The Shadows of the East. Five Sarmatian women. Famed Gladiators. Secret Assassins. The Emperor sends them to kill King Arthur and his Knights. Will they kill the King and their countrymen, or will they join them? What if their darkest secrets get out?
The Shadows of the East
Chapter One- Meet the Darkness
Tyge wiped the rainwater from her eyes as she slipped inside the third story window of the Senator's estate. She soundlessly made contact with the floor, landing in a crouch. She looked each way down the hall. No one in sight. She stood and silently made her way down the right side of the hall. Tyge heard footsteps around the corner and ducked behind one of the limestone statues lining the hall. She slid her sais from their leather belts on her thighs and waited. Tyge saw it to be a guard. He didn't even have a chance to defend himself. As he passed the statue Tyge moved like an arrow stabbing through his neck as lightning flashed. He gagged silently for a few seconds before collapsing. She caught the dead body and sat him lightly on the floor leaning against the wall, as if he were sleeping. Tyge peeked around the corner and saw a black haired woman with two cheek tattoos sneaking towards her. Tyge gave a cricket whistle and the woman froze a moment, looking in her direction and answered in the same whistle.
The woman came her way and crouched next to her. They began to make a series of hand gestures to each other, having not to give away their presence.
'Tyge,' the black-haired woman said, 'he is in his room with two guards. It's best to enter through the window.'
'How many dead?'
'Three downstairs and two up.'
'Get the others and go to the rally point. I will meet you there.' The woman nodded and began to rise but Tyge stopped her. 'Nik,' and the woman crouched down again. 'Die by blood,' and held out her hand.
'Rise through fire,' and the woman took it. Then they parted. The black-haired woman jumped through the window Tyge entered from.
Tyge hurried down the same hall in the opposite direction. When she came to the end of the hall and climbed out the nearest window as lightning struck again. Tyge crept along the ledge on the outside of the manor as she turned the corner. Light was shining through a window just ahead of her and she kneeled and quickly peered into the window beside her. There were two guards standing by the door at her right as the Senator had his back to her on the opposite wall sitting at his desk.
Tyge turned away and kneeled back against the wall. She looked up to the gloomy dark sky as more lightning shined the world. Tyge began to whisper. "Great Mother, bless me with your powers to complete my task, and forgive me for lives I am about to take." Tyge closed her eyes and breathed in deeply as she felt an immense power swell from her soul. Her lids lifted revealing the eyes of a tiger. More lightning flashed and they burned every color.
Tyge looked back into window and first blew lightly at the fire in the fireplace, and it slowly went out. The Senator and the guards looked towards the fire as Tyge proceeded to blow out the two torches lining the wall. The three men were in a panic as Tyge slipped into the darkness of the room. She stood calmly, since she was the only one able to see in the dark. She moved toward the first guard as lightning flashed and they caught glimpse of her. She killed the first easily, stabbing him through the neck and letting him fall to the ground. The second took out his sword to the sound of the fall and held it in front of him. The sky lit again and he through his sword at her. Tyge moved aside smoothly and killed him with a single blow. She saw the Senator frantically searching for a direction as she lit the fires once more.
The room came into view and the prey finally saw the predator. At first he was frightened and then confused. There is only one woman Rome knows that has a tattoo of two tiger strips down through the length of the left side of her face, through her eye and down neck. Her black and red hair was astonishing as well, and her height was shocking compared to that of Roman women. "T-Tiger's Eye? Of the Shadows?" he stuttered.
She gave a nod of her head. "Greetings, Senator Flavius."
Her eyes made him shudder. "You are from the Emperor no doubt." Tyge nodded. "Well, it is to be expected. But I am surprised to see you here."
"It has not always been this way," Tyge stated.
"No, I would imagine not. Rome has a way of changing a person in more ways than one."
"Forgive me Senator. But I swear to you, death is not that bad, it is worse to walk between worlds."
"How would you know?"
Tyge smiled. "I have walked Elysium many times."
He took a deep breath. "So be it then."
Tyge bowed her head one more time and lunged forward. She stabbed through his head, killing him instantly. She kneeled before the dead body, shut his eyes and laid her hand upon his forehead. "Be at peace, Son of Rome." Tyge opened her eyes and they were green again.
A few moments later Tyge met with the others outside the estate. "Is it done, Cap?" the black-haired woman asked while mounting her horse, lifting a hood over her head.
Tyge nodded. "Isn't it always, Nikki?" as she mounted as well, with an already lifted hood. Tyge turned in front of four women. "We will be free. I can feel it coming near." She sighed when there was a scream from inside the estate walls. "Come, let us return to our beloved Emperor." And they galloped of into the night, back to their cage.
Tyge woke from her dream sweating and breathing hard. She saw them again, their faces, of the ones she has killed. She stands in the grass fields of Elysium, with the gates into the next world standing tall before her. Those she has killed stare at her through the bars of the gate, awaiting her arrival. But the gates never open, and she screams at them to let her enter, but they just stare at her, and speak in unison. "Your destiny awaits you, Tyge. The Shadows will join the Pendragon and conquer the Purple." Tyge stands still and when the dead scream at her she wakes.
But they do not call her Tyge, but her birth name. The name she has long wanted to forget. It was the person she used to be. The person Rome changed into an assassin. She has not been called that for years, since she set foot in the Colesseum for the first time.
Tyge looked down on her hands. They were shaking. Her heart beat was deafening on her ears as it sped in her chest. Her vision was blurring and suddenly felt dizzy. It became harder for her to breathe, as if a boulder was sitting on her chest. Tyge reached for her small bag of belongings. She looked at her companions for a moment. Seeing them sleep she assumed it was safe without them waking for the next couple minutes. She pulled out a small leather pouch that is tied shut. Tyge undid the tight knot and opened the pouched, revealing a powered herb. Henbane. A powerful drug. Addicting. It is the only thing that brings peace to her mind, but only if it's taken a few times a week. She takes out the small spoon inside the bag, places a spoon full of the herb on her tongue, and swallows it down with water from her water skin. Tyge lay back down on her bed of hay waiting for the pain to subside. Slowly her breathing got easier and her heart slowed. Tyge did not know how much time went by before she opened her eyes and found herself still dizzy, but nothing in which she could not control. She tucked away to the pouch deep into her bags.
Tyge stood carefully and looked outside the barred window to her right and saw the sun just lighting the sky. She lent on the wall for support. The sky was clear and beautiful, but a huge shadow stretched across Rome from the most incredible man-made structure the world has ever seen. The Colesseum. A place where slaves fight, the innocent die and heroes are born. For eleven years this place had been her home, and her prison. The only good that ever come out of being a gladiator is that all who know your name, fear you, even those who rule over you. The Emperor fears them, but he has the power to have them forgotten in an instant, and that is the only power they have, their name. As long as they live, the world will fear them.
Tyge turned from the window and looked at her fellow companions, who still slept. The world knew them as Gladiators. On the sands of the Colesseum her name was Tiger's Eye: Leader of the Shadows of the East, five Sarmatian women who became slaves of Rome. Nikki, the scout and best archer, is known as Phoenix. Vera, the bearer of two swords, is known as Silver Wings. D.K., Tyge's little sister and wielder of two hatchets, is known as Dragon Kin. And lastly, Axe, who quite obviously uses the axe, is known as Titan. The five of them make the Shadows.
"What do you want?" Tyge asked, not turning from the window.
The man standing outside of the locked bar door was slightly taken aback, he thought he had not made a sound approaching the door, as he tries to do every time he retrieves Tyge, and every time she caught him trying. He was shorter than her, with short black hair, wearing a simple pair of brown trousers and a white tunic, as he always did while bearing a message. "The Emperor requests your presence, Lady."
"Of course he does," she said simply. Tyge turned from the window and began walking towards the door as he unlocked it. She controlled her dizziness by walking slow. "Marcus, how many times do I have to tell you not to call me Lady? I am far from being a Lady." she said in a rock serious tone.
Marcus, who was the Messenger of the Emperor, held no fear as he answered. "Oh come now Tyge, you know me. Never miss the opportunity to charm." He smiled, but she didn't as they made their way out of the Gladiator residency outside the Colesseum and climbed into a carriage. They had known each other for years, and he was one of the only friendly acquaintances outside the Shadows. "I would imagine everything went well," he asked about last night. Being their only messenger to the Emperor, he also was one of a very few who knew about their secret job for the ruler himself.
"Naturally, or I wouldn't be sitting here."
"Well, I believe he has a new assignment for you, so be ready," he said, showing a little sympathy.
"Don't you do that," she said firmly, giving eye contact with him for the first time that morning. "I don't want your pity. We can take care of ourselves. We won't be this way forever."
They were silent for the rest of the trip to the palace. Four guards accompanied Tyge into the Emperor's personal rooms, where they had all their secret meetings. Tyge may have been unarmed, but she was possibly the most dangerous warrior in the city of Rome. The Emperor would take no chances. "Good Morning, Tiger's Eye," the Emperor greeted rather cheerfully. "Out," he said to the guards who escorted her. Tyge gave no answer to his welcome. Marcus stood next to the closed door, Gaius, the Emperor's personal guard stood behind the Emperor, who sat on his desk, looking down on a long roll of parchment.
Tyge stood before him with a stony passive face. She realized standing there that her dizziness finally subsided, but it did not change the paleness of her skin and emptiness of her eyes. When he finally looked up from the parchment, he looked into her eyes, and she did the same. No one is to look the Emperor in the eye, but Tyge was no coward. She spoke to him and looked at him like he was her equal. Usually this person would be executed, but Tyge was too good a warrior, she could kill the Emperor in one swift move if she truly wanted to, even if she was weaponless.
"Well," he shrugged.
"It is done, along with six of his guards."
"Good. Well done. But I would have expected nothing less. The Shadows could probably get into any palace and kill any leader anywhere in the world without being seen once." Tyge said nothing, looking back at him, so he continued. "The Shadows will fight today. I requested it. Rome misses you all. And I have a new assignment but-"
"Who, when and where?" Tyge interrupted. Marcus and Gaius shifted on their feet.
"You will come back tonight with all the Shadows and then I will give you the information," he said ignoring the previous, since she does it a lot.
"You have never wanted all the Shadows here before, why now?"
"Are you questioning the Emperor's authority!" Gaius asked in a rage.
Tyge moved slowly and looked him in the eye. "Yes, I am," she said calmly.
"How dare you!" he yelled and pulled his sword charging Tyge. She grabbed his hand holding his sword and hit is nose with the hilt. Blood splattered over his face as he fell to the ground, clasping his hands over his nose. Tyge stood over him as four more guards burst into the room, knocking Marcus to the ground. They charged with swords drawn. She could have cut through them like wheat, but she only disarmed and gave minor cuts. It was over as soon as it began. Tyge stood over her prey once more, as she has done in the Colesseum for years. She turned to the Emperor and swore, for a moment, she saw fear, but he quickly recovered.
Tyge's face had not changed since she walked into the room. "Your best guards I would imagine, taken down by one female slave." She paused and nodded in a mock approval. "Impressive."
"I could have you killed for that," the Emperor said as steady as possible.
"But you won't," she said, twirling one sword. "You need me."
"No," he corrected her, "I can take care of those things myself."
"You don't have anyone else as good as us. No one else knows how to be invisible. That is why we kill everyone we face in the arena and none of us fall."
"Except for one," the Emperor reminded Tyge. She paused, in rage and remorse. The only one they had ever lost. And it was her fault. Her fault because she would not bring her comrades death, but instead it came to them, through the man that was sitting before her. It was when her addiction to henbane had begun. Tyge stood silent, refusing to answer.
The Emperor sat back in his chair, happy with himself that he just quieted the deadliest person in Rome. "Fight in the arena today. I will send Marcus to get you after, and then I will give you the assignment. Understood?"
Tyge said nothing but just stood there a moment. She gave a look that she understood and began walking to the door, dismissing herself. The Emperor smiled, not expecting two swords to whiz by his head and land in the wall with a thud. He fell back into his chair, terrified. He looked at Tyge who stood in the doorway, the same calm look on her face. "We come in armed, and that is not negotiable." And she walked out, escorting herself back to the carriage.
She and Marcus were silent getting into the carriage. He looked over and saw her paleness. Her eyes were hollow, but it did not hide the pain he could see in them. "You look horrible, Tyge," he claimed.
She snorted. "Are slaves supposed to look good?"
"You know what I'm talking about, Tyge," he said firmly.
She looked across the carriage to the place where he sat. "Don't you dare criticize me," she said with pure hatred. "You are in no place to do so."
"Why do you torture yourself?"
"You would never understand," she said looking back to her window.
"It was not your fault, Tyge-"
But he was cut off. Tyge was on him in an instant, her hand over his mouth to cover his surprise. "Did you get it or not?" she said with menace in her eyes. It always did make her temper come quicker and without disdain.
He nodded and quickly pulled in out off his right pocket. A small leather pouch. Tyge snatched it from his hand and tucked it under her tunic, then pulled three silver pieces and slapped them in his hand. Marcus looked at the coins with guilt, but slid them into his pocket anyway.
Tyge was locked back into the Shadows group cell. The four others were awake, and all had weapons in hand, cleaning and sharpening. Tyge sat next to Nikki, unpacking her sais and did the same. "So what did his majesty think?" D.K. asked, with particular malice in the language of their homeland, as they always did when talking amongst each other. And this always intimidated all the others, for they always spoke the language on the battlefield as well, so their enemy did not know what they were doing.
"What he always does. 'I think you are the best assassins in the known world.'" The women laughed. "That bastard Gaius had a go at me," and she snorted. "Stupid shit thought he could get passed one of the 'best assassins in the world'." The women laughed again. "Well, he is now nursing a broken nose, and four guards along with him. Emperor was scared shitless. I said we would be armed when we came in tonight."
"Tonight?" D.K. asked with annoyance. Tyge looked over to her little sister. She always held more anger than the others, but being the youngest she didn't really understand the world the way it really is, and always thought she was right. The others sometimes made fun of her persistent anger against the world. Tyge always thought that was no way to live. D.K.'s personality definitely didn't match her looks, being one of the most beautiful of the five. Her blonde hair shined like gold, but her sky blue eyes showed nothing but hate and spite. Her body was small and fit, as needed to expertly swing two hatchets, which she was holding in her arms. A tattoo of a dragon covered most of her arm, and intimidated most of the enemies they faced. Not many cultures worship the dragon as Sarmatians do. D.K. thinks of it as her protector. She had gotten it just before they were taken by Roman Legion to their capital. That is how Rome came up with her name: Dragon Kin. Tyge never wanted her sister to follow her around their homeland, learning the art of war, but she is a stubborn pain in the ass, willing to follow her big sister anywhere.
"He wants us to come tonight for a new assignment," Tyge answered passively.
"Us?" Nikki said. "He has never wanted all of us before. Why now?"
"I don't know." Tyge said passively once more, but her mind was racing with questions when it wondered to Nikki: her closest and most trusted friend. They might as well be sisters. Nikki sat tightening the string on her beloved bow, a bow she never let anyone else touch. Nikki the most amazing archer Tyge had ever seen. Since Tyge was seen as the Captain of the Shadows, then Nikki was second in command. She had a brilliant mind for war, always directing Tyge in strategy and tactics. Though, all those who came from the Aorsi Tribe, far in the east of the Steppes, had that kind of mind. They held huge amounts of pride in their people, showing it upon their faces. Tattoos on their cheeks. The ones on Nikki's meant 'rebirth'. The others looked to her for courage when their situation went bad, but she had always been the one to offer humor when nothing was ever funny. She was anything but silent, and always had an opinion about everything. She would flirt with the other gladiators for fun, and egg on her enemies giving them the death stroke. Her sword was magnificent; but that was always another thing the Aorsi were good at. A long sword, thin but strong. There was a long curve in the sword, usually not seen in world, except in the far, far east. Her long black hair, sporadic braids, and hazel eyes gave a flirty look, but deadly aura when a sword was in her hand. Her well built body showed battle scars that were sometimes years old or brand new. She always wore black leather trousers, black knee-high boots, and high cut shirts, showing her middle and a very extravagant tattoo of a phoenix that covered most of her back. This is why the people of Rome named her Phoenix, not knowing the connection to her face tattoos.
"I don't like the sound of this," Vera said while cleaning one of her short double swords, which were similar to Nikki's sword. Both in the same style of those in the Far East in which the legends fascinated Vera and came across swords from that culture. Her father made a quest with her older brother when she was young. The swords were meant to be her brothers, but when he was killed by Rome, refusing to leave home, they were passed to Vera. She had watched the death of her brother and decided to would forever avenge his death. Those two swords gave Vera her gladiator name: Silver Wings. Another reason for the name is because of how Vera fights along her war horse, Hannibal. When they are on the battle field they are more than just man and horse, but move as one entity. She moves all over the horse so fast it almost looks like she is flying. It is rare when she is unhorsed when she doesn't mean to be. Brown hair down to her shoulders is arrow straight. Her chocolate eyes were always empty, even when she was killing. She was not as attractive as the others, but never seemed interested in having a man. It was rare to see a smile, or to even hear her voice outside the ears of the Shadows. But the others knew of her intentions because of a tattoo she carried on her left shoulder blade. It was a symbol of the culture she obsessed in, and always said it meant Honor, but others were never really sure. Vera never disrespected anyone, not even her enemies. She always gave them an honorable death, or so that is what she called it.
"Nor do I," Axe agreed. "It seems his majesty, is up to something." She used the same emphasis on the word as D.K. did.
Tyge and Nikki snorted. "Isn't he always up to something," Nikki commented.
"Axe is right, this seems particularly strange though. And I have a feeling this is more than just a one nighter," Tyge said while slipping into thought.
Axe was the eldest, and biggest of the group. An Amazon woman at her best. She was a head taller than all of them, which made her the strongest. She did all the heavy lifting, whatever that had to be, and she did without an issue, never breaking an order. Tyge never quite understood it, why she never questioned her. When she spoke, it was meaningful, and that was still rare. But the others knew Axe had a soft spot for kids, who seemed to always be down right terrified of her. Tyge thinks it hurts her that they do so, because truthfully, Axe is only dangerous when on the battlefield. Her weapon of choice was a mid-sized battle axe. By all means she was strong enough. She carried a sword as well, when her axe was taken from her hands. Titan was a perfect name for her in the arena. No one could stand against her size, for not many are that size.
Tyge was taken from thought when a loud clang sounded behind them. All heads turned to see a guard outside the locked bar door. "You fight today. Be ready," he said simply and walked away.
Four heads then turned to Tyge. "Oh, I forgot to tell you, we fight today."
"Oh thanks for telling us, Big Sis," D.K. snapped over.
"Well, it doesn't make a difference. You still got told." Tyge went back to cleaning the dry blood from her sais, as did the others.
As the sun peaked in the sky the Shadows were summoned from the training fields to be taken to the Colesseum. They went back to their cells, dressed in their hard leather armor and gave their weapons to the guards, which they would be given later. A group of Roman soldiers came and escorted them to the outside cells of the great arena where civilians took their bets. Every time was like a parade. Screams going up supporting the Shadows of the East. Whenever this group is scene making their way to the Colesseum together more bets are taken, and more seats are filled. More guards are needed escort these gladiators because everyone wants to touch them. It is for the Shadows safety. They were locked up in a cell for just them. They used to be put in a cell with others, but they didn't get along very well, so now they have one for themselves. "Good Luck, Tyge," the Captain of the guards said to her as he locked them in.
"Thank you, Rowan," and she pulled him against the bars and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She had always liked this one.
"Well, well, well. You're in a good mood," he said smiling provocatively.
She smiled slightly, something she only gave a few people. "Yeah, well. Today is a good day." As good as it could be. The henbane calms her body for a day or so, and then it begins to slowly show the symptoms of addiction. The day the drug is taken will be better than the others.
"Did something happen this morning?" He was also one who Tyge told the truth of who they were when the sun went down. For some reason she knew she could trust him. He wasn't a fan of who Rome really was, and in fact he was not fully Roman. His mother was a Briton.
"You should have been there," she said happily. "Gaius and four guards, and I was unarmed. Well, until I took two of their swords. The Emperor was scared shitless." They laughed. Tyge loved sharing battle stories with him, since he never really got to see the battles inside the arena.
"And last night?"
"A success, if that is what you want to call it. And we have another. He called all of us in tonight," she half whispered.
"All of you? Why?" he asked with surprise.
"I don't know. But I do know he is up to something. And I have a feeling we will be traveling on this one."
"How is he gonna cover that up?"
"Probably say that he sent us off to Thebes or something to show off his most prized procession."
Rowan sniggered. "You know, I am beginning to think that is what you are."
"To who? Him or you?" she asked, giving him a little smirk.
Rowan shared her glance for a moment and then slipped his arm through the bars, around her waist and pulled her into a kiss. She did not back away, but put one arm around his neck. There was a whistle behind Tyge, but they paid no attention. They pulled apart and he traced a finger down the stripes on her face. She always thought he was handsome. Well built body, dark red curly hair, and chestnut skin from being in the sun. She loved his cornflower blue eyes and his animated smile. "I will always see you as Tyge, never the gladiator or assassin. That is until you tell me your real name," he whispered.
Tyge just smiled. "Maybe one day." He squeezed her hand and walked away. Tyge closed her eyes for a moment to blink back a tear, and then turned back to her comrades, who were all smiling. "What?" she asked shrugging.
"Nothing," Nikki said with a casual smile. "Nothing at all." The others sniggered.
Tyge raised her brow.
"Hey, if it were me, I would have done it a long time ago," D.K. seriously. "You two have been dancing around each other for some time now."
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Tyge claimed as she sat next to Axe.
"Of course you don't," D.K. snapped again.
The crowds began to gather and bets were made. The Shadows talked among their selves as the time came closer. There was a clang on the bars and they looked forward, seeing a teenage girl, not much younger than D.K., and a little boy at her side, holding her hand. The girl smiled and waved them over. Tyge and Nikki brightened and walked over. The girl waved the servant away. Tyge and Nikki gave a small bow when they arrived at the bars which separate slave from civilian. "Greetings, Tyge. Nikki," the girl said.
"Your Highness," Tyge replied.
"Oh, please Tyge. I told you a million times don't call me that," the girl said irritated.
"Sorry Andromeda," Nikki said. "We are just doing it out of respect. You know your father would not like it if you were on pleasant terms with us." Andromeda, believe it or not, was the Emperor's daughter, and his eldest. His older son was killed in battle a few years ago. And now the little boy that stood beside her was the future Emperor, and Andromeda the Empress.
"Yes, I know," she sighed, but then gave a wicked smile. "But what my father does not know won't hurt him."
Tyge and Nikki laughed. "That is why I love you girl," Tyge whispered, so only they could hear. "You know, you are just like me when I was your age. And now you are dragging this one along with you." Tyge pointed to the frightened little boy holding her hand. "Big Sisters are supposed to be a good influence, not bad."
Nikki snorted. "Yeah, you were just a great influence on your little sister."
"What! Of course I was!" Tyge said offended. "And look at her now, among the best warriors in the known world. Everyone is afraid of us. What more do you want from a big sister who dragged you in fame."
Nikki through her hands up defeated, shaking her head, and then bent down in front of the little boy. "And what is your name my dear?" she asked softly.
The boy snuggled against his sister's leg. "It's okay, Lucius. These are your sister's friends." Andromeda said moving the curly black hair out of his eyes. "Be brave, little man. Remember, you are going to be Emperor one day, just like Papa."
To that Lucius stepped closer to the bars, towards where Nikki was kneeling. "My name is Lucius Marcellus. I am to be Emperor one day, after my father," he said confidently with his head held high.
"Oh really," Nikki said with mock surprise. "Well, I will have to bow to you then." And Nikki bowed her head. "Do you know who I am, Lucius?" The boy shook his head. "The world knows me as Phoenix. Second in command of the Shadows of the East. Do you know who they are?"
The boy nodded. "They are the greatest gladiators Rome has ever seen. Father talks about you a lot." He paused for a moment. "He says I should never talk to strangers ever."
"Well, my friends call me Nikki. Now if you call me that I will be a friend, and not a stranger. Now how do you like that?"
The boy nodded enthusiastically, and then looked up to his sister. "Andy. This is my new friend, Nikki," he said pointing to the gladiator.
"And a good friend she is too," the young Empress said. Nikki stood and nodded appreciatively. "Now go over to Julius, Lucius while I talk to them." He hopped away happily. Andromeda took a deep breath. "So, the Senator, uh?" she asked grimly. The daughter of the Emperor snuck into one of her father's meetings with Tyge a few years ago, hearing that the Shadows were the secret assassins of the Empire. She was sworn to secrecy or given death. Tyge at first did not like her knowing; fearing the information would leak, and then the Shadows would be accused of treason, because the Emperor would never say they were his assassins.
But when Tyge got to know the young Empress, she grew to trust her. Now years after, with her older brother dead, Andromeda will be a great ruler one day. Fair, just, and compassionate. Better than her father. She would be a ruler that Rome needs in these trying times. Being the Emperor's daughter, you have a high amount of power. She would have favor of many military leaders, seeing as how she has the favor of many generals wives. Women who have power are always feared. And that is all she would need. When she brings food and shelter to the poor civilians she will have power that no one can break.
"Yeah, it's a shame really," Nikki said. "He was a good man, fighting for the best of Rome."
Andromeda nodded in agreement. "Father never liked him. Always cursing to himself when his name was brought up around the palace. I knew he would call on you when Gaius took a little power over the Senate with his plans. I agreed with the Senator personally. He had some good ideas of how to brighten this great city. He really wanted to make peace with some of the nations Rome enslaves. Having them as an ally will be very beneficial, especially against the coming wars with the Huns and the Goths."
"Well, if Rome would stop stealing young boys from our country, no doubt Sarmatia would become as ally as well. Everybody is trying to get rid of the barbarian tribes. We had problems with the Huns when I was young," Tyge explained.
"I know my friend, but father would never stop enslaving the best warriors in the world." Andromeda sighed. "But I promise you, that is the first thing I will stop when I when I have the throne and you can go home. Or maybe I can persuade you to be my personal guard," she smiled hopefully with a sparkle in her dark brown eyes.
"Thank you, my friend," Tyge said. "And we will think on it. But that is still a long way from here, I fear."
"Let us hope not," Andromeda said. "Well, I should go, father will be waiting. Good Luck, Shadows," she said louder so the others in back would hear as well. All raised their hands in thanks as she walked off, her long brown hair flowing behind her.
Tyge and Nikki stood beside each other, waiting for the gate to open for them to walk inside the great arena. D.K. and Vera stood beside one another, with Axe towering over them in the back. They were armed and ready for a fight. Cheers went up as the announcer began, introducing the battle the mob would see before them. Tyge ignored it, but turned to her comrades. "Knights to the End," and she stuck out her hand.
"Sarmatians for Life." And Nikki put her hand above Tyge's.
"Sisters for Eternity," D.K. said, as she followed Nikki.
Vera and Axe did as well. "Let's kick some ass," Vera said. The others smiled as the doors before them opened and they walked out into the sun and the announcers yelled out their name. The crowd burst into screams and all stood on their feet and began the all familiar chant. Shadows…Shadows…Shadows…Shadows…
The chanting went on as they made their way to the middle of the arena. The announcer kept talking, but the Shadows ignored them as they began their own preparations for battle. Tyge looked up to the sun, and closed her eyes, praying to the Goddess once more.
Nikki kneeled and took a dagger from her boot, drawing her cheek symbol, 'rebirth', and next to it, the tribe symbol for the Aorsi. She bowed her head and said a few words in Sarmatian. An Aorsi saying: Live for love, fight for justice, die for a cause. And she stood.
D.K. held a small beaded necklace in her hand. It was their mother's. She rubbed it in her hand, kissed it, and then replaced it back around her neck. D.K. had too much anger to have faith in any divine being. If they existed no one them would be slaves.
Vera sat on her knees with her two swords sitting before her. Her eyes were closed and she mumbled in a language none of them knew, and none ever asked what it was or what the words meant. They always figured it was something of the culture she loved so much.
Axe stood, holding her battle axe in her hands, staring up into the sky. The others never asked why, or if it was even for a purpose. Axe would never whisper a few words under her breathe, or even close her eyes. Just stare into the open sky.
Tyge and Nikki stood next to each other, waiting for the battle to come to them. The doors on the other side of the arena opened and five men on horseback rode out of the shadows. "They don't like fightin' fair do they?" D.K. asked amused.
"They don't know who they're up against," Vera said with a calm deadliness in her voice.
Tyge and Nikki looked at each other, and took each others hands.
"Die by blood."
"Rise through fire."
The horseman stopped 50 yards in front of them and faced the tented deck where the Emperor watched from. They yelled the Gladiator Salute together with swords raised. The Shadows never even looked at the Emperor, disregarding the salute, as they have done since they lost one of their own in the very same arena, years ago.
The horsemen ran around them in a circle. The Shadows turned their backs to each other in a small circle, waiting for the attack. Another door opened and all the Shadows turned their heads, but nothing came out. After a few moments, horsemen still running in a circle around them, Tyge worst fear ran from the shadows. Three tigers joined the circle, running beside the horsemen. Tyge looked up at the Emperor with disgust. He had a wicked smirk on his face. "That bastard…" she sneered in hate. It would take a lot of control not to kill him tonight.
She looked back at the tigers, who still ran beside the horses. "They are trained not to attack the horses!" Tyge yelled out in Sarmatian.
"What are we going to do?" Nikki asked next to her. "We can't win against that."
"They won't attack us," Tyge stated.
"How can you be sure," D.K. asked.
"Look at who you're talking to. I may be human, but that is not what the Goddess made me," she said tucking the hair away from her face, getting her stripes in clear view.
Nikki gasped. "Tyge, you can't do that, not now. They will hang you for a witch."
"It is the only way five of us walk out of this arena today," Tyge stated again, but firmly.
"And if you do it, we will be out of a leader!" Nikki enforced.
"There is no other way!" Tyge said in a commanding voice. It was an order. The others stopped trying to convince Tyge otherwise, and waited.
The horses stopped and one tiger began to make his way over to the Shadows. Tyge ran forward and there was a loud roar from the crowd. She put away her sais, kneeled and asked the Goddess for help. The Shadows were silently praying that this would work. When the tiger was five yards from her, Tyge lifted her head and opened her eyes, showing golden tiger eyes and she spoke. "Great One," and she touched her forehead to the sand. Tyge closed her eyes tightly, hoping he would listen. Then she heard a low rumbling growl in front of her. Tyge's breath caught. Slowly, she lifted her head from the ground. To her astonishment, and everyone else's in the arena, the tiger was sitting before her. Human and cat stared into each other's eyes, seeing understanding and friendship.
"I need your help," Tyge said softly. The tiger bowed his head and gave a loud roar. The other two tigers came and joined the other. Tyge bowed her head in thanks, then stood and walked back to the Shadow lines. The tigers followed at her heals. The entire population of the Colesseum was silent. The Mob would decide what to name Tyge. She took her position in front of the others, now re-facing her enemy, and the tigers all stood next to her.
There was a distant clapping, which slowly turned into a cheer, and soon the whole crowd erupted like a volcano, chanting 'Shadows' once more. Tyge turned to the Emperor, and did not turn back until she knew he had seen her, and had seen her wicked smile. "Who is laughing now," she said under her breath to his deep scowl.
The horsemen got into a line in front of them. "Each take a rider," Tyge ordered. The Shadows spread out as they began to charge them. Tyge raised her sword into the air and screamed the Sarmatian battle cry, and the others followed suit. "RROOUUSS!" Tyge caught the eye of her enemy. The world seemed to slow to the speed of a snail. She unsheathed the sword at her back and clashed it with the horseman as he charged passed. The Mob erupted into screams as the fight began. Tyge noticed Vera had managed to find a way to jump behind the rider she was fighting. Though, it was not surprising. There is a reason her name is Silver Wings. The riders circled, returning in the direction of the Shadows, except for that the rider Vera had killed easily slitting his throat. She grabbed the reins and galloped back towards the fight. There was another great roar from the crowd.
Tyge could throw a sai and kill him quickly, but that would be no fun. It was almost unfair that they were horsed and the Shadows were not. Almost. Tyge didn't like hurting horses, but there was no other way besides risking getting trampled. If there was only one horse that is one thing, but there were four. The horse was strides away, Tyge brought her sword up to strike, but the tiger she spoke came next to her and gave a loud reverberating roar that filled the arena. The horse and reared off its rider. The bay he rode ran in the other direction, chased closely by the tiger. The man lie on the ground, a few feet from her, as Tyge stood above him, sheathing her sword. "Stand up. I will not let a stumble take my glory."
He stood and unsheathed his sword. Tyge quickly glanced around the arena to her companions. Nikki was finishing off her man, and then rushed over to help D.K. who had a problem getting her opponent off her horse. She gave a chop at the man's foot and he scream in pain as he foot his foot out of the bridle. D.K. stepped into it herself, hoisted herself up and hacked at his neck. Blood splattered all over her face and tunic. There was another loud cheer from the Mob. Axe had already killed hers, walking away from a man that's head was split in two. She had blood dotting her tunic and trousers. So, now the Shadows stood, watching their leader have the last battle. Tyge looked back to her adversary. "I hope you prayed to the Gods, for you will be meeting them soon," she told him and she brought her sais from their belts on her thighs.
He lunged at her. Tyge easily sidestepped and kicked him in the stomach. He kneeled to the ground as she circled him. "I will not kill a man who cannot protect himself." He slowly got to his feet.
He was breathing hard while Tyge still buried steady and calm. "I want you to know, Tiger's Eye," the man said with huge courage, "that it is an honor to die by your hand."
Tyge bowed her head in respect. "Be at peace then." He lunged once more. Tyge swung underneath his arm, stabbing his heart. He froze at the pierce. Tyge laid him down softly and held his hand as death took him, and then she closed his eyes and laid his sword upon his chest so the Gods will welcome him as a brave warrior.
Tyge rose and looked at her companions. They all bowed their heads in their ritual remembrance. "Great Mother, honor these warriors that we pass to you. For they died bravely and for a cause that is not their own will. Let them finally find peace from a dark world."
The Shadows of the East raised their heads to a booming Colesseum. They raise their swords to celebrate their victory. They cheered and yelled with those who named and admired them. It is here that heroes of this time are found, not on the real battlefield. A grim truth of the times they live in, of the chaos they have brought. The Mob was chanting their name long after they left the arena and were locked away in their cell once more.