“Do you even have anyone working to keep them clean? They are hardly as magnificent as my walls in Oram.” Aiden ran a hand along the parapet as he walked atop the walls around Adrianople.

General Maximus was not amused, but dutifully answered “Indeed my lord, but they are strong and should hold well enough against the coming horde.”

“Is that your plan then? To hide in the city and wait for the great Stilicho to rescue you? No, not I! I will face these barbarians in the open field of battle! That is the great equalizer of all men! On the proving ground I will cast my life upon the winds of fate and revel in glorious victory!” Aiden struck a pose.

“Certainly, my lord. However, the orders we received seemed to indicate your desire to join our forces with Stilicho and attack the Urzoth from here, my lord.”

“Those were the womanly precautions of Lady Livia. The lovely flower is clever enough, yes, but she is alas the victim of her feminine brain. She has no sense for these kinds of things. No mind for war like me.”

“Even still, the plan in place is a fine one. You will surely find the glorious victory you seek, emperor." Maximus's desperation crept into his words, but he knew he must speak carefully. It hadn’t taken him long to understand that convincing Aiden of anything would be harder than anticipated. He was nearing the end of his wits.

“Glorious victory indeed!” Aiden shouted looking out over the field of the future battle. He pointed to the massive caravan of Urzoth in the far distance. They were entering a section of forest running along the north west and western side of Adrianople. “Do they look to catch us by surprise, General? I can see you!” Aiden shouted from the wall.

“My lord, they are tree people. They are likely looking to keep their women and children in the forest while the bulk of their army assaults the gates. If reports are true, they look to set sail from the port. I can't say what has them running though."

“Of course you don't." For a moment, Maximus wondered if Aiden knew something he did not. No, it's just Aiden being Aiden.

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"I should ride out into the trees and attack them while they sleep. No, that would not be honorable. Have them come to the field in the morning. First light. No a little later so we can ready our positions in the field. There I say.” Aiden pointed to a flat section of the sprawling plain to the east. It was a low spot between two rolling hills.

“My lord, I cannot instruct them to meet us at the time and place of our choosing. That is a large population to get settled and ready for attack however, so I do suppose the battle will be tomorrow, if not within the next few days.” Maximus grew more exasperated with every word by the Emperor. “It is why remaining in the walls would be the best course for us.”

Aiden glared at the general.

“My lord.” Maximus added with more than enough impudence. Aiden squared up to him. The two were alone on the wall. The sunset was at its most colorful and the unusually warm day was giving way to another cold, windy night.

“Is that a challenge then?” Aiden said. There was no boasting in his voice. No childishness. For a moment he almost sounded like a true emperor. Maximus was not intimidated, however. He knew who Aiden was.

“No, my lord. I would not dream to challenge your authority. That is why I will follow your original command and fight the Urzoth from the walls. When Stilicho arrives from the south we will encircle the enemy and destroy them. You will stay in the Hall and receive reports from the battle as we are able to send them. My Lord.” Maximus did not move as the emperor moved closer. The two were nearly chest to chest.

“Indeed!” Aiden’s mouth widened into an oversized smile and he started to laugh. “My original command! Yes, the command I sent to you before setting off!” Aiden turned again to the edge and looked out. “The command we just spoke about! Do you remember what I just told you about it? General!”

Maximus stepped toward the emperor. The man was manic now, emperor or not. Aiden is a danger to the battle, Maximus thought. The general had given him an honorable way out of the debate and he would not take it. There was truly no talking to this man. “You said the orders came from Livia.” Maximus spoke low and strong.

“What’s this? Now you insult my wife!” Aiden spun to face the general beside him. “I will lead my Placian Guard at the head of my legion in the morning and destroy these cowardly barbarian savages who encroach on my land! You, sir, could have shared in this glory of mine! I might have granted you a promotion even!” Aiden shouted into the General’s stone face. “But you do not know your place. You will learn it now!” Aiden lunged at Maximus with all his might, sending the general toppling over the edge of the wall to the ground fifty feet below.

Aiden posed at the edge, one foot on the parapet, and glared over the wall's edge at the lifeless body as the wind whipped at his purple cloak.