“Hoods up,” said Lela, flipping hers far over her head, shadowing her face within.
The ship neared the dock in the harbor.
“Hoods up,” I agreed, flipping mine to cover my head as well.
We waited for the crew to tie the ship to the dock and release the gangway, then we were gone.
The streets were empty near the docks as was expected. The city would be celebrating toward the center, in the forum and taverns surrounding. Those who joined in. Many families would be sequestered behind locked doors. Once alcohol began to flow heavily and the night wore on, it could become dangerous.
I led the way to Koska’s apartment first. The crowds thickened as we walked deeper into the Aventine. No one even gave us a second glance, the people spilling out of the taverns too deep in their cups. As expected, we passed several people—couples and trios—fucking in alleys or up against the sides of a shops.
While winding through the drunken crowds, a half-naked woman streaked through squealing with laughter, a man wearing only goatskin pants chasing after her.
I gripped Lela’s hand and pulled her behind me to shield her from the wild throng. Taking the lead once we were deep in the Aventine, I sped faster through the narrow streets toward Koska’s apartment.
Guiding her up the stairs, there were two men fucking in the corner of the balcony where Lela and I had watched the triumph in the forum. That day felt like a lifetime ago.
Entering the corridor, which was empty, we stopped at the third door, and I knocked hard. No one answered. I knocked again, this time speaking toward the door.
“Koska. It’s me.”
Instantly, it jerked open, Koska greeting me with a smile and opening the door wide. “Hurry, hurry.”
We rushed inside, pushing off our hoods.
Koska’s eyes widened at seeing Lela, but he didn’t comment, instead bolting the door before he turned to us.
“It’s so good to see you. Caesar has lost his mind ever since you left.”
“Since when did he ever have it?” I muttered.
Koska shook his head. “It’s worse. The praeco announced that you, your grandfather, and the slave woman known as Lela”—he glanced at her beside me—“are enemies of the state. Anyone hiding you in their homes would be executed immediately and he gave the praetorians full rein to use whatever force they deem necessary to search homes.”
“And they’ve been using that force indiscriminately, I imagine,” I added.
“Not only that,” said Koska. “Since Legatus Drussus isn’t on campaign, he’s using his officers and soldiers to search the entire city.They were even here in the Aventine yesterday. They’ve been turning the city upside down, trying to find you. Several people have died during these so-called searches.”
“Fear is his best tool to control others,” I added. “It always has been.”
“There were reports of praetorians patrolling the docks as well. I’ve been lying low here, hoping they didn’t come knock on my door to ask me questions.” He blew out a breath. “Indeed, I thought you were them when you came knocking.”
“We didn’t see anyone on the docks when we arrived,” said Lela.
Koska shrugged. “Fortunately, as soon as the Luperci priests began the rites of the festival, the searches stopped. Most are celebrating the festival, though some are still patrolling the streets. Youmustbe careful.”
“Don’t worry, Koska,” said Lela. “We know the danger. We plan to get in and out of the dungeon as quickly as possible.”
He gave a stiff nod then turned back to me. “There are rumors that Caesar plans to make a spectacle of the Visigoth’s death at the end of the festival. A public burning by dragon fire in the arena.”
“Gods above,” whispered Lela.
“That would be a spectacle,” I said, “if it were actually going to happen. Koska, pack your bag and report to theMercuryon the docks. We will be back on board within the hour.”
“Yes, sir.”
With that, Lela and I donned our hoods then left. The couple on the balcony had gone as well, and there was no one along the back alley I led her down, the same way I guided Lela the last time we’d gone to Mamertine Prison.
While the entire city was drunk off wine and desire, we slipped quickly through, just as I’d planned. It seemed to be going too smoothly, which had me on full alert. It couldn’t be this easy.
