Attention Everyone! This is my first fanfiction, so please go easy on me. Constructive criticism and compliments are welcomed, so don't hesitate to share your opinion – be it disgusted or otherwise. I would like to take this opportunity to attribute all characters (save originals), locations (ditto), and any other previously copyrighted materials to their proper owners. I do not own Lara Croft or any of her subsidiaries. Eidos Interactive does. At least I think so. If I have forgotten to disclaim any material, somebody please let me know. I want to write stories, not settle lawsuits. Thank you very much everyone, and I hope you enjoy my story!
Prologue
Rome, 53 A.D.
A dark figure draped in shadow slipped out from behind a stone wall, wary of the paired Centurions blocking the only exit from the city a few feet away. The figure ran quietly past them, holding its cloak tightly to its body to keep it from rustling. The Centurions were talking aimlessly and never noticed the dark figure creep into the alley beside them. It moved silently into the looming shadows of the alley, treading as softly as possible. It came to a large door on the right, bathed in torchlight. The figure knocked three times, praying the soldiers hadn't heard. The great door opened slowly and a pair of eyes stared into the night, evaluating the visitor.
"Speak," a voice from behind the door called.
"I bear the burden of all nations. I wish to speak to Marcus," the dark figure replied. With that, the door creaked open and another cloaked figure stood in the doorway.
"Enter." The doorway opened into a grand hallway with tall arches and rows of torches leading into further darkness. The door was closed and locked, and the two hooded figures walked together.
"He expected you earlier."
"I know. I did what I could. My father has every soldier in Rome on the lookout for me. Have all the necessary arrangements been made?"
"Of course my lady. Marcus has seen to it."
"Good. Then he leaves with the tide?"
"Yes my lady. As soon as he speaks with you." The figures came to a pair of ornately carved doors lit by large torches. Two more robed figures guarded the entranceway.
"Speak," one figure called.
"Lucius."
"Enter. The master has been expecting you." The two guards pulled the great door open and closed them again tightly once the two were inside. They walked reverently with their heads low into the dimly lit chamber. A voice called from the gloom.
"Ah, Lucius. I was beginning to think you had lost our guest."
"Of course not my lord. She has only just arrived."
"Let her come." One of the robed figures came forward slowly in respect, her head bowed. "Come, come now my lady. It is I who should bow before royalty. Come closer my dear." The cloaked figure pulled her hood back, revealing pale skin and dark eyes illuminated by the sharp light of the torches. Her long black hair fell in soft waves around her thin face. Her lips were full and dark, painted with dye, as was the custom for royalty.
"Marcus. I have brought the amulet."
"I was hoping. You realize what must be done."
"Yes my lord. I only hope you make safe passage to Alexandria."
"The sea is wise. It knows of the danger we shall be transporting. We will make safe passage."
"My father is – at this very moment – seeking your entire company throughout Rome. He'll stop at nothing to regain the amulet."
"I know my lady, I know. But fear not. We sail with the tide in less than an hour. Your father won't be able to follow our tracks over the sea."
"I pray that you are right, my lord."
"Does your father know that you are a member of our company?"
"No my lord. If he did, my consequences would be much more severe than they already will be. He knows nothing of my involvement."
"Then let's hope it stays that way, dear Princess. Bring me the amulet Lucius." The princess handed Lucius a small box covered in precious jewels and gold. It had the imperial seal of Rome stamped on its cover. He took the box to a dark figure seated above a row a short stairs.
"My lord." Handing the box over, he returned to his place by the princess' side. The figure stood, and the torches illuminated his body. He was tall and dark-skinned. His robes were of royal purple, and a golden half ring crowned his bald head. His eyes were dark and piercing, and when he spoke, his voice was a deep, mournful sound.
"Thank you, my lady. For all the sacrifice you've made for this company. You must understand that the amulet holds far too great a power for any mortal man to wield. It was fashioned by the Immortal, and can only be properly handled by the Immortal. We of the Ignis Sacre are the only humans capable of protecting the amulet from falling into mortal hands. You've seen what it's done to your own father."
"I have indeed,' the princess replied. "And I know that the amulet must not be kept where he – or any other – can find it."
"We shall take it to Alexandria, and from there to the Secret Temple. It will be safe there from all mortals. The destruction caused by the amulet's power can only be quelled by dormancy. An eternity in solitude beneath the earth should do the trick." With that, Marcus took the box and descended from his seat of power at the top of the stairs. He crossed to the princess until he was close enough to see the torches reflected in her dark eyes. "Lucius. Leave us." Lucius bowed respectfully and exited the grand chamber. When he was gone, Marcus gazed once more into the eyes of the Princess.
"Promise you'll come back for me."
"I swear to you, Cornelia. I won't leave you here to suffer under your father's conquering hand. I won't have you punished for saving the known world."
"I don't want to live without you, Marcus. I don't care what the dangers. I'm a part of this just the same as you are."
"Cornelia. Don't fret that pretty little head of yours," Marcus said with a smile. "I promise to come back for you at all costs. And then we'll be together. Forever." He took Cornelia in his arms, savoring the way her skin felt against his own. He would miss that. He would miss everything about her. The way her eyes lit up when she laughed. The way her hair smelled like roses and fine oils from Arabia. "I love you, Cornelia."
"I love you too, Marcus. And I always will." Marcus cupped her chin in his hand, drew her mouth close to his, kissed her with a passion he had not known could be real before her. He tasted her, explored her with his hands as he held her closely, enough to feel her heart race beside his. She wrapped her smooth arms around him, clutching at him in a desperate attempt to make the kiss last forever. He drew away, not wanting to linger any longer.
'You know I don't want to leave you, my love."
"I know. I know. Leave now while you still can. The soldiers by the docks have probably already been alerted by my father. You must go now. Take the amulet as far away from here as you possibly can. And don't forget me."
"I could never forget you, Cornelia. I will come back for you. I promise." He kissed her once more in farewell, touching her hair softly. With that, he turned and walked quickly out of the grand chamber and into the night. He would sail to Africa tonight, under a starless sky. With him he carried the greatest curse ever afflicted on mankind. He must make it to the great city of Alexandria if he hoped to save humanity from a merciless end. Cornelia watched as the man she loved disappeared into the darkness, and wept bitter tears as she returned home to the Emperor's palace. Home to her father, and to her almost certain death.
