The Slave's Gladiator

Chapter 11: Panormus

The early morning of the salty sea kissed Valeria's skin as she leaned against the railing. The ocean's calm waves crashed against the boat below.

Despite her night duties tending to a feverish gladiator, the ocean mist left her refreshed and ready for the day ahead. Did my father feel like this everytime? If so, she could see why he never let the sea go.

"I never thought I would meet an earlier riser than me." Divco's smile softened. "You continued to surprise me." His gaze scanned the waking sun. "Though I would expect nothing less from a slave."

Valeria stiffened. Wait, how did he know?

"Don't worry." He chuckles. "If Gamba wants me to take a person anywhere then they're most likely a slave." His lips twitched. "He knows I detest the whole thing as an ex-slave myself."

Wait did that mean-

"Have you met a slave named Tullia?" Valeria's heart knocked against her chest. "She's young and brave and she went with Gamba to the port a few days earlier."

"Tullia, huh?" Divco shook his head. "No, I don't think I heard of her. Then again, I had one of my merchants under me arrive around that time. It's possible she left with them." But did that mean she was safe? Her heart knocked against her ribs. Where was she?

"So, Valeria," he leaned against the railing. "Have you thought about what you're going to do with your new found freedom?"

Those last words grabbed her attention. My new found freedom? Even though the thought of freedom no longer left her confused and panicked like it did before, she still had no idea what she actually wanted in life. "No. I've been dreaming of this moment so long I haven't really thought of what to do." Her future was so unclear. I can't hang on to Gamba forever, right?

He had a home, a future unlike her.

"Well, you could always be a merchant."

A merchant? "Like my father?"

"Why not? You have the eyes and the skills." Divco's smile softened. "I know a few people who might be willing to give you a shot. Hey, you're traveling with one now."

Wait, did he mean, Gamba? He did say his brother had business, but did that mean he was part of a merchant trade?

"So that's what you did with your freedom?"

"Yep." He stretched out toward the wind. Valeria grimaced at some of his cracking joints. "I told myself that no one would keep me captive ever again. Now I travel the world, learn new languages and customs. I live the life I always wanted."

He met her gaze. "So, Valeira, I guess the question is, what is the life you always wanted?"

The life I wanted? Valeria frowned. The life she wanted was taken away from her the moment her lover climbed into the carriage.

But maybe, maybe, it wasn't too late to start a new one.

Coughing cut through her thoughts. Gamba covered his mouth just as another coughing fit shook his body.

"What are you doing up?" Valeria was at his side instantly. Her head pressed against his warm forehead. "You should be resting."

His hand pushed her away. "I got tired of resting," he croaked. His gaze flickered between the two of them. "What were you two talking about?"

"We were just-"

"I was just telling Valeria here that she would make a fine merchant." His gaze flickered to Gamba. "Don't you think so, Gamba?"