Big thanks to HAZMOT and Ares' Mullet for their detailed reviews and a big thanks to anyone else that deems to send a review my way, they really do help a lot.
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Caesar walked briskly, giving fleeting nonchalant greetings to those that crossed his path, his mind on one destination; all other thoughts could wait until he knew the answer to the question that had been burning within him since Ares had left. His feet were swift, making light tapping sounds across the marble floor. He noticed a few of the men, senators in their dazzling white robes, standing around in the corridor talking, raise a curious eyebrow as their Emperor rushed past them, he could hear them whispering in his wake and snarled in annoyance, his position here was uneasy, unstable. He knew many plotted against him, that many would rather have him dead… but the people of Rome loved him, loved Rome, and he was Rome.
His lips curled into a smile, no not now, they couldn't touch him, his power was too great and he would eventually coax out the betrayers, the plotters and have them dragged through the streets before having them killed at the coliseum for his enjoyment, his destiny would not allow him to be done away with so easily; he sighed inwardly and felt his muscles relax.
The steps were just ahead and Caesar felt his heartbeat quicken, soon he would have the answers he so craved. With a cautious backward glance he brushed aside a heavy ivory brocade curtain and descended the hidden spiral steps, his movements lithe, never stumbling, his purpose would not allow it. Finally, after what seemed an age to him, he came to the bottom of the steps, deep beneath the palace above. He could hear the distant dripping of water and a dank, decaying smell filled his senses. He did not halt, but continued forward, holding his toga out of the many puddles of brown water that lined the narrow path. Dimly lit by fading torches, it curved slightly here and there, coming to forks every so often, but he picked the way easily through the little Labyrinth until finally a warmer, brighter glow met his eyes and he increased his pace, reaching a small archway which he quickly entered.
The room beyond was as dank as the rest of the place but littered around the room were luxuries, gold gilded furniture, a table filled with the finest and rarest foods and wines, materials rich and colorful draped over a great bed, and animal skins lining the floor.
In a large place stood a fire that burned merrily underneath a cauldron, the two occupants that sat by it warming their bodies soon stood in greeting to their new visitor. A beautiful woman with sharp narrow features and long flowing light auburn hair smiled at Caesar and walked forward, her slender figure moving with a strange stillness that made her almost seem to float, the dark green gown she wore followed her movements, lending her an eerie grace.
"Mighty Emperor." Her voice was soft and dark. "What do we owe the great pleasure of your visit?"
Caesar studied her for a moment; her face was like marble, too perfect to be fully human, her skin young and firm. Only her eyes betrayed her true age as their deep green irises fell over him, trying to probe and see what was upon his mind.
"Prisca." He took the woman's hand in his and kissed it gently before turning his gaze upon the young golden haired man that stood behind her. He was muscular and handsome beyond words with piercing green eyes just like the woman's.
Caesar gave a low bow to him, "Priscus".
The man gave a curt nod in reply, Caesar was used to this, Priscus hardly spoke unless he had something important to say.
Prisca gently wrapped her long fingers around Caesar's wrist and led him to a place beside the fire before sitting down beside him, her smooth legs brushing against him as she pushed herself as close as possible to his body. It did not pass Caesar's notice that Priscus furrowed his brow deeply at her behavior, his eyes seeming to grow a more vivid shade of green. Slowly he sat down, his eyes never leaving them.
"You look troubled my Emperor, what can my brother and I do to ease your worries?" Prisca said soothingly, her hand stroking his in an act of comfort.
Caesar glanced at her, "The God Ares came to me last night."
Prisca's hand froze midair in surprise at his words, "The God of War?"
Caesar nodded, "He wants me to go to war."
Even Priscus had taken an interest in his words now, his body learned forward a little from his seat.
Prisca rose and walked to the bubbling cauldron.
"Against whom does he wish you to fight?" She reached up onto a shelf nearby and grabbed two large jars, one containing live lizards the other of dried colourful herbs. She turned back to him, her fingers drumming absently upon one of the containers as she awaited his answer.
"The warrior Xena." The sound of her name leaving his lips sent a shiver down his spine and it must have shown within his eyes as the beautiful woman before him stared at his face in fascination. He glanced away, regaining himself before looking back.
"Xena" the woman repeated, reaching into one of the jars and pulling out a large red and yellow lizard. She threw it without a thought into the steaming pot and watched for a moment with glassy eyes as it boiled slowly to death, she then added two handfuls of herbs from the other jar and mixed it with a heavy wooden spoon, her lips mumbling inaudible words. Within moments purple smoke began to rise up in great plumes, the shapes dancing and swirling, the smoke sometimes gave out a strange flash, like lightning streaking across the night sky.
She turned to Priscus and let her hand slide across the back of his neck, he closed his eyes at her touch, the look of desire turning the corners of his mouth.
Caesar turned his attention back to the smoke, even he felt uncomfortable when around the two siblings: their carnal relations surpassed family, love and even time. He was unsure just how old they were, but such things did not concern him, he had seduced them into working for him and as long as he got what he wanted, what they did down here in this secret, dank place was nothing to him.
Prisca turned back to the cauldron, her brother forgotten for a moment.
She reached out one long-nailed finger and dipped it into the strange broth that had formed within the liquid.
"Hmmm," she said slowly, watching the ripples, "Xena will soon try to march upon you, her hatred for Rome is bright". Prisca turned her still dripping finger to Caesar and pointed at him. Caesar nodded, knowing what she meant by 'Rome'. "She will kill you, defeat you… perhaps." A small smile spread along her plump lips. "She is controlled by the God of War; he guides her and whispers in her ear to make war upon you."
Caesar's eyes widened, "Then why does he ask me to fight against her?"
Prisca made a high pitched noise and turned back to the pot. "He wishes for war, wishes to kill you and bring her to her knees… he will betray her for his own means." She turned back to him, a grin covering her face, making her look like a strange demon. "You both wish for the same thing, to have her at your feet." She cocked her head unnaturally. "Which of you will win, or will she succeed in defeating you both." She cackled sweetly.
Her brother stood from his seat, wishing to look into the cauldron also, he wrapped a hand casually around Prisca's waist and Prisca turned around in his arms to face him, her hands gliding up his bare chest.
"Do you wish Priscus to kill her?" She looked over her shoulder at Caesar.
Priscus' eyes connected with Caesar's, a fire burning behind them at the prospect of killing.
Caesar stood from his seat without quite realizing what he was doing. "No!" he said, a little too forcefully, causing Prisca to laugh mockingly.
"You care for her… perhaps, my Emperor?" she questioned teasingly.
Caesar slowly returned to his seat but he did not reply.
Prisca loosened her brother's embrace and walked to sit by Caesar's side once more, much to Priscus' annoyance, and curled her hand seductively around his thigh.
She leaned in close so her face was inches from his, her lips parted in desire. Caesar casually pushed her away, growing tired of her games.
"Do not play your games with me Prisca, your brother is already jealous, you can cease."
Prisca looked back at Priscus and grinned at him.
"He wants me more when I play" she breathed, turning her attention back to Caesar.
"There is a way we can beat Ares… and you could also get what your heart desires… if you indeed have a heart my Emperor" she teased.
Caesar gave her a sideways glance of annoyance.
"Tell me" he stated harshly and Prisca leaned in, ready to depart secrets within his royal ear.
--
Xena rose from her pallet and dressed quickly, pulling on her leather armor as easily as if it were a cotton shift. She spent a moment upon the buckles before reaching out and grabbing her cap, it jingled slightly as she placed it upon her head. Ares stirred at the noise, his eyes opening sleepily. He reached out and grasped her leg sharply, forcing her to walk towards him.
She raised an eyebrow at him as he released her and casually placed his hands behind his head.
"I have work to do" she said, her tone mocking as if talking to a small child.
"Later," he said unconcernedly, "I'll help."
Xena laughed under her breath, "No you won't."
Ares looked up at her and gave a shrug as if he had been caught out, "You're right, I wouldn't" he grinned.
Xena smirked and turned away, without another word to him she fastened a sword at her waist and left the tent.
Ares watched her leave and then, with a sigh, he raised his hand and disappeared with a flash of white light.
Xena felt the cool wind streak across her face, refreshing her senses. Before she had even taken a step from her tent a soldier was in front of her, his look unreadable, stoic. His shaggy long dark hair ruffled in the wind as his handsome face waited for her to address him.
She looked at him lazily, "What?"
"My lady, we can't find Alcandor."
"He's in my tent Markis, get someone to dispose of him."
Markis did not seem surprised by this news.
"The rumors of his betrayal were true then?" he asked.
Xena pursed her lips, her dark hair whipping about her face as she nodded in reply.
"He was a good fighter" the man said, as if commenting upon the weather. Xena nodded again.
"You'll take his place, you have proven yourself ready many times, and besides, I was growing tired of him" Xena said, her eyes scanning the rest of the tents laid out before her and the many soldiers who were already training hard.
Markis gave a deep bow, "I'm honored."
Xena smirked sourly, "Just do your job well and you can be whatever you like."
He stood up straight and gave a curt nod.
"Gather the men, I have news." She gave him a distracted gesture of her hand as he quickly obeyed her command.
--
It was already nightfall when Xena returned to her tent. She lit a few candles and removed her cap before sitting down in her chair and pouring herself a cup of mead which she quickly drank in loud gulps.
Her men had taken the news well, much better than she had expected, many seemed eager to march upon Rome already and their cheers still echoed within her thoughts.
She rested her boots upon the table before her and casually undid them, sliding them from her feet; she then poured herself another drink and set about taking off her armor. Tonight she would need her sleep as tomorrow they marched upon their first Roman village… and she would spare none in Caesar's name.