The Roman Empire was expanding her reaches to places where no one even dared to dream. Gaius Octavius now C. Julius  Caesar Octavianus had defeated Cleopatra and Anthony in Actium driving them to their suicides. Thus enabling Rome to  conquer Egypt and all her treasures for the Empire. Octavian’s greatest power base was simply the Roman army. The ever  faithful and terrifying Legions blindly obeyed his orders with the one goal of gaining complete control of the Senate for Octavian.  They stormed through the countryside shedding much blood in order to make this come to fruition. Amongst this military elite  Darius Tullius Catus Philippi held a high and enviable position. The Imperator trusting the legatus had placed him in Egypt to  keep control of the land and the native population. A puppet king (who resided in Rome) officially ruled the enslaved country  but Darius had military control over Egypt’s coast, which meant he had almost total control over trade. A fact that disgruntled  many but no one dared to voice. The much-feared legatus was currently enjoying the bright and colorful flow of life in the city of  Nerum by observing the scene from the steps leading to the harbored ships.

        His legionaries were savoring the fruits of their scorchings though they did it with a sharp eye towards their leader. Darius had  put more than one soldier to death for disobeying his rules. And no one wanted to be executed especially after surviving a war  so vicious in nature that Rome personally promised Darius and his men magnificent rewards. But their beloved hero had no  desire to return to the capital, for Nerum in all its exotic glory and offerings captured his imagination. And that was a rare and  wonderful thing for a man almost two hundred years old.

        Darius believed himself to be a demigod. Perhaps Jupiter himself was his true father but whatever the reasons may be he knew  that no one could kill him unless they took his head. This the Ancient told him and he believed. He spoke the truth, always  whether it was convenient for him or not. And he used it like the weapon it was making sure he survived his time with Darius.

        The feeling came and it took him only moments to recognize the familiar yet alien sensation. There was Another and this invader  was near. He swirled his head, his thin, predatory face skirting over the visages of conquerors and conquered. Suddenly he saw  a pair of eyes staring back at him and the two became Familiar. She was so still in her examination of him that she would have  stood out of the crowd anyway. If it wasn’t for the breeze ruffling her covered hair and robe she would have resembled a statue  more than a woman. He did not realize that he was as preternaturally still in his study of her. The woman stood no taller than his  chest and was small of limb. It was obvious that she carried no sword with her, not even a dagger. A frown casted itself over  Darius' features. What fool was she that was not armed? She must realize the implications of what she was!

        The dark eyes stared back at him lacking fear or even worry. Then slowly and with majestic stealth she disappeared into the  crowd. Darius blinked twice as if to correct his vision but she was gone and he was left alone. She moved very quickly. Quickly  enough to fool a Roman legatus with years of battlefield experience. Darius did not prevent the grin from appearing on his face.  His stay in Nerum had settled into rather predictable affair of duty and pleasure. As much as he liked this development in his  martial existence he was not used to having such peace so he was rather glad that his sedentary life just came to an abrupt and  satisfying end.

        The crowd parted away from him in fear as he and his personal guards invaded the throng. Darius searched methodically and  swiftly for the slight figure robed in crimson and gold. But the outstanding colors were drowned in even brighter shades and  Darius realized he lost his quarry. He had no worries though; his men and his spies will ferret out the Other before the sun settled  into his sleep. With rushed stride he returned to his quarters, a small but luxurious palace that once belonging to the commander  of the city. Darius had no idea where the previous owner now resided or if he was even alive after the war. This magnificent  place with the large circular shaped fountain now belonged to him and it carried his ownership like scars. Every corner and nook  there were weapons to be found. Javelins and swords were aplenty in a place that he called home and accompanying every  piece of armor were his legionaries.

        Within a moment his quartermaster answered his summons and Darius dispatched his orders. Even though officially a  quartermaster was not involved in the combat side of the military, Antonius, Darius’ oldest and longest surviving companion in  the army, held the position. And Darius wanted Antonius’ involvement in most things so he paid no attention to the rules and  code of conduct in such matters. After all Darius can afford not to. "Tell them I am looking for a woman. Small and dark  wearing crimson and gold. She has dark hair and looks to be a merchant’s daughter or wife. She travels alone and carries no  weapon."

        Antonius hinted with a lascivious smile, "So when we do find her what do you want us to do?" Darius gave a somber glance, "Nothing Antonius. I do not want her harmed at all. Do you understand? If a soldier mistreats her  in any manner he will pay dearly for his folly." The teasing grin disappeared from his old friend and the man gave a smart salute  before exiting the cooled room.

        Darius sighed loudly to the emptied hall and walked towards the center courtyard. He allowed himself this small respite of  listening to the precious water, so treasured in Egypt flowing richly in the fountain. It has been a while since he faced the  Challenge. Now Another has come and though she refused to fight him he automatically pinned her as a threat. However,  something in his mind told him that she probably did not know how to fight especially a Roman legatus. Smart move to  disappear into the crowd and lose him. However not clever enough to evade Darius’ control. With even deeper sigh Darius  ordered his body back into the hall and finish reading the latest mess of orders from Rome. Sometimes he wondered if Octavian  was the last Roman in the city with any intelligence left!

        Sol settled his sun-chariot quite comfortably in the heavens annoying Darius even more. His soldiers should have been able to  carry out his orders by now! Nerum was not a large city and a woman traveling alone was rare indeed. Suddenly he heard rustle  of steps outside his personal quarters and recognized Antonius’ familiar footfall. The man entered and Darius had to prevent  himself from bursting out in laughter. The old quartermaster’s armor was no longer fit to be worn. He was also sporting bruises  on both his eyes and from them flames of anger and humiliation shot outwards.

        "We found her Legatus. Or more likely she found us! By all that is precious to Jupiter we did not expect her to put up such a  fight! She is traveling alone and is a trader of scents and spices. She is new to this city at least but from what I gathered she did  good business for the last two days. Her boat was discovered on the eastern side and we waited until the sun went down.  Better do things like this with subtlety I say especially with hostile natives about. Anyway, I thought she was below when we got  on her boat. Suddenly she came flying out of nowhere and it took all of us to subdue her. We have taken her boat but look at  this." With some awe the soldier showed Darius a sword of exquisite work. Darius grasped the handle and slowly unsheathed  the blade.

        The metal was thin, almost fragile but Darius felt the weight of the weapon and knew that the look belied its strength. The handle  was not made of traditional leather or metal but stone. A lovely shade of green and blue the whole part was intricately carved  with fantastic animals and figures. "A gorgeous work isn’t it legatus? But what use is it? I thought maybe it was made for some  ceremonial purposes. I can’t see a soldier handling such a thing."

        "Oh Antonius this was never meant for a soldier. And it is perfect for its master. Tell me where is the girl?" Darius saw the  fleeting look of fear cross Antonius’ face.

        "She’s outside legatus but I’m afraid she’s out cold. And now we can’t wake her. We were trying our best to capture her  without hitting the silly girl but she kept fighting…"

        Darius’ blue-gray eyes went slate gray as the quartermaster’s voice trailed off. With six steps he was in the lit courtyard and saw  the small figure crumpled on the floor. There were numerous bruises upon her arms and legs and one ugly one on her head. A  frown of puzzlement crossed his face. He did not feel Recognition! The sensation was absent in this situation that was so present  in the previous encounter. Perhaps she’s dead Darius thought but then erased it from his mind. She needed to lose her head not  bruise it to be truly dead.

        "Who struck her?"

        All of the soldiers stepped forward with some hesitation.

        "Who struck her arms and legs?"

        They all remained in the row.

        "Who struck her head?"

        One Tiberius stepped out.

        There was the flash of his dagger and the man laid dead in front of his legatus’ feet.

        "Thank the gods I was in a merciful mood. Bring the girl into one of the corner rooms and find a healer for her. The rest of you  are dismissed after you’ve cleaned up this mess."

        Antonius gave a silent and grateful sigh of relief. One soldier to pay the price wasn’t bad. He’s seen what Darius was capable of  if in a ugly mood. And the dead fool could be of use even in his current state. They will put his body on display with a sign  "Disobeyed his legatus’ order." This will bring some fear into the recalcitrant citizens of Nerum. To kill an enemy is one thing; to  kill one of your own for disobeying a single order is another matter altogether. And it will give the more rebellious population a  reason to pause and reflect on their situation. Darius was a master of fear and sometimes Antonius wondered where the man  had learnt so much about that particular unpleasant emotion.

        The oil lamp burned dimly in the shadowed room. The healer came and left while mumbling constantly. He fixed a potion made  from young wine and herbs giving orders that the patient must drink it 3 times a day at regular intervals. The man was dismissed  quickly without ceremony and now Darius waited for the Other to wake from her bruised sleep. He was not only curious about  her but also his actions. He had killed over a dozen of his kind and women were not scarce in his experience as an Immortal.  Yet he has so far spared this bird and even saw to her needs. A movement from her corner captured his eyes and he was  greeted with her slowly sitting up on the pallet. She moaned loudly then stretched popping her aching joints and muscle. The  bruises were disappearing in front of his eyes and Darius felt waves of Recognition echo in his head. Obviously so did she for  the woman jumped off the pallet with some speed as her eyes adjusted to the dimness. Spotting his still figure she glared at the  strange man she encountered earlier.

        The two stared at each other until Darius felt the need to say something. "I am Darius of Rome. This is my house you are  sheltered under and as long as you stay within these walls you’re safe from all the Rest like us including myself. However give  me a reason to act otherwise and I can assure you I will take your head without hesitation." Her eyes widened in surprise. This  was not the greeting she was expecting and she hesitated in her response.

        Darius was very sensitive to voices for they told real truths behind the words. And hers was extraordinarily deep for a woman.  It also held a note of authority and caution that comes when one is a great deal older than this young woman was. Yet she  possessed the timbre and the tone. "I have a better offer Darius of Rome. Give me until dawn and you won’t have an extra  mouth to feed." He grinned a little at that bit of audacity. Shaking his head he gave a negative reply. "I’m afraid that isn’t  possible. Who’s to say you won’t seek me out later and take my head? Besides I am curious for I have never seen your kind  here before."

        "Give some time Darius of Rome and you will probably see others like me. As to your other point about me taking your head I  would have to be a fool to try and kill a Roman legatus. So what do you say? Dawn and no more problems." Her voice  betrayed her fragile hope but Darius dashed it with another shake of his head.

        She sat on the pallet with a great show of defeat. "So why am I here?"

        "Because you managed to elude me earlier and very few have done that. And you are like me…I think you’re the first whom I  haven’t killed immediately upon contact. Until now I had no luxury of waiting to see if my opponent was going to challenge me  or not and since you haven’t I can afford my curiosity. Also I’m bored." With that ending Darius rose to leave.

        "That doesn’t bode well for me." She stated with some ferocity.

        "You’re right, it doesn’t." He quipped and left her alone in her prison. He stepped into the heavy night air and felt all was well  with his world.

        Tais mentally cursed all the gods she could remember and examined the door. The Roman was arrogant enough to not lock her  in and he was probably right about his presumptions. If she could enter the center courtyard without being discovered by the  legionaries she still had to get over the wall and evade the soldiers on-duty encircling the palace. If and that was a very big if she  could go around the guards her boat was probably taken by the Romans. Mercifully she had hidden her money in a different  place for safety but she could not leave without her boat. She came to the conclusion that the Immortal known as Darius had  taken some fascination with her and she was safe for the moment, though ‘safe’ was very debatable word to use in describing  her current situation. Even he admitted that this was not a good turn on her life’s road and Tais was determined to elude her  captor as soon as she could. She became one of his kind only twenty cycles ago and she instinctively knew that she lacked  knowledge about being what she was. Mental exhaustion crept up to her mind and she finally let go of her control sinking back  into the womb of healing sleep.

        So deep was her rest that she did not notice a figure creeping into her room. Deone, a maid in the palace stared at the stranger’s  face. Once again pity washed over the old woman. She had a daughter once and a lovely girl was her Ruia - a fact that the  Romans recognized when they took Nerum. Within matter of days her daughter disappeared and was never seen again. Deone  had given up all hope of ever being reunited with her only child. For she had seen what the Roman soldiers can do and now she  prayed that her daughter died a quick and relatively painless death. What kind of hope was that to leave to a mother? Not hope  but damnation and Deone was determined to exact revenge on her Roman conquerors. Now this girl was plucked from her own  place and imprisoned within these walls by the order of that monster himself. It could not be borne and Deone was determined  in her half-mad mind to help the girl escape. Silently the grieving and stilted figure of the maid disappeared into the oncoming  day.
 

Chapter 2 – A Sacrificial Wolf

        The sun was up for a while before Tais woke to greet it. Rubbing her face she remembered everything that occurred the day  before and moaned into her hands. Romans, what god was so angry with humans that he gave life to these vile creatures? Every  port she came across bore some visible damage inflicted by these land-hungry men. And their soldiers made light of the  torments they inflicted upon the native population of their empire. Now she was keeping company with the worst the Romans  could offer to its suffering neighbors.

        The ray of light that hypnotized her into her brooding broadened as the door opened and a soldier entered. She transferred her  attention to him but judged that he was too enamoured of his livelihood to help her escape. He held in his arms her bundle of  clothes and her sword! With a gasp she flew to her weapon and examined the blade. The youth was surprised at her reaction  but it soon passed into admiration as the small woman deftly handled the weapon. He heard that she was beaten badly last night  but the rumors must have been exaggerated because he saw no great bruises on her flesh. Realizing that he was admiring a  prisoner the boy rudely dumped her clothes on the floor and marched out hoping to make an impression on the captive. All he  achieved was annoying Tais as she shook her clothes to get rid of the dirt. Swiftly she put her things away and neatly  straightened the narrow cot. There was a bowl of water still cool from the fountain and she washed much of the grime away.  Then with slow and cautious movement she opened the door and was greeted with a clash of spears as the two guards blocked  her exit with their weapons. She gave an understanding nod and closed the door when a voice said, "Let her go, she’s not a  threat." It was the huge brute who slammed her against the deck few times last night trying to get her grip off his sword. Her  eyebrows raised itself in mock surprise at his comment then with arrogant deliberation she walked away.

        Antonius saw the figure retreat into the left wing and wondered again how could a woman that size be so strong. His face was  still massively discolored and she pummeled two other guards into the healer’s care for today. With some misgivings he left the  doorway going the other direction. In her exploration Tais met with more than one servant. Yet when she tried to address them  they all looked the other way and scurried from her person. It was fear Tais realized; these people are terrified of not only the  Romans but herself as well. Suddenly black anger rose itself from her heart. She was not like the Romans! And she will not be  associated with those animals!

        "I see the bruises have faded away. That is a benefit that you and I share."

        She whirled around to see Darius staring at her with a non-descriptive look. The Recognition came just as he began to speak.  The sensation was something she has yet to become used to. With the same careless tone he continued the one-sided dialogue.  "I realize that your First Death must have been recent. Didn’t someone seek you out? And what is your name? I can’t keep  calling you ‘she’ to everyone."

        Her voice was cold and controlled almost mocking in nature. "No one sought me out when I died and changed Darius of Rome.  That should be no surprise to you since Rome and her Legions have made traveling almost impossible nowadays. If someone  was suppose to come for me and teach me they never had a chance. And my name is Tais. My birthplace and my City you have  no right to know. If you don’t mind I prefer it to be free of Romans."

        "No one escapes from Rome Tais of Nowhere. You should know that by now. However I won’t press on about your  homeland. Sooner or later in my travels I will come across it." It was the last sentence that finally snapped her temper. But what  truly frightened her was that Darius this Immortal who could live forever probably will find her homeland. And do to it what he  did to Nerum. She freed her sword from its hidden harness and offered the Challenge with athletic grace that surprised the  legatus. Darius had to admire the stupid bravery the young woman just revealed. She was young, uneducated in the ways of  being an Immortal yet here she was determined to kill him and willing to die trying.

        "That was foolish Tais. Very foolish indeed but if you want to learn a lesson I will be more than happy to give you one. However  it will be painful and probably deadly." His tone was playfully light but he too unmasked his sword. He slowly let the sunlight  travel down the blade thinking it would distract her. The ruse didn’t work, as her dark eyes never left his face. "If you ever come  across my world Darius at least you won’t get there because of me. And maybe just maybe you’ll learn a thing or two before I  die. Either way Darius of Rome I will be free. I have already outlived my time and this new life was something I did not ask for.  My first life was a good one and I am willing to face my death for the same reasons. I am sorry that this is happening in your  house. Forgive me for that one transgression legatus. Now shall we for we both know in the end there can be only one."

        Darius shrugged his shoulders elegantly and lunged driving his sword edge-wise in a downward blow. She slid backwards and  raised hers to block his attack. Her weapon met his and there was the clear ring of metal meeting metal. The sound alerted the  seasoned soldiers and they came rushing to the left wing to see a spectacle they have never witnessed. Darius’ blow should have  sent her reeling backwards but she didn’t budge. Her whole body absorbed his oncoming force and stood still like an ancient  tree. Darius stepped backwards shocked. The raw power of his swing should have at least shattered her stance if not her  forearms but she was not harmed. A hard smile that was foreign to her face appeared as she undid the cloak. With one  movement she discarded the mantle to the floor and immediately followed with a lunge. Darius deflected the attack but was not  prepared for her to physically slam him. Her body weight itself was negligible for a man his size, so she hit him with her full force  leaping right before contact. Both went down and parted immediately. He rolled to his feet first and regained his momentum on  the balls of his feet. She rolled out further away from his sword’s reach and she too gained her momentum placing her sword in  front of her in full attack position.

        "You lied!" Darius hissed in sheer anger.

        "Lied about what legatus?" She taunted openly not caring.

        "You said you had no teachers after your First Death!" He accused with surprising amount of pain in his voice.

        "No Darius I didn’t lie. I never had a teacher after my change. However I had very good ones growing up in my house!" With  that surprising speed she kicked him and the soldiers winced as they heard her foot make contact with Darius’ chin. The legatus  stumbled back then immediately sprung forward catching her in mid-stride. She was knocked flat off her feet but again rolled  away as Darius tried to clear his head of the immense pain his chin was emanating.

        "You learned to fight at home? What kind of father did you have?!" He questioned puzzled at her family life. The question  seemed to enrage her even more and he began to fear just a little.

        "I am my father’s daughter Darius and my mother’s hope. What I’ve learned from them was worth all the pains and more.  Never question their teachings Roman for you have no idea how valuable their wisdom was!" And letting herself sink into the  luxury of righteous anger and unjust deprivation she attacked.

        The on-lookers were shocked as the two Immortals battled in front of them. They knew that this was no training session or even  a trial of combat. The two were determined to kill each other and from the looks of it both might succeed. The woman  repeatedly absorbed blows that would have sent any of them sprawling to the ground demonstrating that she was indeed gifted  with her blade. Darius quickly realized that she was a tempered and seasoned fighter. Her natural state of violence was not that  of heated anger and unleashed fury but a slow build-up of repressed hostility. And now he was the receiving end of it.  Somewhere in the middle of the duel Tais came to the understanding that Darius was the better fighter and he would at the end  take her head. But before that happened she might wound him to the quick, maybe even take a limb forcing him to retire from  the military life. If she was going to die then at least she could try to succeed in this.

        With a swift movement she changed her strategy and balance. This made her more vulnerable to his attack but it would give her  the advantage of taking an arm or two! It took only three parries before Darius realized that she was no longer going for his  head or even his torso. She was going for his arms and legs and he knew she could take one out before he killed her. So he  changed his fighting stance also making himself a defensive fighter. This frustrated all her efforts but she didn’t give up. There  was never a moment of surrender as the two defended, parried and lunged at each other. Antonius grudgingly admired the  prisoner. He never believed that a woman of all things could fight like that! Yet there she was giving his leader a terrible time and  there were moments where he feared for his master’s life.

        Darius felt his sword make contact with her skin and had to physically prevent himself from wincing as blood bloomed on her  side. She noticed it but studiously ignored the pain not losing a moment in her fighting rhythm. The cut was more than deep and if  it were inflicted on a human being he would have dropped to his knees. But she was no mortal and she was fighting for all that  she held dear. She repaid the debt in kind only moments later and Darius became outraged. Then changing her footwork and  style yet again she confused Darius for a moment longer. But she could not find an advantage to take him out. Then the second  cut landed on her sword’s arm. Without missing a swing she transferred the weapon to her left hand and parried another blow.  Darius was again shocked she knew how to fight with both hands! Who taught her all this and why?

        The soldiers began to look away, this was going to become a bloodletting and the woman deserved a quicker and more merciful  death. The ground around her was more crimson than her robe yet she held on valiantly refusing to admit defeat. Even Darius  felt distaste at what were happening but Tais was still fighting and unwilling to back down. Whatever she believed she was  protecting in that youthful mind must be worth all this. And suddenly he didn’t want her to die. It was strange for he had  witnessed much suicidal bravery on the battlefield but here in his home this woman’s sacrifice was made more intimate and  precious. Tais felt her blood draining and with it her strength. She saw the look of pity and hesitation flash in the Roman’s eyes  and for a moment she gentled her anger. Then she decided that she would let go of this new life as an Immortal and finally sail to  the Island where she should have gone the first time. She knew that the Roman would remember her always for this final act and  perhaps will hesitate again when another life was his to toy with. She predicted his next move correctly and as he swung his  sword she closed her eyes, dropped her blade and opened her arms. Her head fell backwards exposing her throat.

        I am coming. Forgive me for staying away so long she whispered to the sky. Darius’ eyes widened as a shout tore from his  throat. It took all his training and physical control to not take her head. The sword whistled by her exposed neck only slicing the  air. Breathing heavily he stared at the figure speechless. She opened her eyes and gave a silent moan as she realized she was  spared. Her dark eyes, black within black met his changing colors and for a moment Darius felt ashamed. The soldiers were  also stunned and unable to take their eyes off of the slight figure swaying under the loss of blood and strength.

        "That was foolish! What were you trying to prove?!" Darius raged.

        "I wasn’t trying to prove anything Roman. I was trying to kill you or at least take an arm or two." She replied feebly leaning  against a pillar slowly staining it with her life-blood. Antonius was alarmed for the color of blood was not weak red but rich and  dark. That came from deep within her body and that meant she had lost a great deal already.

        "You never had a chance!" He retorted his old arrogance returning.

        "Oh yes I did Darius. I had a chance. I just wasn’t good enough to take it. So in the end I could only reiterate my point." She  whispered slowly sliding down on the stone enjoying its coolness against her feverish skin. Everything was blurry now and  though she wanted to run towards the inevitable release of death she fought to stay awake. She wondered if he would dismiss  his men before taking her head. Not that she cared anymore but it was a nagging question.

        "And what is your point?" He asked collecting her sword along with his.

        "That the following to be true Darius. There are people worth killing for Roman. And that you already know quite well. But  there are also people worth dying for and that is the half you have yet to find. And I pity you for not seeing this truth." Her voice  was barely audible but the impact was not lost upon her Roman opponent. Slowly her eyelashes fluttered closed and Darius  watched her die. For a moment he panicked, perhaps there was a way to kill an Immortal besides taking of the head. Could one  die by sheer loss of blood and life force? Forcing his unwanted thoughts aside Darius wrapped her in her cloak and carried her  to his chamber. "Get the healer. Immediately." He ordered tersely over his left shoulder.

        "Darius, she’s dead. She isn’t breathing." Antonius remarked surprised at the command.

        Darius turned his head and his icy face gave the order again. This time Antonius obeyed without any opposition.

        The soldiers all returned to their post musing over what they saw and heard. Then they all came to the conclusion that she was  either very brave or very misguided. Either way she was the best swords-woman they have ever seen but unless they were all  suffering under the same delusion the woman was dead.

        Darius placed her gently on his bed and waited to see her return to life. Once again the absent Recognition returned with full  impact as she came back to the living. Her eyes immediately focused on the room. "It seems that I am fated to die and be  brought to every single room in your palace Darius of Rome. Tell me how many rooms does this place have? I would like to at  least have a count." She cracked weakly. And Darius smiled with genuine amusement. Nursing his own wounds, he replied, "I  have no idea. Probably more than I need but I’m sure there must be uses for them. As for you dying I think you should stop  trying to fulfill that suicidal wish of yours for at least three days. Your body needs to recover and I doubt you will be able to lift a  sword until then. And I’ve summoned a healer. Though the fool won’t do our kind much good he will keep the pretense for us."

        She blanched a little trying to move and dropped back onto the fragrant pillows.

        "Who is worth dying for Tais?" He asked knowing how delicate this question truly was. Her previous condemnation of his  ignorance had shaken him and he was curious to know her personal reasons for saying such things while she was in her most  vulnerable condition.

        "My family Darius. Do you remember yours? My family…" she answered drifting off again.

        "And that is all?" He asked knowing she was incapable of formulating a lie in her current state.

        "No, there was another. But he is dead along with everyone else. There was a plague. Everyone, almost everyone died and it  was not an easy death. I too caught the sickness and died but somehow I woke up again. And when I did I nearly lost my mind.  So I ran, ran away…"

        "And the other? Who was he?" Darius probed.

        "He was mine." She replied and he saw the absolute truth in the three words.

        "So you did all this for a nation of dead people?" He stated almost to himself. A thin smile slashed across her lips. It was a mark  of frustration and not amusement.

        "There are many levels of death Darius. You’re supposed to know that. And we grieve Darius at different levels too. Right now  they are still living to me, they are just not around me. All I have to do is close my eyes and my memories will conjure them for  my benefit. So I did all this for a group of people I loved and love still. Don’t you know if you grieve enough you can bring back  the dead." She replied holding onto her consciousness with teeth and claws. She knew that this conversation was important for  both herself and Darius but she was too weak to figure out why.

        "That is not a good thing Tais. It cannot be." He stated firmly but the woman had fallen into her own dark world and unable to  hear him or make a proper reply.

        Darius sat there staring at the figure sleeping amongst his sheets and pillows. It was strange to see her nestled there safe from  harm, even from himself. This was his home and that meant that she was to be protected. But Darius was at a loss on how to  shield this creature from herself and her guilt. She slept silently and never stirred. Whatever troubles tormented her days  mercifully left her alone in her dreams. But then the innocents have so little to abuse themselves with really. The healer finally  came and Darius left his room feeling a tinge of regret. And while he worked dutifully ignoring the pain racing in his body he felt  longing. This frightened him enough to stay away from the unconscious figure in his bed though his mind strayed many times that  night to the seafarer. He did not return to his quarters for the rest of the day and night.

        The sun rose signaling to the legatus that he had to return to his chamber. Shuffling loudly he entered his quarters and found his  bed…empty. Mentally kicking himself for not placing a guard near her he entered his other private rooms to see if she was  anywhere else. And the Recognition buzzing inside his skull told him that she couldn’t be far from his side. Suddenly realizing  where she had to be he took the stairs that led from his bedroom to the upper level where the balcony commanded a masterful  view of the port. She was sitting on the bench curled up in her bloodied robe fast asleep. Even their shared Recognition could  not wake her up from her deep slumber. Feeling tired, bruised and rather short-tempered from all that has occurred he rudely  shook her awake. If he wasn’t getting any rest neither will she!

        She opened her eyes and faced him. The sea breeze felt good on her face and she was rather hoping to fall back to sleep but  the determined look on the Roman’s face told her it would be otherwise. She studied his face etching it to her memory. So many  faces found and lost, so many friends who died fighting the plague…when will the pain end she wondered. How could she bear  to live forever while all that she loved fades away? Not that she was going to live forever she scolded herself. Darius could have  taken her head yesterday so why didn’t he? He was obviously one of the older ones and that meant he had that much more  experience than her regarding the Challenge. He probably knew many things about being Immortal that she was totally unaware  of. Her mind circled back to the crucial question – why was she spared?

        Darius felt her gaze and his cheeks brightened a little at the intense scrutiny of his person. What was she thinking about  underneath those unreadable eyes? The black within black was astonishing for not even sunlight differentiated the iris from the  pupil. But there were thoughts flashing underneath those shadows and he would have given a great deal to find out what she was  wondering about. It was Tais who broke the eye contact and finally voiced her question.

        "Why did you spare me Darius when I challenged you? Why did you let me live when it was so obvious I didn’t want to?"

        He knew he had to answer carefully. The absolute truth was something he himself could not understand so he muddled his  response not only for her but also for his sake. "I spared you to annoy you really. Death doesn’t come so easily for us Immortals  Tais. And you cannot expect to die under the circumstances you wished for. That is not possible and you must realize that as  one of the Rules regarding our kind. Besides like I’ve said before, I’m bored."

        She chuckled a little, "A Roman legatus bored? Oh we can’t have that can we? Go find an island and build an empire on it why  don’t you? And leave us poor fools alone for a change. We don’t want to be educated by you nor do we have great burning  desire for your bridges as lovely as they are. Let us carry on with our miserable existence and live our muted lives as we wish.  Go away Darius and take your Legions with you." The comment, which started as a rib against her captor, turned into a painful  plea before she realized what she just uttered.

        "Tais, you’re no longer human. And you must accept that. The quicker you do, the less painful your existence will be. You don’t  want to die even though you’ve convinced yourself otherwise. You fought me seafarer and you did not only for your precious  country but for yourself also. Because if you did die then who will carry the memories of all those you’ve loved? They will be  forgotten you know unless someone cared enough to remember them. So no I don’t believe you want to die, not then and not  ever. Besides the Quickening will force you to fight or at least seek sanctuary on holy ground in order to survive. You have no  choice." His voice was steady and convincing enough even for her to accept the unwanted truths.

        "What sanctuary and what holy ground?" She asked puzzled. He stared at her surprised that she had no idea what he was  talking about.

        "What do you know?" He asked.

        "Not much. It wasn’t long after I woke from my death that I met another who challenged me to a duel. I think he was mad or on  his way at least. He said there could be only one and that he wanted my head for himself. He was screaming all this of course  and was almost incoherent. I thought he was raving lunatic until the Quickening. That was very painful because I wasn’t  expecting it. I was hoping it was an isolated incident but I faced two others after that one. I guess it’s obvious to the more  experienced Immortals that I am new and rather ignorant at all this. If it wasn’t for my father’s teachings I would have truly died  a while ago." There was a comfortable moment of pause between the two and Darius did appreciate the fact that she was telling  him the truth. But he knew that she was not capable of lying either.

        "That much is true. We meet each other and fight to the Second Death, the Final Death and the only way to achieve this is by  taking the head. Holy grounds are sanctuaries in which we cannot fight. It’s useful to conduct business and pass on information.  Sometimes an Immortal makes home in one and cowers behind the Rule. I hate those for they are avoiding the inevitable  Challenge. Because in the end there can only be one of us." She stared at the port and the ships breaking through the waves  wishing she were on her way too.

        "Why can there be only one of us Darius? For what purpose would the deaths of Others serve?"

        "I don’t rightly know Tais. Only that in the end the one left will have the ultimate power ever given to any of us. A Quickening of  such nature that he or she will be invincible. Can you imagine all that power?"

        "Yes, and it terrifies me. Imagine if that lunatic became the Last. No I rather not see that happen, ever. And what is considered  holy ground?"

        "A place held for religious purposes mostly. Temples are the most obvious ones, and places of burial. Any place where one can  find faith being practiced. And this will cover any religion."

        "Well then Rome is definitely safe from any Immortal confrontations." Her dry humor brightened the dark mood that settled on  both. And Darius was grateful that she could still find laughter in so serious a subject.

        "When the time comes will you take mine?" She asked softly.

        He stared at her unable to formulate a proper response for he did not expect such a question.

        "Of course you would. You could not have survived this long without accepting the fact that you can kill any of our kind. How  sad…there can’t be many of us left yet we are doomed to bring ourselves into oblivion. Why are we chosen Darius? Is there a  reason why I was spared and not my brothers?"

        "I cannot answer your question. There seems to be no pattern among us who are Turned but maybe I'm wrong. Who knows  and more importantly who cares? We are who we are and we must do what has always been done." He hardened his voice  hoping to convey the steel that is necessary to live as an Immortal.

        "Is there a really old one Darius? Someone I can find who can answer my questions?"

        "There is a legend of a really old one named Methos but he is just legend. No one has seen him for a while and in all likelihood  he is dead. Do not seek answers for they might be even more troubling than ignorance. And yes when the time comes I will take  your head." She smiled quietly at his last statement then turned her gaze on the seas again.

        "I want to leave Darius. Return to the sea and continue my travels. Perhaps find this Methos and learn from him. Then who  knows what I can do? Since it looks like I might have forever on my side. Or until I face another who will take my head. I want  to see the world and study what can be taught. Can you imagine gathering all the thoughts and knowledge that the world has to  offer? Perhaps I could even find a way to stop the plague back home. Prevent wars…so much to be gained if I was brave  enough."

        "And stupid enough to believe in such niceties. Human beings make war, the destruction and deaths are asked for and never  believe otherwise. We are born either to conquer or be conquered Tais. Now you must lose that mantle of simple morality that  your family had placed upon your silly head and learn how to fight." The offer was there and she didn’t know what to make of it.  He saw the struggle plainly written on her face then there was peace. He did want her to stay for until he met this stranger whom  he could actually trust Darius had not realized how solitary his existence was. War made his life a chaos, which took all his time  to settle and straighten. Now that peace has come upon the land and stability ruling in Rome Darius had too much time on his  hands and he didn’t like it.

        Drilling his soldiers, obeying Rome’s demands and needs only took so much time from his life. Here was one who could live as  long as he could and learn. She could also teach for her world was new to him and he was born with innate curiosity. She  looked at the world through gentler eyes striking a chord of sympathy within the legatus. It was trivial really but he could afford  such pleasant trivialities now. And the idea that he could share his world with another Immortal was intoxicating in its newness  and promises. Darius also firmly believed that should she walk out of his circle of protection it would be only a short while  before someone else cut her down, a fate, which she was willing to accept only too gladly. Her destiny was very strong and  should she live Rome could only benefit from her presence.

        "I cannot promise you I will stay here in Nerum. When the pull is bad enough Darius not even your walls and your Centurions  can stop me from floating away. My people were made from the sea, and from her do we make our lives. But for now, thank  you I will accept your offer of sanctuary. On one condition though." Her voice was somber and the gravity of her words  alarmed him a little.

        "Condition? Are you in a position to make such demands? I don’t think so seafarer." The retort was followed by a dismissive  gesture yet she didn’t leave.

        "Yes I think I am in a position now to make one demand Darius, just one."

        "Oh well let’s hear your one condition then." But something in him knew what it was going to be.

        "That we remain as teacher and student only. That nothing else comes between us for I believe that if anything should…happen  we will end up killing each other."

        He did laugh then, "Flattering ourselves aren’t we?" She gave a mischievous smile, "Flattering no one and warning all Darius. So  this isn’t a worry for you then?"

        He gave an irritated look that convinced her she was safe from him. "I prefer my women to have at least some taste and actually  look like they have grown out of their girlhood. And whose single goal of existence is NOT taking my head. So don’t fear Tais  you’re safe from me." If he wanted to insult her he failed as she gave a huge and rather loud sigh of relief. The fool believed him.

        She stood up and felt the strength return to her body under the curing sun and sea. "You know the healer that keeps coming  back is going to have good trade just because I am his patient. Next time pick another because if this keeps up he’s going to get  suspicious." That was her parting remark as she took the stairs down below. Darius stared at her back with a bemused look on  his face. Her ability to be serious one moment then totally nonsensical the next was something he needed to get used to. And it  was a pleasant change from the martial mentality he was acclimated for so long. He stared at the sea and observed the open  sails of ships escaping Nerum only to end up on another Roman port. She doesn’t realize that will be her fate should she leave  him.

        He went to his quarters and finally took some sleep ordering no one to wake him unless Antonius gave permission to do so. He  was not disturbed until the late afternoon meal. Freeing himself from sleep’s grasp he walked into the center courtyard and saw  a group of his men whispering. Darius immediately prickled into irritation.

        "And what do we have here? If you’re not busy with your current duties I can more than recommend other work." The men  scattered so quickly Darius almost didn’t know who were the gossipmongers. He knew what the cause of the unusual behavior  was and his irritation bloomed even more. His quartermaster was the victim who received most of the anger.

        "Antonius why were those soldiers able to congregate in the middle of the day? Do they not have enough to do?"

        "Legatus of course they do. It’s just that now we have a woman among our midst and it’s an unusual situation for them. It will  take some getting used to that’s all." He gentled his voice hoping to soothe his angered leader but Darius was too familiar with  the old trick.

        "And why is that so disturbing, half of my officers have wives accompanying them, even into war! We have two wives not to  mention how many concubines living here or nearby."

        "But sir, they’re not yours." Antonius explained, "You never formed…an attachment with a woman before and she isn’t even  Roman. The men are worried that is all."

        "We don’t have an attachment Antonius. We have…an uncooperative guest. She knows things Antonius, east of the Empire I  am almost certain. And I want to know what she knows so when the time comes we will march into this New World not  blinded by ignorance. We must have information and I am certain she can provide it." His quartermaster knew him better but  wisely kept his mouth shut.

        "So she is not allowed to leave the grounds? And should she have an escort?" He asked wondering what Darius would say.

        "She must never leave the palace. But no escort, she’ll smack the poor fool around a bit then leave him in a corner somewhere  bleeding and moaning. It’s best if we attach a maid to her, that won’t be so unusual and make sure the girl’s loyalty is with us.  Do you know of such a person?"

        "Oh yes, a young girl named Kem. She’s in love with one of the soldiers and I think the youth feels the same though they try to  hide their relationship from me. I’ll make the necessary arrangements." With that cold observation Antonius left his master’s  side. Darius stared after his best man and wondered what woman did his quartermaster such wrong that he felt that way. Deone  listened unobserved of all that has occurred between the Roman monster and his dog. She had to warn the young woman what  had just passed and that she could trust no one except herself, Deone the kitchen hag.
 

Chapter 3 – An Unwelcome Guest

        When the sun disappeared Tais woke up in her own room then quietly observed the courtyard where the soldiers were busy  setting up a banquet for the legatus. She slipped back into her cot hoping that she would not be disturbed by the public affair.  No such luck as a young woman still retaining the traces of her youth entered with a lamp. "The legatus demands that you dine.  He said it was an order not a request. And that you find clean clothes for the banquet. If you have none he can provide but they  may not be to your taste." Kem stuttered the words bringing forth from Tais great amount of pity. The poor girl was probably  terrified to be in Darius’ presence then to deliver it to the feared prisoner just made the situation worse.

        "The clean clothes he offered, where are they from?" The girl’s blush was visible even in the dark and that was clear enough of a  reply. "I’ll wear my own thank you." Thinking the girl was going to leave after her dismissal Tais was surprised that she stayed.  "I can dress on my own so you can go." The girl shook her head, "I was told to help you…the Roman legatus said I am to stay  by your side now mistress. Please don’t turn me away because if you did he will think I displeased you and be angry with me."  The lie worked perfectly and Tais motioned the girl to sit on the pallet while she rummaged through her small parcel. Finding a  clean green robe she changed. Kem noticed a colored pattern tattooed onto the woman’s back. She was shorter than Kem but  there was not one spot in her body where muscles weren’t present. Kem wondered if the woman was a labor-worker  somewhere for surely no noble-born would need muscles like that. Slight tinkling shook her from her musings as Tais struggled  to put on her only necklace. Her arms were still sore and would not obey her command of flexing backwards. Kem immediately  scuttled to her side and hooked the ends together. A grateful thank-you was given and the prisoner slipped outside into the loud  world of a Roman banquet. Kem stared after her wondering what kind of mystery she truly was. It didn’t matter really, Marcus  said she was dangerous in the worst way possible – a fanatic and a powerful leader who believed that Rome had to end and  willing to do anything to ensure its demise.

        Tais arrived early and seated herself right on the corner so no one could sit immediately to her right or left. Strategically correct  position for someone to take if she did not know where her fate lies. Soon others arrived and wine flowed quickly. She ate little,  drank even less and carried on no conversation whatsoever. Not that her neighbors were trying to talk to her for there were  concubines who were trained to carry on table topics and they were doing a superb job of it. Wives also attended the banquet  though it was unusual to invite decent women to these things. Darius wanted wives and announced brides to come to his feasts.  His soldiers behaved better and the meal tended to go smoother when these ‘good’ women were present. When he wanted  them excluded it was just a matter of not inviting them. Tais observed the women and the Roman soldiers in their finery of gold,  silver and tunics made of shimmering materials colored with vegetable dyes. Brilliant stones mined from some faraway place  decorated both men and women and she entertained herself by trying to remember from what cities those stones originated  from.

        Darius observed the silent guest and wondered how she could keep still for so long. Finishing the last honeyed date he directly  asked her, "Was the food not to your liking?"

        She stiffened visibly in her place and raised her distanced eyes from her tray to him. "I cannot say if it was legatus. I’m not used  to eating such large fare so late into the evening. But do not blame the cook for my lack of appetite. It’s not familiar meal with  me and I tend to eat the same food as much as possible." The cool voice chilled more than one listener and the soldiers quickly  remembered the huge battle between the two only the day before. Something told them the same was about to erupt over their  meal table.

        Arria, one of the most favored concubines and a talented musician felt a stab of pity for the girl. She heard enough rumors to  believe that the woman was taken against her will and forced to stay here for some purposes that she did not care to think  about. And that the girl was brave enough to fight Darius then tried to kill herself when she realized there was no escape. There  were visible signs of fading bruises and the stiff movement of the woman told the concubine that the captive was suffering from  physical pain, a great deal of it actually. Arria didn’t think it was possible but the Romans sunk lower in her opinion more than  ever.

        "That is a lovely necklace where did you get it?" She asked stealing the conversation from Darius himself. The legatus didn’t like  the interruption and threw an irritated glance at the prostitute. Lucius, Arria’s escort flinched and wished she didn’t do that!

        "I made it, each time I enter into a new port I keep some of their coins and add to the collection. The necklace is totally  composed of foreign currency." Arria smiled in delight at the explanation. "How clever, may I see it?" Tais tried to raise her arms  to undo the clasp but failed like before. Giving an apologetic smile to the pretty girl she finally freed the necklace from her throat  on the third try. Darius regretted that he ordered her here. She was obviously still in some pain and should be recovering in  privacy.

        Arria crowed in wonder, "Why look at this Lucius, not one are the same! Oh but aren’t they pretty? Is this one gold?" She  asked in curiosity.

        "Yes, gold, silver, whatever, some are stones and others I have yet to figure out." Tais answered carefully trying to not give  away any information about herself. Magna, the wife of an officer took the necklace next and stared at the trinket. She was from  afar yet the coins were not familiar. "You must have traveled some distance to get these for I do not recognize any of the  markings." She commented to no one in particular. "I am from Greece originally and my father is a merchant. He used to have  ships from all corners of the earth come and trade with him. Yet these coins are foreign to myself. " Darius had to take control of  the conversation again, "Yes she is from far away that much we know. But the young traveler refuses to tell us from where for  she fears we Romans will pay her country a long visit if she does tell us." The table consisted of conquerors and conquered and  one would have immediately noticed the difference by the laughter that followed. Arria felt anger rushing through her blood, at  least the woman had the courage to stand up against the Roman legatus! Not even her own father did that when the Romans  came and paid the price with eternal shame. A blush crept on Tais’s features yet she held herself steady against the rest. She will  not talk of her home to these barbarians. Never will she give away anything that could help them find their way to her country.

        "Where I am from doesn’t matter really. Where I will go concerns me more. After all I am a seafarer and we look to the wind  always for guidance."

        "But you are here now." Antonius corrected her feeling sorry for the battered girl. She looked so small, lost and dowdy  compared to the other peacocks sitting around the table even he felt badly for the imprisoned woman.

        "For now." Echoed the girl with a slight smile on her lips. "But who knows when the wind changes we must go with it. It’s not a  choice really if one lives by the sea. We must go where she stirs and try to make a living while following the waves. However  you’re right quartermaster I am here for now. " Antonius felt the underlying threat in her words and it left an unpleasant sensation  in his gut; her statement didn’t much please Darius either. Every time she made such a declaration he felt his control over her slip  a little and he was determined to make her realize this was nonsense. But this was neither time nor place for it. His men need not  witness a weakness of his.

        "What kind of a life is that anyway?" Portius asked with some irritation, "I mean to have no home and wander about the world  having no idea if you’ll have enough money to eat for that day. To have no family to return to, that can’t be a life, or at least a  good one."

        "But that would be her life." Arria stated and Lucius groaned inwardly. What has possessed Arria to behave in such manner  tonight of all nights? Tais smiled at the other girl and sipped on her wine. The conversation changed into safer waters but  everyone would remember after the meal the dark girl sitting in self-exercised isolation from her captors.

        When Arria finally returned to her rooms in the pleasure house she told the story of a brave young woman imprisoned within the  compound’s walls who dreamt of being free. And who still fought against her enemies with her words if not her fists. The rest  thought her as rude and poor not worth much consideration, especially from someone like Darius!

        The man who was the subject of most of the gossip in Nerum was examining the situation he placed himself in and found only  regret. It would have been easier for all concerned if he did take her head in the Challenge somewhere. But he knew that was  exactly what she was looking for and was determined to thwart her plans. The subject of his thoughts slept peacefully and cared  not what anyone thought of her. She knew the day ahead would offer difficult enough choices and she needed her rest.

        Darius finally gave up on any hopes of sleep and took a small escort out of his home. Unbeknownst to him Deone followed  watching him and he led her straight to the hidden boat. Darius entered the strange looking ship and marveled at the lines.  Obviously her people were seafaring folk for the ship was trim and made with great dexterity. He went below deck and lit the  lamps. There was one small cot against a wall but that was the only piece of furniture in the whole place. Boxes, made of wood,  leather and metal were strewn about. And they were filled with herbs and spices. Small jars carefully wrapped in cloth gave off  heady perfume. There was one he liked in particular and placed it inside his purse. He looked meticulously for any information  but gleaned very little from his search. Whoever she was she was very thorough in hiding her heritage. There was one thing  though, carved into wall was a symbol of sorts, and she must have repeatedly carved the same lines for it was embedded deep  into the wood. He traced it with his hand memorizing the lines in case he saw it again.

        Darius returned to his office and started his work early accomplishing much and feeling none when morning greeted the city. He  ate his meal in solitary thought then took his regular tour around the city; a warning for the citizens of Nerum what lied ahead  should they revolt against their new ruler. He unsaddled his own horse and brushed its coat thoroughly feeling better after the  ride. He was returning to his chambers for much needed bath when Portius slipped to his side.

        "Whatever it is I hope for your sake it’s worth it." Darius groused.

        "The prisoner, or as Antonius would say, the uncooperative guest has taken to sword practicing again. You would think she  knows better but she’s out back swinging away with that blade of hers. She might be small but she is far from weak. Care to  see? I find it interesting actually though I have no clue where she learned to fight like that. Or how she could be back on her feet  after the beating you gave her." Portius should not have made the last comment.

        "I did not beat the woman you fool. We were fighting and she was determined to kill me if you cared to remember! Anyway I  didn’t think she could recover so quickly. Lead the way." The two men briskly walked into the sandy lot and were greeted with  Tais practicing her steps. The sword was sheathed but the intensity radiating from her told them that nothing was safe.

        She was silently hearing the voice of her father telling her how to step, where and why. She felt the familiarity of home repeating  his exercises even in this foreign land. Unconsciously she knew she was being watched but it mattered not. Her muscles were  healing at an incredible rate and she was determined to prevent it from escaping her control. There was still some pain though  not as uncomfortable as the previous night. With the familiar steps and moves she blocked out everything and everyone  surrounding her. She created a womb of comfortable memories for herself in which she could almost hear her brothers all  around her practicing the same moves united together as a family under their father’s guiding voice.

        A whoosh of air from her left drove away those loving thoughts as she instinctively blocked a move from Darius. He stepped  back into the entranceway and walked away from the figure tossing away Portius’ sword. He couldn’t watch her practice. She  was somewhere else, with someone else and he felt diminished because of it. Hating himself for feeling so weak he still caved  into that fear and interrupted her solitary routine. Wherever she was before she knew that he was besides her now and that her  present situation was drastically different from what she was thinking about. Portius stared after his legatus wondering what  brought about that show of temper. He glanced back at the woman who looked as surprised as he was. However she managed  to gather her thoughts again and practiced ferociously though she could not achieve the same achingly wonderful peace she had  before. Portius stared at her, he wondered if there wasn’t some truth to the gossip that she was actually some seawitch that  enchanted the legatus in order to destroy him. His dislike of her turned positively hateful. That creature had to be killed and  quickly because whatever she was doing the legatus was losing his self-control. And that was indeed a very bad thing for the  whole Legion’s welfare depended heavily on Darius’ mind and cunning.

        Darius corralled himself into his office abandoning all thoughts of his bath and re-read his replies to Rome’s questions and  orders. However his mind was tainted with what just happened and soon he was daydreaming. But whatever he dreamt about it  ended with her smiling and promising to return only to abandon him and sail away to her mysterious homeland. A gentle cough  drew his head upwards and the object of his musing stood there looking at him with some frank amusement.

        "So how interesting exactly is the news from Rome?"

        The friendly banter took him by surprise but he allowed a sallow grin.

        "Very interesting actually. Umm, let me see Livia Angelicus just delivered her second baby and both mother and child are safe.  Which is actually a miracle because she’s thinner than a sapling. Her husband who is a Senator is beside himself with joy though  he has numerous bastard sons. The only reason I know this bit of unholy trivia is because he wrote to me boasting about it. He  is determined you see that I marry his sister and is trying to foist domestic bliss on me by giving unsolicited information regarding  joys of family life. Oh and we built another bridge, care to see a drawing of it?" It was unusual for Darius to make such flippant  comments but he couldn’t help himself. His efforts were rewarded with heaps of laughter from the woman.

        Tais leaned back on the wall and laughing uncontrollably. She didn’t even try to verbalize her gratitude to his humorous  observations and she needed to laugh very badly. It felt good and she was cleansed of much pain and fear because of it. Finally  she came to a hiccuping stop, "Oh but think of little Darius running amok terrorizing the servants and driving his father mad. You  must want such a blessing though I can’t see a woman agreeing to have not one but two of you in her life! Such woman if ever  found would become a god after her death! Why not marry this senator’s sister? From what I hear you Romans marry for  convenience and not for love!"

        "She is beautiful yes but I find her about as pleasant as the Nile during the dry season. She can’t carry on a conversation and I  swear sometimes I think she’s some mechanical doll created to look nice but incapable of acting out any emotions. I caught a  cough sitting next to her during the Games because she was so cold. Never, I haven’t lived this long so I can die in domestic  felicity! And besides we can’t have children."

        She perked her head to one side reminding him of a bird, "You can’t have children? I must say that was more than I intended to  learn about you Darius! You have my sympathies." Darius paled as he realized she didn’t know about that one awful fact. She  saw the change in his color and his thin face became even more gaunt. "What’s wrong? Did I say something inappropriate  Darius?"

        He didn’t know how to tell her that…taking a deep breath he informed her. "We can’t have children. No Immortal can, and  even before the Change we don’t have children at least there aren’t any I am aware of. But after we’ve become what we are  Tais we cannot have children, ever." He saw the horror dawn in her eyes and stood quietly expecting her to fly at him in some  rage. Slowly she curled into herself and became a miserable ball of pain. No children in her life for her womb had been damned  by becoming Immortal. She hated this curse more than ever now for Woman to be deprived of the one function that she holds  over Man was incomprehensible. Barren, worthless, childless…she can never have a family nor raise a baby to see to her  womanhood; not her own anyway so her family dies with her. Truly the ancient and noble line ends with her! She wanted to  howl, to scream and believe that Darius was lying to her but she knew he wouldn’t. Not this for he was not the kind to fight so  unfairly.

        The laughter that echoed so freely was killed off with the silence that followed. Darius stood there at a loss on what to do next  as he saw a great veil of sadness fall over her person. He knew that women held the ability to have children sacred above all  others and their social value was based on this fact. She stared blankly in front of her then mused out loud. "Maybe you’re  mistaken Darius. Perhaps there is a way but it was forgotten or lost through the ages. If I find Methos maybe he could tell me  because he is so ancient."

        Darius felt a jag of fear travel down his spine. With great amount of harshness he informed her, "That is a fact and there are no  exceptions to the Rules. None. Better for you to face the truths now and not sink into some misguided desires. We can never  have children. Never Tais so accept it!" She stared at his face for a long while, "Believe that if that is what is convenient for you  Roman but I will not bow so easily to the Rules. And you can’t make me." Her voice was deadly even though the words were  spoken barely above a whisper. She withdrew from the room leaving behind a very worried man.

        She will be more determined than ever to escape him now and find this Methos. And he was just as determined to prevent her  flight. He also cursed himself for telling her the truth. He had no right to inform her about that ugly fact and destroy the fragile  understanding they shared for a little while. And it was indeed a bittersweet moment for Darius, something he almost didn’t  recognize for it has been so long since he allowed himself to indulge in innocent play. He closed his eyes forcing away the  memory of the encounter and once again turned his attention to his work.

        She was absent during the evening meal but he didn’t try to find her and force her to join him for the meal. If she wanted his  company she will come by soon enough. The meal was done quickly and efficiently but the men sensed Darius’ dark emotions.  Not wanting to leave him alone the officers made excuses to stay besides their beloved leader. Their trust in Darius was second  only to their loyalty to Octavian. As long as they obeyed Darius which most did blindly the man led them to victory after victory.  And he wasn’t the kind who stayed behind in the tent as the infantry and the cavalry went to battle. You could usually spot him  leading the charge and more than once he’s been cut down from his battle horse. Yet bleeding and wounded he raged onwards  inciting his soldiers to do the same. And he cared about them, so when the time for rewards and celebrations finally came  around his men were treated to great feasts and victory marches. A man such as Darius would inspire fanatical love from his  men and they did love him that much if not more. But now because of the presence of the strange woman their beloved leader  was spiraling into unpredictable moods. Though he never ignored his duty the changes in his behavior were carefully noted and  discussed. And they all agreed that she had to be removed from his presence for her company was slowly poisoning their  legatus.

        Andronicus, a young but gifted scholar in the gathering softly began to sing a melancholy song he remembered from his  childhood. Somehow it seemed to fit the mood of the night and the men luxuriated in the sadness it brought on. Any kind of  strong emotion save battle-rage was rare for the soldiers and they sank into their pillows and seats each remembering a lover  long gone by and whose presence haunted them still in their peaceful moments. Darius saw each mortal do this and was  shocked to realize he had no such memories. All his life he has been a soldier. His father was a powerful senator who wanted  even more power. So he sent his only son to the war in Spain with the newly designated Imperium Scipio hoping Darius would  win glory and fame. It was a risky move for the appointment of this upstart was unconstitutional by Rome’s standards. But the  ruling body was desperate, Hannibal was literally knocking on their front door and most of their allies had switched sides. Darius  followed the commander throughout Spain and Africa learning the ways of the army and all that he had learned before was  willingly forgotten. Scipio was a charismatic, brash but brilliant leader. His men followed him blindly through foreign lands and  hostile territories until they finally stood against Hannibal in Zama. By now Darius was the man that would make the Immortal  that he is. There in the battle against those terrifying elephants Darius experienced his First Death. However he woke only  moments later with the dagger still buried in his chest. Disoriented and shocked he pulled it out and continued to fight for that  was all he was taught to do. If there was a trace of an ordinary person in Darius it was obliterated in that battleground. It wasn’t  until days later when he met his teacher; a Greek engineer named Herodotus who quietly approached him introducing the  sensation of Recognition. The slave had called himself an Ancient. A race of Immortals so old that they have lived before  Rome’s history began. This grizzled and mysterious Greek educated him thoroughly in the ways of being Immortal and Darius  was an apt pupil. After he had finished learning Darius bought the Greek’s freedom from the Roman army and sent the man  along his way. He never saw his mentor again.

        After Darius returned to Rome his father died of basic overindulgence. His mother celebrated his death but failed to achieve any  happiness for she followed her husband to the grave soon afterwards. Darius was left alone and he returned to the Army  achieving greatness. Knowing that he had to disappear soon he planned his own ‘death’ and returned years later as the bastard  son of himself. Because of his illegitimacy he could not use his cognomen (family name) but he retained his praenomen (given  name) in order to keep some evidence of his ancestry alive. Those who still remembered the First Darius immediately saw the  physical resemblance and there was no one left alive who could contest the son’s claims. His military prowess only further  straightened his claim to be his own son and soon the name Darius again echoed in the hallowed halls of Rome.

        This became the standard practice and sprinkled here and there were women, convenient, beautiful and undemanding women.  Most were married to husbands who didn’t care one whit with whom their wives slept with. And Darius took his pleasures from  them and enjoyed their company until the cry of war came upon his senses. He would then abandon them to their boring and  meaningless lives and seek the glory of Mars once again. This was what he craved for, needed and wanted above all. And every  time Rome threw him a Triumphant March he reveled in the feeling of love, admiration and fear from Roman citizens. He  delighted in the fact that the Senate never walked against him and always bowed with respect when he strolled by. He had  enough wealth to sustain him in utter luxury for countless lifetimes but he rarely spent any money for the gifts that were bestowed  upon his person were more than enough for himself and his men.

        Andronicus finished his song and the men sighed with a few wiping away errant tears. And in the darkness Tais also wiped away  her streams of sorrow. She had heard that song sung in her homeland countless times but tonight it cut her like never before.  Where did the Roman youth learn the words? As awful as the translation was the emotion and the basic plot behind the music  survived even in the Roman tongue.

        "Is the song from your village Andronicus?" Darius asked.

        The young officer shook his head, "My father taught me the song but it’s not from Rome. He said he heard it sung by a slave the  night before his execution. He gave the damned creature some food and the man sung the song in our language. Father said he  never heard anything so sad and beautiful so he took pains to memorize it. He often sang it when he was home."

        Antonius finished his wine and shook his head; "Do women go into madness for love? There are songs of it but I myself never  witnessed it."

        Darius remembered the burning cities and the wives who leapt from the highest walls clasping their children to their breasts or  throwing themselves over their dead spouses' bodies receiving the fatal stab from the soldiers in order to follow their beloved to  Pluto’s kingdom. "Yes, they do Antonius they certainly do. I have seen it." Something in his voice made his quartermaster look  at him with worry. There was something gleaming in Darius’ eyes that he didn’t like, it looked suspiciously like guilt.

        Tais was tempted to come out from the darkness and correct Darius but she didn’t want to ruin the romantic mood the singer  created so meticulously. So she remained in the darkness then noiselessly returned to her room. Hearing that song was like  hearing the Eternal Sailor whisper her name. She was not the superstitious kind for her upbringing taught her there were many  logical and uncomplicated explanations to life’s more mysterious ways. But hearing that song…she was determined to escape  now. Before she was murdered like the woman was, the one who sang that song into eternity and legend.

        Darius slept fitfully that night reliving in his dreams the worst battle he had ever been in. A taking of a city over hundred years  ago that costed so dearly for both sides. When the invaders finally overwhelmed its citizen-soldiers and entered the city they  were greeted with carnage that none ever forgot. Every woman who survived had managed to kill their own children and then  themselves. There were bodies strewn everywhere, many died of poison but those that weren’t so lucky used knives or  something else ending the lives of their children and other family members. Darius had stood at the gate with his mouth open  trying to breathe through the air fouled with so many innocent deaths. There was not one survivor in that city. And in the end he  set it on fire creating the biggest funeral pyre in his memory.

        He woke up as dawn came into the world with the memory of that massacre still emblazoned in his mind’s eye. Finally taking  the bath he wanted he slowly washed away the horrific scenes. That was the past, this is the present and he had learned his  lesson from that war. He always learned from his errors and never repeated the same mistake twice. His blue-gray eyes were  bluer than the waking sky as he contemplated his past. After the bath he soothed his muscles with the oil he took from her boat.  He could not help but wonder if she ever witnessed such bloodbath. Then remembering her words regarding the plague that  ravaged her homeland he knew that she must have seen much grief and pain. No wonder she was so willing to let go of this  world. Too young and seen too much pain with no one to guide her or protect her through the unfortunate realities of living it  should not be a great surprise to him that she closed her eyes and relinquished her blade. It was a small miracle that she survived  even this far. Feeling generous and munificent Darius decided to seek her out and perhaps heal the breach not only between  himself and the seafarer but the woman and her memories.

        His good intentions were gone by mid-day for she was nowhere to be found. Finally realizing that she was avoiding him the  legatus sought her out with very little patience and even less good will. Stalking her about the palace he finally located her sitting  by the fountain staring at the colorful fishes humming to herself. She was repairing the damages done to the robe she wore while  fighting with him only days before. Darius stopped, it was the same song that Andronicus performed the night before but the  words were foreign.

        "Good afternoon legatus. So you didn’t burn my ship?"

        Darius was startled at her observation. "How did you know I didn’t destroy your ship?"

        She turned to look at him, "Because the oil you so generously used on yourself came from my stock. Since you didn’t have it the  last time we confronted each other I presumed you must have visited my boat and took it for your own usage."

        Darius felt chagrin creep into his person as she correctly guessed at his workings.

        "Yes I did. It is unusual, where did you get it?"

        "In a port called Nerefat east of here. It’s a tiny place really for the harbor is small enough to fit only ships like mine. But the  perfumers there make unusual scents and are renown amongst many for their talents. You’re welcomed to it for it suits you  well." She finished her stitches and smiled at her work. It was really awful, the line was crooked and the stitches were so badly  done that one could see the handiwork from 50 steps away. She was never good at this and her mother would have chastised  her should she be present to see her daughter’s horrendous work. The smile disappeared then, her mother wasn’t here  anymore, no one was except this annoying Roman.

        Darius saw the fleeting smile of pleasant memories then the usual sadness creep back in.

        "You were humming that song, is it from your homeland?" His voice was extremely gentle as he tried to stir her away from the  unhappy thoughts.

        "It’s from home. The translation leaves much to be desired but that soldier has a fine voice. It’s a pity for Rome lost a great  singer when he joined its army. " She answered more to herself than Darius. And this was fine with him.

        "So even in your paradise there was enough grief to create such music."

        "Yes, of course there was. The song was made popular by its singer. A woman, beloved by many sung it on the night of her  murder. The story goes that her murderer went mad after hearing it sung on the streets and confessed his crime. He was brought  to trial but committed suicide before he was executed."

        "Lovely, remind me to tell Andronicus the story behind his sad music. Who was her murderer?" Darius saw her pale a little and  hesitation come between them. She raised her face then and stared at him so still and contemplative Darius began to grow  impatient.

        "Her husband. Her husband killed her believing her to be unfaithful and worse in love with another man. It was all a tragic  mistake for she didn’t love another but the man so buried in his own jealousy and pride didn’t believe her and he choked the life  out of her. The story goes that he was walking the streets of our Capital when a beggar woman began singing that song. He  broke down right there and confessed to his second-in-command what he had done. They brought him to the House where he  repeated his confession. The priests found him guilty and sentenced him to death. But the night before his execution his men  smuggled him out of the prison hoping he would flee. He didn’t and returned to his house where her body lay for viewing. He  stabbed himself and crawled to rest besides his innocent wife and they were buried just as they laid, murderer and victim,  husband and wife."

        Darius was amazed at the violence in the story, "And this happened?"

        She nodded slowly, "The story isn’t so old, probably younger than you are. And the man was one of our greatest leaders.  Anyway yes the song Andronicus performed last night was the last song the poor wife sang before she was murdered."  Snapping herself out of the dark reverie the conversation caused she put away the sewing tools.

        "Do you know the origin of the power that makes us Immortals?"

        Darius contemplated her question, "No, some say it is a Titan bent on revenge against the gods for damning him and his  brothers. By using his powers from underneath the earth he’s creating us to lead us against the gods one day. Some say it’s a  force older than time that hides itself but on occasion comes out from its cover like a turtle and any mortal who is near when it  exposes itself becomes Immortal. I don’t know which answer is correct. But what is the usual fare is that most of us are Turned  in a field of battle or some conflict. There is usually an act of violence that begins the Change. You are the first I’ve known who  didn’t die violently yet who’ve become Immortal."

        She sat silently going over his words and Darius was able to see the furious working of her mind. "But of course if you knew  how to fight before you turned Tais it stands to reason you were no stranger to violence and warfare." Her head snapped  upwards and a quick smile followed.

        "I know how to fight that is true Roman. But the art of war belonged to my brothers and not myself. I had a different destiny.  However our father trained all of us, just an unusual opinion he had that even a daughter was not excused from learning how to  fight well. My brothers and I were close so we practiced together all the time anyway. And I did die violently Darius. The  plague was ripping apart my body and mind when I finally sank into oblivion. The pain was immense and something I would  sincerely like to avoid at all costs. Tell me do we ever become ill?" Her voice echoed the pain she suffered and Darius was glad  to tell her otherwise.

        "No, we become immune to any type of illness. I could march through a country decimated by the plague and not be touched by  it. That is a blessing indeed. We can die as you well know but unless someone takes our head we will return to life again and  again."

        "So you didn’t catch that cough from the Senator’s sister. For shame, to spread such false rumors about a lady is indeed  beneath you." Her teasing diverted his attention and she successfully stopped him from asking any more intimate questions about  her family.

        "Julia is the exception to the Rule. And when you visit Rome you’ll see what I’m talking about." Darius saw her humor flee at  that bit of news.

        "I’m going to Rome? Why?" The panic in her voice made him regret his decision and curse the tersely worded order from  Octavian.

        "I have to pay homage to her and they’re tired of my excuses. So I am ordered back to the city. I want you to accompany me  because I know the moment I leave you’ll escape to the sea. Besides I want you to see the fair city and realize we’re not all  monsters."

        She curled her knees into her chest and rested her chin on them.

        "But they will presume…things, indecent things. No, that’s not possible."

        "They are already presuming indecent things you idiot. And the news of your presence has probably reached Rome through her  spies. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re the major topic of all their gossip." The look of horror on her face would have been  comical did it not wound his ego.

        "But I did no wrong, nothing to deserve such…such…" Darius did finally laugh then and it only incited her further.

        "This isn’t funny you depraved man! I’ve never did anything to deserve such ugly reputation! Stop laughing at me! My parents  would have been horrified!!" His laughter grew louder as she became hysterical about the fate of her good name. She might be  Immortal but she was still young and in many ways innocent to the practices of the world, especially the Roman world. Her  outcry finally subsided as she gloomily accepted her new status in his circle. Throwing an ugly glance at him she muttered, "I  damn the day I came across your path Roman. And I will never find shelter in a Roman port again."

         "I don’t think that chance will be coming anytime soon." He sharply replied trying to hide his smile, "We Romans will own every  port from here to the end of the world. And you will live long enough to witness it. We will rule a thousand years and our feats  will be discussed by the future with great interest and respect. " He declared with the confidence only a Roman legatus could  possess.

        "Well I see humility is something you have no problem with." Was the sarcastic reply from his less-than impressed counterpart.  "It’s a wonder why they didn’t erect a temple in your name."

        "They are, that’s why they want me back. At least that is their excuse. The truth of the matter is they do not want me to have  much control over the Legions. Unfortunately for them I have all the control I need. I always did. The fools but what can you  say about mortals?" The lightness in his voice betrayed the threat behind his words and she stared at him. She had met generals  and warriors many times in her previous life. Her destiny had forever solidified the relationship between herself and the military  but she had never brushed against a man like Darius. A man who might be the single greatest threat against all other worlds  simply because of his military prowess and the fact that he is an Immortal. She couldn’t remember one military leader equal to  this Roman save her father. And he was dead, unable to protect what was left of her ancient and revered country from this  scourge.

        He knew that she was studying more than his face and held himself in check in order to let her make up her own mind. "I knew  of one mortal who was your equal Darius of Rome. If there is one, there is sure to be another." He turned his gaze at her letting  her feel the impact of his personality. "And who is this unfortunate man?"

        She did blink twice staring at his cold blue eyes. "My father Darius. He was your equal."

        "Was, then he too passed away?" She nodded seeing him and seeing someone else at the same time. "He was a great leader,  born to protect and defend. He wasn’t like you conquering and taking. But defending and strengthening what was ours by right  and birth. He didn’t have that hunger to feed, just the desire to see one generation grow stronger from the lessons taught by the  previous ones. But yes he passed away. And into a better place with the rest."

        "Was he a king then? Or a military leader?" Darius wondered out loud for her self-containment and behavior belied a noble  upbringing and great teachings.

        "No, he was a priest. We were all priests Darius. And in my land priests governed so there were no wars, no conflicts with our  neighbors. There was great peace on our land; one that reigned for so long that most of our history reflects this. We had legatus  like you but they protected our borders and never invaded anyone. Your way of life is so foreign and violent I don’t think I  could ever accept it. There is something inherently wrong when one keeps wanting and wanting but finding no fulfillment.  Somewhere down that road you’ve taken you have to stop and study what you have done. What have you accomplished for  yourself? Not for Rome or for your Legions but for the part which lives forever even though the flesh doesn’t?"

        Darius felt the danger in her questions for it asked answers he studiously avoided for his whole lifetime. "You are a priest. No  one save a priest would ask such useless questions. I will live forever yet and I have done much. For my name has echoed  through the greatest empire this world has ever known for nearly two hundred years. Peace comes when one is done with life  and I am far from finished. I will help Rome become the greatest empire history will know. And with her name mine will also  survive, even if I don’t. If you still wish to cling to such foolishness then that is your choice but do not talk of that nonsense to me  ever again. I will not give you a warning next time and will make you pay dearly for it." The threat was real and so was his anger.  Tais was wise enough to not press on further. So there was silence between them until she broke it.

        "Must I go to Rome? I have heard so many awful things about it." The fear in her voice was tinged with worry and he did feel  some guilt dragging an innocent to a den such as Rome.

        "It is not as bad as they say." Darius tried to soothe her frayed nerves, "Truly, it is a magnificent city with buildings that tower to  the heavens. And many different worlds come together there in order to study and trade knowledge. You’ll be so overwhelmed  that time will pass quickly. Maybe even too quickly." She stood up from her place and gathered her stuff; "I won’t like it you  know. I know it." With that sad remark she left him but not before touching him gently on his shoulder as a parting gesture.  Darius sat there feeling the soft weight for a long time. He had no desire to return to Rome now. Nerum has become his home,  and she his companion. It has been only days since she stumbled into his life but the future held such promise with her in it  Darius wanted it, almost craved it. Even the great tributes from Rome could not come between him and this vision. And from  this seed an idea was born which Darius was determined to make sure to come into fruition.

        Tais sat in her room feeling torn and uneasy. The Roman was actually becoming necessary in her life. He was her kind, which  meant that he could not be killed like her family and friends. And that was a great blessing except for the part where she had to  face him and kill him herself. She knew now that was an impossibility – an act she could never commit. Closing her eyes she  recalled his own and knew that desire lurked behind the control. She wasn’t so unfamiliar with men and their ways that she was  blind to their needs. And this frightened her even more than his threat of killing her. Should it ever happen between them she will  become lost in his world and wants for his force of personality would engulf her whole. The man was an enigma to her and she  preferred that he remain that way. And familiarity will breed tenderness and she could not give that part of her while her wounds  were so fresh and painful. But he will demand it sooner or later she was sure of it. For he was as lonely and abandoned as she  was, he just didn’t know it yet. And when he does discover that truth he will seek her out and she didn’t know if she could turn  him away or if he will let her. Her young life suddenly became incredibly and hopelessly complicated by two hundred years.

        Kem watched her and asked, "Is everything alright mistress? Shall I get you some water?" Tais nodded, she wanted to be alone  for a while and anything to get rid of that shadow was fine with her. She heard the maid leave then the door opened again.

        "Listen carefully my child, trust no one." Deone whispered urgently and Tais looked up in surprise. "The Roman legatus has  given you that maid in order to spy on you. That deceitful creature Kem reports to him every day regarding your actions. He is a  beast you hear? He’s done things, horrible things to this city and so many others that I cannot even begin to name. He’ll destroy  you if he can and then play with your soul for his amusement. He has no conscience and desires none. I know where your boat  is and when the time comes I’ll help you escape from this pit. My name is Deone and I must leave now. Should you need  anything come to me. I work in the kitchen." The old woman slipped out as quietly leaving behind a shaken woman.

        Darius has sent a spy! To make sure she’ll never break free from him. Whatever she dreaded would happen was already  happening and quickly. Fear now accompanied her worry. How to escape from this? From him? She knew that her time was  short for the strained peace between herself and Darius was already doomed by his actions. The door opened and the maid  came with a cool jar of water. Tais gave a small smile and thanked the maid. Drinking the water she gathered her scattered  thoughts and concentrated on one thing – to escape and quickly from Rome’s long grasping fingers. Kem immediately noticed  the change and wondered what caused it. But thought nothing much of the behavior since the woman seems to vacillate between  emotions with great frequency.
 

Chapter 4 – An Offer

        The soldiers noticed that their legatus was in a pleasant mood and became suspicious. Their fears were justified as he drilled  them like never before. However it was their old Darius who was with them so none complained and were grateful for his  presence even though there were aches and bruises aplenty after the practice. Darius ordered his meal and requested her  presence. It wasn’t a summons and he wondered if she would come. She did but he saw the hesitancy in her behavior and  words. Gone were the humor and sarcasm he was used to. The person in front of him was silent, too silent and he knew  something transpired. After some stilted conversation he finally questioned her.

        "Why are you behaving in such manner? Have I done something to offend you?"

        "No, just that what we discussed before regarding my situation disturbs me greatly. I’m not used to being topic of such  conversations. This is all new to me not to mention distasteful."

        He smiled thinly, "Distasteful? I can list a dozen who wouldn’t mind my name being attached to theirs." He saw her gaze shift  away from his face and he knew he lessened himself in her eyes with that callous boast.

        Trying to lessen his foolishness he quietly reminded her, "But you said you had a lover. Did you not? So this can’t be too foreign  to you. Come finish your meal and stop being so naïve."

        "Not a lover Darius, he was my husband." The cup that he raised to his lips never reached them.

        "Husband? You were wed?" He whispered staring at those eyes as tears finally came to the surface. "Yes, husband. We were  wed only for days before the plague came through the city gates." The confession took his breath away. She was wed to  another. And it was a love-match for he could not imagine her marrying another for gain or comfort. She raised her small hand  to cover the sob that eloped from her control.

        Husband, friend, lover he was the center of her world as long as she could remember. She loved no other save her husband and  he knew it. So when the time came for them to marry it was as if they were wed for many years. A satisfying and fitting  conclusion to a relationship long in making and filled with such great promises! A marriage that healed the breach between the  warriors and the healers uniting the two factions again after so many years of distrust and disrespect. Signaling to their world a  new era of peace and harmony that only fell apart with the entrance of an ill pilgrim to their fair city. From there the plague took  and took…

        Darius couldn’t look at her as she grieved for another. And how she grieved! Tears that she refused to shed under his blade,  under his taunts and threats came freely with remembering this man, this dead mortal. With a jerk he reminded himself that her  husband whoever he was is now food for the worms. Silently she regained her self-control and wiped away the wetness from  her face. She refused to apologize for her grief was precious to her as her memories were. It told her she was different from  those like Darius who cannot grieve and who cannot shed tears for their actions. They’ve surrendered their hearts long ago to  some cruel master and bargained their souls away leaving precious little.

        A soft touch on her cheek warned her that she should open her eyes. He was staring at her with a determined look. It was a  calculated risk but he knew he wouldn’t get such a chance later. "I will not die and I will not be sick. I will not leave your side if  you accept me. We can be together here, tomorrow, all the tomorrows if you take me now." She looked at him with such  anguish he thought she would shed tears again and perhaps this time for him instead of another. This place, this new place that  he found himself in was so terribly unfamiliar yet the exhilaration could not be denied.

        "What a lovely proposal Darius. Tell me did Kem tell you I was in a particularly stupid mood today or was that just your  personal observation?" His fingers went cold against her flushed cheek and curled into a fist. Slowly he withdrew his hand; his  face so tight from anger and shame that it became whiter than his tunic. She blinked once and all traces of the grief was gone.  She was learning and quickly. She needed to if she was to survive him.

        "Never touch me again Roman. You are not welcomed to do such a thing. I do not need your pity if one could call it such. And  I will find another but it will not be your kind. You are a killer plain and simple and I’ve vowed my life against you before I’ve  Turned. And the same holds still. I owe that much to the dead and more importantly to the living. I do not fear dying like you do  because I’ve paid my fare for this life so if it is my Quickening you want take it I care not. But never touch me again. I have my  memories still and do not need you to tell me what is right and wrong. What is decent and indecent and what I do and do not  need." Her damnation ended in a snarl that alarmed Darius. Her anger was real, pure and directed towards him. With a swift  turn she left the room and one stunned legatus. Her anger beated against her mind like some crazed bird in a cage and she knew  she had to leave him before violence erupted between them again.

        Darius had to prevent himself from running after her and shaking her until she gave him the answers he sought. How did she find  out about Kem? Perhaps she wasn’t as naïve as she seemed. If she belonged to the ruling class then some political  manipulations must have been evident even to her. And now she was aware of his desires and feelings. What will she do but try  to escape? She won’t use his confession against him he was sure. That was something she was incapable of doing. Swallowing  the goblet of wine in one draw he closed his eyes and wished that he did take her Quickening before he found out what kind of  person she was. His life would have continued on with its usual problems, those he could handle with ease. Before he knew it  the wine was gone and evening had darkened into the deep blue color. Slightly intoxicated he fell into his bed knowing  tomorrow will bring more problems. He’ll have to kill the maid of course for failing so miserably in following his orders.

        That thought already crossed Tais’s mind. She brushed out her hair then informed the maid that her duplicity was discovered.  "And Darius knows that I found you out. I suggest you run and hide dear girl if you wish to see another day. The legatus doesn’t  take failure lightly."

        "Nothing will happen to me! Marcus will…" "Obey his beloved leader you silly fool. Do you think that because you take him to bed his loyalty to Darius will be tested? You  are a convenience and nothing more! Get out while you can because tomorrow you will not have a chance." The girl stood in  frustration and hate but knew that the prisoner wasn’t lying.

        "They hate you. His men, they want you dead. Even now they are plotting your demise. And I will be glad when they truss up  your corpse at the first gate!" The girl hissed in hopeless anger but the words didn’t do whit against the stranger.

        "Kill me? Kem don’t you know I cannot die. Surely you must have realized that." That statement was followed by an incredibly  dark smile, "I can live forever you stupid girl. Longer than you, your children if you survive to have any and their children. I am  eternal for Pluto himself fears me. If I were you I would run as far from here as possible and don’t look back. Because if you do  I will catch you. And I will not spare you like I am doing tonight." The girl wilted into pure fear for she heard the rumors about  this woman. And in that darkness the witch seemed to swell and feed on the shadows. Her voice took on certain edge and  strength that Kem never heard before, not even from Darius himself. Without losing a moment she dashed out of the  claustrophobic room and into the city.

        Tais gave a huge sigh of relief as she heard the maid beat a hasty retreat. Hopefully the girl won’t stop running for couple of days  at least. Enough to escape Darius’ wrath tomorrow. She fell into uncomfortable sleep like her counterpart trying to forget the  evening altogether. He woke first and immediately ordered Kem to be arrested before he even donned his tunic. No such luck,  she was nowhere to be found. He knew immediately who was the culprit behind Kem’s escape and stormed into Tais’s room.  His men hoping that the legatus would be angry enough to kill her stood right outside the door waiting for the inevitable  bloodbath that followed one of Darius’ violent outbreaks.

        "Where is your maid?" He did nothing to mask his anger.

        She stared at him from underneath her blankets. "Have no idea where the stupid girl ran to. She was spitting mad though when I  told her how poor a spy she was. And that you should have hired someone better than an uneducated serving child." She then  stifled a yawn. "So she left in a bad mood. You’re the Roman legatus around here you find out." She curled up underneath the  blankets again feigning sleep. This only succeeded in putting Darius into a fouler disposition. Without a warning he yanked the  blanket off of her and immediately threw it back onto the sleeping form. She wasn’t wearing a stitch of clothing.

        "Thank you, it’s a cold morning." Was the mumble he heard from underneath the fabric. Feeling his face burn a little and totally  disoriented by what just happened he left her room. He nearly slammed into his second-in-command as he stepped out to the  courtyard. Portius stood there flabbergasted at what he just witnessed but knew better than to make a comment. He made a  smart salute and withdrew from the scene as quickly as his pride would allow. Darius paused taking a deep breath then  re-entered her room and closed the door behind him. He could feel her tense as she realized he returned.

        "You warned her didn’t you?" He asked softly like a cat’s paw extending its claws.

        "No I scared the girl. I told her the truth, that I was an Immortal and that I cannot die. There’s a rumor of such nature going  around about me anyway so I thought, why not? I’ve tried everything else let’s see how the truth works around here. She ran  away screaming. I guess that is why everyone lies around here so much. You Romans have created so many falsehoods that if  someone told the truth it would make you mad. Are you listening Darius?"

        Indeed he was listening and memorizing the shape underneath the blankets. He marveled at her ability to melt his anger away  even when he wanted to hold onto it with all his strength.

        "Anyway I didn’t want the stupid girl to die because she was…stupid. Too greater a punishment for such a common sin I think  at least. You won’t find her in the city. She has a good head start. And even if you catch her what are you going to do? Kill her  and put her on display saying "She was Stupid"? The city of Nerum will be in chaos if you do that. Better let the girl go and  spread rumors about Darius the mighty Roman Legatus and his Evil Enemy, Tais the Eternal. They might even make a play  about it given time."

        She heard a choking sound and peeked out from her covers afraid of what she’ll see. Darius was laughing, silently but surely  laughing trying not to show it. He met her gaze and came to an abrupt end. "Yes, if I had to kill everyone who’s stupid this city  would be decimated not to mention the Legion. Come to think of it the Senate. But I suggest for the future you do not interfere  with my duties here Tais. I will not permit it."

      &n