‘But Priestess,’ interrupted Dragus, ‘This is a barbaric place. Your head could end up on the belt of a Chieftain and the Palladium nothing more than fuel for a fire. You cannot take this risk.’
‘Did you not say but a few minutes ago that this was a spiritual place and the people not barbaric?’ smiled Rubria.
‘I did but…’
‘Then I will embrace that spirituality and bring the flame of the Goddess to their dark existence. Don’t you see, Dragus, I have been set upon this path for a reason. These people are misguided and lack the grace of Vesta. All that has happened to me has happened for a purpose. To celebrate her name amongst the ignorant and bring light where there is darkness. I know it will be dangerous and it will take time but with Vesta’s will, I will be successful.’
Dragus took a deep breath and stared at her for a long time.
‘Your mind is made up?’ he said eventually.
‘It is,’ she said, ‘When we land I will take a different road and settle where it feels safe.’
‘Then I will come with you,’ said Dragus.
‘No, you have already done too much,’ said Rubria.
‘I will not take no for an answer,’ said Dragus, ‘I have come this far and would see out my part in this. I know the land, speak some of the language, and know the habits and training of the military. There is a place I know west of Londinium where the locals are peaceful and particularly spiritual. Perhaps we will find a place there.’
Rubria, smiled.
‘Thank you, Dragus,’ she said, before turning to her servant. ‘What about you, Rose? she said kindly. ‘You have no Mistress here and are free to travel wherever you will. Where does your future lie?’
‘Wherever your footsteps fall, therein lays my destination,’ answered Rose simply.
‘Even if there is danger?’ asked Rubria.
‘Unto death itself,’ said Rose and fell to her knees before the Priestess, taking her hand in hers. ‘My heart has always been with the Goddess, mistress,’ she said, ‘Though circumstances limited what devotion I could bring. My life is now yours, and through you, Vesta’s.’
‘Then make this the last time you kneel before me, Rose,’ said Rubria. If this place is as dangerous as Centurion Dragus would have us believe then perhaps we should keep our traditions away from prying eyes, at least in the short term.’
Rubria turned to Dragus.
‘Where will I find the Captain?’ she asked, ‘I have a debt to pay.’ A few minutes later she stood alongside Stellus in the bow of the ship.
‘Well, Captain,’ she said, ‘You have been true to your word and brought us to our destination.’
The Captain looked up at her in puzzlement.
‘What is it you have done so evil that it sends you to the ends of the earth to escape Nero’s wrath?’ he asked quietly.
‘I would not burden you with the knowledge, Captain,’ she answered, ‘For I believe it would put you in danger. Suffice to know that I believe I am innocent and as soon as Nero’s shadow leaves Rome, I will return to face my accusers. Until then, I will suffer whatever the Gods lay in my path.’
‘So be it,’ said the captain.’ I will arrange a boat to take you to the shore long before we reach port. The less anyone knows about your passage the better.’
‘And your crew?’
‘They will keep silent. They are well rewarded under my command.’
‘With coin?’
The Captain laughed out loud.
‘Oh Priestess,’ he said, ‘You are truly innocent in the ways of men. Yes, in coin, but also in other pleasures, the details of which I would not inflict on your pretty ears.’
‘Oh, I see,’ she said blushing, ‘Anyway, I too have a debt to pay.’ She reached within her cloak and withdrew the necklace of Vesta, offering it to the Captain. ‘Take it,’ she said, ‘It is mine to give.’
He took the necklace from her and gazed into its stunning lustre.’
‘It is truly beautiful,’ he said in awe.
One of only six,’ said Rubria, ‘Use your contacts to sell it back to the Temple of Vesta. They will pay a king’s ransom to have it back where it belongs.’ She left him staring at the gem and rejoined her fellow travellers to pack their things.
An hour later the three fugitives sat in a small boat below the imposing bow of the merchant ship, bobbing gently in the swell. The Captain looked down at the fugitives.
‘Head for the mouth of the river,’ he shouted down. ‘I am told the tribes are quite friendly along its banks. North lies Londinium, South is the unknown.’
‘Thank you, Captain,’ shouted Rubria, ‘Safe journey home.’
‘One more thing, Priestess,’ he shouted, and threw something down into the boat. Dragus’s reflexes were quick and he caught the necklace before it landed, holding it up as the reflection of the sun bounced off its surface. Rubria looked back up at the Captain.
‘Why?’ she shouted.
‘It may be yours to give, Priestess,’ he answered, ‘But it is not mine to take.’
Dragus handed over the necklace to Rubria and took his place at the oars. Rubria looked up one last time.
‘I will be forever in your debt, Captain,’ she shouted, ‘The blessing of Vesta be on you and your crew,’ She stared at the man for a long time as Dragus’s powerful arms rowed the boat away from the ship and towards the shore. Finally she turned her gaze to the looming shoreline.
‘Take a good look at your new home, Priestess,’ said Dragus, between breaths, ‘We could be here for a long time.’
Chapter 25
England 2010
Brandon carried his overnight bag down to the hotel reception and paid for the rooms. He took a seat in reception and read the complimentary paper as he waited for India. Fifteen minutes later he called her on her mobile, but when there was no answer, he approached the desk once again.
‘Excuse me,’ he said, ‘Could you ring room thirty one please, and remind Miss Sommers I am waiting?’
‘Oh, I think Miss Sommers left earlier sir,’ said the receptionist, ‘A few moments before you came down.’
‘Left?’ quizzed Brandon, ‘Did she leave a message for me?’
‘No, sir, but it seemed she was in a hurry. At least, the gentleman she left with was.’
‘She left with a man?’ snapped Brandon.
‘Yes, sir, he was waiting for her when she came down and gave her a note. I do recall she seemed distressed and left with him immediately.’
‘I don’t suppose you know who this man was?’
‘No, sir, sorry’.
‘Do you know where they went?’
She shook her head.
‘Shit!’ cursed Brandon, ‘Do you know which way they went?’
‘I believe they left in a taxi,’ said the receptionist, looking towards the rank outside the door.
‘How could you see them from here?’
‘I had to leave the desk to pick up the note Miss Sommers threw on the floor,’ she said.
‘Where is the note now?’ he asked
‘I put it in the bin.’
Brandon strode towards the bin and reached inside.
‘Blue!’ said the girl as she watched him unwrapping various bits of crumpled paper.
He picked up the only blue paper, tugging at the edges so he could read the words better.
‘India, Something urgent has come up,’ he read, ‘You can trust this man, he is one of us. Go with him and we will meet up later.’
‘Shit! said Brandon again and returned to the desk.
‘What taxi company do you use?’ he snapped.
‘Sorry?’
‘The taxi rank outside, who has the license?’
‘It’s open access, sir, anyone can pick up.’
‘Do you have CCTV?’ he asked.
‘Yes sir, we do, but can only show it to the police.’
Brandon leaned forward.
‘Miss,’ he said, with urgency in his voice. ‘I believe that Miss Sommers is in danger and has been abducted. I would call the police but have no time. All I need to know is what taxi they got into.’