Beloved Enemy

By Star Noble

At the edge of the Roman Empire, Cheruscans Kjeld and Dafried forged the bonds of childhood friendship, playing and hunting together along the mighty Rhine—until Romans ripped Kjeld away from his idyllic life and best friend to live as a Roman soldier.

That was ten years ago. Kjeld, now a Roman general, returns to his foster parents to prepare for a glorious celebration: a battle in the Coliseum. What he doesn’t know is that Dafried, after being captured during an assault on Roman military post, now trains as a gladiator in preparation for the upcoming competition. When the childhood friends reunite in the sands, it could spell death for one of them.

A Timeless Dreams title: While reaction to same-sex relationships throughout time and across cultures has not always been positive, these stories celebrate M/M love in a manner that may address, minimize, or ignore historical stigma.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
• Release date: Feb 13, 2013
• ISBN: 9781623803490

Book preview

Chapter 1

DAFRIED, let’s run to the grove over there! Kjeld, twelve-year-old son of the Cheruscan tribe leader, Aldemar, jumped up from the stump he was sitting on. He looked over at his best friend, Dafried, son of Gundbert, trader of their tribe. Dafried was lying in the grass, looking at the sky.

Dafried raised his head sleepily. What?

"This time, I’ll be the first!" Kjeld ran forward with long strides, long blond hair waving in the breeze.

Hold on! No longer sleepy, Dafried scrambled to his feet to run after his friend.

Kjeld knew he had the advantage of being taller, but Dafried was known as the best sprinter in their village, so Kjeld gave his best to reach the trees first. This time, he had to win!

But, all too quickly, he heard heavy breathing and wheezing behind him.

In a last effort, Kjeld lurched forward. I won! he gasped, embracing the trunk of the old tree for support.

Dafried gave a sound of pain, clutching at Kjeld’s back.

Kjeld caught his breath, turning around slowly. Dafried had gone down on his knees, his dark head resting against Kjeld’s legs.

What’s wrong? Come on, I’ll help you up. Kjeld put his arms under Dafried’s armpits and hauled him upward.

Ouch! Dafried lost his balance and went to the ground, writhing in pain. Stupid… ankle. I must have sprained it again.

Kjeld settled next to him. At first, he’d suspected that his friend was fishing for sympathy because he had lost the race, but now, he saw that Dafried was in real pain. He remembered the previous spring, when the children of the tribe had completed a race through the woods and Dafried had reached the target line as one of the last, limping.

You should join our council of elders, Kjeld joked.

Dafried gritted his teeth, looking away as if trying to hide tears.

Let me look at your ankle. Gently, Kjeld took the sandal off Dafried’s foot and put his hand on the warm skin at the ankle. It was beginning to swell.

Dafried jerked at the touch and Kjeld shushed him. It doesn’t look too bad. I’m sure Leila will find a salve and you’ll feel up to the next race tomorrow. Dafried grunted at the mention of the medicine woman. "And I promise you’ll get a head start."

You always say that, but you never keep your promise! Dafried complained weakly. His eyes had changed to a darker blue, as they always did when he was hurting or furious. Kjeld gazed sympathetically at his friend.

An idea hit him, and he pointed over to the stump he’d been sitting on before the race.

You know what? I had an early start and won, but because you’re hurting and were very fast too, I’ll give you something I found this morning. Let’s get you over there, and you’ll see what a precious thing it is.

Really? Dafried looked up, curiosity shining in his eyes. Kjeld was happy to see his friend more alert again. What is it?

Come on. Put your arm around me and we’ll walk over there. Slowly, Kjeld helped Dafried stand up, and together they stepped across the clearing to the other side of the forest. Kjeld kept his arm around the other boy’s waist and let him sit down on the trunk where they had started their race.

Phew! I don’t feel like walking a lot today, Dafried said. He looked around. Where’s the thing you found? Or are you just making fun of me? Now he was pouting, something he often did when he wanted to persuade others to a certain end. Kjeld had witnessed countless times Dafried’s mother surrendering to her son’s wishes after seeing that expression on his face.

Kjeld smiled and walked into the forest.

Where are you going? Dafried called, unable to keep the worry from his voice. Kjeld didn’t answer at once.

Hey, are you leaving me alone? Dafried called again, louder.

I would never do that to my best friend, Kjeld answered, reaching into an old, rotten tree. There he had hidden it: a strong staff. Kjeld had removed the tree bark, and the surface was shiny. He moved his hand along the staff and nodded, content.

He stepped back to Dafried and held out the staff. I want to give it to you. It’s unique, isn’t it? It offers a good grip, with a sharp head. You can defend yourself with it, and we can play soldier games with it. And you can lean on it until your ankle is fine again. Kjeld looked at his friend expectantly.

Dafried’s eyes shone with surprise. This is for me? He took the staff and weighed it in his hand. It’s heavy enough to be a weapon. He turned it around and slid his hand along the wood. What’s that? He frowned, taking a closer look at one spot right below the head. Hey, it’s your name carved there.

Yes. And now it’s yours. Do you like it? Kjeld sat next to his friend, running his hand along the staff.

Yes… but something’s missing, Dafried mused, outlining Kjeld’s name on the staff.

Kjeld raised an eyebrow. What do you mean?

Both our names should be on this staff, Dafried said with determination.

Nothing easier than that. Kjeld smiled. I’ll show you how. But first, I should get you home. Your mother will be worried.

She worries too much, Dafried said dismissively. He stood up, leaning on the staff. "This is a wonderful thing for me. I’m sure I will be better in no time." He took some steps forward and almost faltered.

In a second, Kjeld was by his side. Step by step. We do it this way. Kjeld put his arm around Dafried’s waist, supporting him.

"You do know Leila, don’t you?" Kjeld said, guiding Dafried around some bare roots.

Who hasn’t heard of that old witch? Dafried snorted. They say she can kill you with her cooked herbs and fried frog legs. He shuddered, catching his breath.

She’s the best healer in the Cheruscan tribe, Kjeld said firmly in her defense. And she’ll know what to do.

The shadows were longer along the path now, and the temperature had dropped considerably since they’d been out. Kjeld was cold—he hadn’t worn his linen shirt. It had been sunny all day, and Dafried was only wearing his breeches. His friend’s shoulder felt clammy to Kjeld’s touch, and moving forward, he murmured, Can you walk home? Or should I run back and call your father?

And leave me alone, ready to be eaten by the wolves? Dafried squawked indignantly.

Kjeld just raised an eyebrow.

Dafried sighed, nodding.

Whacking at the bushes that blocked the way, the boys made their way back through the forest. It was getting dark, and the trees looked like gray monsters. Although Kjeld and Dafried were familiar with the forest and knew about the dangers, Kjeld wished they could just be at home again. People had gotten lost in the deep woods and been found months later, half-eaten by wild animals.

Kjeld squeezed Dafried’s arm, hoping they would make it home safe.

Finally, they stepped out of the brush. We’re almost home, Kjeld said, pointing at the wide valley in front of them. It was a breathtaking view. The evening sun shone on the long thatched roofs in the village, and Kjeld breathed a sigh of relief. It would be best to stop at Kjeld’s home. We can see it already, Kjeld said. Dafried’s family lived at the north fence, much too far for Dafried to walk with his hurt ankle.

I bet my mother is making oatmeal with honey—you always like that. Kjeld’s mouth watered.

Dafried took a deep breath, leaning on his staff. Licking his lips, he muttered, I’m hungry like a wolf.

He was lifting the stick to push a big branch out of the way when they heard the sound of approaching horses to their left.

Stay here! Kjeld hissed, pulling his friend back into the trees. Crouching on the ground, they could see more than ten riders moving along the edge of the forest, their light armor reflecting the evening sun.

The Romans again, Dafried spat, shifting until his foot rested more comfortably. "Last week, they spent days in the neighboring colony. My father heard that they demanded more taxes; that’s the third time this year. Who knows what they’re up to now?"

It’s getting more and more ridiculous. But, as my father says, there’s no way to refuse their demands. Kjeld sighed. The Romans occupied their homeland, and if anyone revolted against them, it would mean certain death for many of their people. Kjeld pinched the crease in his forehead.

One day, we will be free again.

Do you think the coast is clear? Dafried’s eyes glistened with anticipation, the riders pushed to the back of his mind in favor of the promised oatmeal.

Bracing his right arm on Kjeld’s shoulder, he pushed himself up from the ground and grabbed the staff for support. The Romans had disappeared into the countryside, and they would probably be safe reaching their village.

KJELD, where have you been? Ingrid, Kjeld’s mother, demanded, looking worried. We just heard a troop of Romans checking the area. You shouldn’t stray too far from home these days.

She ushered the boys into the house, glancing down the lane as if afraid that the soldiers were nearby.

Don’t worry, Mother. The Romans didn’t see us, Kjeld reassured her, leading Dafried to a nearby chair.

Dafried, you can eat with us, Ingrid said, automatically putting another plate on the table.

Thank you. Dafried winced as he slumped on the chair.

Oh dear boy, what happened?

He hurt his ankle running, Kjeld explained, eyeing the evening meal already on the table.

Dafried, come nearer to the fire, Ingrid said with a frown, gesturing for him to sit down on the bench. What did you boys do again—fighting with each other? Kjeld, didn’t I tell you how dangerous that is without someone to watch you both? She probed Dafried’s bruised ankle gently.

Dafried’s cry stopped Ingrid’s scolding. She must have touched the spot where the swelling was the worst. It looks sprained, Ingrid said, patting Dafried’s knee.

Kjeld hurried to his friend’s side, hovering over him. What if the injury was more serious than they had first thought? The whole side of Dafried’s foot was now purple and swollen.

Mother, why not ask Leila? Kjeld suggested. She usually knows how to treat a wound and ease the pain.

Ingrid looked up at her son and smiled. So go. You know where to find her.

Kjeld nodded and turned to leave, touching his friend’s arm. Hang on. He gave Dafried an encouraging smile and hurried out the door to find Leila. She had helped many fighters to recuperate from severe injuries endured on the battlefield, so she could probably help Dafried with his sprained ankle.

Kjeld mentally promised to sacrifice something worthy to the gods if Dafried’s ankle healed properly. He relied on Dafried’s joyfulness and the fun they had together. They often played hide and seek with Kjeld’s little sister, Karin, and loved teasing the little girl when she screeched and hid her face after being found.

Whenever Kjeld and Dafried prowled around the surrounding fields and forests, Dafried always found something exciting. Once, Dafried had found the copper mask of a Roman soldier. He had scared Kjeld to death by appearing from behind with it on his face. Kjeld had been so frightened he’d wet his pants.

Afterward, when Kjeld could laugh about the whole thing, Dafried had looked at him, suddenly serious. I didn’t bother you too much, did I? And he had reached out his hand with the copper mask. Do you want it? It’s yours.

Kjeld kept the mask on his shelf and held it in his hands from time to time, wishing he could wear such a mask in a fight to defend his tribe from the Romans.

Absorbed in thought, Kjeld hadn’t noticed that he had reached Leila’s house. It was at the end of the village, made of big wooden logs. Smoke came from the chimney, so Kjeld assumed the woman was at home.

He knocked on the heavy wooden door; it opened slowly. Darkness surrounded him, and a strange smell wafted in his direction, making him choke.

Hesitating, he held his breath before he took a step forward. Summoning his courage, he spoke into the darkness. Leila? It’s Kjeld, Aldemar’s son. Dafried hurt his ankle and is in pain. My mother asks if you can help?

A dark shadow emerged from the opposite side of the room and materialized as a slender, middle-aged woman wearing a black, hooded cloak. She held a little bowl in her hands with something steaming in it. Kjeld stepped back when she approached him with the stinking liquid.

Don’t be afraid. I knew you would need my help, she murmured. The gods told me to mix my special medicine. It will help your friend.

Dafried will never drink this stuff, Kjeld managed, holding his nose.

He turned to leave, but a light touch on his shirt held him back. This is not for your friend. Follow me. I’ll show you what I have for your friend’s pain. Leila walked back into the dark interior of the room, her feet making a shuffling noise on the wooden floor.

I have to leave the village to offer my help in a fight near the Rhine, she said, bending over a pot that held a variety of herbs. Kjeld recognized garlic and cress among them. He stood rooted to the spot, not daring to disturb the medicine woman.

Come here and take a look. I’ll teach you how to create the healing drink. It eases pain and helps you to fall asleep.

Now interested, Kjeld watched Leila mixing herbs and spices. He listened to her mumbling about willow bark and tried to keep her instructions in his mind.

Leila put the compound in a little pouch, closed it with a leather strip, and handed it to Kjeld. "Take some of the contents, pour hot water over it, and give the mixture