Karlthus’s face was red from the liquor as he fumbled over his words. Lucianus silently crept back up the staircase and into his room. His heart was pounding out of his chest and his fingertips were quickly growing cold. Havilah is the name of a woman that Dominatus once loved. Judging from Karlthus’s words, Dominatus must’ve loved her deeply. While the reasons for their separation were unknown, it was clear that Dominatus had been affected by this heartbreak for many years. Dominatus is a grown man. Of course he’s loved a woman or two before. Lucianus knew that, but logic could find no purchase in his heart. His mind became a muddled mess, and his downhearted feelings sent him into a downward spiral.
Karlthus is right. I’m still just a child. I may be an adult in age, but my mind is still immature. Lucianus had lived his life isolated from society, paying no heed to love or romance, after all. Hence, he was all riled up simply from learning that Dominatus had once been truly in love with a woman.
After a good while, Dominatus returned to the room, but Lucianus feigned sleep. He feared that he’d barrage Dominatus with questions about Havilah if the two were to converse. Dominatus lay in the bed right next to Lucianus, and his slumbering breaths soon filled the room. He was so close, but tonight he felt so far away from Lucianus.
Even if he loved someone deeply in the past, I’m the one beside him right now. I know that he loves me. I shouldn’t worry about the women that he used to be with. Lucianus kept repeating this mantra in his head as he fell back asleep.
✦ ✦ ✦
The next morning, when Lucianus awoke, the bed beside him was empty. He got dressed and headed downstairs, where he spotted Dominatus enjoying breakfast alone.
“You could’ve woken me up,” Lucianus grumbled, taking a seat across from his partner.
Dominatus shrugged. “You seemed fast asleep.”
By the time Lucianus’s food was brought out, Dominatus had already finished eating.
“Take your time,” he said. “I’ll go check on the horses.”
Lucianus started eating only after he saw Dominatus go. Breakfast was a thin slice of toast, a chickpea tart, and a vegetable pottage. He was tempted to sigh as he ate. Ever since his father passed, Lucianus was used to eating alone. He was also aware just how bland the food tasted when he had no one else to share it with.
I wanted to eat with Dominatus. They didn’t need to talk; Lucianus just wanted to face his beloved and share a meal. That alone would make him happy, but perhaps Dominatus couldn’t relate. Or is this another one of my selfish whims inspired by my immaturity?
The day was overcast. The gloomy clouds painted the sky gray, reflecting Lucianus’s mindset. Gazing out the window only made him feel worse. After he finished his meal, the two prepared to leave and stepped out of the inn. They were heading for the square on horseback when they saw the city’s guards posting a decree on a notice board. Proclamations issued by the mayor or emperor would often be posted, and a crowd of citizens gathered to read the news.
“Hey, what does it say?” one asked. “I can’t read. I need someone to tell me.”
“That’s a wanted poster,” another replied. “The emperor’s searching for the rebel gladiator, Dominatus.”
“The Dominatus is a wanted man now?” a third chimed in.
The men in front of Lucianus were causing a stir.
“Dominatus isn’t a rebel. This must be some sort of mistake,” a pudgy woman said. She stood next to the chattering crowd and turned to a man beside her. “There’s no other gladiator as impressive as him. Isn’t he a hero?”
“Dominatus might be a hero, but he became too strong,” the man replied. “Perhaps he lost his respectful attitude toward the emperor.”
“Residents of Trias, listen well!” a guard shouted. The crowd died down as they murmured quietly to each other. “Dominatus the gladiator has fled after being questioned for treason by the emperor! There’s a good chance that he’s on the run with another man who helped his escape. The young man is apparently blond and very beautiful. If you see these two men, let the guards know immediately. If your tip leads to Dominatus’s capture, the emperor will reward you with two hundred gold coins!”
The crowd started to chatter. This was an impressive amount of money for them. Lucianus glanced at Dominatus, implying that they should leave immediately, and Dominatus nodded in agreement. He was tugging his mantle over his face when one of the guards gazing at the excited people spotted the pair.
“Halt! Stop right there, you two!” the guard called.
Lucianus and Dominatus had no choice but to stop their horses. They were likely unfamiliar with two men’s faces, and there was hope that this was a simple investigation—nothing more. If the Imperial Guards were called, the men’s identities would be discovered immediately.
The guards waded through the crowd to approach them. Dominatus’s gaze implied that he’d cut them down and flee if necessary.
“Are you two travelers? Take off your hoods and let me see your faces,” the guard barked.
Dominatus had been in this city before, and there were residents who may recognize his face. Knowing he could only buy a few seconds, Lucianus spurred his horse forward and stood in front.
“Quit your dawdling!” the guard ordered.
Lucianus removed his hood and stared down at the man.
“Huh, she’s a real beauty!” someone in the crowd remarked. “Her flaming red hair is so enticing.”
“Hey, guard!” another called out. “Some eyes you’ve got! She ain’t blonde!”
The crowd erupted in laughter, much to the guard’s chagrin.
“Hey, let me see the man’s face!” he roared.
Dominatus slowly removed his hood as Lucianus’s heart pounded with anxiety. Any moment now, someone could shout, “Hey, that’s Dominatus!” and cause the guard to pounce. Lucianus’s hands grew sweaty as he gripped his reins. When about half of Dominatus’s hood had been peeled off his face, another voice shot through the crowd.
“I saw Dominatus!” a man shouted.
Everyone immediately turned to the man who had his arm raised high in the air—Karlthus. The guard hastily turned around and headed for Karlthus.
“Are you certain that you saw him?” the guard barked.
“No doubt about it, sir!” Karlthus replied. “I used to be a gladiator, so I know Dominatus very well. I lived with him for years, and there’s no way I mistook him! As you’ve said, he was with a beautiful young man with golden locks! They went down Kharbila Street and out of the city, headed west.”
“Around what time did they leave?”
“Early in the morning, I believe. I’d been drinking with an old friend last night, and when I was returning home, I spotted Dominatus! I called out to him, but he ignored me and fled. I saved his life countless times in the past, and yet he dares to act so insolent!”
Karlthus’s angry act fooled the guards spectacularly.
“Head west! After them! Let the Imperial Guards know!” a guard ordered, hastily leaving the scene.
As the crowd started to disperse once the fuss died down, Karlthus flashed a triumphant grin. I didn’t do too shabby, eh? his expression seemed to imply. Lucianus bowed his head, and Dominatus gave a deep nod of gratitude.
Thanks to Karlthus’s quick thinking, Dominatus and Lucianus were able to make their escape. They left Trias on a road that went north. Rain started to fall during their trip, but the wanted men were allowed no luxury to stop until the rain let up. They plodded along under the cold shower.
They took a few short breaks for the horses, but they were soon riding on their steeds once more. They managed to arrive at their city for the night ahead of schedule, but by the time they found an inn, Lucianus’s fingers were numb and could barely move. His body was as cold as ice and his teeth were chattering as he was unable to hide his trembling. The young mistress of the inn was a kind woman, and felt sorry for Lucianus, telling him to sit in front of the fireplace to warm up. Dominatus left almost immediately to take care of the horses.
Does he care more about the horses than me? Lucianus felt miserable, like his heart was about to freeze despite sitting in front of the fire. Even a simple question about his well-being could’ve prevented him from feeling so down.
Dominatus hardly said two words during their entire ride to this city. He may have been tired from the rain, but Lucianus couldn’t bring himself to start a conversation when he saw Dominatus frowning. Amid the silence, Lucianus had wondered several times if Dominatus was thinking about Havilah. Did Dominatus’s meeting with an old friend cause him to reminisce about the old days and yearn for his past lover? Battered by the cold, exhaustion, and anxiety, Lucianus’s mood didn’t lighten even after he retired to his room where he was left alone with his partner.
“Are you all right?” Dominatus finally asked.
But the words came too late, and Lucianus didn’t respond as he snuggled into bed.
“Lucianus, say something,” Dominatus prodded.
“I’m tired,” Lucianus replied quietly. “I’ll be resting until dinner.” He covered his head with a blanket.
“Are you angry with me? Why? At what?”
“I’m not angry. I just want some rest. Can you leave me alone?”
Dominatus gave an exaggerated sigh at Lucianus’s back. “You’re not a child. If there’s anything you want to say, you should tell me.”
The scolding tone irked Lucianus. Of course he had a mountain of things he wanted to say. He wanted to ask about Havilah, and he was upset by Dominatus’s lack of consideration. But Lucianus was aware that these were all his selfish requests—he had chosen to hold his tongue and stay silent so that he wouldn’t sound self-absorbed. Why is he scolding me now?
“Perhaps you’re the one who has something to say to me,” Lucianus countered.
“What? What do you mean by that?”
“Be quiet. I’m going to sleep, so don’t bother me.”
Sharply rebuffed, Dominatus sighed and left the room.