Page 13 of Deliverance
“Then I will know true happiness.” Eloy rose and walked past Simeon, lightly patting him on the shoulder lovingly before leaving to join Kijani. He did have a role and promise to fulfill if he wanted the life he had been dreaming of. For an immortal being, it was only now that time seemed to set its weight upon him. But Eloy knew patience was ever the virtue.
CHAPTER FIVE
Rama’s hands were shaking as he opened the much anticipated letter he had been expecting from the god, Eloy. He’d been waiting to hear Eloy’s response to his proposal to release Mateo in his care. He unfolded the parchment and quickly read over its contents. The words he read left him in more of a dilemma than he could have ever dreamed of. Not only did the god, Eloy, want to postpone his offer, but he wanted him to refrain from placing Mateo among the gladiators to be selected for the upcoming Games.
This was in direct contradiction to what the god Kijani had requested—no—demanded that he do. Which god should he appease? Was there a way to please them both? He had been sworn to secrecy by both gods, so he could tell nether one about the other’s orders. This was not the response he had been hoping for. Why, if Mateo was so important to the god, Eloy, did he not take him up on his offer? What was this fresh hell they were putting him in?
Rama ran his hand over his face as he stared at the letter, then groaned as he tossed it on his desk. He sat in silence, chin resting on his fist as he contemplated what his options were… did he even have any? It all boiled down to which god he would anger by disobeying them. Rama called for one of his servants and when the young woman entered his office, bowing her head in subservience, he commanded her to fetch his doctore. She nodded, then left to carry out his orders. It wasn’t too long a wait before there was a knock at his door and he beckoned the rugged Cervantes entrance.
“Dominus,” Cervantes greeted with a bow of his head as a show of respect and subservience.
“Have a seat,” Rama said, gesturing to one of the two seats before him on the opposite side of his desk.
Cervantes settled down comfortably in one, which was much nicer than any chair he had in his own bedroom, he thought as he enjoyed the soft cushion. “How may I be of service to you, Dominus?” he asked.
‘What I am about to discuss with you must never leave this room, do you understand?” Rama asked him.
Cervantes’ brows creased as he frowned. He leaned forward to gain a better view of his Dominus to better gauge his expression. He could tell by the serious look on Rama’s face that what was about to be discussed might be a matter of life and death. “You have my word, Dominus. On my life, I shall not breathe a word you speak to anyone.”
Rama nodded. “Good, because your life will be what I will take if I am exposed.”
“Of course, Dominus,” Cervantes agreed.
“I have been commanded by the god, Kijani, to pit Mateo against Titus in the upcoming Games,” Rama stated.
Cervantes snorted. “Titus will kill Mateo, Dominus.”
“I know… I believe that is what the god, Kijani, hopes will happen. For some reason, he wants Mateo dead and instead of simply outright asking me to slay my slave, he wants to make a spectacle out of it.”
“Mateo is a promising gladiator and a fan favorite. The people love him… this will hurt you financially to lose him, especially with all that you have invested in his training, Dominus,” Cervantes pointed out.
“No one knows that fact more than I, but that is the least of my problems. I have also been commanded by the god, Eloy, to not put Mateo in the Games. To make sure that he remains safe until the god sees fit to claim him. Both have sworn me to secrecy with their letters.”
Cervantes slumped back into the chair, finally understanding the problem his master faced. “What will you do, Dominus?”
“That is why I have asked you to come. I must pit Mateo against Titus, for if I anger the god, Kijani, his wrath will be enormous.”
“The god, Eloy, has been known to have a fierce temper as well, Dominus. Not to mention his affections for Mateo. If Mateo were to fall in the arena… are you willing to risk his anger?” Cervantes asked.
“Mateo will not fall.”
“He is no match for Titus, Dominus. I assure you, he will.”
“As much as I do not want to lose either of these gladiators, Titus holds less value to me than Mateo.”
“What do you propose, Dominus?”
“That maybe Titus shall not be in his best form when he faces Mateo on the sands,” Rama said.
“Poison him, Dominus?”
“Weaken him, but not enough that the crowd should take notice. More importantly, I do not want the god, Kijani, to notice.”
“Rochelle’s Bane will weaken him enough, make his moves sluggish enough for Mateo to take advantage. Titus will still be able to fight, the crowd will be pleased as well as the gods that the show they will put on will not show that he is drugged,” Cervantes stated.
Rama nodded. “Good, hopefully when Titus falls, the crowd will spare him for the years of entertainment he has given them. That is if Mateo does not deliver a killing blow. I am hoping the cock he has been receiving from Titus will soften his heart when they battle.”
“Mateo will not want to kill Titus, the two are lovers. If he can spare Titus’ life once he takes advantage, I’m sure he will, Dominus,” Cervantes said.
