by K.L. Coones
chance against my power,” announced Absolom. “But I do not wish to be your enemy; indeed, it eases my loneliness to know the likes of you exist. I would not see you destroyed.”
“You will fall with the rest of the patrician leeches,”snarled Arius, now a half beast like his brother.
“Hold your tongue, both of you,” snapped Lupina. “You have never faced one like this, and from the direction of his travels it appears Rome will soon be behind him?” Absolom nodded.
“Yes, Rome has no more to fear from me. Once beyond these mountains, I will never pass this way again.”
“See that you do not,” warned Lucius. “We are ever watchful.” The two howled into the night sky and sprang away, disappearing into the darkness. Only Lupina, holding the shivering child, and Absolom remained.
“Did you speak truly? Will you leave this place and its people in peace?” asked Lupina. Absolom nodded.
“I no longer hold love for the things or places of men.”
“Yes, monsters have no place amongst men,” she mused. “Where will you go?”
“The days ahead are too many to worry about such planning. I will go where the road takes me.”
“Anticus, I know of the loneliness you spoke of. I know how it can weigh upon, having to hide a secret from others lest they cast you out at its discovery, so I wish you good fortune.” He nodded his thanks and headed for the edge of the treeline where he could find a trail leading into the mountains. Lupina walked quietly behind him, the child still held close in her arms. At the edge he paused.
“It is true that I hold no love for Rome. Its emperors are as much monster as you or I, perhaps even more so, for they are responsible for the suffering of many. Though the people abide it, they still deserve champions, ones that might yet staunch their bleeding. Good bye, Lupina.” Absolom turned from the versipelli and stepped out into the moonlight washing over the valley with no footsteps to mark his passing.
THE END
Authors Notes
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