Rome - 18. Chapter 18

The boys were glad to see Lucinius back. Felix’s dad thought about what would happen if something happened to Lucinius. He asked Aumen, Aumen said we would continue to operate the Villa. What Aumen didn’t tell him was that Lucinius had his name on the papers as well. But the question did bring up an issue. Lucinius and himself were still young men. What if they married? What would their wives think? Would they fit in with the freedom that existed, or would they assume an arrogant attitude treating the boys as slaves? He knew he had his papers stating he was a freedman. The boys needed the same.

Later that evening, he approached Lucinius with his concerns. Lucinius invited him into his room. He showed him a small chest, “In this chest, there are papers for each of the boys, granting them their freedom. Just like yours. In case of my death, you’ll find a paper naming you as my benefactor.”

This is what Aumen thought. Now he knew for sure. “What if we marry?”

“It changes nothing. If I have a wife, I’ll provide for her.”

“If you have a child?”

“Then you will have to guide him as I guided you. I’ll be here when I have a child. We’ll discuss what happens then.”

Smiling, “Let’s go and have a cup of wine.” That is what they did.

For the next three weeks, the routine had settled in. Gardens were replanted, some of the boys went hunting, always returning with some wild animal, the meat cellar was getting full. The fruit trees were still bearing fruit, and it appeared they would need another trip to Rome. “Lucinius, we need to get the press for the olives ready. We could sell olive oil. The trees are loaded.”

Before he had a chance, one of the boys working the garden close to the gate came running into the house. “Sir, we have company coming.”

Lucinius walked out to see who was coming. They were too far to see. Standing in front of the Villa, with his hand on the boy’s shoulder, they watched as the riders got closer. Lucinius started to laugh. He recognized Niciu. “That’s my grandfather from the South. They will be hungry, ask Felix to prepare some of his cakes with honey for our guests.

“Look, Sir, there is another cart and someone driving the mules behind the first group.”

Lucinius could make out the cart but not the driver until he stood up and waved. It had to be Deacon. “That is my other grandfather, the one from the city.

“Sir, there are horses behind them.”

“I can’t make them out. We’ll have to wait until they get close enough for us to see. Have the boys, stop working, take baths, and dressed to receive important guests.”

The boy was off. Lucinius could see the boys stop working, putting the tools away, and heading for the Baths. He was hoping they would be dressed before the guests arrived. As the first group reached the gate, the boys stood behind Lucinius, ready to welcome their guests. Felix was busy making his cakes, one of the boys was bringing fruit in from the trees, one of them had pitchers of cold water. As his grandfather approached him with Niciu behind him, Lucinius gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. He did the same to Niciu.

“Grandfather, I didn’t expect you. I’m glad you’re here. I believe the boys have some refreshments for you in the courtyard. I see my other grandfather behind you. I’m not sure who is on the horses and in the cart behind them.”

“I’m sure if you think about it, you’ll know.”

“My father, I can’t believe it. That’s Duccius on the other horse, so that must be my mother with Calliope in the cart. This is a great surprise. I’ll join you as soon as I welcome my mother.”

As Gaius and Deacon approached, the boys took the horses and mules to the stable. As with his father’s father, he greeted Gaius and Deacon. “I’m so glad to see you, Grandfather, and you also, Deacon. This is a big surprise. I see my father, mother, and Duccius following you. My other grandfather is in the courtyard where there are some refreshments, join them and as soon as my family arrives, I’ll join you.”

Giving them another hug and a kiss on Gaius’s cheek, he let one of the boys escort them to the courtyard. He watched as his family arrived. Duccius sped up like he was in a race. Jumping off his horse, one of the boys ran to gather the reins. He went and grabbed Lucinius in a hug. “I want to go hunting again.”

“Is that why you came. Here I thought it was to see me.”

Laughing, he hugged his brother. They stood and waited for his father and mother. Lucinius watched his father. Something happened; he didn’t look well. His mother smiled as she approached them. The boys went and took the mules and his father’s horse. His father was reticent in approaching his son. Lucinius noted this. He took the initiative and went and hugged him.

“Welcome, Father.”

By this time, his mother was approaching him. Smiling, he hugged her, kissing her cheek. Calliope stood behind his mother; after all, she was a slave. Lucinius looked at her, and she looked down. Lucinius walked behind his mother and pulled Calliope into a hug. “Don’t look down when you’re here. Look at me as you would a friend. There are no slaves on this Villa.”

Whether his father heard or not didn’t matter, he was the master here. “Let’s go to the courtyard. We have refreshments there.”

Walking with his arm around his mother’s waist and his hand on his father’s shoulder, he guided them past the statue of Apollo to the courtyard. There he found a lively conversation concerning the meat pit. How it came about, he didn’t know, but his grandfathers were very interested. Duccius was enlisting the boys he went hunting with for another trip. He even invited Niciu and Deacon.

Seeing Aumen heading into the kitchen, “Aumen, what’s happening? My grandfathers are talking to the boys as if they were old friends, and my brother wants another hunting trip. My father is civil. Am I dreaming?”

“No, you are not dreaming. Your grandfather, the one we visited in Rome, introduced the boys you took with you to your other grandfather. Your brother enjoyed his hunting trip. From what I gather, your father is seriously ill. He wants to make peace before he faces Mars.”

I need to thank Apollo for this. I’ll make a small offering here, and when I’m in Rome, I’ll go the Temple and make a proper offering to him. “Aumen, we need to sort out rooms. Can you do that for me?”

“Sure, we have four rooms on the second floor for your grandfathers, parents, and brother, although your brother may want to sleep in one of the rooms here. I have a feeling come morning. A hunting party will be gone.” “

Nothing would please me more.”