The Leopard Vanguard

by T. A. Uner

  {IV}

  Eliana was practicing her harp in her room when she heard Norbanus come home. As usual he called out to his slaves to bring him wine. Eliana’s heart leapt into her throat like a startled frog. What mood would he be in today? She wondered. Since Tullus had begun his attacks against Camus Scorpio, Norbanus’ drinking had increased, tenfold. Yesterday he nearly beat one of his slaves to death: Delfius, a young boy working in the kitchen, had forgotten to season his soup with his favorite spices. Norbanus had beaten Delfius so hard that the boy had lost consciousness before the other slaves had dragged his limp body out of the atrium. And it didn’t stop there: It was rumored amongst the house slaves that Norbanus was sleeping with a young African slave girl named Youma, whom he had purchased last week. Eliana hoped this true: then perhaps he would lose interest in bedding her. If only I was that lucky, she wished.

  Since Eliana had maimed Norbanus with Tullus’ dagger, he had ignored her–even when they were in the same room—which suited her fine. Eliana knew Norbanus’ main reason for marrying her was to strengthen his political stature within the Roman government. She’d overheard her father mentioning it to her distraught mother, before she had been forced to leave home. So, in the end, she would have to marry Norbanus. The thought of sharing his bed made her stomach retch. Even if he had her body, he would never have her heart. That alone belonged to Tullus. In her daydreams Tullus would traverse the Caelian hill and rescue her from her dreary existence. He would hold her in his arms and stroke her cheek with his strong fingers before taking her back to his palace room where they would make love. She always became wet between her legs when that thought came to mind: it was her only solace from a life gone bad. The hard part was not even knowing where Tullus was. For all she knew he could already be dead. She couldn’t contemplate what she would do if that ever happened. For a life without her beloved would be too painful to bear.

  Since the night she had cut Norbanus, he had instructed the slaves to keep her confined inside the villa. It was a harsh edict, but as master of the household he was well within his rights to enforce it. That didn’t mean Eliana had to obey. She had re-established contact with her family again with the help of Marta. The old woman had taken a liking to her and Eliana had come to trust Marta. She would pen letters to her mother and pass them on to Marta, who would have Delfius deliver them. Through her letters she had described the fearful night when she slashed Norbanus’ cheek. She had also learned from her mother that Sylvia was pregnant with her first child. Knowing her sister’s promiscuous nature, Eliana hoped the baby’s father was Pontius.

  Downstairs Eliana heard yelling. Norbanus was arguing with one of the slaves. She walked toward her bedroom door and opened it. A few moments later she heard a loud scream. Then, footsteps: which drew closer, as they made their way up the steps toward her room. The faint glow of torchlight produced a jutting shadow that grew taller as it clung against the wall of the staircase. When the torchlight reached the top of the staircase it highlighted a section of the shadow’s face; Eliana gasped, and eyed the familiar white bandage plastered across Norbanus’ right cheek where she had cut him. In his other hand he was holding two round objects drowned in darkness.

  “Good evening Eliana.”

  “Get away from me,” Eliana said, drawing Tullus’ dagger, “or I swear on Minerva’s name, I’ll cut you again.”

  Eliana could see Norbanus smiling through the glow of torchlight that highlighted his face, while iniquitous shadows danced across the wall like street puppets.

  “Is that anyway to speak to your future husband?” he said as he inched toward her. Eliana backed into her room, grasping the dagger’s hilt with damp palms.

  “Once everyone hears about how you’ve been acting lately, it will be over for you Norbanus: your political career, your decadent lifestyle, and most likely, your life.”

  Norbanus laughed. “Oh, I seriously doubt that my dear, you see I’ve found out how you’ve been communicating with the outside world behind my back and I’ve put an end to that.” He lifted the two objects and held them up to the torchlight.

  Eliana lowered the dagger and swallowed a scream.

  Marta and Delfius’ lifeless heads dangled from Norbanus’ grip as droplets of blood sprinkled the floor. “You see what you’ve made me do, dearest? It’s a shame, really. Marta had served my family for over thirty years. And the boy, well, I was planning to sell him next week for a huge sum.” He flung the heads at Eliana’s feet and she shrieked as they rolled across the marble floor. For a brief moment, Eliana was paralyzed by the sight of the heads. She didn’t see Norbanus’ fist connect with her hands, sending her dagger sliding across the floor. When she tried retrieving it he landed a well-placed kick in her stomach. A sharp pain expanded throughout her chest, as she, gasped, for air.

  “I’m so disappointed in you Eliana. I figured you for a civilized woman. But all this time you’ve been conspiring with the merchants behind my back.”

  Eliana staggered to her feet before ducking as Norbanus swung the torch at her, barely missing her face. He laughed again and she was glad he had disappointed him. You’re in for more disappointments Norbanus, she ruminated.

  “Those people were loyal citizens,” Eliana said. “They were taken advantage of by Camus Scorpio. I merely helped them stand up for their rights.”

  “You ingenuous bitch, Camus Scorpio and I are business partners. He keeps the other Collegium captains in line.” Norbanus slid his torch into a wall sconce moved closer to her. She smelled the wine on his breath mixed with the blood of her two decapitated friends.

  “You dare accuse me of traitorous behavior?” she replied. “I’m not the one who conspires with criminals who use fear to oppress innocent people. I knew you were an arrogant dog, Norbanus, but I didn’t know you lusted this much for power.”

  Norbanus grabbed her by her shoulders and she tried punching him. His fingers dug deep into her skin as she struggled to free herself from his grip. “You will not mention this to anyone, Eliana, or, I’ll have your family butchered like sheep.”

  “You wouldn’t,” she said. But in her heart she knew Norbanus was capable of anything. His recent actions were evidence enough.

  “Oh, but I would.”

  “What do you want from me?” Eliana asked, hoping he wouldn’t demand sex.

  “Only your loyalty. I will take precautionary measures to ensure you do not betray me again. You may send messages to your family of course, but only after I’ve inspected them. If you try and tell them about my involvement with Scorpio I’ll know about it, and then you might wake up with your sister’s head next to you. It’s a pity really; I hear she’s quite a harlot. Though I might decide to prod her cunt before having her beheaded.” A devious grin stretched across his face. “Then again, maybe not. I don’t want my cock falling off.”

  “Stop,” Eliana cried. “I’ll behave, I won’t communicate with the merchants anymore.”

  “And? What else?”

  This is the part she dreaded: now he would ask for sex.

  She closed her eyes. “Just say it Norbanus.” She was in no mood for games.

  “You will also drop your case against Camus Scorpio. I hear you’ve hired a lawyer who has filed grievances with the local magistrate.”

  She nodded and breathed a sigh of relief. Good. He doesn’t wish to bed me. Yet.

  “Don’t look so relieved my dear,” Norbanus said, “I plan on making sure you honor your agreement with me. Or else, I might have your mother and sister raped right before your eyes, before I kill them.”

  She closed her eyes again and fought off the horrific images of her mother and sister suffering savagery at the hands of Norbanus’ guards. “Yes, yes… but…please don’t hurt my family.”She felt so ashamed, having to beg, especially to this monster.

  “Very well, my love. But I still owe you something for this,” Norbanus said, pointing to his bandage. He grabbed her by the arms again and suddenly the room was spinni
ng around her. Eliana felt like a treble of dice being hurled in a game of “Twelve Lines” before her head collided against a wall relief.

  Darkness became her world.

  Fourteen/Quattuordecim

  Decimus gathered his belongings before leaving the Emperor’s palace. He had enjoyed his brief stay in Rome but was anxious to get back to his men and help them track down The Leopard King. Much to his surprise, Norbanus had authorized him the use of fifty additional Guardsmen to supplement his forces. And there was more good news: auxiliaries had been called up and sent to scour the countryside alongside the First Legion.

  Despite his bewilderment at Norbanus’ change of heart Decimus was glad to have the extra men. He assembled his fifty new charges before they rode out of the palace grounds. As they passed through city streets people shot them loathsome glares, and, reluctantly, moved aside so their horses could pass. The Praetorians had once commanded much respect from the people, but after news had circulated of their war against the Leopard King, the public’s attitude toward them had bristled. As they passed various buildings, Decimus noticed the graffiti on the walls; their artists, tawdry-looking youths, smiled amongst themselves and admired their work, but upon seeing Decimus and his men, they took off like frightened hares, disappearing down an alley street. Decimus rode up to get a closer look at the graffiti. One drawing depicted a man in a Leopard pelt raising a sword with a skewered scorpion. Underneath the drawing, it read:

  Camus Scorpio beware: The Leopard King is hunting you…

  Decimus urged his horse onwards and his men followed. His thoughts kept returning to Tullus and the blanket. He decided that he had one more stop to make before leaving Rome. “We ride to Tribune Norbanus’ villa,” Decimus ordered his men. They changed course and rode toward the Caelian hill. After traversing a path that twisted up the hill they found the Tribune’s villa at the top, situated within a cluster of equally impressive estates. Its façade was white as ivory, its sloped roof, constructed of broad crimson tiles that reminded Decimus of priceless rubies.

  Two spear guards stood watch at the main gate as Decimus and his men approached the guards on horseback.

  “What business do you have here?” One of the guards asked. He was a barrel-chested man with a thick jaw and suspicious eyes.

  “I am Decimus Axius: senior Praetorian Centurion under the command of Tribune Norbanus Forticus Blandus.”

  The guard looked at Decimus indifferently. “We know who you are, but I ask again, what business do you have here?”

  Decimus did not like this guard’s arrogance and realized this was a man who was not easily intimidated by Praetorians. Why should he be? It is his duty to keep out intruders.

  “I am here to question Lady Eliana: something regarding an investigation I am conducting for the Tribune.”

  The guards lowered their spears. “Wait here, Centurion,” the barrel-chested guard said before he disappeared into the house. He reappeared a few moments later with two additional guards trailing him. Decimus dismounted and waited for the three guards to approach him.

  “You may follow me, Centurion,” the guard said, “but your men must wait for you outside. I must also ask that you check your weapons with me before entering the Tribune’s home.” The guard stretched out his hand; Decimus reluctantly removed his weapons and handed them over. He was then escorted inside the villa, where Eliana was waiting for him in the courtyard. She was feeding a group of pigeons next to a stone fountain resembling a lion’s head. Water trickled from its mouth into a circular basin where a sparrow was quenching its thirst. “Lady Eliana,” the guard said respectfully, “this is Centurion Decimus Axius of the Praetorian Guard.”

  “Very well, you may leave us,” Eliana replied, without even glancing at the guard. Decimus noticed disillusionment scourging her pristine features.

  The guard nodded, and disappeared back inside the villa.

  Eliana looked Decimus over. Decimus recognized the girl from the party he and Tullus had attended many months ago–where he had foolishly drunk himself into a stupor.

  “I remember you,” she said, looking him up and down. “You were Tullus’ friend.” She looked the same except for an ugly violet bruise that curled around her right temple. Despite this blemish she still looked ravishingly beautiful with her proud green eyes and chestnut hair. She was adorned in an expensive flowing white gown that flattered her slender figure.

  “Yes, well speaking of Tullus,” Decimus began, trying not to gawk at her, “I wanted to ask you a few questions about him.”

  Eliana strolled along the courtyard walkway, Decimus alongside her. “Really? I don’t know if I can help you. I’m guessing you already know that Tullus left Rome months ago. But it appears his departure has benefited you–congratulations on your promotion.”

  “Thank you Lady Eliana, but I didn’t come here to talk about my new rank.”

  “Well then, Centurion, why are you here?”

  Decimus pulled out the blanket from inside his backpack and handed it to Eliana. She looked at it for a few moments. “What is this supposed to mean?” she said before handing it back.

  “I gave that blanket to Tullus before he left Rome,” Decimus said. “A few days ago one of my men found it in a forest outside the city. I grew concerned, because if Tullus is living in the forest he is in great danger. We were tracking The Leopard King and–”

  “Did you say The Leopard King?” Eliana interjected.

  “Yes, the Tribune ordered me to take command of a cohort and hunt down this Leopard King and allies. Apparently they’ve been attacking the head of the merchant Collegium and his business associates: a man named Camus Scorpio.”

  Eliana sat down on a marble bench and buried her face in her palms.

  “My Lady, what is wrong?”

  “Camus Scorpio isn’t the head of the merchant Collegium,” Eliana said. “He’s a criminal overlord posing as a businessman.”

  “How do you know this?”

  “I’ve been helping the merchants defend themselves against Scorpio for the past few weeks. At least I was before Norbanus forbid me to.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “It’s complicated,” Eliana replied, looking crestfallen.

  “I want to help if I can.”

  “I wish you could, but Norbanus had forbidden me to speak to the merchants.”

  “You don’t strike me as the type of woman who accepts defeat, my Lady.”

  Eliana’s eyes were moist with tears. “It’s not that I fear him; I fear for my family. He threatened to kill them if I cause any more trouble for him…he’s in league with Camus Scorpio.”

  Decimus couldn’t believe his ears. Camus Scorpio’s identity a ruse? And worse, a Praetorian Tribune in league with a criminal? Norbanus was ambitious and arrogant but Decimus never figured him as corrupt.

  “Did he do this to you?” Decimus said as he gently ran his fingers across Eliana’s bruise.

  Eliana nodded. “Yes, and he murdered two slaves who were helping me communicate with my family. He’s completely power hungry.”

  “That snake.”

  “If it wasn’t for the sake of my family, I’d still oppose him. If I could escape this villa and warn them I could tell my father what Norbanus’ plans are. My father has influential friends who could bring corruption charges against him.”

  Decimus lowered himself onto the bench and looked into her eyes. “Do not worry about your family. I will send some of my men to watch over them and make sure no harm befall them.”

  A faint smile appeared on Eliana’s lips. “That’s quite generous of you, but do not risk your career on my behalf.”

  “If what you’re telling me is true, Norbanus must be stopped; but first, we need evidence to convict him.”

  “I can get you that evidence. But first, you have to get me out of here.”

  Decimus thought hard. The villa was crawling with guards, even if he wanted to he would never be able to fight all of them by
himself; and endangering his men by ordering them to attack Norbanus’ equestrian guards was not a viable decision. But he had an idea that might work.

  “Take me to your bedroom.”

  “Excuse me?” Eliana said, looking flushed.

  “You have to trust me Lady Eliana,” Decimus said.

  “Come with me.” He followed Eliana out of the courtyard and up a marble staircase that led to the second floor of Norbanus’ villa. Decimus soon found himself inside her bedroom, which smelled like spring flowers in bloom.

  “Get in your bed,” Decimus said.

  “I still don’t understand what this is all about.”

  “Quickly, my Lady.”

  Eliana shot Decimus a perplexed look and disappeared under the covers. “What now?” she asked, “I think this is all rather silly, Centurion Decimus.”

  “Play along with me,” Decimus said, “act like you’re in pain.”

  “Guard! Guard!” Decimus called out, “Come in here…quickly!”

  A few moments later one of Norbanus’ guards entered Eliana’s room.

  “What’s going on here?”

  “Come, take a look. I think Lady Eliana is ill,” Decimus said as the guard drew his short sword and inched closer to the foot of the bed while Eliana moaned and stirred restlessly under the covers.

  “Are you ill, Lady Eliana?” the guard asked while Decimus slowly raised his fist in the air, the guard’s back turned to him.

  The guard whirled around.

  Decimus slammed his fist into the guard’s unprotected chin, sending him sprawling backwards until Eliana’s bed broke his fall. Decimus pounced on the guard and wrestled the short sword out of his hand while Eliana watched in disbelief. After a brief struggle, Decimus found the sword and slammed its pommel into the guard’s face. The man grunted before losing consciousness. Decimus held his breath to see if the noise had attracted the attention of the other guards. It hadn’t.