Chapter 8: Volume 1 Chapter 8
Sergia knew she had to find Rhesus. It was imperative.
She listened to the gossip in town and heard some of the slaves from the revolt were caught in the north. None of the descriptions sounded like Rhesus, however. Still, she decided to head north herself. If others were captured in the north, perhaps he headed that direction too. It really wasn't much of a lead, but she couldn't just sit still. She knew she wouldn't find him by standing around the city, and she absolutely needed, with urgency, to find him.
She thought about what she saw in Manius's mind. Rhesus was special. He had certain abilities in the arena that were beyond ordinary. When Rhesus fought, he did so with inhuman strength. Sometimes he would be wounded in the engagement, but he always healed quickly, within days and he never, never, lost a fight. Manius thought this was just good fortune and good training at the Ludus, but Sergia knew it was more than that. From the images she saw, he had an immortal power, although greatly suppressed. It was particularly strong energy, and now that power was infused with dragon blood, and probably awakening. She could not imagine what that combination of power might produce. Although she didn't know what may have happened, what might be created from that combination, what she did know is that she had to find him. She turned her horse north.
As she rode her horse up the street, she saw Manius and froze for a moment. He didn't notice her, and she suddenly relaxed a bit, remembering he wouldn't recognize her if he did see her. Anyways, he seemed to be completely enthralled with a pretty, young woman. She eased her tense posture even more and rode right past the couple, unnoticed.
She started riding to the north of the city. She was scanning the thoughts of those around her to see if anyone knew anything that could help her find Rhesus. Most were spreading the news of what happened at the villa of Manius Livianus. Many people were staring at Manius, wondering why he was escorting an attractive, young lady only a mere moment after the death of his wife. Of course, there were a few who were all too eager to tell Iulia's parents. Manius was so captivated with the woman on his arm, he didn't notice anyone staring.
Unfortunately, Sergia didn't find out any information that was useful. She continued north out of the city. She followed the main road and passed through many small villages and some farmland, listening to the thoughts of others.
She still didn't have a disguise on. She felt safe.
She rode north a good portion of the day until it started getting too dark to continue. She put no thought into where she would sleep for the night and unfortunately she didn't have her caravan. She stopped at the next small village along the main road and entered the village tavern to purchase a meal and a room for the night.
"Wine, a hot meal, and a room for the night, please. Oh, and provisions for my horse." She exhaustedly leaned on the counter between them.
"Will you be staying only one night then?" The tavern keeper said with a crafty smile, hopeful she would be staying longer.
"One night, thank you." she declared, dropping enough money on the counter to cover her fare.
"I'll bring out your food and drink then, and when you are finished, I'll show you to your chamber." he had a look of disappointment now but reached out to collect the coin she put on the counter.
The tavern keeper and several of the patrons were perversely staring at her while she ate, and thinking wicked thoughts about her. She could hear all their sick wretched fantasies. She tried not to listen. She realized she hadn't put her disguise on, that she still looked like her true self. It was probably for the best, as the tavern keeper probably would have thrown her out into the street with a bucket of piss on her head if she had her disguise on.
She overheard a few men talking about a large market half a days ride to the north. She decided when she woke up in the morning, she would head in that direction.
When she finished her meal, the tavern keep walked her to her room. She could hear that he was thinking about overtaking her and having his way with her. Luckily the room had a heavy wooden door at the entrance to keep out unwanted guests. She hesitated to enter the room and turned deliberately to face the tavern keeper "I wouldn't attempt what you are thinking. I will defend myself however I must."
He recoiled in a surprised manner, putting his hand on his chest as he spoke "I'm not thinking of anything." as he maliciously took a step towards her.
"I'm warning you." she glowered as he came closer.
"How is a little thing like you going to stop me?" his mass now pushing harshly against her body as he grabbed her wrists and pinned her arms to the wall above her head.
"Sleep now." as the magic danced off her lips, the man slumped to the floor in a deep state of slumber. He was snoring so loud, she was afraid it might attract attention. In any case, she wouldn't have to worry about him bothering her for the rest of the night.
She entered her room, and bolted the door to keep anyone from entering, then laid down on the bed and closed her eyes.
She slept soundly that night.
By the time she woke up the next morning, the tavern keeper was in the kitchen cleaning dishes and preparing bread in a clay oven. He had no recollection of the night before, part of another enchantment she cast after he was asleep.
She collected her things and asked the tavern keeper to bring her horse out to the street.
Although he couldn't remember what happened, he was wary of the loss of time he experienced. He now suspected she was a witch. He went and got her horse without saying a word. Sergia knew he would regain the lost time once she was far away.
He helped her mount her horse once she came outside. She could hear his thoughts. She knew he suspected her of being a witch. He was debating whether or not to call on the street guards, but he was afraid. She decided to use his hesitation while still advantageous and get out of the village.
Once again, she headed north.
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