I approached Varinia again, as close as I could, without interfering with the executioner or getting in the way of the whip. I was as near to her as I could be when she finally let out a cry after a particularly strong stroke to her back.

I wanted to see in her face if there was any weakening of her resolve. I could not see into her eyes because she kept them closed. There was a mysterious air about her, the same that made some think she was up to something. It was some of the rumors that went around the province that eventually reached the seat of the Emperor. There were rumors that some faction of the Thracians were planning to push back the Romans. That was enough.

The whip kept falling on her back and she was not saying anything or demonstrating any vestige of a possibility that she may reveal her secrets. She was known to be secretive, as I learned in my findings. Too close to her grandmother, she avoided friendships and the cravings of men. She was indifferent to most of the young men that were milling around her home as she became one of the most beautiful young women in her town.

She was known to some but very few know of her origins. It seems that it was kept a secret in her family. Her father, as proud as he was of his origin, was also afraid, not only for himself, but for his family, specially his mother, whom he knew was carrying within her heart the torch of her husband, the desire of freedom for all the slaves and, most importantly, freedom from the power of Rome.

The cruel lash was unforgiving but still not as severe as it was going to be. The executioner was under orders to pace himself, to make her last. I was going to be persuasive, if possible. Even if it was not my domain, I had enough experience to know that a slow process was more effective in its outcome for what our aim was.

Normally she would received 50 or so lashes with a lead-tipped whip, which would shred her to pieces after which she would be nailed to the cross and that would be the end. She would not survive the night.

In her case, her divulging of information was more important than her execution. So pacing was of the essence. It was a necessity because as much as we searched into her life, we found little of her activities, most of what we learned about her was from other sources which have been entered into record..

The crashing of the lash was not easy to get used to, even at this stage of the proceedings and there was an eery feeling because it was not always accompanied by a scream. For most of the populace this event was not unusual since executions are hardly uncommon, especially in times of conflict. Although I imagine that it must be strange that the edict was not read before the execution began.

For most of the present the reasons were not yet known. I must say that it added a flair of the dramatic, something that the Greeks in the crowd could easily appreciate. For the Thracians the Greeks were friendlier now that another power was occupying their territory, but they still did not trust them, however, their influence was felt throughout the province, some Thracians were given to holding lengthy rhetorical discussions about everything and it was in one such event that Varinia was first noticed by our spies.

We have informants on every province, men or women who bring rewards to themselves and their families in exchange for information that will keep the health of the Empire intact.

At last Varinia screamed in pain as the strength of the flogging was increased. The executioner knew his job, he was well trained and had a great reputation for the effectiveness and neatness of his work. He was picked for this task because he had a rather sophisticated method to the application of torture and his experience in executions, particularly in crucifixions was vast and well known, the metallic mask that covered his face was his trademark.

His arrival was always preceded by anticipation, the public could always expect an almost entertaining execution when he was in charge. His presence is what made this event so special and pricked the curiosity of many. The lash continued unabated.