"They'll convict you," Crispus warned Radulf. "Sir, you know the penalty for treason."
I didn't know the penalty, but seeing the color drain from Radulf's face gave me a good idea of what it would be. Even for minor crimes, the empire's punishments were short on mercy.
"Lower your hands," Radulf said to me. "Nic, I am your pater familias. Do as I say."
"We have to let him go," Aurelia whispered.
Inside my head, the Mistress laughed. "Pledge to serve me, or I will eventually take everyone from you, as easily as I'm taking this one."
"No!" I wasn't sure who I was shouting at, but at the moment, it applied to everyone equally.
Radulf broke through that with a louder voice than before. "Nicolas Calva, there will not be a fight over me! You will lower your hands!"
Finally, I did, hating the feeling of having lost. Once I did, Brutus motioned to his men. "Take the general away," he ordered.
"I'll go with them," Crispus said. "I'll do everything I can for him. You and Aurelia can still catch up to the carriage, if you hurry."
I shook my head in reply. Obviously, I would not leave Rome while Radulf was facing a trial. But I did move aside for the Praetors to lead Radulf from the home. Too many still remained in here, which bothered me more than I wanted to admit aloud.
"Go outside," I muttered to Aurelia. "Go with Crispus."
She mumbled about how I couldn't force her to do anything, which was frustrating, but equally comforting. Because this wasn't over.
Brutus's smile returned again, and he seemed eager for the words he spoke. "Now, Nicolas, shall we discuss your treason to the empire? A second prison wagon is on its way here, for you. I warn you, the punishments are much worse for our slaves. Runaway slaves are treated the worst of all."
"Find us a way out," Aurelia whispered. "We need to get out now, or it'll be too late."
Yes, we did. The only remaining question was how.
The fact that Brutus had attempted to deceive me was hardly a surprise. Expecting him not to lie was roughly the same as expecting a hen to not lay eggs. Radulf had just been the first step in their plan.
I had enough magic to make myself disappear, but I wasn't positive I could bring Aurelia with me. I only needed another minute or two.
If I had that long. Brutus crossed toward me, and so I countered in the opposite direction. Aurelia stayed close to my heels. I felt the tension in her steps and knew she was kicking herself for not having her bow nearby.
"I will allow you to bargain for your freedom," Brutus said. "Tell me where the Mistress is, and perhaps you can walk away from here."
My eyes narrowed. That was yet another lie.
He was stalling too, giving enough time for Radulf to be taken away, and for the rest of his Praetors to gather here in the atrium. They entered from all sides, surrounding us, and were as wary of me as I was of them.
"The Mistress is cursed," I said. "If I killed her, it would remove the curse, but also kill Atroxia. There must be another way to stop her."
"Of course there is."
"Tell me what it is and I'll free her."
Brutus laughed. "You cannot believe I would tell you that! Atroxia chose to follow Diana and chose to be the Mistress. Becoming a dragon is Diana's gift to her. If only I were so fortunate!"
"I wonder what her gift will be to you," Aurelia said. "Give you warts perhaps?" Her eyes narrowed. "Or more warts?"
"Charming young lady," Brutus said, casting a dark eye toward Aurelia. "Your betrothed has accepted his place with the Praetors. When will you accept us too?"
"If Crispus continues to accept you, he will not be my betrothed much longer," Aurelia said.
"Oh?" Brutus set the tips of his fingers together, clearly pleased with himself. "The Mistress will be interested to know that."
"Their agreement has not changed," I said, eyeing Aurelia. "It will not change."