Arriving in Carthage

[Eirene]

Eirene had a long journey behind her when she finally walked down the planks of the ship which had taken her from Italy to the harbour of Carthage. For many months she had travelled, for she barely had any money with her and so mostly had walked the way from Rome to southern harbours from where a ship would take her freely to Carthage. On this long road she had not always been lonely, for she had a friend with her, a very close person her heart, her daughter. Eirene had left Rome being pregnant in the third month but without telling the father about this, Lucius. He would not have let her go if he would have known of her pregnancy. And so, on the way to the port of Messina she gave birth to a beautiful daughter, whom she called Laela, which means 'orchid' in latin.

Now, Eirene had reached the port of Carthage, with her daughter in her arms, sleeping deeply, and all her belongings in a little bag which was bound to her back. She already had made up her mind what to do once she had reached Carthage. It was an impressive and most of all big city, to find her father there would not become easily and so Eirene would need an occupation, to make a living in Carthage. Many thoughts had run through her mind about which occupation she could apply for, as she was female this was no easy task. Of course, she wanted to prevent becoming a slave once more, not while she had to care for her daughter as well. She would not let the fate of slavery come upon Laela.

Doubt had come up in her that any family would pay her for being a servant in a house, for Laela was very young and dependent on Eirene's flexibility to care for her. So only one option had remained, which was working as concubine, best at the king's palace. Offering herself to others did not matter to Eirene, for as slave she had had to endure far more horrible scenes than there would be as concubine. So, Eirene now was on her way to find the palace, to ask for such a job.

With the help of many people whom she had passed by, she finally reached the palace. There, she talked to a guard, asking him for help where she could ask for this job, who was responsible to decide if she could be used as concubine. This guard directed her further into the palace, to speak with the king personally. He had observed her carefully and had agreed that it was safe to send her in, she was no threat to Alcaeus.

[Alcaeus Destono]

As the day looked peaceful and no trouble still had appeared for Alcaeus, he tiredly sat upon his throne. However suddenly a surprise met him when a woman wished to speak with him, he agreed and allowed her to come forth. At the gate two men guarded the entrance, as on the side stood many others in case the king ever would need them. Servants walked around in haste, since much was ordered to be done. The hall was large, with many pillars showing the way to the place Alcaeus sat.

The Carthaginian king was rumored to be a good leader, but also a female lover. Since the day he was unable to get a son he many times tried to gain on, thought always failed even many concubines he had. Many believed that the king was cursed, always gaining daughters instead of sons. However a curse did not stop him in trying, in many years had he used his lovers in hope of making an heir. Every third month he got a new female to be with, even none of them ever produced him a boy. Now as the sight of another lady approached, his gaze sonly got cached by her beauty. He thought she was lovely, since interested her look made him. Without a word he kept on watching, but when she bowed before him he spoke out loud." Welcome stranger, what brings you to a place like this. What do you seek in the presence of a kind king?"

[Eirene]

Eirene steadily walked towards the throne where Alcaeus sat on. She had heard much about him lately, as she served in the house of Lucius. She had heard much of his political deeds, but also that the King of Carthage harboured many concubines at his orders. From Lucius she had overheared a conversation once, concerning Alcaeus' children. She had heared that up to now, and although he had so many women at his service, he had no son, but a legal daughter and several other bastard daughters. It was said that on him lay a curse, but Eirene neither knew the cause of this curse, neither what power could be able to lift it.

She now stepped in front of the king, looking up to him, thinking of the proper words to adress him. "Your majesty. "She began with a slight bow, "I have come from far to Carthage out of personal reasons. However, I need an occupation, to make a living for my daughter and me." She tried to explain, giving him now again the opportunity to answer.

[Alcaeus Destono]

"A job you seek hmm?..well I am sure I could have something fitting for you, is there anything special you would like to work as?"Alcaeus watched with deep curiosity, not only was she beautiful but as well sweet in how she acted and spoke. The sight of others bowing before him was something he always liked to see, specially when interesting ladies was on visit. However not alone had she come to meet him, as also a child she carried along. It was easy to see what she had worked with before, mostly cause of her exotic cloths but also by the seducing way she looked at him. Somehow he almost could understand what she wanted to work as, since mostly she had worked something like it before.

"If you wish, I could give you work as one of my concubines. You and your child would get a shelter, free food and also money to live on. Would you accept that offer?"Alcaeus asked, wondering if that was a fitting suggestion. Having her as the new lady for his own pleasure would greatly enjoy him, mostly by her great beauty and personality. The look of her reminded him of someone he had seen before, but unsure he was on who that could be. With his gaze of kindness, he watched on while waiting on her to reply.

[Eirene]

Eirene's eyes lit up a little when Alcaeus recommended her as an occupation to be a concubine at his palace. It seemed as if he had read her thoughts. Of course, it was a little embarrassing for her because of offering herself to him, but she had nothing to lose. So often other men had used her that she had become resistant to it, she was not emotionally involved anymore. However, she wondered how he could have guessed that she was suited for such an occupation. Was it so easily to see that she had been a slave for most of her life, or was there another reason behind it? And if so, what reason was so powerful that thoughts could be transferred from one person to another? Eirene did have no answer to these questions, but she was relieved for Alcaeus to suggest to her being a concubine. It made it easier for her to agree.

Softly Eirene cradled her daughter Laela in her arms while thinking of a suitable answer. "My lord, to be honest it was exactly this occupation I had wished for, if you would have me. It would provide the best options for my daughter to spend her earliest youth." She spoke.

[Alcaeus Destono]

Alcaeus smiled, the suggestion he had made was perfectly fitting for what the woman had in mind. It pleased him, soon she would serve him at times of need. Maybe she was the woman who later would give him a son and heir, she looked young but beautiful she truly were. Having her as one of his concubines would please him a lot he believed, but before she ever could join his harem of lovers then she would need to go threw a short ceremony that only was held each third month. When she agreed, he in answer spoke."Done, then so be it. Let my servant show you where you and your child can live without being disturbed, I wish to see you in one hour. You may leave."With that said, he waved with his hand. Telling a servant close by to show where she and her new born baby could stay, sonly the maid came over and with a slight bow she was ready to show the way.

Suddenly before the new concubine and her child left, Alcaeus spoke out in curiosity. Thinking about a question he still had not asked, something he thought was important to know since new she was in his palace."By the way, before you leave. May I ask whats your name and your child's?"He asked, wondering what their name was.

[Eirene]

"I thank you very much, my lord." Eirene answered, happy that she had found an occupation so quickly and easily, that she and her child now would be safe while Eirene herself could continue her search for her real father. She already was turning to follow one of Alcaeus' servants to her new home. She was a little astouned that Alcaeus already wished to see her in one hour. It surprised her for she thought this was very soon and early that the king would test Eirene's ability, however she was alright with it. As long as there would be someone to look after her daughter while she would be doing her work she was satisfyed.

When Alcaeus called out once more to her and asked about her and her daughter's name, she turned once more. "My name is Eirene, my lord, and my daughter's is Laela." She spoke humbly, looking into his eyes. Somehow she felt a strange familiarity when looking straight into his face which confused her, so she inclined her head a little and looked down to her daughter who lay in her arms.

[Alcaeus Destono]

(okey lets continue in the new thread I make now called, "The room of Concubines")