by T. C. Edge
His eyes fell straight to Vesper, whimpering and weeping on the floor.
"Vesper has committed crimes too innumerable to mention. By the very rules she designed, she must be put to death. If you think it heartless for me to condone such an act against my own mother, remember her words as she spoke to you from this very spot. 'He is no son of mine'. That is what she said. And truly, she is right."
He lifted his hand, and sent his eyes to Kira.
"Please, Kira, would you do the honours."
Kira drew a knife and wicked smile.
"Gladly," she said.
And grabbing Vesper's hair, she tugged her head back as Jaeger had so recently done with her. She set the knife to her throat, and waited for the final command.
Dom took a last look at his mother, shut his eyes, and dropped his hand.
And Kira did the rest.
123
Dom didn't treat his mother's body as she might have done his. He didn't order for her to be split and divided as Rufus had been, displayed around the city as some warning to those who might oppose him.
He returned her to the palace, setting her to rest in the royal crypts, where he could grieve the mother he lost. Her death now expelled the demon from her mind. He imagined her now only as she was, before the madness took her, when she was his mother, and he her son. It was the only way he wished to think of her. What she had become wasn't the woman he knew.
The palace would now become his home, and Lucius' too. Things would change, of course, not least Dom's revulsion of the place. He'd grown to hate the hallowed halls he'd once loved. Now, to best serve the city, he had to turn that hate to love once more.
That fateful Sunday that ended the games, not only for that year, but for good, also ended the uprising in Southside. Lucius was quick to withdraw his support, calling for his mercenaries to depart and disband. Dom did the same with his own people, Claudius making the arrangements, while Ares commanded for the Imperial Guards to step down too.
What was left was a partial wreck, much of Southside smoking from the recent conflict. It would be Dom and Lucius' first priority to ensure it was rebuilt, with particular attention given to the swamps to return them to a state of living that the poor could abide. Food would be brought, and medicine too. The streets would be kept clean, and disease would be swept away. The crime that had blossomed would be crushed by greater policing, with criminals punished under new guidelines and laws that would see the method of payment fit the crime.
The days of seeing bodies swinging from arches by their necks, and heads adorning spikes, were over. No longer should the people fear their thoughts, or worry that a word spoken out against the city rulers might lead to their death. Fairness would now rule under the guidance of the two young men who called themselves joint Emperors, sitting side by side within the throne room and turning their minds to all the troubles the city had seen.
The games themselves were to be ended, Jaeger the final gladiator to perish upon the sand, and Vesper the final person. It was a fitting conclusion, ushering in a new period for the city of Neorome, one of tolerance and friendship, with the arena set to be shut and refurbished, used for less barbaric methods of entertainment.
Dom and Lucius would no doubt quarrel and disagree over certain issues, with Lucius, perhaps against his better judgement, preferring to modernise like his father before him, and Dom rather more interested in tradition and old values. Like his mother.
The influence, perhaps, of the two cruel parents would live on through their children in certain ways. Yet a compromise would be met, and the city would seek to stretch out its stride, moving forward without losing sight of its roots and what made it so great.
The years of Vesper's rule would become a cautionary tale, and Dom would always seek to remind himself of the perils of the gifts that lay in his mind. His reluctance to follow in his mother's footsteps had been brought about by her mania, by the corruption of power as he saw it. As both he and Lucius had similar gifts of telepathy, and powerful minds, he remained concerned that, one day, they may follow in the same path.
Yet, by sharing the rule of the city, they'd share the power too. And the terrible years the city had endured would always be a reminder of the risks that their office held. Vesper had been a sole proprietor here, and had relied almost solely on her own council. Dom and Lucius wouldn't make the same mistake, calling upon the aid of trusted advisors to ensure that any decisions made would be based off of strong, sturdy debate, and a commitment to compromise if called for.
To that end, Claudius would continue in his role, and Ares would too. Lucius would bring in his own chief advisor from his ludus, which, like Dom's and all the others, was to be shut down. The schools for gladiators would, as with the arena, serve new purposes, turned to training grounds for other endeavours, or simply used as residences for certain, special people.
Dom's villa itself would remain with friends. After the games, he chose to sign it off to a dear friend who would, he assured him, come and go when he pleased. He'd landed his hand on the old man's shoulder the very night the games ended, and the city changed forever, as he returned to the villa to celebrate and remember.
"Merk," he said, as his nearest and dearest gathered for a party, "you have done more for this city than I ever could. It won't be possible for me to ever reward you enough, but let me start by saying this - this villa is yours. When I move to the palace, you can have the keys."
He'd heard by that stage of Merk's part in it all, in discovering Polus' whereabouts, and helping persuade him to return home. It was the knife edge upon which everything balanced, and Polus' appearance had been the defining factor. His ability to enhance Finn, to draw the full potential from the boy, and to return Ares to the man he was, had led to Vesper's defeat. After all he'd been doing to try to stage his coup, at the end of it all, Dom's participation had been to do nothing but watch. And Merk, the simple soul who so loved the sea, had been the one to help save them all.
So when Dom spoke to Merk that night, and thanked him for all he'd done, and bestowed upon him the gift of the villa, the old man couldn't help but weep. Yet the greatest gift of all, as determined by his foolish sentimentality, was when Dom took him into a hug, a full and true embrace.
Merk could have died at that moment, so joyous was he. His eyes watered, and he lowered his head into a faithful, reverential bow.
"You honour me, my Emperor," he whispered, clinging to the last shreds of his composure.
Dom beamed brightly.
"For heaven's sake, Merk, would you please just call me Dom!"
The men laughed together that night, as did so many others. Dom had similar thanks to give elsewhere. To Polus, to Finn, to Gwyn. If Merk was the catalyst to start it all off, Polus himself had been the reaction, combustible and powerful, and then setting light to Finn. They were a team, and had been essential to the triumph.
Polus, unlocking Finn's inner strength, had allowed them to reach the arena unhindered and undetected. Only Finn could have so easily dismissed the Imperial Guards from the gallery. Only Finn could have held Ares in place long enough for Polus to work his magic. And only the legendary telepath himself could have stripped away all the filth in Ares' mind, leaving him to join their ranks, and turn on the woman who had subjugated him for so long.
And Gwyn? Well, she'd rushed down to save Kira's life, just when Jaeger was about to take it. For that, Dom would be ever thankful.
She'd saved the girl he loved.
So Dom gave them gifts too, asking them what they truly desired. He'd give them anything. Whatever they could imagine was theirs.
It was to no surprise at all that they wished only to return home.
"My mother," croaked Gwyn. "She must be so worried. I want to go home. Nothing more."
Dom smiled.
"Of course," he said. "Is there nothing else?"
Gwyn considered it a moment.
"Can you persuade Kira to come with me?" she asked with a swe
et grin. "I think I'll miss her too much."
Dom felt a dull throb in his heart. He'd spent little time with Kira that evening, though the brief moments they'd shared hadn't involved much talking at all. The idea of her leaving to return home was painful. Despite it all, the thought left him empty.
Dom didn't give an answer to the request. All he said was, "So will I."
When he spoke with Finn, he got the same wish. The boy wanted for nothing but to go home to his village, and to his daughter, Dana. It was clear that his mind was turning straight back to her. Dom knew the world to be a dangerous place, and over such a long time away from home, anything might have happened.
"I'll get you home immediately," Dom assured him. "All of you can return as soon as you wish. Tomorrow, I can outfit the fastest boat at my disposal and set you on your way. You'll be back in no time, Finn. I'm sure your village is fine."
Finn nodded solemnly and drifted away, seeking his own company that night. Dom knew full well that his crimes against him and Gwyn were not to be forgotten. He understood, and retained the feeling of shame that would likely never leave him. Whatever he did from here, no matter how much positive change he made, he couldn't erase his past. He could only look back and learn, and teach others to be better.
His brother Julius would be among them.
So the night went, Dom thanking all those who'd saved the city, who'd done so much more than he had himself. Polus asked only to be allowed freedom to live his life as he wished, with Cicero by his side.
"I have lived in many guises, Domitian," he said. "I've been an outlaw, a gladiator, a captive, an exile, a hermit, and now, possibly, a saviour. I don't like to define myself by strict boundaries, nor do I wish to serve in any capacity that will curtail my freedom. If you will permit it, I should like to come and go to this city as the need arises. To return to my woods, and to this villa, when I desire. To offer my support, if you need it, but never be forced into such a thing. I have lived beneath the whip, and the whistling trees. I prefer the freedom of the latter."
He smiled a charming grin, and Dom found himself lost momentarily in his astonishing eyes. It took him a second to realise he'd stopped speaking. He gathered up his faculties, coughed, and spoke,
"Polus, of course you can do as you please. Return to your woods, and this villa, whenever you see fit. I'm positive Merk will appreciate the company, though you'd better sign off with him first. And any advice or support you might give, whenever you choose to give it, will be most gratefully received. You are a legend, my friend, and more than live up to it. These events will only strengthen your name."
Dom wished Polus all the best, and together they spoke with Merk. The old caretaker appeared over the moon with the decision, delighted to hear that Polus and Cicero may visit him, even stay with him for extended periods.
Yet Merk's soul remained torn, as Polus' did. The great telepath had lived for so long in the woods, he could never be too long from their comforting embrace. The forest was part of him now, much like the sea was for Merk. And he knew he needed to return to the waves, to spend some time back on the open ocean, away from the noise and bustle.
Things were set to change for Merk, no doubt. Much of his love for his time at sea was down to his service to Dom. And much of his hatred for returning home was having to leave his master's side, and re-enter the squalor of Southside near the swamps.
Now, the world had changed. Merk could live here, in this beautiful place. He'd even been told that Silia would stay, her vivacity ever reminding Merk of his daughter. He could see Dom regularly, even serve him still if he desired. His circumstances had changed to a degree he couldn't quite fathom, and yet the lure of the endless water still held a great degree of importance to him.
So, he put it past his master, asking to be given the same allowance as Polus. To be able to go to Ostia, to visit the ocean, when he desired.
Dom pinched a friendly frown.
"My goodness, Merk, you never need to request such a thing from me. You are a saviour of Neorome, my dear friend. You can do anything you please."
And then, seeing Finn, Gwyn, and Kira huddled in conversation across the room, Dom had a thought. One that brought both joy and pain, battling for dominion in his heart.
"In fact," he said. "If you wish it, you can do me a final commission."
"Anything, my Emperor," said Merk immediately, stiffening his posture.
Dom turned the old man to look upon the three young gladiators.
"You can return them all home, to where they belong."
124
The carriage swept through the hills, rumbling along the wide roads leading south. Alongside, a dozen guards trotted on their magnificent steeds, the air turning salty as they went, the scent of the sea brought in by the tidal breeze.
The curtain fluttered, picked up by the wind, and the sunlight came crafting down through the opening, lighting up the space within. Kira sat, gazing at the view, Finn to one side of her and Gwyn on the other. All had their eyes to the rolling lands, the vineyards, the dotted trees that peppered the landscape. Yet only two were smiling wide. The other was conflicted.
Opposite, on the bench ahead, Dom's eyes also turned to the view. And beside him, Merk looked out, sniffing the air, his face bunching into a grin. It was impossible, really, to not grow enamoured by the natural beauty, the gentle sounds and rustic scents. The world, after the endless bustle of Neorome, held a peaceful quality, this stretch of land between Neorome and Ostia always a favourite among travellers and merchants.
It lasted a time, and the gathering in the carriage sat in silence as they drew closer to the coastal town, already sure to be busy as the morning markets came into bloom. Kira, gazing out, wished to gaze in. She wanted to turn her eyes to Dom, to be alone with him again. Yet the idea was too painful, too raw. And while she tried to grow excited about returning home, that thrill would have to wait. Right now, her mind was centred only on the previous night, when she'd shared Dom's bed in the villa after the party, her time in Neorome quickly determined to have come to an end.
Despite her ever-nagging need to find out what was happening back home, she wished only to stay a little longer. To remain with Dom for a few days at least. To be happy with him, with all their burdens now cast off, before venturing back over the ocean.
Yet it wasn't her decision alone, and Gwyn and Finn wanted only to be returned as soon as they could. She didn't argue, or try to persuade them otherwise. She merely nodded her consent, and took what time she could with Dom alone that night, retreating to his chambers with a bottle of wine and a desire to make the most of what little time they had.
In the end, perhaps it was best. The speed at which they'd fallen for each other, amid such dire circumstances, suggested it would be better to break things off now. To sever their bond before it grew too strong, so he could turn his mind to ruling, and she could turn hers to her war. It was the right thing, they knew, to be parting at this time. And yet it hurt, far worse than Kira expected.
After all, she'd never felt this way about a man. Her life hadn't allowed for relationships, and she'd stolen one here that was only ever doomed. It was a house built on sand, beautifully constructed and yet set to be swept away by the incoming, inevitable tide. Such was her life. Ties like this were not permitted, or so she told herself. They only led to weakness.
And right now, she felt as weak as she ever had.
So the carriage rolled along, working towards Ostia as the guards began corralling the curious, gathering crowds. Word had spread immediately from the city of the events of the previous day, and each individual within the carriage was more famous than the next.
A pathway was made, heading right beside the main market and making for the docks. Those working there stopped in their duties and stared. An odd hush seemed to take hold, leaving behind only the natural sounds of the world: creaking boats on the docks, bumping against their moors; gulls cawing as they drifted across the blue sky; the gentle lappin
g of water as it splashed against the piers.
All else, all chattering and the noise of men at work, ceased. And within that eerie setting, Dom stepped from the carriage, and led his friends down the long pier towards its end, giving them some space from the gawping throng.
There, awaiting them, was a fine, sleek boat. It was highly unlike the one they'd come here on, built not for extended adventures and explorations, but for swift journeys across the ocean.
"It's rather more luxurious inside than the last one," smiled Dom, trying to make light of it all.
Such was Finn and Gwyn's excitement that they smiled and laughed. Gwyn even gave Dom a hug, and Finn took his hand into a hearty shake.
"I hope you find your mother well," said Dom to Gwyn as they embraced. "You've got quite the tale to tell her.”
She skipped away into the boat as Finn took Dom's hand.
"Thank you for this," Finn said. "You are a man of your word."
"That means a lot, Finn," returned Dom. "You'll be with your daughter in no time at all. And your village...well, they have quite a remarkable individual protecting them now."
Finn departed, that astounding aura of his still quite something to behold.
"I should get him to come with me to Haven," Kira said, stepping into the breach. "A power like that could do absolute wonders."
They smiled awkwardly at each other, as two people struggling to say goodbye. Merk, thankfully, was there to break the tension. He'd been speaking with the captain of the ship, setting straight a few things.
He stepped towards them.
"Sir, the captain says they're ready to go. There's some tricky weather coming in that he wants to avoid."
Dom nodded.
"Thank you, Merk. Yes, you'd best get going, I don't want to keep you. I'll see you soon, back at the villa."
"Of course," nodded Merk hurriedly. "I'll very much look forward to it."