Struggling with misgivings, she hurried after him. “Let me hold him, Atretes.”
“I’ll give him back to you when we’re off this ship.”
Helpless to stop him, she looked back at the others. All were occupied with gathering their belongings, and he wouldn’t listen to them anyway. Peter ran to Atretes before he could disembark.
“Where are you going? Aren’t you going to stay with us?”
“No,” Atretes said, casting the boy an impatient look.
“Theophilus told us where to go.”
“Go back to your mother.”
“But—”
“Go!”
Blinking back tears, Peter backed away.
Rizpah watched the boy and turned to Atretes. “Why were you so cruel to him? He loves you.”
“Be silent!” He stepped onto the plank walkway and started down. She had no choice but to follow. When they reached the dock, she had to walk quickly to keep up with him. He was in a hurry to be away. His demeanor was such that people moved out of his way as he strode down the quay toward some large warehouses. Several soldiers who stood by a man with a manifest noticed him. One in particular stared long and hard and then said something to one of the others.
“You there!” one of them called out, and Rizpah’s heart jumped and began pounding heavily.
Atretes swore under his breath and tilted his head in arrogant question as two soldiers approached him while others along the way stopped to stare in curiosity.
“What’s your name?” one soldier demanded, while the other said, “Atretes! I tell you, Ancus. I swear it’s him.” He stared at Atretes almost in awe. “I saw you fight Celerus. I’ll never forget it. It was the most magnificent fight I’ve ever witnessed.”
“Glad you enjoyed it,” Atretes said without inflection.
“Then you are Atretes,” Ancus said with a snort of disbelief, looking over his common garb and the turban he had wound on his head to cover his blond hair.
“Yes,” Atretes said, and Rizpah glanced up, surprised he revealed his identity. She could see a pulse throbbing in his neck. Cold alarm spread through her.
“Your son?” Ancus said and reached out to brush Caleb’s cheek. Atretes shifted his body. He moved only a fraction of an inch, but as the babe was taken out of the soldier’s reach, the message was as loud as a trumpet calling forth a battle. Ancus’ eyes narrowed. A cold silence fell. Rizpah could hear her own heartbeat in her ears. She prayed frantically, beseeching God for help.
“Ulpius, since you’re the expert on gladiators, you can tell me. Wasn’t Atretes sold and sent to Ephesus?”
“Three years ago,” Ulpius said. “Not that the mob has forgotten him. They were so much in love with him, vendors still sell statues outside the—”
“Then he’s still a slave,” Ancus interrupted smugly.
“I earned my freedom,” Atretes said and drew the gold chain and ivory pendant from beneath his tunic and cloak. He held it out, his expression dark and mocking.
“A pity,” Ancus said, “but then, things can change, given the right circumstances.”
Atretes handed Caleb to Rizpah without looking at her.
Ancus put his hand on the hilt of his sword. Ulpius stepped forward, his hand extended between them. “Don’t be a fool.”
“Is there a problem here?” came a hard voice.
Ulpius turned. “Centurion!” he said, startled and clearly relieved. He hit his breastplate in formal salute. Ancus immediately saluted as well.
“I asked you a question, soldier,” Theophilus said to Ancus, the full dignity and authority of his rank evident in his command.
Ancus’ face reddened. “This man is a slave of the imperial ludus.”
“He is a slave no longer, soldier, or didn’t you notice the pendant he wears?” Theophilus looked at Atretes and inclined his head respectfully. “I didn’t have the opportunity to bid you farewell and offer my thanks for your assistance aboard the ship. I do so now. The emperor will be pleased to hear of your part in thwarting the Illyrian pirates.”
A muscle jerked in Atretes’ jaw and his lips whitened.
Theophilus looked at Ancus. “We were attacked and outnumbered. Without this man’s assistance, the Illyrians would’ve taken the ship and the gifts I bring Titus.”
“Centurion, this man is Atretes.”
Theophilus’ expression darkened. “Is that why you detain him? To fawn over him like a couple of amoratae? Go back to your duties. Now!” As soon as they were out of hearing, he looked at Atretes. “It’s unfortunate you’re so readily recognizable.”