The Leopard Vanguard

by T. A. Uner

  Gemellus’ groveling made Silanus’ stomach queasy. How pathetic.

  “Now, now,” Caligula said as he patted Gemellus’ head, “what makes you think I would harm my own heir? After awakening from my illness, I realized my true omnipotence as a God. And a benevolent Roman God would never murder one of his beloved followers.”

  Gemellus stood up and kissed Caligula’s hand.

  Two of the Praetorians stepped forward and unsheathed their swords. Before Gemellus could utter another word their swords ran through him. Blood exploded from the boy’s torso before his body crumpled and fell to the ground. Gemellus’ lifeless eyes stared lifelessly at Caligula.

  Silanus’ stomach betrayed him and he vomited; Caligula laughed again.

  “Fear not, my dear Senator, a more benevolent death awaits you.” Caligula handed Silanus a small vial.

  “A gift, to you from a most benevolent God,” Caligula said, his eyes alight. “Now, be a good man and drink it quickly before I change my mind.”

  Silanus held up the vial, better to die like this than take another breath in this madman’s Empire. Silanus removed the stopper from the small vial. “I do this for my country,” he said, before swallowing deeply and tossing the empty vial to the ground. He felt the poisonous liquid slither down his chest like some mucilaginous serpent. Moments later he felt the room spinning around him. Caligula smiled, while the three guards stared at Silanus vacuously. He clutched his throat and gasped for breath, until finally, Senator Marcus Junius Silanus, Senator of Rome, descended into a dark void from which he would never awaken.

  {II}

  “I must say, Centurion Decimus’ report is quite disturbing,” Caligula told Macro. “It appears this Leopard King’s heraldry continues to grow amongst the people.” Caligula hurled the wax tablet at his Praetorian Prefect who dodged it. It hit the mosaic floor with a loud tlank!

  “If you are referring to the incident in the forest, I can assure you I had no idea one of our abandoned auxiliary forts had been commandeered by Camus Scorpio,” Macro said.

  “That’s the problem…isn’t it?” Caligula said. “Today has already been a difficult day for me. My heir, Gemellus, and one of my most trusted compatriots–Marcus Silanus–have already been executed for treason. But you, Macro…how could you fail me as Praetorian Prefect? I simply asked for this Leopard King’s death. Now he has made a name for himself amongst our people…at the expense of mine. This is not how a God should be received by the masses.”

  “I assure you, Excellency, I mean, your Godship…it will not happen again, I will order–”

  “It is I who does the ordering, Macro, or have you forgotten that? No. I’ve had enough of your bumbling. It appears the Praetorian Guard is in need of a new Prefect.”

  Macro’s face turned crimson hue. “Surely you do not mean to replace me? After all I’ve done…helped you ascend the throne….”

  “Your help?” Caligula laughed. “A God does not need the help of mortals to rule. Still, I thank you for your service to me and the Empire, Macro. But I have other plans for you.”

  Macro raised an eyebrow. “Such as?”

  “A new position…preferably far away from Rome as possible. You have earned your rest dear friend.”

  “I see.”

  “The governorship of Egypt; yes, I believe that will do.”

  “Egypt?”

  “Yes. You and your wife are to leave immediately. A ship is waiting in Ostia Antica to take you there.”

  Macro nodded his head but did not look pleased. “Very well, your Godship.”

  Caligula dismissed Macro and motioned for his German bodyguards. “You may bring in the prisoner.”

  Norbanus was led inside the Emperor’s throne room in manacles. His forehead was lined with an ugly purple bruise that coiled around the side of his face. He was unshaven and his tunic was stained with brown bloodspots, which was uncharacteristic of the well-groomed Tribune.

  “You’ve been quite a disappointment my dear Norbanus,” Caligula said. “This posting was supposed to redeem your family name. Instead, it appears that you’ve added another infamous chapter to the Forticus legacy.”

  Norbanus wondered what form of execution Caligula had planned for him. Whatever it was, he knew it would be unpleasant. He prayed for a quick death.

  “And then we have the charges brought against you by Senator Remus: apparently you were planning to murder his precious daughter Eliana–a woman betrothed to you.”

  Norbanus grew irascible at the Emperor’s patronizing tone. “What is my punishment, Excellency?” he asked.

  “I know longer go by that title,” Caligula said. “I am a God, and Gods are referred to as ‘Your Godship.’” Caligula smiled. “But I see you wish to get straight to the point: a man after my own heart. Much like Macro you too have failed to deliver me the head of this Leopard King fellow. I should have you executed immediately.”

  Please do. I grow fatigued by your insane babbling, Norbanus thought. “Is that what you have planned for Macro?”

  Caligula’s icy blue eyes studied Norbanus. I wonder what is going on inside his wicked head.

  Caligula smiled. “Our former Prefect thinks he is headed to Egypt to assume his new post as Governor. It’s a shame really, I really enjoyed humping Macro’s wife, Eunia, right under his nose. Little does Macro know that he and Eunia will be sharing the same fate of our late Senator Silanus.

  “Suicide?” Norbanus said. Shortly after his death, Silanus’ fate had been circulated throughout the city.

  “My you are bright my dear Norbanus, but apparently not bright enough to avoid your fate. I could kill you, but your family is still too powerful. No doubt I would make an enemy of your illustrious father, and we can’t have that now, can we?”

  He’s toying with me.

  “Then…what is my punishment?”

  Caligula’s eyes widened. “I have something better planned for you.”

  One of the guards slammed the end of his spear into the back of Norbanus’ head. He blacked out before Caligula’s guards dragged his unconscious body out of the throne room.

  {III}

  Norbanus trudged along the Via Appia leading his horse by its reigns. His banishment from Rome was far worse than death. If my father could see me now, he thought. Perhaps he’ll beat me like he used to when I was a boy.

  The winter sun started its assent behind the misty peaks in the distance. Norbanus breathed in the cool winter air and when he exhaled white tendrils extended beneath his nostrils.

  He had lost everything. From the marriage that would’ve elevated him to consul, to the missing gold that had been the only blot on his illustrious family name. Where can I go? He couldn’t return to his father. The humiliation would be unbearable. Nothing left for me in Rome anyway. Ahead the Via Appia twisted like a coil around a bend.

  Up ahead a large creature lay in the middle of the road–blocking his passage. As Norbanus drew closer he noticed it was a large golden cat with black spots. The creature licked its muzzle and stared at him intently. Its golden eyes alight while two small stars pulsated within its pupils. Not those fucking stars again, Norbanus thought. He hobbled his horse to a tree and drew his sword.

  “Move out of my way you filthy beast,” he said, waving his sword at the creature. The cat growled at Norbanus but did not move. It appeared intent on blocking his path. As if enough calamities haven’t befallen me.

  “Celestra does not respond to threats,” said an uncompromising voice. Norbanus turned around and his mouth almost dropped in awe. There, standing before him was a man dressed in a Leopard pelt. A long Leopard-print cape dangled from his shoulders and was held in place by two large Leopard-head broaches. The stranger wore a shirt of chain mail under a leather harness decorated with phaleras. Leather pteruges studded with Leopard heads dangled from his waist where a sword and dagger hung. His face, half-covered by a Leopard-print scarf, revealing only his eyes and the bridge of his nose.

  The
Leopard King.

  “You!”

  “I would have a word with you Norbanus Forticus Blandus.”

  “What could I possibly have to say…you…ruined my life.”

  “Perhaps you wish to gain vengeance against me?”

  Norbanus grinned. “It would appear there’s little else left.”

  Norbanus drew his sword and moved closer toward The Leopard King–who remained still as a statue. This is too easy, Norbanus thought before he felt his head spin and suddenly his mind was racing. It felt as if something–or someone–was extracting memories out of his brain. I must clear the memory of the gold from my thoughts so he cannot see its secret. Images of his past exploded before his eyes: his father crying over his mother’s deathbed when Norbanus was a boy; his shock at walking in on his father being entertained by courtesans after his mother’s death; his father scolding and hitting him for not taking his tutoring lessons seriously; then, Eliana, and the night he slammed her against the relief.

  The Leopard King glared at him. “It appears you’ve lived a difficult life Norbanus,” he said coldly, “still, it is no excuse for harming a woman.”

  The force that seized Norbanus’ mind released its hold on him, but before he could collect himself he felt the force of the Leopard King’s fist against his chin: hurling him to the ground where his head collided with the hard surface of the Via Appia. To his credit Norbanus still gripped his sword, but the back of his head ached and his face was on fire–as if a dozen hornets had stung him.

  “Tell me about Paullus Gabinius,” the Leopard King said.

  “What?”

  “You heard me. Camus Scorpio gave me disturbing news; he said Paullus stole a fortune in gold from your uncle’s Fort in North Africa during the Tacfarinas revolt.”

  “What if he did?” Norbanus clambered back to his feet. “What concern of it is yours?”

  “Paullus was a friend of mine.”

  You have a poor choice in friends, Leopard King.

  “Aye, so he was. Sorry to hear about his death.”

  “As was I.”

  Norbanus charged The Leopard King, sword in hand. His opponent evaded the attack and stuck out his foot, tripping Norbanus. The disgraced Tribune greeted the ground again, landing on his chest and dropping his sword.

  “Your fighting skills need improvement Norbanus.”

  The Leopard King grabbed Norbanus by the scruff of his cloak and slammed a knee into his stomach. “Now, tell me about your family’s involvement with Paullus Gabinius.”

  “No,” Norbanus said. He spat bloody saliva from his split lip.

  “Maybe this will change your mind.” The Leopard King landed another punch, this time in Norbanus’ chest. Norbanus felt air rushing out of his lungs as he gasped for breath before landing on his arse.

  When Norbanus looked up from the ground he noticed The Leopard King focusing his stare at a large tree before yelling: “Lignum.” The tree branches stirred while two ruby eyes flickered open upon its bark above a gnarled slot that resembled a twisted mouth filled with wooden teeth.

  “Who has summoned me?” it asked irascibly.

  “I did.” The Leopard King pointed to Norbanus. “Restrain him.”

  The tree grumbled. “So it shall be done.” Two branches creaked like cart wheels, transforming into a pair of twisted arms and hands before the tree uprooted itself from the side of the road and approached Norbanus on doughty wooden legs.

  What type of sorcery is this?

  The tree – or whatever it was, seized Norbanus and lifted him up off the ground. Despite their spindly appearance, its arms locked themselves tightly around Norbanus. He tried breaking free but the creature’s grip was cogent.

  “What is this?” Norbanus asked.

  “Silence,” ordered the tree creature. Its voice sounded like rustling leaves.

  “I grow impatient Norbanus,” The Leopard King said.

  Norbanus said: “Yes, it is true. Paullus Gabinius did steal the gold from my uncle’s fort.”

  “So…Scorpio didn’t lie.”

  “That gold has been a curse upon my family’s name for decades. My uncle Decrius was entrusted as its steward after the Serpent Wars. We were planning to present the gold to Tiberius after the revolt; it would’ve brought my family into favor with the emperor. Then that cursed Scorpio discovered it.”

  The cat growled again, this time more fiercely. “Be calm, Celestra.” the Leopard King told the creature before he glared at Norbanus through tortured eyes.

  “Your friend Paullus was no better than Scorpio,” Norbanus said. “I hope his soul rots in the underworld with Orcus.”

  Norbanus’ eyes met the Leopard King glance. Those eyes. I know those eyes from somewhere, Norbanus thought. But from where?

  “What made this gold so important…other than its value?”

  Norbanus laughed. “It was ancient Roman gold minted from the days of the ancient Roman kings. Its value was immeasurable. Hence the shame my family name has suffered. Because of Paullus…because of you.”

  The Leopard King rubbed his chin. “I sense there’s something else you are not telling me Norbanus.”

  How could he know about that? I must clear the memory from my mind again. I must…

  “I don’t know what you mean,” Norbanus said.

  The tree creature squeezed again. Norbanus felt the creature’s arms press against his ribcage. He tried breathing, but couldn’t. The deceit was over. He coughed.

  “Very well. Something else was hidden beneath the gold. Something my uncle found buried in the North African desert.”

  “What was it?”

  Norbanus remained silent.

  “Speak Norbanus.”

  “A door.”

  “A…what?”

  “A gateway to another world: a realm called Kaotika. This door was used during the Serpent Wars; it is a source of unimaginable mystery and power.”

  Norbanus struggled to break free again, to no avail. The tree relaxed its grip on him and he sucked air into his depraved lungs as he watched the Leopard King take his horse into custody. “I will take your horse now Norbanus,” he said. “Consider it reparations for your crimes.”

  “How am I supposed to travel without my horse? Caligula has taken everything from me, and now, you’ve taken my fucking horse.”

  “The Gods gave you legs, Norbanus,” the Leopard King said as he led the horse away, “make use of them.” He snapped his fingers and the tree creature released its hold on Norbanus. After marching toward the side of the road it transformed back to its former state while Norbanus rubbed his sore chest.

  Celestra growled again at Norbanus before padding after the Leopard King, who, along with Norbanus’ steed, disappeared down the Via Appia, leaving Norbanus feeling cold, and alone.

  {IV}

  Above the peaks of the trees Tullus noticed smoke coming from the camp where the Troupe had gathered. No doubt Renfrus had returned and was cooking up a meal. But food was the last thing on Tullus’ mind as he quickened his pace. He hoped Anna’s condition had improved since he last saw her. Upon entering the camp, Tullus was greeted by Jonga’s people who were performing sentry duty around the camp’s perimeter. He handed off Norbanus’ horse to a small African boy and hurried to Gansu’s tent where Anna was receiving treatment; Celestra followed him. Inside, the tent smelled of incense; Gansu was hovering over Anna’s still frame.

  “How is she?” Tullus said.

  Gansu did not look hopeful. “She suffered a fractured skull,” he said, “she passes in and out of consciousness.”

  Tullus nodded grimly and leaned over to look at his lover. She was resting peacefully on a pallet Gansu had prepared for her. A large blanket covered her except for her shoulders and head. Tullus noticed the large violet bruise that scarred her forehead and kissed her on the cheek. Anna’s eyes fluttered open and she gripped Tullus’ hand. He took it, gently, and caressed it. Anna tried speaking and Tullus moved his ear closer to her l
ips.

  “Tullus,” she said softly, “I have one thing to ask from you.”

  “Anything.”

  “Tell me that you love me.”

  “I love you Anna…I love you with all my heart.”

  “Thank you,” she said before closing her eyes.

  “She really must rest, Tullus.”

  “Do you know where I can find Paullus’ belongings?” Tullus asked Gansu.

  The easterner looked at Tullus blankly before nodding. “Come with me,” he said before taking Tullus and Celestra to a large oak trunk at the back of his tent. The trunk was locked and Gansu produced a key from a small wooden box before unlocking it.

  “After Paullus’ funeral I gathered up his belongings and placed it inside this trunk. Some of his old artifacts are inside it.”

  Tullus thanked Gansu and the easterner nodded before leaving Tullus and Celestra alone with the trunk. Tullus sat on the carpeted floor of the tent and sorted through Paullus’ belongings. He found an old legionary helm that was dented and stained with rust and placed it on the floor. Old rolled maps of Italy and Northern Africa were stacked in the corner of the trunk and Tullus looked these over for any clues regarding Paullus’ past. After replacing the maps he continued his search. He found: an old stylus and wax tablet, some old bronze coins in a small pouch, a gold brooch fashioned in the shape of an imperial Roman eagle, and a sheathed short sword that probably belonged to Paullus during his legionary days. After running his fingers across the trunk’s interior Tullus’ fingers located a loose wooden board. He pried it open and found a concealed compartment. Tullus’ heart beat relentlessly against his chest. Inside the compartment he found a silk drawstring bag. Tullus tugged on the bag until he pulled it through the opening. It was dyed lavender and smelled musty. He drew a deep breath before opening the pouch and looked inside. His fingers found something smooth, and cold. When he retracted it his heart almost burst. It was a small bar of gold. There were ancient inscriptions engraved in archaic Latin and Tullus found two more small bars inside the bag.