Once Maximus had stormed out, Vulpes dismissed the priestess with nothing more than a cold "get out" before dressing himself. He stared down at the bodies on his floor, annoyed at the blood that covered his belongings, but even more annoyed at the urgent calls of men checking on him. He allowed a few men in to remove the bodies, ignoring the growing crowd outside his tent. He picked up the blade he had gifted Maximus and stared at it for a long while before sitting down in a chair that had not been destroyed during the fight and began cleaning it. The methodical process calmed him.
"Sir, is there anything more you require of us? Slaves to clean up the wreckage?" the guard called to him from outside.
"Yes. Bring me Maximus." He directed.
"Right away, sir." After a moment, Vulpes sighed, his confliction wearing on him. He absentmindedly stroked his thumb over the metal fox on the hilt, now clean of blood and shining in the low light. Several minutes passed as he did this until the guard returned. "Sir, Maximus appears to have departed. Their belongings have been packed and set aside for retrieval. I do have a letter for you, though."
"Bring it in." he said, fighting not to sound exasperated. The guard entered, letter in hand. "He was wounded, is there news of him getting treatment before he left?" he asked, taking the letter.
"I have not checked with our healer, but there were several bloodied bandages left within the tent. I would think he treated himself."
"That tends to be the case…" he said, the familiarity of the statement bringing up unfamiliar emotions, confusing and distracting him.
"The slaves sir, should I retrieve them to clean this up?" he said gesturing to the destruction before them.
"No. I leave tonight, have them come once I've departed. Pack my belongings and have them returned to the Fort. Leave me." He said in a daze, no weight to his words. The guard walked out and Vulpes stared down at the letter, his thumb still stroking over the hilt of the machete. After another sigh, he brought himself to open it. Once he was done reading it and rereading it and memorizing its contents, he stood and finished getting dressed. He reached into the drawer of his desk and pulled out a gold medallion, the Mark of Caesar, tucking it into his pack before shouldering it.
Stepping outside, he steeled his expression, daring anyone to disturb him as he took his leave. As he walked through camp, he crumbled up the letter and tossed it into the fire, making sure to watch the whole thing burn to ash. Once he was satisfied, he departed to New Vegas hoping to make quick work of recruiting the courier.
"Almost a week passed before Vulpes could return to the Fort, but he was relieved when the Courser Lucullus docked the raft he rode in on. He marched up the path to the central camp, most making room for him to pass, very few nodding their head in acknowledgment. The benefit of being feared was little interruption and fewer pleasantries. Upon reaching the peak of the camp, Vulpes made a beeline for his tent, glancing at Maximus' next to his for signs of her. Her, he mused as he entered his tent and began putting his gear away. He shook away his thoughts, preparing himself for an audience with Caesar with both the truth of Maximus and the news of the courier in mind. He exited his tent and walked over to retrieve Maximus. There was no answer when he called to her. He opened the flaps to her tent and peered inside. Bundles and packs were placed in various places, but there was no sign of her residing in the space. He grew weary. Had they found out before he could come? He could waste no more time, word of his arrival would have reached Caesar, by now.
He walked in on a strategy meeting when he entered Caesar's tent. Lucius motioned him over as a debate was being had between a centurion and a member of his frumentarii. It was in regards to the falling of Nelson, he gathered as they both vehemently pointed to the camp on the map before them.
"I see Dead Sea was successful?" he asked, as he settled in to the right of Caesar.
"Thanks to you." Caesar, said heartily.
"I don't follow." He stated in a neutral tone.
"Your demotion of Maximus, whatever the fuck that was about. It appears he's joined the ranks of the Legate and lead quite the campaign on Nelson. I should crucify Dead Sea for neglecting to strategize himself, but I need someone to oversee our new hold."
"This is good news." He stated, his tone not betraying his shock.
"Speaking of good news, what do you bring me from New Vegas?" Caesar asked.
"The courier, she has accepted your mark and is on her way here, now. I trailed her for several days, just to make sure."
"Excellent. Put off any further traveling, I will need you here when she arrives."
"My lord, I am of no importance. I thought you wanted me to oversee our 'treaty' with the Great Khans?"
"Nonsense. You already have one of your men residing with them, those bastards will be plenty happy with the attention they are already being paid. Go afterwards. For now, the courier is familiar with you and that should be enough to sway them to our side. And if it doesn't" he leaned in with a suggestive look. "I'm sure you can use your charms in other manners." Vulpes gave a sly grin, in response, but the usual thrill at the suggestion of utilizing his skills was not present. Repulsion settled low in his gut.