Disclaimer & Notices
Copyright: The Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles characters and concept belong to James Cameron and Josh Friedman. However, I own the plot and other characters.
Notices: This story contains violence and sexual content. Additionally, this story will contain grammatical or other errors.
Summary: Stagira Magni, a wealthy Roman widow, is being formally courted by an older suitor. However, she is unknowingly wooed by a female gladiator, who is powerful, beautiful, and a rumored demi-god. Stagira is determined to find out more about the mysterious gladiator despite the risk it may pose to Stagira.
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Started: July 14, 2009
Lost in the Past
by Red Hope
Chapter 16
Stagira took the terminator and slave's empty but used bowls.
"Magni, I can…" Britanicus lost his battle quickly to Stagira merely due to her look.
"You made dinner. I can take care of cleaning up." The wealthy woman had collected the dirty dishes, put them in the soup pot, and started on her way down the hill after getting the wrapped sapo.
Cameron's eyes followed the mistress until she was gone from sight. She remained seated on one end of the fallen olive tree while Britanicus was on the other end. She slowly trailed her eyes over to him.
Britanicus glanced once at the freedwoman, who glowed warmly from the fire's light against her bronze armor. He stood up and went to the saddlebags where his bedroll was still lashed down.
"You helped Stagira carry out her plan," Cameron noted aloud.
The slave was busy freeing his bedroll and didn't bother looking over at the gladiatrix. "Yes, it was her wish."
The terminator canted her head. "You are very fond of Magni." Now she had the slave's full attention.
Britanicus stilled his work and cautiously eyed the freedwoman. "I have been in Magni's services for many anni… since she was a child." He yanked one strap free and started on the other one. "She is like my daughter."
Cameron sat ridged and stiff in her spot, but she was fixated on the old slave. "She is your family."
Britanicus picked up the bedroll now that it was free. He stood up and stated, "She is my only family."
Cameron considered this for a bit while the slave prepared his bedroll near the fire. She then questioned, "Why did Magni not keep her other slaves?"
"You'll have to ask her that question," Britanicus replied. He offered nothing else and got to his feet again. He needed some furs to stay warm tonight so he went back to the saddlebags.
The terminator studied the slave for another beat then decided not to press it further. She climbed to her boots then went in pursuit of Stagira down by the creek.
Stagira was knelt beside the creek, her white toga pooled around her, and her hand vigorously scrubbing out the soup pot. She'd already cleaned the bowls, spoons, knife, and ladle that sat off to her right next to a drying towel. She barely made out Cameron's approach, and she slightly jumped out of surprise.
"By the gods," the human breathed. "You're quiet." She was peering up at the terminator but went back to scrubbing out the pot with the soap.
"I apologize," the terminator stated. She stood two paces away, her hands loosely at her side, and her attention on the small human. "We should have an early start tomorrow… perhaps no later than a candlemark after dawn."
Stagira simply nodded, but she was thinking the same only moments earlier.
"I will stay on guard tonight."
Again Stagira just nodded and continued her work.
Cameron shifted on her feet once because she sensed something out of place with Stagira Magni. She was unsure how to approach the topic if the human wasn't freely talking to her. "Do you have any… concerns?" she tempted after a quiet moment.
Stagira paused in her work but then drove the soapy pot into the cool, clean water. "I have plenty." She rinsed the pot then picked up the drying towel. "But right now I am too tired to worry over them." She set the pot down then filled it with the other clean dishes. "They can wait until another day."
Cameron bent down for the pot's handle, and Stagira's hand covered hers. She lifted her brown eyes to Stagira's worn features.
The human peered up from their touching hands and studied the terminator. She withdrew her hand and murmured, "I have my ancestor's sword for you." She picked up the damp cloth and wrapped the sapo in it. She stood up as Cameron picked up the pot.
The terminator quietly walked alongside the human back to the camp. She considered what ailed the human and had several answers.
Once back in the camp, Britanicus took care of putting away the dishes. He'd also laid out Stagira's bedroll while the women were gone. He asked Stagira if she needed anything else, which she did not so he bid her goodnight. He retired to his bedroll where he started taking off his riding boots and preparing for some rest.
Stagira went to Britanicus's saddlebags and dug out a red cloth wrapped around a long object. She picked it up with both hands and approached the standing terminator by the fire. She held the long object with her left hand then began unwrapping it with her right hand.
"This has been in my family for generations," Stagira murmured. She finally revealed a beautiful hilt that was made from bronze and bore a horse's head. "The legends are that this was Alexander's too." She finally had the sheathed weapon free from its protective wrap. She slung the red wrap over her right shoulder despite it brushed the ground.
Cameron carefully studied the artistic hilt of the horse's head. She scanned her eyes further over the worn, leather sheath that held the sword.
Stagira raised the hilt to her lover. "Go ahead," she murmured.
The terminator glanced at her lover then slowly reached for the hilt. She wrapped her fingers around the cool metal that warmed instantly to her touch. She slowly extracted the long blade that had a precise curvature to it. She found the length of the weapon fairly long, about half her height, but it was a perfect weight.
Stagira was staring at it, proudly. She lowered the sheath and whispered, "It's the most beautiful kopis I've seen so far." She watched the firelight dance on the kopis's polished blade. "I had the blacksmith check over it, clean it, and sharpen it." She'd paid the blacksmith well for all his work, and she was glad she'd done so because he'd done an excellent job.
Cameron was looking the kopis over with an expert eye. She found the workmanship nearly flawless, especially considering its possible age. She tested the weight and stated, "It has a full tang." She then pointed the tip at the ground and carefully looked at the horse head.
"It's probably Bucephalus," Stagira whispered. "My father seemed to think this kopis went with the breastplate." She folded her arms against her body to help keep the evening chill away. "There was a Phrygian helmet that accompanied the armor and kopis, but it's since been lost."
Cameron tilted her head at the mention of the helmet. "It is a skull helmet then?"
"Yes." Stagira held out the sheath to Cameron. "They were modeled after the Phrygian caps and were popular in Thrace. Sometimes it's called the Thracian helmet."
The terminator nodded once then took the sheath from the human. She carefully resheathed the long blade that curved wide then narrowed back down near the hilt. She started hooking the sheath to her side where it was meant to live its life.
Stagira folded up the red cloth and went back to the saddles. She put away the cloth and stood up just as Cameron finished hooking the sword into place. She studied the fully prepared terminator in the old yet renewed armor. She couldn't help a soft smile at how well Cameron looked in it all.
Cameron rested her right hand on the horse hilt and looked at the human.
"It was made for you," Stagira stated. She neared the gladiatrix.
"But it was Alexander's," the terminator reminded in a quiet voice.
Stagira's smile shifted into a small grin. "Yes." She regarded the taller woman. "And it is now yours." She rested the flat of her palm against Cameron's armored stomach. "You are not that far different from him. You're both legends and conquered the impossible."
The terminator didn't argue the major differences and instead listened to the human.
Stagira considered another aspect with the tilt of her head. "You even share his eyes to some extent." She noted the terminator's raised eyebrow so she explained, "He had one brown eye and one blue."
"Heterochromia," Cameron defined after Stagira explained it. "It is a lack of pigmentation in the eye. It can cause partial or full heterochromia of the eye."
Stagira was perplexed by what Cameron said to her, but she knew that Cameron's knowledge was not of this known-world. It was far superior than all the scholars of the known-world. "You don't have two different color eyes, but your eye color changes to blue."
"They are my endoskeleton eyes," the terminator explained. "My organic eyes are brown."
Stagira had a bewildered look and tried understanding what the gladiatrix told her. "You have… two sets of eyes?"
"Essentially, yes." Cameron turned her head to the right and studied the dark, rolling hills. "My organic eyes are like any human's."
"But your others are not…?" Stagira couldn't fathom the differences, yet she knew it was really there.
"Yes." The terminator looked back at Stagira. "They are made up of metal, glass, and wire," she simply explained.
The human was curious and tempted, "Can you see things I can't see?"
"Yes." Cameron freed her hand from the kopis's hilt. "Many things you cannot see." She glanced over at the slave, who was under his furs and resting on his back. "I am going to check the parameter." She moved away but advised, "Remain here."
Stagira folded her arms and stood beside the fire as the terminator quietly left the camp. After a moment, she could no longer see Cameron because the darkness had swallowed her. She gave a low sigh and decided to get ready for sleep.
The terminator quietly moved across the landscape, and she came to a stop by two olive trees on the top of a hill. She turned around and focused on the hilltop that held the camp. She focused on Stagira Magni, who was readying for her bedroll. Cameron blinked once then tilted her head back until the stars came into full view.
The stars twinkled and the few planets glowed warmly in the black sky. Despite their silent vigil every night, they were telling to a terminator like Cameron. They told the terminator what she did not wish to hear or believe, but it was the same truth each night since she'd arrived in these lands.
Cameron released a low sigh and turned to the nearby olive tree. She noted the tree's main trunk was twice her height before the branches spread out with leaves. She easily climbed up the trunk to the first, heavy branch and took a step out. She squatted down once her ears detected a low whine from the branch.
The terminator now had a better view of the land and thanks to her superior vision, she saw more than any human. She developed a minor lay of the land that she started comparing to her prior knowledge of the area. She now knew their exact location and how long it would take to make it to Greece. From there, she'd be able to calculate the distance until they made it to their destination in Greece.
Cameron carefully stood up and took in account her weight against the tree. She paused and stood statue still as she gazed across the beautiful lands. Off in the horizon the crescent moon hugged the hilly terrain.
At first, these lands had been foreign to Cameron in every way. She was use to twisted machines, crumbled stones, blood painting silver, and the smell of sharp metal. She'd never witnessed green lands, turquoise skies, or heard morning song birds. Upon arriving here, Cameron ignored all the new aspects of these lands until slowly her sensors started noticing them. Gradually Cameron started appreciating the beauty of organic life all around her and began understanding why humans fought for it in her homelands. But she knew one day these very humans, who she freely walked among, would later burn these lands to the ground. And unlike the humans, a terminator could only appreciate what was lost when it was unexpectedly given back in a twist from the Fates.
The gladiatrix calmed her many thoughts and started out of the tree. She continued her patrol of the local area to make sure the humans would be safe. Cameron would repeat the patrol several times through the night. She was concerned that legionaries could be on the hunt for them once she and Stagira were not accounted for and Scipio was found dead in the arena. Cameron knew that dinars could not always buy a human's silence.
Back in the camp, Stagira had on her nightshift and crawled under the furs once she had off her sandals. Once she became comfortable, she heard the gladiatrix's return, and it soothed her. She bid the gladiatrix goodnight then slowly began to doze off.
Stagira slept for many candlemarks until a few candlemarks before dawn she stirred from a bad dream. She didn't rouse loudly and just turned onto her left side. Once on her side, she focused on the still outline of a golden hoplite seated on a fallen olive tree. Stagira recognized the gladiatrix's sculpted features and toned body. Slowly her eyes traced up to Cameron's face, and Stagira noticed Cameron had her eyes closed. Stagira wondered if the terminator was sleeping, but she couldn't recall anytime the terminator had slept in her home.
Cameron was unmoving other than her chest rising and falling in a peaceful rhythm. She sat perfectly straight with her legs pressed together. Her face had no emotion. Her right hand rested on her right leg. And her left hand calmly gripped the kopis's hilt at her side.
Stagira curiously stared at the terminator and wondered if she should check on the terminator or not. She became slightly nervous at the thought of disturbing the terminator, who could kill a human with a single hand. This caused Stagira's breathing to slightly quicken, but she took a few deep breaths to calm herself. Just then Cameron's eyes slowly opened up, and it caused Stagira's heart to jump into a pounding beat. Stagira held back a tremble upon seeing the bright, glowing blue eyes of the terminator directly on her.
The human instantly shut her eyes and hoped everything was okay. She fisted her hands under the furs when the gladiatrix climbed to her feet. She sensed the gladiatrix's pause, but the gladiatrix started walking out of the camp. Stagira released a low breath and berated herself for being scared of the one person that'd protected her multiple times. But she knew it was merely because she didn't completely understand Cameron's makeup, and she never truly would understand it all.
Stagira calmed down and fell back to sleep a little before Cameron returned from her patrol. She slept through the last candlemarks without anymore nightmares. She only stirred when the sun's morning light began warming her cheek and the campfire felt warmer than normal.
Everybody in the camp hastened that morning to prepare for the day's ride to Cale where they hoped to meet Achillia. Cameron calculated that they would arrive near Cale by late afternoon if they stopped for a few breaks along the way. The horses, as much as the riders, would need the rest stops during the day. After a quick meal, they repacked their saddlebags and tacked their horses. Cameron snuffed out the campfire properly so that the smoke wouldn't rise into the air. Finally upon their mounts, Cameron led the way back to Via Flaminia and headed northeast on the road.
Britanicus eventually rode a few hundred paces ahead of the women. He kept a sharp eye out for trouble, but he expected none since they were on a busy road. He only nodded passing farmers or villagers, who were on their way to Rome's forum.
Stagira idly listened to her mare's hoofs clogging against the cobble road. She released the right pommel and rubbed her weary features. But when her hand settled back into her lap, she became more slumped against Cameron's supportive body.
The terminator sensed the tired woman against her so she peered down. She shifted her left arm that was around Stagira's waist. "You did not sleep well."
The wealthy woman sighed and muttered, "Only one bad dream."
Cameron tilted her head and considered the new information. She then stated, "A bedroll is not as comfortable as a bed."
"Certainly not as forgiving," Stagira weakly joked back. She couldn't help but rest the back of her head against the gladiatrix's shoulder.
The terminator was quiet for a moment but offered, "Perhaps once we are in Greece we can stay at an inn."
"Mmmmm." Stagira lifted her head up. "That'd be wonderful." She slightly turned her head, but she couldn't really see Cameron. "Do you think Achillia will meet us there?"
Cameron briefly looked down at her lover's profile then she gazed back at the road. "It is highly possible."
Stagira accepted the response with a mere nod. She lapsed into silence for awhile, and her thoughts took her someplace else. She returned her head to Cameron's shoulder and noticed how Cameron didn't refuse her.
"What is it like where you're from?" the human murmured.
The terminator was scanning over the approaching horse drawn wagon, which carried wares and three humans. She ended her visual scan once she determined they weren't a threat. She now focused on Stagira's earlier question.
"It was chaos," the terminator simply answered.
Stagira shut her eyes and whispered, "How was it chaos? There was always fighting between humans and terminators?"
"Yes." Cameron directed Paralus further to the right so they could pass the wagon safely.
"Where was the fighting taking place?" Slowly Stagira started imaging Cameron's previous life before she came here. "In a city?"
The terminator gently tugged on Paralus left rein and rode back to the center of the road. "It was all over the world." She knew that Stagira wanted to know more about her. She urged herself to keep talking so that Stagira would be satisfied. "I fought in a city... what was left of it."
"It was in ruins?"
"Yes," Cameron softly replied. "It was destroyed during Judgment Day."
Stagira's eyes drifted open as a bewildered look came over her. She parted her lips but the question fell short. She bit her lower lip then whispered, "What was the city called in your lands?"
Cameron didn't answer immediately but finally murmured, "Los Angeles."
Stagira tasted and turned the city's name over, but it was indeed foreign to her. She thought more about terminators, a super race compared to humans. She yearned to understand Cameron better so she attempted a new route.
"Have you seen other terminators be killed?"
The gladiatrix broke away from her processes when Stagira's renewed voice cut into her mind. She lowered her eyes to the human. "Yes, I've seen many destroyed… by both humans and terminators."
Stagira bit her lower lip. "Were you close to them? Did you mourn their death?"
Cameron now had the confused expression as she considered the human's question. She hadn't expected a human to ever ask her such things, and it made Cameron hesitate, which was rare for her. "Terminators do not form interpersonal relationships among each other."
Now Stagira straightened up at such odd news. She twisted in the saddle then managed a partial view of Cameron. "You have developed a relationship with me… Britanicus and even Paralus… Achillia." She was mystified by terminators now. "How could you not have any with another of your own kind?"
Cameron struggled within her silence but tried explaining, "It is different among terminators. We were designed to carry out missions and terminate humans. Relationships do not aid us in our mission."
Stagira mulled it over for a beat then challenged, "Is our relationship aiding you now?"
The terminator caught the human's sly smile, and she knew it was a slight tease as much as a serious question. She'd come to understand humans' sense of humor over the anni. She honestly replied, "Yes it has."
Stagira only nodded but didn't press the topic further. She then went back to something Cameron said earlier and asked, "What is Judgment Day?"
Cameron considered whether or not to answer, but she concluded it wouldn't matter how much or little Stagira knew about where she came from. "It is the day my god was born, and she destroyed much of mankind."
Stagira's suspicions were confirmed by the terminator's response. She bit her lower lip and felt her heart sink at such news. She couldn't imagine that hardship for those people in Cameron's former lands. From what she'd learned, it sounded as if it was Hades on Earth for those humans.
After a long silence, Stagira partially turned in the saddle and whispered, "She's no longer your god."
Cameron looked down at the human and blinked once. She canted her head.
Stagira straightened in her seat again. "You're free to make your own choices now."
"Yes," the terminator murmured after a long beat, "I am."
Stagira felt an easiness blanket her upon hearing Cameron's affirmation. She gently squeezed her lover's thigh then grabbed the right saddlehorn. She and Cameron lapsed into silence for awhile again. Stagira couldn't help placing her head against her lover's shoulder.
Cameron had one arm across her lover's waist for support. She kept the reins gathered in her left and occasionally steered the mare around traffic. From their physical contact, Cameron was able to detect Stagira's pulse, and she could tell Stagira was relaxed again. That brought a content sigh from Cameron.
Just ahead, Britanicus stayed ahead of the women. He was on full alert for trouble despite he knew the gladiatrix was doing the same. But he figured he could forewarn of any trouble by being in the lead. He carefully scanned over each passerby, but it was always safe. He was surprised there hadn't been any soldiers on the road. However, he suspected the soldiers were all in Rome and would be leaving in the next day or two now that the games were over.
The small group continued for several candlemarks on Via Flaminia but broke for a light meal about a candlemark after the sun was highest in the sky. The horses were relieved to have a break, especially Paralus. After a candlemark break, the humans and terminator remounted their horses and traveled back to the main road. Cameron calculated they had two more candlemarks to go before they'd make it to the outskirts of Cale. Her calculation had been exact too because the tired horses whined at the bridge just outside of Cale.
"We are here," Britanicus stated. He halted his horse on the edge of the Mallio Bridge. He took in the bridge's beautiful arches that swept over the Bosso River. He could tell it was a sound and wide structure that could carry a proud Roman Legion.
Stagira shifted in the saddle but peered up at her lover. "Where should we camp? We cannot be too close or too far from the road."
Cameron had already considered this, and she tugged on Paralus's left rein. "This way." Luckily there was some woodland so she decided they could easily hide their camp away from the road among the forest.
Britanicus followed behind the pair but kept his head down so he could watch his horse's footing.
The gladiatrix scanned about the area until she was pleased by a clearing in the woods. Off in the distance, she made out the river's low gurgle. This would be a perfect location for them. She stopped Paralus in the center of the clearing then dismounted with ease.
Stagira shifted in the saddle then slid off into waiting hands. She was grateful Cameron helped her down safely.
Britanicus had dismounted too and was already taking care of his tack and saddlebags.
Stagira wasn't lost on what to do. She announced that she would find kindle to start the campfire.
Quickly, the three travelers worked together to set up camp in half a candlemark. They were left with just over a candlemark of daylight. It was enough time for Stagira to debate with Britanicus about what to do for dinner. Britanicus wanted to use their supplies, but Stagira was unsure of the idea because she didn't want to risk going into a Roman town or city for supplies. She wanted to make it to Greece first.
Cameron had been silently working on the campfire. She listened to the humans argue back and forth with various ideas. She didn't realize a meal could be so complex. Finally, she decided it was time to end their argument with her own solution.
Stagira had her back to Cameron, and she slightly jumped when Cameron snuck up behind her. She briefly covered her heart, which skipped a beat or two.
"I will hunt," the terminator stated.
The slave folded his arms and set his stare on his mistress.
Stagira hesitated but finally argued, "But you don't really need to eat."
Cameron briefly regarded her lover and decided it wasn't worth the fight. She instead looked at the slave and inquired, "Do you have a dagger or small knife?"
Britanicus nodded then reached under his tunic and revealed a hidden dagger. He gave it to the gladiatrix.
Cameron looked over the Roman dagger and was satisfied it'd be fine. "I will return." She felt Stagira's eyes on her as she departed the camp.
Britanicus looked back at her mistress. "At least somebody found a solution."
Stagira put her hands on her hips and glowered at her slave. "We have been in each other's company for too many anni."
Britanicus grinned at his owner. "And many more to come, Magni."
"Let's pray so," Stagira whispered with a rueful smile. She headed to the campfire where the saddlebags waited for them.
"What of Achillia?" The slave followed his mistress to the fire. He glanced about for some natural seats within the area. He finally spotted a large, possibly hollow trunk from a fallen olive tree.
"I am unsure." Stagira was picking out items to go along with whatever Cameron brought back to them. "We will discuss it with Cameron later." She paused and looked over at her slave, who was hauling the trunk closer to the campfire. "I suspect one of us will need to wait by the bridge for her."
"She will most likely be here this evening," the slave suggested.
"Most likely," Stagira agreed. She had out some cheese, dried herbs, oil, and two tomatoes that needed to be eaten soon.
"What of the gladiatrix?" Britanicus inquired once he sat on the tree trunk. "Will she stay with us, you think?"
Stagira studied the tomatoes in her right hand then peered over at her slave. "I… do not know." She set the tomatoes on the plate with the cheese.
"Have you not asked, Magni?"
The wealthy woman faintly shook her head. "I am not sure I can bring myself to do it."
Britanicus was quiet for a bit. "She is a freedwoman now." He studied his mistress's profile. "But she cares for you, Magni."
"Perhaps." Stagira pulled out a knife from the saddlebags and started slicing the cheese. "There's an entire world out there for her now." She shrugged and looked over at Britanicus. "How is a villa house enticing to a gladiatrix?"
"You do not know until you ask her," Britanicus argued.
Stagira just shook her head a few times. She bit her lower lip then whispered, "Achillia would be a better pick for her." She went quiet but continued slicing the rest of the cheese block.
On the edge of the clearing, the gladiatrix stood hidden among the trees. She held two dead rabbits in her left hand and the bloody dagger in her right. She stared directly at the humans while she easily listened to their hushed conversation.
"Because she is a warrior too?" Britanicus questioned.
"Yes." Stagira finished with the cheese and now took a seat beside the slave. "They have more in common than she and I."
The slave shook his head and reminded, "Sometimes it is rather boring to be with one's self."
The wealthy woman opened her mouth but faltered at the truth. "And living a quiet life, compared to what she was use to, is less boring?"
Britanicus gently touched his mistress's knee. "Maybe she's ready for a quiet life." He tilted his head and argued, "And maybe you need to let her decide what's best for her." He saw his mistress's mind working his words. "She is free now."
Stagira sighed because her slave was right. "The Fates will tell us, soon."
Britanicus now took the knife from Stagira. "Just support her, Magni… as you have done." He climbed to his feet then went to the food. He wanted his mistress to relax while he prepared the dinner.
Cameron remained silent among the trees. She hadn't moved a fraction as if she were a statue. But her mind was moving incredibly fast as she processed the humans' conversation. It took her a little time to come back to the present, but she finally stepped forward to the camp.
Stagira twisted around upon hearing the gladiatrix's return. She was grateful to see the rabbits in hand.
Cameron approached the pair and stated, "I will clean these." She received a plate from Britanicus. She disappeared back into the woods to skin, gut, and clean the rabbits.
Stagira noted the gladiatrix's odd movements, as if she were stiff. She held back commenting on it and instead stared at the fire. She enjoyed the warmth because the afternoon was already starting to cool off. After last night, she knew how cold the evenings could be out here.
The terminator shortly returned with the diced rabbit meat and handed it off to Britanicus. She also gave him the now clean dagger. She looked between the humans then stated, "I am going to wait by the road for Achillia."
The wealthy woman stood up and faced the terminator. "Are you sure that's wise?" She was concerned that the terminator would be noticed by travelers.
"I will be cautious," Cameron promised. She shifted her left hand onto the hilt of her kopis. She rested her hand there in a developing habit. "If you need me, I will be able to hear you from the road if you yell."
Stagira glanced down at her knelt slave but focused back on Cameron. "Can we save you any dinner?"
"I am not hungry." Cameron paused but softly added, "Thank you though." She said nothing else, turned on her heels, and silently left the camp.
Stagira remained rooted in her spot and watched the gladiatrix leave them. She felt her stomach twist in a knot, but she warded it off and reclaimed her seat. "We should save some for Achillia too."
Britanicus just nodded and went to work on preparing dinner. He was hungry and knew his mistress had to be the same.
Stagira remained by the campfire until she needed her chlamys, which she quickly threw over her shoulders. She stayed quiet for most of the evening, simply lost in her thoughts. She thanked Britanicus when he handed her a warm plate. They sat together on the fallen trunk and only spoke a little.
After the meal, the slave cleaned up, but his mistress took care of the dishes again. He didn't bother arguing like last time. But he did go to the river to check on her because nightfall had set in rather darkly. He helped Stagira carry the items back to camp then he put them away.
Stagira went to her saddlebags and dug through them until she had the cloak that Cameron had worn yesterday. "I am going to see how she's making out." She hung the long cloak from her arm. "I won't be long."
"No rush, ma'am." Britanicus listened to his mistress's leaving, but he decided to setup his mistress's bedroll for the night. He suspected the gladiatrix would stay awake all night again.
Stagira carefully made it out to the road again. She had to go slowly because she only had the moon to guide her. Not far ahead she heard the clip-clop of horse hoofs so she slowed and waited until they were more distant.
Once they passed, Stagira continued to the main road but paused and scanned about the area for the gladiatrix. She had no idea where Cameron could be and dared to call for her or not. She decided if she went onto the road that most likely Cameron would see her. But Stagira only took a half step until she heard the far off rhythmic beat of boots. She quickly realized it was soldiers marching on the road, most likely performing patrol duty around the small city.
Nervously, Stagira backed up few paces until suddenly her back hit cold metal. She spun around with a gasp only to find the bronze gladiatrix before her. "By the gods," she hissed in fear.
Cameron placed her index finger over her sealed lips in hidden signal.
Stagira quickly understood because once she glanced over her left shoulder, she could faintly make out the torchlights coming in their direction.
The terminator slipped her arm around the human's waist then drew her back into the woods. They only went a few paces, and Cameron hid them behind a large tree.
Stagira stayed close to her lover. She noticed Cameron's muscular arm still around her so she grasped Cameron's wrist gently. But she was fixed on the passing torchlights and the soldiers' march across the bridge.
Cameron carefully watched them and listened to them leave the area. Once she was satisfied they were far enough away, she gazed down at her lover. "You were to wait in the camp."
"I know." Stagira faced the gladiatrix and held out the cloak. "I brought you this. I thought you may get cold out here."
The terminator almost argued how the cold didn't bother her, but she read the obvious concern on the human's face. She changed her mind and instead replied, "Thank you." She took the cloak and easily swung it over her shoulders. "Have you eaten?" She pinned the cloak under her neck.
"Yes." Stagira was glad she'd brought the gladiatrix the cloak. "Thank you for getting the rabbits."
Cameron nodded but wasn't sure what else to say.
The wealthy woman shifted on her feet but looked back at the road. "She hasn't shown yet." She was concerned for the other gladiatrix. She rather liked Achillia too.
Cameron kept quiet then took a step away from Stagira after a moment. She tilted her head slightly and began carefully looking at the road when she heard a distant horse trotting.
Stagira saw that the gladiatrix was focused on something. She watched how Cameron worked on identifying who it was coming down the road.
"Wait here," the terminator softly ordered. She caught Stagira's nod then she headed closer to the road. She knelt down just near the side and grabbed her kopis's handle. Yet all her attention was on the south road as she attempted to determine who the rider was coming towards her.
After a few tense beats, Cameron rose up and stepped out onto the road but didn't pull her hand off the kopis. She listened to the horse's slowed pace and all the huffing it was doing from a hard ride, most likely.
The rider sat tall in the saddle and called out, "Who goes there?" Her voice was strong but cautious too.
"It is Cameron," the terminator stated. She released her kopis now that she'd heard Achillia's distinct voice.
Achillia edged her horse closer to the bronze stranger on the road. She gave a broad smile to the gladiatrix once she saw Cameron's distinct features in the moonlight. "Hello, stranger." She steadied her horse, who was acting a bit odd around the terminator. "It is good to see your face, my friend."
The terminator carefully approached the mounted slave, and she kept an eye on the skittish horse. She waited until Achillia dismounted then she came closer. This time, she mimicked Stagira's earlier actions by gently touching the horse's nose. Cameron was pleased that it helped calm the horse.
Achillia gathered the reins over the horse's head then held out her arm to Cameron.
The Gladiator of Heracles clasped arms and gave a strong shake. "You made it safely."
"Yes, amazingly." Achillia released arms and her eyes trailed off to the left. She started a new smile upon seeing Stagira Magni.
Stagira took the terminator's side and held out her hand. "I am glad you made it safe."
Achillia gently shook hands with the wealthy woman. "You as well." She then had a slight frown and mentioned, "We were never properly introduced."
Stagira chuckled and adjusted her chlamys. "I am Stagira Magni."
"It is a pleasure to meet a woman as you, Magni," Achillia warmly whispered and bowed her head. She straightened up and caught Stagira's soft grin.
But nobody noticed Cameron's displeasure that faintly cracked her usual stoic mask. She broke into the conversation and suggested, "We should head back to camp before we are seen."
Stagira nodded her agreement and followed her lover into the woods. She slowed her pace to Achillia's side and asked how her journey went from Rome to Cale. She listened to Achillia's brief story until they came into camp.
Achillia separated and went over to the two other horses that were set on the clearing's edge. She started unpacking the horse and getting ready for a quiet night.
Stagira asked Cameron again if she wanted anything for dinner. But she wasn't surprised when Cameron refused her. "Are you sure?" she softly checked.
"Yes." The terminator glanced over at Achillia then back at Stagira. "I am going to check the parameter." She quickly left the camp after she decided that the humans would be plenty safe now that Achillia was here too.
Stagira sighed at the terminator's second fast retreat. She disliked the knots that were developing in her stomach. She went to the supplies near the fire and prepared a dish for Achillia.
Achillia set down her saddlebags by the campfire. She flashed the wealthy woman a smile once she received a hot meal. "Thank you, Magni."
"Britanicus made it," Stagira argued.
The gladiator glanced over at the resting slave on the opposite side of the fire. "I will be sure to thank him too in the morning." She took a seat on the fallen olive tree next to the freewoman. "You did not have any troubles?"
"None," Stagira replied. "All eyes are on Rome right now."
"Yes," Achillia whispered. She was slowly eating despite she was rather famished. "I wish to thank you for convincing Cameron to free me."
Stagira shook her head and looked away from the gladiator.
"I was not a part of your plan," the gladiator reminded.
"No," the wealthy woman murmured, "but plans can change." She studied the flames that weren't far away. She thought back to the fights from yesterday. "I am not sure why Cameron spared your life in the arena."
"It is a mystery to us both," Achillia replied after she swallowed a mouthful. "But I am grateful for it."
Stagira gave the gladiator a sad smile then looked back at the fire. She listened to Achillia eating then she leaned forward after she propped up her knees. She rested her elbows on her knees and gazed over at the gladiator. "You come from Egypt?"
"Yes." Achillia was done her meal and set the empty plate on the ground. "I am from Alexandria."
"Hmmmm." Stagira tilted her head. "I bet it is beautiful there."
"Very much so," Achillia proudly said. She glanced off to her left when the Gladiator of Heracles reentered the camp.
Stagira's eyes followed Cameron through the camp. She curiously watched as the terminator took a seat near the fire, a few paces away.
"Have you been to Egypt?" Achillia inquired.
"Never." Stagira straightened up but crossed her ankles. "You wish to return to Alexandria?"
"Yes because all my family is there." Achillia reached up and gathered her dark, curly hair. She moved it out of her face as she spoke to the wealthy woman. "I hope to see them again."
"You will," Stagira swore. She offered a warm smile. She then tilted her head and curiously checked, "Is your name Achillia?"
The gladiator chuckled and shook her head after a beat. "It is merely the name my master gave me when I was taken." She became more serious. "My real name is Tawaret."
Stagira had another smile upon hearing the Egyptian name. "What does it mean?"
"She who is great," Cameron spoke up from her silent spot.
Achillia looked over at the gladiatrix. "Yes… it does."
"I like that," Stagira decided aloud. "Is it okay to call you by that name?"
"Of course." The gladiator was happy that the wealthy woman wished to call her by her true name.
Stagira still had her smile until she glanced over at Cameron, who was carefully watching her and Achillia's interactions. She became uneasy by the honed look on the terminator's face and hastily decided it was best not to encourage bad ideas. Stagira climbed to her feet.
"I should get some rest." Stagira collected Achillia's dirty plate. "You should as well." She noted that Britanicus had made prepared her bedroll. "I believe Cameron will keep watch tonight." She left it at that and went to Britanicus's saddlebags where she set the plate down until the morning. She headed to her bedroll after getting her nightshift. On her way, she paused behind Cameron and softly caressed her lover's cheek.
Cameron could barely peer up at Stagira before Stagira was moving again. She glanced over at Stagira by the bedroll then she looked over at Achillia. "You should rest too. I will stay on guard tonight."
"I can help," Achillia politely offered.
"I will be fine," Cameron brushed off.
The gladiator could tell that Cameron had made up her mind. She nodded once then went to her saddlebags. She started preparing for bed and getting her bedroll laid out on the ground. She noted Stagira Magni was already under the furs. Achillia couldn't wait to sleep herself after a long, grueling ride today.
Cameron eventually moved to the trunk seat once the humans were all resting. She kept eye on the fire and checked the parameter at regular intervals. But she mostly thought heavily about the past few days and even further back to when she first met Stagira Magni. She hadn't foreseen herself in this current situation, and it was still a lot to understand yet. However, she had numerous options, and it weighed heavy on her. The only familiarity she had constantly was Stagira Magni, and she didn't much like the idea of it leaving her or having it stolen from her. Yet she knew at some moment, she would have to make a choice and tell Stagira Magni what she chose for her future.
To be continued.