The Leopard Stratagem (Leopard King Saga Book 2)

by T. A. Uner

  Cassius Chaerea kneeled before his emperor and kissed Caligula’s hand. “Thank you, your Godship,” Cassius said. “I shall not fail you,” he said in his squeaky voice.

  “I’m sure you will not Cassius,” Caligula replied. “You served my father well when he was general, and were wounded during one of his military campaigns; it is the least I could do to repay your loyalty.”

  After he dismissed Cassius, Caligula headed for the main balcony overlooking the city. He eyed his sister Drusilla as she stared at the city below. “Such a beautiful view,” Caligula said. Drusilla remained quiet.

  “Not from where I am standing, brother,” she said.

  “Still angry about the arranged marriage?” Caligula quipped. “Marcus is a fine man, I’m sure the two of you will be quite happy.”

  Drusilla scoffed. “Brother, you will be the death of me.”

  “Nonsense, once you two are married I’m sure these incest rumors will soon dissipate and things will return to normal. You know how important my image is to me, dear sister.”

  “Of course,” Drusilla replied, “If you will excuse me, brother, I must prepare for the marriage ceremony.”

  Before she left Caligula grasped Drusilla’s arm. “Try and make Marcus happy, dear sister, for this marriage to work it has to look legitimate.”

  The ceremony took place later that day. It was a private affair, Drusilla doing her best to portray the role of the happy bride. After a brief speech commemorating both husband and wife the marriage contract was signed. It was agreed that the newly married couple would live in the palace. After the guests had departed, Drusilla and her husband retired to their bedroom to consummate their union.

  One of the guests remained, senator Remus, the man who had singlehandedly prevented the conspiracy against Caligula’s life during his illness, stood next to the Emperor. He knew Remus could help him with his new edict, which was designed to combat a growing threat to the Empire. The strongest voice which spoke to him through his thoughts told him so. It had only recently begun speaking to him, but he had come to trust that voice.

  “That was a delightful ceremony, your Godship,” Remus said as Caligula stretched out on a padded couch in his throne room.

  “I do hope they will be happy,” Caligula replied, “but that is not why I asked you to remain after the ceremony, senator.”

  Remus finished his wine and handed his goblet to one of Caligula’s servants. “I trust it concerns, a matter of great importance.”

  “How very astute of you senator. Let me ask you this, have you heard of these people called the Dryads?”

  “I’ve heard rumors of them, yes,” Remus replied. “I believe they’re Celtic priests and priestesses located in Britain. They’re also rumored to be situated in Gaul as well, but not much is known about them due to their secretive nature.”

  Caligula’s face assumed a somber look. “I’ve been getting reports that some of these Dryads are here, in Rome, and that they are practicing their sorcery.”

  Remus said, “How can this be?”

  “That is what I thought,” Caligula groused. “These people are not only violating Roman law by not paying taxes, but they dare practice their magic despite the edict forbidding the use of it. And, they also perform human sacrifices, we cannot allow that to continue, its barbaric.”

  Remus nodded. “Of course we cannot, Excellency, but how do you plan on curbing their activities?”

  “Through the Praetorians of course,” Caligula exclaimed. “Since there hasn’t been any recent activity by that Leopard King shit, I might as well use the opportunity to crush these Dryads before they infect the population with their heathen ways. Last thing I need is more upstarts running around stirring dissent amongst the people.” Caligula placed a firm hand on Remus’s shoulder. “I trust you Remus, that is why neither of us will be sharing this information with anyone else.”

  “Yes, Excellency,” Remus said.

  “Wondrous,” Caligula cleared his throat. “Now Senator, this is what I wish from the Senate.”

  {II}

  “Our next speaker,” said the presiding Consul, “is the esteemed senator Remus, who proposes a motion.”

  Senator Remus rose from his seat inside the Curia Julia and walked toward the Senate floor, facing his fellow Senate colleagues who waited for his speech. The Consul sat in his elevated seat, Caligula next to him along with the second Consul. Senator Remus remembered what he and Caligula had discussed late last night after the wedding, and was eager for this motion to pass.

  “Fellow colleagues and our esteemed magistrate,” he said, looking over to the seat where the Consul sat with a haughty air. “There is a new danger threatening the security of our beloved culture. I’ve been hearing disturbing rumors of a sect of individuals called Dryads who have been practicing their sorcery inside our city.”

  One of the senators inside the hall, a tall lean man with dusty silver hair named Rufus Petrus, stood.

  “Senator Remus,” he said, “how did you come across this information? To my knowledge sorcery has not been practiced since the end of the Paladin era.”

  Remus expected some dissent, but remained calm. “I understand your concern, Senator,” he said firmly, addressing Rufus Petrus directly while looking him in the eye. “As of now I cannot reveal my source, but rest assured, when the moment is right, I shall.”

  Another senator, a plump man with ruddy cheeks named Heraclius stood up from his seat. “What type of sorcery are these Dryads practicing?” he asked.

  “Demonic human sacrifice, for one,” Remus replied. Soon senators began chattering amongst themselves excitedly until the noise grew steadily louder. The Consul stood up from his seat.

  “Silence, please,” the Consul said, “Senator Remus, you may continue.”

  “Thank you, Magistrate, as I was saying, they sacrifice human offerings to their vile gods, sometimes even abducting Romans from their homes in the middle of the night. I have spoken with our new Praetorian Prefect, Cassius Chaerea, and he too is concerned with this growing threat.”

  Remus noticed how silent the Senate hall became upon his mentioning the Praetorians. Despite the power and influence the Senate commanded, the Praetorians were a much-feared entity.

  Heraclius stood again. This time he wiped his sweaty forehead with a handkerchief. Despite the chill of winter weather outside, the Senate hall was quite warm. “What do you propose we do about this new threat, Senator Remus?”

  Remus was glad some of the other senators were warming to his plan. He didn’t expect for it to be this easy, but he continued.

  “I propose a motion forbidding the practice of all heathen religions, public or private, within the boundaries of the empire which fall under Augustus’ edict forbidding the use of magic. Any person or persons found doing so will be subject to arrest and imprisonment or may be executed if found a threat to the state. I suggest we call a recess so that this motion may be deliberated before a final vote takes place.”

  Heraclius spoke, “That won’t be necessary, Senator Remus, most of us are prepared to vote on this new motion. Besides, your credibility precedes you; we all appreciate your recent act of exposing the conspiracy to assassinate our beloved emperor.”

  “Very well,” Remus replied, “I appreciate your faith in my loyalty to the empire and ask if there is anyone who wishes to speak before I put this motion to a vote.” Remus looked around the Senate hall. Every senator looked ready to vote, it appeared he had swayed the vast majority of his colleagues.

  Senator Rufus Petrus stood up again. “I would like to say something before the motion is put before us.”

  The lone dissenter, Remus thought. There’s always one in every motion. I believe it is a requirement. Let’s see what he has to say.

  “Of course,” Remus replied, he looked at the Consul who nodded his approval.

  “Senator Remus,” Rufus Petrus began, “everyone here is aware of your distinguished lineage and past service to the
Roman state. And who can forget your timely discovery of the conspiracy against the emperor’s life? But, I must ask how these Dryads, as you call them, who are mostly unknown and unseen entities, pose a direct threat to our society. You claim they practice a form of sorcery that is alien to us and in direct violation of Augustus’ edict, but I have never witnessed any evidence that confirms your theory of their existence in Rome.”

  Remus placed his hands behind his back and collected his thoughts before replying. “My esteemed colleague makes a valid point,” Remus said firmly. “But what you fail to realize is these heathens are very adept at covering their tracks while influencing our younger population. We cannot afford to allow what happened during the Serpent Wars to resurface. As you all recall, the consequences we faced from allowing magic to be practiced unchecked almost resulted in the destruction of our civilization.”

  There was a burst of restless chatter from the Senate as senators consulted their colleagues and nodded in agreement amongst themselves. Rufus Petrus, his face a mixture of indifference and caution remained standing amidst the cacophony.

  The second Consul rose from his seat and called for silence. “Do you have any more to add to your statement, Senator?” he asked Rufus Petrus.

  “No, Consul,” Rufus Petrus replied before seating himself.

  “Since there is no more discussion to be added to this topic, I shall put senator Remus’ motion to the vote. Those in favor of passing the motion to monitor and curb Dryad activity please raise your hands.”

  There was a rustle of hands that sprung up, the majority of the Senate, and Remus’ success was complete. This victory could only serve to further strengthen his position in the Senate. Rufus Petrus abstained from voting and the motion was passed.

  As the senators filed out of the room, Remus met Caligula’s gaze. The emperor nodded once and Remus smiled triumphantly.

  {III}

  Eliana awoke to the sound of ravens squawking outside her window. She pulled back the shutters, unleashing a stream of sunlight into her room. After donning her robe, she took a short bath and had one of Sylvia’s servants light the brazier since it had gone out while she was sleeping. As the fire grew, the room warmed. After dressing she headed down to the atrium where Sylvia was laying on a couch.

  “Good morning Eliana,” Sylvia said. “I hate mention this but father was here earlier this morning, he wanted to talk to you.”

  Eliana was surprised. “I wonder why.”

  Sylvia laughed. “Perhaps he misses you?”

  Now it was Eliana’s turn to laugh. “I seriously doubt that, perhaps he came by to acquire information.”

  “I offered none, except that you were doing well,” Sylvia replied sheepishly. “But I have spoken to mother…she is devastated by your departure.”

  Eliana knew something like this would happen. She loved her mother dearly and didn’t want her to suffer. “I shall have to visit her.”

  One of the servants approached them. “Yes?” Sylvia replied.

  The servant, a young Thracian girl with braided hair, addressed Sylvia, “M’Lady, a letter arrived for you, moments ago.” The girl handed the letter to Sylvia, who slowly rose from the couch before grimacing.

  “This child is growing heavier by the day,” she said before Eliana and the servant helped her sit back on the couch.

  “Who is the letter from?” Eliana asked.

  Sylvia eyed the seal confusedly. “I don’t know.”

  After opening the scroll she unrolled it and smiled. “It’s an invitation, from Lorien. She’s inviting us to her home tomorrow night for a small social gathering she has planned.” Sylvia handed the letter to Eliana who read it with interest.

  “This looks interesting,” Eliana said. “Too bad I cannot go.”

  “And why not?”

  “I need to start looking for a permanent place to live.” Eliana handed the invitation back to her older sister. “I cannot stay here indefinitely.”

  “Nonsense,” Sylvia replied, “you only arrived here the other day, why would you even entertain the notion of leaving? Besides, didn’t father cut you off from your inheritance?”

  Eliana knew her sister spoke the truth. But still, she longed for her independence and didn’t want to take advantage of Sylvia’s kindness.

  “You should go to the party to represent us,” Sylvia added, “since I won’t be able to go. It is getting more difficult to travel with this little bundle in my belly. I have a feeling this is going to be a colossal child.”

  Eliana seated herself next to Sylvia. “I couldn’t leave you here, alone, while I am off enjoying myself.”

  “You have my blessing. Go. Besides, I will not be alone Eliana. I have my servants and Pontius to care for me. Really, now, if you don’t go, I’ll be disappointed.”

  “Very well,” Eliana replied. “How could I ever disappoint you?”

  The next evening Eliana found herself traveling in Sylvia’s sedan. It made its way toward the Aventine district, flanked by two slaves who were guarding her. Sylvia, much like her father, was overprotective of Eliana and she knew it was the price she had to pay for being the younger daughter. The sedan pulled up in front of an insula, squeezed between two apartment buildings. The servant opened her sedan and helped Eliana out. There were puddles of water on the path leading up to the house’s front door, and she was careful not to slip. When she rang the door a young girl with a flower in her hair answered. She smiled at Eliana, revealing a set of straight teeth and welcomed her inside. In the anteroom the girl took Eliana’s cape before leading her into the home. It was a low-ceilinged structure, but any home outside her villa was bound to be. Inside, were groups of men and women, all dressed in bright red, green, and blue clothing appropriate for their genders, the women in dresses and the men in tunics. She was the only one dressed in the latest Roman style. She had a feeling she was the only Roman present at this social event.

  Lorien, seeing Eliana, smiled at her and hurried over to greet her.

  “Welcome Eliana,” she said warmly, “I am glad you came, but, where is Sylvia?”

  “She was unable to come. The baby she is carrying is intent on making life difficult for her.”

  “Quite understandable. Come, Eliana, let me introduce you to two close friends of mine.”

  Lorien led Eliana over to where a middle-aged man and a young girl where talking. The man had a very thick, grey beard, even thicker than Yeshiva’s, Eliana thought. His eyes were dark and mysterious, yet filled with hidden sorrow. What dejection they held Eliana couldn’t say. The young girl was very tall and thin with a lean face and large, grey eyes that gazed intelligently at Eliana.

  “Everyone,” Lorien began, “This is one of my childhood friends I mentioned to you earlier. Eliana Clodia, Sylvia’s younger sister.”

  The man and woman nodded respectfully at Eliana and she reciprocated the courtesy.

  “I am Myrrdin,” the man said, extending his hand which Eliana took.

  Next, the young girl greeted Eliana. “I am Anise,” she said. Her voice reminded Eliana of noise tree branches made when wind threaded through them on a blustery day.

  “We were discussing the troubling times that are descending,” Myrrdin said sternly.

  “Yes, it appears emperor Caligula means to subjugate what he doesn’t understand.”

  “I’m afraid I don’t follow,” Eliana said.

  “Our order has come under suspicion,” Anise said, “We are a caste of people known to others as Dryads.”

  “I don’t mean to be disrespectful,” Eliana said, “but I am afraid that I know nothing of your culture.”

  “It is understandable, Lady Eliana,” Myrrdin began, “after all, our ways not taught by Roman sages. But since we are often associated with sorcery, we carry a social stigma which can cause misunderstandings.”

  Eliana had heard fables about sorcery, often told by Sacrus when she and Sylvia were children. But she never paid heed to them. To her they were stori
es, told to children to pass time.

  “What type of misunderstandings?” Eliana asked.

  “That we are a threat to the Empire,” replied Myrrdin. “Caligula is paranoid. No doubt a part of the legacy passed down from Augustus after the Serpent Wars ended.”

  Lorien looked somber as did Myrrdin and Anise. Eliana wanted to know more. Since she was a child her curiosity had guided her actions. This issue seemed just as important as the rights of the merchants which she had fought for.

  “It is normal to fear what is not understood,” Anise said. “Our numbers have been dwindling even though our Celtic ancestors migrated from Britain. The continual Roman presence in Gaul and Britain have left us scattered across the Roman empire’s western region.”

  “Perhaps if you requested an audience with the emperor, he might be open to discussion,” Eliana said.

  Anise shook her head dismissively. “These days, Caligula is narcissistic, enamored in his omnipotence. He considers himself a God, yet he does not adopt the ways of a benevolent God.”

  The three Dryads gazed expectantly at Eliana, and as she faced them, she felt the anguish tied to their plight.

  “We need your help, Eliana,” Myrrdin said.“We have all heard of your brave actions in helping the merchants against Camus Scorpio. We believe you can assist us in our struggle.”

  “I’m not sure I follow.”

  “Your father, Senator Remus Clodius,” Lorien said, “is our main opponent in the Roman Senate.”

  Myrrdin nodded, “Which is why we need your help, perhaps you could speak with your father, convince him that we’re not a threat to Rome.”

  Eliana sighed. “I wish I could help, but currently I am not on speaking terms with my father. Besides, in order to become your proponent, I would need to know more about your people.”

  The three Dryads looked at Eliana and smiled. Lorien said, “Then, perhaps we can educate you.”