Lost In Time Again

By Peter D. Bull

Mustela wanted to return to the twenty first century when he was known as John, but he wanted to take Suras with him. Mustela had been his name when he had lived as a Roman 2000 years earlier. He'd returned to Rome having been transported in time by Leonardo Da Vinci. He'd met his friend Suras again for the first time in all those years and had easily fallen into his old life with him. He continued to live as a Roman with all the rough edges of a man born and bred in Essex. The friend that he'd brought with him from the 21st century had been sent back by Leonardo as a matter of urgency, because he had been badly beaten and was about to die. They have only just decided that the only way that they can find out if Sam survived the journey back, would be to go back themselves to look for him. Suras had never travelled in time before unlike Mustella who is already an old hand at the process.They finally return to Rome with a new friend who is a expert on Roman History. They all meet up with Caesar.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Sep 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9780244117016

Book preview

Lost In Time Again

LOST IN TIME AGAIN

By

Peter D. Bull

A close up of an animal Description generated with high confidence

COPYRIGHT

Published by Lulu Enterprises Inc.

3101 Hillsborough Street

Suite 210

Raleigh, NC 27607-5436

United States of America

Copyright © 2018 PETER D. BULL

Category: Fiction, General

ISBN: 978-0244-11701-6

Front cover image © PETER D. BULL

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher.

DISCLAIMER

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, corporations, institutions, organisations, events or locales in this novel are either the product of the author’s imagination or, if real, used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons (living or dead) is entirely coincidental.

CHAPTER ONE

There was a knock on the dormitory door.

Who the fuck’s that at this time of night? Mustela said.

Suras looked at Mustela with a serious look on his face as he stood to open the door.

I don’t know but I doubt its good news. He said.

Before he got to the door there were more knocks.

Suras unlocked the door and opened it slowly. There were three legionaries standing there.

Yes? Suras asked.

You’re both wanted straight away. Get dressed and come with us please.

Suras swallowed hard as Mustela walked toward the door.

What’s happening? What have we done? Mustela asked the legionary that seemed to be in charge.

Nothing as far as I know. He replied. But you’re wanted immediately by Caesar.

Caesar? Mustela said. What can he want with us at this hour? He asked Suras.

Well as long as we’re not in trouble I don’t care what he wants. Suras replied.

You’ll have to come now. The legionary said more urgently than before.

The two men were escorted to Caesar’s office. They were asked to wait for a moment.

Come. Caesar called out.

Both men looked at each other with dread etched on their faces.

They both marched up to where Caesar was sitting at his desk. He had maps spread out everywhere.

We are going on a campaign to put down the rabble that is rising against Rome. I want both of you to accompany me. You both have your uses. Caesar said as he perused the maps.

Both men were about to look at each other but both avoided doing so.

Of course Caesar. We’d be honoured to accompany you. Suras lied. Where will we be going?

Britannia. Caesar said sharply.

Oh! Was all Suras could manage to say in his state of shock. He felt his bladder start to leak slightly.

Be ready to leave in one hour. Caesar said. Bring as much warm clothing as you have. It’s a God forsaken place with nothing but rain wind and savages. It’ll be a long campaign so prepare carefully in the time you’ve got.

More officers came into the room to talk to Caesar.

Go now! Caesar almost shouted at the two men.

A fucking hours notice. Is he serious? Mustela said as they walked to their room. It’ll take me that long to have a shit.

I’m afraid he is serious so let’s not waste time. Suras said. Try to get Leonardo to get us out of here for the love of Zeus. I get tired walking for bread in the mornings. I don’t think I’ll fair too well walking to Britannia wherever that is.

I’ll tell you where it is. Mustela said as they got closer to their door. It’s a fucking world away from here. It’s what England used to be called. He wants us to march to England for fuck’s sake.

That’s where you come from isn’t it? Suras asked.

Yes it is you fool. I’ll bet it’s those fucking mad Scotsmen playing up again. Mustela said.

Well never mind that. I don’t care who’s playing up. Get in touch with Leonardo quickly. Suras shouted. I don’t want to go to Brittania.

Mustela sat down with his head in his hands.

Leonardo. We need to get away from this place right now. Can you help us?

What’s he saying? Suras asked.

He’s not saying anything. I’d have told you if he had wouldn’t I? Mustela answered rudely.

Well hurry up. They’ll be back for us in half an hour. Suras said in a panicky voice.

If you’ll shut up for a minute I might hear something. Mustela said.

Time moved on too quickly. Mustela still had made no contact with Leonardo.

Mustela we’ll have to get our things ready. They’ll be here any minute. We can’t wait any longer. Suras said.

He quickly got as many clothes together, and tied them into a roll. None of them were fit for the occasion. He didn’t own a single thing that would keep the cold out. He’d never needed such clothes.

Mustela stood up quickly and grabbed what he could. The sound of troops marching down the corridors could be heard now.

Fancy giving us a fucking hour to get ready. What’s the matter with him? Is he mad or something?

Mustela asked.

Keep your voice down Mustela or a long march will be the least of your troubles if you’re heard talking like that.

The expected knock at the door came. Suras opened it and there stood the guards.

Caesar wants you close to him so you must come now, ready or not. We have horses waiting for you outside.

They walked out into the cold night air, to find thousands of mounted soldiers and foot soldiers leaving the city gates in a haze of dust. Caesar was mounting himself as the two men exited the building.

Come on the two of you. I want you both to start work now. Suras I want you to keep an eye on anyone that gets close to me and read their lips. I want to know immediately if any officer makes any remarks that could be considered to be dangerous towards me.  And you Mustela, I want you to take my orders and comments to which ever officer I choose to contact on a personal basis. You are one of my secretaries; you’re not a military man but you must be discreet at all times. Is that understood?

Yes Caesar. Mustela said.

Good. Then let us get going. Caesar said as he moved away from the steps of the senate.

Caesar was not at the head of his army. He was somewhere at the back for the time being. He was still giving orders to his main officers, and was planning the whole thing whilst on the move. Suras and Mustela were told to stay close by. It was cold, and as black as pitch. Neither man had eaten very much earlier as they hadn’t expected to be on the move. So both men were now hungry.

It started to rain slightly and the wind was getting up a bit.

I don’t believe this. Suras said. Are you still trying to get through to him?

Well of course I am you idiot. You don’t imagine I want to be here on this stinking fucking horse, in the rain and wind do you?

Just then the horse in front of Mustela gave off the longest and smelliest fart that it was possible to give off.

Sorry about that. The laughing rider said as he turned round to Mustela.

That’s perfectly alright. Mustela replied. Maybe if I lay down in the mud he’d like to shit on me too?

I’ll mention it. The rider replied. And it’s a she, not a he.

Oh I’m not surprised at all. Mustela said as he wiped rain from his face.

It’s not unusual for me to be shit upon by a female. What’s the difference if it happens to be a horse?

The officer laughed out loudly. He was well aware that both Mustela and Suras were not soldiers.

I suppose the big difference is that if this particular female did decide to shit on you, you’d also get about three gallons of piss as well.

You haven’t known the women I’ve known officer. Mustela replied. That sounds like child’s play in comparison.

All of those around the men laughed at the joke. It went a little way towards lightening the mood.

Suras sat there upon his mount not saying a word. He was so cold and hungry that he didn’t really see the funny side of what had just transpired. He was indignant that Leonardo hadn’t been contacted. In his mind, he blamed Mustela for not trying harder to connect to him. What he had no way of knowing though, was that Leonardo was gravely ill and couldn’t even get out of his stinking, damp bed, let alone perform the act of returning the two travellers. He now had pneumonia after a bout of some unknown illness that had lasted for weeks. His friends, who were fellow scientists and his granddaughter were worried that the old man would not pull through this time. He was well known for being a man with a weak chest. He’d been ill with similar symptoms many times before. Francesca was well aware that John (as she knew him), was lost in time once more. She was frantically going through Leonardo’s many scrolls and rough drawings to try to work out how to get John back. She was under the impression, that Sam was still with John, as her grandfather hadn’t told her that he’d had already been returned to the twenty first century in an attempt to save his life.

Although Leonardo had perfected the process of time travel with his two companions, he had a habit of keeping information in his head. It now meant that every single part of the process was being examined by the two aged scientists, and Francesca. She was no fool herself, and Leonardo had often spoken to her about the process, but not to the extent that she was able to step in for him during his illness. Weeks of painstaking examination had already taken place between the three of them. There was no chance at all of Mustela and Suras getting out of Roman times until either Leonardo recovered, or the three discovered what the genius held in his head.

It was still raining when morning broke for the army. Suras in particular was not at all prepared for the gruelling march. He found it hard, even being on horseback was only a slight consolation for him.

Mustela was not quite as tired as his friend, but even he was beginning to suffer, and it was only the first night of the march.

How long will it take to get to Britannia? Suras asked Mustela.

How should I know? He answered with an edge to his voice. I’ve never ridden a horse half way across the fucking world before.

There’s no need to be annoyed with me. Suras answered. I’m just as pissed off as you are you know. It’s not my fault that Caesar wanted us to come with him is it?

I didn’t say it was your fault did I? Mustela snapped. I’m just making the point that it was a stupid fucking question. How the fuck would I know how long it’ll take?

Do you realise how much you swear when you’re in a mood? Suras asked.

He was ignored by his friend but the officer on the farting horse answered Suras’s question.

It’ll take about two months if we’re lucky.

Two fucking months? Mustela questioned.

If we’re lucky. The officer repeated.

I wouldn’t exactly call it lucky to be wearing our arses to the bone for two months. Suras said.

It would be even longer if we weren’t going part of the way by ship. The officer said.

Ship? Suras almost screamed. I fucking hate water. I can’t even swim.

Who’s swearing now then? Mustela said.

I wouldn’t worry about not being able to swim if I were you. The officer added. If we sink we’ll all go to the bottom like rocks whether we can swim or not. Our weapons and armour will see to that.

The two friends looked at each other and shook their heads in disbelief of the situation they now found themselves in.

Just then Caesar came into view with several of his guards in attendance.

Is everything alright back here Titus? He asked the officer.

Yes Caesar everything is good here. He replied.

Caesar didn’t say anything more to Titus, but he gave the two friends a look of concern.

Are you two alright? He asked. You both look troubled.

Everything is well with us Caesar. Mustela said.

Mustela noticed a grin appear on the face of Titus.

Caesar rode up closer to the two men. Is there anything to report to me? He asked quietly.

No Caesar, not so far anyway. Suras said.

Then why are you looking so miserable? Don’t you know that it’s an honour to ride with the Roman army?

Of course Caesar. Suras said. Mustela was just saying that he hoped to see some action soon.

Mustela swallowed hard, and looked at Suras in disbelief. He then turned his gaze to Caesar himself.

There cannot be one man in this army Caesar, that doesn’t feel honoured to be at your side. He felt compelled to say.

Once again, Mustela saw a grin appear on Titus’s face at his comment.

You’re absolutely right Mustela. Caesar said. And if there were such a man, he’d have had his throat cut by now, or have been crucified.

Mustela was momentarily lost for words at such a violent reply.

And he would deserve it Caesar. He replied. If there was such a man. He added for good measure.

Keep a sharp eye out on what goes on at the rear of the column. And keep me informed if you suspect that anything at all is going on that I should know about. I can’t be in two places at one time. I know I can trust the both of you. He said in a lowered voice.

Caesar then turned to his officers.

Titus. As you have no doubt realised by now, these two men are not soldiers, but they do however have special talents that are very useful to me. They are both secretaries to me so keep an eye on them and make sure that they come to no harm during the campaign. They are under your protection. Is that clear?

Titus gave Caesar a salute. Of course Caesar. I’ll guard them with my life. He said.

Stay here with Titus and keep out of harm’s way. Do you understand? Caesar asked.

Yes Caesar. They both answered in unison.

Good. He said as he rode off to the front of the column with his guards. The ride would take him two hours or more.

Titus wondered what talents they both had that could be of use to Caesar. He wasn’t about to ask though. He’d have to find out in due course. He had plans of his own.

I didn’t realise that you were such important people. Titus said sarcastically. I’d have had my mount fart in the other direction if I’d known. My apologies gentlemen.

No offense was taken. Suras said in good humour.

I wasn’t offended either. Mustela said. In fact if I hadn’t heard the fart, I would have assumed it was Suras’s shaving scent that was to blame. 

Titus laughed loudly at the joke. I can see that we’ll get along. He said as he rode ahead.

I’m not so sure about that. Mustela said to Suras. There’s something about him that doesn’t ring true.

That’s so weird. Suras said quietly. I felt that too. We’d better not tell him what we do for Caesar. It may put him on his guard. I must admit, I did wonder why we were left here with him instead of being with Caesar. He looks like a slippery fucker doesn’t he?

As a snake. Mustela said. But it can’t be Titus that Caesar is wary of or he wouldn’t have told him that we are his secretaries would he?

I wouldn’t have thought so. Suras answered. I don’t know how his mind works.

Neither man knew where they were heading for to board ship. They just hoped that it wouldn’t take long to get there. They were as hungry as wolves, and it was only the first full day of the journey. Despite Suras’s fear of the sea, he was anxious to get the whole thing over with.

They rode side by side as they talked discreetly.

Are you still trying to contact him? Suras asked.

What do you think? Mustela asked with a degree of annoyance. Stop asking me.

Haven’t you heard a single thing? He added.

If I had I would have told you wouldn’t I? How many more times do I have to tell you? Mustela asked.

Well can you at least tell me when you’re going to try? I’m getting worried now. Suras said.

Mustela just rolled his eyes backwards and ignored him. Fucking idiot. He thought to himself.

Eventually the army stopped to eat and sleep. A great encampment had been made in what seemed like no time at all, and before long, fires were burning and the smell of food cooking permeated the air. Most of the hard work had been done by the scouts and the vanguard troops. They’d arrived a good six hours before the officers and troops.

Sentries were posted every few yards and others moved around the perimeter looking for anything unusual. All the soldiers seemed to be responsible for cooking their own food, although they did have help to do menial jobs and to attend to the horses.

What’s going to happen to us then? Suras asked Mustela. When are we going to eat?

I don’t know Suras. I suppose someone will tell us soon. We can hardly go up to a soldier and ask where our food is can we? Mustela answered sarcastically.

I suppose not. Suras said. I could eat a dog, I’m so hungry.

You probably will before this campaign’s finished. Mustela said with a laugh.

I hope we’re not going to be around here for that long. Suras said. I haven’t got a good feeling about this campaign.

Neither have I. Mustela said. I don’t want to be anywhere NEAR any action.

Titus came over to the two hungry men. Join us at the fire over there. Food will be ready in a few minutes. Bread, cheese and meat. I hope you approve gentlemen. He said once again with a degree of sarcasm which Suras and Mustela picked up on immediately.

They both took a sip of the wine that had been proffered, and grimaced with disgust. It was as sour as aged vinegar.

Does the wine not suit your pallets gentlemen? We do our best to please, but sometimes we do fall short of perfection." Titus said. His fellow officers all laughed out loud. They were gently mocking the two men, but not so much as to get into trouble with Caesar for doing so.

The wine and the food is fine Titus. We have had worse in many a whorehouse. Suras surprisingly said.

Have you now? Titus asked. I wouldn’t have guessed that you like to dabble in the nightlife of Rome. Once again he was taunting the two men for no good reason.

Well it just goes to show that you can’t judge a book by its cover doesn’t it Titus? Mustela said.

There was a delay whilst Titus considered the comment.

It certainly does. He answered in a measured and thoughtful fashion.

Well it’s time for us to turn in. Mustela said as the two rose from the ground. It’ll be a long day tomorrow no doubt.

It’ll be the same length as today Mustela. Titus said. Just the usual twenty four hours. Sleep well won’t you?

We will I’m sure. Mustela said as he looked Titus full in the face.

Oh and by the way, the bad wine is probably down to us. We advise Caesar on ways to run his army whilst at the same time, saving money. We find that if you add a little water, it’s not so bad. Goodnight gentlemen.

They made for their tent and entered. He’s up to no good Mustela. I can feel it in my bones. Suras said. He’s suspicious of us and very guarded too.

Yes and he’s a sarcastic bastard too. Mustela said. Let’s hope that my comment about advising Caesar on saving money had the desired effect.

CHAPTER TWO

Leonardo was getting no better. In fact he was delirious at times due to his high temperature.

Francesca was exhausted by the hours of reading and calculations that had to be perused. All she could think about was John being trapped in another time. She could only imagine what he was going through. Many times in the past, Leonardo had tried to get her interested in his experiments but to no avail. He was well aware that she had the capacity for understanding what he was doing. Mathias had on more than one occasion, warned against Leonardo keeping so much knowledge in his head, but as usual, Leonardo had told him that when he had the time, he would explain his findings and write them down. But he never did. He was a secretive man who guarded his secrets closely. He didn’t want anyone else to take credit for his genius.

As far as Leonardo was concerned, he imparted fine detailed information to his scientific partners on a need to know basis, and they didn’t need to know yet.

Returning Sam to his time was the last thing that Leonardo had done before becoming ill. As Sam had previously been unconscious and close to death with a bleed on his brain, he wasn’t aware of how or why he’d been returned. He didn’t remember a thing about his injuries. He sat in his little flat in Dagenham, waiting for John to arrive at any time. He was quite unaware that his friend was once again lost in time.

.............................................................

It rained again that night, and Suras and Mustela dreaded another uncomfortable day in the saddle.

I’m sure I’ve got a boil on my arse. Suras whispered as they drifted towards sleep.

What do you want me to do about it you simpleton? Mustela asked.

There was a short delay before Suras answered.

Can you suck it out for me? He asked as he stifled a laugh.

You’re a fucking animal do you know that? Mustela said. Hardly able to stay awake.

It’s just that I consider you to be a friend, and friends help each other don’t they? Suras said. Still sniggering.

Mustela started a sleepy laugh.

Go to sleep you stupid bastard. We’ll be fucked in the morning. He said.

I’ll take that as a no then shall I? Suras said in a fit of laughter at his own joke.

There was no answer. Mustela had fallen into sleep after the hardest day he’d had in months.

The next day was promising to be as miserable as the previous day had been. It hadn’t stopped raining all night, and the wind was up.

Suras woke up first. His head was splitting as he tried to focus on things around him.

Mustela. Wake up! He called.

There was no indication that Mustela had heard him, so he put his foot out and pushed him with the sole of his foot. After two attempts, Mustela woke up slowly and held his head in his hands.

I feel like I’ve been kicked in the head. He said. What did we drink last night?

Nothing. Suras said. We didn’t have anything other than that cup of piss they called wine.

Mustela was sat up but he wasn’t quite with it.

I feel fucking awful. He said to Suras.

So do I. I can hardly focus my eyes on anything. He replied.

We’ve been drugged Suras. I’m sure of it. I’ve drank four bottles of wine to myself before now and not felt like I do now. And I threw most of that piss in the bushes.

Well if we have been drugged, it could only have been that fucking Titus couldn’t it? He gave us the only drink we had, so it must have been him or one of his lot. But why would he drug us? Suras said.

It’s obvious to me Suras. He’s obviously up to something and he’s checking us out. Don’t you remember how he was being sarcastic by saying that he hadn’t realised that we were important people. I’d bet on them having been in here whilst we were drugged and unconscious.

Suras thought for a short while. We haven’t got anything with us that would give us away, have we? He asked.

Mustela thought for a while.

No I don’t think so. He finally said. There’s nothing to find out about us anyway. Caesar told him who we are and what we do for him. Come on hurry up, we need to get ready. They’ll be on the move soon from the sound of it. I’m fucking starving again.

So am I. Suras said. "I wonder what’s for