The softness of her hand on his face excited Patrocles and he wondered if she would have need of him right here and now, under the sun and watchful eyes of the other servants, including the one that belonged to the Roman who now fought for his life on the sands below.  He twitched at the thought.  Then as quickly as her outward moment of affection had started, it stopped.  Her hand was drawn away, not in anger, but it indicated that she did not want him yet.  Her eyes turned back to the sands below and he heard her order given.<br/><br/><strong><em>Take the servant girl and search the house, the entire Ludus. It is my desire to know if any one else remains and what stock is left within what is now mine…Go ... I place my trust in you for this.</em></strong><br/><br/>Patrocles heard his mistress’ words, nodded his head in comprehension; speaking softly.<br/><br/><strong>Yes Domina.  Not a room will be left unsearched, not a thing of any value shall be missed.  Anyone found will be brought before you.  It shall take some time, I trust that you will be taken care of in my absence.</strong>His gaze shifted to Caris, and even as she looked upon him, a hint of disdain in her eyes, he knew that what ever Domina needed, anything at all, Caris would provide it.<em>Damn that woman... I should be watching Domina and providing for the needs she has in the hot sun, while excited by the battle below.  Not the bitch...</em><strong>By your leave then…<br/></strong><br/>He rose to his feet as he spoke, watching as Livia gave her leave with a casual nod and wave of delicate hand.  How he wished that the hand that now gave him leave was running over his muscled abdomen on its way to what waited for her under his war skirt.  Still, he turned to exit the balcony and as he walked across to where the house slave remained, standing topless and, dare he say, alluring in the heat with her exposed skin flush from the day’s warm sun.  He walked directly to her, eyeing her up and down and assessing her with a practiced mind.  Realizing she posed no obvious threat he took her by the arm and spoke firmly to her,<strong>Come with me… as Domina commands.</strong><br/><br/>He could tell from the look of her that she was not Roman, Greek, Egyptian or even Phoenician.  In fact she was probably from some place a long distance to the north, where Rome’s ever expanding appetites seemed to be focused as of late.  With out knowing anything about her he decided to establish quickly a sense of who she was.  Leaving the balcony together he stopped inside the hallway, yet out of earshot of Domina and the other servants, to speak with her.<br/><br/><strong>Do you speak?  Do you understand my words?  I am Patrocles, Gladiator and Champion of House.  More over, I am servant to my lady, Domina.  I do as she commands and I would know if you will do the same. What is you name? </strong><br/>