The Celtic Refuge

Chapter 1: Rome 59 AD

Levia found it difficult to control her terror as she watched a line of women haul carts of rocks to a stacking pile. Just like the other women, Levia was lead into an underground cave and sold into slavery. A majority of them thought that they'd have a life of luxury as an aristocrat or suitor to a Roman nobleman. But due to the selfishness and cruelty of their relatives, they had no such chance. Levia was among them. After being sold to an arrogant socialite, she was rounded up with a group of slaves sold around the same time as her, stripped fully naked, and immediately put to work. Now here she was, tied to a wooden pole with a metal choker around her neck. Her hands were bound together above her head while her feet were bound together below. Earlier in the day, Levia was forced into sexual favors by the slave warren named Martina, a tall, robust woman with long brunette hair. She referred to Levia as her "favorite cheeky blonde" all because she had glanced at her while stacking rocks with the other slaves. This didn't feel right, nor was it right at all. A person shouldn't have to be tormented for being human, Levia thought to herself. Suddenly, she heard footsteps coming towards her. It was Martina. "Enjoying your spa treatment," she asked as she seductively came closer to Levia. "No one else seems to be getting a break," said Levia sarcastically. Martina placed one of her cold fingertips on her shoulder and used the others to gently stroke her breast. "You're the most special to me," she said. "In fact, I have a more special job for you." She untied Levia and took her by the hand. Then they walked over to what looked like a water irrigation system. Women were passing down a single bucket of water in a line. Martina walked over to the end of the line and took the bucket from a woman that was standing at the end. "You're finished here," said the warren. "Collect some more stones." The women nodded and walked away. Levia was placed in the line and given the bucket. "When you're the last one to be given water," said Martina. "Pour it down that hole." Then she walked away smirking. Without another word, the work continued. As she poured each bucket of water down the hole, Levia was confused as to why she switched jobs. But it soon didn't take long to figure it out. She saw Martina out of the corner of her eye standing and watching. Although it appeared she was monitoring the work taking place, Martina was really watching for Levia to bend forward with the bucket so she could get a glimpse at her derrière. This only made Levia feel even more uncomfortable and humiliated. All day long she couldn't go about without Martina stalking her in some way. She couldn't even eat her palm-sized portion of food without being watched or grouped. The other slaves had it even worse than her unfortunately. If someone disobeyed orders they were punished with torture while everyone else was forced to watch. Some slaves were even forced to carry out the actual punishments in shame. Of course there were others who were bullied severely by the warrens as they worked in excruciating pain. Any methods at all to degrade them was used to remind them of their place in inferiority. As the day went by, dusk was slowly fading into the night. The day slaves were ordered back into their cells so the night slaves could begin continuing the work. All of the day slaves made their way to their cells... except Levia. She let out a gasp when she was taken by the arm by Martina. The rest of slaves glanced in shock. "Keep moving." Martina shouted. "There is nothing for you to see." Everyone else looked away in fear. Martina took Levia with her to her private chamber. A female night warren was standing in the doorway. "You're good to go,"said Martina upon entering. The night warren smirked as she left the chamber. "Very special one, huh," she said as she glanced at the slave. "She holds more value than the rest of them," said Martina. The night warren's cackling echoed in the hall then quickly faded away. As soon as they were alone, Martina turned to Levia. "You're staying close with me," she said. "I would hate to lose my favorite cheeky blonde." Then she laid out a large animal hide on the floor. Hesitantly Levia laid down as Martina blew out her lantern and left her alone in with the only other light coming from the torch-lit hallway. The former princess couldn't sleep. She laid on the hide with her eyes open, traumatized by the events of the day. The pain, the humiliation, and the harassment was all too much. It was very hard to understand why it had to be this way. Tears streamed down Levia's face as she wondered if her fate at all could be changed.