“You let him live?!” Brutus yelled with a thunderous voice as I healed from my injuries. I sat on my throne being tended to by servants who rubbed healing balms on my body. It felt cool and refreshing, like dipping my feet into a spring after working on a hot day.

  “He is useful to me, Brutus. He fights well, and he is capable of leading people. Under our direction, He will be a valuable asset.”

  Brutus paced around. He was clearly angry. Something in him finally snapped. He stepped forward and pointed his finger at me.

  “No. No! No, I’ve had enough of this. After everything we’ve been through, the defeats we’ve had, the times he nearly killed you, and you talked about killing him nonstop. And when you finally have him right where you want him, on his knees, beaten bloody and at your mercy, you not only let him live, but you want him to join us?!”

  “I’ve ignored every decision you’ve made thus far; we didn’t ally with Lak'Ashara, we spent too long waiting for the damned snake people, I even stood behind you when you threw that baby off a building, but this? He should be thrown into a pit and die there. If you go through with this, he will stab you in the back!”

  I pinched the bridge of my nose and took a deep, long, drawn out sigh.

  “Brutus, try to understand: we lost many during the last few days of fighting. Even with your great strength, we would be left vulnerable.”

  “No, you understand. For once. It would be quick. I go to him, break his neck and then leave. How is this a bad plan?”

  “It's a terrible plan!” Octavian said as he walked over to Brutus. “The Kai’Sar is not well, and if you kill the Bu- erm, ‘Nero’…Then his supporters would seek out revenge. Are we really prepared for that?”

  Brutus growled and crossed his arms. “Listen to me, Hadrian. I refuse to walk side by side with a wastrel who would gladly slit my throat in the night. If he stays, then I leave.”

  Octavian once again spoke up. “This is ridiculous. You can’t be serious about this.”

  “Oh but I am, Octavian. If the Bull remains, then I will not stay here to let him stab me in the back. Hadrian, please. I am not talking to some would-be king or some prophet of a serpent god. I am talking to my brother in arms. My Hadrian. See reason, brother. Do not let the Bull be a part of this.”

  I stroked my chin and looked up at Brutus. He was my friend. We shed blood together on each other’s account many times over. A part of me wanted to believe that he was right. But I knew that Octavian had a point. Nero’s supporters would rally and the slaughter would start all over.

  “Brutus… do not make me choose between what I know is right and what I wish was right. You’ve trusted me this long; can you not find it in your heart to trust me one more time?”

  Brutus sighed. Without giving a proper yes or no, he knew my answer already. Brutus was wearing a white tunic. He breathed in deeply, grabbed his tunic and ripped it apart, exposing his chest. Such a thing was a custom of Roharim, where to do so was a sign of great lamentation and sadness. He then stepped forward, pushing Octavian aside and then spoke.

  “If you would choose a stranger, one who has killed many of our people over me, one who bled with you too many times to count…then we are done here.”

  And with that, Brutus simply turned away and left. I watched him leave and make his way out of the camp to find his own way. He was intent to not travel with us. I stood up and tore my shirt open, grunting thanks to both pain and heartache. I dropped the fragments of cloth beside me and lowered my head.

  Octavian walked over to me and placed his hand on my shoulder.

  “My lord. He will come to his senses surely.”

  I raised my hand at Octavian and shook my head.

  “No. When Brutus makes up his mind, he rarely changes it. He will not rejoin us. Not easily anyway.” In truth, Brutus was justified. But the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. And while I wanted Brutus to stay, my legion needed stability more than anything.

  I turned to face Octavian. “What is the next order of business?”

  Octavian silently nodded and gestured for me to walk with him outside of the war tent. It was the night after the duel, and already things were progressing nicely. A long line of Nero’s followers stood waiting. The one in the front of the line had their armor stripped from them and thrown into a pile. Metal would be smelted down and reforged. The armor of the dead legionnaires was repurposed, and as soon as the wastrels were stripped down, they were given their new armor and assigned a tent.

  “As soon as the new recruits are integrated into the legion, we will set off for home. Our healers will make yours and Nero’s passage easier. You will be well taken care of, my Kai’Sar.”

  I nodded, limping lightly as I followed Octavian. As I passed by a few of the soldiers, they saluted me. Some even knelt. I had once again proven that my will was the kind that could move mountains.

  “Very good. Send a message to home and let them know what has transpired here. Furthermore, we must thank Ile’Sethak for the victory. The bulls from Nero’s camp will do nicely. Take the best one then sacrifice it as a burnt offering.”

  “As you command, lord.” Octavian bowed his head respectfully as we continued to travel down the path until we came across a pole in the ground. Chained to the pole was one of Nero’s warriors. When I was being carried off to the healers, that warrior tried to kill me, but was taken down. As it turned out, he was also the same one who had the bright idea to kill a snake in order to insult me.

  The man smirked and spat in my direction, but missed. Octavian responded with a quick punch. “Filthy animal! Forgive me, my lord. I should have seen that he was gagged as well.”

  “Fret not. For I shall see him put to a better use.” I said calmly, crouching down to look at the man properly. I turned to Octavian and slowly lifted myself up. “Nail him to cross in the morning before we leave. I want him to have a proper view of us leaving.”

  Upon hearing what his fate would be, the man lunged at me, but was pinned to the pole. I limped, but did so confidently as I made my way to the tent where Nero was being treated. Entering, I saw him lay in bed with several healers wrapping his body up in bandages and stitching his cuts. The final burst of energy I had nearly killed him. Though to be fair he nearly killed me. I would wear the scars of our duel on my face for the rest of my days.

  The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

  He glanced at me as the healers stopped what they were doing and all bowed their heads respectfully to me before they excused themselves. I took a nearby chair and sat down next to the bed and looked at him.

  “It will take some time, but your forces will integrate with mine. The adjustments, however, are already being made. By sunrise, your men will be wearing proper armor.”

  Nero was silent. Next to him on a small table was his old helmet. The large bull horns were weighty and —given his weakened state— was hard for him to handle. He stared at the helmet silently. I turned to Octavian and waved him off, so it would just be me and Nero. Once Octavian was gone, I finally spoke.

  “The days of the Bull are over. The Bull was a barbarian who raided and plundered with no other purpose. You raided so you could have the resources to raid again. A vicious cycle that was bound to end. In the place of the Bull, Nero will rise.”

  Nero continued to stare at the helmet before he set it aside and looked at me.

  “Nero… am I now allowed to choose my own name?”

  “Perhaps one day. But not today. Whatever name you had no longer exists. You have been reborn. You were an agent of chaos, and now you will be made into one of order.”

  “Order?” Nero chuckled at the thought, but the act of laughing caused light pain. He laid back down to try to relax. “You are a fool, Hadrian.”

  “Am I? And why is that?”

  “You seek the impossible. You want to tame the world, break it under your heel. You are not the first man to strive for this. There have been men like you who have desired the same thing since the first man drew breath. You will discover that the world will fight you tooth and claw. Sure, you may conquer vast lands and people, but no man can keep it. Someone will take your place and then the dance will start all over again.”

  “And if that's the case…” I asked with a furrowed brow, “then why follow me at all? Why not just flee?”

  Nero took a heavy sigh. “Because you defeated me. No one has ever done that. You’ve proven yourself to be stronger than I. Perhaps not in body but of will. Out here in the Blasted Lands, strength proves all. If two men fight, and one kills the other, then the one who lives is right in the eyes of the gods. If he was wrong, then he would be dead. However, you keep me alive. Why?”

  I shrugged and leaned back in the chair, having crossed my arms. “You are a man of great skill. To waste your talents in warfare would be a disservice, when you can help my cause far more by being alive.”

  Nero closed his eyes and casually scoffed. “So I am a tool. Nothing more?”

  “If you wish to be more, you must prove yourself worthy of it. But for now, yes.”

  “Hrmph…at least you are honest, Hadrian. Very well. What choice do I have?”

  “None.” A matter-of-fact statement to drive the point home.

  “And what of my armor?”

  “It will be reforged. The Bull has been killed. Poetically, one of your bulls is going to be sacrificed as a burnt offering to Ile’Sethak. Let that bull’s death be as you were. But while the Bull dies, a wolf will take its place.”

  He pondered for a moment. “A wolf? Why a wolf specifically?”

  “Why not? Wolves do well with packs. And my legion is now yours. Plus the intimidation factor. Much more fearsome than a bull. Think of it. “Nero: The wolf of Hadrian.”

  Nero closed his eyes again and relaxed just a bit more, laying back to get himself far more comfortable.

  “Very well.”

  It was clear that he wanted to rest, and I left him there. Octavian waited for me outside. I told him that I would be going to bed and I went to my tent alone. But before I could enter, I was stopped by Kallista.

  “Kai’Sar.” She said, emerging from between some tents behind me.

  I turned to face her and smiled lightly. “Kallista.”

  She walked over to me and examined my wounds. They were still tender and the pain was strong, but I bore it as if it were nothing. Aside from a few grimaces on my face, I would have looked unbothered.

  “I see that you are well.” Kallista said as she traced her fingers along the bandages. “You could have gotten yourself killed, you know?”

  “Was it not my duty to offer my life for my legion?”

  “And where would the legion be without you?” She asked. Her voice was filled with concern. “This is all you right here. Without you, how long until we crumble into the dust?”

  I didn’t have a proper answer for her. I supposed I preferred not to think about it. I did however speak after a momentary pause.

  “It doesn’t matter now. I live. And the legion will endure. Tomorrow we will head home. Everything will be fine. And when I recover, we shall continue our conquest.”

  Kallista sighed. She closed her eyes for a moment. Her fist tightened into a ball and her knuckles turned bright white. For a moment I figured she would punch me for dodging the question. However her hand relented and she took a deep breath. She walked over to me and gently placed her hand on my chest.

  “Just…don’t get yourself killed.” She said pleadingly. Her hand lingered on my chest for some time. It was warm and comforting. I rarely saw that side of her. When the battles were over, her enemies laid broken around her and her sword rested on her hip, she was —at the end of the day— still a woman. And women often have a tenderness about them that brings warmth to a man.

  With that said, she cleared her throat and excused herself. If ever there was a woman who deserved to be…bah. Let's not think of that just yet. Otherwise I will drag on longer than I already have.

  I returned to my tent soon after and found Abessa crying softly. I knew exactly what that was about. Artesh. Hot tears streamed down her face as she hugged a pillow tightly. Looking at her told me what her thoughts were. What was worse; that her son was gone or that he disowned her? Regret filled her heart and a great many things occupied her mind. No words were spoken between us. I sat down with her on the bed and placed my hand on her shoulder. She continued to cry, but her hand reached up and grasped mine. A small bit of tenderness to end the day.

  ***

  In a little over a week, we arrived back at our capital. Straden had stayed behind to establish his governance over the region and protect the villages. I knew that he would drill the inhabitants to be better than they ever had been. The moment the gates were opened, my people cheered for me. It was not just them greeting me, but it was my first triumph. Flower pedals showered over us. Music played and people cheered at us, the returning conquerors. Our banners flew high in the air and at our feet, they placed more flowers at our feet. Some even laid out their robes so that our mounts would not dirty their feet.

  Cao Tzu’s priests held serpents and danced around with them in worship. Walking ahead of us, they led us not to the fortress where I made my dwelling, but to something new. The tabernacle of Hadriana. It was a simple structure, far from being a glorious temple made for Ile’Sethak, but it would do. It had an outer area that was surrounded by linen curtains in a large circle. Only Cao Tzu’s priests and myself were allowed inside.

  Past the curtain entrance was the main structure itself. It was a wooden structure with several sheets draped over it, and using ropes and poles crafted the silhouette of a snake at the entrance to the main building. The sheets were decorated with elaborate art depicting Ile’Sethak and myself in the desert when I had first arrived in the Blasted lands.

  Standing at the mouth of the tabernacle was Cao Tzu herself, patiently waiting for me while Sylithra, the ophidian scribe, stood next to her, preparing to write down what would come next. Cao Tzu, having been blessed by Ile’Sethak with a new tongue, spoke loudly.

  “Our glorious Kai’Sar, the chosen of Ile’Sethak, father of change and destiny, has returned. And with him, the promise of further conquests. On the day of the Kai’Sar’s victory, our lord Ile’Sethak came to me in a dream. He spoke to me and proclaimed that the Bull had been slain, and in his place, a wolf loyal to our Kai’Sar stands.”

  She gestured to her left side, and several priests brought two bulls before us next to an altar. There, she prepared the offering. She whispered and a snake emerged from the tabernacle. The bulls were blindfolded so they could not see. The serpent slithered up to Cao Tzu’s leg and climbed up her body until it coiled around her arm. She brought the serpent to the bulls necks and one by one, the serpent bit them. The bulls were frightened and experienced pain before they fell over. Normally their throats would have simply been slit, but this was a special sacrifice. This offering was meant so that every part of the animal would be burned.

  Once the bulls had died, the priests began to cut up the animals and threw their meat into the fire pit. A cup of blood from the bulls was collected and then brought before me. Cao Tzu gestured for me to kneel down and I did so. She anointed my head with the blood, drawing a cobra head on my forehead.

  With the simple ritual completed and Ile’Sethak properly honored, she helped me up and I left the tabernacle. The triumph continued until we went to my fortress. There I climbed the steps to get a better vantage point and finally spoke to my people.

  “People of Hadriana! Though the price was heavy, we are victorious! Blood was shed, and many lost their lives, but out of the sacrifice of our brave legionnaires, we have gained new territories. Even now under Straden’s governance, we are improving. Now is the time for us to rest. We must gather our strength. We’ve lost much, but we will come back. We will be stronger and when we do, our enemies will quake.”

  “You have heard that Lak’Ashara rules the Blasted Lands. You’ve heard that her power is great and that her word is law. She, however, is only human. There has yet to be a force that could properly challenge her, and we are that force. Even now, she underestimates us. This is her greatest mistake. We will let her think that we are unimportant. That we are simply just some other tribe of savages that can barely function on our own. We will let her think this until it is too late for her to do anything to stop us.”

  “I tell you, a glorious war will come, and when it is over, Ys’tar and her prophetess will be cast down, and her debauchery will be laid bare for all to see. Her wanton perversions will be her undoing. Every fornication that is allowed in her city from temple prostitution, to bedding farm animals and even more profane acts that I dare not think about —least I vomit— will be expunged.”

  “And when that day comes, chaos will be cast down and Order will be established. And on that day, the whole of the world will be aware of us, and they will tremble when they see our banners flying. And perhaps one day soon, there will be cities; nations even that will beg to have our banners flying over in their cities. This, my brothers and sisters, is the will of Ile’Sethak!”

  I raised my fist in the air, and the people chanted my name. “Hadrian! Hadrian! Hadrian!” Again and again they chanted. I felt pride. But my work was far from done. That was only the beginning. The light of civilization was coming, and it would blind the barbarians ahead of us. Oh yes…the light was coming, and it was I who bore the torch.