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Chapter Three

A month passed before Olac was summoned by Julius Caesar again. This time, the meeting took place late in the afternoon in the villa’s main hall, at a secluded corner chosen for its privacy. Caesar was keen to glean any further knowledge Olac possessed about the people of Britannia and the various lands he had seen.

Olac began by discussing his home country, explaining the Britons’ heritage was a complex blend of conquerors and conquered—Jutes, Angles, and Saxons. He, however, was a Briton with a Celtic and Viking heritage. His knowledge was limited to the areas surrounding his home, but he had, on occasion, travelled with his father’s trading groups into Scotland.

“These friendships were largely loose arrangements fostered for trade purposes,” Olac explained. He recounted a boat trip up the western coast to the Hebrides islands northwest of Scotland.

His report on the Scots was direct and vital to Caesar’s strategy. “They are a proud people who fight amongst themselves to prove supremacy,” Olac stated. “However, when they encounter a common enemy, all thoughts of differences dissipate, causing them to unite into one complete army. They are fearless in battle and prefer death rather than admit defeat.” This intelligence confirmed Caesar’s belief that direct conquest was too costly.

Olac then provided details gleaned from his fellow gladiators about Carthage and other distant homelands. As shadows began to lengthen, lit only by the newly lit torches, Caesar thanked him. “Olac, that was not only an informative talk, but a most engaging account of your life’s trials.”

The following day, Caesar summoned Olac and explained that he would now be part of the “inner” group of Praetorian Guards—the trustworthy, valiant soldiers who personally escorted and protected Caesar and his family outside the villa. Olac quickly acclimated to the highly intense routine of early morning drill, guard duty, and long marches, realizing that his loyalty was now a matter of physical action and constant readiness.

It was during this time that Olac met Berenice, Calpurnia’s newly acquired handmaiden. She was tall, beautiful, and possessed a radiant smile. If Helen of Troy launched a thousand ships, Berenice could launch ten thousand. That day, she launched Olac’s heart into the sea of love. She, too, recognized Olac as a man of great importance, not a mere slave. Their eyes met, forging a mutual friendship that quickly blossomed into courtship. Olac felt a wave of exceptional good fortune at her positive response.

The affair quickly became the villa’s main gossip, causing slight discomfort to Calpurnia. Knowing Caesar’s deep respect for Olac, Calpurnia, to avoid confrontation, simply requested that Julius provide her with two new handmaidens. Caesar, who held his third wife in high affection, readily obliged.

Caesar, upon learning about the sincere love between them, called both Olac and Berenice for a special audience. He had them seated and ordered his best wine and dried dates.

“Olac, you have served me well,” Caesar began, looking at the couple with genuine warmth. “You have never made any request of me. But now, seeing the inner beauty you both possess, I wish to grant you happiness.”

He looked at Berenice. “I grant Berenice her freedom—she is no longer a handmaiden, but a free citizen. I give her to you, Olac, to be taken into marriage as soon as you wish. The celebrations will be provided by me in my house, and I will also allot you a farm I have recently acquired.”

With that, Caesar departed, granting them the afternoon off. Berenice, adhering to her faith, decided to consult with the priestess of the goddess Aphrodite’s Temple to set an auspicious date. Good fortune remained Olac’s companion; the wedding was set for the end of that very month.

Caesar spared no expense. Calpurnia personally oversaw the arrangements, and Atticus, Olac’s closest friend, volunteered to be the master of ceremonies. “I want him married and gone,” Atticus joked, his words lacking malice. Mark Antony and other friends attended. Soon, Olac the Gladiator became Olac the Domesticated Husband—a title Olac cheerfully accepted, feeling complete and at ease with his beloved wife.

It was another three months before Olac saw Julius Caesar again for a working duty. During this time, he continued his vigorous training with the Praetorian Guards, establishing vital trust and camaraderie. The execution of their duties depended entirely on their ability to act decisively, often independently, but always cohesively.

Olac, together with nineteen other Guards, reported for duty. Caesar was setting off with his family for a week’s holiday at his seaside retreat. Atticus, the Roman Centurion, was in charge of the security detail. Berenice was included in the details for assisting with the pantry, an arrangement Olac loved, as it kept his wife close.

The caravan set off before dawn, a deliberate choice to attract as little attention as possible. They travelled in military readiness, for such journeys were often fraught with danger from marauding bandits, who wisely chose to avoid Caesar’s elite escort. They reached their destination on the second day.

During the stay, the atmosphere was festive. Olac, a strong swimmer, was detailed to teach the children to swim, emphasizing not just the skill but also respect for the sea as a dangerous adversary. Soon, the week was over, and the return journey began.

Arriving back in Rome, Caesar immediately invited Mark Antony to his home to finalize the logistics for Olac’s secret mission.

“Mark,” Caesar began, “My discussions with Olac confirmed his perfect suitability. He is a Briton well-versed in the country and has gained knowledge and contacts with the Scots. This makes him the perfect emissary for what we are to plan.”

Antony, thoughtful as always, responded, “Agreed, but again I say, he alone is a recipe for failure. It must be a small group of trusting individuals—fighters of the first order, fearless, and able to negotiate.”

Their discussion eventually settled on Olac being accompanied by two other individuals in Caesar’s full confidence: Atticus, the Roman Centurion, and Demetrius, a Thracian Greek and freed gladiator whom Olac had befriended. Demetrius was renowned for his ferocity, having once fought and disabled over a hundred soldiers before his capture. These three leaders would be bolstered by nine other chosen Praetorian Guards.

The plan was set: they would travel by ship to the coast of Demetae, set ashore with equipment, and travel overland to Londonia to rest and resupply at the main Roman garrison. From there, they would proceed north to the Scottish border. Beyond that, the unknown awaited.

The following day, Olac, Atticus, and Demetrius were summoned to an audience with Caesar and Mark Antony. Antony started the proceedings, his tone grave. “You three have been chosen for a dangerous mission. As free citizens of Rome, you can accept or refuse this request. Only if you accept can I provide full disclosure.”

Olac was first to reply: “I accept, knowing that whatever the request, it will be of utmost importance to Caesar and to Rome. You are not men for frivolous sport.” Olac’s loyalty was paramount.

Demetrius spoke next in a clear voice: “I have been befriended by Olac and learned to trust his judgment. I also accept.”

Atticus offered a jovial, yet sincere reply: “Listening to you, Mark Antony, I cannot allow these two to go alone; they don’t have the tenacity nor brains to do anything but fight. I need to be there to ensure they carry out the task successfully.”

Caesar smiled, completely convinced. “I detect not only faithfulness but the camaraderie of close-knit friends—qualities that will ensure a successful mission.” He directed Antony to inform them of the logistics.

Atticus, ever the jokester, remarked, “This is simply an easy task, easier than standing on guard duty.”

Olac, his face serious, corrected his friend, appealing to their integrity: “Friends, we can joke, but the journey just getting to Scotland will not be easy. Even though the lands we travel are under Roman Rule, some inhabitants do not take kindly to their servitude and will look for an opportunity to end our mission. And when we do get an audience with the Scots, be wary—they are volatile fighters with no show of fear or favour.” Caesar nodded in agreement.

Caesar issued the three companions official letters of introduction to be presented to the commanders at every Roman garrison along their route, requesting assistance. He bid them farewell, asking them to be ready to depart in ten days, as passage had been arranged on a ship sailing north.