by T. A. Uner
Once he explained his detailed plan to Afaa, his teacher had given his consent for him to build up their forces. But Serpentus knew he would eventually have to acquiesce with his teacher’s plans. After all, he too desired the power of the Door. Along with Caligula’s support, four cohorts had been assigned to Serpentus, plus several naval vessels that would be lead by his new flagship, Sea Viper.
On June 10th, Drusilla died, leaving Caligula devastated. Despite Serpentus’ promise to prevent her death, she had succumbed to the fever. Caligula had her deified, and a period of mourning was declared. Serpentus utilized the Converto spell to keep the mentally unstable Emperor under his influence until he outlived his usefulness.
Maelstrom’s reports grew alarming. The Erebus Demon had learned that the potion mistress Artia Bellovaci was on the verge of destroying the Door. Soon they would need to make a play for it, or lose it forever.
One day while practicing his swordplay with Kronus in the palace courtyard, a Raven appeared and landed near Serpentus. It began cawing at him. Serpentus cast the Loquor spell and the cawing soon became intelligible.
“I have news which may interest you,” the raven said.
“Let us hear it.”
“Your mercenaries have engaged The Leopard King and his allies.”
“Were they successful?”
“No,” the Raven said before stretching out its wings and scratching itself with its beak. “But they are regrouping. Tiranus Wolfsbane has recruited two of them into his forces.”
It doesn’t matter, Serpentus thought. I shall have to lure The Leopard King to me. The situation has forced me to do so.
“Anything else to report?”
“One of the mercenaries is dead. The one calling himself ‘The Minotaur'.”
Serpentus nodded. “Very well, report back to me when you have learned more.”
The raven nodded and flew off into the sky.
Maelstrom appeared in front of Serpentus, his red eyes looked inflamed. “Lord Serpentus, I do not see why you choose to use those feathered creatures to obtain information. I am more than capable of scouting the movements of the Leopard King. Faster too.”
“Jealous, Maelstrom?” Serpentus said while the Five Fists laughed. They were watching the sword exercises nearby, and polishing the new weapons Spikeskull had made for them.
“Well, my Liege, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t.”
Serpentus turned away from the Erebus Demon. “I have need of your services here if you must know. I need someone who can spy on that warehouse undetected, and keep me updated on that potion mistress’s actions.”
“Of course,” Maelstrom replied respectfully. “I exist to serve.”
Afaa appeared before Serpentus. “It issss time, Serpentussss.”
“Time for what, Teacher?” Serpentus asked.
“We have waited enough. It is time to seize the Door!”
“With your permission, I would like to head to the warehouse,” Maelstrom said.
Serpentus nodded and the Erebus Demon dispersed.
Serpentus turned to face Afaa. “Very well, Teacher. Let us take back what is rightfully ours.”
{III}
Artia closed her tome and took a deep breath. It had taken some time but she finally had the materials necessary to destroy the Door. She had gathered and started cooking them. Inside Yeshiva’s warehouse, they smelled like cinder. She was happy that once the compounds were fully cooked she would put an end to the Door threat.
“When will it be ready?” Vulcan asked.
Artia smiled at him. “Within the hour, then we can dissolve the Door, piece by piece.”
“Lord Serpentus would not like that.”
Artia looked around, as did Vulcan. “Who said that?”
The hair on her arms bristled before a pair of red eyes emerged before her. A shadowy body formed beneath it, resembling some kind of creature she had read about, long ago.
“It cannot be,” Artia said.
“But it is,” the shadow replied.
The door burst open and Artia turned around to see Yeshiva. Behind him were a group of rough-looking characters, heavily armed. A group of Roman legionaries poured into the room, swords drawn. Vulcan and Gansu went for their weapons.
“I would not put up a fight,” said a voice. The soldiers stepped aside to make room for a tall man in strange-looking armor. His helm was shaped like the head of a serpent while a long black cape hung from his back. An old man with olive skin and a turban was at his side. The old man inspected the cooking compound and scowled.
“I am afraid I cannot allow you to complete your task,” he told Artia.
“What is the meaning of this?” Artia said. “You have no right to violate the confines of this warehouse.”
The caped man with the serpent helm approached her. “But we do, you see I cannot allow the Door to be destroyed.”
“Who are you?”
“I am Serpentus, a Snake Lord.”
“That’s impossible, the Serpent Cult was defeated, and the Cultists all tried and executed.”
“Some of ussss survived,” the olive-skinned man said before he eyed the compound again. He closed his eyes and Artia watched as ripples of red energy rose from the man’s fingertips, before absorbing her work. She tried to stop him but Serpentus grabbed her by the shoulders and restrained her. His hands were like iron shackles. Vulcan tried to help her but two Legionaries restrained him.
“Is it done?” Serpentus asked the man.
“Yes.” The olive-skinned man smiled as the last of the compounds were destroyed.
“Now the Door issss safe.”
“What you’re doing is wrong!” Artia said. “That Door is evil, it was disassembled for a reason.”
“We plan on using it,” Serpentus said. “And we thank you for watching over our property.”
A large man approached Serpentus. “We found another one, Lord Serpentus, he tried attacking my men.” Artia saw Masego being led into the room. His wrists were restrained with thick rope.
“Take him and the others two back to my warship, Kronus,” Serpentus said. “They have a long journey ahead of them. But make sure they are not harmed. They are part of my plan.”
“What about the girl?” Kronus asked.
“Leave her to me.”
Kronus nodded and four other men took Vulcan, Gansu and Masego into custody before frog-marching them out of the room.
“Now, my dear, let us pay the Door a visit.”
Downstairs the Legionaries broke open the closet door and Afaa inspected the disassembled pieces. The old man’s eyes lit up after two Legionaries uncovered larger sections of the Door. Artia stared at the black Demonsteel covered with carvings. She felt a chill descend upon the room, no doubt the work of the Door’s power.
“Is it all there?” Serpentus asked the old man.
“Yes, but it will take time to assemble.”
Serpentus turned toward the Centurion. “Have your men load these pieces onto my warship. We are taking it with us.”
The Centurion nodded began barking orders to his men.
“Where are you taking the Door?” Artia asked.
“That is of no concern to you my dear, but I suggest you worry about your own fate.”
“There are still good men left who will oppose you,” Artia said.
“If you are referring to The Leopard King and his allies, I have a little surprise planned for them.”
{IV}
After the Wolfguard had been repelled, everyone spent the next few days repairing damage inflicted on the stead. They also burned the corpses of their opponents. The smell of burning flesh and bones drifted across the air, and reminded Tullus of the aftermath of his battle with Camus Scorpio’s footmen last year.
With the exception of Caltus, everyone felt apprehensive concerning the attacks that had targeted Tullus. Hradack most of all, who had sent Aurumax out to scout the area from above, in case another aggressive force was m
oving toward them.
Inside his lavish study, Hradack sat behind his desk as Mithras slept at his feet.
“Aurumax reports there has been an increased activity of Ravens in the area.”
Tullus nodded as he sat on a padded couch stroking Celestra’s back. The soft fur of her rosette-laden hide eased his nerves as they tried to piece together the mystery of the attacks. Across from him sat Caltus. They were playing a game of Strategus, an old strategy board game once played by the Air Paladins. Caltus moved his piece forward.
“My Priest takes your Griffin,” Caltus said with a sly smile.
“I told you he was an excellent player, Tullus,” Hradack said.
Celestra shook her head ruefully, while Tullus pondered his next move.
“Too good I’m afraid.” He turned his attention towards Hradack. “Do you think the Ravens are related to the attacks against me?”
Mithras awoke slowly before licking his fur.
Hradack nodded. “Ravens once served as messengers for Cultists and Snake Lords. But it has been a long time since they were this organized, and in large numbers.”
“But I thought you said the Air Paladins had defeated the Serpent Cult?”
Hradack scratched his beard and straightened himself. “Aye, but if you recall I also said that one of the Cultists, the one who helped Augustus defeat the Paladins, had survived.”
Tullus sighed. “I hate being in this situation. I cannot leave as it is too dangerous, yet if I stay I endanger everyone here.”
“Turn your hate into something positive so the world may benefit from it.” The old Leopard Master chuckled. “Let them come; we’re more than a match for them.” He stood up and limped over to a wooden cabinet and retracting an old scroll. He handed it to Tullus. “Study these Fortis Spells.”
Tullus unrolled the parchment and stared at the Latin words inscribed upon it. “These are Fortis Five spells. But I still haven’t mastered Fortis Four.”
“Learn what you can, my boy. I admit I did not want to rush your training, but the situation has changed.”
Tullus ran his finger down the list. “I’ll get started immediately.”
“Take it slow. Try to learn one spell from each level then you…”
“But we haven’t finished our game yet, Tullus!” Caltus interjected.
Tullus looked at Hradack, who for some reason was rubbing his wooden staff’s head against his temple.
“Is something wrong, Hradack?”
Celestra also eyed Hradack intently. Mithras stirred from his spot and growled.
“I sense something,” the Leopard Master said.
“What?”
“A cold presence.”
“Right you are Leopard Master.”
An image formed in the middle of Hradack’s study. Translucent at first, it slowly solidified into a humanoid figure.”
“Someone is casting the Videor spell,” Hradack said.
The image took shape. It was a man in strange armor. The upper part of his face concealed in shadow, revealing only the tip of his nose and outline of mouth. “The great Hradack, I presume?”
“Who are you?” Hradack asked before Mithras growled at the specter.
“I am Serpentus,” the image replied, “and I come bearing a message for The Leopard King.”
Tullus slipped on his Leopard print scarf and pulled his pelt over his head. He stepped before the image.
The image of Serpentus smiled at him. “We meet again.”
“How did you find me?” Tullus asked.
“The power of Serpent Eye is omnipotent, besides, I trust you’ve been acquainted with my henchmen. Pity they haven’t been able to capture you. But I’ll soon remedy that.”
“So you have been targeting me….why?”
“I have a debt to settle with you.”
Serpentus’ image faded and was replaced by a young woman’s. It looked like…
“Anna?”
The woman shook her head. “I’m Anna’s sister, Artia. I would’ve liked to have met you under better conditions but he has the Door…and is planning to use it.”
Artia’s image faded and Serpentus returned. “She is correct. If you wish to see her and your other friends alive again, come to Capri. I shall be waiting for you there.” The image faded.
Hradack shot Tullus a worried glance. “You mustn’t go Tullus.”
Tullus removed his Leopard print scarf and pelt. “You can’t be serious.”
“I am. We still have much work to do here.”
“Now I know what those visions meant. They were warning me of this.”
“Who is this Serpentus, Tullus?”
“Gods be damned if I know!” Tullus paced the room while Celestra and Hradack watched. “I cannot let this Serpentus use the Door.”
“No we cannot…but let us formulate and plan, then we’ll be better suited to face him.”
“You heard what Serpent said. I have to leave, my friends are in danger.”
Hradack’s expression became somber. “Remember Zedion Firmitas? Years ago, after the Serpent Cult was defeated, he made a serious mistake, the result of a rushed decision. It started a chain reaction which led to the destruction of the Air Paladins.”
“I don’t plan on getting destroyed.”
He motioned for Celestra. She growled and strolled toward him.
“Tullus, please…stay.”
Tullus sighed and turned to face the Leopard Master. “I’m sorry Hradack, but I’ve made up my mind. I’m going after Serpentus.”
{V}
Eliana knew Myrrdin did not like her idea, but it was their only chance.
“Even if I could get near Caligula,” Myrrdin said, “I would run the risk of betraying us. They could capture me and learn about our entire movement. I could never live with myself if I was the instrument of our demise.”
“Our options appear limited,” Eliana said. Despite it being late spring, the inside of the Lupercal cave was frigid. She felt her skin prickle and wrapped her stolla around her tightly.
Lorien said, “Eliana is correct, Myrrdin. If you cannot stop this Afaa’s stranglehold on Caligula, more of our people will suffer persecution.”
“I remember this Afaa,” Myrrdin said. “He was a Cultist in the old days.”
“Then he must be stopped,” Lorien said.
“Even if I could get hold of Caligula’s thoughts, there is still no guarantee I can break Afaa’s hold. But I will do what I can.”
Eliana and Lorien both smiled at Myrrdin.
“We best get started,” Eliana said. Arsis arrived, torch in hand, his figure casting an elongated shadow against the cave wall. “Did I arrive at the right time?”
Eliana nodded. “We’re taking Myrrdin into the palace.”
Arisis’s eyes widened. “A bit dangerous, don’t you think?”
“Yes but your presence should detract any suspicion from us. Let’s go,” Eliana said. Myrrdin and Lorien fell in behind her. Arsis guided them out of the cave before they eventually reached the palace gates. The guards, recognizing Arsis, let him pass. But they stopped Eliana.
“Who are you?” the first guard asked her.
“An attendant serving his Excellency.”
“And these others?”
“I work as one of the washers,” Lorien added. “The three of us are returning from a stroll.”
The guard approached Myrrdin. “And who is this fellow?”
Eliana felt her heartbeat pause for a few moments. If Myrrdin was discovered they would all be tortured and executed and their movement would end.
“I am here to read his Excellency’s fortunes,” Myrrdin said.
“An Augur?” the guard said disgustedly.
“Yes,” Myrrdin replied. “Shall I read your fortune?”
The Guard looked disturbed and shook his head. “No. I have no desire to upset Fortuna by detaining you here. Go!” He motioned for them to move along.
“That could’ve gone smoothe
r,” Arsis said.
“I never said this was going to be easy,” Eliana added.
They took Myrrdin inside the palace. It was silent and with the exception of an occasional guard patrol there was no activity.
“I’ll go to the kitchen and see if I can find some food to bring to Caligula’s room, Lorien said.”
Myrrdin nodded. “If you can get me near his room, I will be able to probe Caligula’s mind.”
“I must head back to the stables,” Arsis said. “I wish I could join you three but the four of us would attract too much attention.”
After exchanging farewells with the others, Arsis took his leave.
The palace corridors were lit by wall sconces, casting a gold hue along the walls. Eliana saw two burly guards standing watch at the door to Caligula’s entrance.
Since Drusilla’s death, the young Emperor had become withdrawn from his court, and hardly made any public appearances. Carrying food trays, they drew closer to the door before the German guards barred their way.
“What are you doing here, at this hour?” one of them asked in an accented voice.
Eliana pushed the trencher at the guard. “We are delivering an evening meal for his Excellency.”
“We were not alerted of this!”
“Very well, then we shall take the food back to the kitchen,” Eliana said. “I suppose his Excellency will have to go without his food this evening.
“Wait!” the guard said. “Alright! Take the food inside, but be quick about it.” The guard opened the door while his companion followed Eliana, Lorien and Myrrdin inside the bedroom. They were greeting by a decaying smell which reminded Eliana of fish and spoiled cheese. The bedroom looked like it had not been cleaned in weeks. Rolls of parchments lay scattered atop a corner table while a large glass mirror with a jagged crack hung above an ornate dresser. Caligula lay dormant in his bed. He looked a pale as a corpse.