Read Online Skaia by Ayden Sadari - Free Book Online Page A

received his first bow. Not toys, like this child, and certainly not a slave. But the love had been there, like what he witnessed here.
    Thaddeus caught his eye and Skaia lowered his head, embarrassed to be caught watching them.
    Sometime later, Thaddia was taken back to her room, and soon after that, the party was over.
    Thaddeus walked with his son to collect Skaia, and together they all walked along the paved pathway by the peristylium and into Glaucus’ room. Thaddeus held his son’s shoulders and spoke to him seriously. “Take the chain off your slave and show him around, Glaucus. You have to take care of him now.”
    Glaucus looked at Skaia in surprise. “But I thought he was supposed to take care of me .”
    Thaddeus ruffled his son’s hair. “He will do whatever you tell him, Glaucus. But you have to look out for him, too. Romans must always look after their slaves.”
    “ Yes, Father,” Glaucus replied dutifully, looking into Thaddeus’ eyes. “Will you help me if I don’t know what to do?”
    “ Of course, Glaucus.” Thaddeus smiled at the innocence of the question and hugged his son again. “Ask me anything you need to know.”
    Leaning toward his father, Glaucus whispered, “Can I make him play with me?”
    Thaddeus looked at Skaia, and then back to Glaucus. “Yes, you can make him play.”
    “ Oh, good,” Glaucus exclaimed happily. “I want to play Bones.”
    “ Just for a little while, Glaucus,” Thaddeus warned. “You’ve played all afternoon and you have to practice your letters before you go to bed. Understood?”
    “ Yes, Father,” Glaucus pouted.
    Thaddeus straightened up. “I have to go now and see your brother before he goes to sleep. Play with your slave. Practice your letters. And then go to bed.”

    The first few weeks were difficult for Skaia. Glaucus was excited at owning his own slave and began testing his new authority, giving orders for no reason except to see them obeyed. Then, when he wanted to play his games, he would be angry when Skaia showed little enthusiasm.
    Skaia quickly learned his basic duties. His favorite was preparing Glaucus for his day. Castor or Gotus would come to wake them before dawn, bringing a bucket of hot water. Skaia would wash his young master and help him dress, then stand back respectfully when he left. Skaia was almost happy when he cleaned the room and took out the chamber pot to empty. He would have a few moments alone and often would watch the sun rise over the high outside walls of the domus.
    It was in his third week with Glaucus that he saw Thaddeus and Paulinus walking in the peristylium looking at the garden. He stopped immediately and backed a few steps away as they passed. It was Paulinus who noticed him first and called him forward. “If you have no duties, young Skaia, I could use your help in the gardens today.”
    Skaia could not stop the smile that lit his face at this request. But he looked quickly to Thaddeus to see his reaction. “Use him if he can be useful, Father. Just remember his first duty is to Glaucus.” Thaddeus walked on, and Paulinus motioned Skaia forward.
    “ Is Glaucus being hard on you?”  Skaia shook his head, but looked down without speaking. Paulinus laughed softly. “It will pass, Skaia. You must remember that this situation is new to Glaucus, too.” He lifted Skaia’s chin gently and saw the brightness in the blue eyes. “Take the chamber pot back and get your breakfast. Then you can help me water plants. Lucius is not well today.” Skaia smiled again and hurried to obey.
    After that day, things began to change. Skaia was not aware that Paulinus talked to his grandson, but he was very aware that Glaucus became more considerate. No longer so demanding, more patient in explaining the rules of his many games. And Skaia learned to enjoy them, and sometimes laughed with Glaucus as they played.
    The new easiness between them spread to other areas. Glaucus talked of his lessons and explained that he