Domain of Power-The Dreamer (Book 3)

Chapter 21: When We Had it All

Ka thump.

Ka thump.

The metal hippo sandals of the horse created a steady melody as the horse plodded through the narrow cobblestone roads. Soon the pleasant yet simple melody would be drowned by the passing of other chariots, meshing together into one disjointed sound of hooves pounding the fitted stones. It was the three of us sitting comfortably in our cushioned seats as we passed a stretch of white-washed tenements. At the ground floor these buildings served as storefronts to patrons, selling mostly foodstuffs. Three stories up, curious strangers peeked outside the small windows. Some faces were ravaged by age. Others were the dirt-stained faces of children. One man appeared to be dumping contents of a chamber pot onto the street below.

Smells of cooking food clashed with the stale dung, blending together in a nauseating stench. I clutched my nose as the chariot rattled along the stretch of tenements Romeos called insula. "So I suppose this is the other side of town," I said.

Julius continued staring ahead before responding. He seemed to be staring out to some distant point although I could not quite make out what it was that transfixed him. "I take this is your first time in these parts of the city." I nodded. "I used to not pay the lowly any mind when they would beg me for money. But now I cannot stop thinking about this stretch as I pass here on my way to the Rhetoric School, which is only a few city blocks away from here when the cityscape changes from cement to marble," Julius sighed. There was a hint of sadness in his words. "All my father wanted was for his sons to live a happy and prosperous life."

Romeos who was sitting beside me piped in, "He always says that." I stared back at Romeos. His growing indifference to the situation baffled me. My face must have given me away because his next words were aimed at me. "What? It is not like I do not want those things for myself Troy," he said with a smirk. "I just do not know what life has in store for me anymore. I used to be so certain that if the Rhetoric school did not work out I could at least inherit my father's business. Well at least you have a clear future Troy. Your life is laid out in front of you," he said, extending his hand outward.

"I suppose so," I said nodding. "I wonder though if we can create our own path," I added.

"I wish," Romeos snorted. "What kind of path are we talking about?" he asked with a hint of mystery.

"I have no answer for that yet," I said trying to choke back a laugh. His light-hearted nature made it hard to hold his frivolous words against him. I think that is what I found so refreshing about him. "I know I am supposed to be the Mediator but sometimes I wonder if I am ready after everything that happened this year."

"You have nothing to worry about. You would make an excellent Mediator," Julius said.

"Julius is right. You always find yourself in the middle of things," Romeos slyly remarked. He was right. I was reminded I was practically sitting between the two. "And besides," he added, "you are very insightful, Troy. The insight you possess would be greatly needed at the council meetings."

I nodded. If Romeos and Julius had faith that I could accomplish the role who was I to doubt myself.

After clearing the end of the city block of close-knit insula, the chariot slowed to a halt. Julius pointed out to the driver the marble and limestone building which was adjacent to the public latrines. I was surprised classes were being held here of all places but there had to be a quiet place for study within its labyrinth of rooms. Then I remembered Apollus telling me that the reading room was being occupied for some weeks. So that is where they held classes. Julius meticulously gathered his scrolls together along with the writing utensils to give the slave to carry.