Kassius had watched from the hilltop as that strange mass of people emerged from the horizon, crossing through the rocky road from the wide steppes and fields toward Adachia. Watchmen stood by Kassius' side. They recognized people who had been known as loyal Itruschians, people from the local government, and the Thracians who were exemplary when it came to assimilation into the empire. They had shed their national clothes and changed into a strange vision of white and mauve tunics. They advanced through the long roads, marching as if on a pilgrimage. And yet, Kassius could see their long lances, the armors upon the tunics, the same old Itruschian armors. How could it be that in only a few weeks, the entire province had become full of believers? As if a plague had swept through the land, a fever, a disease.

Gharkan galloped up the hill from where Kassius and an Itruschian decurion gazed at the distance.

"Hey, Kassius boy," the Hunatian general said. "The wind brings these strange tidings. What is this? Are these friends of your Itruschians?"

"Good morning, Gharkan." Kassius looked down from the rock where he sat, feeling the wind through his brown hair.

Gharkan kept pulling his black hair away from his face.

"I would tell our men to form defensively at the gates. By Tengri, I have grown tired of all the nothingness that happens in this village. Hopefully, this is at least something to stay for, huh?"

"Sir Gharkan," Kassius muttered. "Come see them from here. It's much better."

The rider loped up the hill, where the trees had been trimmed next to the hilltop forge, where Alana used to live. He stared down, scratching his chin.

"It looks like a damn festival," Gharkan said. "That is strange. They're dressed like nuns and are wielding their swords. What the hell is that about?"

"They're armed, Gharkan," Kassius said. "They are armed to the teeth."

Gharkan scoffed and spat on the ground. His slimy spit slid down a blade of grass, and Kassius held back his gag reflex.

“So let me get this straight," Gharkan said. "Those fools are worshipping the devil that attacked us. Hell, they're weak-minded. And they're coming to get us for no reason."

"Well, according to Commander Florianus, they've been doing that all throughout the province, announcing their king, they call it. If we don't accept it, they're going to force it with their swords." He turned towards him. "I need you to send someone north with me. We need Alana. I don't know where she went, whether she's still at your village or not. All I know is I need her by my side."

Gharkan wiped his nose with his fingers and chuckled.

"There's not much fun here, anyway. I doubt anyone will want to go unless you pay, and frankly, there's not much to pay. We're arguing with the old men whether to go back or not."

"I've already talked to your friends, Gharkan. No matter where you go, this fever will reach us. I need her to do my magic. And she has the sword, it's the only way to face the giants and be rid of this problem."

"Well," he scratched his head. "I'll see what I can do."

He looked at the vast landscape.

"Yes," Kassius said, staring at him. "I need to be sure I can trust you. Kassara and Florianus may be the best options, along with anyone you may suggest."

"That old skinny fool is good for nothing. I say you should imprison him. What has he done for you? And women are a hindrance, you know that."

"Kassara is a great warrior, Gharkan."

"She should be washing dishes."

Kassius clenched his teeth in frustration.

"But especially that old fool," Gharkan continued. "The Flowery man. I think you should have killed them all. I know the story, they raped your women and killed your relatives. Why are you forgiving them?"

"Hey, barbarian, who the hell do you think you're talking about?" the Decurion next to Florianus stood up, holding the lance up.

"Ah, you want to fight, toy soldier?" Gharkan said. "Get that down and let's fight like men, if you may."

"Both of you, calm down," Kassius said. "Gharkan, this is not how you should act. We're at peace, did you forget that?"

"You don't meddle in this," Gharkan dismounted quickly. "Here, toy soldier," he said, facing the Decurion. "Let's do it like real men, hand on hand."

"Gharkan, behave yourself, Decurion Brutus, I'll tell your Commander if you…"

"It's this barbarian of yours who is acting like a beast," the Decurion said, tensing his teeth. "I'll get the hell out," the Decurion said, turning his back and walking down the rocky road.

Kassius looked at Gharkan with fiery eyes.

"Why do you keep doing that, Gharkan?"

"It's only natural," Gharkan said. "They hate us for no reason."

"You started it, Gharkan."

"This time. I don't usually start it."

Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

Kassius sighed.

"And you'll have to talk to Florianus about that," he pointed at the crowd marching in the horizon. "I want to talk to you about the other issue later. Now, are you going to do something about these people? What do you think?"

"Well, they're our guests, we better show them our legendary Hunatian hospitality."

***

When the Tharcians arrived at the entrance to Adachia, a contingent of fifteen Itruschian soldiers awaited at the gate, along with some Hunatian warriors who had traded their traditional clothes for Itruschian armor, at least momentarily, to give the delegates an image of having things under control. Florianus advanced, mounted on his war horse and stood on the rocky road, surrounded by his men.

The man who headed the group was a military commander named Nautis, who had been posted there by Larius and had held the same position for two years. Florianus had met him before and recognized the pale face, square jaw, and early white hair.

"Nautis," Florianus muttered. "It has been thoughtful of you to come and visit us unannounced."

"Ave, Florianus," Nautis said with a sneaky smile. "Good to see you, especially after the news of the battle you were to face. How was it? I wish to hear of your exploits."

"You will soon find out, old friend. Why have you come here?"

Nautis cleared his throat.

"We have come here to deliver the unfortunate news of the fall of Itruschia, city of wickedness and injustice. However, we also carry glad tidings."

"Oh, I was aware of our great city falling," Florianus spewed. "And I sincerely hope that order can be restored. And yet, you have my curiosity. What glad tidings do you speak of?"

Nautis lifted his chin. He stood silent for an instant, as if trying to make the situation more solemn. Then, he raised his voice with pride:

"The great gods have returned!"

Florianus scoffed, then giggled. The men around him stood silent. Florianus focused on Nautis' eyes; he noticed a subtle twitch on his lashes. Then, Florianus' laughter grew louder and scandalous.

Nautis' smile turned into a frown.

Florianus coughed.

"I beg your pardon," he muttered through laughter, then looked at Nautis with a grin.

"You do not understand," Nautis said. "The Itruschian Empire has fallen, the Great Old Ones have returned to usher us into a new golden age. We have come here to tell you to welcome them into your lives, or you shall be destroyed."

"He has tried," Florianus looked back at the village for an instant. "Your gods did come; he did not come to offer peace, instead, he killed our men, he killed their wives and destroyed their city. And yet, we repelled him. We were half as many as you are. We do not need evil gods. For I have studied the olden texts; I have read the prophecies. Now, depart from here."

"Then, are you rejecting the gods of the sky? Are you opposing them? Then, you shall be called 'enemy'."

"So be it," said Florianus, leaning over his horse. "We are ready to battle. We shall never be subjects of your evil gods. Now, go away. And if you wish to fight, we shall fight to the death."

Nautis delivered a shy glance to the mounted troops behind Florianus, the horde that extended back through the torn buildings, even up throughout the hills.

"Who are these men?" he asked. "These mounted men with dark skin and hair black as coal."

"Allies," Florianus spat. "Allies in our fight against the giants."

Nautis took a deep breath.

"I warn you, Florianus. We shall give you a week; we shall return."

"No, Nautis, you will not return," Florianus signaled to the troops; they lowered their lances. Archers from the hills above hid behind leafy branches, their faces painted like the forest, and their weapons pointed at the Tharcian delegation. Nautis looked up and swallowed.

"This is foolishness," he said. "So, you heard," Florianus said. "You will not return. If you approach even a league from here, we shall be waiting with archers and barricades. We shall ambush you in the forests, we shall destroy each and every one of you. Now, you are outnumbered. It was foolish of you to come. If you want to die for your new gods, so be it. If not, go away, never to return."

"This is madness!" Neutis shouted.

"You talk about madness? I have sworn to defend the Empire, and so have you. No matter how dire the situation is, I shall live and die for it. Now get out of our lands, if you desire not death."

"Madness!" Nautis said, extending his hand; his men looked at each other. Florianus saw sweat dripping from their foreheads. Florianus had given a clear signal, and the archers above spoke for themselves. Nautis could die.

"Retreat!" Nautis called, and his men turned around. Florianus chuckled. They fled like cowards, giving their backs to them and departed in silence. Florianus shook his head, bewildered at the weak wills and minds of people who had been proud to serve the empire. Now, they had sold their souls to strange gods who had done nothing but buy them and instill fear in their hearts.

Florianus returned to his office, where the young mutt was waiting, sitting in front of his desk. His missing arm bandaged from the joint to the shoulder.

"Waiting for me?" Florianus said, hanging his red cloak. "They're gone. If they return, we will make them eat the dust beneath our feet."

"Good," Kassius said. His green eyes were piercing and determined, and had a certain eeriness to them, like a man who knew magical secrets. "But I need your help with something else."

"What do you want now?" Florianus scoffed.

"I told you before, I need to find Alana and bring her with me."

Florianus laughed.

"And what do you want me to do? Now, get off my seat."

"I need you to come with me." Kassius stood up.

"Why would you need me? I have to stay here. I have to take care of the legion. My legion and my post!"

"Because I saw you in my vision. I need you in case something happens."

"Stop it, boy. This is my responsibility. Now, if you don't mind, I have things to do. Letters to write, reports to read."

"Sire, I need you. I saw you in my vision. You are the key to achieving this. Please."

Florianus laughed, but the word "vision" made him shudder. He knew many great things were at play, larger than himself, and even larger than the Empire and ideals he served. He pursed his lips and glanced at the tall boy with deep emerald eyes, strange, frightening eyes.

"If I were to go, boy, who would stay in my place?" Florianus asked and found his own answer to be weak. Why was he giving so much importance to a boy, and a traitor, for that matter?

"Kassara and the Mounted Men."

Florianus shook his head.

"I am in charge of the Legion," he said, grabbing a glass bottle with black ink inside and opening it.

Kassius looked down."I understand that you don't want to lose Adachia, but it is not yours to keep. Tharcia is not yours, nor anyone else's really. I cannot promise you that I will give you this or that land, only that we will fight against the giants to the end. Then, we shall see. Now, maybe only Itruschia, and by that, I mean the city and not the land, they may be our only allies in the whole world."

"Boy, get out. I'm busy."

"I need you by our side. You hold the key to our survival."

"What is there for me in your little camping trip?" Florianus looked up.

The boy pursed his lips.

"Alana and the sword are the key. The giants may come, and you have the knowledge to fight them. You and I can combine our knowledge of the ancient writings and face them."

"You already know the sigil. What more do you need?"

"Believe me, you are the key."

Florianus crossed his arms. He glanced at the boy, whose body was frail and now even more useless as he was missing an arm, but his strange eyes were fierce, determined, and truthful. Did he have magic in them? And that very boy had saved his life, and that of many of his men.

"I will think about it. But first, I must write a letter to that foolish merchant in my old home. And if I go, we'll just get your wife and come back immediately."

"Good. Now, let's get ready and be done with it."