Unexpected Trip

 Was it a dream or did she travel through time?

Pompeii

“Valeria . . . Valeria, can you hear me?” a strange voice echoed as the young woman struggled to open her eyes seeing two tall young girls possibly in their late teens dressed in white togas at her side. “She’s coming to,” said one of the girls.

“Where . . . where am I?”

“You are in the House of the Vestals, my dear. You passed out a short time ago as you were working out in the garden on your jug and hit your head on one of the pedestals. You know you were told to avoid being in the sun too long with your fair skin,” the first girl spoke.

“And who are you?”

Both girls looked at each other quizzically.

“I am Dalanya and this is Catania, your Vestal Sisters.” Dalanya took her hand and helped Valeria to sit up on the cot.

“I don’t remember any of this I tell you, the young woman claimed as she glanced around at her surroundings. Her eyes scanned the area that revealed tall pillars and large marble statues that led out to a massive courtyard with a huge fountain. “This has to be a dream! I mean—”

“Catania has sent for the Medicus. He should be here shortly,” Dalanya said as she laid her hand on the woman’s shoulder. “He’ll know what to do.”

An older man dressed in multicolored robes carrying a large satchel approached from the outside patio entering the small chamber. He had instructed Dalanya and Catania to inform him as to what had occurred.

“I know this young lady. She has simply fainted. I have treated her before for a similar condition. A vial of Posca is all she needs. She gets dehydrated easily. He pulled a small vial from his satchel and instructed her to drink, which she did.

She wiped her lips after chugging down the entire contents of the vial and gave the Medicus a skeptical look. “Exactly what’s in that?” She scrunched up her nose showing her distaste for the drink.

“It’s a mixture of vinegar, water, and herbs,” he said.

“My name is Ramethius, the Medicus and I believe you may also have a slight concussion from hitting your head.”

“Oh,” the woman uttered as he checked her eyes and head using a strange instrument from his bag that managed to clamp open her eyes.

“Her pupils are not dilated but she still may have a slight concussion,” he announced as he turned to the girls. “Best to keep an eye on her the rest of the day. Make sure you don’t let her sleep.”

“Why can’t she remember who she is? Dalanya asked.

“Well, she’s one of the oldest Vestals here, I mean—” Catania added. “Could be her age.”

“It may be a temporary case of amnesia. It should return in time,” Ramethius said as he secured his bag. “Now I must go as I’m needed at the House of Faun.”

Both Dalanya and Catania sat next to Valeria giving her words of comfort but most of all encouraging her to rest.

“Your artwork can wait, Sister,” Dalanya said, taking her hand. “You heard what the Medicus said.

“Rest . . . rest! I can’t rest!” She shot up. “I have to finish my piece for the art show for Aulius Restituto. It will be featured among some of the other fine pieces here in Pompeii then grace the main hall of the house of Vetti.”

The girls both looked at each other astounded. “Well then, I guess her amnesia has instantly returned,” Dalanya said.

“It was probably the mention of artwork that brought her back,” Catania said. “We both know how obsessive she is about that show she keeps talking about.”

Valeria tried to rise from her cot but both girls gently pushed her back to a lying position. “You will rest here for a few hours.”

Valeria reasoned she had to agree to the girls’ wishes but knew once they were out of sight, she’d plan to get back to painting her jug.

She watched the girls walk through the archway that led out to the lush gardens. I can only hope to see my beloved Marcus. I know he will be working in the kitchens today at the Vetti House. I long to feel his strong arms around me again. We’ve managed to keep this secret for some time now. Should we be caught- I’d be banned from the House of Vestals and he being a slave would be sentenced to death!

Valeria felt a slight dizziness sensation overtake her and decided to sit for a while until it had passed. I’ve got to finish that jug. Tomorrow is the show and I’ll crawl if I have to get it over there. She fiddled with her long black braid that hung to one side over her shoulder making sure the gold threads were securely in place that were weaved into the braid. A Vestal always had to look her best whenever she was out in the public eye.

“We both know what she’s up to,” Dalanya said as she and Catania walked through the garden.

“You mean that slave, Marcus that works over at the Vetti House?”

“Yes, Rumor has it she’s been sneaking off to see him.”

“It’s true, and if she’s caught, we both know the consequences both of them will face,” Dalanya said as she bent down to smell the flowery scent of a hearty lilac bush.

“You going to tell on her?” Catania asked.”

“No. I don’t think we need to be known as spies here. Besides she is close to being released from her service very soon. She can be with Marcus all she wants then.”

The ground shook with tremors and some of the larger garden pots had moved.

“Not that again!” Catania shouted. “This is the second time this week it’s happened.”

“Not to worry, it’s very common as you well know, Dalanya said trying to calm her friend.  That volcano has to release the pressure now and then, my friend. Now let’s head over to the Temple of Isis and make sure all is well over there.”

Valeria also felt the tremors as she tried to gain some steadiness to stand. “Great! Just what I need now,” she murmured.

Continue reading the story in the book:

https://books2read.com/u/m27NQd

What if you think the known world isn’t strange enough? Embark on a journey that pushes the boundaries, challenges your perception, and questions reason, logic, and established beliefs.