Sapphic Voices General Fiction

Hypatia's Shadow

Part One

A little intro: Well, it’s been ages since I’ve posted anything new, till now. I wanted to move away from Fan Fiction and concentrate on characters of my own that bear no resemblance to X & G.

I got the idea for this Story from reading a very old book I found called "The Testimony of an Escaped Novice" by Josephine Bunkley--a wonderful book if you can find the unabridged version.

I’ve dipped a toe into the waters of Original Fiction. I hope I shall please with this modest offering :)

Comments? Questions? AHladis[at]aol.com

Preface

Very little documentation remains, yet the Vestal Virgins did indeed exist in Roman antiquity from 715 B.C. to A.D. 394. Six female disciples, at times vastly varying in age as one passed on and another came into the fold, made up this unique society. These Women, carrying out their daily and seasonal rituals, were believed to be responsible for the success and well being of Rome.

Each Vestal was carefully selected from many applicants. Between the age of six and ten years old, a young girl was removed from her blood relatives and placed into this private circle. This child had to be free of any blemish, or imperfection in body--a perfect, lovely little girl.

For the next thirty years of her life she served faithfully, and without question, in all the tasks and ceremonies expected of her. Her servitude of thirty years was divided into 3 segments: the first ten years were the years of study, the next ten years were to put this study into practice, and their remaining years were set aside to teach the younger ones.

When a Vestal’s thirty years were faithfully served, she had the choice to marry, though this was frowned upon by Roman society. The majority of these Women opted to stay in the order; there is no evidence that this was a forced decision. She was perhaps more comfortable, after so many years spent in servitude, to remain with her fellow sisters in familiar surroundings.

If it were ever discovered that a Vestal strayed from her strict vows of chastity...well, her life would most certainly be terminated. This transgression was taken as a sign of ill fortune to befall their prosperous city of Rome. A pontifical court, made up of twelve pontiffs (priests), took little time to act upon such a drastic situation; the suspect would be imprisoned, tried and then with much pomp buried alive. Once the offending Vestal was disposed of, Rome breathed a heavy sigh of relief and could go about their normal daily lives again.

In 1,109 years of devotion to their unique duties only 22 Vestal Virgins were thought to be false to their vows. Of these 18 were put to death in the prescribed method mentioned above, 2 committed suicide, 1 was seduced by Nero, (her punishment, if any, is not recorded), and another became Heliogabalus’ Empress; she died in A.D. 255.

Obviously, absolute virtue and devotion to duty was demanded of a Vestal Virgin at all times. In return she was allowed a measure of freedom and showered with profound reverence from one and all.

Yet, who were these Women (most of them unknown) who dedicated, and in some cases gave up their lives to Vesta, goddess of the hearth? What thoughts or desires did they have?

As individuals, their lives remain for the most part a mystery.

******

I

"What is there in all Rome, so sacred and venerable as the Vestal Virgins, to whose care alone the preservation of the eternal fire is committed?" -Plutarch-

The tiniest of breezes raised a light chorus of tinkling chimes that echoed sweetly through a concealed, leaf-strewn courtyard. Early morning sunshine had just begun to peek through its lazily swaying olive tree branches. Soon this ever-intensifying daylight will splash across the flowering garden below and dance about in tangled fragments of golden lace.

Bordering on either side of the garden stood five separate living quarters. A sixth dwelling, that offered a larger suite of rooms, remained somewhat aloof from the other more modest accommodations. It favored the loftier company of an enormous study that housed thousands of documents. These papers varied in importance and were entrusted into the care of the High Priestess and Elderess of Vestals, Carpeia Flavia.

In stark contrast to this peaceful setting a dark, towering, moss-covered stone wall surrounded the entire private community. The barrier was, of course, not assembled to keep the residents of the Atrium Vestae1 in; it had been built to keep the more curious out.

A pair of ancient hinges steadily groaned in squeaky agony as one of the inhabitants of this secluded society pushed open her bedroom door. Elegantly dressed in white flowing robes, a young woman eagerly stepped forward.

Delia, just entering her eleventh year of service to the Goddess of the hearth, reverently clasped her hands together in prayer.

"Noble Vesta, goddess of the hearth," she began softly, "protect us from harm, help to keep us content in the performance of our duties and may I prove worthy to serve you all of my days."

As Delia was about to close her door she saw Phyllis and Evadne, the youngest members of the community, running very quickly across the courtyard. Both girls’ heads were topped with bright coppery red hair that sparkled in the light. They could almost be mistaken for twins if it weren’t for the two years difference in their ages.

"Good day little imps," Delia called out before catching up to them, "Shall we be on our way?"

Giggling, the two children held out their small delicate hands for Delia to take and all three skipped down to the main gated entrance.

Frostily observing this trio of boisterous merrymakers from her chamber window, Elderess of Vestals, Carpeia Flavia frowned in their direction.

"What a din--again! " Carpeia murmured contemptuously under her breath.

It was just the other day that the Elderess found Delia humming, rather loudly, as she raked leaves in their cloistered yard.

"Stop that preposterous noise at once!" the Elderess called out, much louder than intended.

Startled, Delia accidentally dropped the long handled rake-like tool she was holding.

"Elderess...?" Delia replied while quickly picking up her fallen rake.

Carpeia advanced towards the younger woman and hovered imperiously over her.

"With each passing season you have become more and more irritating," she announced in a modulated tone, "Is it too much to expect you perform your duties quietly child?"

Delia kept her large violet eyes focused on the ground in the manner expected of a Vestal of lower rank and tried not to smile. Carpeia doubtless had a bit too much wine the previous evening and now nursed an aching head.

"But surely a cheerful demeanor during the carrying out of one’s labor brings us closer to our devotion?" Delia offered respectfully.

Carpeia glared down at her from beneath a formal veil of senior station. Delia stood at a conveniently lower height to notice some of the Elderess’s premature gray hair escaping from that veil.

"If these odious affectations persist, I will have to report your ridiculous conduct to the Pontifex2. Do I make myself clear?"

This disturbing threat forced Delia to look up and into Carpeia’s narrowed blue gaze. From the statement on the Elderess’s face, Delia was sure this woman would have preferred to carry out the punishment herself. However, their strict laws forbade anyone other than the Pontifex Maximus3 to render a penalty.

"Of course Elderess," Delia answered gazing down again, "I heed your warning and will be more vigilant in future."

Delia knew in her heart how important it was to present an admirable example to the younger disciples and tried hard to curb her natural gaiety...well, while Carpeia was close by anyway.

Having finished reprimanding her underling, Carpeia turned and walked away little suspecting that a mischievous pink tongue pointed rudely at her back.

Carpeia remembered this incident with growing displeasure only because Delia made her lose her temper--something that she rarely allowed to happen.

"A mere two days ago," Carpeia muttered to herself aloud.

With these few words her attention immediately returned to the present. Delia was obviously bordering on disobedience and Carpeia quietly vowed to keep a wary eye on her.

II

"Oh please, may I open the temple gates today?" Phyllis asked excitedly.

"No Phyllis, she promised that I could open them," Evadne protested.

Delia smiled down at the girls and instantly poured her energy into a spirited imitation of Carpeia; complete with folded arms and an exaggerated statement of superiority on her face.

"A Vestal never begs for favors child," Delia purposely lingered long on this last word, "she waits to be invited," she then swept Evadne up and swung her around till both fell laughing onto the plush spongy grass.

Not far away from this lively scene, the brilliant whiteness of their newly restored circular temple sparkled in the sun. Its numerous marble columns resembled long pale arms stretching up towards a cloudless turquoise sky.

"Behold little ones, and observe yon unequaled phenomenon!" Delia said pointing towards the columned building, "Our most illustrious Elderess has personally cleansed each and every segment of stone to immaculate perfection... with her tongue," all three giggled merrily in the warmth of the sun.

Though she laughed and appeared reckless at times, Delia deeply respected the majesty of this hallowed tract of land. Even the life-sized sculptures of bygone prominent Vestals flanking the round structure seemed to emanate an inner glow. Delia’s absolute favorite among these honored marble images was the statue of Hypatia Silvanus. Not only did it appear to be the most animated; it’s where she always arranged to meet--

"--Still corrupting the innocent I see!"

Heavenly as ever, Victoria had gracefully strolled up a low hill and was heading towards the carefree troop. Delia sighed at this vision of loveliness and for a moment, she thought the wind had caught Victoria’s long flowing gown. It seemed to billow about her in a soft cloud of white; though there wasn’t enough of a breeze that day to turn a single blade of grass.

"Yes, and I’m having a rather good time at it. Care to join in?" Delia asked, patting the empty space next to her.

"It isn’t proper to caper about on the ground. Shouldn’t we be busily engaged in our sacred duties?"

Victoria wore her customary statement of composed solemnity firmly fixed on her angelic face. During their many years of living together in a sheltered community, Delia became quite adept at guessing whether her friend was serious or not. She could see from the slight crinkle about the eyes that her fellow novice was kidding.

Victoria dropped lazily down beside them on the green clearing; almost immediately Phyllis and Evadne tackled her. Both girls grabbed the unsuspecting woman around the waist and neck holding her down in a tight grip.

"Great Gorgons! You lion cubs are strong!" she exclaimed then struggled a bit, but not vigorously enough to actually escape the energetic pair.

Delia coolly eyed the playful battle without a hint of concern.

"Hmmmm...I do believe they have gained an advantage," she ever so casually informed her weighed down colleague, "It appears you are done for my sweet."

"The life is nearly squeezed from my body!" Victoria called out pretending extreme torment, "Won’t someone please save me?!"

"Oh, I wouldn’t think of breaking up such a tender display of affection," Delia nearly snorted from holding down a chuckle.

"Go ahead and laugh," Victoria jokingly grumbled, "you’re not the one ensnared by these two wild beasts."

Delia grinned from ear to ear.

"Well, it serves you right my sweet; invoking foreign deities so near Her temple. Have you no regard for our Goddess’s feelings?"

Victoria tried several times to get up only to be dragged down again. Delia snickered quietly and finally took pity on her friend’s plight; she clapped her hands sharply to get the rambunctious children’s attention.

"Sisters! It is time to open the gates!"

Delia unfastened then held out the bronze key that had been tied to a braided cord around her waist.

"Here Evadne," she said while handing her the key, "you unlock the gate and Phyllis you push it open, but do it slowly... all right?"


While Evadne solemnly received the sacred metal object, Delia wondered briefly if this small child could manage the heavy locking mechanism. With such tiny hands, it seemed impossible. However, from the fiery look in Evadne’s dark determined eyes nothing would stop the eager young girl from accomplishing her task; also Phyllis would be there to assist--if need be.

As the two little maidens excitedly ran up the temple steps, Delia helped Victoria to her feet.

"Do you remember the first time we opened the temple gates together?" Victoria asked as she straightened her clothes and fussed with the thin metal band that kept her golden hair in place.

"I do indeed," Delia interrupted Victoria’s lively activity by lightly touching her arm, "You are just as lovely now as you were then."

These unexpected compliments always made Victoria a bit uncomfortable. She never thought of herself as beautiful, but Delia reminded her often and in superbly embarrassing ways.

"Come along," Victoria said blushing a little, "we mustn’t be caught talking so long in the open."

They wandered over to the western end of the circular building at a leisurely pace where Delia’s preferred work of art could be found. Their former Elderess Hypatia Silvanus stood nobly erect under a tree; her left arm thrust forward in a grand gesture as if addressing a large crowd. She appeared at once striking and artistically exquisite in every detail.

Delia stepped onto her low bronze pedestal and pressed a hand flat against the polished white marble throat.

"Her stone feels as warm as flesh." Delia ran her fingers carefully over the delicate contours of the statue’s glossy neck. "Hypatia seems so alive does she not? At times I believe she longs to speak."

"No doubt to voice disapproval," Victoria moved closer and covered Delia’s hand with her own gently taking it away from its idealistic study, "Have you not noticed how her eyes follow us?"

"No, but if that is so then her mute gaze takes the place of spoken adulation. Your beauty dazzles us all, why not the great Hypatia as well?"

Delia raised Victoria’s fingers up to her lips and kissed them as if they were the most precious things in the world. Victoria drew in a quick breath, but not from Delia’s touch; she thought she saw the statue’s serene brow change into an angry frown.

"Please my dear, let’s away from here. Our silent witness makes me feel uneasy."

She pulled Delia anxiously off the black metal stand by her wrist towards the main entrance to their temple.

"Oh Victoria, if only you were as certain as I that our dear immortalized sister would not be against the affection we have for each other. I just know Hypatia would approve if she were still with us."

Victoria didn’t agree with Delia’s fanciful notion. She had the dubious pleasure of serving under the venerable high priestess when a very young girl. Hypatia Silvanus was an ill-tempered woman with a loathsome pastime, a pastime the former Elderess practiced on her.

Hypatia hardly measured up to the idealized portrait of perfection Delia had conjured up. Victoria would never disclose the truth to Delia; she didn’t want to destroy her friend’s romantic daydreams.


Phyllis and Evadne meanwhile had successfully unlocked the iron gates and entered the temple. When Delia and Victoria arrived, they found the two children patiently waiting inside for further instruction.

"Well young ladies, does the fire yet burn in yonder hearth? Is Rome and all its rich, bustling inhabitants to remain safe and sound for another day?" Delia asked while smiling down at them.

The children only stared up at her somewhat baffled; Victoria coolly took Delia aside.

"You oughtn’t to joke about our sacred trust here. It might raise an ill wind to blow out the flame. One of us will be declared impure."

"Oh nonsense!" Delia replied swiftly moving away from Victoria, "All because of a little innocent mischief? No my sweet, Vesta is everything good and kind. I do not believe she’d cause any of us harm over such a triviality. I do not believe her to be unforgiving as Carpeia teaches us."

"It is quite interesting that you feel free to express this view...Delia isn’t it?"

Lord Lucius Ladonis, the Pontifex Maximus had suddenly appeared behind them. All four Vestals turned to face him at once and bowed, hands crossed over their breast in respect for his superior status.

"My Lord," Delia answered politely.

Lord Ladonis stepped forward, his sumptuous purple and gold edged robes rustling noisily as he moved, his black eyes fixed firmly on Delia.

"Do you intend to write these incompetent thoughts of yours into the order?" he asked in a threatening tone.

Delia stood silent for a moment and could hear Victoria’s anxious breaths puffing close behind her.

"My Lord, I meant no disrespect."

"Then I suggest you learn to hold your foolish tongue!"

The Pontifex briefly looked past Delia to leer at Victoria, the taller and most stunning of the residents he was in charge of. He unconsciously licked his thin pale lips at the thought of savoring this young morsel...

"Are we free to go Lord?" Victoria asked a bit distressed that she caught him staring at her again.

Without answering, Lord Ladonis leisurely made his way to the centerpiece that housed the sacred fire inside its elaborately adorned grating. There underneath the ornate protective screen covering was Vesta’s eternal flame, glowing undisturbed and well fortified. He carefully slipped in a few pieces of sanctified coal, closed his eyes, and murmured a short inaudible prayer.

"Now you may proceed with your duties," he said without turning around.

Victoria quickly ushered the little ones out first; Delia immediately followed them outside. When they were far enough away from the temple Victoria whispered nervously in Delia’s ear.

"Do you see how he stares at me?"

Delia stopped walking and turned to her friend.

"What do you mean? How does he look at you?"

Victoria lowered her gaze and wrung her hands together.

"Like someone who is dying of thirst."

III

The arduous task of hauling water twice a week from a neighboring well was just about the only strenuous work they were required to perform. Each day their living quarters and various shrines had to be purified by a ritual sprinkling of water.

Delia headed the weary group trudging sluggishly back from the spring. She balanced a large terra-cotta water jar upon her hip; Victoria carried one close in front of her. Phyllis and Evadne shared the weight of a full jar between them.

"There is a possibility that Carpeia will ask the Pontifex to release our wraith from her commitment. He may already be baiting the hook for another pupil," Delia stated in between panting breaths.

"It isn’t nice to call our Sophia wraith. She can’t help being ill."

As tired as she was, Victoria defended Sophia even though this always irritated Delia.

"I personally hope Carpeia is successful," Delia rambled on, partially ignoring Victoria’s admonishment and struggling briefly with her awkward burden, "we could use another pair of hands with these."

"I for one would not attach too much weight to that."

Victoria smiled at her own unintentional pun and peeked over her heavy load to see if Delia noticed. She hadn’t.

"Our Sophia barely carries out simple tasks as it is," Delia continued, "Lately she’s not even well enough to lift a spoon let alone know what it’s used for."

Poor Sophia. She was much too frail and disoriented to do more than occasionally tend the small garden in the courtyard. Other than her sporadic visits to their garden, Sophia was rarely seen by day spending most of the time in her room with the windows closed and covered. Her deathlike pallor and habit of creeping about late at night earned her the nickname "wraith" by at least three of her fellow boarders.

"Yes...she worries me terribly," Victoria shifted her load to get a better grip, "I fear Sophia might hurt herself during one of her spells."

"I doubt it. She’ll probably just wither away in that dark room of hers one of these days."

Delia couldn’t help being indifferent to Victoria’s concern. She viewed Sophia as a liability, nothing more. Victoria couldn’t argue with her friend’s theory; plainly this is what was already starting to happen.

"It is not what one would have expected from the energetic person she once was. Don’t you remember?"

Delia sighed. Victoria wanted to reminisce about someone she cared nothing about, but graciously went along with it.

"No, it was too long ago. Tell me what she used to be like."

Victoria slowed her labored stride and smiled, visibly recalling Sophia as a younger woman.

"Sophia was charming, devoted, strong; very different than the way she is now," the slight smile faded from Victoria’s lips, "Then one day without any warning, she succumbed to a dreadful fit of madness. We had the very best physicians brought in to tend her. They could do nothing for it."

Victoria said nothing more as the memory of a younger Sophia occupied her thoughts.

The small group arrived back at the Temple a bit late--due to the unplanned length of their conversation. But no one was angrily waiting there to penalize them. As a rule, Carpeia didn’t attend this routine function leaving it instead in the hands of Victoria to make sure all was executed properly.

The daily ritual "sprinkling" ceremony began with Vesta’s temple, then the shrine of Mercury, and ending with their living quarters. Making this assignment even more difficult was the fact that these heavy water jars could not be placed upon the ground; to do so was considered an impurity.

In order to ease their burden, each jar would have to be lifted up and fitted into special receptacles placed in various key areas. Dried palm fronds were also left conveniently in tall baskets everywhere to aid in carrying out this practice. Delia set her jar into one of the four bulky bronze receptacles that stood near the bottom step for this purpose and Victoria followed suit.

"Here little ones," Victoria announced taking out two thin branches from a basket and handing one to each child, "you may cleanse the temple for Vesta today. The water isn’t too heavy for you, is it?"

"No, not at all!" Came the unanimous response.

"Very good my dears. Be careful now, don’t douse the flame."



Feeling very important Evadne and Phyllis neatly dipped their branches into the water jar they were holding. Chanting a prayer and fluttering the wet palm fronds in an arc from right to left, left to right they made their way slowly up the temple steps.



"Waters of Neptune,

From pools fresh and clean

Cast out yon imperfections,

Make pure all flaws unseen."



Delia smiled after them.

"They are coming along so well. Are we to keep an eye on our girls?"

Phyllis and Evadne’s words echoed clearly inside the great temple hall and out through the open gates:

"Waters of Neptune..."

"Give the children a few more moments on their own. They should feel that we trust them."

"Cast out yon imperfections..."

Their voices faded slightly as they moved further into the building. Victoria put a finger to her lips then started climbing discreetly up the stairs mindful not to make noise while doing it. She signaled Delia to follow and soon both women were standing somewhat concealed on each side of the entranceway.

"...From pools fresh and clean..."

The girl’s voices grew louder as they neared the exit.

"Make pure all flaws unseen."

Not being immediately noticed by the preoccupied maidens, Victoria and Delia accidentally received a ceremonial "sprinkle" in their faces--Delia having gotten most of the splash.

"Alas, I am drowned!" Delia declared feigning exasperation.

Phyllis exploded in laughter and the other two joined in the fun.

"DELIA!"

An all too familiar lilting voice suddenly called to her from far away breaking up their short-lived high spirits.

Way off in the distance she could see Carpeia, an official conveyance borne by two huge men and Aristes, a lictor4 who preceded the small party carrying a fasces5. bound with bright red silk cord. The cortege may have been small, but it was grand. The bearers wore gold-bordered white tunics with a matching gold band around their curled tresses.

Aristes was a slight man with thinning black hair, but he looked just as splendid and courtly in his gold-bordered bright white toga. He headed up the group carrying their symbol of importance like a fragile relic in his arms.

Victoria quickly took up the end of her gown and briskly mopped Delia’s face dry before Carpeia was close enough to be aware of anything amiss.

"Do you suppose she heard us laughing?" Delia inquired softly, "I dread her lengthy lectures."

"Not to worry my dear, we were too far away. I believe she has something else in mind."

The procession made speedy progress; they came to a stop next to the temple steps. The brawny bearers then slowly lowered their burden to the grassy earth. Lagging behind, Carpeia hurried up the rest of the way waving a bulky leather envelope in Delia’s direction.

"Delia, I have an urgent task for you," the Elderess announced crisply, "You are to take these documents immediately to Silenus Darius. He is to meet you at Pan’s fountain in Rome."

Carpeia handed Delia the black pouch filled with important papers.

"Naturally, a dignified air is required of you; the gentleman’s father passed on five days ago. See that you conduct yourself in an appropriate fashion--if you possibly can!"

Delia just stared ahead, rolling one phrase over and over in her head.

‘...At Pan’s fountain in Rome?’

‘At Pan’s fountain in Rome!’

She was completely mesmerized. After those few, wonderful words were spoken Delia didn’t hear anything else that followed.

She wanted to sing with joy! But hid her exhilarated feelings from the Elderess’ fierce gaze and let her heart do all the warbling it wanted to from within.

Aristes came forward gallantly holding out his arm to help her into the flamboyantly decorated litter.

"Am I awake?" Delia whispered excitedly to Aristes as Carpeia took her leave down the hill.

"Well, I could pinch you to make certain, Delia darling," he whispered back, "but I would surely be put to death for my trouble6."

Delia cupped her hand over her mouth to suppress a laugh that wanted dearly to escape.

IV

The citizens of Rome smiled and nodded greetings, as Delia’s small parade passed them by on the main street. An official visit from a Vestal was always a special event in the city and considered a sign of good luck.

"Aristes!" Delia called out in a rasping whisper.

Her faithful escort slowed his step so that he was walking alongside her conveyance.

"Is there something wrong my dear?"

"Oh no, I would just like to walk the rest of the way."

Aristes tapped the forward bearer on the shoulder to get his attention.

"Mmmmm...exquisite," he said patting the fellow’s huge muscular arm again, this time lingering there a bit longer, "Our mistress prefers to walk."

The procession came to a smooth stop and Delia stepped out of the carriage aided once more by Aristes’ free arm.

"Wait for us here," he said motioning to the men and then turned to Delia, "Shall we be off?"

"Lead the way!" Delia walked behind her escort, as was custom, not too fast and very dignified.

Rome was alive with activity as its residents went about there daily routine. Splendid homes of varying size and affluence nearly crowded out the main avenues and side streets. Aristes strolled ahead of Delia with a special flair brandishing his fasces for all to admire. Delia tried not to act like an excited tourist and retain a dignified air of a Vestal, but she was too overwhelmed by the sights and sounds. Her visits to Rome had been few and quite far between.

Silenus Darius, a middle aged elegant looking gentleman, was already waiting patiently for Delia to arrive at the appointed landmark in town. ‘Pan’s fountain’ as everyone called it was merely a small bronze statue of a faun. He stood on one leg in an elaborately decorated marble basin with water spouting from his flute. The only outstanding feature about this structure was its height--nearly ten feet tall from base to the tip of its faun’s horns. Nevertheless, Delia was as eager to be there as she would’ve been to meet Silenus Darius inside Caesar’s illustrious palace.

    "Are you Citizen Silenus?" Aristes inquired.

"Yes. I am here to receive my father’s will entrusted to the noble Vestal’s care."

Satisfied with this answer, Aristes stepped aside and let Delia pass. She handed the leather bound packet of papers to Silenus.

"We extend our deepest sorrow to you on this sad occasion. Blessings upon your house, sir."

Curious passers-by had overheard their private exchange and collected into a small gathering to see what was going on.

Delia looked about and smiled graciously at this group.

"...Blessings upon all," she motioned grandly to the crowd.

"A-a-a-h!" they all sighed in one voice.

"Thank you. I must take my leave now. Blessings upon you and your sisters dear lady," Silenus Darius bowed to Delia then turned and walked away through the gathered onlookers with the envelope tucked under his arm. Aristes elegantly signaled the masses to stand aside and the small group reverently parted neatly to let them pass.

__________

"Sophia?"

Victoria called softly, knocked on the ailing woman’s door then opened it carefully. She entered carrying a small urn under her arm sprinkling water about and reciting the cleansing prayer:

"Waters of Neptune,

From pools fresh and---"

"There is a monstrosity you have all missed."

From inside the darkened room Victoria could just make out Sophia sprawled across a cot. Her head dangled upside down over the side face up with lusterless eyes gazing at her visitor.

"Excuse me?" Victoria asked a little shaken.

"There is a monstrosity you have all missed!" Sophia said a little louder.

Victoria nervously went back to her duties without answering.



"Waters of Neptune,

From pools fresh and clean...."

"Have you become just like the others, Vitria?" Sophia asked in a very desolate voice, "You don’t believe me. No one believes me."

It had been ages since Sophia addressed her by that old pet name. It used to please; now it only made her sad. Victoria walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed.

"Sophia, please tell me what is poisoning your mind so that I can do something for you."

She helped Sophia sit up.

"You want to relieve my agony do you?" Sophia asked quietly.

"Yes dear, very much."

"THEN PURIFY ME!"

She roughly grabbed the urn from Victoria and deliberately soaked herself with the remaining water.

"Oh Sophia, look what you’ve done!"

Sophia sat quietly examining the spilt liquid’s effects.

"You see Vitria," Sophia said holding up the ends of her sopping wet gown, "it doesn’t work. Nothing can make me clean again...nothing...ever...will."

__________

"Are we to leave for home right away?" Delia asked her escort.

Aristes glanced suspiciously over his shoulder at Delia.

"Why does your question suddenly worry me?"

Up ahead a handsome chariot with two horses securely harnessed sat tethered to a wooden post in front of an inn. Delia eyed it longingly.

"Well, I only ask because I want to know if there is time for a short ride."

Aristes looked at the chariot farther off, then at Delia.

"Have you taken leave of your senses? It is simply too dangerous!"

"Oh please Aristes, I promise to be very careful."

"No!"

"After all these years you do not trust me?" she asked angelically.

"Alas, I do not my precious."

Ignoring his cautionary tone, Delia took his arm and directed him towards the inn.

"Just ask the owner for one short turn around the avenue and we shall go home immediately afterward, yes?"

Aristes looked into her sparkling lilac eyes and could refuse her nothing. He smiled then walked through the inn’s entrance.

__________

After her chores, Victoria decided to speak to the Elderess about Sophia’s disturbing behavior. She neared the grand private suite that was used only during daylight hours. This is where Carpeia personally sorted, categorized and presided over endless stacks of important and semi-important documents. Countless wills, deeds, promissory notes, bills of sale, birth records, anything that a person needed to entrust for safekeeping would be methodically arranged on variously labeled shelves that lined the high walls.

Victoria paused in the open doorway calmly waiting for Carpeia to recognize her before being invited to enter. The Elderess sat at a long desk poring over a pile of papers in front of her. She knew a member of the order wanted to speak with her, but she always delayed looking up purposely to teach the subordinates patience.

At last, Carpeia took notice of her unofficial second in authority; Sophia being somewhat under the weather as always.

"Who is there?" Carpeia asked as she carefully leafed through some yellowing documents.

"It is I Elderess, Victoria, who requests an audience with you."

Victoria was well schooled in her twenty-one years of service. All of the formal response and inquiry phrases required of a lower placed Vestal were permanently inscribed on her brain. Carpeia, who was a stickler about such things, would only recognize these perfectly performed sentences.

"Enter," the Elderess declared haughtily.

Victoria walked into the room and stood before Carpeia hands folded one on top of the other above her waist.

"Elderess, I have come to speak of Sophia’s health. She is unwell today."

"As she is each and every day! Is her condition a sudden revelation to you?" Carpeia shot back in a biting tone, "Do get to the point girl."

Victoria wobbled slightly in place from the unexpected show of bad temper. Could it be that Carpeia cared deeply about Sophia’s illness and was merely expressing her frustration? Victoria studied her superior’s icy unsympathetic blue eyes for a few moments.

No, her outburst did not come from that source. Carpeia turned her attention back to the papers in front of her on the desk.

"I am concerned that Sophia might cause great harm to herself."

Carpeia glanced up again from her paperwork with a wry smile curling one corner of her mouth.

"That would be the most practical road for our sister to take. Do you not agree?"

Victoria could hardly believe the unkind words she was hearing. She cautiously moved a little closer to Carpeia’s desk.

"I respectfully beg to differ Elderess. Sophia requires close observation. Perhaps I was not entirely clear in my last statement."


Victoria paused half expecting Carpeia to say something to interrupt her, but this didn’t happen. Victoria resumed her entreaty.

"I am afraid that Sophia may take her own life."

Carpeia suddenly turned her attention back to the stack of papers.

"That situation will sort itself out. Now, if you have quite finished I am very busy."

"But Elderess, if you could have seen her--"

Carpeia stood up and leaned heavily on the desk in front of her. The color in the Elderess’s face deepened to a harsh reddish hue; her brows knitted into a highly agitated frown.

"I am very busy and you are wasting my time!"

__________

Aristes emerged straight away with the owner of the fine horse-drawn vehicle.

"This delightful gentleman has informed me that he would be honored to drive you anywhere you wish to go."

Delia smiled her most gracious smile and accompanied the owner to his chariot--just out of her chaperone’s hearing. Aristes saw that his charge would be well taken care of and decided to get a cool drink at the inn.

"Don’t be long now," Aristes called to her before disappearing through the plain arched doorway.

Delia nodded and waved after him then continued her conversation with the owner.

"I should like to drive your wonderful vehicle alone..." she said boarding the chariot.

She plucked a long whip from its holder on the left and held onto the handrail at her right. The owner smiled and didn’t feel reluctant in the least to let Delia go alone. After all, in his opinion, the Gods were already protecting her.

"Nestor and Pelios are good beasts my lady. Flick the whip over their heads to start them off and pull back hard on the reins to stop. A light tug on their reins left or right will guide them easily in either direction. Are you ready to go?"

Delia adjusted her shawl so that it wouldn’t tangle and planted her sandaled feet slightly apart.

"I am ready!"

He untied the reins from the pole and handed them to her; Delia wound them securely around her forearm. A wild glint twinkled in her eyes as she flicked the whip loudly over the horse’s heads.

*CRACK*

The two dusky beasts fell half a pace backwards then sprang forward into action at an unexpectedly brisk rate. Delia was nearly pitched off the narrow platform but dropped her whip instead.

Aristes, in the meantime, sat quietly at a table where he rested his cherished fasces on a chair next to him. Some patrons stopped and were admiring it while engaging him in friendly conversation. A familiar face appeared once again in the tavern.

"Back so soon?" Aristes called to the man whom he’d just left talking to Delia.

"Back?" The owner of the chariot paused a moment wondering what Aristes was talking about, "Oh, I see! No we didn’t go riding sir, that is I didn’t go."

"Ah, she changed her mind then," Aristes said starting to get up.

"Not likely. The young lady is driving herself."

"WHAT...?"

Galloping the matched pair through street after congested street, Delia made no attempt to slow down. Wildly steering the racing chariot left and right she made sharp turns with barely enough time to avoid disaster. People literally jumped out of her way and shook their fists as she sped by.

Never had Delia experienced such exhilaration before. Heart pounding like a hammer, she rounded the next corner a little too quickly; the chariot violently skidded left up onto the sidewalk, slamming its wheel against a low stone block wall. The force of impact made the vehicle bounce sideways into the dirt road again. Only momentarily slowed down it immediately began to pick up speed once more clearing a frenzied path down another side street on the way back to the inn.

"In which direction was she bound?"

Aristes and the unperturbed owner were now standing in the middle of a busy boulevard.

"That way," the man pointed calmly.

Aristes looked down a long avenue hand to forehead shielding his eyes from the afternoon sun.

"The coolness of your manner is most upsetting. Did I not make clear what the young woman’s calling is?"

"She is a Vestal Virgin of course," he replied just as composed as before, "and therefore protected from harm."

Aristes gazed at him as if he were a simpleton.

"How fanciful of you my good man."



Raised voices clearly sounded in the distance. Soon a few people started running in different directions then a large crowd scattered as if a tidal wave were about to swallow them up. Delia promptly came into full view from a side street coming toward the two men at an incredible pace. She held the reins tight around each wrist; a stiff breeze tore at her hair. The once stark white robes Delia wore streamed furiously behind blending in well with the dirt road.

Aristes gaped wide-eyed at this thing coming at him with a kind of terrified awe. He wanted to flee for his life, but was rooted to the spot. The owner of the rapidly approaching vehicle just stood next to Aristes grinning.

The chariot was nearly upon the two men when Delia yanked on the reins with all her might. It spun midway to the right and came to a rough stop in a huge cloud of brownish dust. She hopped down and handed the reins back to their master who led his panting animals away.

Aristes walked up to his wayward charge, a hand poised smartly on hip.

"I suppose you are quite satisfied with yourself now?" he asked narrowing his eyes at her.

Delia was an absolute mess. Her carefully braided hazelnut hair had come undone, her garments were ragged and smeared with kicked up dirt from the road, and she’d lost one of her sandals. In answer, Delia smiled sweetly at Aristes and took his arm.

__________

It didn’t take Victoria long to excuse herself and back out of the study. Not quite as gracefully as one would have wished--she tripped slightly on the raised wood plank across the threshold.

Once outside, Victoria shook her head in disbelief. Was Carpeia really cruel enough to let Sophia languish in her misery? She could always take up this situation with the Pontifex...but no. Victoria couldn’t do that; she was too afraid of him.

"Delia, I’ll discuss it with Delia when she returns."

Victoria walked back to Sophia’s room to check on her again. She knocked softly on her door causing it to smoothly swing inward on its own.

__________

The small band headed briskly home and with each step Aristes didn’t let up on reprimanding Delia.

"...It isn’t becoming to risk your life in such an undignified fashion. Don’t you realize that little escapade of yours will surely get back to Carpeia? You might at least have given some thought to me whilst running over the good citizens of Rome."

"I didn’t run anyone over."

"That is not the point Delia dear," Aristes huffed trying to maintain his patience, "I’ll have a great deal of difficulty trying to explain it all away. The Elderess will surely want my head for this mess. By the by, have I remembered to thank you in advance?"

Delia stifled an intense urge to giggle.

"Fear not my friend," she said reaching out of her moving conveyance and touching his shoulder solemnly, "if Carpeia comes wielding her ax I promise to protect you."

It was this comical image of her own making that made Delia laugh out loud.

"You may snort all you wish young lady. I just might hold you to that promise!"

V

"I sense your mind is elsewhere Lucius."

"Is that so?"

Lord Ladonis took hold of Carpeia’s face between his hands and drew her into another passionate kiss; she soon pushed away from him.

"Yes, and now I am certain of it."

At her statement, Carpeia was left to sit alone on her richly cushioned couch. Lord Ladonis had gotten up and strolled gracefully to the window that faced their flowering garden.

"Why bother me with your anemic passion?" she continued, "Half a heart’s worth is next to nothing."

The Pontifex didn’t answer right away. He glanced through her flowing window curtains and caught a passing glimpse of Sophia’s door across the courtyard. It closed awkwardly as if Sophia knew she was being observed.

"Very well, you’ve made your point. Why don’t we discuss your problem with Sophia instead?" he said still looking in the closed door’s direction.

"Sophia grows worse each day I am told," she briefly reflected back on Victoria reporting Sophia’s condition to her earlier; it worsened the Elderess’s mood, "I would prefer her elusive presence to be a thing of the past."

Lord Ladonis turned away from the window and took his seat once again next to Carpeia. He stared at his companion with a weary statement on his face.

"How can I release the woman from her holy alliance with our order? You know the reason why she could not possibly be trusted on her own."

Carpeia shifted slightly and removed a cushion that had become uncomfortable then tossed it on the ground.

"There is no need to remind me. I am well aware of Sophia’s...shall we say usefulness to us all these years," she leaned forward to emphasize her next statement, "Have you seen what she has turned into? Do you know what some of the others
call her?"

"Wraith, I believe," he answered massaging the bridge of his nose.

"Just so," she said grabbing his wrist and pulling his hand from its drowsy activity, "and precisely why she must leave us. If Sophia begins raving to those few that elect to listen, who would believe her?"

"No, it is too much of a risk," Carpeia threw his hand away disgustedly. He stood up slowly and went to pour the both of them some wine. "People are more superstitious than you think; they listen to the deranged all too often."

Lord Ladonis held up an elegant porcelain wine decanter in Carpeia’s direction and she nodded a speedy ‘yes.’

"Something needs to be done about her. She has an unsettling influence on our community...on me."

Lord Ladonis walked back carrying a gold goblet in each hand and passed one to Carpeia.

"It is best her fate, like ours, be played out at destiny’s pleasure--not before."

After sipping economically at the wine, Carpeia settled back into large green cushions and allowed the potent mixture to gradually flow into her bloodstream. Lord Ladonis kneeled down to catch the tilting goblet from her hand.

Ignoring the weak stream of wine spilling down, Carpeia grasped the back of his neck drawing him to her hungry mouth.

"There was a time when you thought differently, my love," she purred, "As you know, waiting is not my strong point."

__________

Victoria entered Sophia’s room. On the bed and scattered about the floor were shredded pieces of white cloth that she guessed had once been distinctive Vestal attire. Not far away, Sophia stood naked in a dim corner of the room; red hair wildly undone and flowing every which way, face haggard.

The madness that glimmered in Sophia’s dark eyes frightened Victoria. It was times like this that made it difficult to recall them as once being placid and kind. She wanted to run out of there and bolt the door tight behind her. This creature left inside the locked room need never be seen or heard of again.

"I have been thinking," Sophia began abruptly and advanced toward Victoria, "I would like a new oil lamp for my grave. It has been said that old tarnished ones are supplied to the condemned. It is a disgrace, don’t you think?"

Victoria opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out; she hadn’t realized she’d been involuntarily holding her breath.

"I am entitled a new lamp with enough light to guide me on my overdue journey! Surely," Sophia continued, "my rightful punishment is taking longer than expected."

Sophia came to an unsteady halt in front of Victoria. Her head was cocked to one side as if waiting for an answer.

"My dear, you must get dressed," Victoria frantically searched her brain for something relevant, something meaningful that would distract Sophia from these sick fancies, "It is nearly time to inspect the garden."

Not a very original idea, but the only one that might make sense to her.

Sophia stepped back; an enormous smile parted her dry lips.

"Ah, of course...the garden," she giggled; bordering on the hysterical, "Mustn’t forget the garden!"

She stumbled to a wooden chest on the floor next to her window and lifted the lid. Carefully folded inside was a new ceremonial tunic that Sophia promptly pulled out. It was beautiful, even in the semi-darkness. Standing erect again, she held the lustrous silver and black embroidered garment against her bare body.

"This ordinary rag is best suited for gardening, wouldn’t you say?"

Not knowing what else to do Victoria helped Sophia to dress then walked her towards the door. Sophia looked weirdly regal outfitted in this formal costume. Victoria then peeked outside to make sure no one was around. Not a sound; the others were probably readying for the evening meal. Supporting the sickly woman under a very thin arm, she shuffled slowly to their lovely garden in the square.

Sophia stopped to kneel down near a bed of yellow crocus.

"Aren’t they glorious?" she asked while caressing the firm petals, "The foulness isn’t as noticeable with my beauties decorating
them is it?"

"Yes, the flowers are quite nice," Victoria replied reassuringly but mystified as to what Sophia was talking about, "Wouldn’t you like to take a few for your room?"

"NO!"

Sophia shoved Victoria out of the way and hovered protectively over the flowerbed shielding it partially with her body.

"Please Sophia, the others will hear you." Victoria whispered.

"Yes..." Sophia said trying desperately to collect her thoughts, "...the others."

__________

Carpeia ensnared her stocky companion’s leg firmly between her thighs.

"You see how my favorite wine made you come to your senses at last..."

The Elderess weaved her fingers through his thick brownish hair as she briefly met his lips.

"It is almost time we went our separate ways for the evening," Lord Ladonis whispered while seeking another kiss.

"Mmmmmmm," he sighed.

"Any complaints?" Carpeia murmured.

"None, but for the fact that our meetings lately are fleeting at best."

Carpeia rubbed her supple body against him in a leisurely rhythm as her mouth joined his again...it took Sophia’s unexpected screaming to break them apart.

"Curse that damn woman!" Carpeia gasped.

"Oh, I think the Gods have seen to it already dearest."

Lucius Ladonis casually readjusted his robes and stood up to sneak a quick look out of the Elderess’s bedroom window.

"Ah, I see our Victoria is caring after her."

He devoted a few extra seconds interest to his favorite subordinate in the courtyard.

"I’m sure you’d rather she be your Victoria, wouldn’t you? How I detest that primping prude," Carpeia added bitingly.

Lord Ladonis turned his attention back to Carpeia’s reclining unclad figure and smiled.

"I do believe you’re jealous of our little beauty. You needn’t be. My heart has always been yours."

After so many years he marveled at how beautiful Carpeia’s body still was, and how it stirred him and satisfied his desires. Lucius lay down beside her again and she immediately coiled herself around his body.

"With all harsh feelings aside, you must admit Victoria is a ravishing delicacy," he sighed, "no doubt she would make an excellent third to spice our pairing. I’m sure you’ve given some thought to her intriguing potential?"

"Observant bastard," Carpeia warbled seductively.

She crushed her mouth into his smothering any possible response, owing of course that he had one.

__________

"Who’s there?" Delia cautiously called from the stone footpath.

The bearers had just deposited her outside the main gate and she was about to make her way across the courtyard.

"Shhhh! It’s Victoria. Come and help."

Victoria waved her uneasy friend over. When Delia saw who was creating the upset she threw up her hands in disgust.

"Sophia! I might have guessed," Delia stated flatly and knelt down next to Victoria, "What is it this time?"

"Do exercise some compassion, Sophia is not herself at all today."

Delia coolly took in the situation before her.

"Just like every day..."

Victoria overpowered her with a piercing gray stare.

"Very well then, what can I do to assist you?" Delia inquired half-heartedly.

"Help me bring Sophia to her room."

They lifted Sophia off the ground easily and started carrying the weakened woman back to her chamber.

"I know why you are being so good to me," Sophia announced, sounding fairly distressed, "You want to harm my beauties!"

She began to struggle against the firm hold on her.

"I won’t let you do it!"

"What are you going on about?" Delia asked not expecting a ready answer, "You’re not making any sense," adding, "as usual," under her breath.

"Sophia dear, we don’t mean you or your little friends harm. We are just helping you back to bed."

Sophia burst into miserable tears.

"Yes, of course...I do realize that. I apologize."

"It’s all right my dear. You’re just a little confused, that’s all."

"Humph," Delia sniffed, "only a little confused."

Victoria glared at Delia.

"Great Gorgons! It is hard enough to keep Sophia calm! Must you make silly comments?" Victoria didn’t wait for an answer, "Come Sophia, we are nearly there."

Delia pushed open the chamber door and walked in sideways helping Victoria carry Sophia to her bed. They laid her down and covered her with a warm blanket; soon she was fast asleep. Victoria then looked at Delia and noticed the terrible condition her friend was in.

"Oh my! What happened to you?"

"Nothing much," Delia grinned impishly, "it got a bit windy in Rome, that’s all."

"It must have been a tempest!" Victoria took Delia’s hand and turned her slightly, "I dare say, you could do with a wash before dinner."

"Then perhaps a walk afterwards?" Delia quickly added.

Victoria smiled at the suggestion, though Delia didn’t see it as a very happy smile. She often wondered what secret thoughts Victoria hid behind her somber gray eyes, but usually shrugged it off. This was a part of her friend’s nature that Delia had long tried to figure out, but couldn’t.

"Yes, that would be fine."

Victoria was still absently holding her hand. It was obvious that something deeply troubled her friend.

"I’m not really that hungry, are you?" Delia inquired gently.

"No, but we are expected to attend..."

Delia kissed Victoria’s hand then left to bath and put on a clean white gown.

When she stepped outside again, early evening clouds had appeared overhead. Heavily scented flowers scattered about the courtyard saturated the warm air, and of course, an ever-present sound of light tinkling chimes. The absolute tranquility of their home was eerie at times, especially these milder nights.

Victoria was waiting for her nearby and they both walked into the dining hall together--not hand in hand, as Delia would’ve preferred. Carpeia was about to begin the ceremonial blessing of their food.

"The next time you are this late," she said evenly, "you will both be barred from dinner for a week."

"I apologize, Elderess," the guilty pair answered in unison.

"Take your seats...Victoria, come sit next to me," Carpeia indicated the empty chair closest to her.

Victoria shuddered at the idea, but no one seemed to notice. She drew near and dutifully took a seat next to the Elderess.

"So," Carpeia began as she passed along a serving bowl filled with varieties of sliced fruit, "How fares our fairest of the fair tonight, hmmm?"

Victoria speared a small slice of pear in her plate and brought it to her lips oblivious to the Elderess’s question.

"I’m addressing you Victoria."

She looked up to find Carpeia’s full attention focused on her. Victoria nervously dropped her fork onto the floor.

"Now that was an inelegant thing to do," the Elderess, amused declared.

"I’m so sorry Elderess..." Victoria scrambled to collect the fallen flatware.

"Oh leave it, leave it child! Here have a clean one," Carpeia said handing her a fresh fork, "My goodness, you are in a state tonight."

When the Elderess smiled at Victoria the poor woman lost her new fork to the force of gravity too. She blushed deeply and miserably gazed down at the thing lying stupidly on the floor. Carpeia sighed heavily in mock concern.

"Observe Sisters how not to behave in public." the Elderess pointed out, "When asked a question one ought to answer to the best of one’s ability. Apparently, Victoria has no best ability. Perhaps she has forgotten my question?"

Evadne and Phyllis giggled; Delia instantly left the table to get her very flustered friend another fork. She passed it to Victoria and in doing so upset the Elderess’s wine goblet. The golden contents missed her gown, but splashed all over her frantically flailing feet.

"GET OUT, THE PAIR OF YOU!" she shrieked.

__________

It was late in the evening when Delia met Victoria as she was coming out of a bedroom.

"I wanted to say goodnight to the girls before leaving," Victoria whispered, "They are fast asleep, poor things. The extra chores tired them earlier than usual I think."

Almost immediately Victoria wanted to take back her last sentence; it sounded as if she blamed Delia for the overload.

"I imagined it would be more difficult with my being sent to Rome and the wraith as useless as ever."

Delia saw that her friend didn’t like what was said so she moved the subject along.

"Have you any idea what she meant by ‘my beauties’?"

"Sophia always speaks of her crocus bed as if they were children. I believe she thought I wanted to take them," Victoria glanced around the square and lowered her voice even more, "We can’t talk here."

Victoria grabbed Delia’s hand then hurried across the courtyard. They rushed through the main gates and plodded a direct course to Delia’s usual meeting place: the statue of Hypatia Silvanus. Delia followed Victoria’s lead of silence up the long gloomy hill to their torch-lit temple. When they arrived at their destination, Victoria braced herself against a tree to catch her breath. With Hypatia’s gloomy likeness looking down on them Delia waited anxiously to hear what could not be discussed back at their dwelling. Victoria nervously looked up at Hypatia’s stony features. She could still feel the ugliness of that awful woman’s touch so long ago...

"Carpeia has decided to do nothing about Sophia, absolutely nothing!" Victoria abruptly blurted out.

Unclear as to exactly what her friend was so upset about, Delia moved closer.

"But you’ve told me the best physicians had long ago been brought in from all over the--"

"--I tried to talk to her about Sophia’s declining state this afternoon," Victoria interrupted, still out of breath, "Carpeia is willing to let Sophia perish, by self-inflicted violence if it comes to that."

"Perhaps the Elderess was in an unpleasant frame of mind when you spoke to her. I know first hand of her ill-humored moods."

"No Delia, this was quite different; she turned red as a berry and informed me that I was wasting her time," tears glistened in Victoria’s eyes, "Sophia needs us now...more than ever. To turn away from her would bring a curse upon our sacred community."


Delia took her hand.

"What do you mean to do my sweet?"

Victoria looked away.

"The Pontifex must be petitioned, but I fear the man. He is Sophia’s only hope."

Delia disliked Sophia and her deranged antics, but at the heart of the matter she was still a Vestal Virgin and Delia was obliged to assist a sister member.

"I’m not afraid of Lord Ladonis," she said gently patting Victoria’s hand, "I will speak with him tomorrow on Sophia’s behalf."

Victoria impulsively threw her arms around Delia.

"Bless you Delia," she stammered between tears of gratitude, "Bless you...many times."

Delia held her friend and prayed that her interview with the Pontifex wouldn’t backfire on them all.

VI

It was a fierce thunderclap that woke Delia from her heavenly dream. She yawned and left the comfortable warmth of her bed to look outside. A strong downpour had already formed many large puddles in and around the courtyard. Delia sighed; water would likely be getting in through open windows in the study and elsewhere. Dressing quickly she used her shawl as a cover and ran out into the pre-dawn rain.

A slight commotion caused her to stop in front of Sophia’s door. She put her ear to it and heard muffled cries of distress from within. Delia took a deep breath and entered Sophia’s room without knocking.

"They are drowning...drowning..." Sophia babbled almost incoherently.

On the bare floor the tortured woman sat, still dressed in her ceremonial gown. She was splattered with blood and dragged a fork slowly across the inside of her forearm.

"FOOL!"

In one bound Delia was on top of her, just managing to wrestle the sharp implement away and tossing it safely aside. For such a frail looking woman Delia was amazed at how strong Sophia could be in a fight.

Still breathing hard from the scuffle she carefully turned Sophia’s injured arm over to see how much damage was done. In her madness, the woman had gouged her flesh in several deep rows from elbow to wrist. Delia hastily tore her shawl into long strips and began wrapping Sophia’s mutilated limb.

"You have really sunk to the nethermost depths this time! Why did you do such a senseless thing?" Delia asked angrily.

Sophia wearily gazed up at her and smiled.

"The reason should be plain enough: I have no sense."

Delia almost laughed. In her brief moment of lucidity, Sophia chose to be witty.

"Very amusing," Delia stated dryly, "You realize there are easier ways to go about leaving our order. This isn’t the most ingenious method."

Sophia looked on indifferently as Delia tied off a makeshift bandage then applied another.

"Will you see to them when I’m gone?"

Delia glanced up from the gruesome task; Sophia’s glassy-eyed stare made her feel tense.

"What are you talking about?"

"My beauties, my children," she continued anxiously, "Will you see to them for me?"

Sophia started to pet Delia’s cheek, but Delia recoiled from the unexpected contact.

"Children? Talk sense Sophia, you have no children."

A look of surprise flashed across Sophia’s face, and then it relaxed into dull sadness again.

"Oh...you aren’t supposed to know about that."

Delia’s wariness had been aroused, but curiosity was stronger. She’d heard that mad people sometimes told a truth amongst the gibberish. This constantly wild concern for "children" was enough to make Delia want to probe a bit further.

"Maybe you could introduce me to these little beings one day soon?"

Sophia raised her eyes to meet Delia’s. It appeared as though a small light suddenly danced in these otherwise dark spiritless spheres. Clearly, Sophia was pleased that someone had shown an interest.

"Yes, I would like very much for you to meet my beauties. I shall take you there myself."

Sophia stood up quickly and pulled the inquisitive attendant along with her.

"What...now? But I haven’t finished binding your--"

"--Never mind," Sophia interrupted, "We aren’t going far."

Blood smeared and sickly, Sophia barely managed to force Delia out of the room following close behind her. She pushed the younger woman into the driving rain towards her submerged and ruined crocus bed.

"Here we are," she announced sounding as if in a trance.

Sophia fell to her knees in the muck then began removing the bright yellow flowers one by one and depositing them on the marble path beside her. Then, placing the last drenched crocus with its equally sopping siblings, she sunk her hands deep into the soft mud. Delia watched her perform this task with growing impatience while sheets of water showered all around making it difficult to see. There didn’t seem to be ‘truth amongst the gibberish’ this time.

"Please stop what you’re doing Sophia, it serves no useful purpose."

As Delia was about to forcibly make the irrational woman stand, distinct shapes soon formed in the waterlogged earth. Sophia cleared away more and more wet soil until at last she lovingly removed the remaining layer of mud that covered these now recognizable figures as though folding back a warm blanket. A sickening odor wafted up from the overturned soil.

"Aren’t they precious?" Sophia beamed, "I’m so proud of my brood."

The ghastly sight fixed Delia to the spot; three tiny human bodies in varying stages of decay lay side by side silently gazing up at her from their grave. Rain cascaded down on the small withered faces washing some of the remaining muddy residue away.

Slowly Delia rose then backed away from Sophia’s hideous secret. At first a pitiful choking sound escaped from her throat then she paused. The brief interval passed in wild distortion as if this spectacle were taking place in a nightmare. All at once she felt a second wave of crushing emotion as she opened her mouth and screamed.

Delia turned and ran through the pouring rain nearly falling down twice; hysterically calling out to anyone in listening range. Before long she found herself propped up against Carpeia’s apartment door trying frantically to collect her wits. The awful vision of what she had just witnessed repeated over and over until another scream violently rattled her vocal chords to their rupturing point.

Instantly the door opened inward causing Delia to lose her balance. She toppled forward landing hard at Carpeia’s feet midway into her private hall.

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!" Carpeia shouted in extreme agitation.

Delia sputtered out an answer that was incoherent and anxiously embraced one of the Elderess’s legs. Just then, Phyllis appeared at the entrance rubbing an eye and looking very sleepy.

"GET BACK TO YOUR ROOM AT ONCE!" she shouted at the young girl.

Phyllis spun around then quickly ran off. Carpeia liberated herself roughly from Delia’s hold and stepped away.

"Stand up," she said aiming her icy attention at Delia, "I’ll not tolerate any sniveling before me."

She did as she was ordered to do. With the help of Carpeia’s sturdy door frame Delia raised herself up out of the puddle she made on the elegantly tiled floor.

"T-t-the garden...look in the garden," she feebly stammered out and fell over in a dead faint.

"GET UP! GET UP!" Carpeia yelled and pushed at Delia’s collapsed form with her foot.

Exasperated, she pulled the unconscious woman aside leaving her lying face down outside her door and hurried away to find Lord Ladonis.

Hearing raised voices Victoria hastened to the scene discovering her friend sprawled on the ground. She knelt beside Delia and rolled her over gently.

"Delia?" Victoria asked while lightly patting her cheek, "Delia speak to me..."

She gradually drifted back into consciousness. Finding Victoria looking down at her from above was temporarily confusing.

"Blessed be our Goddess!" Victoria exclaimed, "I thought we lost you!"

She took Delia into her arms completely overcome with relief, but Delia drew back from the fond embrace, her petrified violet eyes wildly darting about as if looking for something or someone.

"Where is Sophia?" she demanded in a tone Victoria had never heard until now.

"In her room as always. Why, what is the matter?" Victoria asked feeling a little hurt that her friend pulled away so abruptly.

"The obscenity," she answered in a thick scratchy voice, "in the garden...Sophia showed it to me."

Alarmed by these words Victoria let Delia go and sat up straight. Once released Delia immediately cowered against the wall shaking in her wet clothes.

"What is this? You’re behaving as wildly as Sophia."

"It is a sign, I know it," Delia babbled frantically and pointed skyward, "We are all doomed!"

"Where is this thing? I’ll go and see for myself."

Victoria made a move to get up but Delia tackled her back down.

"NO! YOU MUSTN’T LOOK AT IT!"

"Please Delia let me go, you’re hurting me!"

Strong arms swiftly clamped around Delia’s waist and she was unceremoniously hoisted away from Victoria.

"Calm yourself my child," The Pontifex stated quietly so that only she could hear him, "There is no need for histrionics."

He put Delia down, but held her firmly by the wrists.

"Now then, what is the upset?"

Delia collected herself somewhat and swallowed hard against the tightness in her throat.

"An obscenity is buried in Sophia’s flowerbed."

"I will see to it," he smilingly reassured her, "The both of you wait here."

Lord Ladonis walked across the courtyard and seemed to search for anything that looked out of the ordinary. It had stopped raining and the sun was trying to break through a few sluggish storm clouds. Small puddles were scattered here and there; some deeper than others but aside from that most of the garden remained fairly intact.

"Come to me child," the Pontifex commanded, "Come look at the garden."

Delia was unwilling to obey; she backed up and found Victoria directly behind her.

"It’s all right my dear," she said taking Delia gently by the hand, "We will go together."

Supporting her friend by the arm, Victoria helped Delia move toward the large patches of colorful flowers. When they got to the edge of the crocus bed, Victoria felt Delia tense up.

"No further please, I can’t bear it!"

Victoria didn’t have the heart to force her but the Pontifex did. He took Delia’s hands and pulled her close to where he was standing.

"Look here child," he directed, "Is everything not in its right place?"

Terrified, Delia cautiously lowered her eyes to the ground. The grave had been filled in and the crocus blossoms were once again arranged as they used to be--perfect and neatly grouped together.

"IMPOSSIBLE!" she shouted, "IT WAS RIGHT THERE, SOPHIA SHOWED IT TO ME!"

"BE STILL!" the Pontifex roared at Delia, then modulated his voice once more to address Victoria. "I suggest you convey our imaginative young disciple to her sacred responsibilities."

The look on Lord Ladonis’s face was one of barely controlled fury. Victoria quickly led her away.

"My dear, you oughtn’t to speak out with such passion," Victoria whispered, "It just isn’t done."

Delia stopped walking to gaze coldly into Victoria’s distressed steel gray eyes.

"You speak to me as if I were as addle brained as Sophia. No need to trouble yourself so, my sweet. I shall make every effort to conduct myself appropriately and coherently. Now if you’ll excuse me--"

Delia wrenched her arm from Victoria’s grasp and vanished into her room to change her wet clothes.

In all her years living in the Atrium, Victoria had never been spoken to so harshly by anyone. As she stood on the marble path alone tears formed close to spilling over. Victoria didn’t mean for her concern to come out in such an inferior way. It’s just that Delia could be so emotionally undisciplined--which at times got her into trouble much too often.

"I hope it will never catch up with you."

While she was deep in thought a small hand slipped easily into hers. Evadne had been quietly watching Victoria’s darkening statement with growing concern.

"Don’t be sad," Evadne piped up gaily, "Vesta will forgive us for being late."

Victoria knelt down and enfolded the little girl in her arms.

VII

Carpeia calmly went about her study arranging and rearranging papers as she always did during the morning hours. An eager tap on the door frame instantly halted this tedious chore. Lord Ladonis swept into the room, quickly locking the door behind him.

"She knows," he announced gravely.

"Yes, I am quite aware of that," Carpeia admitted indifferently and continued sorting her papers.

"Well? What are we going to do about it?"

Carpeia placed a handful of documents into an orderly display on the desk and smiled at him.

"We let Delia make her choice."

__________

Concentrating with all her might, Delia threw herself into the daily "cleansing" ritual in an attempt to keep the hideous image from returning. She even avoided the other’s company, preferring instead to be left alone. Although traumatized, Delia was clearheaded enough to realize that things were not as normal as they appeared in the garden.

After finishing her duties at the temple, she made her way down to their living quarters. As usual, Delia balanced a heavy green ceramic jar filled with fresh spring water against her thigh.

"I know what I saw," she muttered under her breath, "I don’t care what Lord Ladonis said. Three infants are buried in that garden."

When she arrived, Delia transferred some of the water to a smaller plain terra cotta container and began purifying Carpeia’s rooms. She then proceeded to cleanse the sleeping chambers but something in the crocus patch diverted her attention. The usually firm yellow petals were browning at their edges and wilting. All the other flowers stood straight bright and healthy in the ground.

Delia walked directly up to Sophia’s door; knocking before entering this time, she waited to be let in. Presently it opened; Sophia met her at the door wearing the same brightly decorated, but blood stained gown from the previous day. At first, Delia passed Sophia by without acknowledging her existence. Dipping her palm branch in the water, she began reciting their ceremonial prayer:

"Waters of Neptune,

From pools fresh and clean,"

"I have told Vitria what I think of this ritual," Sophia interjected, but failed to stop the incantation.

"Cast out yon imperfections

Make pure all flaws unseen."

She touched Delia’s arm in a friendly way and smiled politely.

"I do apologize for this morning. My little ones aren’t used to visitors; they are usually so well behaved."

Delia turned to face Sophia.

"You covered them up with earth again didn’t you?" Delia asked bluntly.

Sophia was rather taken aback by this question and didn’t know how to answer. Delia took a step towards her.

"And you also replanted those rain spoiled flowers as well, is this not so?"

"Y-yes, my beauties like them," she replied nervously.

"Now Sophia," Delia began evenly, "you must tell me how these children came to be buried in our garden."

"I...I can’t tell you..."

Sophia moved away from her interrogator.

"Tell me to whom they belong!"

"They are mine," a fluid voice behind her caused Delia’s head to whip round.

Smiling, Lord Lucius Ladonis strolled confidently into Sophia’s darkened room.

"Yours? This cannot be--"

"Yes it would seem," he laughed, "however that is all I am prepared to say at this time. The question now is what is to be done with you."

"Done with me? What do you mean?"

Delia was naive when it came to this sort of thing. The full impact eluded her. Lord Ladonis folded his arms across his meaty chest.

"My child!" he laughed again, "The whole situation rests on what you intend to do."

She considered his mildly intimidating tone for a few moments and was still unsure what he wanted.

"But I don’t have the authority to act alone my Lord, it is for the Elderess to decide." Delia replied nervously.

"I see that I must explain further," Lord Ladonis sighed then slowly walked in a circle around her as he spoke, "Sophia, whom I had advised similarly a long time ago, has obviously erred by sharing a very private matter with you concerning me. The strain of guarding this confidential information for so long has unfortunately taken its toll on our dear sister," he placed a dubiously kind hand on Sophia’s shoulder, but addressed Delia, "Perhaps you wouldn’t mind tending her and in the process keep this new found knowledge to yourself--alone?"

A look of alarm washed over Delia’s face. She quickly realized she was being asked to suppress the incident completely.

"If I did this thing you are suggesting my lord, I would surely become as she is. In clear conscience I do not believe I could carry out such a task," Delia gripped the handle on her water jug firmly and looked down, "I respectfully decline your offer."

"Need I stress the importance of keeping this information contained within these walls?"

Delia didn’t look up; she only tightened her grip on the clay jug.

"My lord, I am not capable of providing the service you ask of me."

"Are you saying that you refuse to keep still on this matter? Weigh very carefully your answer my child. The future of a community member close at hand rests upon it."

Delia focused her eyes on the ground, this time the threat was not as veiled. The many devoted years of joyfully worshipping Vesta; her fondest memories mixed with present and departed members of their order all flashed before her.

"I will not be a participant in your obscenity."

What followed was a rustling of fine crisp robes then a searing blow to the side of her face. Delia fell hard against the opposite bedroom wall where she dropped to the ground with a dull thud. The terra cotta receptacle flew out of her hands and rolled across the floor trailing its spilled contents in a long wet stain.

Sophia gasped and raced to Delia’s motionless form. Lord Ladonis however stood fixed to the spot, his perspiring face a mask of crimson rage.

"INSOLENCE!" he hissed through clenched teeth.

Sophia sat beside Delia trying with no success to wake her.

"Oh do get up," she called softly, "a Vestal never sleeps on the cold ground."

Lucius Ladonis stormed over to Delia and scooped her into his arms. Before leaving the room, he scowled at Sophia.

"Foolish women," the Pontifex declared, "and I the bigger fool in my weakness for them."

He left Sophia alone to ponder these last words and stepped briskly across the courtyard carrying his limp burden.

VIII

"Is Delia angry at us?"

Victoria looked down at Evadne and smoothed a few feathered strands of hair from the little girl’s eyes.

"I don’t think so dear; it is best not to disturb her. She needs some time on her own."

"Wouldn’t she feel better in our company?" Phyllis asked excitedly from behind her.

Victoria turned around and took her by both hands.

"I can’t speak for Delia," she said lowering herself to the child’s level, "but I feel rather good in your company."

Phyllis hastily kissed her on the cheek and ran ahead with Evadne. Victoria watched them for a time skipping and laughing together on the path that led home. She followed them back to the Atrium and every once in a while returned a wave to the two girls. Although Victoria acted as if nothing was wrong in front of the children, she had been fretting about Delia all day. The rambling story her friend told her made little sense, yet it preyed on Victoria’s mind just the same.

__________

Lord Ladonis carried Delia into Carpeia’s rooms and deposited her on a bare table. The Elderess lifted a dangling arm by the wrist and then let go. It flopped lazily back to its original position and swayed there gently from side to side.

"The child appears to be dead. Is she?"

The Pontifex cupped his palm close to Delia’s mouth.

"No. Our newest pest is still with us."

"Ah, then she is merely a victim of your temper."

He answered this by exchanging an annoyed look with the Elderess.

"We have much to do," he said indicating a more comfortable area.

They left Delia laid out on the side table and went to sit together on a fluffy guest couch.

"I take it then that she would not cooperate?" Carpeia asked with bored curiosity.

"Yes. It is regrettable that the sacred flame has to blow out7," he sighed.

Not sounding particularly shocked at this news Carpeia rested her chin on her hand and heaved a sigh along with him.

"Just so. One could almost predict a great calamity befalling a certain nuisance."

She coolly glanced over at Delia who shuddered only slightly but didn’t wake up.

__________

The empty green ceramic jar rested in its holder, properly covered and waiting for the next time it would be needed. Victoria had observed Delia using this vessel earlier in the day so she assumed her friend had returned. Victoria headed directly to Delia’s room and lightly tapped on the door.

"Delia?" she called softly.

Victoria listened for an answer. Not getting one, she pressed on.

"Delia dear, may I come in and talk with you?"

She tapped on the door again and waited patiently.

"You are talking to the wind, child. Delia is out...on an errand."

Victoria spun around so clumsily that she nearly bumped into Carpeia.

"Oh...I...I didn’t know she had gone," Victoria said trying to recover some of her dignity.

"See for yourself," Carpeia pulled up the handle and pushed open the door to Delia’s sunny room, "Quite empty."

"Has Delia been sent far?"

"Hmmmm...how inquisitive it is."

The Elderess’s air of haughty amusement humiliated Victoria even more. Carpeia always had a withering effect on her and she wanted nothing more in that moment than to sink into the ground.


"If you really must know, she was sent to Rome."

This seemed quite extraordinary. Delia wasn’t fit for another trip to Rome so soon after the ordeal she had that morning.

Victoria revealed her conflict with this decision plainly on her face.

"Do you feel that I have not acted in our sister’s best interest?" the Elderess inquired.

Although the question was put diplomatically, Victoria knew that Carpeia wasn’t inviting her to offer a different opinion.

"No, no of course not. I defer to your greater wisdom Elderess," Victoria lowered her gaze away from Carpeia’s blue penetrating stare.

"I’m glad you approve."

Carpeia moved nearer and boldly took Victoria’s mortified face between her hands. She leisurely studied every curve and texture of her subordinate’s features.

"You’re a very beautiful, woman," Carpeia mused, "Do you know how lovely you are?"

Victoria blushed deeply from the compliment, though she began to suspect that the Elderess had much too much wine to drink.

"You are very kind to think so, Elderess."

"Ahhhhh, modest too; well...quite a charming combination."

She walked Victoria leisurely backwards into Delia’s empty room, all the while gently clasping her face. Carpeia’s voice changed into a soft and alluring tone making Victoria as uncomfortable as intended.

"Are you ever lonely child?" Carpeia purred.

Smiling, the Elderess then pushed the door behind her; it closed with a light--

*Clink*

"I...uh...no, not especially," Victoria answered jumping nervously from the sound.

Drawing as near to her captive’s lips as possible without touching, Carpeia continued to closely admire every inch of Victoria’s exquisite face.

"One is inclined to assume," Carpeia murmured in a breathy voice, "that a lovely head as devoid of original thought as yours, would naturally choose to gravitate towards the simpler pleasures."

Not waiting or caring for a reply, she lightly brushed her lips against Victoria’s and kissed her. At first, this advance stunned her subordinate, but slowly she relaxed into its breathtaking spell.


Carpeia was right. Victoria didn’t have deep revelations or views on anything. At heart she was only a plain thinking country girl with a rather limited imagination.

Inexperienced, Victoria could hardly compete with Carpeia’s aggressive skill at lovemaking. In no time at all she was so thoroughly spellbound by the gentle onslaught of tender caresses she nearly swooned. Carpeia continued to tease and lightly touch Victoria’s warm lips with her own; then kissed them more passionately. The torrential pleasure caught the younger woman completely off guard.

Stifled emotions were coaxed from a hidden store of desire she truly believed Hypatia had killed in her ages ago. Victoria tried to return the ardent caresses, but only came across as a rather fumbling, inept amateur.

Carpeia maneuvered her prey onto Delia’s small bed flicking her tongue and kissing rhythmically along the creamy chiseled neck. She then worked her way down to Victoria’s thinly covered breasts, lingering there ever so briefly. She continued downward to a slightly exposed hip then maddeningly nibbled at its firm flesh. Victoria’s heart raced wildly out of control, her hands flailed about in vein to grab something to hold on to. For a moment, she was sure she would go insane from the concentrated desire bubbling between her thighs.

"Oh...OHHHHHHH...!"

In a flash, Carpeia tore herself away from the heated embrace.

"That will do for now," she said pushing the gasping woman aside.

Victoria barely managed to catch her breath.

"W...Why...?"

"Oh really my dear, it should be simple enough for your weak mentality to grasp," the Elderess replied blandly smoothing out her robes, "I am weary of this little diversion."

Victoria blinked in startled disbelief and she began to cry. Pleased with this reaction, Carpeia chuckled heartily at the show of confused tears.

"Gracious me! It has been ages since I amused myself with an innocent! I have forgotten how absurdly sensitive they are."

"But you kissed me..." Victoria meekly blurted out in her misery.

Carpeia roughly seized Victoria’s damp and trembling chin.

"Yet, I never said I loved you. If you must know my child, I’ve loathed you these many years, particularly your meager intellect," she let her go and stood up, "Ha! Imagine, one day this blubbering incompetent might become a High Priestess of Vestals. Gods protect us!"

"Please Elderess, please...no more," Victoria tearfully pleaded.

"Our little romp just now meant nothing to me, but poor dear Lucius will be thoroughly put out that I got to you before he did!" Carpeia broke into peals of laughter. "Go on," she managed to squeeze out between giggles, "leave me now."

Victoria moved off the bed, and quickly staggered away from her heartless tormentor. Once outside, she ran to her own room and fell into a wretched heap on the floor.

Some minutes passed in pitiful whimpers then a sympathetic hand started fondling her golden locks of hair.

"Oh Vitria, has Carpeia been mean to you?"

Victoria turned over; her red puffy eyes and tear-stained face answered Sophia’s question.

"I was one of her victims you know," Sophia smiled sadly, "Even then she knew how easily I would play into her hands..." she stopped to think a moment, "...their hands."

"Sophia I’m not following you."

"All those promises, then nothing," she went on, "I didn’t want to do it Vitria, she was the one who forced me."

"Forced you?" Victoria wiped her eyes, "To do what?"

"My little one...taken away...Elderess made me."

Victoria thought about this for a moment but could not fully concentrate on what Sophia was talking about.

"I’m sorry dear, I just don’t understand."

Sophia frowned slightly.

"Delia knows. Delia can tell you," Sophia suddenly gave her an odd look, "You ought not to sleep on the floor."

Sophia exited swiftly from the room. Victoria got up and wearily dropped onto her bed. She lay there alone and exhausted wishing that Delia would come home from her errand.

IX

"The problem has been dealt with," Lord Ladonis quietly announced, "We must follow her to Rome tonight, everything is arranged."

"Lanterns and bumpy roads, how tiresome," the Elderess sighed, "Well, I suppose it can’t be helped."

"I have transport waiting for us outside; we’ll have to hurry."

"One moment, I must leave instructions with Victoria. I’ll meet you there."

Carpeia hurried to Victoria’s chamber where she found the entrance open. Lying face down on her bed Victoria sat up instantly at the sound of the Elderess’s familiar step.

"The Pontifex and I are called away on official business. Do you think you can manage things while we’re gone?"

Victoria lowered her gaze; the encounter she had with Carpeia was clearly fresh in her mind.

"As you wish Elderess," she answered in a small voice.

Carpeia walked over and lifted Victoria’s chin.

"Of course I would stay and dally again with you dearest, but duty calls."

She patted Victoria’s cheek and left, snickering all the way across the quiet courtyard.

__________

When Delia opened her eyes, she was greeted with a lighted nub of candle on the table next to her bed.

"My bed?" Delia asked herself.

She looked around and saw nothing in this bare room that was even remotely familiar. A loud clanging noise came from somewhere nearby followed by a flustered profanity.

"Hello? Who is that?"

More fumbling noises, then the sound of running feet which stopped nearby.

"Water dear lady?"

A guard appeared a slight distance away with a bright lantern and water jug. Something she hadn’t seen before was now quite visible; there were bars on the other side of the room separating it from a dark hallway. Delia immediately jumped from her bed and hurried to the iron barrier.

"Where am I?" she asked grabbing at the cold bars.

"You are in the lower level of the Pontifical Council Hall my lady."

Panic numbed Delia’s heart.

"Only the worst religious misdeeds are dealt with here," she paused to catch her breath, "Am I accused of breaking my vows?"

The guard silently passed his water jug to her through the enclosure and walked away.

"Wait! Who has charged me with this crime?"

Her words partially echoed off of the thick stone walls, the clearest one heard being ‘crime’. She thrust her face in-between the limited space of the rough black metal bars trying to catch sight of the guard.

"WHO HAS CHARGED ME WITH THIS CRIME?!"

__________

Victoria woke the girls earlier than usual. There was much to do with Delia still away and Sophia well...Sophia...

She opted not to disturb her.

The bell sounded at their main gate.

A hooded figure stood at the closed entrance; its hand reached up and pulled the gate cord again. Victoria walked quickly through the square to see to this person and possibly get rid of whoever it was.

"Municipal duties are not performed until the ninth hour," she said trying to sound as official as possible, "Do come back at that time."

She was about to turn from the visitor.

"Victoria!" the stranger whispered hoarsely.

Throwing back his hood Aristes stepped forward, a worried look of doom on his face.

"I have just come from Rome. Delia has been taken into custody," he said bordering on tears, "She is to face the Sacred Court this very day."

Victoria immediately opened the gate to let him in.

"But surely this cannot be, Carpeia told me that she is on an errand."

"You have been misinformed, I was sent on the errand. Delia had been seen arriving at the council hall prison last night--unconscious. I tried to visit with her, but the guards wouldn’t let me pass."

Victoria’s mind reeled with this dreadful news. Carpeia obviously lied, but why? Aristes composed himself and continued.

"I sent word to a friend who might help her, and I have my signed testimonial8 here. It’ll prove to the council that nothing unseemly occurred when I was with her, but not one of the Pontiffs would see me. I fear help may come too late!"

‘Too late’ meant only one thing.

"I must go to her, I’ll find a way to see one of the council. Give me the statement," Aristes handed her the rolled up document, "Will you look after Evadne and Phyllis for me?"

Though it wasn’t a proper request to make, Victoria had no choice. Aristes nodded an emphatic yes.

"My carriage is at the end of the road," Aristes said while throwing his hooded cloak around her shoulders, "Hurry dear lady."

Victoria briefly touched his hand then ran to the waiting vehicle.

__________

Lord Ladonis in yet another splendid purple and gold robe dramatically appeared, finding Delia in a deep meditative state of prayer.

"You still have ample opportunity to change your mind."

"I am innocent," she answered while turning around to face him, "The council will discover your plot against me."

"If that is what you believe then you delude yourself my dear girl," he spat out at her, "As sure as I stand here you will be cast down, down beneath the earth!"

He flamboyantly illustrated this threat by pointing to the stone floor.

"My lord, I will not compromise my conscience. Vesta shall protect me."

With hands clasped together once again, Delia closed her eyes.

"By all means, summon her aid," he laughed sarcastically, "Just bear in mind that our lady occasionally turns a deaf ear. GUARD!"

The loud rattling of keys rumbled through the corridor signaling his sure departure. Before leaving, Lucius Ladonis turned around to address her one last time.

"Incidentally, I knew of your secret assignations with precious Victoria at Hypatia’s statue."

Delia instantly opened her eyes and looked at him in shock.

"You venerate the elegant image of our long departed Elderess don’t you?" he continued, "Well my dear, one of those three bastard babes in the garden belongs to her," he chuckled a bit then added, "The Gods can only guess why she wanted me to service her. A pang of conscience no doubt--she preferred to bed with pretty little girls you know."

The massive reinforced door clanked solidly behind him; his spirited laughter faded away with each echoing footstep.

__________

"But my lady it doesn’t sit well with me to allow you to visit a tainted prisoner. My house would surely be cursed."

The guard at the Pontifical Council Hall had broken out in a sweat and mopped his sunburned brow nervously. Victoria smiled sweetly even though she had lost all patience with this man.

"Then permit me to ease your fears kindhearted sir. I shall bless you and your house twice before I descend."

The guard looked at Victoria rather skeptically but mulled over her suggestion.

"Delia would’ve easily handled this problem," she agonized to herself, " I am truly out of my depth."

She peeked over at the barred passage to his left. Those had to be the stairs leading underground to the stockade. Victoria worried silently to herself if Delia was warm enough or had someone to talk to down there. She couldn’t imagine being imprisoned for even an hour without going mad.

"You say you will bless my house," he suddenly piped up, "and all the members of my family?"

With arms bent at the elbow, Victoria raised her hands piously in front of her. To add a little extra formality, she even closed her beautiful gray eyes.

"Goddess of the hearth, Goddess divine, bless this gracious gentleman, his home and loving family thrice. Protect them from evil and grace each one with prosperity."

"Oh dear lady!" he exclaimed and kneeled at her feet, "You are goodness itself!"

Victoria moved to touch his shoulder to get up, and when she did, he was beside himself.

"This is an honor I shall never forget," he quickly scrambled to his feet and showed her the way to the locked cells, "Take these stairs, but do be careful climbing down; they will lead you directly to your sister Vestal’s cell block. Tell the sentry that Hector said you could pass."

Victoria smiled pleasantly at him and began her descent.

X

It was a long way down the jagged stone steps that led to Delia’s section of the underground jail. In her haste Victoria literally collided into Lord Ladonis who was on his way up. He caught her effortlessly in his arms and took the opportunity to squeeze her hard against his body.

"Ah, an unexpected surprise! And a lovely one too."

Helplessly caught in his sturdy grasp she thought better than to struggle against him. He eyed her lustfully for a moment or two, which made Victoria even more uncomfortable than the crushing hold he had on her.

"Whom do you seek with such great dispatch, child?"

Not being a very clever person Victoria answered him honestly.

"D-Delia, my lord," she stuttered out.

He slowly loosened his grip allowing Victoria to breathe a little easier.

"Yes, yes the poor errant member of our family. How very commendable of you," he sighed then let her go.

Victoria rubbed an aching arm and looked straight at him wondering why he wouldn’t let her pass.

"My lord do you wish anything further of me?"

Lucius Ladonis smiled and rudely studied her again.

"Why yes child, I do. Come with me."

He led Victoria to a lower level then walked her into an empty cell very much like Delia’s.

"Sit there my dear," he said pointing at an unmade straw bed, "I have much to discuss with you."

With a great deal of apprehension Victoria did as she was told and sat on a corner of the filthy mattress.

"Lovely accommodations, wouldn’t you say?"

She scanned about the dimly lit room knitting her eyebrows together.

"It is...rather bleak my lord."

"Precisely! And becoming an inmate here would be rather distasteful to you, is this not so?"

Victoria slowly got up from the bed.

"YOU WILL STAND WHEN I TELL YOU TO STAND!" he screamed, "SIT DOWN!"

Visibly shaken by his sudden fury she quickly did as she was told.


"Now," he proceeded in a calmer voice, "unless you wish to join Delia I suggest you hold your tongue and do as I wish. Understood?"

Victoria trembled all over. It was quite obvious that she would fully submit to whatever he wanted--and this greatly pleased Lucius. She nodded yes without looking at him.

"Excellent," linking his hands behind him he began pacing back and forth in front of her, "First of all, I have rather strong reservations concerning today’s intended visit. Although well meaning on your part I’m certain that the consequences of such a meeting would inevitably be...hmmmm...shall we say unwise?"

"I’m not sure I comprehend, my Lord," Victoria replied meekly.

"You are not to see Delia at all."

Astonished by this order she was about to speak up when Lord Ladonis shot a cautionary glance her way. Victoria kept her thoughts on the matter to herself and said nothing.

"So, we are in agreement then?"

For an ordinarily benign question Lord Ladonis made it sound like a command.

Many things ran together inside of Victoria’s head at once leaving her at a terrible loss. The Pontifex and this dreadful situation outdistanced her middling intellectual capacity. Victoria had hoped that in some way she’d be able to help Delia. Now it became unmistakably clear that he wanted her to desert her friend.


"What is her crime?" Victoria asked timidly.

"She is accused of breaking her vow of chastity," he answered in a dry monotone.

"But that is punishable by death!"

"Correct."

"She couldn’t have broken her sacred vows, my Lord..." Victoria thought about it for a few moments, "I know she couldn’t have done such a thing!" She took out a rolled up document and held it out to him, "I have this signed statement from Aristes..."

He walked up to Victoria, grabbed the parchment out of her hands then slapped her hard across the face. She rubbed her cheek and gaped at him through startled tears.

"My dear, you must learn not to contradict me. It really is rather irritating," he tore up the testimonial without reading it, "Now, I suggest that you abide by my original suggestion and take leave of this place."

Victoria looked away. All hope lay in pieces on the floor.

"My lord, you are ordering me to abandon a fellow Vestal and my dear friend," she broke down in tearful anguish, "How can you demand such a thing and expect me to live with the treachery on my conscience?"

"I put it to you this way: Which is more valuable: your life, or ethics?"


To be continued...

******

1 Atrium Vestae: The residence of the Vestal Virgins.



2 Pontifex, Pontifex Maximus: High priest and guardian of the Vestal Virgins.



3 See above note.



4 Lictor: A Roman functionary who preceded a magistrate, or person of high office carrying the distinctive fasces in his arms. (See note below)



5 Fasces: An ancient Roman symbol of a magistrate’s authority that appeared in the form of a bundle of birch rods bound together by a scarlet thong. These rods represented the power of punishment.



6 A Vestal was allowed to touch others, but none were permitted to touch her. For such a transgression, the offender would receive a death sentence.



7 An event steeped in superstition signifying a Vestal had broken her vow of chastity. This offense bore the extreme penalty of death.



8 A Lictor was not allowed to appear at court and give testimony for a Vestal, but he could submit a signed document on her behalf.

If you have enjoyed April Hladis' "Hypatia's Shadow, Part One", then please be certain to e-mail her at  AHladis[at]aol.com  and thank her for posting this Story.

Click here to continue on to  "Hypatia's Shadow, Conclusion"

Click here for a list of all of April Hladis'  Stories and Poetry at  Sapphic Voices Authoresses.