POMPEII: Till the Stars Fall from the Sky

By Lorraine Blundell

POMPEII: Till the Stars Fall from the Sky

A time shift historical romance novel from the gold award winning author of novels set in Pompeii.

A huge, luxury, mystery villa stands deserted on the clifftop above Pompeii. Who owns it and what is it’s secret? A spirit from beyond the grave roams the villa’s halls seeking revenge. Who is it?

Step into the lives of Pompeii’s real, historical characters. What were their names, where did they live, and what is their link with the mystery villa on the clifftop?

Romance, murder, lust and revenge in an historical, time shift novel set in the real Pompeii, its people and destruction, from the Great Earthquake to the eruption of Vesuvius and beyond.

What happened to the survivors?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Apr 26, 2024
• ISBN: 9798823087261

Lorraine Blundell

Lorraine Blundell (Dance), a gold award winning author, was born in Brisbane, Australia. She lives in Melbourne and has a daughter, Jenni, and a son, Steve. Lorraine graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in English and History. She holds a teaching qualification in Drama from Trinity College, London. She trained as a classical singer at the Queensland State Conservatorium of Music, Brisbane. During that period, she sang professionally on television as a solo vocalist, regularly performing for six years on channels BTQ7 and QTQ9 Brisbane as well as nationally on HSV7 Melbourne. She is an experienced performer in musical theatre productions. Her interests are singing, ancient history and archaeology.

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© 2024 Lorraine Blundell. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  04/23/2024

ISBN: 979-8-8230-8725-4 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-8230-8726-1 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Timeline

Characters

Part I 64 AD – 78 AD

Prologue Pompeii

1 After The Great Earthquake

2

3

4

5 Earlier That Morning

6 Rome

7

8

9 Pompeii

10

11

12

13

14

15

16 Pompeii

17

18

19

20

21

22 Rome

23 Pompeii

24

25

26

27

Part II 79 AD

28 Pompeii

29 Pompeii

30 Rome

31

32

33

34

35 Pompeii

Part III 80 AD

36 Rome

37

38

39

Part IV 1734 - 2021

40 Pompeii

41 England

42 Italy

Epilogue

A Glimpse Into The Future

The Author

Acknowledgements

Front Cover Design

Glossary

A Historical Note From The Author

Book Club Discussion Notes

To My Readers

PompeiiMap.jpg

TIMELINE

VILLA OPLONTIS

CHARACTERS

*An historical character

For I will love you dear until the seas run dry

I am yours now and forever ‘till the stars fall from the sky

Albrecht/Althouse

PART I

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64 AD – 78 AD

PROLOGUE

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POMPEII

72AD

Villa Oplontis

(On the clifftop overlooking Pompeii)

W hy are you wearing my necklace ?

Lucia woke, shocked from sleep during the night by the sound of a woman’s voice. Her whispered words floated through the shadows and pale moonlight filtered past the open window shutters.

Fear gripped her.

A woman was standing near the bed. She seemed to be floating, surrounded by an unearthly light and wore a diaphanous, deep blue silk stola shining with gems. Her hair was upswept off her face.

The stranger was utterly beautiful. There was a regal look about her.

‘I found it only this morning in the garden,’ Lucia stammered, as her hand hastily reached up to caress the delicate gold chain with a single emerald that hung around her neck.

‘Very well. You may keep it, but I still want to know why you’re in my villa.’

‘Who are you?’

‘Surely, you must know, but if you don’t, I’ll enlighten you. My name is Empress Poppaea Sabina.’

‘But you’re dead!’

Poppaea’s melodic, tinkling laughter pervaded the room, reaching into the farthest corners where the shadows were deepest. She stepped closer to the bed and her rose perfume filled the air.

‘What can you understand of death and what follows it? I’ve passed from one state of being to another, that’s all you need to know.’

There was a moment of silence.

‘Why have you returned here?’ Lucia asked.

Poppaea chose her words carefully.

‘A great wrong has been done and the truth needs to be known, but I do not have the power to change history.’

A look of sadness crossed her face.

‘Tell me, what is your name?’ Poppaea asked as she stepped closer to the bed.

‘My name is Lucia.’

‘Well, Lucia, I’ll return to speak with you again. Until then, enjoy your stay here, I know I did.’

Poppaea’s image faded as quickly as it had appeared.

When Lucia woke early the next morning, she smiled at the strange dream that swirled in her mind. That was until she became aware of the subtle perfume of roses that still fragranced the air around her.

1

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After the Great Earthquake

64AD

P oppaea threw yet another stola to her best friend, Farzana, to push into the already bulging bag, as they packed at her apartment in Rome’s royal palace. ‘Quickly, we must hurry. We both know what he’s like when he’s kept waiting.’

Farzana rolled her eyes. ‘I know, but going into a panic isn’t going to help anything. Did you remember to pack those new sandals?’

‘No, where are they?’

‘Underneath the chair over there.’

Farzana shook her head, this was sheer chaos. She’d been Poppaea’s best friend since they’d grown up together in Pompeii. They were very close and she was the closest thing to a sister that the empress would ever have.

She’d come to Rome to help Poppaea. This trip was important and she didn’t totally have confidence in the palace staff to do what was required.

‘Sit down for a few minutes, Poppy, he’ll just have to wait. We’re nearly finished here and I’ll do it,’ Farzana told her soothingly.

‘Send a message that you’ll be at the carriage soon.’

‘What would I do without you!’ Poppaea sighed with fatigue as she literally fell into the nearest comfortable chair.

Farzana laughed.

Poppaea sent the messenger as Farzana closed the last bag.

After the Great Earthquake which had devastated large parts of Pompeii, it had been decided that the emperor and empress should undertake a royal visit as a show of support. Preparing for it was proving to be difficult. They’d be there for six nights which meant many changes of clothes for the empress.

Farzana would return to Pompeii with her.

Palace attendants hurried away with the baggage as they walked quickly towards the royal carriage where Nero stood, becoming increasingly impatient.

‘We should have departed long ago!’ he fumed.

‘We’ve done our best.’

He restrained himself from replying.

Poppaea joined him in their carriage and they left the palace accompanied by mounted praetorian guards. Farzana followed alone in a second carriage which also carried the baggage that had just been packed into it.

It was a pleasant enough journey through the countryside and Nero was pleased that they’d made up some of the lost time. He’d always liked Napoli and they stopped for longer than intended so he could visit the theatre.

Poppaea and Farzana went to the lovely bay instead, enjoying the sea air and beauty of the surroundings. Their visit there hadn’t been planned so for a while at least, they had a short time to enjoy a walk on the esplanade and the curved bay that had Vesuvius as a hulking shadow in the distance.

‘This is truly beautiful,’ Poppaea smiled, ‘I could spend my days here.’

‘It is,’ Farzana agreed. For some time now, she’d been concerned about how truly happy Poppy was, but knew that even she couldn’t raise that question, at least, not yet.

They weren’t left in peace for long as a crowd began to gather, eager to catch a glimpse of the empress. She spent time greeting many of them before they returned to the carriage.

By the time they reached Pompeii they were tired from such a long journey. The people lined Via Consolare to welcome Nero and Poppaea. She was especially popular as their ‘own’ empress and they greeted her warmly.

During their stay in Pompeii the royal couple, as well as Farzana were to stay at the Inn of Sallust on Via Consolare, as the only guests. No bookings had been taken from the public. It had previously been a sumptuous house that was newly renovated and a second floor had just been added after the earthquake.

The Inn of Sallust provided rooms, some looking out onto a lovely peristyle garden, as well as a porter and the best service Pompeii could provide, including a restaurant area and adjoining bakery.

They also had adequate privacy.

There were stunning wall frescoes as well as rich furnishings. It was the most suitable accommodation in Pompeii for the emperor and empress.

‘Are you pleased with your rooms, Poppy?’ Farzana asked when all three of them had entered their separate suites.

‘Yes, it has changed a lot since I last saw it, but I like it. Farzana, you’ve done enough for one day, I’ll get the staff to help me now. Why don’t you get some peace in your own suite and, hopefully, some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.’

‘Thanks, Poppy. I must admit, I am rather tired.’

Farzana left and Poppaea sent for service with unpacking and bathing. She very much doubted that Nero would come to her room tonight. He’d also be tired after the journey, at least, she hoped so.

As for Farzana, it felt good to be home again. She spent some time, however, thinking about Poppy’s situation. Soon, she fell asleep. She had almost a full day to herself tomorrow as the royal couple were attending a welcome in the early afternoon then touring the city. Perhaps, she’d visit her father’s grave. She’d knew that she’d always miss him.

First, however, there was something else personal to be done. It was the re-enactment of a special memory.

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As dawn brought light again to Pompeii below a rosy sky, two young women dressed in plain tunics sat on a stone bench in the garden at the Temple of Venus.

Three security guards stood back in the shadows of the temple almost out of sight. The two women were never out of their vision.

‘Here we are again,’ Poppy smiled. ‘It seems like so long since we last sat right here, both of us together.’

‘It is a long time,’ Farzana shook her head. ‘It’s as peaceful as I remember, they were memories I’ll never forget.’

They sat in silence for a short time watching the sun creep over the garden. It silvered the leaves of the olive trees.

Farzana turned to Poppy.

‘I’d like to ask you something but if you’d prefer not to answer, I won’t take offence.’

Poppy nodded.

‘Are you happy? There are times when I see sadness behind your smile. I know you better than anyone else in this world now. Would you like to tell me?’

‘I’d forgotten how perceptive you are and you are right. There is much wrong with my life, Farzana. I’m married to a man who is volatile, cruel and selfish, there are times when I fear for my safety and that of my son.’

‘Perhaps, I’m being punished for my ambition.’

‘I know it’s selfish of me, but would you consider staying at the palace again soon? There is no one else there I can trust except, perhaps, Tigellinus.’

‘I’m sorry to see you like this, Poppy. Of course, just send me a message and I’ll come. In the meantime, be very careful and tread softly around him.’

A short time later they parted.

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‘She’s so beautiful!’ one old woman gushed as she saw a good glimpse of Poppaea visiting the Basilica. Admittedly, she was simply voicing the thoughts of those around her.

‘Where else is she going today?’ someone asked.

‘The Julia Felix estate, I think.’

Poppaea looked resplendent in a delicate, gold stola worn with emerald drop earrings. Her natural beauty didn’t require anything much added, but they were very expensive and it did no harm, she thought, to show her regal standing, even here.

Wherever she went she was cheered.

Their walk took them to the palatial home of Aulus Umbricius Scaurus, the garum sauce maker. He welcomed them inside for refreshments, and spoke with Nero at length about the manufacture of this very popular and many believed, essential addition to nearly every type of meal, especially fish. This product was exported extensively throughout the empire.

The next day would be a difficult one for Poppaea.

She and Farzana were scheduled to visit Villa Oplontis, her wedding gift from Nero. They’d been told that it had been badly damaged by the earthquake and they were to learn that this description was accurate.

They were taken by boat and they walked up the steep incline to the villa above on arrival. It looked like a disaster area which is exactly what it was.

Poppaea stood as if chained to the spot in front of the villa then burst into tears. Farzana put her arm around her to give her some comfort, but there was nothing else to do.

‘I’m so sorry, Poppy. I know how you love this villa.’

‘I had no idea it was this badly damaged.’

‘Perhaps, in time, you can find a way to bring it back to life. The villa is still here, it’s just that there’s so very much damage. One day, you should try to repair it.’

‘Don’t give up hope, I know you have the will to fix it.’

‘You’re right, Farzana. It was just such a shock seeing it so damaged.’

It was to be a difficult day for Poppaea. She was not to know also, that for her, time was running out.

She was scheduled later in the day to visit her mother’s tomb, Farzana accompanied her. So much had happened since that dreadful day when she was buried and events leading up to it had all been so unnecessary.

One greedy, jealous woman’s ambition and a weak emperor had caused her mother’s suicide. It had also put Poppaea on her present pathway.

Poppaea would never forgive them. She’d never forgive Rome.

The remainder of the visit needed to be successful. The citizens so far were grateful and they’d been typical Pompeii days full of sunshine.

Nero had presented the Duumvir with a gift of finance to repair the damage to the Temple of Venus and Basilica. The forum had been stripped of its marble statues by the wind and rain and were being repaired as finances allowed.

Farzana was not returning to Rome with Poppaea and they bid a tearful goodbye to each other prior to the royal carriage’s departure.

She remained concerned about Poppy’s state of mind, her marriage and the situation encircling her. Unfortunately, there was nothing more Farzana could do. When she reached home, she sat at her kitchen table and cried.

2

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L ate that afternoon Poppaea sat glancing anxiously at Nero as he tapped his fingers impatiently on the desk in front of him. She knew all the signs he unknowingly showed when he was bored or agitated.

This was one of those times. Then, she realised that the solution had been obvious. Give him something that is a favourite with him.

Returning to her own room she called urgently for her messenger. He appeared almost immediately.

‘Tobias, I want you to take an urgent message to the Mayor, Julius Polybius. He’ll probably be at the Basilica.

Salve Julius,

This is a private message from me to keep this tour flowing for the emperor. I know it is asking something difficult, but I believe it would be to Pompeii’s benefit if you could have your actors perform something, preferably a comedy, on stage at the large theatre at mid afternoon within the next two to three days.

The emperor becomes bored easily and the city will benefit more if he is in good humour.

I know you will do your best.

My thanks and best wishes.

Poppaea

Seeing a messenger in royal livery, one of the Basilica’s attendants hurried over. He was so impressed by the uniform that he bowed so low, it might well have been the emperor standing there. He hurried up the steps to the mayor’s office with the messenger beside him and knocked on the door.

‘Enter.’

‘What can I do for you?’ Julius asked, surprised.

He was handed the message and proceeded to read it. His expression