by T. A. Uner
“Still, he has no place here.”
Decimus said: “If either one of you knows where Tullus is now is the time to mention it.” Yeshiva turned toward Eliana. “You mean he doesn’t know yet?”
“I haven’t told him.”
“Haven’t told me what?”
Eliana turned toward Decimus. “Tullus is The Leopard King.”
Decimus laughed. “That is foolery.”
“I’m afraid it isn’t,” Yeshiva said.
Decimus found another chair by the table and sat down. “I need a drink.”
“I usually don’t drink alcohol,” Yeshiva said. “But I keep some wine on hand for guests.” He removed a clay flagon from the bottom cupboard of the shelf and poured a glass for Decimus. Decimus took the flagon from Yeshiva and downed its contents while Eliana and Yeshiva looked on amusedly.
“Thank you, I needed that,” Decimus said, placing the flagon on Yeshiva’s desk.
“Yeshiva and I have been organizing the merchants against Camus Scorpio, while Tullus has been leading attacks against him.”
“Why didn’t you tell me that back at the villa?”
“Because I didn’t know if you’d believe me; I wanted Yeshiva here so he could validate the truth.”
“I don’t know what to believe anymore.”
“Have you heard from Tullus?” Eliana asked Yeshiva.
“No, but I hear the First Legion has been dispatched to assist the Praetorians.”
Decimus said: “And they both have orders to kill—the Leopard King, I mean, Tullus—on sight.”
“Yes, I’m afraid the situation has grown dire,” Yeshiva said.
“You must call off your men Decimus,” Eliana said.
Decimus stood up. “I’ve already risked too much for you, Lady Eliana. Besides, I have my orders. I don’t know how Tullus allowed himself to get caught up in this intrigue, but rest assured I plan on completing my mission.”
“You would kill your best friend?”
“If Tullus is attacking the leading citizens of Rome, then he’s no longer the man I once knew.” It pained Decimus to speak these words but he couldn’t betray his command, he was now an officer of the Praetorian Guard.
“I’ve already told you that Camus Scorpio is no honorable citizen.”
“So you say,” Decimus replied, not knowing what to believe anymore.
“I think I have a plan that might work,” Eliana said. “Please, Decimus, you must trust us.”
Decimus sighed and shook his head. “I think I’m going to need more wine.”
{II}
After emerging from the forest Tullus eyed the glowing beacon inside the abandoned signal tower. It appeared the merchants wanted to discuss something urgent with him. Tullus trekked back to Rome, Celestra padding alongside him. He heard a screech. Above him an eagle circled, its golden feathers resembling the same eagle he had seen the other night at the campsite. It flapped its great wings, surging off in a northeasterly direction. Tullus turned his attention back to his journey and pressed on.
By nightfall he entered Rome. After navigating the various streets he found Yeshiva’s warehouse as the salty smell of the quay drifted toward his nostrils.
The moonlight created a soft white glow along the outline of the warehouse’s roof. Tullus looked around, but no sign of the others near the back door.
Tullus drew LeopardClaw and entered the warehouse, Celestra beside him. Her soft fur tickled his leg as she brushed against him. In the darkness Tullus could see the outlines of the crates inside the warehouse. Recalling a Fortis I spell he had practiced from an Elemence scroll Paullus had given him, he took a deep breath and focused his thoughts on summoning the spell. “Lucis,” Tullus whispered. A small pulsating ball of light appeared at his fingertip and illuminated his surroundings before he ordered it to hover above his head. His eyes adjusted to the light before he approached Yeshiva’s table where a faint glow of a lamp flickered behind it.
“Yeshiva?” Tullus called out.
“Yeshiva isn’t here.”
That voice. So familiar. It was a voice he knew from countless nights of drinking and gambling. Tullus spun around.
A stray beam of moonlight peeked through the shutters of a high window and cast a circle of light in front of him. The owner of the voice approached him until he stood directly under the light which illuminated his face.
“Decimus.”
Decimus stared at him blankly. “Tullus,” he said coarsely after a moment of silence. “Or should I call you the Leopard King?”
“Hello old friend,” Tullus said, wondering what Decimus was doing here. “But how did you know it was me while I had my scarf on?”
“That you were The Leopard King? Eliana told me–this meeting was her idea.”
“Why?”
“She’s trying to save your life; that girl still loves you.”
She has a strange way of showing it. “Is she here with you?”
“No. She felt I should confront you alone.” Decimus stepped away from the circle of light and Celestra growled at him. Decimus stared suspiciously at the ball of pulsating light hovering over Tullus’ head. “What type of sorcery is this?” he said. “What has happened to you Tullus? How is it a sane man such like you can lose yourself to strange ways?”
“Camus Scorpio is a murderous bastard.”
“What did he do to you?”
Tullus sheathed LeopardClaw and walked toward the table where the lamp stood and plopped himself down into a chair while Celestra and the ball of light followed. With a thought he ordered the sphere to disappear, causing a half shadow to descend upon his face.
“You remember the life I once dreamed of, Decimus? The one where I had my own woman, and a peaceful life? The one I left Rome in search for?”
“Yes.”
Tullus smiled behind his scarf. “Well I found it: by chance really, wandering along the Via Aurelia I met a man named Paullus Gabinius, he gave me the life I dreamed of and for the first time since I was a boy, I had a real family.”
“What about me? And the Legions? Weren’t we your family? After so many years fighting alongside us how could you cast us aside for this…creature?” Decimus looked at Celestra with disgust. The Leopardess growled again while the stars in her eyes pulsated.
“You’d be wise to guard your tongue around Celestra, Decimus. This ‘creature’ has the strength of seven grown men and the intelligence to back it up.”
Decimus grunted. “You were saying something about this friend of yours…Paullus Gabinius?”
“Yes,” Tullus said. “One day Paullus turned up wounded before he died in my arms: the victim of Camus Scorpio’s murderous footmen. I don’t know why, but I mean to find out.”
“How do you know this?”
“I have my sources.”
“So to honor your friend’s memory you begin attacking Scorpio? A Roman officer does not indulge in vengeance.”
“I’m not an officer anymore.” Celestra raised her head to growl her assent.
“Ohh, Tullus, what am I to do with you?”
“You must do your duty old friend,” Tullus said as he rubbed the back of Celestra’s neck. She growled and licked her ivory teeth. “And I must do mine.”
“I am giving you one final warning: disband your brigand and stop your attacks.”
“And if I refuse?”
Decimus grumbled, “Then I will have no choice but to hunt you down, my brother, and may the Gods have mercy on you.”
“You may try, but you will fail.” Tullus stood up while Decimus looked at him suspiciously.
“I suppose next time we meet we will be enemies,” Decimus said.
“Aye, it appears that is the hand the Gods have dealt us,” Tullus said before he turned and walked away, Celestra trailing him.
“Tullus.”
Tullus turned around.
“Good luck.”
“And to you, my friend.”
From a secluded alleyway Tullus eyed the
warehouse’s back door and wondered where the others were. He had instructed them to meet him there. I can’t stay exposed on these streets, he thought, there will be vigiles patrolling at this hour.
Footsteps approached from behind. Celestra sniffed the air. “Tullus?”
Tullus drew Leopard Claw and cast the Lucis spell. The ball of light re-appeared, illuminating his surroundings. Celestra pointed her claw and purred: it was Anna, crouched against a wall, less than three paces from where he stood.
“Anna? What are you doing?”
“What does it look like I’m doing? I’ve been searching for you.”
“I believe I told you and the others to meet me in front of the warehouse. Did something go wrong?”
“When we arrived at the warehouse I noticed a Praetorian charger hobbled in front of it. I didn’t want to endanger the Troupe, so we decided to wait; later, I sent the others to the inn.”
Tullus nodded. “I suppose that was the correct decision.” After abrogating the Lucis spell they left the warehouse behind. Anna shot Tullus a concerned look. “You look troubled.”
“Yes, the Centurion in charge of hunting us down was inside the warehouse; I had a conversation with him.”
Anna stared at him incredulously. “You…what?”
“He’s given us amnesty, so long as we stop our attacks and disband.”
“Perhaps it’s for the best.”
“Not until Scorpio has fallen, we’re so close to victory…I can taste it.”
“And then what?” Anna said. “Do we simply go back to our old lives and act as if nothing has happened?”
Tullus held her arms before he kissed her soft lips; they embraced while Celestra stared at them inquisitively.
“If you’re still having second thoughts about this whole thing, I can’t force you to go on, Anna.”
“That’s not what I meant,” she said. “I’m scared Tullus, and the others are too, but they won’t admit it.
Tullus nodded. “When this is all over we’ll leave Italy. Charter a ship to take us beyond the Empire’s borders. We can use our savings to start a new life.”
“Do you mean that?”
“Of course,” he kissed her lips again and took her hand. They reached the inn and found the others waiting in their rooms before Tullus asked them to meet in Anna’s room. After they had assembled, Tullus stood in front of them; they waited for him to speak.
“I know this has been difficult on all of us,” Tullus began, “but I cannot force you all to risk your lives anymore. This is something Celestra and I must do, the rest of you may leave if you wish.”
Vulcan spoke: “We voted, the Roman way, to stand by you. Paullus made you our leader. It is only fair that we see this thing out, till the end.”
Tullus looked at Gansu who stared at him through tranquil eyes.
“And you, Gansu?”
The easterner paused for a few moments before replying. Tullus liked the way his friend thought carefully before choosing words. He is definitely the wisest in this Troupe.
Gansu said: “In my country, there was a philosopher named Confucius; he has famous saying: ‘To see what is right and not to do it is want of courage.’”
Tullus smiled. “Then I take it you’re still with us.”
Gansu nodded.
Someone knocked on the door.
The Troupe drew their weapons. Tullus approached the door.
“Who is it?”
“It’s me, Yeshiva,” said a muffled voice from the other side of the door.
The others lowered their weapons while Tullus opened the door to let Yeshiva in.
“I missed you at the warehouse, Yeshiva,” Tullus said.
The merchant looked at him abashedly. “It was Eliana’s idea, and your friend Decimus wanted to give you one final chance to stand down.”
“I know, I spoke with him earlier this evening.”
“I bring news,” Yeshiva said. “Camus Scorpio is on the move.”
“Where?” Tullus asked.
“To the forest, he has a camp there, where he sells slaves to buyers. I hear this is the largest sale he has overseen.”
Tullus gritted his teeth. “If we could disrupt this sale, that would set Scorpio back even more; maybe even bury him for good.”
The others huddled around Tullus.
“What’s the plan, Tullus?” Vulcan asked.
Tullus grinned and they all leaned in closer to listen.
{III}
“You fools. You are amongst the best soldiers in the city, and you let one young girl slip from your fingers?” Norbanus said.
“Forgive us, Tribune,” the lead guard said, “this Centurion, Decimus Axius, ambushed one of the guards, and the girl disguised herself in his uniform. We didn’t notice it until it was too late.”
“I should have you all flogged for incompetence,” Norbanus exclaimed. “Leave me… now!”
The guards bowed their heads respectfully and left his study.
Norbanus reached for a flagon of wine on his desk and slurped it down before wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He tried thinking of something that would comfort him. I could murder her, he thought. Make it look like an accident. But first he needed to find her.
Eliana possessed the power to ruin all his plans. And Decimus, he would deal with him later. ‘Plan well before eliminating your enemies,’ his had father had once told him as he paced his study. I could send more guards into the city to look for her and have her brought back to me. Yes. Or, I could poison her. No. Then it wouldn’t look like an accident. Perhaps, I could push her off a balcony; make it appear that she fell. Yes. How tragic. How convenient.
His headaches returned. They gnawed at his forehead like a pack of hungry bitches.
But he didn’t have time for them. He had other matters to attend to.
He summoned all of his guards and ordered them to saddle up. They were going into Rome to look for Eliana. As they prepared to leave, one of his servants approached him in the stables.
“Master Norbanus,” the slave said breathlessly, “there are men at the door.”
“What men,” Norbanus replied. “We’re busy…tell them to come back later.”
“Sir, I really think you should come to the main gate,” the slave insisted.
“If you are wasting my patience with foolery, I’ll have you skinned alive.” Norbanus dismounted his horse. He followed the slave from the stables, through the house, until they approached the gate. There, waiting for him, was a column of heavily armed men. As he inched closer Norbanus noticed they wore the uniforms of the Urban Cohorts. What are the military police doing here? At their head was an imposing-looking urban officer with wide shoulders atop a brown stallion.
“Yes?” Norbanus said, trying his best to feign courtesy. “Is there something I can do for you and your men?”
The officer ignored Norbanus’ pleasantries. “Tribune Norbanus,” he said in an indifferent voice, “you are to come with us.”
This must be the work of Remus, Norbanus thought. Remus has friends in the Urban Cohorts.
“Impossible. I have important business to attend.”
“It will have to wait; I have orders to detain you.”
Norbanus laughed. “Detain me? On what charge?” he never liked the Urban Cohorts: they were created by Emperor Augustus to counterbalance the power of the Praetorian Guard.
“The charge is: the attempted murder of Senator Remus’ daughter, Eliana Clodia.”
“That’s ridiculous, she and I are betrothed.”
The officer eyed Norbanus with a cold-blooded glare.
“I’m a Praetorian Tribune, you have no jurisdiction over me.”
“You can come with us on your own accord, Tribune. Or we can bring you in ourselves. The choice is yours.”
Norbanus thought about fighting through them but he was outnumbered. Even if he and his men managed to break through the first rank of Urban Cohorts they’d be cut down instantly by the
second rank. That’s what Remus would like, a quick easy death for him. Norbanus approached the officer who stared down at him haughtily from the saddle of his horse.
“Very well,” Norbanus said. “I yield.”
{IV}
Tullus stared down at Camus Scorpio’s slave camp. From his vantage point, within a thicket of trees, he was safe from detection. With the Oculus spell, Tullus espied the structure: a fence was erected around the camp while two large watchtowers flanked the gated entrance. The camp was likely an old auxiliary fort, but it lacked the personnel that gave it a true military presence.
Celestra scaled a tree and surveyed the camp from a branch above Tullus.
Anna approached Tullus. “What did you see inside the camp?”
“Some hovels strewn together; a large hall and stable inside the walls. Plus many cells packed with slaves.”
Celestra pounced from her branch and landed next to Tullus.
“How many men you think Scorpio has?” Anna asked.
“Maybe sixty footmen.”
“We’re only six. So I gather a frontal assault is out of the question,” she said as they walked back to their camp.
“Yes but if my plan works, we’ll have the numerical advantage.”
“You mean to free the slaves?”
Before they’d left the inn Tullus had explained to the others his plan of freeing the slaves. The others had looked at him as if he was crazy but he had assured them that with careful execution the plan would work. “I still have my doubts,” Anna said. Masego was behind them, watching their rearguard.
“Of course no guarantees exist, but we weren’t supposed to get this far, were we?”Tullus said lightheartedly. The effects of the Oculus spell wore off and his eyesight returned to normal. He felt tired–his body paying the price of using Elemence. I need better conditioning to increase my vigor.
They found Vulcan and Gansu unloading crates. Both men paused their work to greet Tullus and Anna.
“Excellent, the weapons we seized from the elephant convoy,” Tullus said.
Vulcan nodded. “We brought them along as you asked…but how do you plan on arming the slaves with them?”
