Emperor Heraclius’ eyes widened and with an incredulous look on his face snapped, “You sent your cavalry back to the ships and left the infantry blind to the damned?”
“No, your Imperial Majesty. I kept fifty of Damir’s men to serve as our eyes.” Constan replied.
The Emperor nodded, pleased, “Very good. You may continue.”
“After we cleared the village of Nashon which lies-“
“Yes, yes, I’m familiar with it. Continue.” Emperor Heraclius said.
A servant handed Constan a goblet of wine. He took a sip and then continued, “After we cleared the village, a messenger from Damir arrived. He had spotted another horde and was trying to lead them off, like he did the first.”
“What happened?” The Emperor asked.
“The trick he used to draw off the first horde failed and his entire command was lost.” Constan said.
“The damned are stupid. Any idea what happened?” Emperor Heraclius asked.
“Fonda happened majesty.” Constan said.
“She slew all of the cavalry? How did you manage to survive her? Out in the open no less.” The Emperor asked.
“I dispatched a small team led by Athos here, on horseback, into Jerusalem to retrieve the cross. At the same time, I continued marching the main body of the 5th Babylon eastward. We wanted to find good ground on which to oppose Fonda.” Constan said.
“And did you?” Emperor Heraclius impatiently broke in.
“Aye, we did. Not great ground mind, but good enough. That night a blood moon rose.” Upon hearing the words blood moon, the members of the court, the guards, and the Emperor hastily crossed themselves. Constan paused for a moment and then continued, “Around midnight, she found us. I had the men deploy upon a hill facing westward with the Jerusalem road in our center. Then had half sleep while the other half toiled digging a ditch and making an earthen wall.” Constan said.
Emperor Heraclius nodded, “You dug in. Smart.”
Constan nodded and said, “Thank you majesty.”
“What happened next?” The Emperor asked.
“We fought the unholy bitch all night. She tried to turn our lines numerous times with her damned horde. To counter this, I turned me flanks inward until we formed a circle.” Constan said.
“You found yourself completely surrounded by Fonda’s damned horde, which you had been fighting for hours. Am I understanding you correctly? That seems rather hopeless. How did you escape?” The Emperor asked.
“We didn’t. They just stopped and withdrew.” Constan said.
“They just stopped?” Emperor Heraclius asked.
Constan nodded, “Aye. Without explanation they disengaged and disappeared. Not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth I ordered the men to double time it out of there.”
Emperor Heraclius nodded. A look of admiration on his face, “Impressive. Especially for troops so recently on garrison duty. You fought your men all night, and they still had enough fortitude to double time it?”
“Aye. For a time, survival is very motivational. We were attacked again after the men collapsed from exhaustion and slept. Unbeknownst to us at the time, it was but only a small group of the bastards.”
“What happened to Fonda and the remainder of the horde?” The Emperor asked.
Constan shrugged his shoulders as he said, “I know not what happened to Fonda and the rest of the horde.”
“So, you were able to defeat the small group that attacked you?” Emperor Heraclius asked.
Constan nodded, “Aye, sire. We did.”
“Then what did you do?” Emperor Heraclius asked.
“I marched my survivors east around Jerusalem’s walls. There wasn’t much of me boys left at this point.” Constan gestured toward Athos, “I was hoping to meet the lad on the east side of the city.”
“And did you?” Emperor Heraclius asked.
“Aye, the lad was just inside the east gate with the True Cross in hand.” Constan said.
“Very good Tourmarches. I’d like to hear directly from the Kentarches.” Emperor Heraclius paused for a moment to think before adding, “Athos.”
He remembered my name! Athos thought to himself. He took a deep breath, “Thank you your Imperial Majesty. The morning before Fonda caught up with the main body, my group left the 5th Babylon mounted on horses and made our way eastward to the city. The next morning, with a guide drawn from our ranks who had lived in Jerusalem as a boy we entered.”
“One of your men had lived in the city? That’s lucky.” Emperor Heraclius said.
Athos nodded in agreement, “Aye sire, it was. Once inside the city, my small group, which consisted Dekanoses Baltazar and Jerry.” Athos turned and gestured toward the two men, “Who stand behind me here today. Along with Jerry’s Kontoubernion, Maarika here and her mate Dekanos Nasir. God rest his soul.”
Everyone in the room performed the sign of the cross as Athos said the last sentence. Pausing for a moment in respect he then continued, “After we entered the city, it wasn’t long before we attracted the kind of attention from the damned, that as a small group, we were hoping to avoid.”
“What happened?” The Emperor asked.
“We were beset upon by a handful of damned. Unfortunately, the noise of the encounter drew more and more of them to our location as we fought. Luckily, we were able to withdraw into a townhouse and then exit out the back to gain some separation. Otherwise we would have died where we stood, surrounded and overwhelmed.” Athos said.
“Good thinking. What did you do next?” Emperor Heraclius asked.
“We continued traveling eastward in an alleyway behind the main road. We followed it as long as we could before we were forced out onto the main road again. It wasn’t long before we were beset by the damned once again.” Athos said.
Athos took a sip of the wine from the goblet that he had been served and continued, “This time we were attacked by a group of damned that was different.”
“What do you mean by different?” The Emperor asked.
“They started out as a group of old women that shrieked like banshees, which drew more of the damned to them, and us. Unlike normal damned, who just come right at you, they threw themselves at us from the rooftops.” Athos said.
“I see. That is indeed different than other reports of the damned that I have been privy too. What happened next?” Emperor Heraclius asked.
“We were quickly surrounded on all sides, including above. Dekanos Jerry’s Kontoubernion, started to take casualties. The situation on the street seemed hopeless as more and more damned gathered to feed upon us, so we made our way into a villa. We were hoping to use the structure to break contact with the damned again using the same trick that we’d used earlier in the day. It didn’t work.”
“What went wrong?” Emperor Heraclius asked.
“A damned gorilla went wrong sire.” Athos said.
“A gorilla? As in an ape?” The Emperor asked.
Athos nodded, “Aye the very same. I had heard stories of such animals, how they had often been brought from remote corners of the world to die upon the blades of the gladiators. Thanks to those stories, I knew what they should look like in my mind, but had never seen one. Until that moment of course.”
Emperor Heraclius’ eyes widened, “Saints, the angels, and God above preserve us. If one animal can catch the plague, perhaps they all can. What are we to do if the very rats biting at our heels start feeding upon us?”
“The gorilla was the only damned animal we encountered on our journey your Imperial Majesty. Perhaps, since they are similar in appearance to us, they can be infected as well?” Athos said.
“Let us pray that is God’s will in this matter. Did you encounter any other animals that had been damned?” The Emperor asked.
“No, we didn’t sire.” Athos replied.
“Perhaps God in his infinite wisdom created a challenge for you? We will pray for that outcome, please continue. What happened next?” The Emperor asked.
“W
e had managed to slip inside the villa and separate ourselves from the damned on the street, when the gorilla broke through the door, and slew Maarika’s mate Dekanos Nasir.” Athos said.
At the specific mention of a Nasir’s passing, the room once again made the sign of the cross. Athos waited a moment for everyone to finish the ritual and then continued, “We were nearly lost if not for the quick action of everyone on the team, Dekanos Baltazar, Jerry, his men, and the other two women who were with us Athea and Liana. Thanks to their support in holding off the other damned, myself and Dekanos Baltazar were able to slay the damned gorilla and break contact with the undead once more.” Athos said.
“You slew a damned gorilla in direct hand to hand combat?” Emperor Heraclius asked.
Athos smiled sheepishly, “Aye, myself and Dekanos Baltazar did. We were overcome by battle rage.”
“Given the size of the gorillas I’ve seen, I’d say so. Impressive, most impressive Kentarches.” The Emperor said.
“Thank you, your majesty.” Athos said.
“What happened next?” Emperor Heraclius asked.
“We were able to break contact with the damned and make our way eastward, down the Via Dolorosa, until we came upon the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.” Athos said.
“How did the church look?” The Emperor asked. “I spent a large fortune in gold restoring it back to the look of the original after we recovered the city from the Persians.”
“The building?” Athos asked and Emperor Heraclius responded with a nod, “The structure looked like it was in fine shape. Just as it had been left by the living.”
“I feel a but coming on Kentarches, care to explain yourself?” The Emperor asked.
“The doors were barred from the inside, so we had to cut our way through them to gain entry.” Athos said.
Silence fell over the room and weighed upon Athos like a heavy blanket. The Emperor’s gaze bored into him unrelentingly. Finally, the old man took a sip from his wine goblet and smiled, “Such is the fortunes of war. You may continue Kentarches.”
Athos nodded nervously and said, “After we cut our way through the door. And a mighty door it was sire. You clearly spared no expense. We made our way into the church where we found the True Cross set in the very hole that had been cut into the rock of Golgotha.”
“How did that make you feel Kentarches?” The Emperor asked.
“Your Imperial Majesty?” Athos asked.
“How did being in the very spot where our shortsighted Roman ancestors, crucified our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ make you feel? The Emperor clarified.
“Small sire. Insignificant.” Athos replied.
Emperor Heraclius smiled, “Good. Your reply tells me much of your character young Kentarches. Much indeed.” A moment of silence hung over the throne room as the Emperor picked up his wine goblet, which had been resting on the left arm rest of his golden throne and took a long sip. Noticing the silence in the room he chuckled to himself and said, “Please continue Kentarches.”
“After we removed the cross from its resting place, we carried it out into the square in front of the church. There was a horde coming down the Via Dolorosa toward us. We engaged the horde with the assistance of some of Jerry’s men, while Jerry and the rest of his men, explored deeper into the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Thankfully, he was able to find a way through the church and out the other side, so we were able to break contact with the damned.”
“How did the monks fare? I remember them fondly from dedication day in 630. Very pious and devout group of men.” Emperor Heraclius asked.
“They were damned. Every last one of them.” Athos replied.
A pained look flashed across Emperor Heraclius’ face before he sighed, nodded briskly and said, “Continue.” Before taking a long drink from his goblet. As Athos started to speak, he gestured to the nearby servant to give him a refill.
“We emerged from the monastery and found ourselves near the East Gate of the city. It was at that point that the Tourmarches found us.” Athos said.
Emperor Heraclius turned back to Constan and said, “From that point what happened Tourmarches?”
Constan continued, “We made our way south and around the walls of Bethlehem to the southeast. I thought having the City of Bethlehem between us and Fonda’s damned horde might prevent them from finding us.”
“Did it?” The Emperor asked.
“Aye sire, it did. We never heard from Fonda or her horde again.” Constan said.
“Interesting. I wonder what befell her?” Emperor Heraclius asked.
The Emperor’s question was met with silence as no one wanted to hazard a guess in the Imperial Presence and be incorrect, “I guess it matters little today. The important thing is that you have restored the Cross to the Empire. Tourmarches Constan, you have done well in accomplishing your mission. As have all of the men here today that were a part of your team.”
“When I ordered you to take this mission, I made you a promise Tourmarches. What is your desire?” The Emperor asked.
Constan turned and made eye contact with Athos. The younger man gave Constan a slight nod, and an encouraging smile. Turning back to the Emperor Constan said, “Your Imperial Majesty, we wish to do what we set out to do when we first came to Antioch. Take ship from Seleuciam and find a nice place to settle away from the damned, far to the west.”
“I see.” Emperor Heraclius made eye contact with Jerry and asked, “You were not a part of this group originally. Is this also your desire Dekanos?”
Jerry swallowed hard as the entire room looked at him. Trying to steel his nerves and calm his heart whose rapid beating thundered in his ears said, “No your Imperial Majesty. I wish to continue in your service.”
Emperor Heraclius’ lips turned slightly upward, “Very good Kentarches. The Empire owes you a great debt for your part in recovering the True Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Jerry’s face broke into a smile over the instant promotion as the Emperor then turned his attention to the rest of the group, “I have come to appreciate you and your companions. Without a doubt you are a very capable group of men and women. Why would you desire to sail off into the sunset when the Empire needs you?” The Emperor asked.
Constan sighed, I know where this is going. “We’re tired sire. Though it has been a few short months since the damned beset us. We’ve had enough of death. We are tired of the killing, tired of losing so many of those we hold dear, and tired of waking up each day wondering if it will be our last. Not knowing whether one will end one’s day down the gullet of some thrice cursed damned is no way to exist. We want to live our simple lives and raise families.”
“I see.” Emperor Heraclius paused for several long lingering moments before continuing, “And there is nothing I can do to persuade you otherwise? Talent such as yours would be richly rewarded.”
Constan replied, “Imperial Majesty, both the young Kentarches here and Dekanos Baltazar have recently fallen in love and deserve the chance to get married and have a family. I myself was married to the love of my life the day before we left for Jerusalem. Aren’t there other men willing to take up this burden and lead the Empire to victory?”
“There are always other men willing to take up the burden of command. Unfortunately, most prove unfit for such a duty.” Emperor Heraclius, once again paused and allowed a long silence to linger over the throne room before turning and making direct eye contact with both Athos and Baltazar, “You both have fought hard for the Empire and do indeed deserve a chance to marry and live in peace to raise a family. Tomorrow I will conduct the ceremony of marriage for you and your ladies here in the throne room. Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, I will send you on your way, with a letter of introduction to the Governor of whichever of my provinces you decide to take root in. A grateful Empire thanks you for your service.”
The two young men smiled broadly as Athos said, “Thank you your Imperial Majesty for your boons and understanding. We appreciate them very much.”
Emperor Heraclius smiled, “Think nothing of it. I was young once, so I understand the desire to be with the woman you love and make children. If we somehow succeed in surviving this scourge, we will need a new generation of strong warriors to keep the Empire safe. God knows what other challenges will erupt out of Arabia, or beset us from other quarters.”
Emperor Heraclius then took a long sip from his wine goblet and turned his attention back to Constan, “Tourmarches. You are not young. Nor is your wife from what my advisors tell me. She is likely beyond the years of child bearing. Given this and other considerations, though you have served the Empire faithfully for decades I find that I cannot spare you.”
Constan’s face became downcast as his eyes looked downward toward the floor, “Don’t be so melancholy, with your new rank, you will be able to bring your new wife with you on campaign. Perhaps the True Cross will make her womb a fertile place for your seed while you are on campaign. The last time you were in my presence I executed your predecessor. I find it only fitting that upon the success of your mission, that you should replace him.”
Constan raised his eyes and met the Emperor’s gaze, “Then I am to be your general?”
“No, there is going to be no more generals. Vahan and all those who have held that position throughout the long history of the Empire has brought shame to the title through their disloyalty and incompetence. As we have abandoned the Latin tongue, we must now abandon the Latin titles and move the Empire forward. You are therefore to be my Strategos. Leader of all my armies in this fight against the damned.”
Epilogue
Early Morning October 31st, 636, Port of Seleuciam, Syria Province Byzantium
Athos stood on the stern of the merchant vessel Pompano as it slowly made its way westward. Behind the vessel lay the Port of Seleuciam and two figures standing on the pier from which they had departed. The two figures, one a man, the other a diminutive woman, stood in silence holding hands. As Athos looked back upon the couple, he was fighting back tears. Athea wrapped her arms around him.
“Do you think we’ll ever see him again?” Athos asked.
Byzantium Infected Box Set Page 105
