The Appalachia's came under our control in surprisingly short order. While the population were primarily isolationists and cultists, their lifestyles were easy to incorporate into Legion life. They kept to themselves, agreed to pay what taxes we asked, and were happy to receive the roads and services we offered whenever they needed them. The isolationists were happy to be left alone while the cultists were happy to dedicate themselves to someone who could demonstrate true power. After all, anyone who could tame a scorchbeast wasn't someone to trifle with. They were happy to leave well enough alone when it came to the Legion going about its business.

It was nice to have a region worth of people that were happy enough to take what we offered without putting up a fight. It made me smile since it felt like I was coming back to something familiar. In my first life, I was born in the South. And when I spoke with some of the people in the Appalachia's, I felt like I was slowly returning home.

Just as we were preparing to continue south, Malpaius requested an audience with me.

I sat on the throne that had been made for me to receive guests inside a large reception tent. T'Preea, Jeff, Serena, and Meirune sat nearby.

"Do any of you know what this is about?" I asked the others as we waited for Malpaius.

T'Preea shook her head, "He just asked me to tell you that he wanted a formal audience."

"Old boy is probably just getting ready to formally declare something from the Caesar," Jeff guessed.

Meirune looked at me, "He said something about presenting the Caesaris with a gift when I asked him."

Jeff looked at Meirune, "Now why would he tell you and not anyone else?"

"Did you bother asking him?" Meirune asked pointedly.

Jeff and T'Preea looked at each other.

"It's an easy way to get information," Meirune smirked.

"Caesaris," one of the guards from the tent called. "Legate Malpaius has arrived."

I nodded, "Show him in."

The guard disappeared behind the tent flap for a few moments before Malpaius pushed his way through. He was in his armor which had been polished to a high shine. He marched forward and stopped at the foot of the stairs which led to the dais where my throne was placed. He knelt down and bowed his head.

"Rise, Legate," I said with respect. Whatever was going on, he was being extremely formal and I wanted to reflect that in how I addressed him.

Malpaius stood and moved to parade rest, "Caesaris. Thank you for allowing me this audience."

I bowed my head to him, "When my Legate requests a formal audience, I take note. You understand you could simply come to me with whatever it is you wished to speak about, yes?"

"I understand, Caesaris," Malpaius replied. "But some things require a certain formality. I have something for you that your grandfather believes is now necessary. I would like to present it to you."

"Called it," Jeff smirked.

T'Preea elbowed Jeff in the ribs, "You're ruining the moment!"

Jeff doubled over and nodded, "Right. Sorry."

I waited for the minor interruption to quiet down before replying to Malpaius, "If my grandfather thought I was in need of something, why didn't he simply tell me himself?"

"Because it was my suggestion, Caesaris," Malpaius replied. "He simply agreed with me. So I've been taking time to prepare the gift for you."

I canted my head to the side curiously, "You intrigue me, Malpaius. Alright, then, let's see this gift."

Malpaius bowed his head and turned back to the entrance, "Enter!"

I watched as the tent flaps were pulled aside and ten men in uniform power armor stylized in Roman fashion marched in tight, synchronous formation up to the dais before coming to a uniform halt.

Malpaius motioned to the men, "These are the ten finest soldiers in the Legion, Caesaris. They have proven themselves in every battle we've fought over the past five years. They have been tried and tested one hundred times over and their loyalty is without question. They are your new Praetorian Guard."

I looked down at the men with keen interest. Praetorian Guard were elite soldiers, with their only true peers being other members of the Guard. If this were true, and I had no reason to doubt Malpaius' words, it would mean that he'd just given me a handful of the best fighters in the country.

I smirked at Malpaius, "I have a question for you, Legate."

Malpaius bowed his head as he turned to face me, "I will do my best to answer you, Caesaris."

"You said you picked ten of the Legion's finest soldiers," I smiled. "Are you saying Meirune isn't one of our finest soldiers?"

Malpaius stared at me, then looked at Meirune, "Meirune is a formidable asset to the Legion, Caesaris. I will not deny that. But he and his pack have a different purpose. They are powerful frontline soldiers with many different advantages that we cannot afford to hold in reserve. Meaning no offense to him, of course, but the Praetorian Guard is made up of human soldiers who have proven themselves capable and loyal."

"May I speak, Caesaris?" one of the Praetorians asked.

I turned to the group of soldiers, "Step forward."

One of the men at the front of the formation stepped forward.

"What is your name?" I asked.

"I am Eric Daniels, Caesaris," he replied as he put his fist to his heart in a salute.

"What would you like to say, Mister Daniels?" I smiled and placed my elbow on the arm of the throne and set my head on my fist.

Eric pointed at Meirune, "We've all acknowledged that Meirune and his deathclaws are superior melee combatants. Meirune has protected you personally for many years now, none of us deny that. He is already your personal guard. However, we Praetorians are better all-round fighters than the deathclaws. We have a versatility that the deathclaws simply cannot offer. And in the case of an emergency, you will need soldiers like us that can respond to any threat that presents itself."

"Well spoken, Mister Daniels," I said, nodding. I looked over to the side, "What do you say to his estimation, Meirune? Are the humans more versatile soldiers?"

Meirune chuckled and stood up to his full height, easily more than twice the size of Eric even in his power armor, "I would say he has the right of it. Deathclaws aren't very good at stealth, and we're all but incapable at precise ranged combat. We excel in up-close combat, and are worth a few dozen human soldiers each."

"And even then, the humans would need to be well-armed," Eric nodded in agreement.

"Just so," Meirune hummed. "I believe the Legate's gift is a wise one. We've grown in numbers, and we will eventually have to fight against well armed forces who will not submit to your rule. Having a group of elite guards will protect you from threats deathclaws aren't prepared to guard you against."

I considered what they'd said in silence, contemplating the idea. I'd had a personal guard in Thedas, of course. They were loyal and devoted, but they also shadowed me everywhere. It was only at the start and end of the day that I wasn't around them. There was one question that needed to be answered before that, though.

"Malpaius," I called out.

"Yes, Caesaris?" he replied.

"There is an important matter that needs to be cleared up before I agree to accept these men as my Praetorian Guard," I said, my voice authoritative and stern.

Malpaius noted the change in my voice and raised his chin to look at me carefully, "What matter is that, Caesaris?"

I pointed at him to explain that he'd hit the topic without realizing it, "That right there. I am the Caesaris of this part of the Legion. My grandfather is Caesar. The Legion is here to allow me the chance to prove that my way is superior. That I can lead just as well, if not better, than the Caesar."

Malpaius nodded slowly, "Yes, Caesaris. That is true."

"In your estimation, how do you think I've done?" I asked pointedly.

Malpaius offered a light smile, "Better than I thought you would have. Your methods have proven to be more effective than I imagined. Your grandfather's way has kept the peace in the west better than most. Your way doesn't simply keep the peace, but it allows those under your rule to thrive peacefully."

"And so we come to the crux of it," I said. "Tell me truthfully, Malpaius; am I the better leader between myself and my grandfather?"

Malpaius stared at me. He understood the consequences of the answer he would give. He also understood the position I was putting him in. While I would have preferred not to do it, getting the truth from him here and now was the best opportunity I would have before we linked up with Caesar's forces.

"Truth be told, Caesaris, it was hard for me to admit it to myself," Malpaius began diplomatically. "I have seen how your grandfather conquered his territory. It was brutal at first, but it was effective and kept the peace over the long term. Not everyone's lives were perfect, but his territory was stable."

"But?" Serena insisted.

Malpaius' eyes cut to Serena, then back to me, "But… he conquers without consideration of what those he conquers can provide to him beyond resources and manpower. He is not a diplomat, and does not treat with those who might oppose him beyond accepting their surrender. His territories aren't as efficient or prosperous even with the people he enslaves. And his military does not have the versatility or firepower that yours does thanks to your willingness to incorporate new allies into your ranks."

"In short, Caesaris, I believe you are the better leader," he finished, though admitting it seemed to cause him some discomfort.

I stood from the throne and placed my hands behind my back. I stared down at Malpaius, "And when the time comes to compare our methods, will you say the same thing to my grandfather?"

The Legate took a long, deep breath before nodding, "I will, Caesaris."

"Does my grandfather seem like the type of man to give up his power, even in the face of a person who would do his duty better?" I asked directly.

"He does not…" Malpaius reluctantly admitted.

I nodded softly, already knowing the answer, "And when we finally meet with him and compare our territories, and he tells me that my way is superior, but the Legion will continue on as it has until he can no longer rule… What then?"

Malpaius was silent for several moments, "I'm not sure I understand the question."

"Don't act stupid, Malpaius. You're not stupid," I snapped. "In fact, you remind me of my brother before I came to this world. Like him, you are stern, discerning, skeptical, calculating, and dedicated to the people he's charged with protecting. So, I ask again, if my grandfather refuses to give up his power even when he sees that I'm the better ruler; what then?"

"In that case, Caesaris," Malpaius said as he looked directly at me, "I believe it would be every Legionaire's responsibility to back you as the new leader of the Legion."

I turned and looked at Eric, "And what about you, Mister Daniels? What do you and your Praetorians believe?"

"We were chosen to protect you, Caesaris," Eric replied. "We have done all we can to earn the honor to stand at your side. If the Caesar does not see the wisdom in allowing you to lead the Legion to a better future, we will fight to give you command."

"Even if that means killing your fellow Legion members?" I pressed.

"If that is what it requires," Eric nodded.

I looked at Malpaius and smiled, "I gladly accept your gift, Legate. And as thanks, I will have a new set of armor made for you."

Malpaius bowed his head, "You are too kind, Caesaris."

"I also have a task for you," I added.

"Name your desire, Caesaris, and see it done," Malpaius assured me.

"I want you to ask the same thing of our soldiers," I said as I stepped down from the dais. "I want to know if our men will fight for me or if they will choose my grandfather. I want to know how many of our Legionnaires are loyal to me, and how many I can expect to lose when the time comes."

Malpaius nodded, "I will do my best, Caesaris."

I looked at Eric, "The Praetorians will be quartered with us on the Prydwen. As far as you are concerned, Mister Daniels, I would like you to remove your helmet and kneel."

Eric knelt down and removed his helmet to reveal a handsome young man who couldn't have been more than a few years older than I was. He had chiseled features, a strong jawline, and high cheekbones that gave him an air of nobility and confidence. He had long, wavy black hair that framed his face. His dark brown eyes were locked to mine and I couldn't help but blush. I expected him to look like most every other Wastelander, but his more classic features took me by surprise.

I cleared my throat, regained my composure, and placed my hand on his shoulder, "Eric Daniels, I name you Praetorian Prefect. You are charged with my protection, the enforcement of my laws, and ensuring the readiness of the Praetorian Guard. You will keep my counsel and obey my commands."

Eric bowed his head, "I gladly accept this honor, Caesaris. If, by my life or my death, I can serve you, I will."

"Then rise, Prefect," I commanded. "Take command of your unit."

"By your leave, Caesaris," Eric replied. He stood and put his helmet back on. Turning, he looked to the others, "Praetorians! Take your positions!"

The other Praetorians barked their acknowledgement and placed themselves around the dais; three to the left, three to the right, and three in front.

I climbed the dais once more and took a seat with my new Prefect to my left. I looked down at Malpaius, "Legate, I must again thank you for your gift. It proves your dedication to me and our cause in a way words cannot. Always be assured of my good favor and our friendship."

Malpaius bowed, "Thank you for the audience, Caesaris. Are you prepared to receive further petitioners?"

I nodded, "Show them in."

I spent the next few hours speaking with locals who had come to petition the Legion for help, supplies, or to propose plans for different projects. The Praetorians remained still, never budging, never making a sound, and ever vigilant. After that was finished, the Praetorians escorted the leadership back to the Prydwen where we discussed everything that had been decided during the petitions. Plans were drawn up and each member of the leadership was tasked to different items.

A pair of officer's quarters were moved so that the Praetorian Guard could take up residence in them. Eric was given the quarters next to mine, while the others took up the quarters next to his. They were housed there so that they could always be near me should anything happen. Exactly what I was hesitant about.

Still, I couldn't complain since Eric and I seemed to get along so well. Over the next few months, he proved to be just as much of a friend as he was a loyal protector. There was something familiar about him that I couldn't place my finger on, but he seemed to understand the weight of the things I said, like somehow he knew there was more to my age and experience than I let on.

It was good to have someone who at least seemed to understand that who wasn't among the Fated. He spoke to me with empathy and sympathy, not just understanding. It was nice to speak with people who understood, but sometimes I just wanted someone who would listen and comfort me. The other Fated knew what I was talking about and how I felt. Eric could only empathize.

It felt good to be someone's priority for once beyond the requirements of my station.