The Leopard Vanguard

by T. A. Uner

  “A foolish mistake,” Eliana said. Slaves hurried into the atrium to see what the disturbance was all about.

  “I’ll teach you manners you insolent bitch.” Norbanus raised his arm and struck her with the back of his hand. She lost her balance. Her head started spinning before Norbanus landed a fist in her stomach. When her face struck the floor, a sharp pain jolted through her forehead.

  Above her she heard Norbanus laughing, as if watching a comedy. Her stomach throbbed as she slowly picked herself up from the floor. I won’t cry. I won’t give him the pleasure of seeing me in pain. I am of the Clodius brood. She reached for her hidden dagger, slowly sliding it out of its sheath while above her Norbanus’ laughter abated.

  “Are you ready to act more civilized toward your future husband?”

  Eliana wanted to laugh. He considers himself civilized? Perhaps that is why he feels the need to hit me.

  She felt his hands groping her as he pulled her toward him. Eliana clenched the cold hilt of her dagger. It felt good in her palm: like it belonged there. When she came face-to-face with him she noticed his hair was ruffled, while his bloodshot eyes scanned her fiercely.

  “Now, I will collect my kiss.”

  She struck like a cat. The dagger’s blade clawing his cheek until blood painted its blade. Norbanus howled in fury and released her before his hands instinctively clutched the spot where she had slashed him. A stream of blood oozed down his cheek while staining the front of his toga, and sousing his fingers. When Norbanus saw his own blood he shot Eliana a murderous glance, but before he could draw his short sword, she flashed her bloody blade at him.

  “If you ever try to kiss me again, I’ll cut off your lips.” Her heart pounded in her chest, and for a moment, she expected him to lash out at her again. He might even kill her. He was well within his right to do so. But he stood there, staring at her like a wounded elk would at a hunter. Three of his house slaves approached him, begging him to stand down so they could bandage his wound. Marta appeared and placed her arms around Eliana protectively before drawing her away.

  “Come now child,” Marta said. “Let us leave now while we still can.” The old woman tried prying the dagger from her fingers but Eliana’s grip tightened around its hilt.

  “This isn’t finished, bitch,” Norbanus said, before the house slaves escorted him out of the atrium; a trail of blood spots peppered the floor.

  As Marta guided her back to her room, Eliana had a noxious feeling Norbanus was right.

  Thirteen/Tredecim

  Decimus rode alongside his men and wondered what other surprises The Leopard King had waiting for him. For a barbarian who spent his time raiding convoys or evading pursuit, this man was an opponent who demanded respect. Decimus wondered how he had been tricked into allowing his opponent to cordon the road while they treated with one another. It’s my fault. I should have sent out more scouts. I let my overconfidence get the best of me, Decimus thought.

  Fortunately none of his men were killed or injured when the two giant trees crashed down in front of his host. The archers had launched a few arrows, for all the good it did–even before the trees had fully parted from their roots their quarry had disappeared.

  After that, Decimus’ men had wasted precious time trying to remove the two trees obstructing their path. Despite the delay, the men were in good spirits as they marched through the woods. This time Decimus ordered more scouts to precede the column.

  It wasn’t long before the scouts discovered an abandoned camp up ahead from the spot where they’d been bottled up by the felled trees. Decimus entered the camp flanked by Titus and four cavalrymen. After hobbling his horse he decided to inspect his surroundings on foot in order to conduct a thorough search…

  “Centurion Decimus, what are we looking for?” Titus asked, as they rummaged around the abandoned campsite.

  “Clues,” Decimus replied. “Everyone spread out and see what you can find.”

  The cavalrymen returned to their horses and circled the camp’s perimeter on horseback while Decimus and Titus scoured the camp on foot. Little remained: the campfire was a charred black splotch of earth and rocks, where an old kettle hung from a thick twig resting over two spoked tree branches. The smell of freshly extinguished wood indicated the rebels’ departure had been recent. Decimus found a mix of human and horse footprints leading away from the campsite. Right under my nose and I couldn’t catch them.

  “Sir, I think I found something,” one of the cavalrymen said. Decimus hurried over toward a large tree with thick, outstretched branches where a cavalryman waited atop his horse. He handed Decimus a threadbare blanket. Decimus stared at the blanket confusedly, wondering what significance it held, then, after inspecting it closer his face turned grim.

  “Where did you find this?”

  “It was draped over one of the branches of this tree, Centurion,” the cavalryman said, pointing at the tree. Soon the others congregated toward Decimus while Titus fell in behind his superior.

  “Find something?”

  “Take a look at this.” Decimus handed the blanket to Titus while the cavalrymen looked on curiously.

  Titus meticulously inspected the blanket until his eyes widened. He pointed to a spot in the lining where Decimus’ name was stitched. “This belongs to you?”

  “Yes, I once used it to cover my old mule, Septimus, before I gave him to Tullus as a gift.”

  “I don’t understand,” Titus said, “are you thinking Tullus was here? With the rebels?”

  Decimus took off his helm and scratched his head. “I don’t know what to think, Titus. It doesn’t make sense.”

  “Perhaps they encountered Centurion Tullus: captured or murdered him…before taking the mule?”

  Decimus grunted before he put on his helm. “If you knew Tullus as well as I did, you’d know he’s not the type of man that can be captured or killed so easily. But still, we must not underestimate the value of this clue. We must intensify our search.” Decimus took the blanket from Titus before rejoining the main column.

  “What are your orders, Centurion?” Titus asked.

  “You will continue the search deeper into the forest while I return to Rome and report our findings to our Tribune.”

  “Wouldn’t it be easier to dispatch a messenger to Norbanus?”

  “Yes. But I would rather present this clue to him in person; I’m sure he will find it interesting. Titus saluted Decimus who broke off from the main column with his cavalry escort. As Decimus’ horse broke into a fierce gallop he wondered how Tullus fit into this dilemma.

  {II}

  “You came all the way back to show me this?” Norbanus said before he tossed the blanket back to Decimus. “Is this supposed to make me feel better?”

  “You have to admit sir it was an unexpected find,” Decimus said, gripping the blanket tightly. “An extended search of the area might uncover more clues about the rebels.”

  “Then again, it may not.” Norbanus was preoccupied with his thoughts. Perhaps Decimus did not deserve chastisement for his efforts but his thoughts still lingered over Eliana’s attack. Ruthless little cunt, she could’ve even slit my throat if she wanted to. I must not underestimate her again.

  “Sir? Are you well?”

  Decimus’ face was filled with concern, if it wasn’t annoying Norbanus might have considered it admirable. “Why do you ask, Centurion?”

  “Respectfully, sir, it’s only that, you seem a bit distracted. And I noticed the bandage on your face.”

  Norbanus touched his bandaged cheek and relived Eliana’s vicious attack.

  Then there are the hideous images of my father, and the beatings I endured at his hands. And the stars in the panther’s eyes, what could they mean? Why didn’t Blackcat Barros and Scorpio see them? What is happening to me? Why has my focus abandoned me? Am I going mad? And why do the constant visions of my mother’s face plague my thoughts?

  “A minor accident, nothing too serious, but thank you for your conc
ern,” Norbanus said. But his mind was fettered with conflicting thoughts about Eliana’s aggression and the Leopard King insurrection; for a brief moment, his mind felt like melted wax within his skull. He exhaled, forcing the troubling thoughts from his mind before looking up at Decimus. “Are there any other matters you wish to discuss while you are here, Centurion?”

  “Only that this blanket belonged to my old mule, Septimus,” Decimus said. “I gave Septimus to Centurion Tullus as a gift before he left Rome. Now do you understand my concern? I implore you Tribune, I need more men to conduct a wider search—we must have answers.”

  Norbanus shook his head and turned his attention back to the stack of rolls piled atop his desk which demanded attention. “I’m afraid that’s quite impossible, Centurion. I’ve already given you command of an entire Praetorian cohort to hunt down this Leopard King. We still need men to guard the Emperor’s palace you know. Macro would crucify me if I left Caligula unprotected.”

  Norbanus read dissent in Decimus’ facial expression. But, as always, the Centurion remained civil in the presence of his superior.

  “With all due respect sir, I thought capturing this Leopard King was top priority for Prefect Macro and our Emperor.”

  “Do not fret, Centurion. Prefect Macro has convinced the Emperor to dispatch the 1st Legion to assist you. They are now conducting an extensive search of the surrounding countryside for the Leopard King and his savage minions. Now, if there’s nothing else, I have other pressing matters to attend to.”

  Decimus saluted Norbanus and turned to leave the Tribune’s office. After Decimus had left Norbanus looked up from his paperwork and sighed. His life had been much easier before Tullus’ departure. Now, he was betrothed to a termagant who despised him, and his Guardsmen were charged with the task of capturing a determined foe that appeared uncatchable.

  Much to his dismay, he had violated his personal edict by ingesting alarming amounts of alcohol: since only mass quantities of wine kept the troubling images abated. But even that repose was temporary. Am I destined to become a drunkard, like father? If his luck didn’t change soon Macro would surely dismiss him from the Guard and present his head to Caligula. He needed to alter his tactics. Now. Reconsidering his earlier decision, Norbanus summoned his aide, and ordered a message be sent to Senator Remus. Norbanus waited in front of the Curia Julia, flanked by his guards. When midday arrived the doors to the senate hall opened and distinguished-looking men in white togas filed out. Norbanus scanned the area for Remus and breathed a sigh of relief when he finally spotted the Senator walking toward him.

  “Your message said it was urgent,” Remus said. He and Norbanus strolled across the Forum square while Norbanus’ guards trailed them like hunting hounds.

  “I have a problem.”

  “Really?” Remus replied. “I had no idea that things were going badly for you Norbanus.”

  “You’ve heard of this Leopard King?”

  Remus smiled. “Hasn’t all of Rome? I hear the plebeians consider him a demigod.”

  “He attacked one of my cohorts the other day. Luckily no one was injured, but he managed to escape.”

  Remus tittered. “My, that is a problem. But I don’t see how this is my problem.”

  Norbanus grew impatient with Remus’ condescending tone but did his best to restrain himself. “It’s your problem too, if your future son-in-law is drummed out of the Praetorian Guard by Prefect Macro.”

  “What do you want from me Norbanus?” Remus said.

  “I need you and the other Senators to bring this Leopard King matter to the attention of the Emperor.”

  Remus shot Norbanus a perplexed look. “It was my understanding that his Excellency was already briefed on this matter. Wasn’t the 1st Legion dispatched to scour the countryside for this Leopard King?”

  “Yes, but we still need more troops. If you and your colleagues could bring this to his Excellency’s attention, I’m sure he would heed your request. I must cast a larger net if I’m to catch this barbarian–he’s proven quite resilient.”

  Remus stopped and turned to face Norbanus. “But you still haven’t convinced me how this concerns me.”

  Norbanus felt like strangling Remus. “Let me put it this way my dear Senator: if your daughter’s future husband ends up disgraced because of this incident, it may incite a scandal that may stain the proud Clodius name.”

  Remus’ eyes narrowed. “Are you threatening me Norbanus?”

  Now I’ve seized the old fox’s attention. “Never. I would only hate to see either you or Eliana’s good names sullied by scandal.”

  “Of course,” Remus said, “I will see what I can do to convince my colleagues. But I cannot promise anything.”

  Norbanus smiled. “I knew you’d understand, Senator.”

  Remus did not look amused. “I heard you’re having problems with my daughter.”

  How could he know that? “A minor dispute, that’s all.”

  “Is that why Eliana cut you with a dagger? Now, I don’t know where she obtained the weapon, but I see it proved useful.”

  Norbanus’ eyes narrowed. “How did you know she attacked me with a dagger? It occurred within the privacy of my home.”

  “Well, I must say that at first I didn’t believe it, but after seeing that bandage on your face I couldn’t help but be amused. Really Norbanus, can’t you handle my daughter? She’s really quite civil. It’s my older daughter Sylvia who’s the aggressive one.”

  Of course. Eliana must have sent a message to her family. Again, I underestimated her. What is happening to me?

  “One more thing,” Remus said, pointing his forefinger at Norbanus. “What you do in the privacy of your own home is your business, but if I hear that you attempted to harm my daughter again, The Leopard King will be the least of your troubles.”

  {III}

  Camus Scorpio’s hideout had undergone massive changes since Norbanus’ last visit. The healthy contingent of drinking men and gamblers had disappeared. The gallery above the main atrium, where prostitutes once stood displaying their carnal wares, had been replaced by a small garrison of helmed guards armed with jagged spears and yellow-painted shields bearing Camus Scorpio’s black scorpion crest. The hall was alive with the sound of footsteps as messengers buzzed about like wasps, bringing Scorpio and his lieutenant’s updated information.

  Norbanus followed a messenger to a large oak table where Scorpio and two of his lieutenants hovered over a large map depicting Rome and its surrounding areas. The air was stale and hot and smelled of unwashed clothes and sweat. Norbanus noticed Scorpio arguing with Blackcat Barros, at the Dacian’s feet stood the large Black Panther, Terror, wearing his spike-studded collar. The creature growled and barred his teeth when he saw Norbanus approach the table, his eyes pulsating like white flames. Norbanus felt the room grow colder; the creature’s stare felt like a trident piercing his soul.

  Scorpio turned his attention away from the map and eyed Norbanus suspiciously. “What do you want?”

  “Is that anyway to address your Tribune? Let alone your ally?”

  Scorpio scowled. “I have no time for games, Norbanus, can’t you see I’m planning a war?”

  “Games? Who said anything about games? I come bearing urgent news.”

  Scorpio’s scowl disappeared. “I hope that it’s good news.”

  Norbanus pulled up a chair and slowly lowered himself into it. “May I have a little wine first? I’m quite thirsty, and it’s miserably hot in here.”

  “I thought you didn’t drink?”

  “These are difficult times, Camus.”

  Scorpio’s other lieutenant, a long-haired man with a scarred nose, poured Norbanus a cup of wine. The Tribune downed it. “Not my usual vintage, but it will suffice.”

  “Now that you’ve critiqued the wine Norbanus can we have this Gods damned information you’re so eager to give us?”

  Norbanus grinned. “Of course, well, to answer your question, I have managed to secure
another Legion to hunt down The Leopard King.”

  Scorpio looked indifferent. “Is that it? I was hoping to hear that your mighty Praetorians had captured and executed the Leopard King.”

  Norbanus cackled like a raven. “My dear Camus, my men are not trained for search and destroy missions; we’re more of a defensive force, designed specifically to keep our precious Emperor safe from harm.”

  Scorpio eyed Norbanus with bewilderment. “You seem especially jovial today, Tribune. Still enjoying the perks of your decadent lifestyle?”

  “Not really, my dear Camus.” Norbanus took another sip of wine. “The woman I’m betrothed to marry slashed my face with a dagger, and Macro has threatened to stuff my decapitated head with cow shit before mounting it on the palace gate if I don’t eliminate this Leopard King threat, soon.”

  “You’re losing your touch, Norbanus,” Scorpio said. He turned his attention back to his battle map.

  “I should hope not. But to answer your question, the reason for my mirth is that I’ve finally thought of a way to punish my dear Eliana for her insolence.”

  Scorpio looked up from his map and sighed. “While you’re at it you might as well get her to drop the charges against me.”

  “Charges? What charges?”

  “She’s hired a lawyer, and had him file a complaint against me for maiming one of the merchants–a blacksmith named Filius. It appears your precious Eliana’s been busy helping the merchants: she’s well-versed in The Twelve Tables. As if I don’t have enough fucking problems. Here is the court summons the magistrate’s office sent me.” Scorpio signaled one of his aides to bring the document to Norbanus, who read it sullenly.

  That cunt has been busy making life difficult for everyone, Norbanus thought before handing the parchment back to Scorpio’s aide. I must send a message to Remus informing him of this. “It appears we both have our work cut out for us, Camus.”

  When Norbanus noticed that no one was listening to him he stood to take his leave.

  “Thank you so much for your hospitality,” Norbanus said sarcastically, “I’ll let myself out.” He left the bustling room. Outside, his guards were waiting for him. Taking a seat in his sedan his smile resurfaced. Eliana was in for quite a surprise.