Note from Kanuro5: Back from my first draft of this story years ago, this chapter wasn't even a thought, I had no intention of even writing this. But as the years passed, I figured that I wanted to make this story bigger, so I threw in this plot element. Hopefully I can still stick the landing, but let's see if this time, bigger equals better. I hope you enjoy!
XXII
King of Kings
The sun was preparing to set; the sky was changing its hue from blue to a light purple. The splashing of oars against the water was a near peaceful melody in this tranquility in nature. But the men in the dugout canoes were feeling anything but tranquility. Six of these canoes were being steered down a river; the occupants were silent. The only audible sounds were the oars hitting the water. They were being steered by Pontians, and the men they were ferrying were none other than the Arcani, whose black masks hid their identities. The man who was most apprehensive out of everyone present was the co-leader of the Arcani, Taurus.
They had been ferrying down the river for a little over three hours and Taurus's legs were falling asleep. The orange sun was still up, and the light was still strong, now darkness was slowly enveloping the area; he wondered if they would have to be ferried in the dark. Taurus was not alone, he had four of his brothers in the Order accompanying him. They were split one man per canoe, surrounded by five other Pontians, three who would be rowing, and two were standing watch over the insidious assassins. Taurus had his second-in-command, Gelae, with him on their canoe. Gelae was a senior member of the Order, actually serving nine years to Taurus's eight. A man of such experience had to be next to him on this perilous mission of theirs.
Taurus shifted his eyes towards the two Pontians watching them; they hadn't taken their hands off their sword hilts the entire three hours, their gazes were firmly locked on the Arcani. The first hour on the calm river, Taurus had thought that these Pontians would have just slit their throats and throw them over. There was no telling what these men would have been ordered to do when Taurus contacted them.
Finally, after hours in silence, Taurus finally decided to break it. He spoke to them in Greek, "How much further? We are losing the light."
One of the guards looked down the river with a temporary glance, then looked back to Taurus, "It is not much further now, be patient."
"Are you certain?"
"Yes. Now be patient."
Taurus and Gelae looked at one another.
Gelae spoke first, "I do hate being on this river for so long."
"Hey!" The Pontic guard snapped, "Do not converse in the Roman tongue, do so in Greek!"
Gelae stared at the man before sighing, he turned back to his leader, "I do hate being on this river for so long."
Taurus gave a short nod, "They had the right of it, though. This is the best way to cross the Roman lines and avoid their armies, scouts, and patrols."
"Perhaps. I just do not care for this mode of travel."
"Or the man to whom I am to speak to?"
"I… Taurus… you know my feelings…"
"And you know my resolve. Put your faith into me and into the Gods."
"Yes, Taurus."
Taurus had heard it before. That doubt in the voices of the more senior members of the Order. If it was Vipera himself giving the order to jump, they all would have leapt without a moment's hesitation. But for him? They question, they argue, they doubt. His father was one of the greatest leaders seen in the Order. He was going to show them all that he was his father's son. His dedication, his merit, and his zeal in the gods would carry him through.
Taurus looked back at the sky. This plan of his had to work. He sacrificed everything to grasp this moment, even parts of his own soul and conviction, and he would not let it slip through his fingers.
The guard in their canoe began to crouch upward, he whispered to his crew, "We are here, pass me the flint."
Taurus looked straight ahead and noticed that the canoe was drifting towards a riverbank that was covered by trees. The guard was passed the flint, and he struck it a few times with enough force that sparks emerged from the rocks three times. In a few seconds, Taurus witnessed three sparks shine from the riverbank.
"They have cleared us, take us in," the guard ordered the rowers.
The canoes softly paddled to the riverbank where the rowers tossed their ropes out to be seized and pulled in by the men on the banks. The occupants exited and took some precious moments to stretch their limbs. Gelae pointed out to Taurus the sentries watching them on land; there were ten archers draped with foliage on their clothing and around their heads. Their arrows were half-drawn in their bows and aimed at the assassins.
"Relax, Gelae. Their best chance would have been when we were on the boat."
"That doesn't mean they still can't."
Taurus approached the Pontians, "Is he here?"
"No, you think it is that easy to see him? No, we must travel by horseback. Can you all ride?"
"Of course."
"Good. Follow me, it shall take us a while to reach him."
Taurus examined the sky, "We are losing the light."
"All the reason for you to hurry."
Cheeky bastard… Taurus looked to his men behind him, "Hurry and finish your stretches, we have a ride ahead of us."
He could tell that his men were tired, especially since the majority of them were relatively new. But they kept their opinions to themselves, and he was glad. The assassins and an escort of Pontic riders mounted their horses and rode down the dirt road, not at a gallop but more of a canter. They rode for what seemed to be twenty minutes until they passed their first checkpoint, without stopping.
Taurus noticed, even in the thinning light, that there were a dozen archers camouflaged against the vegetation in the Asia Minor countryside. Behind the archers looked to be a dozen spearmen and light infantry. The riders cantered past the checkpoint without a pause, and kept their pace, until they reached upon a second checkpoint, with even more light infantry posted strategically. It was past the second checkpoint where Taurus bore witness to his destination.
He could see the low lights of torches being lit in what seemed to be a small army camp that surrounded what appeared to resemble a Roman villa, but Taurus knew otherwise. It was indeed a villa, but it was Achaemenid in origin where several Persian kings of old would reside in this summer villa for their leisure if they desired to be closer to Greece. As they cantered closer, Taurus bore witness to a giant sphinx carved into the stone in the Persian style. He knew without any doubt that the man he was to visit would be in there.
The lead Pontian began to slow on their approach. There were scores upon scores of soldiers that stood stoically around the regal building. Taurus could hear music being played from the top of the villa. The gate was guarded by heavily armored soldiers that wore elaborate tunics of blue and red with scale armor.
The men dismounted from their horses, and Taurus spoke to the guards in Greek, "Inform him that the Black Masks are here, and Taurus requests an audience."
The guards looked over at him, a foul contempt was present in the gaze.
The Pontic that escorted the Arcani the entire way nodded to the guards. The guards cleared the way and opened the door, only for the Pontic. That Pontian turned to Taurus, "You shall wait here."
A few minutes passed with the Arcani silently staring into the eyes of the indifferent Pontics, until the door opened. A man of olive skin with a hairless chin but a flowing mustache arrived before the group. He was wearing dark blue clothing with gold inlaid around his collar and the wrists. His bronze scale armor shined regally amidst the lights of the torches. His sword at his side was a xiphos with a gilded hilt with a woman's face for the pommel. The mustached man had years aplenty on his face, he spoke with a gravelly groan.
"You must relinquish your weapons, if you desire to enter," he told Taurus.
Gelae looked at Taurus. Taurus paused, but undid his sword belt and removed his daggers, and handed them to Gelae.
"Your men shall remain here," the Pontic commanded.
"Taurus, this is a mistake," Gelae whispered to him. "With what we accomplished, or lack thereof; I do not believe that this man shall be pleased."
"This man is desperate, pleased or not, he shall listen to me. Now do as I say, Gelae, remain here."
"Okay, we shall."
The guards patted him down extensively. The mustached Pontian noticed the pouch that Taurus had around his waist and reached in and pulled out a small branch with berries on it.
"What is this?" the Pontic inquired from the man in black.
"Taxus baccata," Taurus answered back. "A gift for your master's collection."
The Pontic's face suddenly shrank in fear, he quickly dropped it from his hands; however, the deft assassin grabbed it before it hit the ground, then placed it back in his pouch.
"Is that dangerous to touch?!" the Pontic asked, examining his own fingertips.
"No, only if consumed. You are safe. And if we are concluded now, take me to see him."
The Pontic man composed himself, then turned on his feet and ordered the door opened. Taurus went through the dark room as the doors shut behind him. He did not look back at his men.
The stench of opium was pungent. Everywhere he looked within the dimly lit room were patrons and courtiers who were burning and smoking the poppy, lost in the recreational daze they experienced, witnessing exposed dancers gyrating their bodies to sultry low tunes of horns and the staccato measures of the drum being beaten in the Persian style. Around the courtiers, who wore finest fabrics of the land with complex designs and jewelry inlaid within the garment, stood dozens of guards within this hall, their long spears erect against their bodies, all with stoic glares that could suppress a tiger.
Taurus followed the mustached man closely as they roamed through this leisure room of excess. A Pontic officer who was several gallons drunk was dancing with his genitalia exposed, slurring a song bawdily. Two other officers looked on with disdain, though the room was lowly-lit, Taurus could spot dried blood and muddy grime on their armor that they wore from battle. Exotic animals were chattering and grunting within the room. He caught a man smoking opium, reclining on a couch as a woman massaged his foot. Several aristocratic women were reclining on the Persian furniture, their eyes seemed to be the only ones in the hall that were following Taurus.
Through the festive halls, the mustached man led Taurus past a guarded door into a room that was away from the music. Upon entry, the two were greeted by a skeleton man that was dressed in the Pontic apparel of a court eunuch with a bronze chain dangling around his neck. The eunuch didn't even seem surprised to see the masked Taurus right in front of him. He simply did an about-face, and the two men followed the eunuch inside the vast solarium that was lit by torches. This sunroom had vast openings where one could receive the warmth of the mighty sun, and a balcony where one could examine the horizon. Through the darkening of the sky, the stars were beginning to appear. Yet with the room being lit by a plethora of torches, Taurus noted that there were eight bodyguards within the room, all staring at him.
The mustached man held out a hand to Taurus, effectively telling him to wait right there. The man then backed up against the wall and leaned back with his arms crossed. The eunuch softly moved towards the balcony and bowed at a figure that was looking upward. Taurus inhaled through his nostrils. This was it.
A man in his 50s was leaning on the banister of the balcony, gazing into the star-filled night as the nocturnal wind coursed through his salt-and-pepper hair that draped to his shoulders. He had fanciful golden rings that decorated his fingers and gem-encrusted bracelets dangled on his wrists. He wore a beautifully brilliant, blue, long-sleeved tunic that had crimson patterns of eastern Persian design that mixed with burgundy patterns of Greek. His back had a majestic flowing purple cape that appeared to have been dyed many times over to keep its luster. That cape was said to be centuries old and belonged to the great Macedonian king, Alexander, this man's alleged ancestor.
The eunuch rose from his bow and turned to face Taurus, then spoke in bombastic Greek, "Leader of the Black Mask, you stand before the great Mithridates Eupator, Sixth of His Name, King of Pontus, Bosporus, Galatia, Anatolia, and the Black Sea. The de jure ruler of Bithynia. Son of Mithridates, Fifth of His Name. Here stands the King of Kings, gaze upon his reverence and behold his greatness!"
The monarch turned to face the assassin. A weaker man may have felt smothered under the legend of this king.
Mithridates was born under auspicious conditions; a brilliant comet lit the world when he was born, the gods already determining his greatness from his lineage from both Cyrus the Great and Alexander. His father, the king, was poisoned when he was still a teenager and his mother, heralded as a wicked woman, took power through regency, and tried to have her own son killed. Yet the crafty Mithridates escaped and roamed the countryside of his land as an exiled prince, gaining support and love from the common people. He came back to power at the age of 17 and purged the conspirators, even poisoning his own mother and brother. He was vastly intelligent, said to have authored several books by himself about the natural sciences of the world and to have mastered over twenty languages. He was also known to be utterly ruthless, killing members of his own family without second thoughts. Taurus heard tales of how he even had his own sister-wife killed for treason and having his own nephew, a king of Cappadocia, killed, which kicked off the First Mithridatic War.
This "great" king was loved by all in his region, yet a terrifying monster to the Romans in the west. He was by far the greatest threat to the Romans since King Jugurtha, his name as Rome's nemesis being synonymous with Hannibal Barca. He orchestrated the murder of over 80,000 Romans during what was known as the "Asiatic Vespers", to rid the "Roman Cancer" from his lands. Mithridates desired for his borders to expand and systematically conquered the neighboring countries around him. His real prize was Bithynia and Cappadocia but was hindered by familial relations who ruled those kingdoms. Through bribery and murder, those kings were deposed and Mithridates seized control. Rome could not stand for the balance of power to shift and their client kingdoms to fall. This was nearly ten years ago. Several legions in the area attacked Mithridates, but were utterly beaten, the Roman leader of this expedition was captured, and Mithridates had ordered the Roman's death by having molten gold poured down his throat.
Enter Lucius Cornelius Sulla. Chosen by Rome to end the threat, Sulla was sent to temper this "upstart, barbarous" king, and he did so in several battles, forcing the war to come to an end, and Mithridates to relinquish control of Bithynia and Cappadocia. All should have been over for Mithridates, but just then, Sulla learned of the Senate and the pro-Marian forces trying to take power from him, and Sulla marched back to Rome, leaving his man, Lucius Licinius Murena, in command of Anatolia to prevent the Pontic king from regaining power. And yet just two years ago, this general attacked Mithridates out of fear of the beaten king's ambition, starting the Second War; however, Mithridates crushed this Roman and regained all the momentum he had lost, and now planned to recapture everything he was forced to acquit. Such was the ambition of Mithridates VI, so intent was he on maintaining his legacy that he never took a defeat as permanent, and he held an utterly bizarre and yet genius method for personal survival.
He dabbled in toxicology at an adolescent age when he was on the run after his father was assassinated. It was said he experimented in the wild by slowly and carefully ingesting poisonous herbs and being attacked by venomous animals; it was even claimed he willingly ingested mercury and arsenic. But he did not die, he became stronger until he grew total immunity to what was said to be all poisons and toxins in the world so that no man could end his life in the same manner as his father. It was said that he could ingest twenty different poisons in a single afternoon and then sleep comfortably at night without a single drop of antidote. For this he had earned the moniker the entire known world called him: The Poison King.
Taurus, the Roman renegade, bowed his head and spoke loudly, "Oh, King of Kings. I greet you."
The Pontic monarch turned his head away, "You call that a bow? You just tilted your head. You do not even deign to genuflect," he spoke in pristine Latin, his voice was deep and rich.
"I genuflect to no man; the Gods are the only one's worthy of my bent knee."
"Does he not stand before you?"
"You believe yourself one?"
Taurus noticed movement at the corner of his mask. The bodyguards that were spread around them, were moving closer, their hands on their swords.
Mithridates raised his hand, and they ceased. His hollow eyes continued peering through the assassin, "I might as well be to you, I do hold your life in my hands. Oh, I would also watch my words around my men. These brave warriors are versed in the Roman language."
"A man is not above a god."
"Yet I am above you. The mere fact that you crawled to me for aid proves that. I mentioned the same thing to you during our first meeting."
"You are not my lord."
"And yet you come bearing a request as one does to their superior." Mithridates lumbered forward slowly, "Do you believe I am the one who forgets?"
"No, I do not."
"Then bow or genuflect, either-or."
"I cannot, it is my faith—"
"You broke your faith a year ago when you came to me. For what purpose do you act as if it is still intact? Do so, now, or this summons is over."
The guards moved closer to him. If he had both swords, or even just the one, he could fight his way out of the compound, escaping the army may have been another story… but he was weaponless, and he had come too far to fail now. But… what would his father think of him for what he was about to do? Or the Gods? Well… he did do things that the Gods may have disapproved of, but they know that his motives were just. He already tarnished a few oaths—for the good of the Gods—what would be a few more?
He spread one leg out, farther than shoulder-width apart, and kept his back straight as he bowed, his upper body parallel to the floor, his eyes staring at the tip of his boots. He would rather be struck by lighting from on high than genuflect to a barbarian king.
"Was such difficult?"
Taurus was silent.
One of the bodyguards took a few steps forward, "You answer when the King speaks!" he shouted in Latin.
"Yes, it was…"
"Look at me," the king commanded.
Taurus raised his head. The Poison King was smiling, "Good. It lifts the heart that such was difficult for you."
The king turned to a servant and ordered him in Greek, "Bring me something sweet." He turned back to Taurus, "You may cease your pathetic bowing, rise and break words for the purpose of your return."
If I didn't need you… Taurus exhaled as he rose, "You already know the purpose of why I am here."
"Hmm, I do, yet I desire you to speak it, so we know that we are both of the same accord."
"Very well, the time has come, the second phase of my stratagem is upon us. You are to assist me in this endeavor."
The king raised an eyebrow before he sat on a marble chair, "See, such is why I desired you to speak it aloud. We are not of the same accord. I am to 'assist' you? As if you are my better? As if you are my equal? Humor me, on what grounds?"
"The gold of the treasury of Rome was delivered unto you."
"Yes, you have done so."
A silence fell between them.
"Did you have something else to say?" Taurus asked.
The Poison King sighed, "No, I thought you would."
"For what purpose? I gave you, my reason."
"You believe Roman gold is enough?!" he bellowed abruptly. The fury of the sun burned in the eyes of this Pontic monarch. The king's bodyguards took a few steps closer with their hands on their sword hilts. "You spoke to me of assurances that Lucius Licinius Lucullus would be dead! And just last week, Lucullus arrived in Asia and crushed my army of 20,000 men! You promised me that Lucius Cornelius Sulla would not live to see the dawn! And yet I hear that he draws breath and sent a legion and a fleet to Athens! I had the opportunity to expel Rome from Asia for good and all! And the two Romans that stand in my way are still alive! What good is gold if my people lose hope in my conquest?!"
"My men have slain over half of the great patricians of Rome."
The king's breathing began to calm, "Indeed, and you seemed to have missed the most important ones."
"The traitors of the Republic are quaking with fear for what we have done."
"Is that how you justify your own ineptitude?"
"What?! Our 'ineptitude'? We have done the impossible and attacked all across the Republic! We are the Scourge of Jupiter!"
"You are an errand boy. One who believes in the righteousness of their menial task, who seeks recognition from an absent father."
"Say that again!" Taurus roared.
The corner of the Pontian's lips rose, "Oh, did that rouse you to anger?" He turned to his bodyguards, "One of you, give this man a sword, and let him strike me down! I insist!"
One of the guardsmen approached the assassin and presented him a sword and unsheathed it halfway. Taurus eyed the gilded hilt of the sword, the jewel encrusted ruby of the hilt glared back at him. The eyes of the assassin flickered upwards to the king, who stared at him, casually drinking iced wine through his silver goblet.
The guardsmen suddenly sheathed the sword forcibly and backed away.
The eunuch took the empty goblet from the hands of the king. The monarch stroked his beard and churned out a grin, "Now, are you going to cease your juvenile tantrums and speak to me as a man?"
"Yes, I shall…"
Mithridates walked beside the assassin, "You have talent, Taurus. You have a grand mind to concoct this whole plan, yet when your plans go awry, you rage. Is Vipera as such, or is it just you?"
"Oh, King of Kings, you know how it feels to mastermind a stratagem on the game, and then two or three measly pieces ruin your flawless victory."
Mithridates' eyes narrowed.
"I mean no insult by that. Plans go awry, that is all."
"If you were destined by your gods to exact vengeance on the Republic, then for what purpose do they stagnate your plans?"
"Adversity breeds initiative. The masters always take pride in their servants overcoming adversity through original thinking. The Gods see our effort, and they shall reward us for our perseverance."
"Hmm, and I assume that I am one of your main obstacles of adversity?"
"You do not need to be. The final 'obstacle of adversity' is Sulla. He needs to fall for the sake of the Republic."
"It amuses me how desperate you are, that you still come to me for your plan."
"Even Jupiter was hidden among the Titans when Uranus sought to swallow him as he did his siblings. Jupiter was raised by Titans, before he warred with them. I would do anything to save the people from the tyranny of Sulla and restore the honor of the Gods. I ask you not to be obstinate, oh King of Kings, the gold of Rome can assist you in winning your lands from the Eastern kings. Your men and ships can assist me in toppling the dictatorship."
"Such a goal was for your doing, not mine. If you are the 'Shadows of the Senate,' then why is the Republic burning with radiance with Sulla still alive?"
"The people are cowed by Sulla, the moment he took power, he's been purging his enemies with impunity. His proscriptions cause paranoia to run rampant throughout the Republic, neighbor sells out neighbor for any slights, real or imagined. Fear rules all. This is not what Rome is. The people believe that Sulla controls all with his hands wrapped around their throats, they have no will, no spine, to rip the hands away."
"And that's where my army comes in?"
"We shall never see eye-to-eye, but we can assist each other. I delivered my end of the bargain, half of the gold went to Heracleo, and you have the other half. Now, I ask if you shall deliver your end."
"You see, assassin, what bothers me is your stratagem. What our deal consisted of involved this stratagem of yours to be strong and the leaders and generals of the Republic to be weak. And now, it seems that your ploy lies in tatters, Sulla and Lucullus are still alive, and that legion that was sent to Athens to investigate your Order's presence, has left with their mission accomplished."
"Wh-What…?"
"Oh, of course, you didn't know. You were on your way here in secret. You believe that I don't have my eyes and ears in every major Greek city? There were three Roman patricians apparently, a Julii, a Brutii, and a Scipii, that Scipio's name was Gaius Scipio Lupus, 'the Wolf on the Waves.' I heard he sniffed out the dissension, and all of your comrades in Athens have been slain."
The assassin's head took a visible dip. The king undoubtably took notice. Taurus's hands clenched tightly.
"The Republic seems united. The Three Families have unified into a singular force in search of your Order." Mithridates took slow steps while adding more bass to his voice, "So, I ask again, for what purpose shall I honor my investment in your stratagem if it is now in tatters?"
"Because my stratagem is still salvageable. You have already heard that Heracleo's army has sacked a Roman city."
"Yes, I have. Apollonia, I believe it was called, and the words from the people in Athens suggest that the Julii legion, with Brutii cavalry, aboard the Blue Wolf's ships sailed to that city. They most likely arrived a few days ago. Was that a part of your machination, having Heracleo target Apollonia?"
"No, I admit not, not exactly. But Heracleo has done a wondrous thing, I know such action puts fear into every Republican heart. It must drive Sulla with rage that a city was attacked with impunity. I know what Sulla is like, he will march his army out to meet Heracleo's men in battle, and such shall be his undoing."
Mithridates nodded in contemplation, "I do agree with such, Sulla will raise an army to engage Heracleo. But does it not bother you that Heracleo did not follow your orders?"
"One of his stipulations for allying with me was the sacking of a Roman city in either Illyria, Epirus, or Greece. I granted him the request that he may only have one city of his choice. Yet I did not know he would have chosen Apollonia."
"How do you keep that man in line? You are hundreds of miles away."
"I have a man I trust who marches with him and acts as my voice, he is experienced in the Arcani. His name is Umbra."
"And this 'Umbra,' can keep him in line?"
"Certainly. Until I get there, at least. But for that, I need your assistance, oh King of Kings."
"I know you do… He actually sacked a Roman settlement, I never believed he would be capable of such a feat."
"And yet you recommended him to me."
"Heracleo serves his purpose, I have hired him and his men on my campaigns on a few occasions. He has the tenacity of a rabid animal, meant to overwhelm, and terrorize. Tell me, Taurus, can you trust men like Heracleo?"
"Only thing Heracleo trusts is gold."
"That did not answer my question. Are you and Heracleo on the same branch?"
"Yes, we both desire vengeance against the Republic."
A servant walked over and offered the king a delicacy on a silver platter. Mithridates sliced off a piece of the cake and consumed it, a smile crept on his face as he chewed, "Have you not considered perhaps the vengeance you both possess is not of the same accord?"
"He shall follow because he is paid to follow. For what purpose do you care to tell me this?"
"I truthfully don't. What you Romans do is all a game to me. You and Heracleo both desire Sulla dead, that's all that I care for. Everyone else along the way, that's between you, him, and Vipera once he finds out."
"By the time Vipera finds out, our victory shall finally be secured."
"It must be challenging, seeking to communicate and plan while your equal is half the world away. How does it fit you to barter with me behind Vipera's back? How much does he know?"
Taurus stayed silent.
Mithridates grunted softly, "Your father was sent to kill me. And now, I entreat with his son."
"You swore to kill all Romans, and yet you entreat with one. Times change, and priorities shift."
"That may have been the first wise thing you have said to me, boy."
"An impetuous youth does not stand before you."
"Go tell yourself such, Taurus. You are of little import in the grand scheme of history."
"I am of the Arcani! We—"
"You are nothing but a wisp in the wind. Weightless, being carried by the breeze until you land on something solid you hope to stick to."
"I—! I…" Taurus inhaled through his mask, then exhaled loudly before speaking, "The final phase is upon us. I promise you that this army of mine can reach Rome. All I ask you is that you fulfill your promise."
The Poison King untombed a glare that reminded Taurus of his father. Eyes that have seen decades of conflict and intrigue that could break the will of most men. From the low light, this assassin could witness the countless machinations going through the mind of this legendary monarch.
Finally, the king shook his head, "I do not see it. I do not see how providing you my forces can assist you in taking Rome. There are too many variables that can end in your failure. I need all the men I can spare to hold off Lucullus. My answer will have to be no."
"I see… well, can I at least provide you a gift. Apologies, but it should have been given to you upon introduction."
Taurus undid the pouch around his waist and held it out. The king eyed the mustached guard that escorted the assassin in. That man gave a confirmatory nod to his king.
Body language alone, Taurus could see that Mithridates was on guard, but intrigued as well.
"Open the pouch and hold out what is inside."
"Yes, oh King of Kings."
What was removed from the pouch was a small branch from a tree. The foliage of the branch was a dark-green, with flattened leaves that were about two centimeters long that held red berries attached to the branch.
The king approached as a cautious dog sniffing out potential danger. "What is this?"
Taurus was smiling unbeknownst to Mithridates, "Taxus baccata. The barbarians of the west, the Gauls and Germanians, they call this flora, 'yew'. A gift for your ever-expanding collection. I guarantee you have not come across this as of yet."
"Show me the palm of your hands."
Taurus did so. The king seized his wrists and examined the palms closely.
The guards instinctively moved closer, "My king, do not approach him too close—"
"Be silent!" he snapped without peeling his eyes off the Arcani.
The guards backed away with lowered heads.
The king held eyes of fascination, he muttered to himself as scholars do, "No wet or dry residue on the palm… no poultice nor powder, so no antidote applied to the palm… so it is safe to touch."
The king quickly seized the branch from the assassin's fingers. So tenderly he held it that one could believe the branch made of silver, so brittle that if force was applied, it would snap into dust. He eyed it from every angle in silence, no one in that room made a noise.
After two minutes of silence, Mithridates finally spoke, still keeping his focus on the branch, "Symptoms?"
Taurus spoke, "It mimics that of a fever with cramps. Dizziness, sweating, and delirium. Pain in the head and stomach. But then it starts turning the lips blue."
Mithridates turned his head fully to Taurus, "How blue?"
"Lighter than the blue on your royal tunic, it is especially noticeable if the victim is of a lighter complexion."
The king turned back to the branch, "Fascinating that this plant also induces clots within the lips. What else?"
"As time progresses, tremors and convulsions develop, then sudden collapse."
"Fatality span?"
"If ingested in higher quantities, two hours. If moderate quantities, then five."
"Fascinating… and the symptoms can be noticed when?"
"As early as half an hour to a full hour."
"I see." Suddenly, King Mithridates began mumbling to himself, as quick as rabbit, "Quick enough to take immediate action, yet long enough for it to be purged if taken seriously… Can probably be administered into a drink, boiled with tea, and served to others… May be found in the bowels during a movement and examined as culprit… Trials and errors for the appropriate timing with numerous variables to consider…"
Taurus cleared his throat, "Believe it or not, those red succulent berries on the branch are actually safe to consume."
"Truly? It is just the stalk and leaves?"
"Correct, oh King of Kings. Most poisonings have occurred where careless people mean to grab the berries, but they grab extra leaves and shove it all into their mouths. These trees are safe to touch and smell, yet they should never be eaten, except for the berries. Even the mushrooms grown underneath the tree are not safe to consume."
Mithridates plucked two red berries from the branch. He looked over them, and then took several cautionary sniffs. "Hmm, red, smooth, resembles a grape… there are black pip seeds inside." A sharp eye from the king glared at Taurus, "And you claim these are edible?"
"They are. The flesh, that is. The flesh is very sweet, but it's the seed pip inside that holds the hidden dagger. The seed is toxic, very much so for animals."
"Avian or beast?"
"Beast. It is said that two to four seeds can kill a horse."
"And you've witnessed such?"
"No. Not personally. It was written and experimented by experts and also by our Order, years prior."
"What can the seeds do to a man?"
"Provide the symptoms that I stated. These are not as fatal as they are to beasts. Consuming enough of these berries, estimate around twelve minimum to be fatal if the pip seed is consumed."
The king chuckled to himself, "Man's body is fascinating, to think that we have more protection from certain poisons than the beast of the earth… Again, this is safe to consume?"
"Yes, you can eat the fruit, as long as you spit the pip out."
The king's eyes reveled at the berry in his own hand. He picked one between his fingers and held it up. He slowly looked towards Taurus. The monarch's eyes narrowed as it hung on the assassin for a solid ten seconds in total silence. Taurus then knew what was being asked of him.
Taurus looked at the bodyguards that surrounded him, then he slowly moved towards the king and picked the berry out from the ruler's outstretched hand. Taurus lifted up his mask, ever-so-slightly where only the lips of his mouth could be visible to Mithridates. He casually placed the berry in his mouth, he had to make sure his movement wasn't too slow or too cautious.
His tongue applied pressure to the flesh of the berry, and the juices burst into his mouth. Sweetness, pure sweetness with a sliver of acidic tang to it. He sucked on the berry, making sure his teeth didn't crush the shell of the seed, and he spat the pip out. All of that within five seconds.
The king's face never betrayed him, so statue-like was he as he observed Taurus in silence. For a solid minute, no one in that room moved or made a sound. Suddenly, Mithridates mimicked Taurus, placing the berry in his mouth, sucking on it for five seconds, before spitting out the pip into his own hand.
The king nodded gently, "A delicate sweetness." He placed the pip into a pouch that was on his hip. "A delicate sweetness," he repeated.
He looked at the branch once more, and pulled a small leaf blade from the flora and observed it as well as he could within the light.
"Antidote?"
"None."
Taurus witnessed a smile—though it was small and brought on in surprise—come from the King of Kings.
"Truly?"
"No antidote exists, we have not found any nor have experts discovered it."
"Emesis. That is the only way, the poison must be purged from the stomach, I estimate within the hour of ingestion, based on the symptoms. Few would know that until it is too late. To think that vomiting would be the key to save one's life from ingesting something so sweet…"
"Yes, oh King of Kings."
"So, they are native in Gallia and Germania?"
"Yes, and northern Italia, Dacia, and Hispania. Purportedly, they may even be found in the lands of Britannia, but who knows what poisons reside on that evil island."
Mithridates eyed the branch as a beggar eyed solid gold. His voice was soft, "Oh, I have a source who may tell me about that."
"What was that?"
The king cleared his throat and placed the root on the table. "This is a valuable find, Taurus. I misjudged you. You are hot-tempered, yet you are not foolish. You were wise enough to deliver a valuable gift unto me."
The king drank from his goblet, his eyes peering into the tranquil night. He ordered a slave to bring him a pomegranate.
"You desire that I fulfill my promise? Fine. Consider it done."
"You shall?"
"Yes, to provide me something of value that I can add to my collection. To complete my life's work… I shall reward such endeavors. I shall provide you what you need. Immediately."
The black mask hid Taurus's wide smile, "Bless you, oh King of Kings. Bless you for your magnanimity."
A slave provided the king a pomegranate to eat, taking a knife and slicing off pieces for the monarch. The Great King raised his head in a godly manner, "I anticipated that you would arrive within three days' time from now, so I already had him ready. My harbinger for the end of Rome for your endeavor." He turned toward the mustached officer that was still reclining against the wall, "This is Akas. He also speaks the Roman tongue. He shall lead the Pontic forces of your expedition, 2,000 men. His skills are unparalleled in his craft, I rank him among my five greatest admirals. So, I grant him to you as a sign of good faith."
Taurus pointed at the man with the flowing moustache, "You? You are to lead the expedition?"
"I am," Akas replied. "And allow me to say this. This is your stratagem, but these are my men. I order them under the will of our king, not yours."
Taurus approached him, "Are we to have a problem?"
Akas moved to him and tilted his head upwards, "Not if you obey my will."
"Then such shall be a problem."
Both men heard a low growl emanate from the king, "Does coming to blows in my presence seem like the wisest course of action?"
Taurus scoffed, crossing his arms, "Certainly not."
"Apologies, my King," Akas said with a standing bow.
"Save that aggression for Rome, you both shall follow my command on that. Akas, you lead your men to how you see fit. Avoid any Roman fleet that you come across. If you cannot avoid such, engage, no prisoners are to be taken. This assassin shall lead you, follow his orders."
"As you command, my King."
"And you, Taurus. You have an excellent opportunity here. The Roman fleets are scattered. The Brutii fleet are engaged in Halicarnassus, and I know the Scipii are engaged in Egypt. I am not familiar with the Julii, they must have a fleet, correct?"
"They do, but it is most likely around Lower Gallia or Hispania. No consequence to us."
The king chuckled darkly, "Everything can be of consequence, such is when a plan such as this relies more on luck. Anyway, Taurus, you command Heracleo and his army, but Akas is only to assist you. Understood?"
"Understood. Listen well, King of Kings, this shall be the last time we meet. Upon our victory we shall never cross paths again."
"Oh, on that notion, we agree. I shall never see you again, assassin. Perhaps your gods shall assist you in your endeavor, and I shall pray to mine that you succeed. Do you have assurance that Rome shall fall?"
"Me and my Arcani, Heracleo and his mercenaries, and Akas and your Pontians… those who elevate Sulla as their champion shall face our wrath for their sins. I swear it."
"Then go and enjoy your victory over the corpses of the Romans. Allow them to suffer at your hands."
Like Sulla, I feel nervous when I write real historical figures who have a cult of personality. Researching Mithridates, I hope I nailed him the best I could.
And if it wasn't evident, this story divulges from history. The REAL 2nd Mithridatic War barely lasted a year with only small engagements. Pretty much, Mithridates won battles and was getting powerful again, Sulla told him to basically stop, and Mithridates complied and the war was over (Seriously, the 1st & 3rd Wars are really where it is interesting). But in my story, what would have happened if Mithridates said no and kept on continuing his conquest.
Thank you for reading.
-Kanuro5
