Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:51:15 -0400
From: Chris Johns <chris-johns@hotmail.com>
Subject: Rome and the Romans Pt.7

Usual Rules

			    Rome and the Romans
				 Chapter 7
			  Another Great Adventure

Cassius was so excited that Alex was in fits of laughter as they prepared
for departure. The whole was topped by Haaken's joy when Alexander said he
would take the other three Norsemen in the party.

Andreas, gentle Andreas, who didn't have the sense to be devious approached
Alexander on the day of departure looking very guilty.

"I'm sorry Sire, but if you let me off the ship when we reach home, I will
not come back voluntarily. I wish to remain in my own country."

"Ah, Andreas, why am I not surprised?"

Alex laughed, and kissed him gently on the lips.

"You will remain with my blessing. I will ask Caesar for papers to make you
an Ambassador of Rome so that you can protect your people against further
Roman raids."

Even Andreas, who loved Alex, in his way, had not expected such generosity.

"Nils and Per, are you going to desert Haaken and I as well?"

"Oh no Sire, we wish to remain with you forever."

Alex eyes were brimming with tears as he took each of them in a warm
embrace.

"I love you both, I would be sad to lose you, but if you want to remain
once we are there you will do so with my blessing."

The journey was long but not particularly arduous. Slaves had built long
straight roads throughout the Europe and their transport was
comfortable. Alexander and Haaken rode much of the way talking with
Cassius, leaving the other three slaves to enjoy the comforts of the
passenger carriage in luxury. Spirits were high, the Norsemen were
overjoyed at being treated like guests. The soldiers were impressed that a
Captain of Caesar's personal guard commanded their escort and was such a
pleasant officer to deal with. They were more than a little overawed that
he was on first name terms with Alexander, who was now known throughout the
empire for his love of Haaken and his exploits when he himself was enslaved
by Spanish Pirates.

The sea journey from Gaul to Britannia was unpleasant, then the journey
along the east coast to a suitable harbour to leave for Norway. The journey
across the North Sea was accomplished in three large galleys with a
suitably expanded escort force because Norway had not been conquered.

The last part of the journey as they entered the fiord for Haaken's home
was tense because they could see the local villagers matching their
progress along the side of the mountains, heavily armed and ready to wreak
havoc on the Roman's below. When the fiord narrowed enough for the boys to
be in hailing distance of the men on the shore they called and identified
themselves. They told their kinsman that they were not a warring party but
came in peace.

"We are Haaken, Per, Nils and Andreas, taken by the Roman's three years
ago."

When they reached the village, Alexander and the four boys went ashore with
Cassius and a small escort leaving the majority of the soldiers on board
the galleons.

There were tears and laughter in profusion, and chaos as everyone tried to
speak at once. When things quieted down, Haaken introduced Alexander to the
headman and to his family, explaining that it was Alexander's generosity,
and love for him that had made this trip possible. The feasting that night
went on until dawn, with all the soldiers being invited ashore, provided
they left their weapons on the ships. Cassius and his small escort group
remained armed but the others were given permission to leave weapons
behind. There was much merriment and sadness. More than fifty had been
captured in the raid that took Haaken and the others, but only these four
were back. The sadness increased when it was realised that only Andreas
would be remaining behind.

"Alexander is my life now Papa, I could not leave him, Per and Nils,
although technically slaves, as am I, are treated like free men, and we all
love Alexander. We have found fame and a pleasant life in Rome. Alexander
and I are both favoured of Caesar and are frequently invited to spend time
with him. When I return perhaps I can persuade him to let other's of our
race return here. Andreas is to be an ambassador of Rome to protect us from
other Roman raids, maybe our rulers can forge an alliance with Rome through
him, so that all may be repatriated."

Haaken's father was amazed that his son had accomplished so much from a
base of slavery. He determined to get to know Alexander better to find out
how a mere boy could be so powerful in the Roman hierarchy and how far this
love went that his son spoke of. Surely it could not be a carnal love, he
remembered how Haaken had bedded the girls with such enthusiasm. Per had
shown signs of the unspeakable trend towards men, but Nils had been like
Haaken. Surely these boys were not held by this Roman in an unhealthy
relationship.

The days that followed were full of feasting and fun and laughter. Andreas
was so happy that he had Alexander splitting his sides, almost, with the
laughter that his antics generated. When he picked up with his old
girlfriend again all of the other boys were hooting with laughter as he
behaved like a lovesick teenager.

They remained in the village for a month while Cassius took the galleons
and the soldiers to explore further North so that they could justify the
trip as a voyage of discovery. They were however not to raid the
settlements or take slaves.

Alexander watched his lover, saw how much he was enjoying being back with
his own people, as was Nils. Was he going to return to Rome with just Per?
He loved Per, a more enthusiastic lover he had never had but he wasn't
Haaken.

`Am I going to return without the love of my life? Could I live here if I
had to, to be with him forever?'  These thoughts worried Alex, and as the
galleons returned and the time for departure grew near Haaken saw the worry
in his eyes.

"Why so worried and sad Alexander?"

Alex looked at this boy/man that had brought him so much pleasure and
happiness, could he refuse him the right to remain with his own people if
he wanted to?

"I think I am going to leave here without you, and that makes me so sad. I
love you Haaken, like I never believed possible. I would lay down my life
for you without another thought. You are my sun and my moon. Without you I
know I will die inside."

"Why would you leave here without me then?"

"Because I will not make you leave your people if that is your wish."

Haaken laughed then when he realised where Alexander's thoughts were taking
him.

"Oh, my Love, I am never going to leave you, I love you so much, you are my
sun and moon as well, and much more. This has been a wonderful trip, and I
am happy now that my parents know I am safe and well. Nils will ask your
permission to remain here but will return to Rome if that is your wish."

Alexander was delighted and hugged Haaken with the pure joy that flowed
back through his veins.  When the time came to leave, there were many tears
but Haaken and Per said their goodbye's to their family before returning to
stand behind Alexander as he addressed the headman and his two freed
slaves.

"Sire, your hospitality has overwhelmed my men and I. My hope is that in
the future we may forge bonds of friendship as nations. My dearest Nils and
Andreas, I am going to grieve at the loss of two such dear friends but I
hope Caesar will allow me another expedition here sometime in the future so
that I may see you both again."

The two boys ran forward, fell to their knees and taking a hand each kissed
Alexander and in between tears thanked him for his love.

The return to Rome was a sad journey but once there Alexander was all
business, talking to Senators and other leading citizens about friendship
treaties as against conquest. His fame and position were spreading and
being enhanced all the time. For one so young to have enjoyed Caesar's
pleasure for so long was unusual, his adventures put him on a pedestal with
his peers and with many older than he. Soldiers and Senators admired him
and fell over themselves to help him. That reputation was enhanced even
further when at their next meeting, Alexander expressed the idea to Caesar
that he could protect his northern borders by a friendship treaty with
Norway, and that Rome already had in place two men who would help that
happen.

"You have become wise early in your life in the ways of Empire,
Alexander. In one year come to me with Haaken and hold a conversation with
him in his own tongue and I will send you as Ambassador to talk to their
King on the subject."

Alexander was overwhelmed, but fell to his knees and kissed Caesar's hand.

"Thank you Mighty Caesar, I will not fail you."

Caesar stroked the hair of this boy that he was beginning to love.

"Stand up Alexander. You make me very proud that we have such fine young
men in Rome, but you are the finest. I love you boy, you may have anything
I am able to give you."

Alexander was truly shocked and pleased at this declaration from Caesar and
wondered, if he were not impotent whether that declaration would have led
to a sexual relationship and was surprised to realise he would have liked
that.

"You do me too much honour Sire, I am more than content that I am able to
serve you, I need no further reward."

Caesar could have wished for no better answer and looked forward to sending
this boy off to the North as an ambassador. He would have to find a fine
new title for him and make sure he left Rome with a fine escort if he were
going to meet with this barbarian king in the Northern lands.

Cassius, as always was welcomed at Alexander's villa anytime he was off
duty. It soon became obvious that he and Per were becoming very close and
were frequently lovers. Alex loved it, he loved Per and was very fond of
Cassius so the pairing pleased him and Haaken enormously.

Haaken and Alex now spent hours every day conversing in the Norse language
as well as doing what they had for so long, which was to teach other
Roman's slaves how to be pleasure slaves for loving, not abuse.

Marcus still entertained lavishly on his estate and it was there that the
best of the pleasure slaves could be seen and made love to. Soon, Marcus
was selling trained pleasure slaves and buying the discarded ones for very
little money to turn around and sell again at vast profit. Their training
was supervised by Alexander and Haaken who frequently indulged in love
making with the trainees. Any that were resold with the assurance that they
had been to bed with either Haaken or Alexander immediately collected a
premium and the songs about Alexander and Haaken never stopped being added
to and exaggerated of course.

One year later Haaken and Alexander went before Caesar who had with him two
more Norse slaves.

"I want you to talk to these two boys Alexander. When you have finished I
want you to tell me where they come from, how old they are, and the story
of their families and their capture. Haaken, I want you to be silent, but
tell me how many mistakes Alexander makes in his speech."

Haaken was very apprehensive as Alexander started. The slaves were
surprised, but not as surprised as Caesar who listened to the easy flow of
the language when Alexander spoke. At the end Haaken was beaming and able,
honestly to tell Caesar.

"Alexander's conversation was perfect Sire. I could not have spoken it
better."

Caesar was delighted.

"We are going to put together your expedition Alexander, you will go as a
Consul of Rome to the leader of Haaken's people."

Alexander was almost frozen with shock, a full Consul, totally unheard of
at his age.

"You can also take these two slaves with you and return them to their
village, and assure their leader that when we have signed a treaty the
remainder of the Norsemen will be repatriated."

Alex and Haaken were overjoyed, it would be wonderful to see all the happy
faces in Haaken's village at that news. Things just kept getting better.

"Cassius will lead your escort Alexander and I am promoting him
Centurion. I think it would be appropriate for you to tell him, I will send
him to you this evening and put him immediately under your command."

Alex wanted to cry with happiness.

"Oh thank you Sire, I will never cease to work for your greater glory and
that of Rome."

`Oh that I had a son, even if he were only a quarter the man that Alexander
is I would be so proud of him,' Caesar thought as he looked at this
beautiful and talented young man.

Cassius arrived at the villa soon after sunset looking quite worried.

"What is it Cassius, you look so worried?"

"My commander dismissed me tonight and told me to clear my quarters by noon
tomorrow. He then ordered me to the villa. What have I done, what am I to
do now."

"Ah my dearest Cassius, Centurion of Rome, I have your promotion and orders
here, direct from Caesar."

Cassius was dumbfounded, he read and reread the documents Alex presented to
him. He looked up at Alexander and Haaken, both stood with huge ear to ear
grins on their faces, before falling at Alexander's feet and kissing them.

"Lord, you do me such great honour."

"Oh Cassius, you don't call me Lord, we are friends and lovers, now stand
up and stop being silly."

The tears were rolling down his cheeks as he stood to face Alexander.

"The day I met you would have to be the best day of my life. I could not
even begin to imagine the joy you have brought into my life."

Alex moved forward and kissed his friend quite passionately.

"I am so pleased because I love you my friend and bring you joy as you do
me. Now, we have an expedition to organise. Cassius, we will use your
hundred men to help us put it together. Caesar has already sent word ahead
to commandeer our water transport and I have letters of introduction to the
Norse leader, written in their language as well as Latin. We are returning
to Haaken's village first and hope to have a Norse escort as well as your
soldiers."

For the next two months there was much work done puting the expedition
together. Cassius started to look worried as the time for departure came
closer.

"Why such a deep frown Cassius, are you not content with our work?

"Oh yes Alexander, but I realise I am going to miss Per terribly."

Cassius dropped his eyes until his face was lifted by Alex.

"My dearest friend, one word from you and your lover comes with us."

Once again Cassius was overcome with Alex generosity and tears of joy
fell. Alexander laughed, and wondered how this battle hardened soldier
could be so emotional.

Many slave owners were cruel and mean with their slaves and the Norse
slaves were some of these. Alexander had garnered much wealth and now used
some of it to buy up these maltreated Norsemen for very low prices. He
brought them to his villa where he did the same with them as he had done
with the others after being abused. When they were fit he asked Caesar for
permission to take them back to Norway with him and release them.

"They are your slaves Alexander you may do with them what you please."

Alexander was delighted he now had ten more of the fifty to take back to
Haaken's village.

Alexander and Cassius ran the expedition the same as the previous one only
on a larger and more elaborate scale. Haaken's people were amazed as the
armada sailed into the fjord again, and more than a little apprehensive as
they saw the number of soldiers. All became relaxed again when Haaken
hailed them. With ten more released slaves the party went on for
days. Haaken and Alexander were feted and were overwhelmed by the
hospitality.

Despite homosexuality being frowned upon, the villagers were mightily
impressed that Per was the lover of a Roman Centurion. It also became
obvious this time that Alexander and Haaken were lovers and no one appeared
to mind. Alexander was now almost a hero in this village. When he asked the
headman if he would supply an escort to attend with his own soldiers as
they made their way to see the king he garnered even more kudos.

When the Norse King was told of the adventures of Alexander and Haaken, and
of Alexander's attempts to repatriate all the Norse slaves he was more than
happy to sign a friendship treaty with Rome. He was also very impressed
with Alexander's grasp of his language. Alexander introduced Andreas to the
King and told him that he had the confidence of Rome and would happily
liaise at any time either by becoming resident in the court or being
available in his own village. The King sent Andreas back to his village
with Alexander and there was more feasting before once again Alexander set
sail for home.

"The remainder of your people will be returned to you within the year Sire,
Caesar promised me that if I returned with the friendship treaty."

Once again Alexander returned to Rome in triumph.

Caesar refused him permission to return with the slaves this time and
Haaken was to take them home, once again with Cassius commanding a small
escort. The operation was successful but Haaken and Cassius never
returned. Their galley was swamped in heavy seas and there were no
survivors. The other galley's commander brought the news to Rome.

Alexander was beyond grief at the loss of his love. The following morning,
servants found him dead in his bed and the goblet alongside the bed
contained the remains of the poison he had drunk.

The minstrels sang of the great love Alexander had for his Norse God and
Rome wept for the young Roman, a star who had lit up their lives and
achieved so much.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I hjope you enjoyed my story and weill let me know what you thought of it.

Chris Johns at home in Antigua