The Tiger’s Imperium

by Marc Alan Edelheit

  Stiger just shook his head, the feeling of frustration only growing more intense. There were days he wondered on Eli and this was one of them.

  “You married?” Marcus asked again, disbelief plain in his tone. There was anger mixed in there too. “That is a family matter and, as head of house, I should have been consulted. You should know that.”

  Stiger did not want to have this conversation, not here and especially not now, with all the ears around. He spared his father a long look, then blew out a resigned breath. “It seemed like the right thing to do at the time.”

  Marcus did not appear pleased with his answer. He raised his chin. “Whom did you marry?”

  “She’s not exactly what you will be expecting in a wife.” Stiger sucked in a deep breath. “Taha’Leeth became my wife a few weeks back.”

  “What kind of a name is that?” Marcus demanded. “It’s not imperial. That’s for certain.”

  “Elven.” Eli almost bounced on his toes as he said it, his eyes dancing with his amusement. “Your son married into the High Born.”

  Marcus turned his gaze squarely on Stiger in what could only be described as utter disbelief.

  Stiger shot Eli a warning look. His friend was purposely avoiding his gaze. It was clear he was thoroughly enjoying himself and the moment. Stiger stared at the ground before his feet, then looked up at his friend.

  “You always love to poke the bear.”

  “I can still bind and gag him should you wish it, sir,” Ruga said.

  “I should have taken you up on it when you first offered,” Stiger said. “Maybe I still should.”

  “You married an elf?” Max appeared as if he could not quite believe what he was hearing. He was looking between Stiger and Eli. “Really? An elf? He’s jesting, right?”

  “You both can relax,” Eli said. “It’s not like Ben married my sister.”

  “You don’t have a sister,” Stiger said, his frustration with his friend reaching whole new levels.

  “That’s my point,” Eli said to Stiger’s father. “Think of her as not just anyone, but a princess of her people. Your son married as high as one could go. She is the ruler of her people.”

  Stiger let out a heavy sigh. He pointed at Eli. “We’re going to talk later, you and I. We’re past due for a good talk.”

  “I look forward to it.” Eli shot him a close-mouthed grin. “You know, what with you being married, I’ve been feeling a little neglected of late. It’s almost as if you’ve had your mind on other things.”

  “We’re going to definitely have that talk,” Stiger promised.

  “Stand ready,” a voice shouted across the way, abruptly ending the conversation before it could continue. Stiger was grateful for that. He would rather face an action at that moment than be questioned further by his father on his marriage.

  He turned his gaze back to the two legionary companies that had formed up to their front. The sun had come out from behind a cloud and bathed them all in bright light. The legionaries facing him looked good. Their equipment was well maintained, with a used look, and their ranks ordered. These were trained and battle-hardened men. They were not conscripts, fresh to the legions.

  As a cold wind whipped across the square, ruffling cloaks, four officers emerged from the ranks of both companies, two captains and their lieutenants. They eyed Stiger and Ruga’s men for a long moment. Then, they walked toward each other and began speaking amongst themselves. The conference lasted only a few moments before the officers turned and moved a few yards forward, then stopped halfway between the formed-up companies and Stiger’s men. All eyes were focused upon Stiger, but he did notice them flicking to Therik with curiosity.

  Stiger’s heart began beating faster. He shared a look with Eli and resisted a smile.

  “This is turning out to be quite an interesting day,” Eli said, “don’t you think, Ben?”

  “My thoughts exactly,” Stiger said with a slow nod.

  “I don’t suppose we stand a chance against such force,” Max said.

  Stiger glanced back at his brother, contemplated saying something, then disregarded the idea. He turned back to the officers. They were waiting for him.

  “These are not good odds,” Marcus said to his eldest. “They want to talk, only to demand our surrender.”

  “Like that is going to happen,” Therik growled. “I’ll not surrender. I’d rather die first.”

  “If they want us, they are going to have to come and get us,” Ruga said, tone grim and hard. “And we’re not going to go down easily.”

  Stiger clapped his hands together. “Eli, Therik, Ruga, and you, Father, you are all with me. Right then, let’s go see what they have to say.”

  He started forward. Eli, Therik, Ruga, and Marcus followed. They stopped six feet from the delegation of officers. Max and Restus remained behind with Dog.

  The captain from the first company to arrive stepped out before the others. He was short, standing just under five feet. His armor seemed somewhat ill-fitting. He struck Stiger as more clerk-like, someone better suited to being a minor magistrate than a man of action and leader of men in battle. He puffed out his chest before speaking.

  “You must be Stiger.” The man’s voice was nasally, almost as if he spoke through his nose instead of his mouth.

  “That’s Imperator to you, sonny.” Ruga’s hand slipped to the hilt of his sword. “Show respect or I will teach you manners.”

  The captain’s gaze shifted to the centurion. He raised an eyebrow.

  “Stand down, Ruga.” Stiger held up a hand to forestall the centurion before more words could be exchanged. Ruga hesitated a moment before relaxing. He removed his hand from the hilt as Stiger turned his attention to the captain. “I am Bennulius Stiger.”

  “I’ve heard a lot about you.” The officer glanced back behind him at the ordered ranks of men. “More than enough, actually.”

  From the man’s look of distaste, it did not seem as if what he had heard he had much enjoyed. Over the years, Stiger had become more than accustomed to such sentiments, even from minor nobility, like the man before him. Or was he of the equites class? Regardless of the man’s station, such attitudes did not bother him as they once had. He had accepted who he was and that was that.

  “And who, sir, are you?” Stiger asked in a firm but polite tone. He would play the man’s game, at least for a time.

  “Ikuus, commanding Seventh Company, Third Legion,” the captain said, self-importantly. He turned to his fellow officers. “And these men, I believe you know: my executive officer, Lieutenant Hollux, and Captain Lepidus of Tenth Company, along with his lieutenant, Spiro.”

  “I know them,” Stiger said, and it came out more as a growl than anything else. “And more importantly, they know me.”

  “Know you? Is that all you have to say? After all those years serving together?” Hollux broke into a wide grin. “It’s good to see you again, sir.”

  The lieutenant stepped forward toward Stiger. Therik’s and Ruga’s hands went for their swords, prepared to draw them. Hollux hesitated, eyeing them warily as he held his hands out before him to show he meant no harm.

  “It’s all right,” Stiger said. “He is a friend. Hollux can be trusted.”

  Both relaxed. Eyes still on the two, Hollux slowly extended his hand. Stiger took it and shook warmly.

  “It’s good to see you well, Lieutenant,” Stiger said. “I’d expected you to make captain by now and have your own company.”

  “Bah,” Hollux said. “Sadly, I could not afford the price of the commission. Besides, I did not want to pull from my pension and beggar myself. I would like to retire with some land to my name.” He jerked a thumb at his captain. “He got command of the company instead.”

  “Lieutenant,” Ikuus said in a scandalized tone. “This is quite improper. Improper, I say, not to mention disrespectful.”

  Hollux glanced back at his commanding officer, his face a schooled mask of control. “Improper or not, sir, I
owe this man my life, and more than once too. He commands my respect.”

  Ikuus scowled at that, for the implication in the lieutenant’s words was plain.

  “The south has been rough on you,” Lepidus said, stepping forward as Hollux moved back. The captain of the Tenth offered his arm, which Stiger clasped. Lepidus pulled him into a bear hug and patted his back warmly. “You look older, my brother, and it’s only been a few months since we last saw one another.”

  “A lot has happened,” Stiger said as they disengaged. “A great deal, actually.”

  “He’s gotten married,” Eli said.

  “Not that again,” Stiger groaned.

  “Really?” Lepidus said, perking up. “You took a bride?”

  Stiger gave a reluctant nod, desperately wishing the elf had dropped it. He pictured Taha’Leeth in his mind, not pale and still as he had last seen her, but full of life. He remembered her vibrant hair, her exquisite face, the gleam in her eye that spoke of her intelligence and spirit. She was a fighter and he had to believe she’d pull through.

  “Congratulations, old boy,” Lepidus said. “I can’t wait to meet the lucky woman who’d take a tough old bastard like you.”

  “She’s gonna be just thrilled to meet you,” Eli said, “especially after she finds out all the trouble you’ve gotten her husband into over the years.”

  “Eli, I see you are still doing your best to drive him nuts.” Lepidus jerked his chin at Stiger. “Any luck with that?”

  “You know I am.” Eli glanced over at Stiger, his amusement plain. “It is my lifelong ambition, and with each passing day I grow one step closer to unseating him mentally.”

  Lepidus gave a chuckle and offered a hand, which the elf took. “It is good to see you again too. The legion hasn’t been the same without you, Eli.”

  “I am certain of that,” Eli said, then leaned forward, almost conspiratorially, and lowered his voice, though they could all still hear him. “I can’t begin to express how delighted I am that it’s you who came to greet us instead of someone else.”

  Lepidus gave a grunt at that. Hollux and Eli shook warmly next.

  “Spiro,” Stiger said, “good to see you, son.”

  “You too, sir,” Spiro replied. “When we heard about the fate of the southern legions, we were all worried for you and Eli.”

  Stiger was touched by the concern.

  “Well,” Eli said, “you know me—can’t keep a good elf down. And I do my best to keep Ben out of trouble.”

  “Uh huh,” Spiro said, sounding far from convinced.

  Lepidus turned his attention back to Stiger. “I have a couple bottles of the good stuff back in my quarters. After this is over and things are settled, you can tell me what happened over a few drinks. I want to hear all about how Tioclesion named you his successor. In fact”—Lepidus chuckled—“I am certain there is one heck of a story in there and I am really looking forward to hearing it.”

  “We have our orders,” Ikuus said. “As senior officer and in command of this expedition, you can’t disobey them.”

  Lepidus spared the captain of Seventh Company a patient look.

  “Lepidus,” Stiger said and glanced at the two companies formed up behind the four officers, “we’re not going to do this, are we? You are not going to make me fight you.”

  “Of course not,” Lepidus scoffed, waving a hand. “I consider you a brother. A disreputable one at that, but I’d never raise my sword against you, especially now that you’re imperator—my emperor.”

  “Are you mad?” Ikuus asked. “We have our orders. We could be executed for this. It’s treason to support him. Do you understand that?”

  Lepidus let out an impatient breath as he turned to face the captain of the Seventh. He studied the man for a prolonged moment before speaking.

  “Do you really believe your men, those of Seventh Company, will follow orders to go against their former captain? Seriously, man, think things through. Your company is the best in the legion and it’s all because of him.” Lepidus gestured toward Stiger with a hand. “You might not realize it, but most of your boys see him as a father figure. By the gods, my men love him too, and he’s not even their captain. I am.”

  “I,” Ikuus spluttered, “I—but—he …” The captain of Seventh Company trailed off with a clear sense of defeat. His shoulders slumped in resignation.

  “Now,” Marcus said, “things are really getting interesting.”

  “You can say that again,” Therik said. “Only moments ago, I thought it would come to blood. I was convinced of it.”

  “We were short on men,” Stiger said, “and Lears was kind enough to send us some.”

  “That was very generous of him,” Marcus agreed. “We will have to make certain we thank him properly.”

  “Gentlemen,” Stiger said, “may I introduce my father, Marcus Stiger.”

  “It is an honor, General,” Lepidus said and stepped forward. He shook hands, then stepped back. “I have had the pleasure of fighting alongside your son and his company. I do not know of a finer soldier or combat leader in the empire. You must be very proud.”

  “More than you know,” Marcus said, “more than even he realizes.”

  Stiger felt himself frown as he glanced over at his father.

  “I am pleased to meet you as well, sir,” Hollux said and bowed slightly. “Your son has not only resurrected my career, one I thought failed, but has helped make me into the man I am today. I can never repay all that he has done for me.”

  The scar on Stiger’s cheek pulling taut, he felt himself scowl slightly. He was uncomfortable with praise and always had been.

  “You are giving me too much credit,” Stiger said. “The leader you are was always in there. You just needed a chance to find him.”

  “Regardless, sir,” Hollux said, “I am in your debt.”

  “I have long wanted to meet you, General,” Spiro said. “My father fought under your command at Lake Harrand. Growing up, I heard a great deal about that action.”

  “Did he now?” Marcus said. “Deateas Spiro was your father?”

  “He is, sir.”

  “He was a fine officer,” Marcus said. “I was sorry to see him injured. How is he doing these days?”

  “Well, sir,” Spiro said. “He bought a farm—well, really a plantation—just outside the city. It started as a small operation, but now … the gods have blessed him. The plantation has grown and turned quite profitable. He has over three hundred slaves.”

  “Does he now? That’s good to hear,” Marcus said. “When you see him next, please pass along my regards.”

  “I will, sir,” Spiro said. “He will be pleased you recall him.”

  Stiger noticed Ikuus staring at them. He could readily read the man’s fear and worry at what was transpiring. He understood he’d lost control. That was plain. Stiger himself had had such feelings in the past and could sympathize with him.

  “And this is Therik,” Stiger said. “He and I have been through a lot together. I consider him my friend.”

  Lepidus and Hollux turned their gazes to Therik, who had crossed his muscular arms and was regarding them with a not-so-friendly look. It was more of a challenge than anything else. They seemed hesitant at first, then Lepidus stepped forward and extended his hand.

  “Any friend of Ben’s is a friend of mine,” Lepidus said. “And I mean that. I really do.”

  Therik unwound his arms, took the offered hand, and shook. Lepidus held it a moment, then stepped back. Hollux offered his hand next, which Therik shook as well. Spiro simply gave Therik a nod and seemed content to remain where he was. Ikuus stayed rooted to his spot. Dog came nosing his way forward, sniffing.

  “He’s with me also,” Stiger said as Dog jumped up on Lepidus and began licking at his face. The captain of the Tenth staggered under the large animal’s sudden weight.

  “It seems Dog has no taste in people,” Eli said.

  “My, he’s a big boy,” Lepidus said, laughing. A
fter some effort, he was able to push Dog back down.

  “Go ahead, Therik,” Eli said. “Tell him what a killer that shaggy thing is.”

  “I think you just did for him,” Stiger said.

  “This loveable boy?” Lepidus asked, rubbing Dog’s head with both hands. “I seriously doubt that. I’ve always loved dogs. It’s cats I can’t stand.”

  “Why does everyone assume Dog is just a lovable, shaggy ball of fur?” Therik asked Stiger.

  “Because he is,” Stiger said, “to those he likes.”

  Therik did not appear quite convinced.

  “Who’s got the other company?” Stiger gestured back up the road to the right. That company was still formed up in a column of march. Stiger could not see her captain. “Who is commanding the reserve?”

  “Spatz,” Lepidus said, straightening up and stepping away from Dog.

  “Second Company’s here too?” Stiger asked, surprised. “I thought they were with the Third.”

  “They are,” Lepidus said. “Spatz was reassigned after we arrived in the capital and given a new company from the Eighteenth. Those men of his are trained recruits who have yet to see action.”

  “Is he going to be a problem?” Stiger asked, looking again toward Spatz’s company. “He and I never much got along. We did not see eye to eye.”

  “A problem?” Lepidus followed Stiger’s gaze to the other company. “No. He hates Lears more than he does you. So I think it’s all good. At least he says so, and we both know his word can be trusted.”

  Stiger nodded. Spatz was a pain, but he was as good as his word. If he said he would do something, you could count on him to do it. Stiger and Spatz respected each other professionally; they just disliked each other.

  Ikuus was looking between Stiger and Lepidus. His worry had mixed plainly with the shock at how quickly things had changed for him.

  “Before we marched down here from the palace, we conferred,” Lepidus explained. “We decided that we were going to back you.”

  “You did?” Ikuus asked, seeming to snap out of his shock. His face colored with anger. “And you did not think to include me?”

  “It’s all right,” Lepidus said and placed a hand on Ikuus’s shoulder. “You’re with us now. Trust me, you don’t want to serve Lears. Let’s just say he’s lacking in character and leave it at that.”