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

was learning to read and write. He happily showed Skaia the Latin letters he was learning. And when the tutors were in the household, he took Skaia with him. When he had lessons away, Glaucus would tell Skaia about them later.
    Thaddeus was not happy that his son took such an interest in seeing that his slave received an education almost on a par with his own. The first time Glaucus asked for a wax tablet for Skaia, he initially refused, insisting that a slave did not need to know how to read and write.
    “ But he wants to learn, Father,” Glaucus protested. “Grandfather lets him use one of his tablets to practice when I’m away, and helps him get his letters right. Skaia needs a tablet of his own. Please, Father.”
    With his son insisting—and his father taking Glaucus’ side—Thaddeus relented. “Your slave may play at letters, Glaucus, but only if you do not waste your time on him. Your own studies must come first. Is that clearly understood?”
    Exuberantly, Glaucus declared he did.
    Thaddeus began to call Skaia to him from time to time, asking for reports on his son’s progress. At first, Skaia was very afraid of him, but he gradually relaxed when the man seemed not to threaten him—or Glaucus. Thaddeus was pleased with what he heard. Glaucus worked hard on his lessons, and excelled the other children. He came to realize it was because Skaia worked so hard himself, and Glaucus would not let his slave outdo him. He smiled when he understood the competition worked to his son’s advantage.
    On many occasions, Glaucus and Skaia played in the peristylium, and Paulinus would frequently leave his rooms to sit outside and watch them. On some occasions, Thaddeus joined him.
    “ They are lovely children,” Paulinus remarked one afternoon as both boys turned cartwheels on the pathways.
    “ The slave should be more respectful, Father. I don’t like Glaucus being so easy with him.”
    Both boys were laughing and Paulinus touched his son’s arm. “Let them be children, Thaddeus. They will grow up soon enough and the relationship will change to what it must be.” Thaddeus seldom argued with his father, and he did not this time. But he decided he would monitor the slave more carefully.
    Paulinus was almost glad to have Thaddeus leave. He enjoyed the boys’ childish laughter and was especially pleased to see Skaia relax and behave like the youngster he was.
    On the days when Glaucus was away at lessons, Paulinus frequently asked Skaia to attend him. He was delighted that the boy was actually interested in his gardens and asked to help. In turn, he helped Skaia learn the names of plants and how they should be cared for. When Skaia wanted to practice his writing, Paulinus would have him write out the names of plants and assist him with spelling.
    Skaia was endlessly curious about the world around him, and Paulinus patiently taught him about the wonders of Rome. With Lucius’ help, he explained how the aqueducts brought the supply of fresh water to satisfy the needs of Rome’s population. When Skaia asked about arches, Paulinus had Lucius make small mud blocks. Together they built crude arches to demonstrate how Rome’s buildings could be so large and open.
    As he had promised his father, Glaucus became more responsible and, although he still enjoyed playing his games, he usually put his work first. And after one unpleasant incident, when Thaddeus had to intervene and warn them both, Skaia became much more careful to be respectful and obedient. Thaddeus noticed the difference and was almost satisfied. Though, as the years went by, he became more and more concerned that Glaucus coddled the slave. He didn’t interfere only because he saw no sign that Skaia ever took advantage of Glaucus’ laxity.
    Still, he separated them from time to time, sending Skaia to work with his father even when Glaucus had time and wanted to play. And Thaddeus absolutely refused to take the young slave when the family went for holidays at