Buxentum or Bust

Seeing that we still had plenty of time before evening we slow our pace as we make our way down the slope toward Buxentum. Between us and the port town a wending river could be seen, the town itself nestled between the shore and the river. In just the past couple of miles we could sense a change in the air and landscape. The briny salt aroma of the sea that we could only pick up here and there on a perfect breeze before was now all around us. Forest made way for lower shrubs, scrubby pines and even occasionally small clumps of stubby palms. Beyond the greens and browns of the land stretched blue to the southwest for a far as the eye could see.

Beside me I could sense Rosa perking up as the fresh sea air caresses our faces. Her nostrils flare as she takes in the smells and her tapered ears tilt to listen to the gulls and the hiss of the approaching surf. Having spent most of her life in Alexandria I could imagine this being a homecoming of sorts for her after so many months of being landlocked. As I sometimes did for her I begin to describe the scene, painting a picture with my words to make up for the sights she was missing through her blind eyes. Letting go of her rope on Catalus she holds my arm, resting her head on my shoulder, as I talk. Rosa’s rising spirit buoys us all and helps the others forget their aching feet at least for a little.

Along the way we pass rows of olive trees, villas, clusters of smaller houses and ever more frequent travelers. We get a few looks as we pass by the locals but no more than would be expected, and the smiles that greet me felt genuine. Most of them seemed more curiously amused by the fox that was walking with us than anything about us. As we approach the bridge that crossed the river and lead into town I say to the others.

“There are no gates or check points that I can see.” At the peak of the bridge my eyes fall on the single town guard that I could see, a young man no older than myself who was leaning against the wall of a hut flirting with the girl inside the open window beside him. “They’re not exactly on high alert it seems. I think we’re okay. For the moment at least.”

“We’ll keep our eyes peeled.” Cassie says. “Let’s just all act normal.” She looks at Colly and I. “You two, no picking more fights in the town square.”

“That only happened onthe!” Colly objects.

Cassie continues, looking to Rosa. “And My Lady, maybe keep that hood up. We’re just four travelers on our way east. Nothing to see here.”

I nod. “We should hit the docks first thing. I’d hate to miss a ship heading out by just a few hours.”

On the other side of the bridge our feet touch cobblestone. Very quickly the street narrows to squeeze between the low buildings of the outskirts, barely wider than a hand cart. Keeping close to each other we follow the warren of sloped streets ever downward until, within just a few minutes, we are turning a corner and stepping out into into the open again with the great blue sea before us. I stop, surprised at having reached the seaside so swiftly. Buxentum really was as small and out of the way as I was told. For a moment I just stare out to sea, taking it all in, until my eyes cast to the left to land on my destination.

The harbor was a modest quay of weathered stone blocks, the sides blackened by algae at the high water line. Docked there were mostly a variety of smaller fishing boats with faded square, patched sails but I do see at the far end three broader-beamed ships, likely coastal traders but with luck one or two of them were heading further afield.

“Stay close.” I say as I lead my party along the damp stone street that bordered the water.

As we go among the locals a pair of soldier’s, one of them quite husky and other clearly past his prime, pass by us. My chest tightens as they both look right at us! Close enough even to see into Rosa’s hood. The older smiles and gives me a nod. “Citizen.”

I let out breath. “Be well.”

They pass right on by without issue. Before long we are surprised to find the town’s forum open up to our left. A few of the market stalls were closed up as evening was approaching but many were still active. Cassie touches my arm.

“Divide and conquer?” She says. “We could use some things.”

I wanted to say no, to keep us all together, but thus far we hadn’t seen a hint of trouble. On the off chance we lucked out and got a ship heading out at first light this might be our only chance to get provisions. Pulling Catalus to the side I dig into my pack and pull out some coin, keeping it out of sight as I thrust it into Cassie’s hand. “Take Colly. None of us should be alone.”

With a kiss of my cheek and slap to my arm she says. “We’ll be okay. Come on, Colly. Let’s see what trouble we can get up to.” As I cringe she winks and the pair head off into the market.

Holding Catalus’ lead and with a stressed Danae nearly glued to Rosa’s leg we continue on toward the the larger ships. The creak of wood and the slosh of water fills the air, as common as sunshine in these parts but a novel harmony for this country boy.

“Just you and me, Rosa. Stepping somewhere we’ve never been.” I say, putting my arm around her. “Just like old times.”

She grins and presses into me. “Not that I mind the company, but it is rather more intimate this way.”

“Oh no!” I begin to laugh as a color, a very particular and very special color, catches my attention out of the corner of my eye. “You won’t believe this, my Lady.”

“What? What is it?” She asks, staring up at me with wide sightless eyes. “Tell me.”

“A little ship halfway up the nearest quay.” I chuckle. “There’s a bunch of ropes coiled up on the dock beside it. And one of them is a very familiar shade of Vermilion.”

“Oh!” She giggles. What amused us was that the color, the same color as the living color around Cassie and I’s necks, was a silent signal to anybody in the know. It was a color of Venus, of Ladies and Sirs and boys and girls, a color of bondage and kink. “Either there is a particularly adventurous seaman on that ship or they don’t have clue what they have.” She turns her head. “I can imagine…” Suddenly Rosa stops, her words cutting off with a gasp. Pulling back her hood she takes a step toward the docks, her eyes narrowing. Narrowed…and focused! “Quin. Is the rope about…forty yards there.” She points straight at it!

“Uh, yeah. Yeah, Rosa. That’s it.”

“Quin.” She says, her voice hushed. “I can see it!”