The Leopard Vanguard

by T. A. Uner

  Tullus hated to spurn Paullus’ offer. So, after excusing himself, he returned with Septimus in tow. That afternoon they feasted on bread with dried quail meat stuffed with figs and drank mulled wine to wash down their lunch. With his stomach full, Tullus stretched out against the cartwheel.

  “So what takes you so far from Rome?” Paullus asked.

  “A great many things.” Paullus nodded and passed the wineskin over to Tullus who politely declined. “I’m afraid that if I drink any more wine I might explode.”

  “I think I have room left in my belly for more,” Paullus said as he smiled and swallowed a gulp of wine. A streak of wine dripped down his grey beard and he wiped it with his wrist.

  “You know it sometimes helps to talk about one’s problems,” Paullus said as Celestra curled up next to him.

  “My problems are extensive,” Tullus said. “I had a position which most men covet. Yet, I wasn’t happy. To make matters worse I loved a woman who later spurned me.”

  “Ahh, yes, the beauty of love,” Paullus said ruefully, “the constant slayer of men.”

  “I wish I could go somewhere where I could forget my past and find happiness.”

  “Happiness is something that exists within all of us. But sometimes it takes a little coaxing to get it out. But I sense your Soultrail is strong; it will reveal itself, in time, so long as you remain true to it and heed its wisdom.”

  Soultrail? Tullus thought. He felt like asking what that was, but didn’t want to get bogged down in a long-winded philosophical discussion with this eccentric man. Especially after ingesting much wine. “I don’t even know why I’m telling you this…I must be drunk.”

  Paullus laughed. “No, not drunk, perhaps lonely. What if I told you a place existed where you could escape your troubles.”

  “I’d say you were crazy.”

  “I’m not crazy, at least not yet. A little wizened perhaps but I don’t let that slow me down. I have an opening in my Troupe. We could use a good, strong lad like you.”

  “I’m afraid I’m not much of an entertainer, only a soldier whose best days are behind him.”

  “Nonsense. Come now, there’s something I want to show you,” Paullus said. He packed up his belongings while Tullus helped.

  “Tie your mule to the back of my cart,” Paullus said as he threw Tullus a rope.

  “Where are we going Paullus?” Tullus asked as he tied the rope to Septimus’s reigns. Celestra leaped from her spot and landed beside Paullus inside the cart.

  “You’ll find out soon enough. Now get up on my cart.”

  “But I’m headed for Pisae.”

  “Pisae? Now why in Mercury’s name would you want to go to that old city? Where I’m heading is much more exciting.”

  Tullus contemplated Paullus’ offer. The old man seemed kind enough. “Alright Paullus, I hope I don’t regret this.”

  {III}

  They traveled past midday in Paullus’ cart. The afternoon sun slowly made its descent toward the western skyline as the heavens unraveled into a dark violet canvas. Paullus urged the old ox to

  move faster and much to its credit the tedious creature increased its speed. In the distance Tullus eyed a forest where dark tendrils of brown smoke hovered above the lush green treetops.

  “The others must be preparing dinner.”

  “Who are these others?”

  “You’ll find out soon enough,” Paullus said, as a mischievous smile appeared on his face.

  The cart turned off the Via Aurelia and found itself on a rutted dirt road that branched off into the forest. Dense underbrush lined the road before they emerged into a large clearing where dozens of grey tents were lined up in neat rows. In front of one of the tents a tall muscular African eyed a spit of roasting hares. Paullus pulled up next to the African who looked up and smiled.

  “Is that dinner Masego?” Paullus asked, licking his lips.

  “Indeed,” Masego said proudly. “I caught these hares earlier today since Renfrus has the day off.”

  “They smell delicious.” Paullus replied as he and Tullus climbed down from the cart.

  “Who is this you bring to our camp, Paullus?” Masego asked.

  Paullus looked at Tullus abashedly. “You know I never even asked you your name?”

  “Tullus Acilius Ulixes, but everyone calls me Tullus.”

  “Well Tullus, this is Masego,” Paullus said pointing to the large African. “Masego, where are your manners? Why don’t you welcome Tullus to our camp.”

  The large man reluctantly extended his hand and when Tullus shook it he was surprised by Masego’s gentle grip.

  “Masego, gather the others, I have an announcement to make.”

  “But what about dinner?”

  “It can wait a moment.”

  Masego lumbered off and disappeared into one of the tents. Moments later he emerged carrying a bronze bell. When he shook it, it rang loudly. Slowly, people emerged from the other tents: a large man with a beard and long braided blonde hair, a young woman wearing creature skins, and an exotic easterner with bronze skin and a stringy black mustache.

  “Friends, I have asked you here to meet a new friend of mine. This is Tullus, a fellow traveler I met along the Via Aurelia.”

  “Found us a stray, have you Paullus?” the young woman said, eying Tullus distrustfully.

  “Now Anna, that’s no way to greet our guest. I expect you all to extend full hospitalities to Tullus, and explain to him what this Troupe is all about.”

  The bearded man approached Tullus and shook his hand. “I’m Odalric Adalbern, but everyone calls me Vulcan. I’m the blacksmith that keeps this Troupe afloat through fixing and forging.”

  The easterner approached Tullus. “I too am a traveler on the road of life. The vigor of life flows forward.” He bowed his head respectfully at Tullus before the young woman approached him.

  “Don’t mind Gansu, the Chinese are quite different from us westerners.”

  “Really?”

  “I’m Anna Bellovaci: acrobat, archer and the only female performer in this Gods forsaken Troupe. So, Tullus, what really brings you here?”

  Tullus felt drawn to the young woman’s straightforward personality. Her wild blue eyes stared at him with the interest of a curious child; wavy blonde hair stretched past her shoulders while her athletic frame was held up by two muscular legs. Her perfume smelled daring, much like her personality.

  “Didn’t you hear what Paullus said? I’m a guest and he expects you to extend me all hospitalities.”

  Anna tossed her head back and let out a raucous laugh. “Well if you like bad food and hard work then I suppose you’ll love it here.”

  They gathered around the spit while Masego sliced off bits of meat from the hare and served it to each member. Tullus sat down next to Paullus and ate his food. The hare meat tasted good. Masego had seasoned it with spices which gave the meat a juicy flavor. Tullus licked the grease off his fingers while Paullus smiled at him.

  “Despite Anna’s frequent complaints about the food I can assure you that Masego is an adequate cook. Most of us are still alive, so that should give you reassurance when sampling his offerings.”

  Tullus helped Gansu build a campfire as darkness descended upon the camp, while up in the heavens the newborn stars sparkled like tiny gemstones. Celestra approached Tullus and Paullus and licked her teeth, no doubt relishing the smell of the hare. Paullus threw her a piece of meat and she pounced on it, devouring it hungrily.

  “This reminds me of the old days when I served as a Centurion in the 3rd Legion back in Syria.”

  Paullus’ eyes widened. “I was beginning to wonder when you’d open up about your past.”

  A flagon of spiced wine was passed around the campfire and Tullus poured himself a cup and drank heartily. It warmed his chest and his heart. “Eating outdoors around a campfire, surrounded by the company of others with a little bit of wine, yes, perhaps I do miss parts of my past.”

  “I was o
nce a soldier,” Paullus said.

  Now it was Tullus’ eyes that widened. “You were a soldier?”

  “Don’t look so surprised Tullus. I was once part of a cohort tasked with bringing the Tacfarinas rebellion to an end.”

  “You fought against Tacfarinas?”

  “Aye, we fought for years in the desert, chasing Tacfarinas like lions chasing elk. I saw many a good soldier die during my service. I also witnessed many brutalities, the likes of which I had never expected to see.”

  “It was war; you did what you were ordered to do.”

  Paullus sighed. “Did that include slaughtering innocent men and women defending their homelands? I wonder if our orders asked that of us.” Paullus grumbled. “I’m sorry Tullus; don’t let the ramblings of an old man spoil your evening.”

  Tullus nodded. “Think nothing of it; let us blame it on the wine…shall we?”

  Paullus took another gulp of wine and swallowed. “If life were only that simple, Tullus.”

  {IV}

  Tullus spent the next few days getting acclimated with the Troupe. Their next performance was scheduled in four days and Tullus offered his services in getting the Troupe packed up. His request was met with curt replies of ‘be patient.’ Two days later they made camp outside the city of Genua. There, Paullus asked him to assist Vulcan in his work performing small errands. Celestra followed Tullus to a clearing where Vulcan had set up a makeshift forgery. Vulcan looked up from his work and smiled at Tullus. “Good day Tullus, I see Celestra has taken a liking to you.”

  Tullus looked at Celestra who returned his gaze through starry eyes. “I think it’s all the scraps of food I’ve given her since I’ve joined the Troupe.”

  Vulcan laughed. “It’s probably more than that. But I’m glad to hear that you’re settling into our way of life; now, we can begin your education.”

  Tullus smirked. “Education? I assure you that I know how to read and write.”

  Vulcan laughed again and picked up a thin metal rod from his work area and handed it to Tullus. The steel felt cold. On it strange runes were inscribed which Tullus had never seen before. “What does that look like to you?” Vulcan asked.

  “A metal rod.”

  Vulcan nodded. “Perhaps to the naked eye. But it’s more than that.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “This ‘metal rod’ as you put it represents my dedication to craftsmanship. Inscribing the runes–which are written in Chinese–took precious time and effort.”

  Tullus looked confused. Vulcan read his expression and nodded. “Gansu come over here.

  Show Tullus that trick you’re so good at.” Gansu sat cross-legged across from them in front of his tent, eyes closed and palms outstretched.

  “Gansu?” Vulcan said. One of Gansu’s eyes flickered open and he looked at Vulcan and Tullus. The eye closed and slowly Gansu stood up and walked toward them with both eyes closed. He stopped less than an arm’s length from where Tullus, Vulcan and Celestra were standing before lowering his body to the ground until he assumed the lotus position.

  Vulcan smiled. “Gansu, I have a new rod here for your act. Why don’t you try it out?”

  Tullus still didn’t know what to expect as Gansu extended his hand and Tullus handed the rod over to the taciturn easterner.

  “Watch this,” Vulcan said.

  Gansu muttered alien words while taking deep breaths, slowing his breathing while his mouth remained closed as air passed through his nostrils. He tilted his head back while his neck muscles pulsed in synchronous rhythm. Gansu inserted the rod down his throat as Tullus’ eyes widened. After a few moments Gansu’s eyes flickered open and he inserted his index and forefinger into his mouth while slowly drawing the rod out. After the rod emerged from his mouth Gansu’s eyes closed again. Tilting his head back again he carefully inserted the rod into his left nostril.

  “Orcus in hell,” Tullus exclaimed.

  After the rod disappeared into Gansu’s left nostril his eyes flickered opened once more. A few moments passed and Gansu remained still.

  “Isn’t he going to retrieve the rod?” Tullus asked.

  “Wait,” Vulcan said.

  Gansu reached into a small pouch tied to the belt around his waist and extracted yellow powder. He sniffed the powdery substance and sneezed over and over until the rod flew out of his mouth, landing at Tullus’ feet.

  Tullus smiled and applauded. “That’s definitely something you don’t see every day.”

  Gansu stood up and bowed politely before disappearing into his tent.

  Vulcan clapped Tullus on the back. “We rely on one another here. If I didn’t create those rods to Gansu’s specifications, he’d have no act to perform.”

  “I see.”

  “I think Paullus has something special planned for you,” Vulcan said before resuming his work.

  “This should prove interesting.”The next morning Tullus found himself chopping wood outside the camp with Masego. The African’s sweat-stained rippled chest gleamed under the sheen of the sunlight. Tullus found Celestra following him again and when their eyes met she looked up at him and emitted a low growl.

  “This Leopardess has grown attached to me.” Tullus scratched the golden spotted fur between Celestra’s ears. She purred affectionately.

  The large African wiped his brow and smiled. “In my homeland I have seen many of these creatures. But never an Incantra. I have been away from my home for many years, so when Paullus brought her to us I felt that a part of me had come home.”

  “How did you become part of this Troupe?”

  Masego’s face became solemn. “My story is a sad one, Tullus. I was captured from my village by slave traders when I was a child, and sold into slavery. Then, many years later, through good fortune, my owner lost me in a dice match to Paullus. The first thing Paullus did was break my shackles and make me a freedman. He said I could go wherever I please; even return home if I wanted to.”

  “Did you?”

  Masego sighed. “I returned to the village of my birth only to learn that it had been destroyed years ago by a rival tribe. So, using the travel money Paullus had given me I returned to him and joined his Troupe. It was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life and I’ve been happy ever since.”

  Tullus nodded.

  “Paullus tells me that you left your old life behind. I won’t ask why, but I have a feeling that your past life held a few regrets for you.”

  “You could say that.”

  “My past life was harsh too. Perhaps, more than yours. I was often mistreated by my owner, and often chained-up like a creature–but treated worse than one. Years and years I dreamt of breaking my chains and murdering those who caused me so much pain.” Masego sighed again and seated himself on a tree stump. “When Paullus took me into his Troupe he said the first thing I needed to do was learn how to channel my anger into something productive. Hence, through my physical strength I became the backbone of this Troupe.”

  “It seems as if that my stay here is turning into a lesson.”

  Masego laughed, and as he did his rippled chest shone again. “My friend, every day you live is a lesson in itself.”

  Tullus smiled. “I think I’m beginning to like the way you think Masego.” Weeks passed and Tullus found himself spending more time with Celestra. She continued

  following him wherever he went and curled up next to him whenever he slept in his tent.

  “I think she’s ready,” Paullus said to Tullus. They were inside the meal tent, dining on roast fowl baked in honey and garlic cloves, before Renfrus, the Troupe cook, brought them freshly baked bread to compliment their meal.

  “You think who is ready?” Tullus asked. He licked the sweet juices off his fingertips.

  “Celestra, of course. She’s ready for training.”

  Tullus laughed. “I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

  “I was smitten with this idea the day we met, but I didn’t want to trouble you with it until y
ou settled into our way of life.”

  “Trouble me with what?”

  “My idea. I’m hoping you and Celestra could work together. We really need a showpiece act, something that will bring the house down.”

  “What’s wrong with my act?” Anna interjected angrily. “Not good enough for you old man?”

  “Anna this is nothing against you; our audiences are clamoring for something fresh, something new–and I’m the one to give it to them.”

  Tullus smiled. “I hate to disappoint you Paullus but I’m a soldier, not a performer.”

  “You were a soldier, Tullus. Now you are a member of the Troupe and its time you acted like one,” Paullus said pointedly.

  “Maybe I can learn to juggle my weapons if I give it a little practice, but what exactly did you have in mind?”

  Paullus smiled. “When I make my final decision you’ll be the first to know.” Paullus excused himself and hurried away from the dinner table looking pleased.

  “If you ask me, I think he’s lost his mind,” Anna said.

  “He is a man of great vision!” Gansu said.

  Tullus said: “Anna, you don’t think I can become a performer in this Troupe?”

  Anna’s eyes narrowed as they peered at Tullus. “Apart from eating our food and following us around like a lost puppy what are you capable of?”

  “I can wield a sword better than most men,” Tullus said as he fed Celestra a piece of his fowl.

  “But that’s in the past. What can you do now?”

  “That sounds like a challenge Anna,” Tullus replied. Celestra growled at Anna.

  “Maybe it is.”

  “I bet I can become a great centerpiece act for the Troupe, even better than yours.”

  Anna laughed. “Now that sounds like a challenge. Are you a gambling man Tullus?” she asked, and, for a moment, her playful demeanor reminded Tullus of Eliana.

  “Perhaps, if the stakes were high enough.”

  “What if I told you that I’d stake a wager against your claim? And if you lose you become my slave for…say…one month?”

  Now it was Tullus’ turn to laugh. “Fair enough. But if I win you will have to wash both me and Celestra everyday for one month.”