means for a Legion
to form a phalanx. They were exposed.
Arminius, a German chief who was friendly with Rome, had sent a message
that one of his large settlements were destroyed by wild tribes and was
threatening another. He pleaded with General Quinctilius Varus to send
help immediately. This was their third day on the march and it had rained
from the very beginning. They had crossed the Weser River which was the
boundary between the Empire and this unknown wilderness.
"Keep moving lads," he shouted to his troops. "Come on, don't lag." 'Easy
for me to say,' he thought. 'I'm on my horse and these poor men are barely
making it on foot.'
Drusus was the son of a nobleman and Senator Julius Marcellus, friend to
Augustus the Emperor of Rome. Knowing that his Uncle Julius had been
assassinated, Augustus took the title of "Father of the Empire". His
father fought at Augustus' side that defeated both Marc Antony and
Cleopatra in the great sea battle of Actium. Both Antony and Cleopatra
commited suicide which left Augustus the sole ruler of Rome. Many times he
was at court with his father to meet the Emperor.
As Drusus grew into manhood, he was tall but wiry thin. He was trained on
Mars Hill to become a great swordsman as well as an archer. Augustus
bestowed upon him the rank of Tribune and sent him north to the XVII
Legion. He distinguished himself many times in battle suffering a few
wounds in the process. What endeared him to his soldiers was that if they
had no tent to sleep under, neither did Drusus. He would do like the rest.
Take his cloak and blanket to sleep under the stars, or in rain, or in
snow. He ate what they ate. He drank the same wine or ale they did. Thus
he gained the loyalty of his men and some other tribune's. Another thing
that made his men like him so well was he forgave all debts from them when
they played dice. Drusus didn't want or need their money. He just gambled
for the fun of it. When the game was over, he returned all the coins he
had won but allowed his men to keep what they won from him.
"All right men, take a fifteen minute rest," Drusus called out. He
dismounted to let his horse drink from a nearby pond. He took a drink of
water himself then went into the trees to relieve himself. The last thing
he remembered was shouting, skirmishing then blackness.
***
Drusus awoke with a painful head injury. His helmet had been crushed on
one side of his head and he heard laughter. He opened his eyes to see he
was bound by ropes as well as a few other men in Roman warrior armor. He
laid there with his eyes closed due to the severe agony. He listened to
some German chieftans talking and laughing but had no knowledge what
tongue they were speaking in. Whatever it was, they were a joyous bunch
quickly becoming drunk from the ale they were consuming. He tried to move
his hands but they were tightly bound.
"What happened?" he whispered to another tribune.
"They got us all," the man answered.
"What does that mean?"
"They slaughtered almost everyone in our three legions. They attacked us
all up and down our line. We had no room to manuveur or set up any
defense. Rome is ruined," he groaned. "There's no one between us and Rome.
All they have to do is just march down the peninsula and take it over. I
pity my wife and children."
"Augustus won't let that happen," Drusus returned even though he felt he
was talking in a fog. "He'll think of something. Tell me, were there any
men who made it back across the river?"
"I don't think so," the man said. "It is a complete ruin for us. They took
Varus off and beheaded him. They've got it in a jar over there to send to
Rome." In truth Varus had fallen on his sword committing suicide. If there
was a head in the jar, it wasn't Varus'.
Seconds later Arminius entered the tent. All of his troops rose and voiced
their praise of him. He walked by Drusus paying him no mind. He was out of
Drusus' sight when he sat in the seat of honor reserved for all brave
German chieftains.
"Bring the prisoners forward," he commanded in Latin.
Drusus was pulled to his feet. He thought that he was coming around until
he was yanked up. His knees buckled and he had to be held firmly by the
armpits. Arminius walked down the dozen or so prisoners.
After checking them, he ordered, "Crucify all of them." He turned his back
and sat down again. He watched his men pulling each Roman out to go to
their death. "Wait!" he shouted. "That one. The one who can't walk on his
own. Bring him back."
Drusus was wondering what was happening. He felt being tugged backwards
and stood before the German leader. The room was still spinning. His eyes
rolled to the back of his head. All he wanted at that moment was to lie
down somewhere quiet and rest. Perhaps a good night's sleep would cure
what ailed him. He managed to get his eyes to focus upon Arminius who
stood in front of him contemplating something as his hand rubbed his black
beard. Then he broke into a big grin.
"I've got it!" Arminius bellowed then laughed. He staggered back to his
seat as the laughter grew intense. Everyone in the big tent were laughing
too but had no idea from what. "Lets send this one to Dagmar." Everyone
roared! "Put a blindfold on him and send him to her. Let her have her way
with him."
"Maybe she can turn him into a goat," one shouted.
"Or a toad," another followed.
"Or a bear," came a third observation. "I haven't had bear meet since last
spring."
Arminius raised his hand to stop the mockery. "Let Dagmar figure it out. I
think she'll have something clever in mind. Take him to her."
***
All Drusus remembered was being dragged out into the cold of the forest
and tossed into the back of a wagon. He did notice that the rains had
stopped. He heard someone tell the driver something he could not
understand. The wagon moved as he managed to struggled under a canvas
covering in the straw. It was then he closed his eyes and fell into a deep
sleep.
He dreamed of his family. His mother Julia, his sister Vipsania, his
younger brother Gaius and his betrothed Vinia. It was a pleasant image as
he pictured Vinia in her white robe checking carts for fresh vegetables as
he went along with her shopping. He held the small leather sack as she
bartered the vendors down to what she felt was a fair price. Later they'd
strip down in her parents' bath as they lay nude side by side. He loved
washing her beautiful blonde hair then playfully clean her breasts paying
careful attention to her big nipples. She loved straddling him and impale
herself on to his penis in the water. He was so much in love with her. She
came from a noble family, too.
After the long bath, they called for the slaves to bring them towels and
stood facing each other as the girls in servitude dried them. They would
separate briefly to clothe themselves then return to embrace. At dinner at
her father's estate they'd lay side-by-side together oblivious to all
dining with them. She fed him little delicacies with her hand then he'd
scoop some honey onto his finger and placed it at her lips. Vinia would
take the finger into her mouth letting her tongue play with that digit
until the honey was all cleaned off. She'd look at him seductively as she
did this act. Her parents watched her and smiled that she had captured the
heart of such a great nobleman.
Drusus was shaken awake by the driver. He handed him a skin of wine and
some meat from a wild boar. He ate hungrily wondering what these
barbarians were going to do with him. Drusus stepped into the woods to
relieve himself both ways taking some leaves to wipe the remnants of his
bowel movement. Then he climbed back into the wagon and it started moving
at a snail's pace once more.
The pain in his head had subsided somewhat but it was still there.
Reminding him of what had happened. He refused to believe that all three
Legions were lost. It couldn't be. These were good men. Excellent
warriors. Well trained and ready for any kind of battle that came their
way. He felt that he was the few that were captured and now he was being
sent into the interior of this savage nation.
On the fourth day, they arrived at a small hut with a thatched roof with
smoke flowing from the center. The driver motioned him to get out. As soon
as Drusus was on foot, the driver turned the cart around. He motioned him
to the door then left. He watched the man in the cart pulled by two oxen
until he disappeared around a bend. Then he turned to the shelter to study
it. The only thing about it that caught his eye was the strong wooden
door. He walked over and knocked.
TWO
The door opened and a young beautiful woman with blonde hair, blue eyes
and a trim shape answered. She wore a sky blue neck to toe dress with a
leather belt at her waist. Drusus' mouth dropped. She had enormous nipples
tenting out from her thin gown.
"You must be the Roman," she said in perfect Latin. "I'm Dagmar."
"I'm Drusus Marcellus." He looked at the lovely woman. He estimated her
age to be no more than twenty-two, twenty-three at the most. "I was
brought to you."
"Yes, I am aware of you staying with me, Drusus. Arminius sent a messenger
for me to take special care of you. Come in. You are welcome here, you
must be hungry and thirsty."
"I am," he admitted stepping inside. He looked about the one room hut. It
was somewhat larger than what it appeared from the outside. A fire was
burning in an iron stove with a pot of something good cooking on top of
it. A large bed in a corner, some crude furniture including a rectangular
table with four chairs. It looked used but everything in this place was so
clean. In another corner there were metal cannisters galore on another
large table with several wooden bowls and goblets.
"Sit down," she told him. "I'll get you some stew."
He sat down and watched her. Her hair was long, down to the base of her
spine. She moved with the grace of a dancer. Her ass swayed with each step
she took. She put three ladles of food into the bowl and placed it before
him with some black bread. He dug right away feeling his stomach demanding
to be filled. Dagmar poured two glasses of wine and sat down across from
him.
"Aren't you eating?" he asked.
"I've already had my morning meal," she replied. She studied him as he put
spoon after spoon into his mouth. "I see that they didn't do anything with
your wound." She got up and brought some kind of a salve. She rubbed it
in. It felt quite tender but he was a Tribune of Rome and was trained to
endure pain. Her touch was light and gentle. He took a large swallow of
wine. It tasted on the bitter side but he had worse from the merchants in
Gaul. He reckoned that the grapes weren't as good as what grew back in the
vineyards of Italia. She finished her medical treatment, washed her hands,
returned to sit oppositee of him. "That is a nasty wound you have there. I
think you'll have to rest after your meal," Dagmar advised.
"Where is your husband?" he asked.
"I don't have a husband. I was banished from my village several years ago
and have lived here alone since I was fourteen," she smiled.
"Why were you banished?"
"I was accused of practicing witchcraft and other magical things."
"Were you?"
"Yes!"
"So you are some kind of a sorceress?"
"Not exactly. I prefer being known as an enchantress. It doesn't sound as
bad. I do dabble in the arts of witchcraft," Dagmar confessed.
"How long have you been practicing your.....uh......practicing your art?"
"Since I was a small girl," she smiled prettily.
"What kind of things can you do?" Drusus asked, all of a sudden feeling
weary. He thought with wound, being held captive and the trip here was a
little too much for him.
"Lots of things," Dagmar got up and came around to him. She helped lift
him to his feet and assisted him to the bed. She relieved him of his
breastplate armor and removed his clothing. Drusus was unaware of what she
was doing as his eyes drooped. He felt her swing his legs onto the bed and
cover him. He was content for the moment. His belly was full, the hut was
warm and the bed was soft. He quickly drifted off to sleep.
***
He dreamed of Vinia again. He seldom dreamt of her even though he was in
love with her. They were at his father's villa at Ostia. The sun was warm,
the air was fresh off of the sea, and they lay on several blankets in the
sand not far from the splashing waves. He had a very hard erection as he
played with her breasts. She was on her back while he rested on his elbow
with the other hand caressing his betrothed's teat. Vinia let out a moan
of pleasure as he saw a few drops of her wetness flow down the sides of
her inner thighs.
"Take me," she whispered.
He mounted her. Usually he rubbed his erection along her engorged lips but
this time she was desparate. She grabbed his hard penis and placed it
inside her. Vinia locked her legs around the back of his thighs so he
couldn't pulled out. Drusus started slow. He didn't want her urgency to
make it quicker than he wanted it to. He liked performing this act of love
for as long as he could hold back. His secret for prolonging this was to
think of the drills of his men on Mars Hill. It was the training grounds
for troops to practice all their war skills with wooden swords and blunt
wooden spears. No one was ever killed but there were injuries, bruises,
bumps, an ocassional broken bone, and blood. It was the precursor of a
real battle against the enemies of Rome. Vinia's long nails dug into his
back bringing him back to the present. He felt her climax building and
most times he pulled back to make her beg for him to finish. Only this
time she had the advantage and as he felt her stiffen and grunt, he went
over the edge and both came at the same time. They were both tired but
happy.
Drusus and Vinia did this in his dreams at least four times until they
were utterly satisfied. She lay in his arms with a nail circling his
nipple playfully. Vinia loved to do this to him because his skin was so
sensitive after having sex that he could barely contain himself. His hand
ran through her long blonde hair as they kissed frequently. When the sun
started setting, they dressed and went inside for a warm bath and maybe
another tryst.
Drusus awoke. He was back in the hut with a nude Dagmar sleeping at his
side. She had a hand on his chest and used his shoulder as a pillow. He
reached down to touch his penis and it was caked like he had many times
with Vinia when they made love and couldn't wash right away. He blinked
several times trying to bring his mind back to the present. While he was
out, she had sex with him. He looked into the resting face of the
beautiful young girl and wondered it were true or not.
"Yes I had sex with you," Dagmar said without opening her eyes. "For a
Roman your manhood is quite large."
"Why?" Drusus asked, puzzled. Then he regretted saying it as soon as it
was out of his mouth. 'She was horny and I was the only male around,' he
thought.
"You are under my charge," she told him without opening her eyes.
"Arminius told me I am free to do with you as I choose. Besides, I am
going to do things for you that you might have wished for but never let
anyone know."
"What is that?"
"It's a surprise. You will be with me indefinately until the time I deem
right for you to return to Rome."
"I'm going back?" Drusus asked hopefully.
"Yes, but only when I feel it is time."
"When will that be?"
"As I said before, when I feel you are ready. Now get on top of me. I want
to feel you inside of me again."
"I don't think I can get hard again," he begged off. Dagmar reached down
with two slender fingers playing with his balls. Ten seconds later he was
hard once more. She slid under him and guided his rod into her nest. Once
inside, he felt chills he never had before. With his penis in her, he felt
that he could conquer the world. He went slowly like he had with Vinia.
Dagmar let him take over but cast a spell for him to remain hard until she
would cum. Like Drusus, Dagmar didn't like to hurry something like this.
After spending hours making love, both got up and dressed. Dagmar fed
Drusus giving him the same wine as before. Then she grabbed a basket for
them to find some berries to pick before the cold weather set in. They
trudged through a muddy path for several minutes. Dagmar knew exactly
where to find them. Most were already dead or on the ground but it took
them several hours to pick the rest from four bushes. Drusus received many
scratches on his arms from the thorns while reaching in to get the fruit.
Dagmar did not receive any as her fair skin remained scratchless.
"You'll get used to it," she smiled taking him by the arm as they made
their way back to the hut. "I make my wine out of these."
"I was wondering why it tasted so different," Drusus said feeling a
tingling feeling to his arm where she held it. "It's not as sweet as the
wines we have at home."
"Mine helps a person to relax more and dream of wonderful things," she
pressed a teat to his arm. Drusus felt the softness of her breast as they
walked along. She cast a spell for him to have an enormous erection.
Suddenly he felt his penis harden like it never had before. She also
erased his memories of Rome and Vinia for the time being. "Isn't this a
beautiful country?" she asked.
"Yes it is. I think I could stay here forever."
"I can see about that!" she exclaimed as they reached the clearing of the
hut.
***
Meanwhile back in Rome Augustus had received news of the Teutoburg
disaster. It was unbelievable. A Tribune named Cassius Caecina had formed
several hundred men and fought their way back to the bridges of the Weser
River. He formed a defense over the one bridge while he had all the others
burned. He managed with a valiant effort to keep the Germanic barbarians
at bay while reinforcements from several miles away came to their aid
doubling the Roman remnants number. Once the Germans retreated, he sent an
urgent message to Rome to tell of the ambush that destroyed all three
Legions.
Augustus was in shock. He immediately sent his wife's son Tiberius north
to takeover the the situation. Tiberius forced marched the men the six
hundred miles to the Weser. When he arrived he took charge. He awarded
Caecina a promotion for his bravery and cunning. He sent a message back to
Augustus that the Legions were lost in the ambush but the border was still
well protected with auxilaries from Gaul swelling its ranks. Tiberius took
the gamble to shore up the defense along the river while hoping that the
people of Gaul wouldn't revolt. They were almost as bad as the German
savages themselves.
Rome breathed a collected sigh of relief that the emergency had abated.
Now anger and blame was being discussed. Varus' family was disgraced.
Augustus was criticized in whispers and in talk of people who were still
for the Republic. The Emperor called for new recruits to report to Mars
Hill to begin training in order to replace the three Legions that were
lost.
THREE
Dagmar continued her intimacy with the Roman. She liked the man. He never
complained about his captivity. However how many captives had such a
beautiful woman for a jailer? She fed him well, gave him berry wine, was
an intelligent conversationalist, and was a tigress in bed. Miraculously
all the scars he had taken in his life as a soldier disappeared. The
ointment she put on the side of his head cured him completely. He no
longer felt the aches and pains that plagued him in his hard life as a
Roman warrior. It was if he passed over to the after life. Dagmar asked
about Rome and he explained his life back there. The spell cast weeks
before wore off and he began to think of Vinia again. He told of the games
at the arena, the part of the city that was all marble, the part where
there was squalor and the various people migrating there for trade or
permanent residence. She sat listening to him as he explained the classes
of diverse people.
Over the ensuing months he woke up in the morning with a few irritating
pains to his nipples. He also noticed two things. First, he didn't have to
shave any longer and second, all the hair on his body gradually fell out
and his skin was much smoother. It didn't bother him due to the fact that
his manhood was larger in length and in girth and he pleased Dagmar every
night in bed. Drusus felt more manly because the way she screamed when her
orgasm hit. Fortunately they were in the deep forest and no one could hear
her squeals of passionate delight.
One morning when he was sitting watching her cut vegetables for stew, he
noticed for the first time that they never had any visitors. In fact, no
one even passed their way since his arrival.
"Don't you have family?"
"They disowned me when I was castout of my village," she said without
looking up.
"Do you miss them?"
"No, I don't."
"Why is that?"
She gently placed her cutting knife on the table and wiped her hands with
a rag. She looked him in the eye. "They never came to help me when I was
accused of being a witch. Not once did any of my family aid me in any way.
Why should I care about them? I wouldn't doubt if that bitch called my
mother betrayed me to the tribal leaders."
"That is why they cast you out of their village?"
"No, they were going to burn me alive," Dagmar said. "I cast a spell upon
them to let me leave the village of my birth with the promise never to
return. The people who wanted me to burn were silenced by me with a wave
of my hand. I then could concentrate upon the village leaders for them to
exile me. So I was allowed to gather my things and come here. This was
abandoned long ago but I made the repairs, fixed things the best I could,
and made a nice place for myself. I like being alone."
"Why are you keeping me here?" he asked.
"I'm keeping you for your own safety. Besides, I like our relationship
although I see it is destined not to last too much longer. I have sent
Arminius a message to bring someone here to take you away after this
winter is over. You will be sent back to Rome."
"Do you think Arminius will allow this?"
"He has no choice," she resumed cutting the vegetables for the stew. "When
he puts someone into my charge, I have the say so whether to kill, punish,
or to be benevolent toward that person in my charge. When I am finished
with that person, Arminius must do as I say or I can make trouble for
him."
"What kind of trouble?"
"A painful death for one example," Dagmar smiled. "Or I can inflict him
with a very painful, agonizing illness, or perhaps make his mind to be
senile."
"Have you ever given anyone a death like that?"
Dagmar's smile grew wider, "More than you can count."
***
As the icy winds swept about the Dagmar's hut, Drusus noticed more changes
in him. He was growing breasts. His strong hands became more delicate with
long fingers, his legs and hips were shaped like that of a woman. His
stomach was flat. He asked if she was responsible for this change. Her
only answer was to reach under the robe he wore and squeeze his manhood to
a rock hard erection as her other hand cupped his balls massaging them
gently. He felt her mind probe into his telling him that she needed for
him to perform sexual acts upon her. He forgot what he was becoming and
laid on his back as she straddled him covering his mind in a foggy bliss.
His voice changed into that of a woman as Dagmar did her magic with her
hips and inner muscles squeezing his erection until the both of them
orgasmed. When it was over, she lay beside him and cooed how wonderful a
lover he had become. By then the new image of his body had left his
thoughts and pleasing Dagmar was his only priority. It all seemed like a
dream to him.
By late winter he had become a female in everyway except his penis and
testicles. She gave him the name of Penelope which was the name a young
girl from her village which she liked very much. The man Drusus had
disappeared. In his place was a girl who was almost six feet tall, slim
with a magnificent body, and long red hair with emerald green eyes. Dagmar
cast a spell for Penelope to accept this change. This was a permanent
enchantment which he would carry the memory of Drusus but act and think as
Penelope. She never questioned her change. It would last for the rest of
her life.
As the first days of spring came, they made love for the last time.
Penelope fell into a deep sleep afterwards. She had been given a large
wooden cup of a strange potion that tasted like the sweetest wines back in
Rome. When she awoke, her penis was gone. She was now a fully functioning
female. Able to have children and all. Dagmar gave her one last charm that
she wouldn't remember she was Drusus until she set foot in Rome once more.
The change was complete. She looked, acted and thought as a noble woman of
Rome. The next day, an escort from Arminius showed up at the hut with a
beautiful white mare for Penelope to ride.
She wore a white woman's robe and sandals for a female. Dagmar kissed her
passionately then slapped her gently on her well formed rear and sent her
outside. As soon as Penelope rounded the bend in the road, she totally
forgot about Dagmar and the hut. She covered herself with a purple cloak
that was familiar to Rome as she was led to the Weser River. Dagmar
forbade the men from even thinking of her in a sexual manner. When she
closed the door to her hut, she turned back to what she really was. An old
woman, tired beyond her years, no teeth in her mouth, obese and walking
with a waddle. She would remain this way until another one was sent to
her. She loved Drusus but his stay any longer would be met with
consequences. She couldn't stay youthful for too much longer even though
she had the power to do so. She sighed and went over to the table full of
cannisters and began making potions for the next one.
FOUR
The Roman guards were shocked to see a remarkably beautiful redheaded
maiden ride out of the edge of the forest to cross the bridge into Roman
territory all alone. She looked to be unharmed. She was taken to the new
commander of the new Legions. His name was Germanicus. Brother of Tiberius
and related to Augustus by marriage of his mother Livia to the Emperor.
Germanicus was an intelligent general with a good heart. He patiently
listened to Penelope as she wove her tale about being a captive to all the
barbarians and let go on the whim of Arminius.
"Did they harm you in any way," Germanicus asked.
"No, they treated me kindly," Penelope answered.
"No one forced themselves upon you sexually?"
"No, it was forbidden by Arminius. He said he would crucify the man who
touched me."
"I see, you know Arminius is an enemy of ours!"
"Yes, I know but I was treated with the utmost of respect while in
captivity. I was given the choicest of foods and drink. I even had a
servant girl to take care of my needs. He allowed me the privilege of
being handled with the highest of regard." All of what she told him was
put into her mind by Dagmar whom she did not remember.
"What do you wish now?"
"I would like to return to Rome. I have family there."
"What family do you have?" Germanicus took in the loveliness of this young
maiden. He himself was married to a beautiful woman. Her name was Antonia.
"Julius Marcellus, I am his adopted daughter."
"Julius! I know him well. I never knew he had a daughter."
"He adopted me when I was very young," Penelope said.
"There's a group of soldiers I'm sending back to Rome for additional
training. They are quite raw as far as combat is concerned. Plus a few
women will be accompanying them so I'll set up a place for you in one of
the wagons or you can ride your horse."
"I think I would like to ride but I may switch from horse to wagon."
"Until then, you'll be my guest. You will stay with my sister Drusilla
until it's time for you to leave," he smiled, standing up.
"Thank you, Germanicus. You are so kind," Penelope stood and bowed to him.
***
Germanicus gave Penelope a leather pouch containing fifty pieces of gold
claiming that's what he owed Julius Marcellus after losing a wager with
him on what gladiator would win at the games. Penelope thanked him for his
kindness and hospitality as the caravan moved south. She was riding her
mare Diana as she moved into the middle of the pack to start their journey
south to Rome. Germanicus ordered two young soldiers to keep an eye on her
and to provide protection in case she needed it.
They made thirty miles a day on the Appian Way. On days when it rained,
Penelope tied Diana to a canvas covered wagon and rode in it to keep dry.
She noticed that the two young men always were close by. At first she
thought it was her youthful beauty that they stuck so near her. That may
have been the case but one confessed that Germanicus had commanded them to
see to her safety. So when they stopped at a town or city to buy some
treats, she bought them some too. Both men were fond of wine and citrus
products thus Penelope purchased mostly that. She also bought a beautiful
glimmering emerald green gown to wear when she would meet her father. Plus
changes of womens robes as well. Mostly in white but also some in other
colors.
It took them seventeen days to make the trip. More if the commander didn't
push his men. None of them wanted to return to Mars Hill for extra
training. All of the memories of being Drusus Marcellus flooded back into
Penelope's brain as they stepped into the city of Rome. The only thing
that was left out was Dagmar. She had cast a charm upon Penelope that she
never existed.
Suddenly confused, Penelope wandered the city with her belongings tied to
Diana's back. Many men stared at her. Men who were thieves, murderers, and
even rapists. She was in the market place trying to work up the courage to
return home and confront her father. By midday Penelope felt she had put
this off long enough. She was tired from the journey, hungry, and wanted
some good wine to drink. The sooner she got this over with the better, so
she mounted Diana and rode to the Marcellus house.
***
A familiar face answered the door. It was Esther the Jewish slave. She
looked much older and more tired than when he left two years ago to join
the XVII Legion.
"Yes?" Esther looked up at the redheaded beauty.
"I would like to see Senator Marcellus," Penelope announced herself.
"He's not at home for the moment," Esther started to close the door but
Penelope being stronger than the old woman prevented this. She walked in
and saw all the surroundings exactly the same. Her mother Julia did her
best to keep an orderly home. Esther was quite put out by this intrusion
by this tall waif.
"Is Julia home?" she asked.
"No, she died several months ago."
Penelope fainted at the news.
***
When Penelope became conscious again, she was lying on a sofa with a cold
rag on her head. Esther saw her eyes open. She took the cloth, dipped it
into cold water, and put it on the young woman's head. Penelope sat
upright. She instantly recalled Esther's words that her mother was dead.
Esther handed her a silver goblet of wine. Penelope took a long drink
feeling the warmth go down her throat and nestle in her empty stomach.
"What did she die of?"
"A broken heart. Her son Drusus was killed almost eight months ago by
those Germanic beasts," Esther answered. "The news shocked us all. He was
her favorite. She went into a seizure almost immediately. She was put to
bed and nursed by me but she died on the third day." By now the woman was
crying. Penelope cried too. She often thought of her mother as the
backbone of this family. Both cried for a long time until Penelope had no
more tears to shed. She looked at the beloved servant and decided to
confess all to her.
"Esther, I am Drusus, or I was him."
The elderly woman gazed up at the girl with tears still running down her
face. She let out a bitter laugh. "Don't even joke that way."
"I can prove it," Penelope said, still bearing a heavy heart for her
mother.
"How?" the woman looked angry at her.
"Remember when I was a boy of six, I caught you and Saul in the stable?
Both of you were naked and didn't notice me watching until after the two
of you finished the act? You were new here and you begged me not to tell
anyone what you had done?"
Esther's jaw dropped and her eyes were like saucers, "Who told you?"
"No one told me anything. And as you recall, I never told anyone either. I
may be a woman here," she pointed to her body. "But I'm Drusus up here,"
she put a finger at her temple. "Someone made me into a woman."
"Who?"
"I honestly do not remember. I know that I was injured in battle then was
taken to the tent Arminius stayed in. All the others taken by him were
crucified. I don't know why he spared me but over a short period of time I
was turned into a woman. The foods I had tasted funny and the wine given
to me was very bitter. I think I was given a potion of some kind. It must
have been an evil magic or something."
"I can't believe you!"
"How about me saving a puppy and I gave it to you? I think I was six at
that time, too."
Again Esther's mouth dropped. "Drusus is dead," she stated.
"Yes, he is gone, but he is not dead. I am a woman now. I was to marry
Vinia when I returned. How is she?"
"Vinia married Marcus Cadellus last week. She is spending time with her
new husband at her villa in Ostia." Esther gave her the news.
"Not that it matters anymore but I loved her very much," Penelope's eyes
started to water up. She took a hand to wipe the tears away. "How are my
brother Gaius and my sister Vipsania?"
"They are well. Vipsania is betrothed and Gaius is in Gaul under the
command of Germanicus."
"I met Germanicus. I told him that I was Julius's adopted daughter. I
hated to lie to him but if I told him that I was Drusus Marcellus he would
think that I had gone mad."
Esther stared at Penelope. She wanted to believe her but the girl just
might be one of those prostitutes that the master frequented even when his
wife was alive.
"Esther, may I have something to eat, I'm famished."
"Of course, follow me to the kitchen," Esther stood up.
Penelope was close behind the older woman as she veered to the right once
past the entrance of the portico. "Esther, you're taking me in the wrong
direction."
The woman turned and gave her a slight smile, "I was testing you."
"Did I pass?" Penelope smiled sweetly.
"For now."
"I think we won't tell anyone about what we talked about until I have told
my father what happened to me," Penelope petitioned.
"No, this is something I cannot believe myself," Esther replied.
It was good to eat in this house once more. Penelope's thoughts were on
her mother. She was a strong woman and a big influence in life when she
was Drusus. She ate lamb and vegetables with wine. She was inwardly
distraught at the death of her mother and now had to convince her father
that she was no longer his son but his daughter. 'I hope he believes me,'
she reflected how stubborn a man he was when he wanted to be. He was
Augustus' chief ally in the Senate and brought forth the laws the Emperor
wished. It was always for the good of the Empire. His father looked upon
Drusus with favor knowing he would be a great man of Rome. Now he would be
confronted with Penelope.
***
It was late in the evening when Julius returned home. Penelope was in his
study as she awaited his arrival. The very first thing Julius did when he
came home was to check this room to make sure all was in order. Messages
that were sent to him by runners always was placed upon his table for
immediate reading. He was shocked when he saw this lovely young woman in a
beautiful emerald green gown sitting there with her hands folded in her
lap. She sat erect and with poise. "Esther told me that I had a guest
awaiting me." "Hello Father," she said softly. "Who in the hell are you?"
an angry look formed on his face. "I was Drusus, but now I am Penelope."
"GET OUT! he demanded.
"Not until you hear me out," she said stubbornly.
"I am not listening to any shit you may have to say."
Penelope reached behind her and tossed him a wooden sword. She took one
into her hand. "You taught me well, Father. Lets see if I can still beat
you."
"What is this?" he looked at the sword in his hand and then to her. She
had taken the hood from her head showing her flaming red hair and held the
sword up to him.
"You were the one who made me a master swordsman, let us see if I am still
as good as what I was when I was Drusus."
"I'm not playing games," he sneered about to toss the wooden weapon to the
floor. She took her position and was ready to strike.
"I'm not playing, Father. I am deadly serious. Ready?"
Julius looked at the girl with amusement. "Ready."
He struck first, she blocked it then took the offense. She struck his
blade many times, surprising him. They weren't as hard as Drusus' but she
was fast. They exchanged blows for a few minutes then she pirouetted and
landed a solid slice to his side. Julius was staggered. He felt the pain
up and down his right side from his shoulder to his leg.
"You taught me that move, Father. It got me out of many dangerous
situations when I was in battle for the XVII Legion against those
barbarians," Penelope threw the sword aside, almost exhausted. She sat
down and used her hood to wipe the sweat off of her forehead while
watching her father recover from the slamming cut she delivered. "It is a
good move. You saw it at the games by Theodus the gladiator. You told me
that."
Julius sat down in his chair feeling as if she had broken a rib of his.
"Did Drusus teach you that?"
"No, I learned it from you."
"Nonsense," he gasped, still hurting.
"Do you remember punishing me for stealing that eagle's egg from its nest?
You were so angry with me that I had killed the chick that was forming in
that egg. I wasn't allowed to go to the games for a month. I really upset
you."
Julius stared at the woman. "The only ones who knew of this was your
mother and me."
"And me," she corrected. "How about the time I ran away from home because
at ten I thought that I was ready to be a Tribune? You found me on Mars
Hill and lashed me all the way home with your whip.
"You could have been Drusus' lover up in Gaul and he told you these
things."
"Not likely, I was in love with Vinia. She was the only girl I ever
wanted."
"How did you turn into a woman?"
"Some kind of witchcraft. I don't recall too much. I was given drugged
wine and I think the food had some kind of potion in it too. Arminius
liked to play his little games with his captives. He crucified all the
others but kept me for some reason. When he was in Rome, he was taught too
well. He knew that what he learned could be used against us. Varus sent us
on a fool's mission. There was no way we could put up a defense with how
narrow the path was. We didn't have room or the time to form up. Did
anyone else besides me survive?"
"Are you really Drusus?"
"Yes I am. As a child I sat on your lap right where you are sitting now
and you tutored me in math, worship of the gods, and many other things.
Then one day you said I was too old to sit on your leg and you made me sit
just about here when you gave me your little lectures on how we Romans
should be honorable for the sake of Rome."
"You are very convincing," Julius said. "But Drusus is dead. I have no son
other than Gaius. I sacrifice to the gods that nothing will happen to
him."
"I am sorry to be a disappointment to you, Father. If you want me to leave
I will do so in the morning. Perhaps I can make myself available to run
someone's household. I am willing to go into servitude if I must, but I
will always think of you as my family and no matter what, I will always
love you, Father."
"You can stay until I sort this all out. By the way, is that white mare
yours?"
"Yes, she is Father. When Arminius released me, he gave her to me. I don't
know why he permitted me to go, but he did. I think that servant girl that
was given to see after my comfort was really a witch. She slowly turned me
into what you see today."
"It's been a long day for me. I guess you know where your room is."
"Yes."
"You can stay there until further notice."
"Thank you, Father," she crossed the room to give him a hug and a kiss on
the cheek.
FIVE
Two months later, Julius was convinced that this was indeed his son turned
into a very young and beautiful woman. She knew too many things about
Drusus' life. Things that his son would never reveal to anyone else. The
time when he was thirteen and was found sleeping with Vipsania. Both were
naked and after an exhaustive interrigation, they were convinced that they
did not have intercourse. Their mother examined her daughter's vagina to
make sure nothing was done. He was punished again. His excuse was that she
wanted to see what he looked like nude. They showed each other and in the
course of the cool afternoon laid next to each other talking until both
fell asleep. Drusus and Vipsania did not commit incest but they were
beaten just the same. Julius whipped his son while Julia spanked her
eleven year old daughter with a hair brush.
That incident never went beyond the four of them. All were haunted by it.
Drusus and Vipsania for being caught in a compromising situation while
Julius and Julia afraid of this getting out and dishonoring the family. It
was one more bit of evidence that she just might really be Drusus. By
agreement, Julius would adopt Penelope as his daughter under Roman Law
with the understanding that she was fathered by him many years ago when he
was governor of Spain. The mutual accord between the two also would allow
Drusus to rest in peace and not be brought up again unless under extreme
emergency.
***
Now that Julius had a lovely daughter, young men from noble families and
of the Senate or both flocked to the Marcellus house to meet and court
her. Penelope slowly began to be attracted with some of these men.
Whatever the witch gave her, made Penelope not to like women sexually as
she had as Drusus. She preferred males. However she remained chaste.
One afternoon Vinia visited her wanting to meet Julius' new daughter. As
Drusus, he couldn't keep his hands off of her. Now as Penelope, she had no
attraction for her. Plus she didn't even like the woman. She saw too many
flaws in her character that she did not notice when she was Drusus.
Penelope thought that Vinia was already having affairs with males other
than her husband. She even dropped hints to her about it. She told her
that she had friends who would not kiss and tell. Penelope guessed that
Cupid must had struck Drusus with a wayward arrow because he was blind to
all of this going on right in front of him. Now Penelope's female
intuition discerned that Vinia was a slut whether she came from a noble
family or not.
That night she lay in her bed thinking of Vinia and how unfaithful she was
to Drusus and now to her own new husband. Men of noble families slept
around but with the prostitutes and not members of other families. As
Drusus, he had visited a young Jewish girl because she was so likeable and
obliging in whatever fantasy he desired knowing that he wouldn't hurt her.
And he didn't. Boys will be boys was the male philosopy in the noble clans
of Rome. Even Augustus himself had sown his first seed into a whore when
he was a teen then named Octavius. Certain girls were set aside only to
service nobles in those houses down by the Tiber River. Thinking these
thoughts, Penelope slowly fell to sleep in the heat and humidity of the
city that night.
Esther began thinking that Penelope indeed was Drusus, but in
reincarnation. She had the mind of a man but the heart, soul and body of a
woman. She knew so much about this family that it was uncanny. The mention
of Julia and Penelope would fall into tears and depression. She remembered
how Drusus adored his mother. Ready to do anything she asked of him
without wavering. And the little mannerisms that he had showed on her.
Always cupping her hand over her mouth when yawning like he had done so as
not to show his boredom. Plus Penelope continued to keep up with her sword
play every morning. She was lighter thus quicker than Drusus was but no
where near the strength of the man. The iron sword she used tired her out
quickly but as time passed, her endurance increased.
"How does it feel to be Julius' daughter?" Maximus Lepidus asked her one
night at dinner. Julius had invited twelve or so friends and guests.
"Now that it is official, I feel wonderful," she replied, reclining about
two feet from him. "I love being part of this family." "I can imagine.
Your beauty really brightens up this house," he smiled. "Why thank you,
Maximus," Vipsania sneered.
" I apologize," Maximus quickly recovered. "I should have said the two of
you."
"That's better," Vipsania's frown turned into a smile. Though she was
bethroved to a man named Cassius, she sat by him pretending to be the
center of the dinner party. Vipsania was vain but she held no jealousy
toward Penelope. Only she would not permit the redhead into her circle of
friends. She would have to form her own, she reasoned. Besides, Penelope
wouldn't fit in with her group.
"My sister is very beautiful," Penelope added gazing at the pretty girl
with long dark hair and blue eyes. Like she had when she was Drusus.
Vipsania smiled.
"And you too, sister," Vipsania replied with just a bit of sarcasm in her
voice that the males didn't pickup on but Penelope and the other women
did.
"Do you go to the games?" Maximus asked.
"No, I don't," she said. "Father's been too busy and I would never go
alone."
"Perhaps I can take you," he jumped at the chance.
"Perhaps," Penelope shrugged. She wanted to go with him but was playing
hard to get but only up to a point. If he asked again, she would agree.
"Augustus still wants his eagles back," Julius changed the subject. "He
won't rest until they are recovered. And quite frankly, he is prepared to
reward anyone who discovers where they are."
"If they are in the German territory, you can forget it," Tersus replied.
He was Julius' best friend and ally in the Senate.
Penelope knew exactly where they were at and she would tell her father
that later. After everyone had gone home or in the morning. They were
laying outside the tent of Arminius just gathering dirt. Suddenly her mind
kicked into Drusus' thoughts. A small raiding party of less than one
hundred men going through the Teutoberg Forest at night and resting by day
could make that distance in six days total. Three in and three out. They
just had to escape being seen.
"Will you go to the games with me next week," Maximus asked for a second
time.
"Yes, I think I will," Penelope smiled, still thinking of the eagles to be
recovered. She had the know how to plan and carry out the raid but she
lacked the strength needed. All she could do is tell her father and let
Germanicus do it.
"That's wonderful. Perhaps your father can get us seats near the Emperor's
box."
"I'll do better than that. I can get you into the box itself. You take my
daughter as my guest and take my seats. You will be sitting in back of
Augustus himself."
"Father, you don't have to do that for us," Penelope said.
"I think your father is right," Maximus cut in. "That is very generous of
you, sir."
"Think nothing of it. If it gets to be too much for Penelope, you'll have
to excuse yourself and take her out. I'm sure the Emperor will allow you
his private passageway if Penelope becomes too ill watching them."
"I'm sure I won't become ill, Father," Penelope smiled.
"I vomited my guts out," Vipsania said. "Seeing those legs and arms sliced
off and all that blood being spilled, I'll never go back."
"If I do get ill, I'm sure that Maximus Lepidus will see me home."
***
Penelope rose from her seat to salute the Emperor and his wife Livia as
they made their way into the Imperial box. He graciously greeted everyone.
Even his nephew Claudius who was somewhat strange. The teen aged boy
limped badly and stuttered over his words. The family, except Augustus,
frowned at him. Penelope felt sorry for the lad knowing he was the son of
Germanicus. After Augustus and Livia sat, everyone did the same. The
Emperor signalled a man to announce for the games to begin. As Drusus,
Penelope had come to these games often with his father. She noticed that
Augustus was getting older. Tiberius was up in Gaul making sure that the
conquerers were on their best behavior.
The first of the games was men against lions. Twelve men and twenty-four
big cats all females which were much deadlier than the males. It looked to
her that the keeper hadn't fed them for about three to four days. One lion
took down a gladiator and made short work of him. She grabbed his carcass
and dragged the dead man to a corner to feast upon him. Eventually the
lions won but several were killed.
The lions were herded back to their pens but not after threatening a few
of the keepers before returning to the underground caverns. Some dragging
their food with them. The next game was gladiator against gladiator. It
was bloody. After two men fought to their exhaustion, one gained the upper
hand and looked to the Emperor for thumbs up or down. Augustus leaned
toward Penelope with a smile.
"What do you think, my dear?" he asked her.
"Oh, thumbs up....definately," she replied. Augustus gave the thumbs up
and the victor pulled his opponent to his feet. They both bowed, saluted
the Emperor and walked off still friends.
"You're very merciful," Maximus whispered in her ear.
"Is that bad?" she asked.
"No, not at all. I finding it a wonderful part of your character."
Penelope smiled. She felt him slide his arm about her waist and it felt
enjoyable. Maybe that witch turned her mind and body to desire men.
Claudius fainted and had to be toted out by two of the Praetorian Guard
who were there to protect Caesar. Penelope was too wrapped up in feeling
his strong arm about her tiny waist to really care about Claudius'
fainting spell. Livia glared at her. Penelope felt intimidated by the
Empress. She turned and whispered in Maximus' ear, "I'd like to go now."
"Of course," he helped her out of her seat.
"Thank you so much for receiving me as your guest," she told Augustus and
Livia. The bitter woman gave her a slight smile and nod while the Emperor
gushed all over her. He invited her back for another time which Penelope
gratefully accepted. Maximus escorted her out the way they dragged
Claudius off.
Once in the passageway alone, he turned her around and kissed her.
Shocked, she had her eyes wide open in surprise. She felt his tongue in
her mouth. With the initial temors in her body abating, she put her arms
around his neck and returned the kiss while the massive crowd were
shouting about something going on. The kiss lasted until she started
feeling her head spin then gently pushed him away.
"I had to kiss you," he said contritely.
"Don't apologize," she smiled as they continued to make their way to the
exit. "It was a very nice kiss. Perhaps there might be more where that
came from?"
"I have tens of thousands of those awaiting your lips."
"Lets not keep count. One at a time will do."
***
At home, they picked up where they left off. She felt his hardness poke
against her. Being of the same height, his manhood was right at the lips
of her sopping wet sex. The thing of two men doing this disgusted her
immensely. But she was no longer a man even though she possessed Drusus'
memories. Of making love to Vinia. To that witch. Then it came back to
her. Dagmar! Dagmar had turned him into a woman. A woman of passion for
life and hopefully love. It was her. The kiss from Maximus brought it all
back to her. She came to the conclusion that Maximus might be the man she
would spend the rest of her life with. Be his wife. Bear his children.
Live in love and comfort making him happy and content. She pressed her
open mouth against his with equal passion. Now she was the aggressor. She
grabbed his manhood and squeezed while he kneaded her breast. In a matter
of moments, he shot his warm seed staining his robe.
"What happened Maximus?" she smiled coyly.
"You damn near tore my penis off."
"Did I? I thought you liked it."
"I did. I loved you doing that. Only one thing would be better." he said.
"And what is that?" her smiled broadened knowing full well what he was
going to say to her.
"Penelope, I want you. I want you now."
"And I want you, Maximus. However I think we should be married first."
"You will marry me?" he looked astounded.
Penelope nodded and then kissed him lightly on the lips. "Go now. I am
tired and I wish to lay down for a while before Father gets home."
After Maximus left, she walked to her room, closed the door and took off
her robe. She saw the glistening wetness of her pubic area. She lay on the
bed and for the first time she began to masturbate. She plunged one, then
two, and finally three fingers into her sex. She didn't stop twisting them
until she felt a pleasureable and intense orgasm run all over her.
Smiling, Penelope pulled the extra blanket from the foot of her bed and
draped it over her. She soon fell asleep.
SIX
After a talk with her father and sister, Penelope married Maximus. He was
of a noble lineage so Julius did not object. Augustus insisted that they
be united in the Emperor's palace since Julius was such a good friend for
years, an ally in the Senate, and fought at his side during the wars to
bring stability to the Empire. Penelope felt reluctant due to Livia's
dislike of her but she found the woman to be gracious to her on her
wedding day. She even gave the bride a jeweled broach that took her breath
away. Augustus gave them a little estate in Ostia to call their own. Then
there were other gifts plus a very sumptuous feast in their honor. If
Livia disliked the bride, she didn't show it. She went overboard to make
this day for Penelope to remember.
That night Maximus took her virginity away from her. How many times they
made love Penelope stopped counting at six. Plus at his urging, both gave
each other oral sex which the bride liked. They slept into the afternoon
then arose to go to his parent's house for another feast. Both again
received gifts from other friends and relatives on Maximus' side.
Penelope was extremely happy. She loved her husband and wanted more than
anything to please him. After a week of feasts and receiving of gifts,
they went to Ostia to start their new life together. Maximus' father
Virgil gave them three slaves from Egypt and Greece. All were women.
Thinking that Penelope might be Greek, a girl called Mary sought her favor
to be head of the household. Maximus decided to make Calla, the Egyptian
the one instead. Mary was furious with him and tried to run away, but was
caught, beaten, and brought back with a brand on her arm signifying that
she was an escapee. Penelope felt sorry for the girl but her bitterness
extended to her as well.
"We treat our slaves as treasures," Maximus told his wife one night after
they had made love. "However, when one runs away like Mary did, she must
be punished like a child who disobeys its father."
"I know but branding is so cruel," Penelope argued. "Isn't there something
else we can do so it doesn't have to happen again?"
"They just have to be obedient, that's all."
Penelope didn't agree with him but she kept it to herself. She was going
to single out Mary to take care of her mistress so the hurt might
gradually fade away. She recalled how all the slaves her father and mother
had with no problems. Show gratitude and kindness would win her over like
her father's household.
***
The first time Penelope met Sejanus she had the intuition that this man
was pure evil. Somehow he wormed his way into the graces of Tiberius. Her
father didn't like him either. Maximus turned a blind eye to him and
allowed the man into the house for feasts and to get just plain drunk on
the expensive wine Maximus had acquired. Everytime Sejanus entered the
door, she greet him politely then told her husband that she had an awful
headache and retired to their room. Often she took Mary with her. The girl
knew how to play chess and Penelope wanted to learn the game because
Maximus liked playing it.
"Really Mary, you should be grateful that you have someone as me to like
you," she would tell the bitter girl. "I know that being a slave must be
degrading to you but it could be a lot worse for you."
"In what manner?" Mary asked.
"Well for one thing, you have safety within these walls. A girl as pretty
as you are would be an easy victim to some very wicked men," Penelope
advised. The fact that Sejanus was downstairs drinking their fine wine
came to her mind.
"I was free back in my home country," She debated Penelope. Mary had grown
slowly into her liking of the woman but she could not forgive Maximus for
branding her with a hot iron. He wanted to do it on her forehead but
Penelope pleaded for the inner arm instead. Being newlyweds, Maximus
assented to his wife's wishes. "Uh....Mistress, that's a bad move. You
should push your pawn forward and not expose your queen."
"Thank you," Penelope moved her knight back to its place and pushed the
pawn. "I know you must be unhappy. I was in the same position you are when
I was a prisoner of Arminius but I kept quiet and waited until my time.
"Yes, but you were released. I won't ever be."
"If a man wants you bad enough, he could always buy you," Penelope
advised.
"I am not a woman who wants a man," Mary confessed. "I had a female lover
back in Greece when I was gathered up in a sweep by your soldiers and
brought here to Rome to be auctioned off like a horse or some kind of
other animal."
"Then you are a lesbian?" Penelope asked.
"Yes!" Mary said then made a move on the board.
"What would it take to make you happy?" Penelope inquired.
"I would like a woman like me," she didn't meet the redhead's eyes.
"A woman who is like you?"
Mary nodded shyly.
"Give me a few days and let me see what I can do," Penelope said. She knew
of a young woman in Vinia's house who was like Mary. No preference for
men. Perhaps she could buy Isa a Spanish beauty for Mary. "If I do get you
a woman like yourself, you must be very very discrete if you two get
along. No little trysts during the day. Save yourselves for at night."
"Yes Mistress," Mary said humbly.
"Why don't you teach me the next time my husband's friends come over, I'm
a bit tired and I really do have a headache. I think I want to rest now."
"Yes Mistress," Mary put the pieces away and took them and the board with
her.
***
Penelope arose the next morning while Maximus slept it off. He came to bed
late and tried to prod his wife to make love but passed out shortly after
she refused him. She loved her husband but she knew in the first few
months of their marriage that Maximus couldn't get it up when full of
wine.
She dressed, ate a light breakfast, and took one of Maximus' guards to
escort her to the house of Cadellus to see if she could purchase Isa from
Vinia. She was well received and invited in.
"So why the honor?" Vinia said, pouring Penelope a mixture of several
citrus juices. It was a refreshing drink for the morning.
"No honor, you visited me not long ago and I am returning the favor.
Besides I do have some business to conduct with you."
"What kind of business," Vinia sat next to her. Penelope felt
uncomfortable at how close the two women were seated but didn't make any
effort to move away.
"I was wondering if I can buy a certain slave of yours!"
"Who would that be?"
"The Spanish girl, Isa."
"Oh her," Vinia snorted. "She's lazy and everything she is told to do she
takes so long in doing so. I'll give her to you. She angers me so."
"Maybe I can give her an incentive to work harder in my house."
"Short of beating her?" Vinia got up and walked to another chair to sit
in. Penelope silently gave thanks to the gods for the separation.
"I wouldn't have to beat her. I wouldn't hurt any of my slaves but we
have a stubborn girl named Mary and she's from Greece. She's a lesbian and
so is Isa. I think the both can be happy together and happy slaves are
productive slaves." Penelope told Vinia. She still didn't like her. She
recalled when she was Drusus how crazy he was about her. 'She can be
charming to men,' she thought.
Vinia clapped her hands. An elderly woman came forth. "Tell Isa to pack
her things, she's going to another home," she ordered her.
"Very good, Mistress," the woman went straight away to find Isa.
"Thank you," Penelope smiled.
"You're taking her off my hands," Vinia returned the smile. "Besides,
Marcus was getting tired of her. Many times we had to track her down to
get her to do her work. I am glad and now she's your problem."
"I'm sure Mary will make her obey and not give us any regrets for getting
her."
"I wish only the best," Vinia poured some more juice into their cups.
"Tell me, do you often think of Drusus?" Penelope asked.
"Yes, I do. I love Marcus, understand? But Drusus was the one man I
thought I could be extremely happy with. We were so drawn to each other."
"I know what you mean," Penelope smiled. "I feel that way toward
Maximus."
"Yes, I can see that. He is so handsome. I don't know why I didn't try to
get him for myself but by then Marcus proposed and he is so rich. My
parents about forced me to say yes. I don't regret it."
"A woman is always content if she has a husband that she truly loves."
Just then Isa stepped in the room with a bundle. She was a tall, beautiful
woman. Not as tall as Penelope, but she could see that Mary and Isa could
get along nicely. At the door Penelope thanked Vinia again and they
hurried home so the guard could escort her husband to whatever he had on
his agenda that day.
SEVEN
Germanicus was dead! His horse stumbled and fell crushing his leg against
a sharp rock. Antonia and her children were at his side as he slipped
away. He refused to have his leg removed and it turned gangrene. He
developed a fever and it was fatal. One of the most promising generals in
the Empire was gone. Tiberius made a mad rush north stopping only to
change horses to get there before his brother died. He made it just
moments before the end. What he said to Tiberius was incoherent and he
understood nothing.
Maximus and Penelope were hosting a party when the news came to them.
Augustus was devastated. He had secretly thought of Germanicus as a
possible successor to take his place for when he retired or died. The
series of men he had