Remus Rising Read online

  “Lucius take the others and ride round the side of the village and see if you can’t bring some of them down and buy time for the others.” Lucius nodded, leaping into his saddle and signalling for the others to form up around him.

  “What about your leg Gaius?” He asked drawing his sword.

  “I’ll manage it.” Gaius steered his horse up the hill managing as near to a gallop as he could without using his leg to stir the horse on.

  Back in the village the Equites rushed about, returning to their horses and readying their weapons. Gaius rode up into the centre as the first of the Satyr herd reached the village.

  “Rally to me!” He cried waving his gladius in the air. Those that were ready rushed to Gaius and formed a mismatch line with those still on foot behind those who had managed to find their horses.

  As the Satyrs drew close Gaius pointed his gladius ahead and ordered

  “Take them head on!”

  The Romans gave their charge with the cavalry knocking the Satyrs down to the ground for their dismounted comrades to leap down on them. Gaius held firm at the back, signalling his men to any of the Satyrs that broke through to the village centre. He turned his horse sharply to see more Satyrs moving in from the other sides.

  “They intend to surround us, infantry form up on me! Cavalry break out!”

  With the Romans encircled the Satyrs stood at a distance taunting their opponents. Gaius looked around, there was no question that they were outnumbered in the village with at least 40 Satyrs surrounding them. As the Satyrs began to tighten around the Romans they stopped to the sound of battle cries.

  “For the Eagle! For Rome!” echoed all around them followed by the thundering of the Equites and Lucius bursting into the village scattering the Satyrs in panic.

  “Find your horse and mount up quick!” Gaius ordered as Lucius and his men drove the Satyrs out of the village centre.

  The few that had failed to mount up quickly ran to their horses or the nearest they could find as Lucius rode up to Gaius.

  “We won’t be able to drive them back for long, they are regrouping back towards the wood and we have already lost a third of our horses.” He said as he wiped down his sword.

  “Then we make our withdraw while we can, gather the men up.”

  Lucius rode around the village calling all the men to form back in the centre, those who had not found a horse to ride were instructed to ride with another.

  As the horns sounded from the Satyrs the Equites were assembled.

  “We may leave our fallen here today but we will return for them with the Legion and hunt these beasts down! You have my word as Decurion!” Gaius was met with a cheer as he signalled the Equites out of the village away from the Satyr herd that engulfed the village behind them.

  As they rode further and further away from the village Lucius looked back at the Satyr still fastened to the rear of his horse.

  “I’m not sure how Eboracum will react when they see this.” He said.

  “With fear Lucius...” Gaius replied, “with fear.”

  Chapter 2

  Beasts moved around the encampment as another raiding party returned. Remus sat before a map highlighting local forts and villages surrounded by his beast captains.

  “Our raids have avoided detection so far and the local tribes are already blaming one another.” The largest of the Minotaurs said pointing to the markers on the map. “We have also ensured the Roman Legion are not alerted to any danger.”

  Remus looked at the Eagle marker. “We will soon make a move against them and my revenge against Romulus will begin.” He gently pushed Eagle over which was greeted with grunts of agreement from the captains.

  Their discussion was interrupted by two Minotaurs dragging a Satyr into the tent and throwing him down before Remus.

  “Apologies great lord but this pathetic worm has returned from a raiding party.” Remus looked down at the Satyr.

  “Your point?”

  “He has something report.” The Minotaur guard kicked the Satyr who whelped before shuffling towards Remus.

  “Oh great and powerful lord, master of the underworld, slayer of Gods and freer of beasts...”

  “Your report worm!” Remus barked.

  “We raided a village, but some Romans came to the village and found one of our fallen, we tried to kill them when we realised but...”

  Remus moved over to the Satyr and gripped its throat, lifting it up off the ground. “But what?”

  The Satyr struggled, “we failed to kill them all... please... my lord.”

  Remus furrowed his brow. “Pathetic half breed.” He tightened his grip and Satyr screamed with what little air it could must in its lungs before the shattering crack of its neck ended its life.

  Remus dropped the body on the floor and signalled for the guards to take it out. The captains stood in silence.

  “Captain Rutner, assign 1 Minotaur to each unit of Satyr to take command. We must accelerate our plans for the destruction of the Legion.” Remus looked at the map. “It is time the Druids were brought into the fold.” Remus rose up from the table.

  “Captain Tugrak, I am making you War chief in my absence, I assume you are capable.” The largest of the Minotaurs nodded.

  “Of course, great lord.”

  Remus walked over to his armour stand before fastening the dark crimson breastplate over his tunic.

  He walked out of the tent grabbing the sword that rested by the doors and mounted the black Pegasus that stood patiently outside. With a sharp kick he stirred the Pegasus away from the encampment and out of the forest. Out in the open ground the Pegasus seemed to gallop with mythical speed before spreading out its great black feathered wings and rearing up into the sky.

  Soaring up into the sky it travelled with incredible speed over field and forest further and further north until mountains and highlands came into view. Remus surveyed them before directing the Pegasus towards one of the mountains, swooping down near its base to find a small cave with a trickling stream running in front of it. Landing just outside Remus dismounted and surveyed the cave before entering.

  Inside the cave a large torch lit cavern with a shallow pool in its centre stood before Remus. As he stood looking around the cave hooded and robbed figures began to emerge around the cavern.

  Remus stood unafraid and boldly stepped forward.

  “Hail wolf’s son and new lord of the underworld. We foresaw your coming.” One of the figures said.

  “Druids, I come seeking...” Remus began.

  “We know what you seek Wolf’s son, our visions far exceed the events that now unfold.”

  Remus halted. “Then how do you answer?”

  The Druids looked among themselves.

  “There is to be a trial, to see if the second wolf’s son is truly the one to transcend his mortal life.”

  Remus sniggered. “I am the God slayer and the risen lord of beasts, I accept your trial.”

  The Druids signalled to the water. “Then enter the pool and we shall see.”

  Remus stepped forward, wading into the pool of water until he was almost totally submerged. Taking a deep breathe he submerged himself into the pool.

  In an instance the water shifted around him and he felt himself detached from the world around him. Swirling shadows engulfed him before resting into position. Remus was stood inside a marble throne room. At the far end an old man sat in the throne, a slave woman chained to his side. The old man laughed as his guards rushed into the room and charged at Remus who quickly drew his sword.

  Remus swung the sword with excellent precision, finding the gaps in the guard’s armour and cutting each of them down with ease. As he stood over their bodies he inspected their armour. The proud symbol of Alba Longa sat on their breastplate and Remus looked back to the now worried man on the throne.

  ‘Amulius. So, this is how the Druids intend to trial me.’

  Remus rushed forward to the throne where the old man rose with sword in hand. Rem
us lashed out at Amulius who did not falter beneath Remus’s strong blows. Unleashing a flurry of attacks, Amulius pounded Remus into the ground before standing over him.

  “Foolish boy, your grandfather will never be king here!”

  Amulius lifted his sword ready to bring it down on Remus. As he brought the sword down Remus rolled quickly swinging his sword as he did so, cutting across Amulius’s exposed neck ending him instantly.

  Remus stood up and looked down at the body. The pain from Amulius’s attacks was real and he felt the small trickle of blood run down his arm from a cut he had suffered. Would he truly die if he lost? How physical are these attacks? Remus was full of questions.

  Before answers could be found the scene began to drift away into shadows and Remus felt everything swirl around him. His wounds healed and any evidence of what had just happened vanished in a blink. The swirling slowed, and Remus found himself stood in familiar surroundings.

  Seven rolling hills and open fields surrounded him and the sound of a nearby river gave the scene a familiar tune. Shadows dropped around taking the form of men on two opposing hills and a small wall, barely four feet high, rose out of the ground. Remus looked at the men around him. He knew them but could not place them in his mind, while the opposing, smaller group seemed more familiar. Both groups were armed and ready for a fight.

  The opposing crowd began to shout louder as they separated, allowing the tallest and strongest of their group to move up to the front. Remus looked at the man and felt an immediate unease.

  “Brother! What mockery this wall makes of you all!” Remus froze. That voice. That face. Romulus.

  In an instant Remus was locked between rage and fear, this was how the Druids truly intended to test him. Yet something was still wrong, this was not how he had experienced this encounter. Romulus signalled his men forward and boldly walked to the wall.

  “Don’t cross it brother.” Remus said without even thinking to say it, as though his voice and actions were controlled by another, sending him further into his panic.

  Romulus sniggered before leaping up onto the wall. Remus felt a spear being placed in his hand.

  “Your feet will not touch the ground if you jump down on this side.” Remus said, still with no control of his words.

  Romulus continued to snigger and leapt up into the air. Remus felt the world around him return to his control yet still he stood frozen. This wasn’t right. This wasn’t how it happened.

  His panic held him in place even when Romulus landed before him and rushed at him, sword in hand.

  ‘Move Remus! Move!’ his mind screamed but it was too late. He felt the cold iron sword drive through him and the warmth of his brother pressing against his rapidly cooling body.

  “You cannot defeat me, brother. You will never defeat me.”

  The world swirled around Remus as he dipped in and out of consciousness. Memories and visions came and went all around him as he floated lifelessly in the swirling chaos. With a sharp inhaling he threw his head up out of the pool, cough and spluttering from the water he had inhaled. He looked up at the Druids who still stood watching him.

  “What was that? That wasn’t how it happened!” Remus shouted in rage.

  “That was the trial we set out for you and you have failed.” The Druid replied.

  “That was wrong...” Remus began to wade out of the water. “Romulus never leapt upon the wall, I did.” Remus said banging his chest.

  “And you lost. We needed to see if you could have won if it was the first wolf’s son who had defied the boundary.”

  Remus turned to look at the Druids again.

  “You will still serve me.” He ordered.

  “No. We shall not. The trials are clear, the second wolf’s son will not rise.”

  Remus bowed his head. “Perhaps I won’t... but you will fall!”

  He lifted his head to show his eyes burning red with a crimson glow. Some of the Druids staggered back, fearful of his gaze, while others readied themselves for the fight.

  “Fools.” Remus raised his arms out and began to lift off the ground.

  “You face a God now” Quickly one of the Druids created a fireball into their hand before launching it at Remus. Without even flinching Remus deflected it into the pool.

  “Your spells will have no effect on me.” Remus extended his hand to the Druid before closing his hand slowly. The Druid was dragged to his knees, clutching at his head.

  “You will suffer me.”

  In a flash the Druids eyes lit up crimson red and he rose up to attack the other Druids.

  Remus continued to bend the minds of the Druids while those he had already turned killed any who resisted until finally only those who served Remus were left standing.

  “You are my dark arms and will serve me from now until the end of time.” Remus proclaimed before his new followers.

  “Yes, Great Lord.”

  Chapter 3

  Exhausted the Equites rode up the road towards the Legionary fort’s gatehouse. Gaius was slumped forward on his horse, the pain from his leg becoming unbearable.

  “Lucius...” Gaius peered forward to Lucius who was riding just in front with the Satyr still strapped to the back of his horse.

  “Lucius...” Lucius turned around.

  “Yes Decurion?” He asked, equally weary.

  “Cover that thing up, we don’t want to start a panic before we are even in the fort.” Gaius pointed to the Satyr.

  Lucius nodded before signalling two of the riders to pass him their cloaks that he threw over the Satyr.

  As they neared the gates Legionaries halted them and approached Gaius and Lucius.

  “Decurion, you look like you’ve had quite the fight, should we send for the medics?” Gaius looked back at his men.

  “Yes, Legionary I believe you should. Have word sent to Praefectus Marcus of the 2nd cohort that I need to speak to him urgently.” Gaius said, looking at the covered Satyr.

  “Yes Decurion. Open the gates!” The Legionary nodded and signalled to the man atop the gatehouse to open the gate.

  Inside men were working on blocks of stone and bringing them down the streets towards the wooden walls that were piece meal being rebuilt in stone. The Equites rode up the main street before being dismissed by Lucius and breaking off to the main stable blocks.

  Lucius and Gaius rode through the fort to their respective barracks where attendants were waiting to help them dismount. Gaius was lifted down before being supported into his quarters and lain down on the bed. Lucius and another man carried the Satyr, still covered in the cloaks and lay it on the table in Gaius’s quarters.

  Lucius dismissed the man, whose curiosity almost uncovered the Satyr. The other attendant poured some wine and gave them both a cup which were promptly emptied and refilled. Marcus walked into the quarters and stopped when he saw the covered body.

  “What have you brought here?” He said signalling for a cup of his own to be poured.

  Lucius downed his cup before pulling the cloaks off the Satyr revealing it to Marcus. The attendant dropped Marcus’s cup in shock before hastily going back to the table to pour another. Gaius steadied the attendants arm from shaking while he poured the wine before dismissing him from the room.

  Marcus looked at the Satyr in horror.

  “Surely this is not real? Just an abomination for some Druid ritual or something?”

  Gaius shook his head. “I’m afraid not... and there are more of them.”

  Marcus looked at him. “More? How many?” He downed his cup before refilling it.

  “At rough count some 50 of them attacked us at a nearby village. We managed to take down 15 at best.” Lucius replied. “At what cost?” Marcus asked as he inspected the Satyr. “We took 30 men and horses out with us, only 14 men have come back and less horses.” Gaius looked down at his leg. “And I feel I shall be restricted to camp for a while as well.”

  Marcus sat down and placed his hand on his brow.

  “So m
ore than 30 of these creatures are still out roaming the countryside raiding wherever they please.”

  Gaius nodded and sighed, “We should inform the Legate Marcus. This is a bigger task than our two units can deal with.”

  Marcus looked over at Gaius. “Legate Cornelius is a cautious man, he will want more information than we currently have, he won’t risk mobilising the Legion for fear of agitating the tribes to the north.”

  Lucius shook his head, “Then what do we do? If the Satyrs continue to raid the area there won’t be any tribes left to get agitated.”

  “You and I will track the herd down.” Marcus said.

  Silence fell on the three men as they looked at one another.

  “Marcus are you sure about this?” Gaius asked.

  “A century of Legionaries from my cohort supported by your reinforced cavalry will be sufficient to track them and gain the information we need.”

  Lucius looked across to Gaius. “We were caught off guard, but our charges were successful when we managed to pull them off.”

  Gaius sighed deeply. “Very well but be careful, we don’t know if these are the only ones out there or even where they have come from.”

  Marcus nodded. “Get yourself healed up and go and speak with the Legate so he is informed of our absence. We will return as soon as we can with the information.”

  Marcus and Lucius finished their cups of wine before leaving the tent and signalling the still shaking attendant to return to Gaius.

  “I’m sorry to send you back out of the fort so soon Lucius, you deserve some rest.”

  Lucius laughed, “Don’t worry about it, I can’t think of anything worse than being stuck in this fort for a long time. Roman walls have never been my favourite sight in the world.”

  The two stopped and faced each other and Marcus place his hand on Lucius’s shoulder.

  “The empire is lucky to have you Lucius. Go, prepare the men you need, we march out in an hour.”

  Lucius returned the gesture before the two men walked away to their respective units.

  An hour later the sun was dipping in the sky and the smell of fires and cooking pots had begun to spread around the fort. Construction work for the day had come to an end and most regular duties finished. Lucius peered out of the gate from a top his horse at the sun. The sound of marching drew his attention back into the fort where Marcus was leading his men to the gate. As they reached Lucius and his Equites he halted their march.