Hey Guys, thanks for the great reviews :) they gave me a nice warm fuzzy feeling inside. Sorry it took so long, I actually had half of this done forever ago but wasn't sure about the second half which you'll see when you read… if anyone's still interested lol
Dreams
I woke late into the night, my heart pounded painfully in my chest as I pulled back a scream of fear. My tunic clung to my back as I struggled from my twisted blanket in panic. I fell to the floor painfully after loosing balance. I angrily kicked the sheet that fell across my legs tauntingly. Panting, I swallowed hard and sighed heavily.
My dreams were returning, nightmares that destroyed the dreaming world. Only now they were stronger, more real; harder to awake from. Dreams full of fire and screams, chaos of a battle I was part of but never joined… of his face surrounded by blue light and blood; was it possible for one man to hold so much blood?
The darkness around me hung heavily in the air emphasising the silence. The lit candles that always resided next to my bed had been extinguished. Trembling I stood. Feeling blindly I left the security of my bed post and slowly moved to the bland outline of the outer door.
I promised myself from now on I would never hide the windows and openings with drapes again, at least on a clear night there was moonlight. Then I remembered the shadow of faces that waited there when darkness came; my reason for their placement. No, I would just need more candles.
I pushed open the doors and stepped out into the night. A near full moon hung in the sky lighting the city. Everything was bathed in a pale eerie light; it was strange how different it looked compared to the day. It was as if time had frozen, I was the only creature living in the empire.
I shivered as a slight breeze chilled the sweat on my brow and forced its way through my clothing. The city below vanished silently as a cloud covered the moon. I stood unmoving, my heart the only sound as I waited impatiently for the light to return. The darkness began filling my mind again, oozing dread and suspicion. Something large and black caught my eye at the far end of the balcony; like a head and torso, I flinched away.
Assassin!
Finally the moonlight appeared and the danger shifted into a pillar and bust. I hurried back into my room haunted by my paranoia. My trembling hands searched inside a draw for something to relight the candles, I raced against the moon and clouds praying the light wouldn't disappear again. It did thrice to my frustration before I finally had the candles relit. As the warm glow filled the room; hope and relief filled my heart.
I stared at the candle flame, watching it flicker in the breeze that entered from the open door. I looked away unable to hold my gaze, the flame turning into the fire that consumed. The fire of my dreams.
Slowly I made my way back to my bed, my head thick and my eyes heavy. With the aid of the light I could feel my fear draining into weariness. I shivered again realising the door was still open. Irritably I pulled myself up and shut it loudly before pulling the blankets onto the bed once more. Falling onto my back I closed my eyes; the image of death replaced by the darkness of my eyelids. My heart still fluttered in my chest painfully but very slowly it fell back into its usual pattern. I lay there listening to it for a moment.
Opening my eyes once more I stared at the bed hangings thinking of my behaviour. I hated it when I awoke in such terror knowing I couldn't control my actions. All that mattered was that I had to have light.
What if I somebody had seen me… or heard! My eyes widened and I jump from the bed to the door. Opening it slowly and as quite as possible I looked out into the corridor. Although difficult to see due to lack of light I could sense it was empty. I was glad I had no need for the Praetorian Guard outside my sleeping quarters just yet; unlike many past Caesars. Still they were positioned all around the grounds for my protection.
Closing the door I walked back towards the balcony. As I reached the door I remembered I had not seen anyone. Was I already that paranoid that people may see my weaknesses? I felt my resentment grow, I no longer felt tired.
They were only dreams. Everyone had them, after all even the strongest man could be turned into a child because of a dream. I remembered Lucilla telling me a story about a leader of a barbarian tribe who was considered a most courageous warrior but was driven insane because he feared to sleep. It was believed a Witch from a rival tribe had cursed his dreams showing him the revengeful acts of those he had killed in his life.
I shivered, but not because of the cold. I wish Lucilla was here now to read to me, her voice was always able to calm my thoughts. I stopped moving realising I had been pacing the room.
I wondered what she was doing now; probably sleeping, along with the rest of the city. I started pacing again. I wasn't sure what had caused me to become so unsettled.
I sat down in a rich chair slamming my hands on the desk to help me rid my frustration. Taking a deep breath I rested my head in my hands rubbing my temples. I had to keep calm; if I was to be a good leader my emotions couldn't rule me. After all I had no reason to act out.
Perhaps I should try to sleep again?
I had had so little lately. Lucilla had begun brewing tonics of varied ill tastes in vain to help me sleep. I would need my strength for tomorrow; I would be away from the palace.
A smile pulled at my lips, Lucilla is coming tomorrow. My heart lifted and my stomach churned in excitement. We no longer spent time in recreation. Now the only reason I saw her was for matters of State. I knew this was tiring her, every time she mentioned the senate her face grew taught; she never smiled like she used to. Not since…
I was making the empire better for her; soon we would have the strongest nation the world had ever seen! First however changes had to be made; starting with the senate. My stomach clenched as I thought of them mocking my every decision, they represented the people? If the people relied on them what was I needed for? I was there father, they looked to me for leadership, and I gave them the games. We shall soon see whom they love more. I smirked as a senate free empire filled my vision, I would then be able to concentrate on more important matters.
I looked forward to tomorrow. Me, Lucilla and Lucius together; my family.
I slept soundly for the rest of that night, my dreams untouched with darkness.
I walked around the large room trailed by two guards, weaving through the rich crowd. The men bow there heads while the women curtsy. Most were smiling due to the contagious atmosphere of excitement. I among them can't help but be involved in the anticipation.
I search the room looking for Lucilla, declining a goblet of wine from a servant who circled the room with trays. I had entered with her and Lucius but she had disappeared when Falco had wished to speak to me. The man was a useful ally in the senate but his timing was not convenient. I saw her at the far side of the room her back was towards me and she was in conversation with a man I did not recognise. Jealousy mixed with curiosity as I moved towards them. To my annoyance I was then interrupted by Gracchus whom had a small smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
"Caesar" he bowed.
"Gracchus" I nodded distractedly.
"May I congratulate Caesar on the decision of the games? The people have reacted positively, it seems it has distracted them from other matters" he smiled. I frowned focusing my attention on him fully. His words I could tell held a hidden meaning.
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing, I trust that you have thought on the matter and its implication on the city. It seems those in the poorest areas and even those with plague are congratulating their Caesar on how he brings pleasure to his children" he raised his goblet to me and smiled turning away to speak to another member of the senate.
I smiled lightly at his comments swallowing my worries. After all, he knew little of what I had done to buy the people their amusements. Soon he would feel fear; loosing his arrogance when he becomes a member of the people not its speaker. I knew the loss of power would destroy him.
I turned back to where Lucilla had stood and found her easily still talking with the same man. The crowd separated for me as I passed.
"Lucilla!" I called.
The man's eyes opened wide at my presence, she seemed to notice this reaction and turned to face me. It wasn't her.
"Caesar" they both bowed.
"Forgive me, I thought you…" I turned away not bothering to finish. Where had she and Lucius got to? I spent the next hour talking among the senate and the court, only half aware of that my lips were moving in reply.
I began to grow irritated, not only by Lucilla's absence but with the continuous talk of the senators and there continuous opinions. My head was already brimming with the needs of Rome I did not need others telling me my faults. I longed for the games to begin so that I would be distracted from my duties.
A small laugh diverted me from my thoughts, I turned towards it. It was Lucius. He hurried through the crowd towards me. Lucilla followed him gradually a small look of happiness on her face as she watched him.
"Uncle"
"Where have you been Lucius?" I asked him joyfully embracing him.
"I went to see the gladiators. Have you heard of the Spaniard?" he asked me excitedly.
"No, I have not," I laughed lightly, looking at Lucilla carefully. "That does not seem like your mother to seek out the gladiators"
"No, she did not come with me"
"Oh?" I watched her moving closer; as she caught my eye she looked slightly troubled.
A servant interrupted us as Lucilla neared; telling me it was ready for me to be seated. I was glad; I didn't want to know where she had been. After all I trusted her, I told myself strongly. I did.
As I walked onto my private balcony I was distracted from Lucius' speech of the 'Spaniard' by my awed reaction to the coliseum. I had been here many times beyond count yet every time was as if my first. Its sheer size echoed around me. The noise was deafening, with the shouts and cheers. Thousands of voices all belonging to the minute bodies that merged into small beads of colour before my eyes. It was a compelling sight. I listened as the crowd chanted my name.
"Caesar, Caesar!"
I raised a hand in acknowledgment of my people. This was why I produced games for them, why I gave them what they wanted. They loved me.
My attention was finally brought to the small group of men in the gladiatorial field.
"We who are about to die salute you!" There voices carried despite the din of the crowd. One deep chant of men ready and willing to lay down there lives for me and the people. It was a pity there wasn't more men like that. My power over life and death was almost intoxicating. To know that I had the command as to the future of these few men was unimaginable. It was ironic how I had the supremacy to grant death, yet I hardly had the authority to decide what I had for breakfast.
I half listened to Cassius as he set the scene of the battle as I settled myself besides Lucilla, casting further looks at men below. Sitting comfortably I began paying attention, becoming enthralled by Cassius's voice along with the crowd. The man's powerful voice stretched the full might of the coliseum. Slowly the din died along with my worries of the senate, the empire and Lucilla.
"Warriors from all brute nations bent on merciless destruction… conquest"
I gazed at the crowds taking in the laughs, shouts of pleasure and excitement. My eyes fell to Lucilla who was sat elegantly on her seat, looking every inch an Empress. She stared intently on the small group of men as Lucius whispered information to her. She disliked the games but once present would hardly bare to look away.
"Your Emperor is pleased to give you the barbarian horde!"
The arena boomed with jeers and abuse as hundreds of thousands of arms and thumbs faced down; shouting the demise of the barbarians. A smile pulled at my lips, they all knew who would be slain; the battle was a famous one. Yet the people were caught up in the excitement of the drama wondering how Rome would defeat such a perilous enemy.
"…the Emperor is pleased to bring you the Legionnaires of Scipio Africanus!"
The crowd boomed in approval as the large wooden doors around the coliseum inner circle opened and chariots of golden warriors raced out. Immediately chaos ensued. The gladiators in the middle of the ring seemed unable to move as fear gripped them. Once the chariots had each circled the field, the men seemed to realise that doom was upon them. They all scattered in opposite directions in panic, allowing the chariot spearmen and archers to begin killing stranded gladiators. Seeing this they all raced to each other moving into a small huddle for protection.
I watched with an adrenaline fuelled entertainment. Feeling myself becoming caught up in the action along with every member of the audience, each death bringing a new wave of sounds though the crowd.
The small huddle of gladiators below slowly became indistinguishable as there shields came together hiding them from view as the chariots circled them each taking in turns to strike. It was odd watching them attempt to create a manoeuvre I recognised loosely as a battle formation. An image of an army of gladiators at my command in the battle against the barbarians of other worlds filled my mind for a moment causing a laugh to escape my lips. That would be a sight to see. I wondered if the gladiators below were really barbarians or Romans themselves. I would have to speak with Cassius about arranging more bouts using the barbaric race.
The uprising and destruction of a chariot as it flew through the air however pulled me from my thoughts and brought my excitement afresh. This certainly was not expected by the small band of 'barbarians'. It was becoming clear that these men were not going too be defeated easily. The reaction of the crowd clearly stated there surprise as well as my own. However they pondered shortly as there attention was distracted as another chariot archer fell.
The mayhem quickly ensued as a gladiator ran to the aid of his comrade throwing himself into him saving him from being crushed to death. Ironically the gladiator survived and the chariots blade killed another of the golden warriors. Despite the distance the red of the woman's blood flashed in the bright sunlight for all to see; a harsh colour against the white sand. Another chariot was uprooted in the action crashing into the side of the arena bursting through a main gate to disappear inside. The battle was suddenly taking a dramatic twist in its victors.
As another chariot fell against the wall I couldn't contain my excitement as to what would happen next and I ran to the wall to cast a look down. I was now directly above the action and could hear the shouts and orders of one gladiator in particular. It seemed all listened to his voice and within seconds the chariot was upright once more and baring the opposing side. The prospect of barbarians using Roman chariots caused a slight irritation to run through me but the anticipation of what would occur next was like a drug. Returning to my seat, the so called leader of the men stole the horse as the others followed his orders dragging the broken chariot away from the wall.
The rider was clearly skilled and easily caught a blade and began swinging it menacingly. I could hear Lucius talking to his mother animatedly clearly impressed by the gladiator. Lucilla however had little to say in reply. I laughed at her reaction knowing how exciting this battle was becoming to the small boy.
Soon however the swinging blade made contact with more then air, ripping through flesh and spraying blood. The crowd roared louder the sight of blood causing an animalistic cry for more to be spilt. Suddenly it didn't matter that the blood belong to the incorrect host and that it was clear the end of the battle was drawing near.
Now the barbarians could taste a victory which they had deemed impossible. They suddenly broke ranks and began killing anything in reach.
At last the final Roman African warrior was pulled from his chariot and brutally killed. The crowd cheered in admiration and congratulations, there cries mixing with those of the remaining gladiators.
At last my heart began to calm, the adrenaline of the fight beginning to ease. A servant announced the arrival of Cassius and I motioned him forward.
"Caesar" he bowed his eyes not meeting my own. I kept the smile which threatened to reach my lips hidden aware of his nervousness.
"A most exhilarating battle" I told him aware of my voice becoming lost in the shouts of the crowd.
He leant forward so as to be heard, "Yes Caesar, I hope it was to your liking". There was a slight pause as I glanced down at the gladiators as they interacted with each other below. I smiled slightly before swallowing it.
"My history is a little hazy Cassius… but shouldn't the barbarians lose the battle of Carthage?" I placed a confused look on my face enjoying the reaction I was causing.
"Uh, yes sire" he replied forcing a smile on his face, aware I knew the battle and wondering what fate awaited him for the gladiators clear rule breaking for not dying.
"Forgive me sire" he added.
"No" I laughed, "I rather enjoy surprises". As long as they were in my favour, I thought to myself.
I stared down at the gladiator who was still upon the horse he had stolen. "Who is he?" I asked vaguely aware I was applauding along with the crowd. It was clear they loved this champion, a man who had defeated their enemy despite all odds.
"They call him the Spaniard sire". I immediately recognised the name from Lucius. Suddenly the boy's words made sense in my mind; he certainly was a sight to behold.
"I think I'll meet him"
Cassius seemed surprised at my words but quickly agreed before leaving to make the arrangements for my request. I continued to applaud the man, aware he was looking up at me. Standing I smiled to Lucilla before leaving my box following a servant Cassius had left for me.
As I followed the young man through the dark passages, I ignored the stench and the shouts from those around me reminding myself I had nothing to fear. True the gladiator fought fiercely but I had met many men of his standards and I knew myself to be of superior. Thankfully the servant led me through a maze of corridors which were mainly empty, the thought of coming face to face with blooded men made me slightly nauseous. I often forgot that the arena was only a part of the life of a gladiator; if they lived they had to return with there injuries and prepare for another day.
At last I saw sunlight at the end of the tunnel, aware I was walking the stretch that many men had done before me. That the gladiators who had survived had also walked this path. What thoughts had been through there mind as they faced death?
Ignoring my quickened heartbeat I was greeted by a group of Praetorian guards who would be my only protection from the blood drunk men. I heard orders for weapons to be dropped as the leader Quintus stepped forward.
"After you sire" he motioned towards the gate. As I came into the sun light I found the gladiators were surrounded. The noise of the crowd rose to a new deafening sound as they responded to my entrance. I felt my heart and confidence grow, knowing they loved me.
As I moved forwards the gladiator known as the Spaniard slowly fell to his knees in respect bowing his head to his Emperor. I could not deny the feeling of power and love could have made me sing.
"Rise… rise" I ordered. Despite the pleasure it brought me seeing a man of such strength bow to me, it didn't seem correct that he should kneel.
My attention was distracted briefly as Lucius appeared from behind. I wondered if his mother realised he had gone from her sights. I brought my arm around him protectively, knowing Lucilla would understand that with me, no harm would ever come to him.
"Your fame is well deserved Spaniard" I told the gladiator, knowing he deserved praise however I also hoped my tone reminded him not to become too conceited with this victory.
I motioned to Lucius, quoting what he had told me on his thoughts of the man. I knew he would be pleased if I involved him in a conversation with the gladiator, one who had caught both his and my own attention. I wondered who the man was, if his name was his true birth place.
"You do have a name?" I pressed when the silent man did not answer.
"My name is Gladiator" he said plainly, his voice gruff. I felt myself shrink subconsciously at the sound of his voice. The sound of it sending chills down my spine. I felt as if he had suddenly stripped me of my clothing as he stood staring down at me; his eyes cold, barely visible through his helmet. He turned his back suddenly and stepped away.
My sudden anger over rode my insecurity at his arrogance to turn away from his Caesar. He maybe the champion of the battle but no man dared to treat me in such a manner of disrespect; a slave no less!
"How dare you turn your back to me? Slave!"
I ordered him to turn and remove his helmet. I needed to see his face before I had the pleasure of removing his head. "Tell me your name!" I demanded my voice ice cold. Rage crawled through my veins at his actions, as I became aware of the sudden silence of the coliseum.
It seemed all Rome stopped with an intake of breath as the Spaniard finally removed his helmet with care before turning around, so Caesar the ruler of all, could at last see his face.
And so the second chapter is uploaded.
I didn't want to go into detail with the movie, but thought it was kinda necessary so hope that's alright. Reviews are always welcome I'm on a role now so will keep writing until it burns out please let me know if I've missed any spelling or grammar errors I don't have a Beta. So if anyone's interested……..