Tedius Afer, Gaius' Slave

Gaius would likely be dead without Tedius, who has fought with him in street riots, attacked imperial troops with melons while trying to burn down a bishop’s house, and get Gaius under control when his mania brought him down. Where Gaius is impetuous, Tedius is methodical. Through the formative years from 13 to their current 23, the two have bonded as friends – not a usual result of slavery in the Roman world but not unheard of. Tedius, whose father, Hesiod, serves Gaius’ father as Tedius serves Gaius the younger, fairly manages and shares Gaius’ life. He hopes Gaius will free him at the yearly Founders Day ceremony of manumission. Here’s and excerpt from Chapter 7, Following My Slave’s Lead, demonstrating how Tedius often influences Gaius’ actions…

 

Annia, always so pleasant and warm with me, turned her back, shielding Elissa as if I would try to pull the other child from her arms, too.

 

“Annia, I’m sorry this has happened, and you’re right. It is my fault.”

 

“So, some powerful man is pushing you to pick back up where you two had left off three years ago,” said Annia. “Monaxius told me this last night when he returned from dinner with you. He said you were ready to do it – and worse, that he felt obligated to be with you.”

 

She nearly choked on you. I was not surprised Monaxius had apparently told her I was the one eager to return to our criminality. I couldn’t tell her, not in this moment, that her husband was the one who really wanted to be Crassus again.

 

“Yes, he is too good of a friend to me,” I said instead, unsure of what to say or do. I felt weakened and inadequate. I felt like giving up, something I always knew was an option before in my wilding days: when things got difficult, I could simply walk away to save myself. I owed no one anything. But in this moment, once again my slave pushed me in the right direction.

 

“Something isn’t right, Gaius Galen,” said Tedius, rubbing his sharp chin. “When I last saw you this morning, you were headed to speak with Ammianus and not sure of what you would do. That you are here and Martha isn’t must mean you declined his offer. Is that correct?”

 

“Yes, I declined. I tried to reason with him, but he is determined,” I said, appreciation welling in me for this man who has saved me so many times from my bad decisions, who has never let me give up in building this better life.

 

“You thought he would threaten you for rejecting him,” Tedius said. “And you were prepared to deal with that. But he went for a softer, more effective target we didn’t expect: Martha.”

 

“I had no idea, Annia. No idea or I would not have declined.”

 

Through trembling lips she asked, “You told him no?”

 

“I didn’t want to go back to that – I don’t want to be that anymore. And I did not want to jeopardize your husband.” I didn’t want to add anything else until I could get things straight with Monaxius about what he’d told her. Tedius stepped back a little, giving me the slightest nod of approval that only I saw, that only I could understand. I took control.

 

“Tedius, you stay here with Annia and Elissa. Tell your boy outside to take my horse to your father. Send a note with the boy telling your father we need four stout men here at once to guard Annia and her daughter. I’m sure my father’s household will not miss four men. When they are here, send Zazo to my physician to be mended.”

 

I turned to Annia, assuring her, “I have to start things in motion immediately to show Ammianus he has touched the wrong child and the wrong man. I will be back as soon as I can. You will be safe here with these men and your neighbors. You can trust me, Annia.” I hugged her and Elissa and indicated for Tedius to follow me.

 

Just as we stepped outside the doorway, two women came rushing down the hall calling Annia’s name and flew past us to comfort their friend and her daughter.

 

“What do you have in mind, Gaius Galen?” Tedius asked.

 

“My first thought is to kill Ammianus. But what I will do is agree to do his bidding – I see no other choice. He has me, but I won’t squirm. I will threaten his life if Martha is not returned. Threats won’t nudge him, we need leverage. See what you can come up with – he has a son, I know. I will make contact with his house now, give my warning and then we can follow it up with weight. Brother Zazo will be hot for revenge and has friends who can help. Keep him close by after his wound is treated. I have others in mind. I will be back here as soon as I can.”

 

“I think that is a good plan, Sir,” he said. “The leader in you is returning.”

 

“Once your slave pushes you forward, it is difficult not to lead. It was a good push, Tedius.” This touched him, and me as well. “I’ll be back here as soon as possible.”