In the stronghold of Korn, near the majestic Aurelian capital, the war room exuded an air of gravity. Seated around the table, adorned with a meticulously crafted map of the known world, were the empire's most influential figures — both political and military.

image [https://i.imgur.com/gZCIe8K.jpeg]

At the forefront, clad in a regal purple toga and adorned with crimson and violet insignias, sat Caesar Alexandria herself. Her lustrous purple and golden locks cascaded around her, lending her an almost divine aura. By her side stood the formidable generals of the province. To her right, Antonia Flavia, known as the scourge of the Hersser, bore the marks of countless battles. Her armor, once pristine, now bore the scars of war, and her left eye, lost in combat, left only her piercing green gaze visible beneath her helmet. To her left stood Valeria Domitia, a childhood companion of Alexandria and her trusted guardian. Clad in resplendent purple armor, she commanded respect as the captain of the Praetorian Guard, her valorous deeds echoing through the annals of history.

As the assembled dignitaries awaited her words, Caesar Alexandria addressed them with a commanding yet stoic tone, befitting her esteemed position.

"Esteemed colleagues, I bid you welcome to this council of great importance. Our empire stands at a crossroads, beset by challenges both within and without. The golden age wanes, and the Hersser menace encroaches upon our borders, leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake. We must steel ourselves for the trials ahead, for the fate of our beloved empire hangs in the balance."

"Our denarii reserves are dwindling, and our armories are being slowly emptied. The only positive development is the growing pool of recruits, which would be beneficial if we were planning an invasion, but it is a cause for concern. Our most veteran legions are stationed at the border, serving as the first line of defense against the Hersser. However, these recruits are raw and inexperienced. Training them would take months, if not years. If war breaks out, I fear that at the first signs of defeat, their morale will crumble, triggering a domino effect that could affect the other legions."

As Caesar Alexandria's words reverberated through the war room, her fellow council members nodded in solemn agreement.

"And so, I beseech you to lend your support in the Senate for the enactment of new military laws and the urgent construction of additional fortresses," Caesar Alexandria continued, her voice commanding respect despite the dissent that followed. "I understand that some among us harbor doubts and grievances, but the preservation of our empire demands decisive action."

A murmur of disapproval rippled through the assembly, and Fastina Graccia, a prominent trader and mine owner, rose with evident anger etched upon her features. "What entitles you to greater political power, Alexandria?" she demanded, her voice tinged with accusation. "If our economy is truly in dire straits, why not contribute from your own treasury? It has swelled since the Hersser conflict, and your vast holdings in the capital speak volumes. Why should I jeopardize my own standing for the sake of your ambitions?"

Fastina's sentiments found resonance in the dissenting voice of Lucia Pompei, a rival of Caesar Alexandria in the Senate. With fiery red hair and piercing eyes, she echoed Fastina's sentiments. "Fastina is right. If the empire is in economic need, then we should expand our gold mines or establish new trade routes. The empire is fine. Besides, I think these are mere excuses to cling to power. It has been 25 years, and you are still in office, Alexandria. And if the empire's golden era is ending, then it is your fault. If the empire, under your 25-year rule, was not prepared for this, then elections should be held, and a new Caesar should be chosen."

“Fastina is talking truth, you have only won these elections by the power of the commoners, but the senate only few seats.” Spoke Octavia Claudia, another of Alexandria's political rivals. Soon other guests proclaimed their disagreement.

“Oh, by the gods, would you shut up! The empire is in need. Our main problem is the bandit attacks which have disrupted the main trade routes of the empire. But from what I have seen, yours, Fastina, and other members here are clear. Isn't that suspicious? While the entire empire's trade lines are attacked, yours are free of bandits.” Spoke Drusilla Valerius, a not very well-known political figure that managed to emerge the last year, building a political sphere of influence in the underworld.

It was said that she organized the crimes that happened in the empire. Her main job was to gain the secrets from other senators and sell them to the highest bidder. Those who tried to eliminate her found themselves killed or arrested. There were whispers that her power was only as powerful as the Caesar herself. Her white eyes and white hair constrasted her black soul.

Soon the entire meeting was consumed on bittering, the shouting could be heard outside the room.

Soon a mighty fist impacted the table making the guests shut up. It was Antonia. “Stop bickering like foolish children, aren't you women. Do your interests matter more than the wellbeing of the empire? Are the most powerful people just kiddies? I say nay, the Caesar herself has plans to defend the empire. If you don't like it, spell your own now,” she yelled, her voice booming in the room.

“What should we do, like she said we can't bring our veteran legions to train them, we need them on the border. And with more recruits joining every day, there's going to be a shortage of money one of these days,” spoke one of the figures.

“Nay, I say we attack the Hersser mane at once, let our veterans clear the way and then the recruits clean the scraps left by them. We've beaten one; we can beat them again,” spoke another.

Soon other ideas were brought up.

The meeting went on for several hours until it was called over by the Caesar herself. The people there left, feeling annoyed and mad. No conclusion was reached, the only one remaining being Drusilla, who didn't speak since then.

After the last person left, she spoke.

“Oh mighty Alexandria, so far you have fallen. As you can see, youre not very popular, I see that your proposals are good, but they are ignorant. But I can make them agree for a price,” she spoke while getting up from her chair and walking to Alexandria. Antonia and Valeria stood in her way, but Alexandria waved them to let her through.

“You see, I know my reputation, and I have some secrets from them. I can make them help you in the Senate. Even better, I can make any of your proposals be agreed upon. But there will be a price,” she spoke while caressing the Caesar and putting her mouth by her ear.

“And that would be” Alexandria asked with a little anger on her voice

“Just a simple request: send a legion to find my missing ship,” she spoke as she kissed her cheek. “It has gone missing, and it carries a very important cargo. If you find it, my will shall be your command,” she spoke while walking to the door. “Do we have a deal?” she asked, opening the door a little.

Alexandria, knowing she needed the help, spoke with resentment as she cleaned her cheek. “Yes, I will send a legion,” she said, making Drusilla smile as she went out of the room, her hips swaying out of the room.

Alexandria stormed into her chambers, consumed by anger. Without hesitation, she seized a nearby vase and hurled it to the ground, the sound of shattering pottery echoing through the room. Breathing heavily, she summoned her servants with a commanding tone.

"My servants, prepare a bath for me immediately. I require it at once," she demanded, her voice laced with frustration. As she began to disrobe, she turned to Antonia, her trusted general.

"Antonia, assemble a legion—any except the veterans—and search for that ship. I care not by what means, but I want it found without delay," she ordered, her tone resolute. With that, she strode naked into her bathroom, the weight of her responsibilities heavy upon her shoulders.

Julius was exhausted. Morning had brought the alarming discovery that his sister, Claudia, was not in her room. Panic set in, and the family scoured the farm for any sign of her. Hours passed with no word, and his father retreated to the family altar, offering prayers and sacrifices to the gods. Julius's mother, consumed by worry and anger, worked tirelessly in the fields. Julius, not wanting to burden them further, took on Claudia's tasks. Using both magic and physical strength, he managed to complete half her quota. His clothes were drenched in sweat, but he couldn't stop. The work had to be done before sundown so they could sell their crops at the local market.

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In the distance, Julius saw his mother and a slave tending to the animals, washing them, checking for ticks, and feeding the chickens. He hadn't seen his father since he went to pray. After finishing his tasks, Julius decided to check on him. The walk to the altar building was long and hot under the midday sun. He found his father kneeling before the altar, where a lamb lay sacrificed, surrounded by offerings of jewelry and food.

His father's voice, though steady, carried the weight of their plight.

"Oh gods, I beseech you, help my daughter Claudia. Protect her wherever she is. Aetius, shield her from evil magic and any venoms. Magnus, let her be free from ill intent from priests and magi. O Bellona, give her strength and courage to face any enemy she confronts. O Venus, let her know that we love her. And Materna, greatest of all gods, please let her be safe. Let her know we miss her, let her know that we love her, and that she is always welcome home. Please accept these offerings: our finest lamb, our fruits, and my eternal gratitude."

Julius stood silently, the gravity of his father's prayers echoing in the sacred space. After a few minutes, he walked slowly to his father, laying a hand on his shoulder.

"Come, Father. Mother is worried. Let's go home, we can drink and talk. The gods have already heard you. Let's put our minds at ease. I know she's fine; she's stronger than us," he said.

His father turned to him, eyes red and tired. He sighed deeply.

"Okay, son. I'm just so worried. She does not know how the world is outside of here, how evil people can be, their methods and deeds. I just wanted her to stay here, marry a local boy, and never leave the farm. I just wanted to protect her. I didn’t want to lose another loved one. Let's go. It's time you know about my early life," he spoke with little emotion.

Standing up, they walked back to their house. As Julius closed the door, he swore he saw the blood from the lamb disappear, along with some of the jewels.

It took a few minutes to walk home, and they sat in the kitchen. Julius's father placed two wooden cups on the table and filled them with water. The house was empty, and the slaves tending to their chores had been dismissed. Grabbing his cup, his father looked at him.

"Look, son, I haven't spoken about my family, but today you will learn about them. Far in the cities by the frontier, life is more difficult. Raids are frequent, and bandits roam the land. But while everybody is trying to make a life, I was lucky, or unlucky. My family was wealthy, and I lived in a secluded fortress. My mothers were many, and my father I did not see much. I was always curious why I had so many brothers and why they looked at me with sadness, while my sisters ignored me—all but my younger sister, Claudia."

He spoke while looking quite lost.

"Ah, Claudia, my dear sister. I loved her. She was always so cheery but clumsy. Her dream was to be a centurion, to lead a legion and make the frontier more secure for the people. She was always practicing with a sword but always got cut because of her clumsiness. I always helped her clean and bandage them. My life was going well. I lived comfortably, had food in my belly, and was protected by the walls and guards of my family. Soon, I learned that one of my mothers gave birth, and it was a boy. They were ecstatic. I too was happy, but soon after, they started to ignore me. I did not mind much; I was still fed and lived comfortably, but even my other sisters, who were quite close to me, started to ignore and distance themselves. Every sister but Claudia, who stuck by me like a duck. All was fine until my twenty-first birthday, the day my life changed," he said as he choked on a sob.

I stood up to comfort him, but he stopped me with his hand.

"No, it's okay. I need to take it off my chest. Besides your mother, nobody knows this. That day, when I woke up, I wasn't in my room. I was naked on a stone table, and my family was there. Beside them, I saw some Hersser noble. They spoke, 'Yes, this is a fine specimen. I will buy him, and for this, your manor and lands will be ignored in our coming invasion.' Soon, I was marked with a V sign on my neck and knocked out. Then my life was hell. I was abused and tortured. The noble who bought me had made deals with my family, and I was the fifth male-born child that was sold. I was kept in a room with basic necessities but was abused by her and her friends. Soon, the Hersser crusade happened, and as she told, my family was undisturbed. I don't know how many years passed, but I was quite sad. I tried to kill myself first by trying to cut my neck, but they stopped me, and I earned this scar. I was whipped. After that, I bided my time. I think years passed until I heard a commotion. I smelled smoke, blood, and death. I was scared, and after barricading my only exit, I hid. That is until I heard my native tongue. There, I was discovered by your mother. Her legion took me in; they fed me and helped me, but she helped to heal my mind and spirit."

"Then I told them about my family, and because of some documents, there was evidence. When they went to arrest them, they were stopped. My family was arrested, but my sister Claudia was not there. When they were interrogated, I learned they got rid of her. She had learned what happened and tried to save me. Using some dogs, we found her. Her mutilated body, her legs and arms eaten to the bone, her neck slashed open, her eyes wide and struck in a betrayed expression. In her pocket was an ornament I gifted her on her birthday. Worse, she did not have legs, so her burial would be incomplete. Without legs, her spirit would wander the earth without truly resting. I was devastated. Even worse, my family was set free; they had connections and used them. Your mother tried to get justice but was discharged. Then for my protection, we moved here. I tried to get her to leave for a better life, but she swore to protect me. The first years were awkward, but over time we fell in love. When your sister was born, I was happy. She was like my sister, thus I named her the same. I was tough on her; I wanted her to be strong, to be able to live alone, to stay here where she would be safe. But she was a little rebellious. When you were born, I admit I was more protective of you. I was scared that you would live through what I lived through. Soon you were going to the capital, and I was quite nervous and scared. But when I learned you had magic, I knew you needed to learn how to protect yourself, to get a wife who would protect and love you. Those with magic potential were fought over. So I knew you were going to be safe. But then we had that fight, and she's now gone, away from my protection, away from our house. She's naive, I know. It was my fault, I should have taught her better…and… and now she's somewhere, or dead in a ditch being eaten by some wolf,” he said as he cried again.

His tale shocked me, and I also cried. I stood up and hugged him. We stayed like this for several hours until I sensed another person; it was my mother.

"So you told him, honey. You know it hurts. I am also worried. But everything will be fine, you hear me?" she said as she kissed him on the cheek.

Together, we hugged until the sun set. I didn't know how much time had passed, but my father was better. He cleaned himself, and it was late. So we started dinner, and when I was about to sit, a knock came at our door. Opening it, I was confronted by a courier who gave me a letter and a bag. Bidding farewell, she rode her horse back to where she came from.

I walked to the kitchen, putting the bag on the table. I sat and read the letter out loud.

Dear Esteemed Family,

It is with great honor that I inform you of your daughter's commendable decision to join the legion. In recognition of the economic contributions and sacrifices made by the families of those who enlist, the Empire has established a policy to provide financial support to such families. Enclosed with this letter, you will find a sum of three Aurei. This is a token of the Empire's gratitude and is intended to aid in your sustenance and well-being during her period of service.

Rest assured, your daughter is in capable hands. The Empire takes immense pride in the bravery and dedication of young women like her who have chosen to defend and serve their kin. Her courage and commitment are deeply valued, and we are confident that she will make significant contributions to the strength and security of our great nation.

Please utilize these coins wisely, and know that further updates regarding her service and well-being will be dispatched in due course. We appreciate your support and sacrifice, and we assure you that your daughter's service is a source of great pride to the Empire.

With respect and gratitude,

Centurion Valeria

Glory to the Empire.

soon emptied the bag onto the table to see if it was real and not some cruel jest. The weighty thuds of three gold aurei striking the table proved it true. My mother picked them up, touching them with reverence.

"They are real," she whispered.

Both my parents teared up.

"With this, we can sustain ourselves for several years if we manage them wisely. Oh gods, thank you. Oh Claudia, thank you," they cried.

"But Father, she joined the legion," I said.

"I know, but it is better than many other fates. And now I know she is alive. The gods have heard me. Even better, you can pursue your studies without worry," he said.

"No, what about the villa? You need help," I said.

"No, son. You can go. With these aurei, we can survive, and the crops will flourish. I promise you. Besides, this way, you can search for your sister," said my mother.

"Search for my sister? How? I don't even know where she is," I replied.

"That's why you must go. Receive your education, rise in the ranks, and you will find your sister and bring her home," my mother insisted.

"I know it's difficult, but your sister now bears a heavy burden. Go, study, follow your path, and seek out your sister. There will be no further discussion. You will stay here and help, but by next week, I want you on your way to the capital. Do you understand me?" my father said with stern authority.

Not daring to challenge his command, I mumbled a yes and retreated to my chamber.

"Oh Claudia, I pray to the gods you are safe. Please, do not let this bold choice be your undoing," I whispered to myself.