Skaia by Ayden Sadari Read Free Book Online Page A

wrinkled tunic. “I still… awful.”
    Castor made sure his face was stern. “Yes, you still look awful. But you’ll be doing different work today. It won’t matter.” He proceeded to hand out tasks to all the household men still gathered around.
    Gotus was given the job of showing Skaia how to scrub floors. He nodded and left to pick up supplies, touching Skaia’s arm and telling the boy to come with him.
    Some of the outdoor torches were still lit and it was in their vicinity that Gotus chose to start. “We’ll be able to see better when the sun is fully up,” he told Skaia, but it was clear the child did not understand. Still, Skaia watched him closely and imitated his actions, scouring each tile carefully, determined not to be found lacking today.
    When a young boy appeared in the atrium, holding a lamp, Gotus touched Skaia’s arm and whispered, “Thaddeus’ son, Glaucus, on his way to lessons. He will be your new master.”
    Skaia looked at Gotus in confusion. “Not understand. New master?”
    “ On his birthday.” Gotus sighed softly in frustration when it was obvious Skaia didn’t understand. “Castor will explain it,” he finally muttered and wet his brush again.
    Turning his attention back to the floor, Skaia thought about the little boy Gotus had pointed out. A child younger than he was, a new master? He couldn’t comprehend the idea. Surely Roman children were not given slaves? Skaia glanced up one more time to see this child leave the domus, accompanied now by an older slave.

    By late morning, Skaia had finished the scrubbing in the atrium. Though he’d seen the large space often when he swept around the perimeter, this was the first time he’d been allowed in it and had the opportunity to examine it closely. The floor was made of tiles that were very smooth and well fitted. The area under the open roof was a mosaic picture of birds and plants. In spite of his aching knees, the boy felt at it, amazed at its intricate workmanship.
    He was looking at the finely sculpted columns that held up the roof when Gotus came for him. He hoped desperately that his work was done, but Gotus explained he must now do the stone walkways in the peristylium.
    This was yet another area of the domus that Skaia had not seen before. Large and open to the sky in the private section, it was where the rest of the masters had their own chambers. After receiving his new orders, Skaia reluctantly picked up his bucket and brush and left the atrium to continue working.
    He had just finished with the pathway to the peristylium when he encountered the old master, Thaddeus’ father, kneeling in the dirt of the garden with his slave at his side. Skaia was not sure if he should continue working, or if his presence would disturb them. And he was afraid to ask. But Paulinus looked up and waved him over. “Do you remember me, Skaia?” He noticed immediately that the boy seemed to freeze, and that he was afraid to answer. He deliberately softened his voice. “It’s fine if you don’t. I won’t be angry.”
    Skaia felt relief wash over him. “I sorry, Master. I remember you be… you be Master Thaddeus’ father. I not remember name.” He dipped his head in embarrassment. “I sorry, sir.”
    The other slave was standing now and started to step forward, but Paulinus stopped him, and instead reached out himself to lift the child’s chin. “I am Paulinus. And this is my slave, Lucius.” When he saw the obvious fear in those dark blue eyes, he added kindly, “We won’t hurt you. You don’t need to be afraid of us.”
    The boy seemed to relax. “Thank you, Master Paulinus, sir. I… I be pleased to meet you, sir.” He shifted his eyes to look at Lucius. “And you, sir.”
    Paulinus laughed softly, amused at the odd pronunciation of his name. He found this youngster totally endearing. “Can you bring your bucket? We need to water the plants.”
    Skaia turned immediately, careful to avoid the plants, and lifted the