Noble Lies

by Gary Inbinder

Chapter 20, part 4
Chapter 21, part 1
appear in this issue.

Chapter 21

part 2 of 4

Dax’s eyes lit up at the mention of a mountain lodge. “Yeah, Luddy, that would be swell. Is that why you brought me here, to tell me you’re giving me a lodge?”

“’Giving’ isn’t quite the right word, Dax. I’m offering you the opportunity to earn one.”

Putting down his glass and cigar, Dax replied, “I’m listening, my lord.”

“I believe one of your aunts is the head of the Vestal Virgins?”

“Was the head Vestal Virgin, my lord; Livia Drusilla Dax is now the Reverend Mother Superior of one of Cato’s new holy orders.”

“Exactly so; I need a favor of the Reverend Mother, and I’m willing to give her a very handsome donation in return. Of course, you must keep this strictly confidential. Only the Reverend Mother and I will know the subject of the favor, and only you will know that we met to discuss it.”

Dax dropped his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “You’ll keep this secret from the Pontifex Maximus, my lord?”

Smiling at Dax’s somewhat paranoid tone, Ludwig replied, “Yes, the Pontifex mustn’t know anything about this matter.”

Relaxing a bit and returning to a normal voice, Dax said, “I see.” After a moment, he asked, “Where does the mountain lodge come in?”

“That’s your commission, if the business is successfully concluded.”

After considering Ludwig’s offer for a moment, Dax responded, “Very well, Luddy. When do you want to meet her?”

“As soon as possible; tomorrow would be best.”

“That’s awfully quick, but I believe it can be arranged.”

“Do it, then. You have my secure number. Contact me as soon you’ve set up the meeting. Now, we’d better get back to our party.”

On their way to the door, Ludwig stopped Dax and urged, “Remember, if your aunt doesn’t do what I want, you don’t get your lodge; so be persuasive.”

Confident, Dax assured him, “Not to worry, Luddy, it’s practically a done deal.”

“One more thing, Dax, Luddy’s fine, when we’re in private. However, in front of others...”

With a serious frown, Dax interrupted, “Of course, my lord.”

Early the next morning, after the guests had gone and Aurelia was sound asleep, Ludwig took an elevator to a sub-basement in his building. He walked down a corridor past his cyborg guards, stopped in a highly restricted area and then entered a concealed chamber through a camouflaged portal in the hallway wall. After turning on a dim ceiling lamp, Ludwig took the Aureus from his neck, knelt in the center of the room and placed the coin against a small, metal plate on the concrete floor. The plate glowed with green-gold light as a hidden door in the wall silently slid open.

Two spears rested in a golden rack behind the secret door. One was the spear Finn hurled at Ludwig in the Coliseum. The other was a copy delivered to Ludwig that morning. Dr. Cornelius Agrippa, the new Chairman of Plotinus Industries, made the duplicate spear according to Ludwig’s instructions. No one else knew of its existence.

Ludwig contemplated the two spears and then gazed at the crossed weapons on the Aureus. After a few minutes, he closed the door, left the room and returned to the elevator. Leaving the elevator, he entered his penthouse and then tiptoed into the bedroom, careful not to awaken Aurelia.

Ludwig watched Aurelia sleep. He wondered at Finn’s creation, at once so beautiful and loving and at the same time so unpredictable and deadly. Like nature herself, he thought. Then he climbed into bed, curled up next to Aurelia’s warm back and went to sleep.

At ten a.m. the morning after the dinner party, Dax called Ludwig on a secure line. Ludwig took the call in his bedroom.

“Aunt Livia will meet you in the cloisters at the former Temple of Vesta at eleven this evening.” Dax gave Ludwig the coordinates, adding, “I suggest you make one of your magical appearances to avoid being followed.”

“Thanks, Dax, that was quick work. Did your aunt seem amenable to working with me in secret?”

“She’s thrilled, Luddy, the Reverend Mother’s a big fan of yours.”

Ludwig said goodbye to Dax and then rang for an android valet. Ludwig dressed in a blue cotton shirt, raspberry silk ascot, a tan camelhair jacket, flannel trousers and brown loafers.

After dressing, he walked up a flight of stairs to the roof garden, where he joined Aurelia for a late breakfast. He opened the steel and glass rooftop door and saw her standing under a yellow awning, serving herself at the buffet. There was a slight overcast, but the breeze was mild. A sudden gust lifted the skirt of Aurelia’s white cotton dress; she reached behind her, smoothing it down.

Turning her head, Aurelia smiled and called out, “Hi, Luddy, lovely Saturday morning, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is,” he replied. Joining her at the buffet, Ludwig noticed her plate piled high with scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, a buttered toasted muffin and fried potatoes. “It’s not your usual, is it?”

“You mean my breakfast? Remember, darling, I’m eating for two.”

Smiling, Ludwig stroked the short, black hair sprouting above her forehead and said, “Of course you are.” Examining her scalp, he added, “It’s starting to look like some new style of women’s haircut; you could be setting a fashion.”

“Do you think so, Luddy? I was considering a wig for the wedding and coronation.”

“Nonsense, I’ll bet you’ve already provided inspiration for the latest Alexandra Dax creation.”

Aurelia smirked and replied, “God help us.”

To be different, Ludwig took a plain croissant, grapefruit and tea, and then escorted Aurelia to the wrought iron, glass-topped table. Sitting beneath the fluttering, striped umbrella, Ludwig commented, “If we were still just an ordinary couple, I’d suggest a walk along the Memorial Park breakwater.”

Taking a sip of her tea, Aurelia looked beyond Ludwig toward the sea. The sun was trying to emerge from behind puffy white clouds, and a few gulls circled over the sparkling glass and steel downtown buildings. Sighing, Aurelia replied, “Those days are over, Luddy.”

“Yes, and for us, those days were few.” Ludwig drank some tea, grimaced and muttered, “How can you drink this dishwater?” Snapping his fingers, he caught the attention of an android servant. Handing her the teacup, he said, “Get rid of this and bring me some hot, strong black coffee.”

Aurelia giggled. After the servant left to fetch the coffee, she said, “Same old Luddy.”

“I haven’t changed much, have I?”

“You’ve changed, but not too much.”

The sound of a distant ship’s horn echoed through the quiet, concrete canyon-like boulevards. Ludwig turned his head toward the harbor and said, “I’m leaving on a short, secret mission. I won’t be gone long, so please don’t worry.”

Surprised, Aurelia set down her teacup and asked, “When are you going?”

Looking at her, Ludwig replied, “This evening; I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Won’t you tell me what this is all about?”

“I’m sorry, I can’t. I’ll explain everything to you after I return.”

Aurelia frowned and grumbled, “That’s not fair, Luddy. I thought we weren’t going to keep secrets from one another.”

“I’m not keeping anything from you; I just can’t tell you now.”

Getting up from the table, Aurelia questioned sarcastically, “Fine, so I’m supposed to smile, keep silent, and worry until you return?”

Irritated, Ludwig snapped, “Yes, that’s right.”

Aurelia turned her back on Ludwig and began walking away from the table just as the servant brought the coffee.

Seeing Aurelia leave, the android asked Ludwig, “Are you finished with breakfast, my lord?”

“No, I’m staying; and bring me the morning papers.”

Aurelia left the rooftop terrace, glancing back at Ludwig before entering the elevator.

He drank his coffee without looking up.

Ludwig spent about half an hour finishing his breakfast and reading the papers and then went downstairs to his study. Not seeing Aurelia, he rang for Sejanus.

The cyborg entered the study and closed the door behind him. Standing at attention in the middle of the room, Sejanus waited for orders.

“Did lady Aurelia leave the building?”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Where did she go?”

“She went to Queen Artemisia’s residence, my lord.”

“She went without a guard?”

“Yes, my lord.”

Muttering, “Well, I suppose she can take care of herself,” Ludwig added, “I want them watched, unobtrusively. I’ll expect a full report from you tomorrow evening.”

“I understand, my lord. May I go now?”

“Yes, you may.” After the cyborg left the study, Ludwig thought about calling Artemisia but then changed his mind, hoping Aurelia would return before he left that evening. She didn’t.

Ludwig materialized in the shadowy cloisters at eleven p.m. sharp, about ten feet in front of the Reverend Mother Superior. Livia Drusilla Dax jumped almost an inch off the ground and squeaked,” Good heavens.” Raising her hand to her lips, she composed herself, saying, “Pardon me, my lord, you gave me a start.”

Smiling, Ludwig replied, “Not to worry, Reverend Mother, I sometimes have that effect on people even when they’re expecting me.” Ludwig wore a black, hooded cloak and carried a long, cylindrical leather case used to carry fishing rods.

Livia escorted Ludwig down the dark, cloistered flagstone walkway until they reached a small doorway in the white plastered wall. Entering the chamber through an oak and iron-strap hinged door, Ludwig noted the Spartan simplicity of the stone-floored, white-walled dimly lit room.

Sitting next to Livia, on a rustic, unfinished wooden chair, he quickly studied the aristocratic nun’s appearance. Covered from head to ankle in a plain, undyed woolen wimple and robe, she wore simple leather sandals on her bare feet.

Looking at the face peering out from under the wimple, he tried to determine her age. Considering her fair, youthful complexion, clear blue eyes, aquiline features and naturally red lips, he figured she was in her early thirties. In fact, the former Vestal Virgin had just turned forty and according to ancient law could have returned to the world after completing thirty years service in the Temple of Vesta.

Gazing at Livia, with a winning smile, Ludwig said, “Thank you Reverend Mother, for agreeing to meet me in this clandestine fashion on such short notice.”

Livia responded in a soft, patrician accented voice, “I’m honored, my lord, that our future Emperor would ask me to be of service. My nephew fully apprised me of the urgent importance of your request and the necessity for complete confidentiality. I will do what I can to help you.”

“I assume Dax also told you that your reward for assisting me will be considerable?”

“As you know, my lord, we are sworn to poverty; however, a donation will be very welcome.”

“Of course, Reverend Mother, let me tell you what I have in mind. As you may know, the Senate confiscated the property of Consul Finn and his wealthy followers. Much of that property is now within my control. You may be familiar with the estates of ex-Consul Flavius?”

Her eyes lighting up like votive candles, Livia replied, “Indeed I am, my lord. They are extensive, and the revenues must be worth millions.”

“Quite so, Reverend Mother; I was thinking those estates would make a nice retreat for you and your sisters.”

“My sisters and I would be most appreciative, I assure you, my lord, we’ll pray for you and lady Aurelia night and day.”

“We’ll be grateful for your prayers, Reverend Mother. However, I’ll also require a special favor from you.”

“Of course, my lord, please tell me what you want.”

“I believe you know where the Pontifex keeps the true Spear of Fate. I need to borrow it for just a few hours this evening. Once I’m done, I’ll return it to its hiding place with no one the wiser. I’ve even brought a duplicate to leave in its place while it’s on loan.”

Gazing at Ludwig in astonished silence, Livia finally managed to ask, “What makes you think, my lord, that I know anything about the Spear of Fate?”

Ludwig smiled, leaned a bit closer and replied, “Traditionally, the Vestal Virgins were guardians of all sorts of important documents, relics, etc. I know the Pontifex kept the true spear in his alternate world castle, and I believe he’s going to transfer it to his newly consecrated Capitol Hill Church. What’s more, I wouldn’t be surprised if he left it in your custody for safe-keeping until he’s ready to make the final transfer.”

Frowning, Livia said, “According to ancient law I could be flogged for betraying such a trust.”

Placing his hand on her arm reassuringly, Ludwig whispered, “No one will know, and even if the Pontifex found out, you’d be under my protection. Cato wouldn’t dare punish you over my objection.”

Shaking her head, Livia replied, “Even an Emperor can’t change the Ecclesiastical Laws.” Thinking a moment, she added, “You did say all the Flavian estates, didn’t you?”

“Absolutely, Reverend Mother, and if I know Cato, he’ll be so thrilled with my donation to your sacred order, he won’t be troubled by my borrowing some old relic. Not, of course, that he’d ever know that I borrowed it.”

Looking down at her hands, Livia sighed, “You tempt me, my lord.”

Ludwig decided to add more bait to the hook. Gently touching her hand and smiling warmly when she looked up at him, Ludwig replied, “What if I throw in the adjoining Chateau Phoebus vineyards?”

“Chateau Phoebus is also within your gift, my lord?”

Ludwig nodded in the affirmative.

After pondering the matter for a moment, Livia questioned, “You promise you won’t borrow it for longer than a day, and return it as soon as you’re done?”

“You have my word of honor, Reverend Mother.”

Looking at his unusual black leather container, Livia asked, “Does that hold the duplicate?”

“Yes, it does. The best work of Plotinus Industries; the Pontifex himself couldn’t distinguish it from the original.”

“Very well, my lord, I can’t believe you’d ask me to do anything wrong, and your generous donation is for the greater good of our Church, after all.”

“That’s true, Reverend Mother. I see this as the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship. Now, tell me where you keep the spear.”

“It’s in a vault, below our new altar.”

“Do you have a map I can follow to the location?”

“Yes, I do. I assume you can materialize in the vault, according to the map coordinates?”

Ludwig nodded in response.

“I also have a signet ring that opens the lock to the vault. Please return it to its box when you’re done with the spear.” Getting up from her chair, Livia turned, facing the northwest corner of the chamber. She raised her right hand; a portal instantly appeared in the whitewashed brick wall. Looking back at Ludwig, she said, “Follow me, my lord.”

Livia and Ludwig walked down a vaulted, redbrick torch-lit passageway. The air in the shadowy corridor was damp and cold, but fresh enough to keep the flickering torches burning. Ludwig almost tripped over a scampering rat, and he had to duck occasionally to avoid bumping his head on the low ceiling arches.

About thirty paces into the secret passage, Livia stopped, reached over to her right and pulled down on a torch-bearing wrought-iron sconce. Some brickwork in the opposite wall opened, revealing a small, hidden niche. Reaching into the recess, Livia retrieved a tiny iron box, opening its lock with a key hanging from a chain on her rope girdle. Lifting the lid, she handed the box to Ludwig, saying, “Take the map and the ring, my lord.”

After removing the articles, Ludwig returned the iron case to Livia. Ludwig opened the map and studied it, holding it under the torch so he could see every tiny detail.

“Remember this place, my lord, you’ll see it marked on the map.” Pointing up the corridor, Livia added, “Twenty paces beyond, there’s a hidden portal in the right-side wall leading to a stairway. At the bottom of the stairs is a passage to the crypt containing the remains of generations of Vestal Virgins both old earth and new. In the center of the chamber you’ll find the tomb of Rhea Sylvia. Did you learn about her in school, my lord?”

“Uh, no, I think I’d better...”

“She was the daughter of Numitor, King of Alba Longa and a descendent of the hero, Aeneas of Troy. Rhea Sylvia was the first Vestal Virgin and mother of Romulus and Remus, the founders of old earth Rome. According to legend, Numitor’s brother, Amulius, usurped the throne of Alba Longa, killing Numitor’s son and forcing Rhea Sylvia to become a Vestal sworn to celibacy for thirty years, so she could have no heirs to challenge Amulius.

“The god Mars desired Rhea and raped her; the twins, Romulus and Remus were the result. Amulius ordered Rhea buried alive, the punishment for breaking her vows; he also ordered a servant to kill the twins, but the servant took pity and set the babies adrift on the river Tiber. Tiberinus, the river god, saved the twins, giving them to the she-wolf, Lupa, to nurse, and then he rescued and married Rhea Sylvia. Of course, Romulus and Remus grew up, overthrew the tyrant Amulius and founded the City of Rome.”

Finishing her mythology lesson, Livia smiled and stroked Ludwig’s muscular forearm; pressing her body against his, she whispered, “My lord, you’re the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen; if you told me you were the war god himself, I’d believe you.”

To be continued...