Chapter II
Patricians, Plebeians, Countrymen, lend me your ears. Before our walls stands the greatest threat we have ever faced. We must not show weakness. We must not show fear. We will be strong. We will be brave. For if we fall, if we allow those who would have magic chained up like some savage beast to stand victorius, we will have desecrated the very foundations of our city. Rally now to the call of your city, the disciples of Saul stand at our gates. Yet the Gods our on our side, fate is our champion. Steel your hearts and sharpen the swords of your forefathers. Now is the hour of the Wolf. Now is the rise of the Eagle. Now is the age of the Dragon. Pontifex Maximus, Caius Maximillius Regalis Felix Marianus – at the eve of the battle for Lux Invictum, in the Twilight Wars
(Note: a week is comprised of 6 days, and a month is comprised of 10 weeks. Therefore a month is 60 days long)
(Note: changed from the Palmus to the Decicorpus, tenth of a body. 10 decicorpi make the average height, 191.5cm, 6'3)
(Note: Therefore there will be characters at 7-8 feet tall, its one of the effects magic has had on Humanity.)
Dies Solis, Maximillianus, 49912 Praesens
“Father you wanted to see me?” – Tacticus
“Yes, sit down. Now son you’ve wanted to travel around and see the world abroad. Now, your mother and I have discussed this and we’ve decieded that we will give you one month to do as you please outside of Gabinaculum, but you must be home by the first Dies Lunae, Conditorium. Remember one month.” - Saturnius
“Yes Father. If I may, when will I be leaving?” - Tacticus
“Tomorrow at noon.” – Catilina
Dies Lunae, Maximillianus, 49912 Praesens
Tacticus hurriedly gets out of bed, racing out of his room, down the corridor and into the main room of the house. His mind is racing with thoughts of adventure, excitement is coursing through his body.
‘This is the day, I will finally be able to go and travel. To go and experience the world.- Tacticus
“Morning son.” – Saturnius
“Morning Father, morning Mother.” – Tacticus
As he greeted he his Mother walked into the room carrying an iron tray with an assortment of plates and bowls. Tacticus glanced at the tray and was instantaneously seized with desire. Before him was an assortment of delicacies from throughout the Empire.
His Mother was renowned throughout Gabinaculum as being a chef among chefs. He could see a patrician’s feast, which is an assortment of beef, pork, duck, chicken and lamb cuts. There was a Salmon-Tuna Sasima (their way of saying sashimi) a Nionian delicacy. There was a Pannonian Boar; a boar cooked in an assortment of forest herbs and an alcoholic drink to add falvour to the meat, the favourite in Pannonia is Caldeonian Vihscum (whisky). Then was also Caelican Salad (think Caesar with chicken). He looked up to his Mother, who had a smile of stars. Lowering his head he managed to mumble.
“Thank you for the meal” – Tacticus
'Gods, this is a lot of food. Damn I can't wait to eat some of mum's cooking" - Tacticus
“Best enjoy it, your not going to be eating well for the next month from now” – Catalina
Tacticus looks at his mother in confusion.
‘What is she talking about?’ - Tacticus
“Son we decided that rather than placing a month’s worth of your mother’s cooking in the you arcala, we will give you a month’s supply of annonulae (an annonula is a long lasting ration bar, per say, with a wax-like texture).” – Saturnius
‘Of all the foods to be stuck with for a month, fantastic. I best learn how to hunt.” - Tacticus
After eating his fill, and his parents explained the basics of camping and hunting they took him to the back of the house.
‘I wonder what Father wants me to show me’ - Tacticus
“Son, I want you to take this, it was given to me by an old friend, may years ago. Now I’m giving it to you.” – Saturnius
Saturnius then pulled a large leather wrap from a chest he kept under lock and key at the back of the house. He handed it the leather wrap to his son. Tacticus opened up the wrap and laid his eyes on his father’s old Cumbrian longbow.
“Father this is…” – Tacticus
‘This is my father’s longbow!’ - Tacticus
“Yes, it’s my old Cumbrian longbow, made by a member of the Cernavani, it has 150 Librae (72.5KG, 159.8 pounds) of weight behind the bowstring. I wan you to take it with you. Also I got this for you” – Saturnius
“Now son, go and put your armour on and then pick up your weapons from the arms room. Once your done grab your arcala and meet your mother and I at the Villa.” – Saturnius.
‘By the Gods, I cannot wait to be off for Octodrium.’ - Tacticus
Tacticus hurried off to complete his preparations for the journey. Whilst he did this gens gathered together in front of the villa, preparing to send him off. Once he had completed his tasks and arrived outside the villa to see all the Remuli gathered to see him off. He went about, talking to all those gathered, hearing the farewells of his family.
‘He comes that old crone’ - Tacticus
“Keep safe little one, wouldn’t want to have a funeral this year, bad havest and all.” – Hippolatus
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“Thanks old man, you best take your own advice.” – Tacticus
‘That bloody old fool’ - Tacticus
“Keep well and may the Gods look over you and your endeavours Tacticus Remulus Saturnianus.” – Antonius
“Thank you Antonius, I hope that old Hippolatus won’t be any trouble.” – Tacticus
Before heading off Tacticus and Antonius grasped each other’s arms.
“My son, you best be home in the month’s time, or so may the Gods help me I’ll have you living with Hippolatus in the old cottage.” – Saturnius
‘Gods Father, there’s no need to be abusive.’ - Tacticus
“Come here by Tacticus, your father and I wish you the best on your journey. Keep well and always remember…” – Catalina
Tacticus’ mother went and grabbed a shield from where it was leaning on the wall. Coming back over to him she held out his new shield to him., His new scutum was 60 decicubiti length ways and 26 decicubiti across (75.6cm x 30.24 cm, 29.8 Inches x 11.9 Inches).
“Return my son, either, with your shield, or upon it.” – Catalian.
“Maximillius, King among Gods, steel this heart and guide this soul. Cornelius and Flavius, Brothers of loyalty, inspire fortitude in this heart, and shield this soul from the whims of chaos. Iunius, Sword of man, guide this warrior as they leave their home, guide their heart and mind, so that they may return to those whom they must protect. Iulia, lady of will, prepare this heart for the evils of war, shield their mind from the woes of the dead. Caelica, mother of Kings, bless this soul with your maternal love, for yours is the love that will conquer all. Aevus, Genitor, God of Gods, Father of King. Your will is the will of creation. Protect this warrior from chaos and evil. Due this please, in memory of man’s faithful service. I beseech of you, the Gods. Protect this heart from death. Do this in memory of your own humanity, and in memory of the love that you all hold, in life and in heaven. Gratulor (I give thanks)” – the Rumuli
“God, be praised, for you have looked upon my soul. I hope you have not found myself wanting in fidelity and piety. Gratulor.” – Tacticus
After finishing the Prayer of the Soldier, the Remuli dispersed, returning to their homes. Tacticus walked up to his parents.
‘Best head over to my parents’ - Tacticus
His Father’s face softens significantly and he takes his son into an embrace. Then Saturnius disengaged himself from the hug and held is son, on the shoulders, at arms length.
“Tacticus Remulus Saturnianus. Gods you been a good son, now you’d best come home, your sister’s waiting in the village for you. She has asked me to let you know that she wants to see you. Remember, the Gods’ hath no fury like a woman scorned.” – Saturnius
‘Best see her before I head off then.’ – Tacticus
He then walked over to his mother and was taken into an embrace by her, tears rolling down her face.
“Keep safe my son, every night I will pray for your safe return.” – Catalina
“I will return mother, I promise” – Tacticus
Tacticus wished his Father and red-eyed Mother farewell. Turning around he left the Remulan estate, and began his walk down to the town of Gabinaculum.
Twenty minutes pass
“Name.” – Vigil
“Tacticus Remulus Saturnianus.” – Tacticus
“Ah, so your Saturnius’ boy are you? Well, best behave yourself and keep out of trouble.” Vigel
“Understood sir” – Tacticus
‘Best head round to my Sister’s place down by the temple.’ Tacticus
So he walked along the main street of the town, turning left just before the town’s markets. Travelling along the road he turned to his left and entered an insula. He climbed the stairs to the first level above ground and knocked on the door to his sister’s apartment.
“Tacticus?” - Sorellia
“Yes Sorellia” – Tacticus
The door burst open, a young girl, with a similar appearance to her mother, leaps from the doorway and onto her brother.
“I’ve missed you so much. Mum and Dad are good right? How Antonius? What about Hippolatus? Your good right?” – Sorellia
‘This sister of mine, she’s as energetic as when she left to learn under the augur at the temple’ - Tacticus
“Sis, calm down, one question at a time. Mum and Dad are good. Antonius is very well. Hippolatus is… well …Hippolatus is Hippolatus. I’m good, how are you and before you say anything (an evil glint comes into his eyes) I hope the boys around town have been keeping their distance.” – Tacticus
“Brother calm down, your just as bad as dad. But its good to hear everyone’s okay. And apart from you, everything has been well and good. So, (a dark aura appears) when are you leaving” – Sorellia
‘Shit, right answer, right answer.’ - Tacticus
“Tomorrow morning since, I thought, I’d stay the in town for the evening. Would you mind if I stayed in your apartment” – Tacticus
“Of course not brother” - Sorellia