The Glory That Is Rome (a Percy Jackson AU)

Unemployed

           Frank was still stunned by Luke's decision to fire the entire Praetorian Guard. Since Augustus assumed power as Caesar, the emperors of Rome relied on the Praetorian Guard for protection. Luke's actions were completely unheard of. Frank kept expecting Luke to reverse his decision. How could he survive without the Praetorian Guard?

    A week after being fired, Frank found out how. Luke had formed his own group of bodyguards whom he called the Protectors of Rome. The group was numbered at 100. They were all slaves and Luke promised to free them after a decade of service. Though Hazel told Frank that Luke should never have fired him, he knew that she was glad that Luke's decision would mean a chance of freedom for slaves.

    Frank woke up the day after the news was announced with a heavy weight on his chest. He had a wife and two kids that he needed to provide for and he had no job. He needed to find a way to put food on the table, but he was not sure where he would find a job. I'll probably make a fool of myself, Frank thought. Oh well, it doesn't matter. I'd be an actor to be able to feed my family.

    Frank gave Hazel and his two children a kiss on the forehead.

   "Where are you going?" Hazel asked as he put on a cloak.

    He had stayed home the past week, waiting for a message telling him that Luke would rehire him. He had done housework and held his babies. It had been satisfying, but Frank was tired of being cooped up.

     "I'm going to look for work," Frank said as he laced his sandals up. "Love you, Hazel."

    She waved at him as he left. He smiled as he walked, thinking of how Sammy liked to sleep on Hazel's pillow and how Bianca liked to grab her parents' hair. Then, the smile slid off of his face. He imagined his wife's milk supply drying up from hunger and his babies crying as they writhed from the pain of hunger. He clenched his jaw; he couldn't let that happen.

    Frank inquired around for jobs. He was met with mocking words and laughter. Many shop owners told him that they didn't need employees; they already had slaves. By the time Frank found himself by the quay, his shoulders were slumped and he was about ready to cry. He looked at the deep water and wondered if he should let himself sink into the depths. At least then Hazel could remarry and feed the kids.

    "Hey," Frank heard someone said. "What's dragging you down?"

    Frank looked up at the speaker. He was a tall man, though shorter than Frank, with blonde hair and blue eyes. He was carrying a heavy box of silks, but he smiled and Frank noticed a scar on his lip.

   "I lost my job," Frank sighed.

    "Hey man," the man said. "If you need a job, I'm sure Michael will hire you. You look strong. Would you be up to unloading cargo from ships"

    Frank nodded and followed the man who introduced himself as Jason. Jason introduced him to Michael who looked at Frank quickly and nodded. When Frank returned to his house that night, it was with coins and hope.