Note from Kanuro: This is the longest chapter so far, but I believe its worth it to complete a cohesive narrative going. Also, I had this completed yesterday, but decided to proofread it once more before I published it. And another also, the school year has begun again and as a full-time teacher, updates will be coming in at a slower rate, but I'll still try to complete this the best I can. Anywho, enjoy!
VII
The Bloody Ides
"We pray this in the name of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, He who reigns from the heavens and rains down his bounty over us. We exalt His eminence, oh Jupiter Optimus Maximus."
The other priests chanted solemnly, "Jupiter Optimus Maximus."
"For the Ides, we come before you with an offering to your benevolence, oh Jupiter Optimus Maximus."
"Jupiter Optimus Maximus."
The offering bleated calmly, strolling along with the man pulling its leash. The lamb twisted its head from side-to-side curiously, possibly wondering why these throngs of five thousand people were looking at it and mumbling prayers and blessings. This lamb—whose' fleece was clear as snow—was to be an offering to the Greatest and Mightiest of the Gods. Vitus recalled how Jupiter would receive a bull offering upon the kalends, yet this lamb was supposed to satisfy Jupiter? How truly fickle in appetite the Gods of above were, compared to the mortals below.
Vitus had a good spot to watch the procession. He was underneath a statue of one of his many ancestors that he had to think about to recall. The statue was in the middle of the Town Square in the settlement of Genoa. He figured that he could get to Arretium within a day if he hurried from Genoa, but he reconsidered, for today was the observation of the Ides—the halfway point of the month. Such observance was considered sacred—this holiday was to ensure the gods would bless the city with good fortune for the rest of month. All cities of the Republic were observing this day.
The lamb was being led down the procession and stopped close to the entrance of the Great Temple of Jupiter. The priests and lamb pivoted towards an elongated podium that stood twelve feet high. On such auspicious holidays, it was customary for the governor and his family of the settlement to overlook the offering before it entered the temple. From where he stood in the crowd, Vitus had a clear line of sight of the governor of Genoa.
Herennius Julius was a portly man at the age of 40, and it seemed like he gained another chin underneath his jowls. His chestnut brown hair was thinning and the fleshiness of his face made his expression naturally sink into a scowl. But such was far from his nature. He was a jolly man who looked to please and help others, putting his own wishes behind him for the sake of people. His management and his influence of the governor were average at best but he still could run the city's tax into a profit for the Julii.
A smirk of pride grew on Vitus' face, his distant cousin of some tangled relation stood tall on the podium with a stoic expression, eyeing the sacrificial lamb. Someone in front of Vitus moved out of the way, Vitus then saw the entire podium. Four more people were up there with Herennius. His brother—Proculus, his sister-in-law—Appia, their four year-old son—Lucius, and his wife—Titia. Vitus' eyes enlarged in surprise, "What are they doing here?" he said to himself.
He then remembered the eve upon his departure from Arretium, Proculus told him he would take the family to watch the Ides in a city close to Arretium. All of the Julii upon the podium wore clothing dipped in brilliant red and had trims of black going down their garments. They all wore the masks of solemnity, even young Lucius. The procession of the Ides was a serious affair, no one dared to utter a noise.
The lead priest raised his voice and stretched out his arms to Herennius, "What say you under the auspices of Father Jupiter?"
Herennius extended his hand out to the statue, his voice booming, "Under the auspices of Father Jupiter, I, Herennius of the Julii, Governor of Genoa, do hereby beseech the merciful Sky Father for protection and fortune for the settlement of Genoa. May commerce thrive, may its citizens be safe, may the harvest be bountiful, may your name be praised. So beseech the Julii."
Proculus, Appia, and Titia extended their hands out as well, even little Lucius. They all said as one, "So beseech the Julii."
I should be up there, I should… he bit his lower lip; a small pain throbbed inside of him.
The priests didn't speak, they made a short pivot and continued down the street.
The priestly procession prepared to enter the halls of the temple. The docile land eyed holy placed and stopped suddenly. It began to buck and bleat furiously, as if aware of its upcoming demise. The priest in charge of the lamb pulled its leash harder, but the lamb only frenzied more. It took another man to help drag the white lamb into the temple against its will. Everyone in the crowd was murmuring, fear was in their eyes. Vitus knew why, parts of him were shivering. What a horrible omen for the people in this settlement.
And that was it. The ritual ended upon the entry of the offering into the temple. The priests would kill the lamb in the privacy of the sanctuary, and the masses of people would wait leave then return with two hours to receive the news of the offering. So the crowd dispersed after the procession ended, many still frightened after the offering gaff.
Somehow among the throng, Little Lucius was the first one to see him. His smile beamed as he tugged on his mother's stola, "Mother, look! It's Uncle Vitus!"
They looked everywhere in the crowd until they spotted him with surprise, "Vitus!" Titia was the first one down the podium, with Proculus behind her. Vitus gave her a quick hug before shaking his brother's hand.
"What are you doing here, Vitus?" he asked.
"Indeed," Titia questioned with a raised brow, "Were you not going to Massilia?"
"I did, Titia. I left a few days ago, I remembered the Ides were upon us, so I decided to stop in Genoa to observe it. I was mighty surprised to see you all here."
"Uncle Decius desired I give a message to Herennius," Proculus explained, "So I decided it best to take Appia, Lucius, and Titia here for a little vacation. See the port and enjoy the beach and all of that. So what of you? How was your business in Massilia? Is everything alright there?"
No, nothing is right… "I shall tell you about it later, Proculus."
"Vitus!" The young legatus felt something constricting his arms and body and lifting him up in the air. "It is so good to see you again!" Deep laughter came from behind him.
Vitus was wheezing from the hug, "Herennius! Please release me."
The jolly governor placed him back on his feet. Titia and Appia giggled at the sight of "The Mighty Germanicus" catching his breath from a hug. Proculus laughed at him. Herennius slapped his back, "It has been too long, Vitus. Too long!"
"Yes, indeed," Vitus chuckled awkwardly. "You know, Herennius, it is unbecoming of a governor to be seen doing that."
"Oh what will the people do, complain more? Ha! I'm used to such squalling. Besides, I care not, for we are blood. I am surprised you are here, when did you arrive?"
"About an hour ago. I was in the crowd watching the procession."
"You should have joined us in the podium, Vitus."
"And break through the procession, I think not."
Titia nodded, "I believe Vitus is right on that accord. It would make the Gods even angrier."
Herennius sighed, "Do not speak of anger, I have had many speak to be about the offering, and they were angry. Actually, I see that I am called forth to intervene in another matter. I fear this may take me into the night. Tell you what; you all enjoy yourselves in my city and return to the Governor's Palace as the sun sets. I shall make a lovely feast for you all in celebration of the Ides."
"That is wonderful!" Appia gushed.
"Yay!" Little Lucius cheered.
Vitus chuckled lightly, "Herennius, gratitude for the offer, but you do not have to do this." Sulla needs to learn of my failure as soon as possible…
"Join us, Vitus. I insist," Herennius smiled. "It has been a while since we all gathered in communion, I humbly insist."
Titia wrapped an arm around Vitus, "Besides, you do not plan to leave me again, do you?"
"Of course not."
"Good." She tugged his arm rather forcefully, yet still wore a mild smile. "Because we are staying!"
It was a good idea to stay. The long couches of the dining room were positioned in a U shape with Vitus and Titia positioned on the couch to the left, Proculus and Appia parallel to them on the couch to the right, and Herennius as the host reclined peacefully on the center couch. Platters of beef, oysters, licker-fish, and purple grapes were presented out in front of the guest with the most delectable of aromas. And wine, so much wine was offered to them. This was a lovely feast indeed. Vitus thought about Sulla and how he expressed urgency. But after being on the road for a week and coming up with dead ends, plus with his reunited wife by his side with her warm and soft flesh touching his'; Sulla could wait for all that Vitus cared.
It was a good time inside the Palace. The low lit braziers created a refined dining atmosphere, a slave was playing his lyre melodiously, Proculus and Herennius laughed as they drank the wine heavily. Little Lucius had been continually asking him for stories about his war with the Suebi, Vitus figured he must have repeated the same battle a dozen times; yet such request was from his nephew, so he could retell it a hundred more just for him. Titia found some ways to playfully tease him about his battles, but he didn't mind. After an hour of eating, Appia took Lucius by the hand and took him away to their chamber.
Appia momentarily returned, crawling over to Proculus with an exhausted sigh.
"Is Lucius fast asleep?" Proculus asked her.
"Not quite, he was still speaking of disemboweling barbarians and serving under Vitus. I'm having Numeria to make sure he's asleep." She turned an eye to Vitus. "You had to fill his head with your exploits, didn't you?"
Vitus shrugged with a smirk, "He asked. And I love my nephew. He'll grow into a proper soldier when he comes of age. I'll gladly put him on my staff."
Proculus drank from his cup, "He'll become another great general, like his namesake. I'll promise you that."
"I sure hope so. Better he inherits skills from his grandfather, rather than his father."
Proculus threw a grape at the laughing Vitus.
Titia looked into the wine in her cup. "That was certainly odd… at the procession."
"With the lamb? I quite agree." Herennius broke off a piece of steamed carp and tossed it into his mouth. "I've been pestered by so many about what could befall Genoa, I turned their questions to the Augurs, and they replied that Jupiter desires blood."
"Whose blood?" Appia asked. "Blood of beasts? Blood of men? Barbarians? Romans?"
"That's what I desired to know, but they were vague; as always. Hmph, priests… if they cannot interpret the will of the Gods, then what good are they?"
"Calming the people," Titia stated.
"Bread, circus, and wine calms people; and if Bacchus could make it rain such, then I guarantee I would be more inclined to religion. No, Titia, if priests are meant to calm the people, then they would be mumbling words to fight off plagues."
Titia put her cup down, her face falling in depression. Vitus sucked his teeth and gave a half-hearted glare to Herennius.
Herennius turned to the young girl, "What is wrong, Titia?"
"Oh, you see, my father… he had been inflicted by the plague that grips Rome, but he is recovering. He was able to rise from his bed and the medicus claims that the disease shall pass within a few weeks."
"Oh, uh… apologies for my comments, I did not mean… But I am glad he is recovering."
"As am I." Proculus claimed. "Upon his recovery, we should all go somewhere luxurious."
"Oh Proculus, such is not necessary—"
"I insist, Titia! You are family. The war is over in Germania, Vitus has returned a hero, your father is recovering from plague, and you and Vitus have been reunited; such is a reason to host a trip for the family. How about… the warm sun of Sardinia?"
Appia sipped on her wine and smiled gently, "That sounds wonderful!"
Vitus nudged Titia's arm, "Have you been to Sardinia before?"
"Few times. The climate was enjoyable but I have seen better."
"Well, I believe you have never seen Sardinia with a Julius, correct?"
Titia chuckled mischievously, wine on her breath. She wrapped her soft arm around his arm. "I would quite enjoy a trip to Sardinia with a Julius by my side."
He smirked, "Would you now?"
"Provided that you find a real Julius."
Vitus drank some wine, "That stung worse than any Germanic blade." She chuckled loudly. He pursed his lips and turned to Proculus and Appia, "Do you see how verbally ruthless she is to me? That damn tongue of hers."
Titia cocked an eyebrow and grinned slyly, "Oh stop it, you know you enjoy my tongue."
Proculus and Appia looked at one another and smirked. The senior couple returned their eyes on them.
Appia smiled, "You two seem rather happy."
"Well I am," Titia said, plucking a grape from the plate. "I cannot say for Vitus though."
"Indeed. Every time I see her and she inflicts some jests on me with that quick and barbed tongue of hers for her amusement."
She stroked his cheek, "Oh husband, it's not my fault that you stand gullible."
"I do not stand gullible!"
Proculus chuckled loudly, "Ha! Titia listen to this tale. When we were younger—I believe when he was five and I was ten—he once asked why piss was yellow, right? I told him because Jupiter blesses the human body with gold and it is good fortune to drink it. He drank cups of his own piss for an entire week until our father caught him."
Herennius laughed heartily. Titia's face was mixed in surprised disgust, but she laughed as well. Vitus drank from his cup wordlessly; his cheeks blushed with mild redness.
Proculus looked at him with a devilish smirk, "Remember that, you little piss-drinker?"
Vitus chuckled mischievously, "I also recalled how you, Proculus, sampled piss. You were so drunk one night that you could not make it to a chamber-pot, so you pissed in a cup and then mistook that for liquor and drank from it. Didn't he do that one night, Appia?"
She sighed with an eye roll. "Indeed, I refused to kiss him for a week after that…"
Titia and Herennius laughed harder. Proculus instantly and wordlessly downed another cup of wine.
Herennius' laughter soon ebbed, and then he commented, "You two must have been through a lot."
Vitus put down his cup, "We have been. There was a time when I could not stand this…" his mouth formed into a grin, "This arrogant, depraved sot."
Proculus raised his cup to Vitus, "Same to you, you scrawny two-eyed bastard."
"Indeed," said Appia, "Those were… awkward times."
"What happened?" Titia asked. "Such rivalry between brothers could not have been too serious?"
Both of the Julii laughed. Proculus pointed to the long scar on the bridge of his nose, "You say such, but Vitus gave me this."
Titia blinked. "Vitus, you did that?" It seemed as if another mystery behind him had been revealed.
The younger brother nodded, "He stole a hundred denarii from me and I took Romulus—the horse our father initially planned to give to him as a present for his birthday—for myself as recompense."
"You took it from him?"
"Yes, through a contest of combat. Me against him, in front of the entire first cohort. We had real swords and the first person to draw blood thrice was claimed victor. It was overseen by our father, with mother and Appia watching as well. I got the first two blows in quickly, but the third, I was furious at the time and carved the steel into the bridge of his nose. Oh Proculus, you never stood a chance against me, did you?"
For the first time that night, Proculus actually looked sheepish, "I… wasn't at my best with the sword at the time."
Appia rolled her eyes once more, "I'll say…"
Proculus turned to his wife, his face stricken with horrified surprise, "You too, Appia?"
Now it was Vitus' turn to laugh. Everyone began laughing except for Proculus, who ordered his cup to be refilled once more.
Herennius slowly moved off his couch and stretched with a yawn, "Well, apologies to you all as my guest, but I fear it is time for me to pursue some much needed dreams in my chamber."
"Oh, do not worry," said Appia, "We will go now."
"No, no, no; I insist. Stay to eat and drink, at your leisure. You are my guest, and as host, I extend for you four to continue in my absence."
"Are you sure?" Vitus asked.
"I am. Here, my servants shall still serve you food and wine if you desire it. A long day requires a longer slumber."
"Goodnight, Herennius," the two couples said to him as he walked back to his bedchambers.
The four of them took him up on his offer. For another half hour, they enjoyed themselves with humorous stories, jokes, and the delicacies of finger-food and wine. Vitus had long switched out his wine for water instead, as had Appia. Yet Titia and Proculus were drinking a good share of the wine. The legatus was getting worried; he knew Proculus could handle his large amounts of wine—especially with his larger body. But the sixteen year old girl with a small frame, could she?
"Uh, Titia? Perhaps you better drink some water now." Vitus tried to be subtle with it.
She turned to him, her cheeks were red and her eyes looked flushed. She rested her head upon his reclining shoulder and broke out an impish grin. She said softly, "Perhaps… or perhaps you better drink some wine now, huh Vitus? Some wine? For you? Wine-wine-wine for you?"
"Titia, sweetling," Appia said to her gently, "Maybe Vitus is right? Some water will do you good."
She stared at Appia for a good moment and smiled pleasantly at her. Then swung her head to Vitus, "I'm only drinking water now because Appia asked me too! You understand, Vitus?"
Proculus' heavy hand fell upon Appia's backside, making her yelp in surprise. Proculus unearthed a wide grin of his own, "I understand, Titia. Believe me, my wife Appia is great at motivation."
Vitus picked up on Proculus' increasing arousal. Proculus placed his hand on Appia's milky skin and caressed her, bringing his hand down from her shoulder to her supple thighs. Appia tried to subtly brush his hand off of her, yet her face told Vitus that she was fighting her rising arousal from his sensual petting. Proculus whispered something into her ears as he was looking at Vitus and Titia. Appia's eyes shot open, "What did you say?!"
"Appia… it was only a suggestion."
"What? What suggestion?" slurred Titia.
"Hear me out! Just hear me out. We are all together once more. Vitus is back from the War. Titia has returned and her father is recovering. We all are family once again, reunited on the night of the Ides. Would a night such as this not best be commemorated if I lay with my wife, and you, Vitus, lay with your wife, all four of us together? In passionate embraces."
Vitus spat out his water. The brazen Titia laughed at the thought. Appia stared at her husband.
"What?" the three of them said at once.
Proculus drank from his wine again, "Is such not a good idea?"
Titia looked to the ceiling, "Well, such is the most frank manner I have ever been asked to participate in an orgy… And I have never been asked into an orgy, so this… is rather special." She sipped on her water as she finished, and patted Vitus' back to stop his coughing.
"That is enough wine for you, Proculus," Appia said with a roll of her eyes, and a half smile. "He only jests," her smile turned into a stare of annoyance, "for I know he certainly doesn't mean it."
"Just a little fun. Couldn't hurt to… experiment." He reached out and cupped Appia's breast fondly, she quickly smacked his hand away with a blush. The elder brother continued, "Would it not, Vitus, or are you too pious for such thoughts?"
"I am too tired for such thoughts. I believe it best to retire."
"I do as well." Appia said
She stood to stand, but Proculus quickly seized her waist with both arms and pulled her back on the couch. Her legs went in the air, but Proculus caught one of them with his hands and with the other he brushed her cheek and nibbled on her ear. An audible moan exited Appia's lips.
Titia giggled, "Ooh, you two are getting started, eh?"
Appia's face turned bright red, "Um, no! No we're not, that was… uh…" she cleared her throat and stood to her feet. "I am retiring to bed." She bolted off the couch and scurried off to the bedchambers, her face still painted with embarrassment. Proculus gave his brother a wink and drunkenly chased after her with lusty chuckling.
Vitus sighed, "I do not believe that anyone in this Palace shall sleep tonight now."
"Neither do I," Titia said, "Let's hurry to bed before they get too busy."
"Your brother is quite humorous," said Titia bubbly, as she jumped on the bed provided to her and Vitus by Herennius. The bedchamber was spacious and positioned directly next to an open balcony that looked over Genoa. The night sky draped into the dark room, which was dimly lit by the braziers.
Vitus cracked a smirk and spoke dryly, "Indeed, a damn comedian. A true Menander." Evandrus was helping him take off his armor before he joined his wife in bed.
"His talk of the four of us entangled in coupling… His wife, Appia, a true beauty if ever there was one. Do you not agree?"
"That she is."
Her speech was as bouncy as a song, "I bet you wouldn't have mind, shoving your manhood inside her as I watched."
His eyes flared up and he turned around. She gave him a strange little smile, like a cat, "You held affection for her. Once." His lips quivered in confusion, but she answered, "Women can tell such things."
"It was… I was young—"
She giggled and fell backwards onto the pillows, "Oh, you are adorable, Germanicus."
He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, "Are you drunk?"
"Oh if we stayed out there longer, I would have been. Completely. I feel the effects yet I do not believe if I am completely. Is such strange. Oh, wait! Would you prefer me to be? Would you prefer me to be flushed in the face, my breath warm and haggard, my eyes glazed, my mouth loose, and my thighs seeping with delectable moisture and—"
"What, are, you?"
"Your wife."
He snickered lightly, "Perhaps it was a mistake to have wine without it being watered down."
"Pfft," she made with her lips, "I am glad we did, my family never encouraged drinking of wine, not even my father. I often overheard senators noting how strange it was for a man not to drink wine. All we ever drank was water. One of the richest families in Rome, and we drank water every day."
"That is truly odd."
"Now that I recall, you barely touched your wine."
"I tend not to drink with my brother. Or at least as heavily as he does."
"So he's more social than you and he enjoys drinking? He's bigger than you and is quite handsome… Maybe we should put that idea of an orgy into action…"
He spun around, her smile was ear-to-ear; snickering at his reactions. He smirked softly with a groan and turned back around to undress.
"Who would have thought a Legatus would be so easy to tease?" she laughed.
He couldn't refrain from a chuckle. It was funny. She looked at him as he placed his sleeping tunic on. "Vitus, do you find that I jest too much with you?"
"Oh yes."
He turned around to smile, but her face hung in mild disappointment. "But it is all in good taste," he added.
"What would you call the situation if I never threw jests upon you?"
"A pleasant fantasy."
She laughed heartily, "Oh, it is a fantasy that you desire. Alright, let us imagine in this 'pleasant fantasy' that you are a dashing, noble husband—"
"And you are a beautiful, devoted, pious, and serious wife," he said with a smile.
"Come my dashing, noble husband. It is mighty chilly in here, and I do not believe that the brazier may be enough to warm the bed."
Does she mean? He inhaled through his nose, and tried to mask his expression as romantic as possible. His loins were stirring. He walked over to the bed and leaned over with both hands on the edge, like a lion ready to pounce. "I adore the way you think. Your flesh is the warmth I crave… actually, it is cold in here, isn't it?"
Her smile faded as she finally took note of it. "Huh, you are right, it is."
"Peculiar…"
"Vitus?"
"Hmm?"
"Uh, why are the curtains open?" her finger pointed to the balcony window. The black curtains blew inwardly with the wind. The doors to the outside balcony were wide open. The curtains? They were closed when we entered…
A terrible wail stole into the night from within the villa. Both husband and wife shot up, alert and fearful of the cry.
"What was that?!" Titia asked.
"It sounded like Appia…" Vitus said.
"Why is she—" Titia turned to Vitus, and her skin paled. "VITUS!" Her arm shot out like a spear, her finger the point. Vitus followed her frightened stare and turned around.
A figure of pure shadow seemed to slither from behind the wool curtains and into the dancing shades of the brazier and charged at Vitus. From the manlike shadow, a dark tendril-like arm sprang from its body and in its grasp, a gleaming sword descending down on the young Legatus. Though his heart nearly stopped, experience and training took over his instincts. He leapt backwards, far enough away where he could feel the tip of the blade slicing the air a few centimeters from his chest.
The shadow swung again, and Vitus lunged forward and grabbed the blackened sword-arm and forced himself and the shadow up against the wall. Titia screamed, their individual slaves panicked. Within the din of the light, the shadow took the form of a man, his face obscure by a solid black mask. His arms were covered in a black fabric and his back was draped by a shadowy cloak. That black mask… Murio…?
The masked man grunted and pushed Vitus off of him, shoving him to the ground. Evandrus drew a dagger and charged the attacker, shouting "Dominus!" He hammered the dagger at the masked man, yet the man caught the arm at the wrist and shoved his sword through his sternum. Evandrus retched loudly and fell to the floor as the shadow man retracted the bloody sword; Evandrus was dead before he hit the ground.
Titia shrieked. Vitus' eyes lingered on his loyal slave's corpse. Anger and shocked blended together within, and he rose to his feet and charged at the masked man. He bent low and drove his shoulder into the killer's stomach, slamming him back against the wall with authority.
"Germanicus." Bellowed a deep voice from behind him. To his horror, Vitus turned to find a second masked man also draped in black, who was standing by the entrance of the bedchamber; and with Titia struggling hard against his grasp, the length of his gladius pressed deeply into her throat.
"Titia…" he barked helplessly. Her body slave was unconscious on the ground with a large bleeding bruise on the side of her head.
"Move, and she dies." The voice came from the mask, "Yell, and she dies." When did he—
"Vitus, don't—!"
The man dug the edge of the sword deeper into her throat, she yelped from her teeth. Trickles of blood fell from her throat.
"All right! All right! Do not harm her! Please!"
The man's sword stopped. "The dagger at your side, discard it. Now."
"I shall, I shall. Do not harm her, I beg of you!"
Vitus took the dagger out of its sheath, he sneered. "What do you men want from me?!"
The specter did not answer.
Vitus gasped as he saw it. A guard under the employ of Herennius, was patrolling the halls as he spotted the intruders from the door and ran towards them with his sword drawn, prepared to cleave the man's head from his body.
But it was the first assassin that alerted the second one. "Behind you!"
The second assassin spun around and threw Titia into the attacking guard. Titia slammed into the guard and they both fell onto the floor. The second assassin rushed over to the downed guard and drove his sword through his chest. Titia screamed.
At that moment, Vitus had not yet thrown his dagger away. With it still in his hands in a reverse grip and with Titia out of the second assassin's grasp, Vitus spun around with a slash toward the first assassin and aimed for the man's throat. The assassin brought his arms out and the blade tore into the man's arm, drawing considerable amount of blood. The assassin grunted and jumped back, and Vitus leapt forward and planted a solid kick in the masked man's sternum, sending him back into the wall with force.
"Titia, run! Get the guards!" he ordered her.
Titia nodded fervently and quickly darted out of the room. But the second assassin was right behind her. Vitus found some inner reserve of strength and dashed forward with considerable speed after the assassin.
As all three of them ran out of the bedchambers, Vitus dived on top of the assassin, mere moments before he could attack Titia. He brought his dagger down on the assassin's back, but the killer brought his arm back behind him and blocked Vitus' arm at the wrist and pushed the young Legatus off of him. Titia ran out of foyer, screaming for help.
Vitus noticed that they were now in the triclinium, where he was just dining pleasantly nearly fifteen minutes ago. The first assassin got to his feet and circled him menacingly. The second assassin with his bleeding arm came running out into the triclinium and rejoined his partner.
Vitus drew his dagger and held it out in front of him, taking a deep defensive stance. Two masked men stared down the young Roman, their dual blades in hand and ready to end his life. They possess armor and two swords each… while I just have a simple tunic and a dagger, he thought, what I wouldn't give to have at least a longer weapon, a shield and some armor! At least we're in an open area and I'm not weighed down by armor and weapons, at least I could probably dodge one of these men if they fought me one-on-one, but they shall come at me at the same time with furious assault… I am going to die… The three of them were locked together in their own world seeing who would be the first to make a move.
And it turned out to be neither. Screams followed down the atrium along with the clattering of metal. The three of them diverted their attention to the crashing sound to find a third masked man being flung into the air and rolling on the tile. The man who threw the third assassin was Proculus, wearing nothing but his subligaculum undergarment, seething in anger and bleeding from a slash on his chest and his arm; he charged forward at the thrown assassin, jumping on his back and landing heavy blows to the back of his head. Behind him some distance away was a terrified Appia and her body slave shielding her.
"Proculus!" Vitus yelled in concern.
Titia came running back into the atrium; five household guards were behind her with furious yells and their weapons drawn. She pointed towards the assassins saying with anger, "There they are! Aid Vitus, now!"
The guards were armed with shields and charged with shouts against the assassins. Three of them went to attack the two men near Vitus, the other two went to aid Proculus. As they engaged with one another, Vitus fell back to his shaking wife. She hugged him tightly and quickly examined him in the low light, "Vitus, are you alright?"
"I am!" He looked at her neck, blood had dripped down to her breast. "Your throat…"
"I'm fine! It stings, but I'm fine. Oh Vitus, what do we do?!"
The grunts of fighting and the clanging of steel echoed in the triclinium. "Titia, listen to me, make haste to the bedchambers, fetch me my sword. Once you do, get Appia and hide. Quickly, go!"
She nodded and ran to their chambers. A man screamed in agony. Two of the guards fell within the moment, the two assassins blocked with one blade in their hand and stabbed or slashed with the second blade. By now, the entire palace was alive. Slaves and servants came out of the dark recesses and watched in stupefied horror at the violence that was occurring in the dining hall. Many yelled in gasped, others ran for help; but none of them intervened.
Titia came running from her room and shouted to her husband, "Vitus!" She tossed him his sword that was still in its sheathe. The sword flew in the air and Vitus caught it and drew the blade. He felt the notches in the leather handle, and felt the will of his mentor. He felt the spirit of a Prince. Unknown to Vitus, a small grin emerged on his face, he now had a proper weapon to fight with.
One of the assassins charged straight for him and attacked with both swords at once. Fortunate for Vitus, the time fighting barbarians had given him vital experience. It was always difficult fighting an enemy that wielded two weapons; even more so when you had no shield to hide behind. But Vitus learned that as long as you are quick on your feet and if you moved to the outside of their guard, you could best dual-wielders.
The assassin attacked, and Vitus deflected the first sword with his own, and then dodged the second sword. If he just stood in front of them and blocked one sword, then the other would quickly kill him. He had to keep moving, keep sidestepping and do half-spins. I need to keep moving! Come on, Vitus! Sidesteps and half-spins. I cannot allow him to get me to stop. What I wouldn't give for a shield or another sword in my hand.
The first assassin kicked Vitus hard in his chest, sending him tumbling backwards over the couch and landing on the hard marble floor. The second assassin ran to the couch and leapt off of it and brought his swords over his head while in the air to cleave the young man. But the nimble Vitus rolled to his right, dodging the twin blades as they clanged against the tile. As he came out of his roll, Vitus swung his sword and slashed out the back of the second assassin's knee. The masked man shouted in pain as he clutched his wounded leg. The first assassin rushed to his aid and leapt on the couch as well. Yet Vitus saw him coming and with all his strength, he kicked the couch at the edge and sent a jolt that unbalanced the assassin; sending him to fall backwards off the furniture.
Vitus drove his eagle-pommeled dagger straight through the eye-slit of the assassin's mask. The assassin spasmed quickly, but then ceased moving and blood seeped around the slit.
The last of the three guardsmen engaged the first assassin and locked swords with him, then he brutally snapped the masked man's knee by kicking it hard. The crippled cutthroat fell to his bad knee with a shrill cry, allowing the guardsman to plunge his sword deep through the masked man's clavicle and into his heart.
By Proclus, one guard was killed by the assassin, and the other guardsman clashed with killer. Their swords clanged loudly in swift motions until the guardsman did a quick feint to the right and drove his sword through the assassin. The assassin unleashed a horrid wail and recoiled as the sword sunk deeper into his chest, then collapsed dead to the hard floor.
That guardsman broke out a grin of victory as he panted. In mid-pant, a tip of a steel blade entered the back of his neck and came out his throat. Proculus recoiled in shock. The guard gagged and fell as the blade was retracted behind him. Another man in black with a mask emerged from the shadows and was standing tall. A fourth one? How many of them are there?!
Proculus seized a stool and threw it wildly at the assassin, which knocked his sword away. The fourth masked man drew a knife from his thigh and ran towards the elder brother. He dipped low below Proculus' guard and lunged his arm forth. Proculus' cried out, Appia screamed. The assassin twisted the knife deeper into Proculus' stomach, the Julius winced in agony.
Vitus' guard that slayed his assassin was the last guardsmen standing. He yelled as he charged, and the fourth masked man drew his dagger from Proculus' stomach and attacked the guardsmen. Proculus clutched his wounded stomach and fell backwards against the wall, his teary-eyed wife by his side.
And Vitus witnessed every moment, an inferno exploding inside of him. A demonic screech exited his lungs, lunging forward to kill that masked bastard. Fury blinded his judgement. He swung wildly—attempting to take the man's head clean off. The assassin caught his arms and scooted in close to Vitus' body, and then hip-tossed him several feet into the air—slamming the young Legate down hard on the floor and losing his sword.
The last guardsman kicked the fourth assassin into a stone column and brought his sword down on top of him. Yet the assassin side-stepped out of the way, and grasping the back of the guardsman's hair, brutally slammed the soldier's face into the thick column several times, drawing blood at the skull and the nose. As the last guardsman fell on his back, the assassin raised his boot high and fatally stomped on the windpipe of the guard.
Vitus groggily got back to his feet and tackled the assassin to the floor, both men wrestling viciously for control. The assassin elbowed Vitus sharply over his eye, his armored arm sliced open the flesh over his eyebrow and drew blood; knocking the young man over. With brutal headbutts, the assassin slammed his metal face mask into Vitus' face. The murderer's left hand clutched Vitus' throat, the right hand raised in the air with the dagger aimed downward.
The assassin turned his head at a distinctive feminine cry that came at him from behind, Vitus heard the shrill cry as well, it reminded him of a Germanic woman assaulting his soldiers. From behind the assassin and Vitus was Titia, running with crazed eyes and wielding Vitus' own gladius over the side of her head—screeching like a barbarian shield-maiden. She swung the sword with all her strength and the blade cleaved the assassin's throat nearly in half. Blood coursed from his throat and some splattered on Vitus' body and Titia's feet. He dropped his weapon and clutched his gargling throat as he fell to the floor, writhing on the ground with his final death throes.
Titia was breathing hard, the blood-coated sword shaking in her hands. Her eyes fixated on the thrashing man. Then he stopped thrashing and his gurgling dissipated. Titia's breath halted in her chest.
His face was bloodied and bruised, but Vitus rose to his feet, "Titia…"
She could not look away from the bleeding corpse.
"Titia!"
Her jaw was shaking. She dropped the sword.
"Titia, look at me!" He begged his wife. "Titia, come and look at me!" He grabbed her cheeks and twisted her head to meet his eyes. They were wide yet hollow. He wondered if that was the look he had when he slit the throat of the Gallic chieftain years ago—the very first man he killed.
"Look at me, Titia! Look at me, please look at me."
Her eyes finally centered on him, "Vi-Vitus…"
"That's right, I'm here… it's over… I think it's over…" He hugged her, but she couldn't hug him.
The slaves had fetched more guards, they entered but were lost in astonishment with the nine bleeding corpses that littered the dining area.
"Bloody Mars…" one of the guards said in disbelief, "Legatus, what has happened…"
"How many men are in this palace?"
"Close to thirty, Legatus. Well, I know not how many now with those who were slain—"
"Get all of them, now! Search this palace thoroughly! Make sure no assassins are hiding in wait! Send a man to the Urban Prefect, tell him what has transpired and lock this city down! Place the entire settlement on full alert! Do you hear me?! Lock this city down! Get Ligadis! Find my Thracians and bring them here, now! Quickly!"
"Understood, Legatus!"
"Fetch the medicus! Quickly!" Appia screamed at the guardsmen.
"At once!"
Vitus darted to his bleeding brother, "Proculus?"
"He came in the shadows, brother…" Proculus winced in pain. "That masked man came in our chambers from the… sh-shadows!"
"I know, they did the same to us as well." Vitus spun to a guard, "Where is Herennius?! If he sleeps then awake him, quickly!"
"Understood!"
Appia cradled Proculus' head into her lap, her tears patted his forehead. He was groaning loudly through his clenched teeth, "Oh Gods! Gods no—"
"Legatus!" a guard called out.
"What is it?!"
"H-Herennius Julius…"
"Yes, what about—" Vitus understood instantly. He looked to his wife and sister-in-law, "Stay with Proculus." And he sprung up and followed the guardsman.
Into his bedchambers, he was greeted by the wailing of loyal slaves. Vitus pushed them aside and gazed over the form of Herennius Julius, blood had dyed his bed. It leaked copiously from a gruesome slash from his throat—long from ear-to-ear. His eyes were bulged and his covers were sprung out messily—he had struggled in surprise when the assassin slit his throat. The fourth assassin, that's where he came from…oh Herennius… how could they…
The howling of Proculus brought him back to the current dangers. He spun back around and ran towards him. Proculus whimpered in anguish, "Wh-Wh-What of Herennius?"
It was painful to say, "He's… They killed him, they killed in his bed."
"Noooooo…" Appia cried more. Proculus was shivering with widened eyes.
A guard came by with a white towel and placed it over the wound, yet it had quickly dyed red and was discarded for a fresh one. "He is losing blood," a guardsman said.
"I know! Where is that medicus?!"
"He went home for the evening, Legatus. Men were sent to fetch him. But, I do not believe he may make it in time."
Appia's voice cracked, a tear draped down her cheek, "What? No! No!"
Proculus was squirming harder. "Did I hear what I think I just heard?"
"No, brother, you did not hear that. Stay strong…" his mind was racing. "Fuck, what to do… Shit, no choice, we need to sear the flesh with fire!"
Appia clutched his arm, "What?! But Vitus—"
"We have to stop the bleeding, Appia. Guards, find a poker and sit it in fire, now!"
One man was quick about it and found an even-ended poker and rested it just above the brazier, make sure the metal did not touch the coals. Vitus had seen the field medicus do this a hundred times during his campaigns. He had to aid them occasionally when his centurions were wounded.
He took the last clean towel and placed it in his brother's mouth. "Proculus, brother, please bite down. Good… now, this… this will hurt more than you could imagine but I have to do this to save your life. Do you understand?"
Proculus nodded surely, yet fear was in his eyes.
The crying Appia clutched her husband's head and closed her eyes. Three guardsmen held Proculus down securely. Titia's hands covered her mouth. Vitus' hands were steady, he said a quick prayer in his head, then placed the poker inside the wound. He swore his brother's screams were loud enough to shatter the moon above.
They were all sorely tired, no one slept last night. The entire Palace had been searched by the Prefect of Genoa, who also placed the city under lockdown. The Town Watch scoured the entire city, but the only masked killers that could be found were the four dead ones in the Palace. The medicus had come an hour after Proculus' cauterization. He examined the procedure and determined that though it was hastily done, it was adequate enough that it would prolong Proculus' life. Yet he still needed consistent medical treatment. Proculus was conscious enough to demand treat at the capital of Arretium, where the best physicians of the Julii were stationed. The medicus told him he should stay in Genoa, but Appia interjected claiming better security for them if they were in the Julii capital. Vitus had agreed and that was that.
They were on the road from morning to afternoon, the familiar landmarks of the terrain revealing their closing proximity to Arretium. Proculus and his family were being carried in a closed litter, with the medicus of Genoa inside and treating the wounded man. Proculus had been falling in and out of consciousness, weaker than Vitus had ever seen him. Appia never left his side, their son Lucius was crying softly—he repeatedly asked his mother why the evil men had attacked his father. Her only response was that they were just evil.
Vitus was riding on his stallion, Romulus, with Titia seated behind him; her arms wrapped around his waist for security. He grasped her hand delicately and she rested her head on his shoulder, her eyes still staring off into the distance. Titia was silent the whole night. When asked questions of her wellbeing, she could only nod or shake her head, not even a grunt of acknowledgment.
"Titia, are you… Can you break words now?"
"Yes… I am fine, Vitus. I am…"
You don't sound like it. "I… good, it lifts the heart to hear you speak."
"Yes…"
"I uh, never did properly extend my gratitude for saving my life."
"Of course I would… you were… of course I would…"
Silence grew in between them.
"It's a queer feeling, taking a man's life. Even if they deserve it… you never truly—"
"I am fine, Vitus… I j-just—it needs to be worked out within my mind. I am sure you understand…"
"Oh… uh… sure. Yes, I do. More than… um, anyone. But, if you— well, if you need to speak about it… My ears would gladly receive your words."
She nuzzled her head against the back of his shoulder and sighed emptily, "Gratitude, Vitus. I shall remember that..."
He rubbed his scarred hands on her soft hands gently.
His Thracian bodyguards were trotting around him in a defensive circle. Upon learning of the attack, Ligadis was so ashamed that he offered his resignation as the Captain of the Guard. But Vitus refused, for it was he that told Ligadis and his men to rest in separate quarters within the Palace. That thought stabbed Vitus repeatedly, this outcome was most likely his fault.
Those masks that the assassins wore, they were the identical make of Murio's. Did they track him down from Massilia and decided to kill him and his family for getting closer to the truth about Murio? If he had instead went directly to Rome, maybe they would have targeted just him instead of his family? If he had his Thracians stationed in the dining area, would Herennius and his valiant guards still be alive? Would Proculus have been uninjured? The longer he thought of it, the angrier he grew. They attacked him and his family, and murdered a Julii. The images poured into his mind: Herennius' slashed throat, Appia's and Lucius' tears, Titia's bleeding throat, and Proculus' flowing wound… He gripped the reins of his horse tightly. The Arcani—those bastards—they were going to pay! He was going to find whatever hellhole they crawled out from and call down the might of the Twenty-Eighth Legion upon them!
Upon taking the next incline, the Julii convoy had finally arrived at the capital. At the gates of Arretium, he noticed that the gatemen were not of the Town Watch but that of the Twenty-Eighth Legion. He noticed two of them were men from the Fourth Cohort, Legionaries Ulbo and Gasinus.
"Legatus!" said Ulbo, snapping to attention.
Gasinus looked relieved, "Bless Mars you have returned, Legatus."
"Ulbo? Gasinus? What are you two doing stationed at the gate? Where is the Town Watch?"
"State of Emergency, Legatus. The Patriarch has ordered the entire legion to mobilize within the city."
" 'State of Emergency'? What has happened?!"
Both men shrugged. "We do not know, Legatus. We were not told anything. We were commanded to guard the northern gate and watch for 'unsavory' characters."
Unsavory… It cannot be… "As you were, men. I shall find out what has occurred."
The gates creaked open. The first thing that gripped him was the sight of red capes moving everywhere within the settlement. But these were no militia. The entire Twenty-Eighth Legion was indeed mobilized within the city. They were patrolling the streets eight-men at a time, questionings civilians, barging into homes against the protest of bewildered homeowners, and even checking through the wares of merchants—opening sacks of grain and emptying chests of gold in search of contraband. Commerce had frozen completely within the Julii capital. If one wouldn't know it, they would suspect the Twenty-Eighth were rapacious invaders who were looting this city like it was conquered.
Vitus had to find an officer to explain this utter chaos. He came across Centurion Titus Ennius of the Second Cohort, First Century, interrogating a group of ten civilians with his legionaries glaring menacingly at them.
"Centurion Ennius!" Vitus called down to him.
Ennius and his men quickly pivoted and saluted proudly, "Legatus Germanicus!"
"What is the meaning of this? Where is Primus Pilus Aelianus?"
"Orders, Legatus. Primus Pilus Aelianus is in the Thracian quarter of the city, I can send a courier for him if it pleases you?"
"No, not necessary. What orders? From whom?"
"From the office of the Patriarch, Legatus. We were ordered to hunting for anyone in the possessions of masks of black or if anyone spotted men draped in black last night. Sir!"
Dear Gods no… "Uh, continue your activity, Centurion!" he commanded with a salute. The soldier saluted back.
Titia looked at him with a grave expression, "Vitus…"
"I know… we need to get back to the Palace, immediately!'
The doors to the palace opened to pandemonium. Several militiamen of the Town Watch were combing the entire palace in search of something, slaves were frantically running everywhere—several of them were shedding tears, there were two still figures within the atrium that were draped over with white bedsheets with crimson liquid dyeing the fabric.
"What is this madness?" Vitus said aloud.
The first recognizable face he saw was that of his mother's, Octavia Julius. She looked older on the account that she did not apply her morning makeup. Her face contained patches of wrinkles of worry and her hair was loose and unkempt. She gasped loudly at the sight of her youngest boy and flung herself at him in a deep hug. "Vitus! Oh you are alive and well! Titia, you are safe as well." she cried out.
"Mother, of course we are alive. Why do you—never mind that! Mother, send someone to fetch the medicus!"
"For what purpose do you need that? Sit, I wish to speak to you abou—"
"No time, fetch the medicus!"
"What has happened?"
"Quickly! Fetch the medicus!" Titia said.
The doors opened wide again and the Thracian bodyguards pulled the wounded Proculus in on a stretcher, with his wife and child by his side. His mother wailed in horror.
"Proculus!" she said, running to him.
"Just a scratch, Mother. You should… should have laid eyes on the assailant," he chuckled gutturally, "Got him good, I did… I did get him g-g-good…"
They placed the stretcher in the middle of the floor per the Genoa medicus' orders. Several slaves began crowding around him in worry. Others darted off to find the physicians. Octavia held her eldest child's hand, "What happened?!"
"Assassins, four of them in black masks," Vitus said, "They attacked us at Genoa. They killed several of the guardsmen and… they killed Herennius."
The mother's bottom lip was trembling as she looked at him, "No, not Herennius, not him as well…"
Titia blinked confusingly, "Wait, 'him as well'…"
A gruff voice came behind the family, "Indeed, it was not just you."
The speaker was dressed in his old armor of the Twenty-Eighth Legion, yet carried a general's helmet by his side. He was aging long in years, a good portion of his hair was greying and he wore the scars of war on his body. He was of plebian blood before he was formally adopted by Lucius Julius Magnus, and he was the legendary general's trusted Primus Pilus for many years. Caeso Julius Cossutius Major, Governor of the luxurious island of Sardinia, stood grimly before the brothers.
"Cossutius? What are you doing here?" Vitus asked.
"I sailed from Sardinia whilst the moon was still high in the sky. I just entered the city shy of an hour ago." Cossutius kneeled in front of Proculus and clasped his hand in greeting, "Proculus, that wound…"
"It hurts, but I can manage," he said through his teeth.
"Be quick about the medicus!" Cossutius ordered the servants.
Proculus exhaled in discomfort, "It shall take more than this to kill me… But Cossutius, you're wearing your armor, what happened to you?"
He stood to his feet with a furrowed brow, "Same thing that occurred to you brothers. My family and I were set upon by knifemen in black masks and black hoods."
"You as well…?" Vitus asked.
"That be the truth of it. Two men entered our home in the dead of night and nearly killed us, but my son, Caeso, killed one and wounded the other, yet he escaped. That valiant son of mine… I came to report such to Decius, and yet… I found this rabble inside."
Vitus looked around the hectic palace and muttered, "What has happened here?"
Octavia spoke this time, "The same that had occurred to you, my sons. I was fast asleep in my chambers until the shouting and rushing of the guards woke me. By the time I stirred out of my bed, it was all over. These masked men had entered the Palace last night, they attacked your Uncle Decius, he was wounded but he had escaped his assailant. His guards had killed the assassin. Two of them died. They are the ones who are draped with sheets over there."
The brothers looked at one another, seemingly reading each other's mind. Here as well? Genoa, Sardinia, now the heart of the Julii, Arretium? What was going on?
"His wounds?" Proculus asked, his voice was so fragile.
"Were not fatal and he shall live."
"Thank Venus," Proculus exhaled.
"But…"
The brothers and their wives hung on to that horrible word. A tear cascaded down Octavia's cheek, "But… there were two more assassins and… Statius was found dead in his bedchambers as the killers leapt from the balcony and rode out into the night…" her voice cracked and she broke into soft sobs.
The face of his smiling cousin flashed in his mind. Vitus' voice was near a whisper, "No…" Appia covered her mouth. Proculus was shaking. Titia stared on, her mouth hanging low.
"Where is our uncle?"
Cossutius told him, "He grieves alone, Vitus. He asked for plaster, we believe he intends to construct his son's death mask. He requests that he not be bothered, but—"
"But nothing," Vitus said. "Genoa, Sardinia, and Arretium? He needs to know what is happening!"
"We know, we tried, Vitus. Yet we knocked and called for him, wails were the only response. We even tried to open it, but he… barred the doors from the inside. He truly wants to be alone."
"Oh Gods…"
"That is not the worst of it…" Cossutius added.
"What?" Proculus' voice was rising in anger, "What?! How the fuck is that not the worst of it, Cossutius?!" A fit of coughing struck him.
The grizzled veteran snapped his fingers, a slave handed him a dozen letters. Cossutius looked at the letters, then at the brothers. He took a gulp before reading them.
Vitus asked, "Cossutius, what are—"
"Bear with me on this," he interjected solemnly. "This one is from Prefect Fabriciuis from the settlement of Patavium, addressed to Patriarch Decius: 'Oh Great Patriarch, it is with heavy regret that this letter is written. A horrible crime has occurred in this city. Your kin, Marcus Julius, Governor of Patavium, was found murdered in his bedchambers. His throat was slashed and his sheets dyed with blood. The only man present in his chambers was his body slave, yet he was found murdered; his throat slashed as well. No one had spotted the killer enter or exit, the entire settlement is on lockdown. We are torturing the slaves to see if they hold any knowledge. It is too painful to believe the Gods would take a noble man like Marcus Julius from us.' And the letter goes on…"
Cossutius put that letter away and unraveled another. "This is from Ariminum. From young Sextus Julius, nephew of governor Numerius. Addressed to Patriarch Decius: 'Most respectable Decius, horror has befallen us. My uncle is dead. Slain at the hands of villains in black masks. Upon late in the night, my Uncle and I were returning to the palace where two of them attacked us. Uncle Numerius used his military training and fended them off, to save my life. He told me to run and hide, and I did. I hid myself and was retrieved by one of his guards five minutes later. I returned to the scene of the ambush. Four bodies were there; two guards, one of the masked men, and my uncle. My uncle was strong enough to kill one of his attackers, yet his wounds were too severe and he succumbed to them. The other assassin had fled like a coward. I request you send a contingent of men to protect the rest of my family and to scour this settlement clean of these vile murderers. I humbly beseech your aid.' "
Cossutius continued, "This one just came in from Narbo, the man sailed all night until he reached Italia. This arrived ten minutes before you did. From Helena, daughter of Helenius Julius."
Helena, a sweet girl who loved to ride and enjoy the warm wind in her hair, she was so cheery last I remember. We played a lot as children, Proculus even teased that we would be married one day. For her to write…
Cossutius cleared his throat, " 'I ask for sanctuary, Patriarch! Sanctuary and vengeance! Demonic men in black stole into the night and attacked us in our own home! What merciless villains would do so? Three or four of them were there. They butchered my father so bloodily that his life essence ran like a river! My youngest brother, Gaius, was slain as well. Our sweet Gaius. My other brother, Helenius managed to escape, yet he clings to life by a thread, his wounds so severe! These masked murderers spilled so much blood and slayed seven of our guard! Sanctuary I ask you, sanctuary and vengeance for our kin!' "
He placed the papers down with a heavy sigh, looking up to the silent Julii with haggard eyes. "There have been twelve couriers from about twelve Julii-controlled settlements. Nine of them bearing words of witnessing masked attackers, and five of the twelve letters explaining a death of a Julius. The rest were wounded in the attacks. All victims were men of the Julii. All of this happened, just last night before the Ides ended. And we are expecting more to arrive..."
Vitus could not recall feeling this cold before. The ground felt like it was removed up from under him. The only sound that was audible was Appia's frightened whimpering behind him. He remembered the contours of those black masks. He remembered how ruthless they were, how they could have slaughtered them as they slept in those beds. Those Arcani… His fist clenched tightly at the memory of those black masks. They slaughtered so many of my kin… you Arcani… Flaming anger engulfed his heart, then was snuffed out by freezing fear, then both feelings raged like fighting lions, battling for possession of his soul. So many emotions were flowing inside of him that he near threatened to burst.
Smiling Statius, Herennius, Helenius, Gaius, Numerius, and no telling how many more…. Men of his own proud blood. His family… Those damn black masks of the Arcani glowed in his mind's eye. This was a nightmare. It had to be. Nothing made sense. Yet he subconsciously dug his nails into his arm so hard that he left marks. This was indeed a nightmare, but one in which he could not wake.
