Highland Warriors of the Glade_William

by Charity McColl

  But William was prepared. He was not afraid.

  In one swift move he pulled out his sword and lifted it high.

  The dogs did not know what was coming to them. The first dog opened his jaws wide and jumped, expecting to plant his razor sharp teeth into his victim's body. William's sword flickered in the sun and with one swift move he slashed at the dog. The monster shrieked in terror and fell to the ground with a loud thud.

  "You want to join him on his way to the underworld?" William hissed as he glowered at the remaining canines. The other dogs were confused. As they saw how their bestial companion had fallen they hesitated and stood growling in a semi circle around William. But when their Roman master shouted a command, they attacked. William slashed again with his sword. He was not about to let some dogs get to him and in one swoop, three more beasts fell dead to the ground, and one yelped in pain and crawled away, leaving a trail of blood. The other dogs stopped again. Seeing they had already lost half of their troop, they had enough sense to keep watch from a respectable distance. They continued growling as they bared their teeth. William could smell the stench of their breath.

  As the Romans on their horses came close, one of them let out a loud curse when he saw his dead dogs. Like the other two, he was dressed in full armor. His plumed helmet covered his head and his dark eyes stared at William full of poisonous hatred. He had his sword drawn and pointed it at William. "Est infernum ubi Caitlin?" * he asked in a deep, low and rumbling voice.

  William scowled and took in the scene before him. The one who had spoken was clearly their leader. The other two seemed weak, just ordinary soldiers; although one of them was wielding a bow and arrow. He needed to be careful. He could not afford to get shot by an arrow. But the soldier seemed to guess William's thoughts, as he placed a sharp pointed arrow on his bow and aimed it at him.

  "I have no idea what you are saying," William answered, and bared his teeth.

  The Roman smirked and barked out another command to his companions. One of them directed his horse away from the others and scanned the surroundings with piercing, dark eyes. William kept following him with his eyes. Maybe he would not see Caitlin behind the wall. But, then, to his chagrin, he noticed the man found a breach in the stone wall and guided his horse through it.

  He needed to do something to distract their attention. William took a step forward and yelled out a war cry as he lifted his sword. His voice sounded hoarse and unnatural. The Roman soldier on the other side of the wall looked up in fright and pulled out his sword, but his leader waved with his hand as a sign to keep looking.

  "Securus est. Securus," * the leader said while he fastened his eyes on William.

  Right then the Roman soldier who had gone through the breach in the stone wall yelled. "Ibi est… Ibi est!" *

  Caitlin had been spotted. She jumped up as the soldier moved his horse in her direction.

  "William," she shrieked as she started to run, "They are coming for me."

  William had to act fast.

  He jumped forward slashing his sword. Another dog fell to the ground, but two others saw their chance and planted their fierce teeth in his right leg and pulled him to the ground. At the same time, an intense pain shot through his body and he saw to his horror that a Roman arrow was now piercing the arm in which he was holding his sword. He desperately kicked with his free leg at the two dogs who hung onto his other leg, while slashing aimlessly with his sword. The last dog jumped on his shoulder and bit him with full force. The sword slid out of his hand and another arrow was shot at him. This one landed in his left leg. William yelled out in pain and let out a curse. He turned to see Caitlin running through the field.

  "Caitlin… Run!"

  But, the soldier who had spotted Caitlin already grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her up to his horse. She was kicking and screaming, but was no match for the hardened brute who landed his fist full force into her face in order to stop her.

  For William, things became blurry. He still saw the ugly face of the Roman leader who grinned from his horse and cast him a smug smile. How he hated the sound of that deep, crackling voice as he heard the man say, "Nemo cum partibus Volusenius. Sanctus." *

  Then all became black as he lost consciousness.

  Est infernum ubi Caitlin: Where the hell is Caitlin

  Securus: Easy now. Easy.

  Ibi est: There she is.

  Nemo cum partibus Volusenius. Sanctus: Nobody messes with Volusenius. Nobody.

  8

  Trajanus Decius

  There was a big meeting in the house of Tilenius and most of the Roman magistrates were present. This was not just a regular meeting, but one that would lead to changes. A hush of excitement hung over the place. Tilenius had been summoned by the Emperor himself and there were rumors of a new decree that had something to do with the slaves.

  The hall in his house was filled with Roman noblemen, all of them well-known to Tilenius. Generally, political meetings such as these played an important part in Roman social life. It was important to be seen at such places. The Emperor always had his watchdogs present and these men took note of who was and who wasn't attending. Thus, it solidified your name as an important citizen of Rome and kept you in good favor with the Emperor. What was more, free food and wine were always served in great abundance and as such, these gatherings were a welcome relief from the monotonous daily grind of Roman politics.

  But today was different. Although wine and good foods were not to be despised, everyone was eager to hear the Emperor's wishes.

  The Emperor himself would not attend. He rarely went to meetings outside his own palace, but he sent three of his most trusted delegates to keep an eye on things and they were walking around with dignified steps and smug smiles on their faces.

  When word had reached the Emperor that several slaves had run away from Master Tilenius' house, and that one of the most trusted slaves in that household turned out to be a Christian, he decided it was time for a new decree.

  At first, he had been furious. Trusted sources claimed he ranted and raved for at least a full hour. He hated Christians. They undermined his authority and refused to honor him. Christian slaves especially, were a threat and those ratty rebels had to be stopped and punished. For quite some time now, he had noted a significant rise in the number of runaway slaves, and that clearly was the fault of those Christians. After all, Christians refused to swear allegiance to the Roman gods. They claimed there was only one god. How could they be so stupid? Their misguided teachings undermined the Empire and that false religion needed to be stamped out.

  When he had vented his frustration and anger, at last a new idea formed in his mind. He had come up with a plan, and since these recent runaways had run from Tilenius' house, who could better introduce his new plan than the man who had been so affected by these rebellious Christians.

  Tilenius was quite pleased he was chosen to announce the new decree. When he told Flavia the rebellious Cantilia would be the first to feel the wrath of the Emperor, her face had turned ashen. She had grown quite close to her housekeeper, and did not like to see her humiliated or even killed. That night she fell before the statue of Jupiter, and desperately called out to the king of the gods. But when she got up from the floor, her face was as distraught as it had been when she first started to pray.

  At first, the meeting had been nothing more than a grand social party. Slaves carried trays of luscious food and most of the attendees filled their bellies with the best wine available. One of Tilenius' most trusted councilmen carefully monitored the atmosphere and when he felt the overall mood was sufficiently happy and relaxed, he told Tilenius the time was ripe to start the meeting.

  Tilenius finished his goblet of wine, licked his lips and burped. "Then, let us begin," he said. He ordered a slave to blow a horn and as the sound filled the room, everyone knew the meeting was about to start. Tilenius and the three trusted delegates of Emperor Decius took their seats at the far end of the room, while the other att
endees respectfully moved to the sides, leaving a wide, empty space before Tilenius and the delegates.

  All eyes were now on Tilenius and the hall grew silent. He cleared his throat.

  "Beloved citizens of Rome," he started, "We all know how our wonderful Emperor, the honorable Trajanus Decius, has helped us to live in peace and prosperity. Under his rule Rome has become even more powerful." Everyone in the audience nodded and hummed their approval. Tilenius scanned the audience, "However, our great Emperor has also warned us continually against the dangers that we face as an Empire." More humming.

  "That threat is not the Barbarians that attack our empire in the North and the East…" He waited a moment to heighten the effect of his words, "…That threat can be found much closer to home, and has to do with slavery. As we all know, our empire is built on slavery. There are now more slaves in our empire than honorable Roman citizens, and that makes them dangerous. After all, slaves have rebelled before." Some of the magistrates lifted up their fist and shouted their agreement.

  "Slaves," Tilenius continued, "have no rights, and should be obliged to believe as we do. They should never be allowed to have their own faith or their own convictions. Such delusions will only make them apt to rebel, like the infamous slave, Spartacus, so long ago." More nodding and favorable mumbling.

  "But many slaves do have a different religion. I am talking in particular about a religion that is highly popular among the slaves, the religion of the Christians. As you know, this is a rebellious sect, that teaches slaves to reject the gods of our great empire and to obey a mere man called the Christ, a criminal, who was justly crucified by our forefathers." Tilenius sought for words. "Now, more than ever, Christian slaves run away, they hold secret meetings and speak openly about the need to break away from our rightful, Roman rule. What then shall we do with such misguided people, plebs and slaves alike?"

  For a moment it was silent. Then, most of the magistrates lifted up their fists again. "Kill em all. Wipe them out!"

  The three delegates smiled and nodded that this was the right answer.

  Tilenius lifted up his hand and motioned for silence. "You are right. The Emperor believes the time has come to put a complete stop to this religion. Still, our beloved Emperor is full of grace and mercy and is always looking for a way to bring even the worst slaves to repentance. Therefore, he has asked me," his face was covered with smug modesty, "to announce a new decree. He has therefore suggested the following…"

  It became very still as Tilenius began to unfold the wishes of the Emperor. "Our Emperor wishes to give those misguided Christians a last chance to return to the worship of the true gods. Any Christian, therefore, slaves and free alike, will have to make an official blood sacrifice to Jupiter, and loudly proclaim that Jupiter is the only true god. They will have to openly reject this criminal, who called himself the Christ, and officially confess that this Christian god is a fake, an impostor."

  "How merciful of Emperor Decius," someone shouted out. Many other voices rose in agreement.

  Tilenius motioned again for silence and said, "The Christian faith is like an evil disease which penetrates even the best houses. I have found several slaves adhering to the Christian faith in my own house…" He clapped his hands and barked a command to a slave standing in attendance, "…Bring them in. We will now offer the Emperor's great mercy to some of these culprits."

  Everyone looked on with eager eyes. Some people covered their mouth with their hands, while others held their breath.

  The door opened and a Roman guard led three figures into the room. A shock went through the crowd. Most men present knew the woman who appeared first. Cantilia… Flavia's most trusted house-keeper. Her shoulders were sagging and her face was white. Her steps were unsteady and she clearly had been severely beaten. Nevertheless, her eyes shone with an unearthly conviction. After her came the slave by the name of Pollius. He too was limping, but his eyes were unlike those of Cantilia. They were full of fear and were darting around. There was a wound on his head and his cheek was stained with dried up blood. At last, there was a third woman. She was stately and regal, but unknown to most. Judging by her ragged clothes and the dirt on her face, she had been to places unfamiliar to most Romans.

  The three were led before Tilenius and the three henchmen of Decius.

  Tilenius stared at them for a moment and cleared his throat. Then he spoke.

  "Slaves… you have been accused of rebelling against the Empire. You have conspired against the honorable Decius, and have assisted others in running away. But your worst crime has been to be a follower of the Christ, that false and despicable crook who started a religion of the poor.

  That crime alone is worthy of death… Still, the Emperor, in his goodness, is willing to show mercy… if you want mercy."

  The slave Pollius dropped to his knees and began to sob. "M-mercy, Mas—"

  "—Silence," Tilenius barked. “I am not finished."

  Pollius stayed on his knees and kept sobbing.

  "Hear the decree of Emperor Trajanus Decius…" He rose from his seat and read from a scroll that one of the three henchmen of Decius handed him. "From now on, every person, slave or free, that proclaims faith in the Christ will have to denounce this god and make an official blood sacrifice to Jupiter… Those who do will get a state approved statement and will be forgiven. Those who don't… will be killed."

  "W-what?" The slave Pollius started to weep uncontrollably. Flavia's housekeeper, Cantilia, stood motionless. She didn’t even blink her eyes. The last slave, the unknown woman, looked on with a puzzled expression. Did she maybe not understand?

  "Pollius…," Tilenius now directed his attention to the weeping slave, "You have been a faithful slave for years. And yet… you confessed you have been to these secret Christian meetings. You prayed to this false god and have assisted in the escape of several of my slaves. What do you have to say for yourself?"

  Everyone strained their ears to hear the slave's answer. At first, only his sobbing was heard, but then he calmed down and looked up at Tilenius "It is true, most honorable Master. I have done those things that you accuse me of. You have been good to me and so has the Emperor. I will gladly make a blood sacrifice to the rightful god, Jupiter, and I wish to renounce any affiliation with the Christ."

  Tilenius smiled. So did the three henchmen. The other magistrates murmured their approval as well.

  "I am glad you made this wise choice, Pollius. Arrangements will be made for a proper sacrifice to Jupiter. The state will show mercy and if your sacrifice is acceptable, you will be restored to your former position in my house."

  Pollius let out a sigh of relief and he mumbled a word of thanks. "Thank you, Master… I am most grateful."

  Tilenius turned his eyes to Cantilia and stared at her for a few seconds without speaking. His voice was harsh and cold. "You, Cantilia, have been my wife's most trusted slave." He repeated the words slowly, “A most trusted slave. I have treated you as my own daughter and yet you have hurt that trust by plotting against the State. How could you have been so ungrateful?"

  Some of the magistrates expressed their horror by shaking their heads and letting out a soft murmur.

  "Your most serious crime is that you have been a fervent follower of the Christ. However, even for you, there is mercy. I advise you to make the same decision as Pollius. Will you make a blood sacrifice to Jupiter?"

  Everyone was quiet again.

  Cantilia did not speak either. She just stared at Tilenius. Tilenius moved uncomfortably on his seat and repeated his question while scratching his head. "Will you deny the Christ?"

  Cantilia kept looking at him and as their eyes locked, she spoke loud and clear, "I will not!"

  A ripple of horror went through the crowd. She will not?

  Tilenius shook his head. Decius' henchmen scowled and there was a loud exclamation of disapproval from the magistrates. All the attention was now on the rebellious slave who stood erect and defiantly before Tilenius.

>   Not everyone was enraged. There was movement in the back of the room and someone screamed. "Nooo! Please, don't get yourself killed, Cantilia!"

  It was Flavia. She cried hysterically.

  "Move her out," Tilenius ordered with a cold voice. A Roman guard stepped forward and pushed her out the door. When Flavia had been removed and order had been restored, he glared at Cantilia again. "You will not renounce the Christ?"

  Cantilia looked up with shining eyes. "I have walked with Christ for many years. He has never abandoned me and has never been unfaithful to me. Why would I abandon Him now in the hour of temptation? How could I be unfaithful to Him? I will gladly die for Him."

  "Treason… Kill her," a few angry voices shouted, but Cantilia went on undeterred. "I refuse to fall down to a worthless Roman idol that has a mouth but cannot speak, and that has ears but cannot hear." More shocked expressions appeared on the faces of the magistrates and Tilenius gasped.

  “Why would you do such a foolish thing? You will die.” He almost shouted it out.

  Cantilia lowered her head and did not answer him.

  “Answer me,” Tilenius demanded. At last she raised her head again and lifted her eyes to the ceiling as her lips were moving. Tilenius followed her gaze and frowned. “What’s up there?” he mumbled.

  "She's crazy," one of the henchmen added.

  But Cantilia just whispered: “Lord Jesus. Give me the strength to endure. Help me to be faithful in my hour of need.”

  “What’s she doing?” another of Decius' henchmen asked.

  “Praying,” Tilenius scoffed. “She probably thinks her god will appear through the ceiling, but that won’t happen.”

  “Hvé gengr þér?” The woman next to Cantilia spoke. Cantilia turned to her and answered in the unknown tongue. The words of Cantilia clearly upset her and she glared at Tilenius.

  “Who is that woman?” somebody in the audience asked in hushed tones.