Baby Boom
“It is only right. They were denied in life; they now dwell in paradise let them experience this joy.”
The leader of the gods looked at the goddess standing before him. It was clear that she was determined to have her way and denying her would only bring misery to his own doorstep. He had learned quickly to allow his mate her desires when she stood this determined.
“They may not find your gift so joyful one hundred years from now.” He warned.
“Of course they will resent it at times; yet those moments make the joyful ones so much sweeter.” She said. “The good moments will outnumber the bad and they will know joy.”
“It is clear that you will have your way in this.” He said. “What would you have of me?”
“I have need of Priapus' particular talents.” She said. “Let him spread his influence over Thebes every night until all are blessed. When Thebes has been filled with the promise of coming joy; I would have him do the same in Sinuessa.”
“I will see him set to purpose this very night.” The highest of the gods promised.
“I wonder; what words do the gods break?” Spartacus asked of no one in particular as he and his generals watched the Egyptian priest bow to Sura before settling himself inside his litter for the trip back across the Styx to Thebes.
“They must be of some import for the high priest to stir himself from his temple to consult with her.” Agron said as he watched the litter pass.
“Let us hear them from your woman.” Gannicus said. “She approaches.”
“What news do the gods speak to you?” Spartacus asked as she reached his side.
“A great blessing to be bestowed.” Sura said quickly brushing past all to place a kiss on her husband’s lips before continuing on her way. “I must speak to Titus Batiatus of arranging games to honor their intention.”
“You wife speaks words with no meaning.” Crixus said. “A great blessing can refer to anything.”
“Sura’s prophecy was rarely of clear meaning.” Spartacus said. “We must have patience and wait to discover its meaning.”
It had been two weeks since Sura had spoken of a blessing from the gods and it had slipped from importance in most people’s minds. It was quickly brought back when an illness began making its way through both Sinuessa and Thebes.
“The illness affects your people also?” Lagus asked Spartacus as he waited for a reply to take back to the pharaoh.
“Yes; it seems more fall victim to it each day.” Crixus said prompting Nasir to snort in amusement.
“You find epidemic amusing?” Gannicus asked. “And you are the one who has always been considered compassionate among our forces.”
“The illness does not amuse me. The reaction to it? It is most amusing thing I recall.” Nasir said. “Illness will soon run its course.”
“You hold knowledge of it?” Spartacus asked.
Nasir rolled his eyes at the gathered gladiators. “Has it escaped all notice that illness affects only women? Or that women use such to manipulate you all.”
“Make meaning plain.” Crixus demanded.
“Did not Naevia make you walk to Thebes in dark of night to secure beer?” Nasir turned to Gannicus, “And Sibyl bares teeth at you for no reason.”
Agron now jumped in. “Spartacus. You complain of Sura lacking appetite.”
“Agron, you stood as ignorant as they did until Melitta spilled secret in ear.” Nasir said. “I have known for many days.”
“How is it that you know of something that we do not?” Crixus asked. “And why do you withhold knowledge from us.”
“I made oath to Chadara to hold tongue. If you have not divined cause of illness making its way through the cities by now; hold patience and cause will be revealed.” Nasir then made his way over to Agron and grabbed the German’s hand pulling him from the room.
As the two made their way through the streets of Sinuessa Agron finally asked. “There is purpose to you dragging me through streets like errant child?”
“Yes.” Nasir nodded with a grin. “Duro calls for you. Your mother has come down with the illness.”
“Fuck the gods!” Agron said as he stood still in shock.
Eventually everyone not in the know (namely all of the men) caught on to the fact that it was an epidemic of pregnancy making its way through Sinuessa and Thebes. Considering it was the afterlife; they could be excused for not recognizing the blessing immediately. That had been many months ago.
Agron watched Crixus chasing down his 18 month old son. Spartacus was kneeling before his daughter examining a scrape on her knee. Gannicus and Oenomaus were watching their sons rolling a ball back and forth between them.
He was happy for his brothers; but he had seen the longing look on Nasir’s face more than once. And if he were to be honest the same look probably was seen on his face. In fact on Barca, Auctus, and Pietros faces also. They had all been left out of the blessing for obvious reasons.
His thoughts had darkened by the time he entered the villa he shared with Nasir. His mood grew darker as the Syrian did not appear to welcome him home as was his habit.
“Nasir? Nasir!” Agron yelled.
“Lower voice!” Nasir said as he appeared. “You bellow like wounded bull!”
“What?” Agron asked completely confused.
Nasir took his lover’s hand and pulled him deeper into the house to a small bedroom. A small girl sat on the bed sucking on her thumb. As Nasir approached she stretched up her arms demanding to be picked up. “The gods bless us also with a daughter.”