Free Soldier of Rome: Journey to Judea (The Artorian Chronicles) by James Mace

five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter. It seemed most of Artorius’ friends had families. Though he and Diana could not have children, there was their adopted son, Metellus, who was also Artorius’ biological nephew. Only Magnus remained a bachelor, though with the amount of time he was spending with a childhood friend of his sister’s named Ana, it was speculated to only be a matter of time.
    “No w my children can also be legitimized,” Praxus said with his brow furrowed in contemplation. “I’m off to tell Lucilla to start packing. Need to look at selling our house, too.”
    “We’ve got a month before we need to set off, so you’ve got time,” Artorius replied. “Diana’s already looking at buyers for our manor.”
    “Yes, give my best to Lady Diana when you see her,” Praxus said over his shoulder as he walked away.
     
    It was dark when Artorius returned to his manor house. The howling wind had increased, and rain was starting to beat against the roof. His Jewish manservant, Nathaniel, greeted him wordlessly, taking his cloak. He had not yet told the slave that they were returning to the land of his birth.
    “Master,” another voice said. It was Proximo, who had been Diana’s family slave for a number of years. Though given his freedom two years prior, like many , he continued to stay in the employ of his former masters.
    “Good evening, Proximo,” Artorius said formally. “I trust you have my sup per ready.”
    “Yes , sir. The Lady Diana is out. She said you would wish for some private time with your guest.”
    “What guest?” Artorius asked, puzzled. “I was not expecting anyone.”
    “Only me.” It was his son, who Artorius greeted with a laugh and strong embrace. Before his adoption, Metellus had served as an auxiliary soldier, but since became a legionary once confirming his status as a Roman citizen. Though since joining the legions, he had been assigned to a different cohort and so the two rarely saw each other.
    “Let me guess, you wish to come to Judea , too.”
    “Where you go, I will follow,” Metellus replied with a nod.
    “Son, you know you are not required to follow me across the empire,” Artorius explained. “You’ve established a solid reputation and have made a fine start to your career without my help. I’ve heard rumor that you may be on the cusp of making decanus. You realize that if you come with me to Judea, you may lose this opportunity for promotion.”
    “I understand,” the legionary replied. “I also know that Judea is an opportunity that may not come again. I want to go where I can do the most good for the empire, not just what is good for my career. And if I don’t come, who is going to protect you when you get into trouble?”
    Artorius chuckled at the remark. Metellus had saved his life at Braduhenna before the two had even officially met; it was later discovered that the reason the young soldier had fought so fanatically to save him was that he had discovered Artorius was his biological uncle. Once it had been proven beyond a doubt that Metellus was the son of his late brother of the same name, Artorius had immediately adopted him. “Very well,” he replied. “Just know that you will get no special favors from me. There will be volunteers coming from all over the empire, and all will have to reassert themselves to see who is most fit for promotion.”
    “I understand,” Metellus replied. “I would not have it any other way.”
    The two men dined together, with Nathaniel, Proximo, and a host of women servants bringing them the courses of their meal; the freedman and Artorius’ manservant being the only men on the household staff. This was a common occurrence, as house slaves were most often women. Male slaves usually ended up in the fields, the mines, or the arena.
    For father and son, theirs was an unusual relationship, as Artorius was only eleven years older. Despite Metellus serving in a different cohort, and that they rarely saw