Happiness
Chapter 1
The feeling of extraordinary happiness and relief overwhelmed her so at that moment, as she rushed to enfold Damon into her arms that she forgot to thank the shy Greek. She remembered later as the three of them � Damon, Pythias, and herself � returned to her house after the long celebration that the people of Syracuse gave in honor of the moral defeat of Dionysius the tyrant in the face of the public. She had expressed her gratitude then, but Pythias merely smiled and said that what Damon did for him far surpassed any thanks. He left shortly after to comfort his wife, who was back in Athens, probably thinking him dead. As Adriana watched him walk further and further away, she kept thinking back to those horrifying last minutes before the sunset. They seemed so far away now in the tranquility of this departing night � almost centuries away � and yet it all happened only some eight hours ago. She shuddered at the memory, and then she felt strong arms wrap themselves gently around her shoulders. A warm feeling spread inside her as she leaned back against Damon�s tall frame and closed her eyes. Damon looked down on her wavy mane of hair, and a mischievous smile crossed his lips. �You know something,� he said as gravely as he could, �Pythias told me there are many beautiful girls in Athens, and most of them are not even married.� He waited a few moments, letting the words sink in. �Now that is an outrage! To think that I would have to sail all the way to Athens to find one for myself! I guess I will just have to do with what is available here.�
The reaction followed instantly just as Damon expected. Adriana turned around abruptly, and Damon found himself flat on his back with Adriana on top of him ready to scratch his eyes out. �Shush, shush, shush, you little wildcat,� he breathed out, laughing, as he gripped her wrists when her sharp nails came dangerously close to his face. And, before she could say anything, he reached up, sealing her mouth with a kiss. The anger in her eyes collided with the hearty laughter in his and, finally, subsided. Her eyes closed sensuously, and she gave in to the waves of passion that flowed over her, shutting out everything else but the gentle warmth and closeness of his body.
***
A warm ray of sunlight came down through a hole in the awning and playfully touched her cheek. Adriana opened her eyes and blinked as the roguish beam used the opportunity to momentarily blind her. She turned her head away, smiling, and looked tenderly at the man who lay sleeping next to her. He looked so sweet, so childlike. She held out her hand, gently ruffling his hair, and he murmured something in his sleep, brining another smile to her lips. Adriana loved him, she was sure of it. She recalled that time when she told Pythias that Damon was just a good friend. But she had known then that she was lying. And Pythias probably knew that too, judging by the sheepish smile that crossed his lips before he looked away. She loved Damon with all her heart. She even loved the foolish pranks he played on her. More than anything in the world she wanted to be with him, as they were now � warm and comfortable in each other�s arms. And to think that she had almost lost him�. Adriana suddenly felt a wave of fear rush over her at the thought of Dionysius. What if he decided to go back on his promise to give Damon life? What if� These thoughts sent shivers down her spine, and she brushed them off and cuddled up closer to Damon, burying her face in his chest.
***
Dionysius was a very egocentric, proud man, used to strict and complete obedience from his subjects. He could not and would not forgive Damon or Pythias for humiliating him in front of his people. Pythias, he was informed, had left for Athens. But Damon was here in Syracuse, and Dionysius was determined to have him pay dearly for his defiance. He was not sure how yet, but he hoped that the gods would be gracious and show him the way. And, to his great delight, the gods turned out to be gracious indeed.
As Dionysius paced back and forth, trying to come up with some devious plan to destroy Damon, his new military chief who had been appointed only a few hours after Cariso�s death, came into his chamber.
�What is it, Theophilus?�
�Your pardon, my lord, but there is a man to see you.�
�Who?�
�Carolus, a slave trader from Rome.�
�Rome?� Dionysius narrowed his eyes, trying to remember where he heard the mention of that place, and, finally, waved his hand in approval, �Yes, yes. Let him in.�
Theophilus nodded and walked out, returning a few moments later with a short but stocky middle-aged man with an air of confidence about him. The stranger bowed respectfully and stood still, waiting for the ruler to speak. Dionysius regarded the man silently for some time before finally addressing him.
�What do you wish from me, Carolus?�
The stranger grinned, �Has your man not informed you, my lord, that I am a slave trader?�
Dionysius echoed the grin, �I am aware of that. But what do you wish of me?�
Carolus shrug his shoulders, �I was informed that if I am to do business here in Syracuse I must have your approval. Is that not so?�
Dionysius nodded. �I shall have the guard lead you to our prison so that you may choose the ones you like.�
�I thank your lordship,� the stranger said with a slight bow.
An idea suddenly crossed Dionysius� mind, bringing a malevolent spark into his eyes. �What are you planning to do with the slaves you buy?�
Carolus licked his lips, �Rome is a young city yet, my lord. Many things need to be built.�
Dionysius nodded understandingly, �So, you will need strong men � with plenty of endurance.�
�That is precisely what I am looking for, yes.�
�In that case, I believe I have just the right man for you.�
�Oh?� Carolus looked puzzled. �Is he among those in prison?�
�No,� Dionysius shook his head. �No. In fact, he has not even been arrested yet.� A wicked smile crossed the dictator�s lips, and he added, �But this will be amended shortly.� He motioned for Theophilus to approach him and whispered something into his ear. The military chief seemed puzzled at first, but soon the malevolent expression of his ruler mirrored on his dark face, and with a quick, �Yes, my lord,� he exited the room.