The Glory That Is Rome (a Percy Jackson AU)

A Visit to the Forge

    Jason decided one day that it would be prudent to buy a dagger so that he could defend himself. He had more money now that his mother was dead, but he would trade all of his denarii to be able to hug her one more time. After his pay day, he took most of his coins and stored them in the small vase in his apartment where he was putting his savings.

   Then, he took a few denarii and left his apartment. He walked the streets of Rome, looking for a shop selling weapons. He found a stall selling sword, but they were too expensive so after gazing at them, Jason turned away without buying anything.

    At one point, Jason overheard men outside of a thermopolium discussing politics. He stopped when he heard them mention the emperor.

    "Zeus has had rotten luck," the first man said. "Hera only gave him two daughters and they cannot very well inherit the throne. So he legitimizes his son, Theseus, and then he dies too."

    "Well, Heracles is a strong man," his companion said. "I heard he saved a maid from a lion. He killed the brute with his bare hands."

    The first man snorted and said, "That's all propaganda from the emperor. Don't believe it. Besides, I heard he has a greater appetite for women than even his father!"

    "May the gods help us then," his companion said. "Zeus is growing old, but he is a fine leader. I hope our next emperor is capable."

      Jason started walking again, but his mind stayed on the conversation he had overheard. What if the next emperor of Rome was cruel like Caligula or vicious like Tiberius? Would Heracles  make a good leader? 

     His thoughts were cut off by the smell of smoke. Jason looked across the street and saw a sign for a forge. He entered the building and saw a man beating a sword into shape. He had curly, brown hair and was scrawny, but his motions were deft and he looked up to give Jason an impish smile while he continued to shape the sword.

    "Is there anything I can help you with?" he asked.

    "I was looking to buy a dagger," Jason said.

    "Calypso!" Leo called. "Calypso, can you help this man find a suitable dagger?"

     A girl with caramel-colored hair appeared and led Jason to another room where weapons, horseshoes, and tools were neatly arranged. Jason examined the daggers before picking up a bronzed one that was so polished that he could see his own reflection in it. He paid for the dagger and left.

    It was hotter than it had been previously as Jason walked and soon sweat dripped down his neck and his brow was shiny with sweat. The forge had been hot and Jason felt like he had carried some of the warmth with him. Looking around for shade, he spotted the fornix beneath the Circus Maximus.

    He found an empty one and laid down in in, relishing in the shade it offered. After awhile, he found himself falling asleep. He was woken up by a voice saying, "What are you doing here?'

    Jason looked up. His eyes took in a pretty brunette wearing a toga. He had seen this lupa before. He scrunched his brows together to remember her name and an idea hit him like a brick.   

    "Piper," he said. "I have something for you."

    The woman tilted her head. Piper jumped back as Jason took out his dagger, but he dropped it on the ground and nudged it with one foot towards him. Piper stared at him and then picked it up, unsheathed it, and looked up at Jason again.

  "You can use it if a man attacks you," Jason said, knowing that men were not punished for forcing themselves upon lupae.

    Piper nodded and then left. Jason realized he was holding his breath and relaxed once she was out of his sight. He looked down and saw that her sandals had left imprints in the dusty ground. He squinted and read: follow me. Jason followed her instructions.