WRITING TEAM: Civis Romanus, Clifford, Czech Centurian, FD2, Micah Aragorn, Nimmanu and Rayotep.
All members are welcome to join
[This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 07-17-2006 @ 09:15 PM).]
WRITING TEAM: Civis Romanus, Clifford, Czech Centurian, FD2, Micah Aragorn, Nimmanu and Rayotep.
All members are welcome to join
[This message has been edited by Civis Romanus (edited 07-17-2006 @ 09:15 PM).]
Gaius Julius Caesar shaded his eyes from the western sun and surveyed the hustle and bustle below him from his vantage point on a hill overlooking the Port of Rome. The great city itself was situated behind him, and between the city and the port lay exquisitely designed, highly serviceable stone roads that daily carried goods, people, soldiers and chariots back and forth from port to city and city to port. Below him curved one such road and to his ears came the steady strump, strump, strump of sandled feet striking the stones as cohort after cohort of legionnaires passed from Rome to the port.
In the harbor lay dozens of war galleys manned by sailors, soldiers and slaves. The marching legionnaires were on their way to one or another of these galleys to walk a wooden plank or be rowed to one of the vessels and to step aboard. They knew little about their mission other than they would be paid by one of Rome's greatest generals and they were charged by oath with serving General Pompey faithfully and professionally.
A few in passing glanced up at the man on the hill with hand to eyes and some recognized Caesar from their campaigns in Gaul, but most among these men had not served under Caesar, but had served instead under Pompey. It was the second man standing next to Caesar who caught their eye for indeed it was the great general himself, Pompey, who stood just as silently as did Caesar, both surveying the activity in the port.
Rome was going to war. Once and finally it intended to rid itself of the vermin who infested the adjoining sea. This time there would be no half measures, Pompey had assured the reluctant Senate, a body of men who these days feared agreeing to anything pressed by Julius Caesar. The fact of the matter was the Senate had no choice and the dangers of the sea had already touched many of them where pain usually was felt most keenly by these wealthy men: their coin pouches.
Many nodded in agreement when Caesar pointed out how certain of them had already seen valuable cargo fall to the pirates of the Mediterranean Sea. Others had been separated from great wealth by the ransoms demanded by these pirates for sons, daughters, spouses and others of their families who had ventured to sea and fallen prey to the pirates. This had to be ended. The failures of the past had to be rectified. Pompey was the man to do it, asserted Caesar. Eventually, the Senate as a body came to agreement. There would be unconditional war pursued against the pirates, waged by Pompey with the greatest fleet and army assembled by Rome since the siege of Carthage. It was this fleet and army that assembled now in the Port of Rome.
As Pompey surveyed the activity while standing at Caesar's side the only question on his mind was where to begin. The answer seemed so obvious that he nearly laughed at the implication. "At the Pillars of Hercules, Caesar," he said to the older man at his side.
"Eh?" replied Caesar not catching Pompey's thoughts ahead of time.
"I shall begin my campaign in the western sea at its very beginning by the Pillars of Hercules. Then I shall sweep the ocean clean by exposing and clearing out every pirate's nest I can uncover."
"Do you know the first of the nests?"
"If my hopes prove true, my dear Caesar, my spies will soon advise me where I can find them."
"If not?"
"I shall look for lights on the shore and if one pirate is found there, all will perish under legionnairies' gladii until succeeding villages willingly speak of the pirates' hidden locations without such prompting."
Caesar pursed his lips. "Be careful we do not do to the sea more damage than ever the pirates have done."
Pompey laughed. "I shall be more cautious in action than I speak of it today. Forgive the excitement. But see how they march and eagerly go to their tasks! How can a Roman commander not be invigorated by such a display by the finest soldiers in the world!"
Caesar turned to Pompey and smiled. "They are indeed the finest. I learned that in Gaul." He held his arm out Roman fashion. "Farewell Pompey and gain a glorious victory!"
"Farewell, Caesar!" Pompey grasped his arm in return. "I pledge no less to you and the Senate of Rome."
Caesar departed. Left alone to his thoughts, Pompey considered the worth of his intended strategy and wondered how his spies fared in their assignments.
Steelstar thought about the Steelstar knew that the Brennus was the second mate on the Steelstar rolled the hammock to one side to slip out. As his legs hit the floorboards of the As he limped towards Brennus' quarters, Steelstar said out loud to himself, "I'm coming for you, Antony. Never underestimate the power of the past." [This message has been edited by FD2 (edited 09-24-2005 @ 04:38 PM).]
He opened his eyes, couldn’t believe what he saw. It was a ship – a Roman military ship. Swimming to the other side of the ship was difficult. Maximus thanked the gods for his powerful legs – his will to live revived - used them to kick his way through the churning sea. He struggled for breath – shouted to the men on the ship: “Help me, please!”
Thankfully his cry was heard by a sailor relieving himself. He fumbled with himself and then gave the cry, “Man overboard, man overboard – come quickly.”
The commotion was great. What sailor was this that couldn’t stay onboard. Rope was thrown to the struggling Maximus. He grabbed at it but a powerful wave washed over him and pulled him under. A brave sailor dived in after him, secured him to the rope, tugged on the rope and let the men aboard pull them to safety. Maximus was breathing hard, he had just rid himself of all the swallowed water. His legs felt shaky but he attempted getting up anyway – he collapsed of exhaustion…
When he awoke he was in a large cabin. It was spartan but emanated a certain warmth nonetheless. A man stood up and walked over to him. “I’m glad to see you awake, pirate. Tell me…”
“I’m not a pirate,” An indignant Maximus turned to face the man accusing him of treason, “I am a loyal servant of the Generals Caesar and Pompey. My name is Maximus Antonious Servus. This I recognise, is a Roman Ship. Your name and rank?” Maximus’s question was never answered – he fell asleep from exhaustion and malnutrition.
Captain Marcus was astonished at what he had heard, never had a man presented himself with such conviction that he was compelled to believe him – he spoke like a citizen of high class but his hands were callused from hard work. He studied the man lying before him. What he saw was a well built man run out of strength. His face rigid as if what he had to say was important but couldn’t be revealed. He thought long and hard and came to his decision. It was not based on patriotism but on his own ambitions – if this man was what he said he was, there was surely a reward for seeing him safely to Rome and if he was a pirate, information would be extracted from him. It was a win-win situation. He set sail for Rome…
It was good to set foot in Rome once again. During the journey he and Marcus had become friends. He promised to mention Marcus to Caesar when he spoke to him. He knew what it was that Marcus wanted – to get into Caesar’s good books. He couldn’t blame a man for ambition.
It would be dangerous to walk directly into Caesar’s palace in the condition that he was in. Also it wouldn’t be wise – after all he had spent years honing out his underhanded reputation. No, he would have to meet Caesar elsewhere. The perfect place for a meeting would be at the thermopolia. A place where citizens could go to relax and relieve the stresses of the day - and most importantly to sample the finest wines of the Roman Empire.
The thermopolia that he entered was well respected and right next to the Senate, Caesar attended them with some regularity – he enjoyed listening to the gossip of the city, it seemed that rich people always laid out their plans amongst the chatter of other people. Now would come the waiting when would he speak to Caesar. As he ordered another drink from the enticing serving girls, a disfigured man watched him. He turned to ask if he wanted something but he was gone…
Save Water, Drink Beer
[This message has been edited by Czech Centurian (edited 09-24-2005 @ 05:22 AM).]
Brennus awoke in a sweat, his mouth agape with nothing but a muted guttural cry escaping his lips. Even though it was night, light from a nearly full moon shown through a portal, allowing Brennus to survey his new first mate quarters. Realization of his new room and status brought no relief. He had hoped that after three months as second in command of the Three months. Much had happened in such a short time. The Brennus smiled. A few more raids and he’d be 10 feet tall, deaf, dumb and blind, with a war axe for his left arm. But not everything had gone so well. Mardius had proven tougher than Steelstar had thought. Backed by almost a third of the men, the old captain had fought back, hard and bloody. Steelstar had won, of course, there was never really any doubt as to the end result, but there had been unfortunate casualties. Max, the quiet one who was to have been the second mate under Steelstar’s command, was lost in the battle. Brennus would miss him. Max had been shy, especially around the ladies, but had been a fierce fighter who was deadly with a dagger. Brennus only trusted one man, Steelstar, completely. But Max was perhaps the closest Brennus had come to having a friend. Max didn’t talk much and Brennus couldn’t. Brennus regretted he hadn’t found Max’s body to ensure his friend a proper sea burial. And now word had come that the Romans were forming the largest fleet yet to deal with the “pirate problem.” Good, Brennus thought. A chance for revenge. For so many things. Three months. So much had changed. But some things stayed the same. One thing only I know, and that is that I know nothing - Socrates It is Ray's nature to post long, (well for politeness sake I'll refrain from using the word faux) logical posts attempting to clear himself of everything - WeaveCaesar [This message has been edited by Rayotep (edited 09-24-2005 @ 11:14 PM).]
Rayotep
He wanted Max to be the second mate, but he disappeared in the battle. Steelstar silently sighed. "What is it?" said Steelstar, angry at being disturbed. [This message has been edited by FD2 (edited 09-26-2005 @ 05:08 PM).]
"Do you know the lookout pirate Brutus, cap'n?" replied Gaius.
"Ah, yes, I remember him. He was a Mardius loyalist, but quickly switched sides to us, correct?"
"Er, not really, capt-"
"Are you saying he is planning a rebellion against me, Gaius? Does he still support Mardius? Old habits die hard, Gaius."
"No, sir. Even worse. He's a spy sent by the SPQR."
"I assume he's in the brig?"
"Yes, sir."
"And you're the second mate, don't call me sir. Brennus doesn't."
"Um, Brennus can't talk."
"That's not the point. If Brennus could talk, he wouldn't."
"Get Brennus and brief him. Take Brennus down to the brig with you, and interrogate Brutus...if that his real name."
"Well presented," noted Caesar when Maximus concluded his briefing. "We are gratified you survived to bring this information to us. Unfortunately, Pompey and the fleet is now well west of here and you were happened upon by a reserve vessel we send as reinforcements to Pompey to shore up his fleet if there are losses. The Captain had the good sense to turn about and deliver you to us. That is good for him. Now he will be ordered with the greatest speed to deliver you to Pompey himself so you can deliver your information to him in person."
"Yes, Consul. As you command."
Caesar looked about at the other men with him and the politician in him took hold immediately. "Not I, Maximus, but the Senate of the People of Rome who command you. I am but their mouthpiece." Quickly Caesar glanced at the two Senators there with him. They nodded gravely, but their eyes conveyed something more akin to suspicion as they studied Caesar's face for any hint of ulterior meaning. Caesar made his face expressionless.
With a sense of accomplishment, Maximus left the Forum and began preparations for his voyage to Pompey's galley.
“It was a terrible storm… Like Neptune himself wanted the ship destroyed.” Maximus mentally kicked himself but he had to lie. He thought back to what had really happened:
He had signalled Steelstar to begin the attack. Then rushed to the stern of the ship, he would order the men to where they were needed. Brutus appeared from nowhere and slammed a board into his head. Max blanked out. He was thrown overboard just as the fighting began – Steelstar would win but it would take longer without his organisational skills… Maximus had been gone from the Scourge of Sardinia for four months. He had spent a week in Rome collecting more news and now they were at sea for three weeks. Not much time now until he met the Great Pompey. The fleet was like an island that lived. It stretched from horizon to horizon. It moved up and down with the rolling of the waves. Pompey’s galley was difficult to locate, it was like any other. When they finally located it, he was let into Pompeys presence after much effort. “Those junior officers need a lesson taught.” Save Water, Drink Beer
“Yes.” Maximus studied Pompey. He was taking strain, best to give him the news now. “I have news for you…”
“That’s terrible! You’re telling me that the pirates have bases of operation all over the Mediterranean and that the more powerful ones co-operate with each other – planning attacks? This is a blow, to send just a few ships would be a risk. How large are these groups? Varying? I will take the fleet along the coast flushing out the pirates as I go.” Pompey paused to look Maximus Antonius Servus over. “What will you do now? Stay with the fleet?”
“No. I intend going ashore, to a certain pirate base I know and rejoining them. We need more information. The ship I intend joining is The Scourge of Sardinia. You’ve heard of it? I thought you would have. Don’t attack it until I give word.”
“Very well. The Captain you came with – Marcus – will take you were wish.”
They banged their right arms onto their chests and raised them in the air: “PAX”
To Massilia in Gaul. That was the next destination for Maximus Antonius Servus – the roman spy.
Czech Centurian
"Most Checks are written, I'm a Czech that was born."
Beyond the Pillars of Hercules there were no pirates, just the abusive expanse of a great troubled ocean and the isle of primitives described to him once by the less than impressed Julius Caesar. Rome would investigate it further some day, Caesar had said to him; but it was a cold, wet, uninviting land filled with barbarians. It was good that the sea was never calm, for Rome would have little cause to worry about them crossing and entering the empire from the west because of it.
A day's rest for the galley slaves, crew and soldiers, Pompey decided. Then the campaign would begin in earnest. He sat down at his small work desk and began to divide his force into small scouting detachments, keeping the main body together for battle strength.
Outside, shouts went up again. Unbeknowst to the woman below, the merchant vessel she was on was about to engage in a battle for its very life. The merchant who owned it, and her, was on board, and he was determined, against his captain's better judgement, to fight to the bitter end.
The pirate ship tacked up beside them, dropping sail as they came near. A rain of arrows fell across the bow of the merchanter- little more than a warning. A massive shaft split the sail, an even stronger warning. Shouts rang out, and the merchanter screamed his defiance. His captain tried to take over again, and became, instead, the first casualty of the battle as the merchant ran him through.
The great catapults on the merchant ship fired, but the inexperienced men manning them overshot the pirate vessel by a margin large enough to draw laughs from the men onboard it. Infuriated, the merchant demanded pitched arrows fired, and after several hours of the strange, deadly dance, the merchanter began to sink.
As she made her stately way into the depths, boxes and barrels bobbed up through her patchwork decks, to be plucked from the sea by eagerly waiting hands. Darkness fell, and with a scream of timber and nary a splash, the merchanter sank beneath the calm surface of the water.
As she descended in an eerie, ghoulish fall towards the bottom of the sea, a portion of the bow, filled with air and weakened in the battle, burst free with a wrench that spewed graceful bits of wood off into the darkness, odd visions for curious fish. As it rose with a rush towards the surface, a crate, caught up with it, floated much more serenely towards the same surface. As the bow reached the top and leaped from the water, the air inside was released, and it sank to follow its other half towards the murky deep.
The crate, along with two others of its fellows, bobbed on the surface of the water, unseen by the pirate ship that had long ago moved on.
[This message has been edited by Nimmanu (edited 09-28-2005 @ 08:29 PM).]
He flapped away into the warm day, heading back towards the island he called home. The crate, moving much more slowly, followed him. Several hours later, the sound of waves crashing against stone awakened the sleeper within the crate. Hungry and desperately thirsty, Jaqueline was still more afraid of what the sounds might mean.
She had been right to be afraid, as the crate was sucked into a small eddy in the rocks, and she found herself taken on a sickening, rushing ride until at last, after what seemed to her an eternity but which was nearer to three quarters of an hour, she was heaved into the air by a vicious wave. As the crate came down upon a group of rocks, she felt the wind knocked out of her as the crate broke open and spilled her across a massive rock.
She lay still for quite some time, feeling the waves trying to suck her back out to sea. For a while, she felt like letting them, but at last, her natural survival instinct took over again, and she moved inland, picking her way over treacherous rocks and then shifting sands.
At last, she found herself in the cool shadow of trees, and she collapsed to sleep. It was luck that let her sleep in peace until at last she awakened and began to attempt to find her bearings. The first thing that she had to deal with was her ravenoush hunger. And it was this need that drove her inland, until she crested a high ridge, only to see another beach spread out before her.
And on that beach, roman soldiers. A great number of ships stood off the shore, and longboats pulled up on the sand looked like beached creatures from the depths. But what caught her attention was that some form of animal was roasting in a pit near them. It seemed that whatever their purpose here, they were settling in at least for a while.
She wasn't about to go down there to get that food, but the chances were good that they'd leave it when they left, and the day was lengthening towards night already. She knew she could sneak into the camp after dark, she'd done it many times, so at the worst, she'd be eating in several hours.
She settled down to wait...
Marcus had made good his promise to his Father to keep the family merchant business intact and profitable. He had succeeded where his Father had only begun. He was well known among the citizens of Roma and his trips to gather materials and exclusive products was anxiously awaited by those same people. He would not disappoint them and would take any measure to insure his products would be enjoyed as well as profitable.
But this trip was even more special as once a year he would take his family along with him as a treat for having to put up with his long times away from them. Galeria, his wife, approached him as he looked out on the sea. His thirteen year old daughter Pera and ten year old son Rufus were below decks sleeping as the effects of the sea were different for them and better suited for land. The only one missing was Lusius, who as a member of the Praetorian guards was at this moment watching over Pompey. Marcus remembered many a trip that he and his oldest son had partaken. But as a citizen of Roma he had a duty and performed it extremly well enough to be honored with this position.
Coming up behind her husband and gently putting her arms around his waist Galeria tranguilly spoke,"you look content in watching the sea, my husband."
"You know me well, wife," he replied leaning back into her arms. "The children are well?",curiously saying as he turned his head sightly to gaze at Galeria.
Looking back into her husbands eyes with a hint of a smile,"They are asleep as we speak settling their stomachs from the sea. They will be joyous at the site of land once more." Marcus just nodded. Galeria turned to look at other horizons but noticed the girl tied to the mast and questioned her husband," Must the girl be tied?"
Marcus stopped leaning on his wife and answered back," She is cunning, this one, and unpredictable. To allow her to roam freely would not be safe for anyone. She would try to escape at any time. And losing her would be losing a fortune for selling her."
Galeria stared at the girl whose features were foriegn but not unlike any other slaves that had been brought and sold in the Roman marketplace. But there was something the merchant's wife liked about the girl.
"What is her name," Galeria asked of her husband.
" I beleive it is Jaqueline, I'm told"
Galeria walked to the mast looking curiously at Jaqueline who in return stared back not in defiance but asure of herself and at the same time scared. She didn't know what to expect of Galeria.
Galeria looked at Jaqueline's lips and saw they were dry and cracking from the salty sea air and looking down at the water pale beside her asked Jaqueline if she would like some water.
The slave girl was at first unsure wether to say yes but a parched throat and dry lips and the feel and taste of cool water were tempting. She nodded silently and Galeria put the wooden ladle to her mouth and allowed the girl to drink.
When finished Jaqueline nodded again in thanks to Galeria who responded," Don't worry Jaqueline you will be given a good home when we reach Roma. I can use another servant in my own household."
Jaqueline looked back in surprise at Galeria who she appreciated for treating her kindly but she was not to be servant or slave to anyone let alone the wife of the merchant that had brought her there. Galeria put the ladle back in the water bucket and started to walk away but as she got close to her husband to tell him of her desire....from up above the lookout was frantically yelling and pointing to the horizon as a sail could be seen above the swells of the sea and headed straight for them.
Marcus grabbed Galeria by her arm and told her to get down with the children. The look in his eyes was of desperation and fear. Not for himself but for his family who he knew would not fair well if they should fall prey to these pirates.
Jaqueline was untied and brought down to the container she was brought on board in roughly. As she was being taken down she saw the ships owner and captain disagreeing on something. Just before she was locked up once more she saw the captain fall to the floor of the vessel, dead. He had refused the owner's directions.
Although a few hours past it seemed as time sped quickly to Jaqueline who despite being in a crate could see out slightly through the thin slats of the box. The shouts of commands and the running around of the men onboard kept her confused as to what was happening outside. But soon unfamiliar voices were heard above and Jaqueline could hear the scream of a woman shouting out at the dead body of her husband and the crying of young scared children.
Finally she heard a voice she would not soon forget shout a command at his fellow pirates,"Kill the woman, she is of no use to us. Tie up the children and bring them aboard they will fetch a fair price. Take what else we can and burn the ship."
Jaqueline could not hear Galeria anymore. Her silence now a memory of the woman who had given her water. As the crying sound of the children slowly subsided she could slightly see the flames that were enveloping the vessel and heard the breaking crack of wood as the "Whisperia" and her dead crew sank below the once beautiful sea.
[This message has been edited by Micah Aragorn (edited 10-07-2005 @ 04:49 AM).]
She slowly made her way past the too-sparcely spaced watch men, and then began the slow, agonizing crawl across the sands. She moved no more than a fingerlength at a time, so that if any should look at her, what little movement they might see could be dismissed by the human mind as nothing more than wind. After what seemed like countless hours, she was halfway to the food, which still hung over the dying coals. She felt a short-lived surge of victory as she recognized how close she was.
But just then the camp became active. She stayed stock-still as her heart hammered in her chest. She wanted to run! Her breath came in gasps, and every nerve in her body told her to flee. But she knew that if it wasn't her that created the activity in the camp, it was certain that her running would gain her their attention.
It was merely the changing of the watch, and was over soon. Jaqueline's heart finally settled, and she slowly made her way across to the food. This was the most dangerous time for her, because the men would know there hadn't been a stone, or anything natural so close to their camp, so if anyone looked at her, they would be less likely to simply dismiss it.
She made it to the food, and the moment passed without incident. She tucked it slowly inside the huge leaf she'd found just for the purpose and slipped it inside her bodice. Then she began the painstaking crawl back to safety.
She was close to the treeline, when she heard footsteps off to her left. She couldn't look, but the terror overcame her yet again. She stayed still yet again, not a movement to betray her. The footsteps stopped near her. She heard the man spit, then the sound of clothes, then the sound of him making water. Her heart slowed and she relaxed a bit. Time passed, and she at last heard his footsteps leading away, and his voice as he muttered to himself.
She crept forward once again, until she at last saw the darker shadow of grass just ahead of her. She still didn't break and run, even as the hunger and exhaustion from keeping herself motionless clawed at her.
Finally, in moments that seemed as long as the first few hours of crossing the sand, she was able to sink against a tree. She ate greedily, stopping herself after a few minutes. She didn't dare eat too much, she couldn't afford to become ill. She stood and leaned heavily against a tree.
Then she heard it again, the sound of footsteps behind her. She froze against the tree. The two men approached, still talking. She couldn't make out their conversation, because although she understood and spoke some Latin, they were speaking far too fast for her to follow.
The men stood not three feet from her, discussing when to reboard the ships and continue on their way. All Jaqueline could do was wait and pray that she didn't betray herself to them. She couldn't know that the men talking were Pompey and his guard Lucius. Nor that fate was about to deliver her back into the hands of the Falco family once again.
[This message has been edited by Nimmanu (edited 10-09-2005 @ 11:46 AM).]
“Steelstar had better get here soon.” Max growled to himself, looking over all the battle damaged ships around the port. Over the last few months Steelstar had grown into a legend. Almost a sea god. Many young pirates dreamt of a place on his ship, it was said that he shared the spoils with his crew more than other pirates.
He decided for a drink with the sailors. It started out pretty well but when the drink flows people become excitable. Maximus happened to mention that Steelstar was a good captain and drew grunts from all over. They were not fans of Steelstar at all. He was ganged up on and beat up.
He touched his swollen eye and shuddered with the pain. He had been beaten up pretty badly and the news had spread that a supporter of the Scourge of Sardinia had been beaten up. “Were are you Steelstar. I need to get on your ship.” He fell asleep. He dreamt of the gods coming to him, he must worship them…
Save Water, Drink Beer
Pompey's tent had been like the market place Lusius' Father had his business. People were coming and going and coming and going. There seemed to be no end to it. Finally as dusk approached the frantic pace subsided and only an occasional visitor would venture to Pompey.
Lusius thoughts wandered slightly that evening and he found himself thinking of the voyages he and his father would take this time of year to replenish his business. It was almost as if Lusius could smell the salty air and the feel of the sea breeze on his face and through his hair. How he longed for those days again. But the images faded and the reality was that the smell and breeze of the sea were real enough because the sea was but a short walking distance filled with ships of the Roman fleet. His concentration renewed he found himself and Pelieus coming to attention as the Captain of the Watch hurriedly began to enter the tent only to stop beside Lusius and putting his left hand on Lusius' shoulder gave him a look that bewildered him. The Captain lowered his arm and quickly entered Pompey's tent. It seemed quite awhile before the Captain exited and went back to his duties.
Within minutes of the Captain leaving, Pompey appeared at the entrance to his tent. Lusius and Palieus each snapped to attention their eyes looking straight ahead and their bodies stiff. Pompey looked about the encampment area and then glanced up at the evening sky took a deep breath and released the cool air from his lungs. He then turned to his guards and said,"I think I will walk a little tonight. you will both accompany me."
Lusius and Palieus simultaneously striking their right hand and arm against their uniform saluted Pompey and following him they walked towards the beach area. Upon reaching the beginning of the sandy beach Pompey stopped and turning to his escorts he pointed at Palieus saying,"You stay here." And then looking at Lusius he said,"You come with me." And with that Lusius followed Pompey a short distance to the edge of trees that seperated the sandy beach from the vegitated inland.
Pompey stopping turned and looking Lusius directly asked,"You are Lusius Falco?"
Lusius quickly replied,"Yes,sir!"
Again Pompey asked a question,"Your father is Marcus Falco, the merchant.
This time Lusius answered but his tone was more anxious,"Yes. He is!"
"Your father had excellent goods. My wife would purchase items from time to time from him."
Still not sure where this was headed Lusius thanked Pompey for his kind words.
Pompey's face became sullen and he stared at the sand and dirt at his feet then slowly lifting his head and looking once more at Lusius in a sympathetic voice," I am deeply sorrowed to tell you that your Father and Mother may both be dead."
Lusius felt a sudden hollowness in the midst of his stomach and his knees weakened nearly collapsing if he had not taken a step backward to catch himself.
Shaken, but quizative, he replied,"Sir, how do you know this? What proof?"
"A supply ship coming here found debris and boxes floating in the sea. And clinging to a part of the vessel a member of its crew seriously wounded.", Pompey returned an answer then looking at Lusius once more continued,"Before dying he told of pirates and the killing of the crew and the vessels owner, Marcus Falco. After barely escaping by silently slipping into the water before the pirates boarded he watched from a distance as they killed your mother and set fire to the ship and departed."
Lusius held back the tears as a soldier is taught although his body trembled and his voice cracked,"And my sister and brother were they also killed?"
Pompey taking his right hand and raising it to his forehead as if trying to remember a conversation replied," The sailor did not mention anyone else. I don't know."
"Sir you are sure of this. There was no mistake or maybe the ramblings of a dying man."
Pompey solemnly answered again," It is true! Just a short while ago wreckage washed up on shore bearing the name "Whisperia". That is the name of your Father's vessel is it not?"
Lusius was silent. His jaw taught and his teeth grinding not from the pain of his loss but from the anger that flowed from his beating heart to every inch of his body. He wanted to shout at the stars, at the gods. He turned to Pompey and with the hiss of anger in his voice he asked,"Sir allow me to resign my position and avenge the death of my family. Please Sir allow me this."
Pompey raised his left hand and put it upon Lusius's shoulder patting it several times in a sypathetic gesture and looking into eyes aflame with revenge said,"The Fleet sails again soon. You may join what ever galley you wish Praetorian. I will not accept your resignation but will be given orders to seek and find your families killers and seek the revenge you want. For it is Roma's desire to end the death of it's citizens at the hand of these pirates. You will be given orders and passage aboard the ship you choose with free movement. But when you are finished I will have you back, Praetorian. With that Pompey turned and left Lusius to mourn alone for his loss and he and Paleius returned to the tent.
As Lusius watched them leave, the moment they were out of site, he collapsed to ground on his knees and putting his hands to his face cried. Only as a child once when hurt did he cry such. He grieved for awhile and finally when he could not cry anymore he started to get up. Standing up and looking to see if anyone had seen him he started to take a step...."Crack",the sound of a branch breaking closeby stopped him and he turned and tried desperately through red and swollen eyes to pierce into the darkness for the cause of the sound.
Something was there he was sure of it. He pulled his gladius from its sheath prepared to defend himself. He stared more into the night....a quick movement and a shadow caught his attention. He moved methodically and as silently as possible towards the shadow.......
[This message has been edited by Micah Aragorn (edited 10-15-2005 @ 05:17 AM).]
He crept ever closer, alert to every sound, every nuance of the forest. She kept her eyes closed to nothing more than the tinest of slits in order to watch him. Closer he came, ever closer. She would not break and flee! Death lay in that course, or worse.
Suddenly, she saw him relax, standing up to wave at the sentry beyond her. The man on the hill shouted that all was well, and the man beside her moved even closer to talk somewhat more easily with the other one. And thus it was by complete accident that Lucius discovered Jaqueline's presence. Lucius slipped on the same branch that had caught Jaqueline up earlier, and fell heavily against her, knocking her breath from her involuntarily.
Faster than he could react, she was gone, racing through the trees towards the inner island. But she was exhausted, and Lucius was fresh. He caught her easily, but was surprised by how the black creature fought him. Spitting, scratching, snarling, she responded with the only thing left to her. She fought for her very life. Lucius, not realizing what he was dealing with, in the darkness of the night and the tension of something unknown in the forest, fought back. At last, he landed a heavy blow to Jaqueline's midsection with his knee, and the momentary loss of breath enabled him to get a powerful grasp on her arms and torso. She was, at last, effectively trapped.
Despite the incredible fury of the fight, Lucius was surprised to find his captive to be quite light. He swiftly wrapped her up in the whip he carried, lacking any other form of restraining device. Half carrying and half dragging her as she continued to struggle and fight, Lucius took her into the camp. The bizarre picture brought the soldiers out of their tents, one at a time.
At last, he managed to get her to the front of Pompey's tent, and dropped her at the man's feet. "I know not what sort of creature it is, but it was lurking in the woods, from all I could tell, watching our camp. And, it seems, stealing from us." Lucius dropped the piece of stolen meat, as well.
Jaqueline managed to get herself into a kneeling position, the whip that cut into her arms and legs prevented anything more. She looked up into Pompey's eyes then.
Involuntarily, Pompey stepped back with a gasp. Jaqueline hardly looked human, she was covered in a thick blackish-green mud, half dried onto her. Her brilliant whiteish blue eyes blazed at him from a face that, in the dark, even by the meager light of the fire, looked black as the very night sky itself. Two orbs of brilliant day cloud white-blue stared at him from that face, a face wreathed in hatred and fury. For an instant, he felt incredible relief that the creature was tied... yet he also felt a hidden fear that it wouldn't be enough.
But reason reasserted itself, and he looked closer at the creature crouched at his feet in the sand. "It's a woman. A hungry woman, it appears. Though I've never seen such a woman before, she appears to be black and her skin is quite covered in cracks and lumps. You can keep her if you like, otherwise release her when we leave." He went back into his tent.
Lucius wasn't sure "You know of the Whisperia?" he asked, picking up the piece of wood and pointing at it. To his shock, she spat on it, her face twisted in hatred and fury again. In broken, barely understandable latin, she said, "Filth boat dead now!" He fought for a moment to keep from breaking it over her head. Angered, upset, and somehow hurt, he went into his tent, trembling from the shock of the whole day. He controlled his rage at last, and determined that the next day, he would find out what the strange creature knew of his family's ship. It was a long time before he finally slept.
Long time thinking and a short time sleeping did not make Lusius feel particularly rested, but his anger at the woman had faded with the night. He realized between tortured thoughts and salving recollections that the girl might know something important but most likely is only circumstantially linked to his parent's fate. Lusius wanted to learn more, everything, from this girl. Instinctively he knew it would not happen with harsh treatment and chains. Wrapping himself in a robe, he rose from his cot and entered the part of the tent in which the woman spent the night.
His appearance startled her, but immediately the defiant glare returned and her lips paled with the tightness of her determination to resist what most surely was going to happen next. Instead, the Roman sat down on the floor across from her and silently studied her face. Her defiance slowly metamorphed into confusion, as did the once combative expression on her face. Lusius decided now was the time to begin matters with the girl all over again.
"My name is Lusius Falco. You may tell me your name when you are ready. I know you recognize The girl studied Lusius face and decided it would not hurt to play along. There seemed no threat in his voice. She nodded her head. "Good. I can make you increasingly comfortable if you continue to help me. Then we can talk of food, clothing and bathing if you help me even more. Can you speak my language?" "Little," she said with a heavy accent." "Why were you on my father's vessel?" "For sale." "A slave?" "Not yet slave. Prisoner. For sale." "You have answered me truthfully?" "Truth." Lusius reached across and grasped the woman's foot. She tensed, was prepared to fight the best she could hampered as she was with irons on ankles and wrists. Then she saw the Roman had a key in his hand that would unlock and unscrew the bolts holding the iron clamp on her foot in place. She ceased to squirm and struggle and permitted Lusius to do as he willed. The Roman unfastened the iron clasped around the woman's left ankle. "Continue to tell me the truth and more will be the comfort I grant to you." She stared at his face and saw nothing in the way of a lie evident in his expression. She decided to take a chance and to comply. "Truth," she confirmed with a single word. "How did my parents die?" "Pirates take ship. Father killed. Mother killed. Too old to be made slaves. Young children gone." "Gone?! You mean you did not see them killed?" "No. Taken." The prisoner paused as if thinking of something to say or just how to say it. "Mother. Kind to me. I thirst. She give water. Kind. I think she not want hurting slave. Bad men who kill her." Involuntarily, Lusius eyes filled with water just enough to cause a tear or two to run down his face. He looked down to hide the fact but it was far too late as the observant prisoner saw what happened even before Lusius realized what he was doing. He quickly wiped his eyes with the edge of his robe. Lusius looked up to see the woman, not long from girlhood, staring at him. He leaned across with the key and removed the other ankle iron. This time she did not struggle or protest. "Think you more like mother," the woman said, perceptive eyes studying Lusius so intently it was as if they penetrated his body to its very center. That was the moment in which she decided to give her unavoidable master a degree of cooperation until then she had granted no man ever before.
For the first time Maximus found himself on a civilian ship. It was a new feeling, being on a ship and having no duties or rank. He felt insignificant but he had made an interesting discovery, acting as a priest was enjoyable. Since he had first declared himself as a priest of Neptune he found himself in great demand. The Captain had even granted him free passage aboard the ship for a blessing of it. He wondered what would happen to him if the ship was destroyed in a storm after his blessing…
The thing that annoyed him the most was not feeling insignificant nor was it the constant bowing of the crew but the other passengers. How could people with so much money be so annoying. Was there a scale? Why did they keep asking him what Neptune thought of them after they had forgotten penance – for a minor wrong? Why should Neptune care about some insignificant coward who got out of military service because he had money?
The only sane person aboard it seemed to maximus was an old man who may or may not have been in the army. He shared an interesting piece of news with maximus. That the ship of a famous Roman merchant was destroyed and worst of all his entire family was aboard, all except for a son who was somewhere with Pompey.
Isola Stromboli lay ahead, north of Sicily. It was an out of the way stop and Maximus was likely to find something of interest in an out of the way location. Just how interesting Maximus was about to find out…
Save Water, Drink Beer
Lusius brought water and giving it to her watched as she drank. She drank as one who had not had water for days as it ran down her chin and onto her body. Each rivlet of water washed away the caked mud from her face and skin where it had fallen leaving Lusius to see a different person before him, one he could only have visualize as savage and uncivilized for the mud that hid her before.
Jacqueline held the empty bowl out to Lusius for more water which he gave to her and once again she drank as if her body was on fire trying to quench it and fill her quite empty stomach at the same time. Lifting her eyes from the bowl she saw Lusius staring at her with quizative eyes and she stopped her hastened drinking and staring back at him slowly sipped the remaining water.
"Are you hungry?", asked Lusius breaking his concentrated staring at her and putting his hand to his mouth in a reference to eating. Jacqueline nodded and watched him get up and walk away to get some food.
Lusius returned with a bowl containing a mixture similiar to crushed oats in a steaming liguid and bread to soak it up with. But before giving it to her Lusius asked,"Could you, if you saw the bad men again, recognize them."
Knowing that she would not be allowed to eat until she answered him she replied,"talk!" holding out her arms to be given the food.
"Talk?", Lusius was confused by the answer, "Talk to who" he replied.
Once again she repeated the answer but this time moved her hand to her mouth and as she repeated her answer she moved her hand from her mouth to her ear.
Lusius thought a moment and suddenly understood what she was attempting to say. "You can know by their voices?"
Jacqueline nodded and again held her hands out for the food. But Lusius asked her one more question to her dismay and growling stomach. Standing and using his hands to point to his clothes,"Can you tell by thier garments?"
Although Jacqueline could remember very little of the clothing the pirates wore the pirate voice she heard was very distinguishable and the growing hunger pains she felt overtook her sense of answering truthfully at this moment. So she nodded yes to Lusius who with a sigh of relief gave her the bowl of food which was devoured as she had the water.
Lucius watched her with some degree of disgust. He'd forgotten to bring in a utensil for her to eat with, and it didn't seem to bother her any. He shrugged and sat down to wait for her to finish. When she had, he took the bowl and led her outside. Since there was no other option, he took her to the ocean. "Bathe," he told her.
He was surprised to see a large smile spread over her face, quickly chased away when she looked back at him. He frowned and grabbed her wrist cuffs. "Think about running, and I will punish you severely."
Jacqueline shook her head. "Good bathe. Feel itch, make smell. Bathe better." She shook her hands at him. "No run, am sure. Give word." But Lucius had been as benevolent as he was going to be. He crossed his arms and stared at her. She sighed and waded into the ocean.
It wasn't the best possible bath, but she knew it was the best available to them. So she gratefully sank into the waves, letting them wash over her, taking dust and dark mud away with them. For a moment, she could ignore her circumstances, ignore the men on the beach, and forget that her life was forever changed.
Nearby on the beach, Lucius watched her. Despite the few spots that had washed free from water when she was drinking, he was suprised to see her head bob up from the waves with pale skin and dark hair. It wasn't long before Marcus Torius joined him. Marcus' father was from Gaul, and thus Lucius had hoped later to ask him to see if he could communicate with the difficult woman. He decided to take the opportunity now.
"I was going to ask you if you could try to speak with her later. I believe she speaks your father's language," Lucius said.
Marcus shook his head, "I haven't spoken my father's language since I was a child, I doubt I can make myself understood."
Lucius sighed. "I think she has information about what happened to my family, but I cannot seem to get past the problems with communicating."
Marcus grinned, "Some kinds of communication are natural. I'd be really happy to try Lucius looked at Marcus and grinned, "You would communicate with any woman who'd let you." Marcus laughed, "True enough, but still, she's quite attractive." Their banter came to an end as two other men approached, two more of their group of friends. "So it looks like she's not a crazy savage after all, does it?" Antonius said. "True," said Lucius. "She appears to be quite fair, in fact. I think the sun will be difficult for her." Quiet Gaius, in his usual way, said nothing. They all watched as Jacqueline emerged from the waves. Lucius told Marcus, "See if you can speak with her, please. I need to know for sure." Marcus nodded. As Jacqueline arrived at the small group, Marcus spoke to her a single sentence in French. Then he grinned and elbowed Lucius in the ribs, "Watch this," he said. "Sure you are for speaking right?" Jacqueline asked him. "Yes," Marcus said, quite smugly. "Then I am think you are child of dog with goat," she said. Marcus' mouth fell open, and Jacqueline walked towards Lucius' tent. "What did you say?" Lucius asked, incredulous. "I just... I told her... I said she is as lovely as a graceful filly, and her face is so beautiful without mud on it," Marcus said, though it was followed with a rather meek, "At least, I thought I did." Shrugging helplessly, Lucius turned towards his tent, "I'll find out." When he got inside, he decided to just ask her straight out, "What did Marcus say to you?" "He is telling me that I am male... riding animal-" "Horse," Lucius said. "Yes, I am male horse who is no longer male, and my face is better cover with..." She trailed off at the end. "What? Cover your face with what?" "Um, I not know say for it," Jacqueline said. "Oh, well. Um, I guess it was a bad thing?" he dared to ask. "Very bad, yes. Worser than mud. Is mud horse make," and she made a face. Lucius covered his mouth to keep from laughing. When he had himself somewhat in hand, he went outside and joined his friends. "Well, you certainly are the lover, Marcus," he said, and had to stop laughing before he could continue. "You told her that she is a lovely gelding and would look better with excrement on her face," he said when he had control of himself once more. The men shared a laugh, and clasped poor Marcus comfortingly on the shoulder, before they each went their own way. Lucius turned back to his tent, to begin the project of sorting out the woman's origins. He decided first to get her more comfortably dressed. He gave her a toga, and left long enough to allow her to get changed into it. When he returned some time later, he once more had to control a laugh as he saw how she had (attempted) to arrange it on her body. She glared at him, as if daring him to say anything at all about it. He politely refrained. Making himself comfortable on some sparse cushions, he asked her about her background. Some questions, she wouldn't answer, no matter how he attempted to get a response from her. But he did get enough out of her to gather some information on who she was. Her full name, he discovered, was Jaqueline de la Charmoie. She seemed to be from a land past Gaul, though it seemed her ancestry was Gaulic. He had pieced together that she had been hunting (a woman in a hunting party!) when the slavers had captured her group. Most had been slain, and she had been badly beaten. She remembered little of the journey across a great expanse of land, and onto a ship. She was then, in the "hot place" sold to his father. He knew where that was, so he let her continue without questioning that. Apparently, his father had gotten her for a very cheap price (though she didn't understand that, but she clearly remembered the number, size, color, and shape of the coins that had changed hands), due, most likely, to her disobedient spirit and her poor health at the time. She had described his father in cold tones, but had softened slightly when she spoke of his mother, who had sought to improve Jaqueline's health. He had left after that, unwilling to cry in front of her, and unable to do so in front of others. He stood now looking out across the waves. He wondered for a moment what they'd do with his prisoner. But he knew that she knew the pirates had said they were going to somewhere called "Isola Stromboli." (After all, telling dead men where you will be creates no problems...) He would use this information to request that she be taken with them. He wouldn't reveal the name, just that it was an island, until they were underway, and Pompey wouldn't be as likely to leave her stranded. That decided, he turned back towards the encampment.
The Praetorian and his captive arrived at Pompey's tent and the two Praetorian guards at the entrance immediately crossed thier spears blocking the entrance.
Although one of the guards was Palieus he was obligated to ask,"What do you seek here, Praetorian?"
Lusius turned to Palieus and answered," I seek an audience with Pompey to discuss information requarding the loss of my parents and the whereabouts of the pirates."
"I will ask Pompey but your slave must stay here"
Lusius replied," She must be permited to enter with me. She has knowledge of these pirates."
Palieus looking first at Lusius and then at Jaqueline said,"Wait here!". He returned a moment later and informed Lusius that Pompey would see him. The Praetorian and his captive both entered.
Behind a wood desk laddened with maps and charts stood Pompey looking deeply at what laid before him, his mind calculating and contriving what strategy he would or could use to rid the sea of these pirates.
Lusius came to full attention before Pompey and saluting him said," Thank you for seeing me once more, sir". All the while Jaqueline stared at the interior of her new surrroundings bewilderd and amused by its contents and the man that stood before them.
Pompey nodded his approval as his eyes wandered the length of the slave girl standing beside Lusius.
"She is quite different from slaves I've seen before," his eyes once again taking in everything that was before him.
Jaqueline could'nt help but feel Pompey's eyes upon her, looking past her clothing and skin, to her soul. He was seeing something others had perhaps missed. But it made her uncomfortable and she moved closer to Lusius and stood slightly behind him using his body as a shield to protect her from that stare.
Lusius noticed her uneasiness and addressed Pompey,"This qirl is a survivor of the ' "Sir, I wish to leave on the next available ship and return to Roma to settle my parents affairs and pursue the whereabouts of my remaining family," Pompey looking down at the papers on his desk replied," As I said to you, you will be given transport to any port you wish with free movement to seek these murderous enemies of Rome. And as an aid to our cause seek out Maximus Servus, a spy in our service. He has been ordered to gather information and if possible infiltrate thier ranks." Lusius saluted Pompey once more and thanked him for his generosity. He would return later to get his written orders and a ship sailed that afternoon for Roma. As they left the tent Jaqueline turned and looking back at Pompey, who once again was watching her every movement, couldn't help but sense that the power that this chieftain had would somehow or someday be his downfall. [This message has been edited by Micah Aragorn (edited 12-14-2005 @ 01:19 PM).]
He let his clothes become tattered. Jumped into the sea and rolled around in the sand. He was going to be revealed to the people of this flaming island as a shipwreck survivor. Now that his appearance should have been sufficiently different he set off to find what could be found.
It was on his second day on the island, close to midday, that he found somebody. It was a young boy collecting washed up shells on the beach. Maximus stumbled into view and when he was sure that the boy had seen him he collapsed onto the soft beach sand.
Upon waking up he discovered himself in the care of a kindly looking woman. She was worriedly staring at his face. When his eyes opened she flashed him a delighted smile. “Where am I?” Maximus asked, it was only right that he start his act now. She replied: “You are on Isola Stromboli, very hard life on island. My son found you, call men, I look after you.” Her voice was melodious. Maximus stayed in bed for the next day at the good ladies insistence, she probably enjoyed having somebody to mother since her son was at that stage when he refused it.
The settlement on Isola Stromboli was very small. Maximus was sure that there couldn’t be more than forty people on the entire island. The first order of business was to discover when another ship would come so that he could get back to Rome. He asked around and the people were happy to help, they seemed to have accepted his disguise. They had saved him and now he was one of them. During his enquiries he discovered that ‘foreign’ people occasionally stopped at the island. He also found that there were no ‘foreign’ people on the island at the moment.
The ‘foreign’ people, Maximus concluded, must be pirates. He trekked to the north of the island were the pirates always stayed. They had constructed a few shabby shacks around the little bay. They were deserted, of coarse. Further investigation revealed a few scattered coins. These coins were special though, they had been specially imprinted. Having received confirmation Maximus left.
Two days later a merchant ship arrived to sell a few odds and ends. Maximus managed to get himself a passage to Rome. Payment would be as one of the crew.
Save Water, Drink Beer
"Jacqueline, Come!" shouted Lusius as he grabbed her arm moving her along quicker. She had promised to stay with him especially after he had told her what would happen should she run off. Rome for all its gallant and glorius culture was still a den of unwanted and vicious characters who would kill thier nearest relative if it meant a profit. Jacqueline would honor the pact made because for all it's wonderment Rome to her was very unchartered territory and although curious she felt safer being close to Lusius.
They reached the home of his parents and fought back his emotions as tears welled in his eyes. He knew he could do nothing to change what had happened. But his sister and brother were somewhere and every lost minute found him furher away from getting them back.
He was greeted inside by the family housekeeper and steward who was happy to see Lusius but sorrowful at the loss. He assured them there would be no changes yet and told his intententions for rescueing his siblings. As for the rest of the day, Jacqueline was left behind in his parents house to be fed, bathed and clothed. She started to protest to Lusius not wishing to be left alone in an unfamiliar dwelling but the smell of food and an oppurtunity to sleep on something other than the hard ground or straw lessened her fears and she finally nodded her approval watching Lusius leave to his Father's shop. He talked to those that he could trust running it for a short time in his abscence. Being unsure if he would continue his Father's business when and if he should return with the rest of the family.
He walked the streets of Rome stopped now and then by those who were his Father's patrons offering their deepest regrets at his loss and his reassurance to them that they would still have the oppurtunity to purchase the finest merchandise available in Italy. Finally he reached the thermopilia where he would seek out Maximus Servus.
[This message has been edited by Micah Aragorn (edited 02-01-2006 @ 08:07 PM).]
Pera and Rufus, captive brother and sister of Lusius, hugged close to each other for security and warmth as the dank bowels of the ship they were captive on was not what they were accustom to. They missed their fine bedding and warm surroundings provided for them from their father's business and the servants who kept them clothed, neat and fed.
In contrast their faces were streaked with dirt from wiping away tears with dirty hands. Their arms or legs covered with dried dirt and their clothing soiled from the unkept floor and wet dirty straw that was their bedding. Their stomachs constantly growled from emptiness. They were fed when someone remembered. Feeding them stale bread and colored water that was suppose to be a broth. When they did eat they could barely keep it down still not accustomed to or liking the constant movement of the ship.
Both shivered not from the cold but from fear of their demise and what their fate might be. They had no parents witnessing their Father's dead body and the death of their Mother. They were alone but for each other and neither knew when that would cease either.
[This message has been edited by Micah Aragorn (edited 12-27-2006 @ 02:14 AM).]
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