Eternal Time Shadows Box Set 1 / Volumes 1-10 Read online

  He held my hand. “Somehow I knew you would understand.”

  I gave him an encouraging smile. “So, tell me what you would build.”

  The time drifted on in dreams and designs, of columns and friezes, and I blinked in surprise as the gondola drew to a halt at a large, stone pier. Robert climbed up out of the boat and then put out a hand. “Come on.”

  He drew me up beside him, and I stared.

  We were at St. Mark’s Square. The Piazza San Marco. And it took my breath away.

  Robert drew in a breath, his eyes shining. “I wish I could see it the way you are seeing it, for the very first time. To thrill in that sense of awed wonder.”

  It was true. There was little other way to describe it.

  So many centuries of beauty vied for my attention. The polished columns. The intricate stone carving. The arches. Torches flickered at every turn, and bright moonlight shone down on the scene.

  It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

  He waved a hand forward. “Shall we?”

  He took us to start with the Doge’s Palace. I could barely believe I was here. The curve of the arches, the round carvings above, each was done to perfection. And I knew within were countless, priceless works of art, each more beautiful than the one before.

  My voice was a whisper. “It would take a lifetime to see it all.”

  His hand moved to my back. “Yes, it would. But that would be a lifetime well spent.”

  I turned to him, and his eyes were deep pools. I could fall into those and become lost.

  His voice was hoarse. “Elizabeth, do you wish to stay at the nunnery?”

  I shook my head. I knew in the depths of my soul that the Elizabeth of this time would never had wished that. She would have prayed for escape - prayed with every ounce of her soul.

  He gently ran a hand along my cheek. “I’ll find a way,” he vowed. “A way for you to be freed from this trap you’re in. A way for you to have … choices … about your own future.”

  I could barely breathe. “Thank you.”

  His eyes held mine. “No, thank you.”

  He took a breath, and then slowly, reverently, he lowered his head –

  A whizzing noise. The sharp impact of a rock on my arm, slicing through the fabric. My hand moved to press down, and came away wet.

  Robert’s eyes shot from my injury to my eyes in shock. “Are you all right?”

  It was all happening again. All starting up. And then Robert would leave me, and I’d be lost –

  He turned, his eyes flaring as he searched the shadows. “You hoodlums! I’ll make you pay!”

  My voice tightened in panic. “No, wait!”

  “Stay here,” he ordered. And he was off at a run into the darkness.

  I reached out after him in desperation. “Robert!”

  Footsteps behind me.

  Slam.

  Blackness.

  *

  I blinked foggily into awareness. I was lying with my cheek pressed against cold stone. Moonlight streamed down around me on the open plaza.

  I pressed myself up to sitting.

  The walls that surrounded me were not tall, arching, elegantly precise constructions of Venetian glory. They were barely two stories tall, of red brick and rough stone, with a row of rippled columns along the right-hand side. Before me shallow steps led to a small temple of some sort. And beyond that –

  My eyes fixated, and I pushed to my feet, staring at it, my throat closing up.

  A large volcano loomed in the distance, massive, dominating the landscape.

  Black smoke boiled up into the night sky.

  Pompeii.

  3 – Pompeii Destiny

  I stared in horrified dread at the sturdy brick and marble buildings surrounding me. At the inhabitants draped in brightly-colored clothing who moved about me, off to grab a drink at the local wine bar or perhaps down to the lupanar for pleasures of a more earthly variety. By the billows of black smoke coming from the volcano, I had no doubt that the year was 79AD.

  Pompeii was about to be coated in twenty thick, suffocating feet of ash and pumice.

  I ran to a couple who were strolling arm-in-arm under the glowing moonlight. They were middle-aged, complacent, and elegantly dressed. They looked down at me in bemused surprise.

  “The volcano!” I pointed with a shaking finger. “It’s going to erupt!”

  The woman smiled patiently at me. “My child, you must have only recently arrived. It does that all the time.” Her grin grew. “Just wait until we have one of our earth tremors. Then you’ll truly think Vulcan is coming down to punish us for our transgressions.” She shrugged. “But it’s just a part of living in this beautiful part of the world. You’ll get used to it soon enough.”

  Her husband gave her a gentle tug. “Come along, my dear. We’ll be late for the festival.”

  They wandered off into the maze of streets.

  I looked around in panic. In Venice, at least, I had a grounding of where I was. Robert had been there. Mary, Professor Cooper, and all the others. There had been something to hold onto.

  Here there was nothing. And I had a sense that the volcano looming above me was doing more than releasing a breath of steam. There was a tension in the air which twisted my stomach into deep knots.

  Where was Robert?

  As I turned to look around me, something gently knocked against my leg.

  I looked down.

  I wore a simple, white dress draped with a darker fabric over-layer. It could have been black, or dark blue, I couldn’t quite tell. Tied to my belt was a leather purse, held shut by toggles.

  I pulled them open and looked inside.

  It was my white porcelain mask, with the glittering eye-mask painted on.

  I looked up, my heart thumping. A festival. That couple had said something about a festival. It was all I had to go on. Pompeii had been a massive city, with at least ten thousand residents within its network of buildings and roads. There was no way I could search it all to find Robert.

  I would have to trust in my instincts.

  I headed in the direction the couple had gone, careful to stay up on the sidewalks. The cobblestone roads were a slick mess of mud and sewage. The sidewalks were raised up above it. At crossroads a series of stepping-stones would allow pedestrians to move across, while still giving spaces for a wagon’s wheel to pass. All along both sides of the narrow roads ran tightly packed houses and shops, several two stories high, made of stone and brick.

  There – I saw the couple up ahead, turning right. I raced after them, holding up my dress so I didn’t trip on it.

  I rounded the corner –

  I skidded to a stop.

  It was the amphitheater. And from within I could hear the raucous shouts of the crowd.

  It was a massive structure, three stories tall, with elegant brickwork in dusky red and dark grey. Torches lined the entry path to the building and flickered all around its upper reaches.

  People of all ages were coming and going, many in festive outfits, some wearing masks. I slipped my hand into my pouch and brought mine out, tying it on. I didn’t know who I was supposed to be in this time period, but I wasn’t taking any chances. If Robert was in there, somewhere, I knew I had to get to him.

  I moved forward through the crowd, working my way through one of the entrances, and then up the steps into the stands themselves. The oval structure was of solid stone with an open, packed-dirt center ringed by torches. Men were hurrying around gathering up strewn swords and spears. I wondered what I had just missed.

  A warm voice came from next to me. “There you are, lass. I thought you’d end up missing the entire night.”

  I turned.

  It was Professor Cooper.

  She had her grey hair done in an elaborate braided updo, complete with silver ribbons. Her tunic was deep crimson with gold trim.

  Her eyes twinkled. “I would have known that you’d never miss Robert’s fight, though. He is a favo
rite of yours, isn’t he? I don’t think you’ve missed a single match since they brought him in last month.”

  My heart thundered against my chest, and I drew my eyes down to the ring.

  A roar went up from the crowd as a man walked into the torchlight.

  It was Robert.

  He wore only a loincloth, revealing a sturdy, muscular form which took my breath away. He held a short sword in one hand and a shield in the other. He dramatically turned around in a circle, holding both high.

  Cooper’s voice came from alongside me. “No wonder you favor him so, lass. If I was your age …” Her eyes twinkled.

  My throat was tight. “Who is he going to fight?”

  Cooper nudged her head. “Not who – what.”

  I turned to follow her gaze.

  My heart stopped.

  A gate was slid back, and a lion paced slowly into the ring.

  I had seen them in zoos, of course. Lounging on rocks. Looking with disinterest at the thick bars of the cage. But this was different. This beast was vibrantly alive and full of fury. I could see it in the twitching of his tail and the growl deep within his throat.

  It set my hairs on end.

  My fingers clenched hard on the edge of my stone bench. “Oh, God, Robert.”

  Cooper patted my arm. “Not to worry, my dear. Robert’s never let you down before.”

  A pair of high-pitched screams of delight came from below me. I looked down.

  It had to be. Anna and Sofia, their hair piled artfully high on their heads, were leaning over the edge of the protective railing. One was in neon tangerine, the other in lime green. They waved long, color-matched scarves in Robert’s direction. Anna’s voice carried over the crowd. “Robert! Take mine! It will protect you!”

  He steadfastly ignored them, his whole attention on the approaching lion.

  Cooper gave a snort. “Those two. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve been visiting the gladiators’ barracks after dark. For a little private session.”

  The thought turned my stomach.

  A roar sent twists of panic through me, and I spun to the ring.

  Robert was edging along the wall of the ring, moving toward the chain mechanism which controlled the gate. The lion continued his stalking, closing in with each step. I had no doubt that the lion’s massive claws could kill Robert in one swipe. And all he had was that short sword with which to defend himself. Not even a spear or a distance weapon.

  The lion closed in …

  Robert took another step back …

  All of a sudden, the lion pounced.

  Robert threw his shield at the lion’s eyes, distracting the massive cat, then leapt into the air to grab at the chain. He pushed off with his feet, swinging out into the air, then turning with the momentum.

  The chain swung back …

  Robert dropped onto the lion’s shoulders.

  The lion roared with rage, rising up like an invincible beast of nightmares.

  Desperate fear drenched me with cold sweat, and I leapt to my feet. Not my Robert –

  Robert held on for dear life, leaning right to avoid the turning, snapping jaws. I could see the strain of his legs, locking him in place on the bucking beast. He twined his left hand into the animal’s fur, then raised the sword high …

  He drove the knife, hard, into the lion’s neck.

  A fountain of blood gushed out from the wound, covering him, and the lion flung him off. Robert slid, stumbled, slipped in the mess, and went down hard onto his back.

  The lion spun, the sword still firmly embedded into his neck to the hilt.

  Robert pushed back to stand, but his foot slipped in the blood and he went hard onto one knee.

  The lion staggered forward, giving a barking cough.

  Robert reached around on the ground and came up with a fist-sized rock. He drew up to a crouch, then standing, balancing in place.

  Waiting.

  The lion took another step.

  My heart thundered in my ribs. Robert could not die. He just could not.

  Robert stood, facing his enemy, and I saw the look in his eyes. He would rather die facing his foe than be taken down running in fear.

  The lion threw back his head, and the roar shook the walls.

  Robert’s fingers clenched …

  The lion coiled to pounce …

  Every part of me wanted to close my eyes, but I would not. I would be there for Robert, whatever it took.

  Then … had I seen it …

  A shudder ran through the lion’s body. The blood flow from the neck gave a throb.

  A coughing groan …

  The lion’s feet caved in under him, and he collapsed, hard, to the ground.

  And lay still.

  A wild cheer went up from the crowd, echoing throughout the arena, shaking my heart from its cage. I could barely breathe as relief coursed through me.

  A rumble cascaded across the ground in a ripple.

  Cooper threw her arms into the air. “Vulcan approves!”

  A team of men ran out with spears to tentatively poke at the lion. When they seemed sure that it was truly dead, they grabbed at its various limbs and began dragging it off stage. Robert wiped the blood from his face, watching the animal with a look bordering on reverence. Then he threw both of his arms in the air in victory, and the crowd went mad. He began walking a lap around the edge of the arena, waving to and saluting the enthusiastic watchers. He stopped by Anna and Sofia to accept scarves from both of them, to their squeals of delight. And then he turned –

  He stared right at me.

  The depth of that look reached into my very soul. It lifted me and held me, as if I had never met another person on Earth who was so right for me.

  And I hadn’t.

  A motion from the ringside distracted me. A man in an elegant black robe crossed the floor, carrying a large, golden goblet. He handed it to Robert, and Robert raised it high, turning in place. The stadium erupted in cheers even louder than before.

  Another ripple of thunder shook the ground beneath us.

  Then the man and Robert were walking out of the stadium, side by side.

  My throat grew tight. “Where are they taking him?”

  Cooper smiled. “That’s his sponsor. Undoubtedly they have a private feast planned for him, to celebrate his win. He’s earned quite a lot of money for that family. After that, I imagine he’ll return to the barracks. The upcoming fights next week will have him going up against some of the finest gladiators in Rome. It will be the pinnacle of his career. He’ll want to put in every moment possible to prepare.”

  Robert didn’t know that, in just a day, nothing else would matter any more. The entire city would be utterly destroyed.

  I turned to Cooper, concern in my gaze. “You have to leave Pompeii. Go to Rome, or Napoli, or anywhere at all. Just get out of here. Vesuvius is going to erupt!”

  She smiled fondly at me. “My child, they’ve been saying that for years and years. And after that earthquake, seventeen years ago, many people did leave. But those of us who chose to stay, and rebuild, have made a decision. We aren’t going to let these things scare us off. If the Gods have chosen for us to die here, then we shall.”

  She patted me on the arm. “Surely you’ve heard that plenty of times from your father and stepmother. They benefitted greatly from the exodus. They’ve been buying up everything in sight and have become quite wealthy.”

  I had to give it one last chance. “But if the volcano were to erupt tomorrow –”

  She gave a fond chuckle. “Then I would be happy that my last evening was spent with you, watching the fine bouts, and treasuring life. That is all one can hope for.”

  She looked up. “Ah, and here’s that sweet friend of yours. Why don’t you two go off and have some fun together. Sow those wild oats. You’re only young once, you know, and it goes by all too quickly. It’s time for me to get these old bones over to the bath and soak for a while.”

  I took her hand, my
heart aching. “Please come with me. I’m begging you.”

  Her eyes twinkled. “My life has run its course, my dear. You go on with Mary.”

  I turned.

  It was, indeed, Mary. Her blonde hair was done in an artful spiral around her head and her draped dress was sunshine yellow. She grinned in merriment at me. “Wasn’t that an amazing fight? Will you go get some lobster and wine with me, while we wait?”

  My brow creased in confusion. “Wait for what?”

  She nudged me in the ribs, giggling. “For them to walk Robert back to his barracks, of course. We do it after every fight. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten already.”

  Hope sprang within me.

  There would still be a way.

  Mary giggled in delight. “Come on! I’ll race you there!” She took off at a sprint down the steps.

  I turned back to Cooper – but she was gone. Lost in the swarm of people that was Pompeii.

  I couldn’t lose Mary.

  I raced down the steps, and soon I saw the yellow dress flaring into life before me. I chased Mary out of the amphitheater and down into the maze of streets. A variety of bars and tiny restaurants were open along the streets, boasting a bewildering array of options. Pompeii certainly had visitors from all over the known world moving through its streets.

  She made it to the café steps before I did, and she threw her hands up in victory. “And I’m the winner! Yes!” She hunkered onto a wooden stool and grinned across the small table at me. “You’re getting slow, Elizabeth. Slow and old!”

  I pulled up my own stool, then tucked my mask back into its leather pouch. “Are you sure he –”

  She waved a hand at me. “Yes, yes, of course.” She put a hand into the air, calling over the waiter. In short order the mouth-watering food was put before us.

  Mary clinked her goblet into mine. “And now we simply enjoy and wait.”

  I was starving. I couldn’t remember the last time I had eaten. The food was delicious, or was that merely my hunger talking? The stars drifted overhead, the ground rumbled beneath, and I forced myself to be patient. If I headed off into the night on a wild goose chase, I might never find him. Where, if I simply waited here –

  Mary’s voice was bright. “There he is!”