Rome - 30. Chapter 30

I checked the oats, and it would be at least three weeks before they would be ready for harvest. We now had to prepare the land where we grew the wheat for oats. I still switch the land between oats and wheat. Next year the oats will be harvested first, followed by the wheat. As soon as the ground was ready, we sowed the oats. After the oat harvest, we will prepare the land where we grew the oats for wheat. I laughed to myself as I looked at where we grew our vegetables. We use to have vegetables to sell, and now we eat it all.

The cold pit, holds not only our wine but also our vegetables. We have enlarged that pit three times since we dug the first pit. At midday, we discussed what we should do with the property to the east and west. Aeneas suggested we expand the vineyard and groove to the east.

"It will take time for the trees and vines to grow. We have more than we can eat now with what we have. So we can wait for the trees and vines to produce."

I thought that was a good idea, "I think that is a good plan, what do the rest of you think?"

They agreed, "There are some trees we can move. They have sprouted from seed and are about four years old."

I smiled to myself. To these men, this was home, and they have fully realized they are freedmen. "What about the other side, should we expand animal sheds?"

"I think we should expand the chicken, pig, sheep, and goat sheds. These are the animals that bring us money or food."

"The sheep provided us with cheese which we sell."

"Also, the wool from the sheep we sell."

"Okay, let's do that. You're going to need wood and stone to do that. I suggest you get your team together and plan on a trip to the forest for the wood. On the next trip to the city, we can buy some cement for the stone."

The men have finally realized that they are part of the Villa. I was proud of them. That evening in my room, I prayed to Apollo, thanking him for the blessings he has bestowed upon us. At breakfast the next day, I noticed the men sitting with a boy. When we first began to have new boys. The boys sat by themselves, and now they are sitting with the men. If I didn't know better, it would seem that Nathan has talked to the men about adopting a son. I saw a lot of smiles that morning, which pleased me. I looked at Aumen, and he was smiling back at me. It was as if he was reading my mind.

We spent the next few weeks expanding on putting our ideas in effect. Three of the men took two of the older boys to the forest to gather logs for the animal sheds. Aeneas took several boys to begin the work of preparing the ground for the grove and grapevines. Another group went to clear the land for the expansion of the animal sheds. Then it was time to harvest the oats. It took almost a week for the harvest. Now we have to grind some of the oats for ourselves as well as Grandfather and Duccius. By the time we had done all of that, the boys and men were back from the forest with the trees to expand the sheds. That evening we sacrificed a rabbit to Apollo, thanking him for our oat harvest. I would offer prayers and an appropriate sacrifice at the Temple.

The next morning after breakfast, we loaded the carts for the trip to Rome. Again the men who missed the trip with the wheat came with me. Except for Nour, who drove the cart, he had a baby rabbit for a young man he knew we would see. As many times as we have left the Villa to go to Rome, even knowing I'd return, I missed it. For me, that was my home, and I was beginning to understand Grandfather. Leaving home and not knowing if you would be coming back can frighten you. Even knowing you can come back can be frightening. Something could happen that would prevent you from returning home. For me, the best site was looking up at the Villa when we returned from Rome.

The men started to wager if the Baker would meet us as he did with the wheat. One of the men who went with us, I think Cruz, told him about the Baker, knowing we were coming. I knew the Baker would meet us.

We weren't even near his shop when we could see him outside with a few boys. I started to laugh, and then the men were laughing as well. I watched as the Baker walked to meet us. "Right on time."

I laughed. The men were paying up their debts. As they did with the wheat delivery, the men went shopping. I never asked them what they bought. I just knew the cart going back was almost as packed as when we came. I watched as the Baker took a handful of oats, smelled it, and then ate it. He smiled, and I knew what went through his mind, money. He paid my price, gave me a sample of his wheat bread. I told him it was very good. He smiled. Felix's bread was better. He had herbs in his. Next stop, Grandfathers, then Duccius and Temple before turning towards home.

Arriving at Grandfather's, Deacon had a cart loaded at the gate. "Going somewhere?" I hugged Deacon as I asked that question.

"Yes, want to guess where?"

"It will be late tonight, and I need to stop at Duccius and Temple before I head home."

"That will be okay. He's excited to be going."

"Good, there have been some changes that'll pique his interest. Here take this to the cook."

"You should keep them. The household is also coming."

"I knew you'd be coming but the household as well?"

"Yes, it's just three more, the cook and two women who take care of the house."

"What about his vineyard and grove?"

"He doesn't have many trees, just one olive tree and one fig tree. I think he has arranged for Duccius to look after the vineyard."

He has arranged everything. It was hard to believe all of this had happened in the last few weeks. I was happy, he'll feel better, and that'll give me someone I loved very much to be near me. I'm going to see Duccius and then go to the Temple before I leave. I'll come back here for you and Grandfather."

"Your grandfather is at Duccius's home now. I'm to meet him there."

"Then I'll go to the Temple first and meet you at Duccius. Can you give this little rabbit to Junius? I don't want to take it into the Temple." Nour handed him the rabbit. Smiling, we left for the Temple.

I think the Baker isn't the only one who knows our schedule. I handed the priest the oat flour. Every time I'm here I miss the old priest, he was a very good friend. We said our prayers to Apollo, sacrificed our pig, thanking him for the excellent oat harvest. Asking him to watch over Grandfather, I was ready to leave. Arriving at Duccius, I saw not one cart but two.

"I think we are going to have a lot of company."

The men laughed, then there was Duccius with a smile on his face. I got my hug, and so did the men. Junius came out to meet us holding his baby rabbit. As we entered his house, it appeared there was a party going on. Grandfather, Deacon, and his cook, plus two other women, were sitting drinking wine with Aleta. I saw a big smile on Grandfather's face when he saw me. I hugged him, whispering in his ear, "It's about time."

Over a glass of wine, the men decided they would travel back to the Villa to see that the rooms were ready for our visitors. We would leave in the morning and try and get there in the evening. Hopefully, with an early start, there will still be some light. We moved some of Grandfather's things from his cart into my cart. This would give the ladies a little more room.