Arena by John Jakes Page B

I aim to be free one day. To found my own Beast School and be appointed to the rank of eques.”
    “The rank of eques! Not really! Do you honestly expect you can climb that high?”
    “Others have, with the sufficient influence behind them.”
    “Ah!” Her jade eyes narrowed. “That’s the reason you’re here.”
    “Partly,” I agreed. “Also partly because you are a very attractive woman.”
    Page 36

    “Is that truth, Cassius?” She started toward me. “Or empty flattery?”
    “A little of both.”
    I was sincere. Except for the rather twisted light that flashed in those green eyes now and again, revealing another woman hidden beneath the fashionable exterior, I could enjoy her for what she was — cool, perfumed and lovely.
    “How can you possibly hope to become an eques? You’re a slave at the school, are you not?”
    “No. I was born a freedman. I bound myself over.”
    I proceeded to tell her a bit of my history. During the time, she sat beside me on the bench, a good five hands’ breadths away, but sufficiently close for me to catch the scent of her skin and the subtle warmth of her body. Another jot of wine and I talked more freely still.
    The blind Thracian girl slipped in and deposited a platter of steamed fowl. The fare went untasted as I talked on, growing less gruff with every drink. Through the veil of wine the telltale signs of Locusta’s age softened. All at once I realized I was gazing at her, but seeing Acte.
    Painfully I forced the girl from my mind. But her image returned over and over, strangely sorrowful. I finished my account with difficulty.
    “A grim life,” Locusta murmured. “But listening to you describe your ambition, I can almost believe you’ll realize it someday. You’re strong. You have an imposing face. No, don’t bother to reply. I am not in a position that requires me to flatter a man like you.”
    “Of that I’m sure. It’s said you have the Emperor’s favor.”
    Once again green devils danced in her eyes. “Yes. I felt we’d get round to that.”
    “The tales of poison are common gossip in the streets, Locusta. How can you escape them?”
    “Why, I don’t try,” she said merrily. “You, though, Cassius. What do you think of such tales?”
    “Whether they’re true? I never concerned myself over them before. Should I?”
    She touched my face. “That depends on how long our mutual interest lasts. As yet, I’ve had no indication except from watching you fight. Seeing your body work smoothly and well. How can I be sure either of us will want to see the other again after tonight? Perhaps I won’t even know after tonight is over,” she finished. Her meaning was unmistakable.
    I threw back her stare. “I think you’ll know.”
    She clapped her hands in delight. “Good! I warn you, though, Cassius. I meet many men. Some are fools. Some aren’t worthy of the name. The carrion normally found in the arena are good examples of the former. The filthy creatures who guard the Temple are good examples of the second. If it turns out you’re either of those types, I might as well send you back to Fabius.”
    I caught my breath at the way her round breasts strained. “I’m not the second. I’m sure I can prove that to your satisfaction.”
    “Time enough for that. We were discussing poison.”
    “What sort of poison? The kind that killed Claudius and his son Brittanicus, Nero’s rival?”
    “Those kinds will do. Well?”
    “I have no opinion on the rumors, Locusta. That’s because they are rumors, nothing more.”
    “What if I confirmed the rumors? Told you that I, a single woman, really do enjoy a considerable amount of favor with that petulant boy who rules us? Would you wonder how on earth I came into such lucky circumstances?”
    “Naturally.”
    “So if I admit I enjoy favors from Nero, do I strengthen your opinion about the rumors?”
    Annoyed at her teasing, I shook my head. “Opinions don’t matter. If, however, you told me everything