Coventina Read online

  “Just disappeared? I guess anything IS possible. Some believe they were completely destroyed while in Brittania, which would explain the arrival of Emperor Hadrian shortly after the slaughter of thousands of legionnaires, with a legion that he left there. He also ordered the construction of Hadrian’s wall that would divide north and south Brittania, making it harder for them to unite and cause more horrible Roman loss of life.”

  “When were they at York?” Layla asked.

  “Around 71 C.E.”

  Perhaps we should take a trip luv? Layla thought.

  I have a feeling that will happen soon.

  “Other theories?” Denise asked.

  “That they were not slaughtered at all. They may have been badly decimated and what was left sent to other legions as replacements. There is a record of at least a few of their commanders serving in the Middle East after the time spent in Brittania. They may have been destroyed in battle against the Parthian Empire.”

  “Parthians?”

  “Persians. In all likelihood they were lost somewhere in battle. The mystery of absolutely no documentation being found about their end remains. No one can say for certain what happened to the Ninth Legion.”

  “How long were they in Brittania?”

  “They arrived during the reign of Claudius around 43 C.E. There is evidence of them being in Brittania from then through York, with them vanishing from the records sometime around 117 C.E.”

  Denise raised her hand again.

  “Denise.”

  “I have to go to the bathroom.”

  “I think that will be all for today,” Lucilla laughed.

  “My stomach’s grumbling. Would you join us for dinner in town?” Layla asked.

  “Sure.”

  Lucilla followed Layla and Denise to town for a Mexican dinner.

  “Where did you acquire an interest in all things Roman?” Denise asked.

  The waitress arrived and started serving their meals.

  “Ever since I was a little girl living in Chicago, I have felt a strong attraction to Rome. It is almost as if I were living in the wrong time now, and the wrong place. I am certain that somehow, in a past life perhaps, I was a Roman.”

  “Funny, but I get the same feeling, well got the same feeling when we were in Chicago a few weeks ago. There is a stone from the Colosseum imbedded in the outer wall of the Tribune Tower. When I touched it, vivid images of being inside of it as a spectator flashed in my mind,” Denise said.

  “I have experienced that my entire life.”

  Are you going to tell her about the voices? Layla asked.

  No. Not yet. I don’t want to scare her away, Denise replied.

  “Do you have any idea what era you were there?”

  “Funny you should ask Denise. I believe I lived there more than once.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. Around 43 B.C. and again around 120 B.E.”

  “Amazing,” Layla said. “I guess I’ve always believed in reincarnation.”

  “As have I,” Lucilla smiled.

  “Count me in,” Denise said.

  “This meal is delicious. I have never been here before.”

  “We eat in restaurants too often perhaps,” Layla said.

  “Have you ever been to Rome?” Denise asked.

  “No. I know, it sounds crazy that someone obsessed with the place and that time has never been there, but no, I have not. I have a feeling that if I do ever go, I will not return.”

  “Not return, in a good way right?” Layla asked.

  “Yes, at least I think so.”

  When their dinner was finished, they left the restaurant and walked back to their cars.

  “Will you be by tomorrow Lucilla?” Denise said.

  “Yes, if I can come by a little earlier than usual.”

  “We’ll arrange to be around all day after oh say, ten a.m.?”

  “Perfect. I will see you tomorrow.”

  “Goodnight.”

  “Bona nocte.”

  “Bona nocte,” Denise and Layla chimed.

  7

  Barn

  Layla had just gotten out of the shower when Denise called to her from the front door. “Going out to the barn.”

  “Ok, have fun.”

  “Oh yeah,” she said. I just love working on a face of someone I don’t know.

  She walked back to the fridge for a bottle of water before she stepped outside. Another glorious Southern Illinois day, she thought as she walked to the barn.

  When she opened the door a strong pair of arms grabbed hold of her, one hand over her mouth, the other holding a dagger to her throat. He spoke in Latin, “Do not try to get away.”

  “Which one are you?” she managed to get out in a mouth covered mumble.

  “My name in Marcus.”

  Darling, the Romans are here with me in the barn, one with a dagger at my throat. Approach with caution.

  “What is your name?” another voice asked from the shadows in the still dark interior.

  “Inquilina,” Denise said. Remove your hand from my mouth and lower that dagger.

  Marcus moved his hands to her shoulders after replacing his dagger in its scabbard.

  “You have nothing to fear,” a different voice spoke, stepping out of the shadows, pushing the hood of his cloak back off his head. “I am Quintus.”

  “Nor do you have anything to fear,” Denise said, glancing from Quintus to the strong hands still resting on her shoulders.

  “Marcus, release her.” His hands dropped but he did not move from his position behind her.

  Do you need me, are you ok?

  So far I think I am.

  We can always rebuild the garage.

  I’d rather not.

  “I have been hearing your messages for weeks now. How were you transmitting those messages?” Denise asked.

  “The explanation for that will come, in time, if we can work together,” Quintus said.

  Denise heard a car coming up the drive. “Oh damn, that is undoubtedly my Latin tutor coming to help us improve our Latin, so we can communicate better. You must give me time to explain your presence to her, or she will leave and never come back.”

  Quintus looked at her with the strong gaze of a warrior in command. “I believe you speak the truth Inquilina. We shall remain hidden until the time is right.”

  “Yes. Don’t leave, stay here, I won’t be long. She will welcome the opportunity to meet you.”

  “We will wait.”

  Baby bring Lucilla into the house, I’m okay. I will be right there.

  Marcus stepped out from behind her and moved towards the others. When he did, his cloak brushed the cloth Denise had over the face she had been sculpting causing it to slide off, revealing the head of a woman.

  Are you sure?

  Yes, trust me.

  Quintus pointed to the sculpture with a mixed look of glee and horror on his face. “You have seen her? You have seen Coventina?”

  “No, well not in person. I created that from images in my mind. Are you saying that is the face of Coventina?”

  “Yes,” he said, with a longing sigh.

  “I must go or someone will come.”

  “Yes, go, we will remain here.”

  She returned to the house where Layla was waiting at the door. “It’s ok honey, I was able to control the one with the dagger,” she whispered.

  “Got a minute?” Layla asked, taking Denise by the arm to the bedroom.

  What’s up?

  You plan on telling Lucilla?

  Yes, at this point I am afraid I must.

  That’s going to open up a can of ravioli.

  She will never need to remember if we don’t want her to.

  Ok, you’re the boss Inquilina.

  Thanks baby.

  After making and serving coffee Denise spoke. “Lucilla, what if today, rather than lessons, I were able to treat you to something really unique, something I believe might be out of this world for la
ck of a better way of putting it?”

  “I’d be honored. What did you have in mind?”

  Denise went on to explain, in brief detail, what she’d been experiencing, and why they really chose to learn Latin and all things Roman. “I don’t know how it’s possible, I don’t know where they have traveled from or how they found me, but I believe that somehow, some way, I have a few members of the Ninth Legion in my barn.”

  “That is an amazing story,” Layla said, speaking in between giggles.

  “Would you like to meet them, or at least a few of them?”

  “Yes, yes by all means, I would love to meet them,” Lucilla said, still unable to control her giggles.

  Think she’s ready? Denise said.

  Go for it, while she’s still giggling.

  “Excuse me, I’ll be right back.”

  Denise stepped outside and walked back out to the barn. “Have you all eaten, are you hungry?” she asked.

  “We have not eaten today,” Marcus said.

  “Well don’t worry, I am going to feed you. My tutor, Lucilla, wants to meet you. I must warn you, she thinks I am not telling the truth, about you being from Rome and members of the Ninth Legion, so don’t get angry or do anything rash if she laughs because she thinks it is a joke or a prank ok?”

  “Is she royalty?”

  “Yes, treat her like royalty, that would be perfect. I would recommend just two of you for now. Do you trust me?”

  Quintus stepped forward with Marcus and told the others to remain hidden. “We will follow you.”

  “Good. Please try to understand, she has lived in Rome in past lives, and will be in awe of your presence.”

  “Lead the way, please.”

  Without hesitation she led them out of the barn and across the large yard back to the house, turning to get a good look at them in the sunshine. They were wearing long deep red cloaks, almost Saluki colors, the hoods still lying back over their shoulders. She could see they were concealing weapons when the wind blew Marcus’ cloak aside.

  “Come in, please,” she said, walking in through the door followed by the two warriors. Layla was on her feet and ready for anything. “Lucilla, allow me to present Quintus and Marcus, just arrived from the Gods know where, members of the Ninth Legion.”

  Lucilla’s mouth stayed open and speechless as she gazed at the two legionnaires.

  8

  Barbeque

  Layla looked at Denise before she got in the car. “They use to rape and pillage too you know,” she said.

  “I must stay here, I’ll be fine.”

  “I’ll be back as fast as I can but we are going to have to start shopping for food as if we had an army to feed.”

  “Haa. Supergirl, I hope they never have to experience first hand what you are capable of.”

  Layla got in the black Mustang and sped to town. Denise noticed three heads sporting various lengths of black hair peaking out the barn door.

  Could have used these boys in Lubbock, she thought.

  When Marcus saw Denise lifting a fifty pound bag of charcoal briquettes out of the trunk of the burgundy Mustang he ran over to help her carry it. “Thank you Marcus.”

  “What do you want me to do with this?”

  “You can leave it over here by the grills,” she pointed, walking over to them.

  Lucilla and Quintus were walking along the western tree line talking. Denise could see that Lucilla was genuinely entertained. She could also see that Marcus seemed to have more than a curious attraction to Lucilla.

  “Marcus.”

  “Yes.”

  “You all do eat meat don’t you?” Denise asked.

  “Yes, if it is roasted or boiled, and it must be fresh.”

  “It will be fresh. I just wasn’t sure since history books say your main staple was grains.”

  “Indeed it was, but fresh meat properly prepared is allowed.”

  “Wonderful, because you will love Layla’s cooking then.”

  “You are most kind.”

  “Thank you. I must admit, having Lucilla here makes this all much easier on me.” She watched his gaze turn towards her.

  “She is a remarkable woman, more knowledgeable than our scholars.”

  “I bet she looks a lot better to.”

  “She is a beautiful woman.”

  “Does she look like a Roman woman of your day?”

  “Yes.”

  “Your comrades don’t have to stay in the barn do they?”

  “No, they do not.”

  There is a tall stack of white chairs they can use to sit down on inside the barn that you can have them bring out with them.”

  “Thank you.” Marcus called to them to join him in the yard and bring the stack of chairs.

  Denise was in the middle of explaining what to do with the charcoal when Layla came speeding up the drive. Just in time for Lighting a 21st Century Grill 101, Denise giggled.

  I’ve been a mental wreck. I hope I remembered to bring everything.

  “Marcus, can you spare a few hands to help Layla bring the food into the house?”

  “Of course Inquilina.”

  With all the food now in the kitchen, Layla started in to preparing a large feast for nine adults, six of them hungry looking males.

  Denise had the men loading a large cooler with ice, per Layla’s request, so they would not need to come into the house for drinks or water. She was still wary of their presence and ready for anything.

  “Ok, the grills are grilling, the cooler is waiting. What can I do to help?”

  “Leave, with me, now?” she laughed.

  “They are actually being very helpful and well behaved.”

  “They should be if they were able to build roads, bridges, forts and walls, but first and foremost, they are, or were, warriors.”

  “Good point.”

  Lucilla offered to help them prepare the food, but Denise thought it best to keep the troops entertained and learn as much as she could about them and why exactly there were here now.

  “Marcus has a thing for Lucilla,” Denise said, looking out the kitchen window.

  “That is understandable, she is a beautiful and brilliant woman.”

  “Ok, I have all the salads and stuff in the fridge ready to go when you are finished grilling.”

  “Let’s start grilling for our army,” Layla laughed.

  They each carried a large tray full of shish kabobs, burgers, chicken breasts and wings out to the waiting table near the grills.

  Venutius gave Denise a hand bringing out cans of soda pop, juice and water for the cooler.

  When the meal was ready, Denise laid all the food out on a table, explaining as each warrior came by what everything was. “This is chicken, try it, you’ll love it. This is the very best shish kabob. This is from a cow called a burger, very popular. Here you have potato salad, this is coleslaw from cabbage, macaroni salad, which will be very popular in Italy once noodles are introduced to you from Asia.”

  Layla watched them and could not help but wonder what a meal around the campfire was like when they were still attached to the rest of their legion.

  Eventually the conversation turned to what happened to them, why they appeared more than 1900 years later looking as if they had barely aged.

  “We were stationed at Eboracum,” Marcus started.

  “Present day York in Britain,” Lucilla said.

  “Yes, the place of the Yew trees,” Lucius said.

  “We,” Marcus said, motioning to his comrades and himself, “were on patrol.”

  “Patrol? Near your camp?”

  “Yes. It was necessary to send patrols out for a variety of reasons. Britannia was not a safe place for Romans when we were there,” Quintus said.

  “We were always prepared for battle,” Lucius said.

  “Eventually a permanent civilian settlement grew because of us, leading to streets being laid out, houses built and spread out over terraces on the steep slopes along the river,” P
etilius said.

  “So, Romans were good for local business,” Denise smiled.

  “Very good for business. Not all Britons hated us.”

  “Many of them loved us dearly, and we loved them,” Quintus said quietly.

  “So, how far away from your fort was the patrol?” Layla asked.

  “We were on our way back to the fort,” Marcus said. “I sensed that we were being watched, being followed, but we could not tell who or what, or from where. The sun was setting, the sky, filling with stars, when a light appeared above the tree line to the south.”

  “A light?” Lucilla asked.

  “Yes. It moved towards us,” Marcus continued. “We seemed to be frozen in the moment. It was as if one of the gods was paying us a visit.”

  I think I can tell where this is going? Denise said.

  I wonder where the gods are at this moment? Layla said.

  “When it was directly above us, it seemed to sing to us. The sound was like that of a dozen young females,” Odumnus said.

  “That is when it emanated a light that was blinding. It seemed brighter than the sun. We were frozen in place, unable to move,” Marcus said.

  “Unable to move in any direction but up, into the light,” Quintus said.

  “All of you were pulled up at once to the light?” Layla asked.

  “Yes. We struggled fruitlessly but continued to rise,” Marcus said.

  “How large was the source of the light?” Denise asked.

  “Like the Amphitheater of Pompeii,” Venutius offered.

  “Yes, but the light that IT rose to was larger than Rome itself,” Marcus said.

  9

  Time

  Lucilla and Layla sat outside under the stars with five men, bringing them up to date on present day Earth as much as they could in a way that they might understand. When Lucilla explained that to this day, the fate of the Ninth Legion remained a mystery, they did not speak for some time.

  Denise and Quintus shared a bottle of wine in the house.

  “So she was going to have your child when you were taken away?” Denise asked.

  “Yes,” Quintus said quietly.

  “Then there is a good possibility you have family somewhere, if they survived through the ages.”