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<blockquote data-quote="Greenfield" data-source="post: 5892280" data-attributes="member: 6669384"><p>***</p><p>Marcus saw the turmoil from across the square, and knew his quarry would be nearby. And sure enough, there he was. The wiry street urchin he had seen when they entered town was standing to the side smirking as the town guard broke up the fight.</p><p></p><p>"Friend, you look like you could use a meal", he offered, as a Jovian priest might to a lost soul.</p><p></p><p>The boy caught the cue, and nodded to one side. The priest followed him to a small pastry shop. Confections were secured, and wine to wash them down. Then discussion began in earnest.</p><p></p><p>"You said that you know everyone in town.", the priest began. "But I'm more interested in 'what' than 'who'."</p><p></p><p>"Ah, I know a lot of 'what', and what I don't know I can find out.", the boy replied cockily, consuming his treat with that appetite that only teenagers seem to have. "Who do you want the dirt on? I know which officials can be bought, which ones have been bought, and what the going rate is. I can tell you who to bet on in the games, and I know who will actually honor the bets in the end. What would you like to know?"</p><p></p><p>"I need to know about the three Emperors, and whatever the Kergen is up to.", Markus said, getting straight to the point. "I need to know every rumor, and I can't be in enough places to hear them all myself."</p><p></p><p>"Ah, <em>all</em> the rumors? Or just the true ones?", the boy laughed, licking the last of the honey from his fingers.</p><p></p><p>"Just the true ones. I need facts."</p><p></p><p>"That does make it easier. I can tell you that Denius has an arrangement with a few of the Games officials. I might learn that Calvinus has his contingent spread through a number of small chambers in at least three buildings. I might even be able to learn which tree overlooks his window, close enough for access as he sleeps. If you care to learn such things, of course."</p><p></p><p>Markus sat in thoughtful silence for a moment. To even know how to assassinate a General, or an Emperor, was dangerous. But so tempting...</p><p></p><p>"Let's make an arrangement.", he said, shaking off the darker thoughts. "We'll meet each day and you share what you've learned."</p><p></p><p>"And you'll pay me a Dinar each meeting, and more if I find anything really good.", continued the boy, who had not forgotten that he wasn't a charity. </p><p></p><p>"Done. Now, tell me about tomorrow's games..."</p><p>***</p><p>"You left your things heaped in the market square.", the Proctor was explaining, for the fifth time. </p><p></p><p>"This was our camp!', screamed Karanga, second to the Kergen. </p><p></p><p>"It's not a camp site. It's the market square.", the Proctor repeated. "You arrived so late yesterday that we let you rest, but you can't stay there." He had seen them set up the previous night, and made the tactical decision not to argue with the Barbarian troop. Now, with a dozen of the city guard at his back, the situation was different.</p><p></p><p>"Then where do we go?", demanded the Orc. "There are no campsites left."</p><p></p><p>"I know of one.", spoke a voice from the side. "It's not very good, and it's downstream, but it's defensible, and it's free."</p><p></p><p>The Proctor turned to look at the interloper. It was a common citizen, a huntsman by the look of him. Sighing, he waved the man forward. It was too much to hope for that the Orcs would simply go away, so...</p><p></p><p>"It's a hunting camp I've used in the dry season.", the hunter explained. "It isn't easy to find, so I'll have to show you."</p><p></p><p>The Orcs picked up their gear and followed the hunter. The Proctor gathered his guards and followed the Orcs, and some of the crowd gathered their courage and followed the guards.</p><p></p><p>The odd procession snaked its way through the afternoon celebrations and out of town. Across the fields they went, the ground getting softer with each step, until it was too marshy for even the most desperate of attendees at the games. They approached what looked like a grove of trees growing in a shallow lake. The way lead to a narrow path, truly hard to find, but solid enough to bear a man's weight. The stench grew as they went, until it curled the noses of all present, save the Orcs. Finally the path widened out to a clearing. The ground was hard and lumpy, being held together by a tangle of tree roots, and a circle of stones in the center showed where a cooking fire had burned. A small stack of firewood stood to one side.</p><p></p><p>The air was thick with the stench of human waste, as the drainage from the revelers field was oozing its way into the swamp, and the clouds of flies would have darkened the sun, were it not already obscured by the cursed sky.</p><p></p><p>The hunter vanished rapidly, struggling to hide his smile, leaving the Orcs afloat on the largest turd in the city's cesspool. Laughter floated up from the crowd as the people left. All but one.</p><p></p><p>Sylus, who had caught sight of the procession as it made its way through the campgrounds, addressed the Kergen, who was still recovering from his event. "I had 10 Dinar on you. You were cheated."</p><p></p><p>Kergen looked at the Half Elf, unsure whether to listen or to kill him on sheer principle. Exhaustion provided what wisdom couldn't, and he waved the stranger closer.</p><p></p><p>"What do you mean, cheated?", he asked.</p><p></p><p>"That Roman fellow, Marcus. He cheated you. Had the race fixed so you couldn't win.", Sylus explained, making it up as he went. "All the other runners got to ride out to the field last night. They didn't tell you, so you had to walk, and got there tired. And his men got to set the course. A rabbit can dive through a hole the wolf won't fit, you know."</p><p></p><p>"You, Goat!", he bellowed, calling to his slave. "Find where the Roman is camped, and learn if this is true."</p><p></p><p>"Oh, he's camped on the other side of the city, upstream of the campgrounds.", Sylus offered helpfully.</p><p></p><p>"Outside the city? Outside the campgrounds?", Karanga asked? "Kergen if they're out of the Olympic grounds, then..."</p><p></p><p>"They're outside the so called 'peace of the Olympics!", Kergen finished for him, a cruel smile flowing across his lips.</p><p></p><p>Pendaclese fled the camp, happy to leave on any excuse whatsoever.</p><p></p><p>Sylus quickly caught up with him, and the two spoke.</p><p></p><p>"How did you learn of General Marcus treachery?", the Half-Satyr asked.</p><p></p><p>"I didn't. I just made that up.", Sylus laughed. "If Kergen kills the Roman, or the Roman kills Kergen, it's all good to me."</p><p>***</p><p>The overcast day was waning into an overcast evening when Markus met with the thief.</p><p></p><p>"Any news?", Markus asked, laying a coin on the table.</p><p></p><p>"Did you know", the thief began, "that the equipment used in the game is all on loan? Some javelin are better than others, some discus are better balanced than others? It's just the luck of the draw whether you get the heaviest shot or the lightest one?"</p><p></p><p>"Do tell", the priest prompted.</p><p></p><p>"Yes, it seems that Senator Denius has applied a bit of gold to that balance for the Javelin throw tomorrow. His champion will find an excellent weapon in his hand for every round. Better yet, I know which official is involved, and where he breaks his fast. A small accident, nothing serious, or perhaps some of Castor's oil in his meal, and Fortuna once again governs. Shall I arrange it? Or would you prefer a more direct approach? I know where the gear is stored, and how to gain access."</p><p></p><p>Markus considered this. He wouldn't be part of an "accident" any more than he would be part of an assassination, but there were other possibilities. "Can we add a javelin to the mix? Something oversized and unwieldy? Something that they'd likely give to the Kergen?"</p><p></p><p>"Anything is possible, for a price." </p><p></p><p>Gold crossed the table, and the sanctity of the games were violated yet again. But the business wasn't done.</p><p></p><p>"General Marcus has heard of Calvinus plight, his men scattered and his quarters undefended.", the boy confided, getting away from the games "He has passed an invitation that the General join him at the streamside site. There is talk of an alliance. But there's more."</p><p></p><p>Coins appeared in the Priest's hand, but remained there. "If this is worth it...", he cautioned.</p><p></p><p>"It is. You aren't the first person who has bought this information from me. The Centurion who dropped his pouch has also inquired. He asked me to arrange some local talent. Three men, one window. General Calvinus won't see another dawn."</p><p></p><p>The coins had scarcely hit the table before the Jovian Priest was gone, running through the crowds towards his companions.</p><p>***</p><p>"We have to do something!", Markus declared.</p><p></p><p>"Why?", asked Cassius bluntly, his disgust for machinations of power obvious. "I've heard the same rumors, only it was the Kergen who hired the Assassins."</p><p></p><p>"No, Kergen is trying to kill General Marcus", Sylus put in.</p><p></p><p>"Then who's Marcus trying to kill?", asked Appelenea, looking somewhat confused. "Shouldn't he be plotting against Dennius?</p><p></p><p>"He is.", Seeburn assured her. "He's just using an alliance instead of Assassins."</p><p></p><p>"Well, as long as someone's doing it, it's good enough for me.", laughed Cassius.</p><p></p><p>"I met General Calvinus as we traveled here.", Nedel offered. "He hadn't much time for me, but I may be able to speak to him, to give him a warning. Would that do?"</p><p></p><p>"We're supposed to keep our heads low.", Cassius reminded his companions. "Somehow interfering in the affairs of 'high and mighty' seems like a way to lose them entirely."</p><p></p><p>"We'll go with you to warn him", Markus declared, ignoring Cassius cautions.</p><p></p><p>"I'll go see that General Marcus stays out of trouble", Sylus said, though he had no such intentions."</p><p>***</p><p>"Stand and identify yourself!", came the challenge, for the third time. There had been guards at the door, and guards at the stair, and now there were guards at the entrance to Calvinus quarters. His men may have had scattered chambers, but it didn't look as if they got to spend much time in them.</p><p></p><p>"I am Prince Nedel of Transl, and I must speak with the Emperor.", Nedel declared boldly. "I have news of a plot against his life."</p><p></p><p>"Tell me, and I'll decide if the Emperor is to be disturbed.", the guard declared. </p><p></p><p>Nedel briefly explained what was known, and the guard nodded curtly. He then gestured his companion to watch them as he went to the chambers of Emperor/General Calvinus.</p><p></p><p>"Hail Caesar!", he declared, raising his hand in salute. "Prince Nedel wishes to speak with you. His spies have uncovered a plot against your life."</p><p></p><p>"Another one?", came the almost bored response. Then, with a sigh, he waved for the guard to admit the "Prince" and his party.</p><p></p><p>As they entered, they saw the General studying a large map board that depicted the city. Troop units were in place on the board, as if he were planning to lay siege to Athens. He straightened himself, and turned to meet his guests.</p><p></p><p>Markus raised his hand in salute, then began his tale. "My agents in the city report that Senator Denius has learned of your meetings with General Marcus. Fearing an alliance, his agents have engaged three assassins to prevent the meeting. We fear for your safety, Emperor."</p><p></p><p>Then Cassius stepped forward. "My sources agree, though they say that it is the Kergen who is responsible."</p><p></p><p>The General stroked his beard absently with one hand as he weighed the information. "I'd have been surprised if Denius didn't try something like this. For a man in my position, if someone in Rome isn't plotting against you, you aren't doing your job. But this is more immediate. I doubt that the Kergen would bother though. He'd want to kill me himself. Still, the warning is timely. My meeting with the General was supposed to be confidential. If your agents know of it, then Denius undoubtedly does."</p><p></p><p>"Your Imperial Highness", began Nedel. "I have learned some of the Gypsy magic, and can glamour myself into your seeming. Let me walk in your place when you leave for the meeting, to draw the assassin's blade away from you."</p><p></p><p>The General/Emperor looked at Nedel with newfound respect. The man was willing to take a blade for him, a quality he had not attributed to the slender lad. "Very well. We leave for General Marcus camp before dawn. My men will find a place for you here. You'll need your rest."</p><p></p><p>He then turned his attention to the Jovian Priest. "Did I not see you with the Senator's party? Are you betraying your master?"</p><p></p><p>Markus sweated before the judgment of the famed commander. "My duty to the Empire is higher", he stammered.</p><p></p><p>Calvinus again stroked his beard, taking a long moment before pressing on. "So Denius is using local 'talent', is he? Do you know who commissioned them? Not Denius or his factor, but the man in the middle."</p><p></p><p>"I don't have a name, but I can find out.", Markus said, sweating. He knew the lad on sight, but had never actually asked his name. But for that thin technicality he would have been lying to the Emperor, which was always a bad idea.</p><p></p><p>"Do so. He has plotted against the Emperor, and must be dealt with accordingly." He then waved his dismissal, and turned back to the map.</p><p></p><p>The companions gave a final salute and withdrew.</p><p>***</p><p>Nedel had seen the "quarters" the guard could offer him. There were two men already asleep in the room, and his place would have been on the floor. So he and Appelenea had stepped out into the evening air, and wandered down to an outdoor cafe' to pass some time. </p><p></p><p>Cassius had stepped out as well, to walk the streets and see what trouble was to be had.</p><p></p><p>Markus and Seeburn had hurried back to the pastry shop when a certain street urchin was known to frequent, but the boy was nowhere to be seen, and the proprietor claimed not to even know what they were talking about. They decided to return to Calvinus' rooms, by a different route.</p><p></p><p>The cafe' was moderately well lit, and had a fair amount of custom. There were people from many lands in the city at this time, but for some reason one small group caught Nedel's sharp eye. The patrons of this particular establishment were of a kind. Though they called many different places home, they all wore clothing of a certain quality, a cut above the common worker, as appropriate for this slightly upper class area. But this small group wore robes of duller color, and the fringes were slightly worn.</p><p></p><p>The Sorcerer caught Appelenea's eye and nodded towards the table, and three men who sat around it. She cocked an ear, and was able to make out some of what was said:</p><p></p><p>"You've had enough.", one of the men muttered to his companion. "You'll need a clear head."</p><p></p><p>"Then I'll drink clear wine!", snarled his companion, draining the dregs from his goblet before reaching for the pitcher once again. "I hold my wine better than you hold your tongue."</p><p></p><p>"Peace, you two.", the third said. "You're always like this. Why do you work together if you hate each other so much?"</p><p></p><p>"It's the waiting.", the first grumbled, peering through the trees at a window down the way. "Doesn't that man ever sleep?"</p><p></p><p>Appelenea shared the products of her eavesdropping with Nedel, who glanced in the direction the men had been looking. Calvinus' window was clearly visible, candle lit and unshuttered in the summer heat. A tree stood nearby, providing shade during the day, but a danger at night.</p><p></p><p>"They aren't going to wait for him to leave", Nedel whispered in alarm. "They're striking tonight!"</p><p></p><p>Appelenea laughed and nodded, as if at some lover's jest, and asked for a cup of the dark Turkish blend. It would be a long night, after all.</p><p> ***</p><p>The light in Calvinus window had been out for some time before the trio departed. They looked left, towards Calvinus window, but turned right and vanished into the night.</p><p></p><p>A few minutes later, three dark cloaked figures skulked up the greenway towards Calvinus' window from the far end of the block. Two stepped into the shadow of a tree, while the third accepted a leg-up and vanished into its branches.</p><p></p><p>Nedel had gone to warn Calvinus, and was stationed inside, guarding the Emperor. Calvinus, upon hearing the warning, had switched places with the guards from the hall, and now stood beside a Sorcerer who bore a striking resemblance to the General himself.</p><p></p><p>Seeburn and Markus had returned, and stood near the cafe', while Sylus hid in the shadows across the street. Cassius was nowhere to be seen.</p><p></p><p>A brief flare of light within the foliage caught Seeburn's eye, as the assassin lit something. There was a brief rustle in the branches, and a soft impact within the General/Emperor's chambers.</p><p></p><p>Then an arrow streaked through the night, drawing blood from a dark cloaked figure, and the peace was broken. Seeburn's hand sought another shaft for his bow, even as his treebound target shifted to place the trunk between himself and the archer.</p><p></p><p>From his hiding place at the far end of the block, Cassius swore. They were going to ruin everything. The death of the General, at the hands of the Senator, would send the Empire into war with itself. Rome would be gone, just as Rome had destroyed his own home, and something new and better could rise from the ashes. But there was no help for it now. He drew his blade and charged.</p><p></p><p>Appelenea smiled. The assassins had chosen the wrong place to ply their trade. "<em>Root Bind</em>", she whispered, laying her hand on the ground.</p><p></p><p>Instantly the green way before her rippled with movement, as each and every plant in the area began to writhe and twist, looking for something to hold.</p><p></p><p>Cassius found his legs becoming mired in the suddenly clinging grass, dragging his advance to a halt. By sheer perseverence he manage to reach his target, but was then rooted to the spot.</p><p></p><p>One of the assassins saw the spell ripple through the grass, like the wind through a field of grain, and managed to gain a foothold on the tree's rough bark before he was bound. He then began to dash away, twisting and sliding his feet free in a slow motion flight for freedom.</p><p></p><p>The second one found himself with his feet rooted to the ground, facing the dark skinned warrior from the southern continent. A flex of the wrist and blades appeared in his hands, as if by magic.</p><p></p><p>The third one found himself being grappled and bodily held by the branches of the tree. And though he twisted wildly, all he managed to do was lose his footing so that he was now fully suspended by the grasping branches.</p><p></p><p>"Fool!", Cassius swore as he drove his blade at his opponent. "You got caught!"</p><p></p><p>The dark-robed figure parried the quick thrust, and replied with one of his own. Then a smile spread across his face. "Hard to dodge when your feet are held, eh?" Then he shifted his grip upon the blade, preparing for a different kind of strike.</p><p></p><p>"<em>Titan's Stature</em>", intoned Marcus, directing the blessings of Jupiter towards the Barbarian from the west. Seeburn's form began to swell, and soon he stood as tall as a giant.</p><p></p><p>He backed off a few paces, then ran and leaped, clearing a broad span of the clutching grass, then slogging forward towards his foes. But grass and trees are the death of mountains, and they truly care nothing for size, for the larger you are, the more there is to hold. His pace ground to a halt almost at once.</p><p></p><p>Above, two guards coughed, gagging on the sleep smoke that the assassin had released into the room. One staggered and fell, while the other reached the relatively fresh air of the window. Looking out, he saw the dark robed man struggling within the branches. He lunged with his blade, and within moments he too was a prisoner of the tree.</p><p></p><p>The fleeing Assassin found himself being pursued by a guard, as the General's soldiers were far from asleep on watch. Both struggled to take step after grass-ripping step, as another guard called the alarm."</p><p></p><p>"Assassins in the night! Alarm, Alarm!", the man cried, as he approached the furious struggle between Cassius and his hooded foe.</p><p></p><p>Cassius took a quick glance over his shoulder at the approaching guard, and that was all the opening his foe needed. A quick feint with his parrying blade, a short thrust upward beneath the edge of the armor, and Cassius was done. He fell, his blood now watering the grass that held him firm in place, for the grasses cared nothing for living or dead.</p><p></p><p>Seeburn ploughed forward, step by plodding step, until he reached the tree. There he saw the one man, painfully out of reach, facing an Imperial guard, while the other was slowly strangling himself in an attempt to escape the branches. A quick slash of his titanic weapon, and the suspended man's struggles ceased.</p><p></p><p>Appelenea looked at Markus, and saw the look of frustration on his face. Cassius was dying, and he couldn't be reached. Seeing that the enemy were not going to escape, she asked the grasses to release their prisoners. And slowly, they responded, relaxing their grip.</p><p></p><p>It was over.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Greenfield, post: 5892280, member: 6669384"] *** Marcus saw the turmoil from across the square, and knew his quarry would be nearby. And sure enough, there he was. The wiry street urchin he had seen when they entered town was standing to the side smirking as the town guard broke up the fight. "Friend, you look like you could use a meal", he offered, as a Jovian priest might to a lost soul. The boy caught the cue, and nodded to one side. The priest followed him to a small pastry shop. Confections were secured, and wine to wash them down. Then discussion began in earnest. "You said that you know everyone in town.", the priest began. "But I'm more interested in 'what' than 'who'." "Ah, I know a lot of 'what', and what I don't know I can find out.", the boy replied cockily, consuming his treat with that appetite that only teenagers seem to have. "Who do you want the dirt on? I know which officials can be bought, which ones have been bought, and what the going rate is. I can tell you who to bet on in the games, and I know who will actually honor the bets in the end. What would you like to know?" "I need to know about the three Emperors, and whatever the Kergen is up to.", Markus said, getting straight to the point. "I need to know every rumor, and I can't be in enough places to hear them all myself." "Ah, [I]all[/I] the rumors? Or just the true ones?", the boy laughed, licking the last of the honey from his fingers. "Just the true ones. I need facts." "That does make it easier. I can tell you that Denius has an arrangement with a few of the Games officials. I might learn that Calvinus has his contingent spread through a number of small chambers in at least three buildings. I might even be able to learn which tree overlooks his window, close enough for access as he sleeps. If you care to learn such things, of course." Markus sat in thoughtful silence for a moment. To even know how to assassinate a General, or an Emperor, was dangerous. But so tempting... "Let's make an arrangement.", he said, shaking off the darker thoughts. "We'll meet each day and you share what you've learned." "And you'll pay me a Dinar each meeting, and more if I find anything really good.", continued the boy, who had not forgotten that he wasn't a charity. "Done. Now, tell me about tomorrow's games..." *** "You left your things heaped in the market square.", the Proctor was explaining, for the fifth time. "This was our camp!', screamed Karanga, second to the Kergen. "It's not a camp site. It's the market square.", the Proctor repeated. "You arrived so late yesterday that we let you rest, but you can't stay there." He had seen them set up the previous night, and made the tactical decision not to argue with the Barbarian troop. Now, with a dozen of the city guard at his back, the situation was different. "Then where do we go?", demanded the Orc. "There are no campsites left." "I know of one.", spoke a voice from the side. "It's not very good, and it's downstream, but it's defensible, and it's free." The Proctor turned to look at the interloper. It was a common citizen, a huntsman by the look of him. Sighing, he waved the man forward. It was too much to hope for that the Orcs would simply go away, so... "It's a hunting camp I've used in the dry season.", the hunter explained. "It isn't easy to find, so I'll have to show you." The Orcs picked up their gear and followed the hunter. The Proctor gathered his guards and followed the Orcs, and some of the crowd gathered their courage and followed the guards. The odd procession snaked its way through the afternoon celebrations and out of town. Across the fields they went, the ground getting softer with each step, until it was too marshy for even the most desperate of attendees at the games. They approached what looked like a grove of trees growing in a shallow lake. The way lead to a narrow path, truly hard to find, but solid enough to bear a man's weight. The stench grew as they went, until it curled the noses of all present, save the Orcs. Finally the path widened out to a clearing. The ground was hard and lumpy, being held together by a tangle of tree roots, and a circle of stones in the center showed where a cooking fire had burned. A small stack of firewood stood to one side. The air was thick with the stench of human waste, as the drainage from the revelers field was oozing its way into the swamp, and the clouds of flies would have darkened the sun, were it not already obscured by the cursed sky. The hunter vanished rapidly, struggling to hide his smile, leaving the Orcs afloat on the largest turd in the city's cesspool. Laughter floated up from the crowd as the people left. All but one. Sylus, who had caught sight of the procession as it made its way through the campgrounds, addressed the Kergen, who was still recovering from his event. "I had 10 Dinar on you. You were cheated." Kergen looked at the Half Elf, unsure whether to listen or to kill him on sheer principle. Exhaustion provided what wisdom couldn't, and he waved the stranger closer. "What do you mean, cheated?", he asked. "That Roman fellow, Marcus. He cheated you. Had the race fixed so you couldn't win.", Sylus explained, making it up as he went. "All the other runners got to ride out to the field last night. They didn't tell you, so you had to walk, and got there tired. And his men got to set the course. A rabbit can dive through a hole the wolf won't fit, you know." "You, Goat!", he bellowed, calling to his slave. "Find where the Roman is camped, and learn if this is true." "Oh, he's camped on the other side of the city, upstream of the campgrounds.", Sylus offered helpfully. "Outside the city? Outside the campgrounds?", Karanga asked? "Kergen if they're out of the Olympic grounds, then..." "They're outside the so called 'peace of the Olympics!", Kergen finished for him, a cruel smile flowing across his lips. Pendaclese fled the camp, happy to leave on any excuse whatsoever. Sylus quickly caught up with him, and the two spoke. "How did you learn of General Marcus treachery?", the Half-Satyr asked. "I didn't. I just made that up.", Sylus laughed. "If Kergen kills the Roman, or the Roman kills Kergen, it's all good to me." *** The overcast day was waning into an overcast evening when Markus met with the thief. "Any news?", Markus asked, laying a coin on the table. "Did you know", the thief began, "that the equipment used in the game is all on loan? Some javelin are better than others, some discus are better balanced than others? It's just the luck of the draw whether you get the heaviest shot or the lightest one?" "Do tell", the priest prompted. "Yes, it seems that Senator Denius has applied a bit of gold to that balance for the Javelin throw tomorrow. His champion will find an excellent weapon in his hand for every round. Better yet, I know which official is involved, and where he breaks his fast. A small accident, nothing serious, or perhaps some of Castor's oil in his meal, and Fortuna once again governs. Shall I arrange it? Or would you prefer a more direct approach? I know where the gear is stored, and how to gain access." Markus considered this. He wouldn't be part of an "accident" any more than he would be part of an assassination, but there were other possibilities. "Can we add a javelin to the mix? Something oversized and unwieldy? Something that they'd likely give to the Kergen?" "Anything is possible, for a price." Gold crossed the table, and the sanctity of the games were violated yet again. But the business wasn't done. "General Marcus has heard of Calvinus plight, his men scattered and his quarters undefended.", the boy confided, getting away from the games "He has passed an invitation that the General join him at the streamside site. There is talk of an alliance. But there's more." Coins appeared in the Priest's hand, but remained there. "If this is worth it...", he cautioned. "It is. You aren't the first person who has bought this information from me. The Centurion who dropped his pouch has also inquired. He asked me to arrange some local talent. Three men, one window. General Calvinus won't see another dawn." The coins had scarcely hit the table before the Jovian Priest was gone, running through the crowds towards his companions. *** "We have to do something!", Markus declared. "Why?", asked Cassius bluntly, his disgust for machinations of power obvious. "I've heard the same rumors, only it was the Kergen who hired the Assassins." "No, Kergen is trying to kill General Marcus", Sylus put in. "Then who's Marcus trying to kill?", asked Appelenea, looking somewhat confused. "Shouldn't he be plotting against Dennius? "He is.", Seeburn assured her. "He's just using an alliance instead of Assassins." "Well, as long as someone's doing it, it's good enough for me.", laughed Cassius. "I met General Calvinus as we traveled here.", Nedel offered. "He hadn't much time for me, but I may be able to speak to him, to give him a warning. Would that do?" "We're supposed to keep our heads low.", Cassius reminded his companions. "Somehow interfering in the affairs of 'high and mighty' seems like a way to lose them entirely." "We'll go with you to warn him", Markus declared, ignoring Cassius cautions. "I'll go see that General Marcus stays out of trouble", Sylus said, though he had no such intentions." *** "Stand and identify yourself!", came the challenge, for the third time. There had been guards at the door, and guards at the stair, and now there were guards at the entrance to Calvinus quarters. His men may have had scattered chambers, but it didn't look as if they got to spend much time in them. "I am Prince Nedel of Transl, and I must speak with the Emperor.", Nedel declared boldly. "I have news of a plot against his life." "Tell me, and I'll decide if the Emperor is to be disturbed.", the guard declared. Nedel briefly explained what was known, and the guard nodded curtly. He then gestured his companion to watch them as he went to the chambers of Emperor/General Calvinus. "Hail Caesar!", he declared, raising his hand in salute. "Prince Nedel wishes to speak with you. His spies have uncovered a plot against your life." "Another one?", came the almost bored response. Then, with a sigh, he waved for the guard to admit the "Prince" and his party. As they entered, they saw the General studying a large map board that depicted the city. Troop units were in place on the board, as if he were planning to lay siege to Athens. He straightened himself, and turned to meet his guests. Markus raised his hand in salute, then began his tale. "My agents in the city report that Senator Denius has learned of your meetings with General Marcus. Fearing an alliance, his agents have engaged three assassins to prevent the meeting. We fear for your safety, Emperor." Then Cassius stepped forward. "My sources agree, though they say that it is the Kergen who is responsible." The General stroked his beard absently with one hand as he weighed the information. "I'd have been surprised if Denius didn't try something like this. For a man in my position, if someone in Rome isn't plotting against you, you aren't doing your job. But this is more immediate. I doubt that the Kergen would bother though. He'd want to kill me himself. Still, the warning is timely. My meeting with the General was supposed to be confidential. If your agents know of it, then Denius undoubtedly does." "Your Imperial Highness", began Nedel. "I have learned some of the Gypsy magic, and can glamour myself into your seeming. Let me walk in your place when you leave for the meeting, to draw the assassin's blade away from you." The General/Emperor looked at Nedel with newfound respect. The man was willing to take a blade for him, a quality he had not attributed to the slender lad. "Very well. We leave for General Marcus camp before dawn. My men will find a place for you here. You'll need your rest." He then turned his attention to the Jovian Priest. "Did I not see you with the Senator's party? Are you betraying your master?" Markus sweated before the judgment of the famed commander. "My duty to the Empire is higher", he stammered. Calvinus again stroked his beard, taking a long moment before pressing on. "So Denius is using local 'talent', is he? Do you know who commissioned them? Not Denius or his factor, but the man in the middle." "I don't have a name, but I can find out.", Markus said, sweating. He knew the lad on sight, but had never actually asked his name. But for that thin technicality he would have been lying to the Emperor, which was always a bad idea. "Do so. He has plotted against the Emperor, and must be dealt with accordingly." He then waved his dismissal, and turned back to the map. The companions gave a final salute and withdrew. *** Nedel had seen the "quarters" the guard could offer him. There were two men already asleep in the room, and his place would have been on the floor. So he and Appelenea had stepped out into the evening air, and wandered down to an outdoor cafe' to pass some time. Cassius had stepped out as well, to walk the streets and see what trouble was to be had. Markus and Seeburn had hurried back to the pastry shop when a certain street urchin was known to frequent, but the boy was nowhere to be seen, and the proprietor claimed not to even know what they were talking about. They decided to return to Calvinus' rooms, by a different route. The cafe' was moderately well lit, and had a fair amount of custom. There were people from many lands in the city at this time, but for some reason one small group caught Nedel's sharp eye. The patrons of this particular establishment were of a kind. Though they called many different places home, they all wore clothing of a certain quality, a cut above the common worker, as appropriate for this slightly upper class area. But this small group wore robes of duller color, and the fringes were slightly worn. The Sorcerer caught Appelenea's eye and nodded towards the table, and three men who sat around it. She cocked an ear, and was able to make out some of what was said: "You've had enough.", one of the men muttered to his companion. "You'll need a clear head." "Then I'll drink clear wine!", snarled his companion, draining the dregs from his goblet before reaching for the pitcher once again. "I hold my wine better than you hold your tongue." "Peace, you two.", the third said. "You're always like this. Why do you work together if you hate each other so much?" "It's the waiting.", the first grumbled, peering through the trees at a window down the way. "Doesn't that man ever sleep?" Appelenea shared the products of her eavesdropping with Nedel, who glanced in the direction the men had been looking. Calvinus' window was clearly visible, candle lit and unshuttered in the summer heat. A tree stood nearby, providing shade during the day, but a danger at night. "They aren't going to wait for him to leave", Nedel whispered in alarm. "They're striking tonight!" Appelenea laughed and nodded, as if at some lover's jest, and asked for a cup of the dark Turkish blend. It would be a long night, after all. *** The light in Calvinus window had been out for some time before the trio departed. They looked left, towards Calvinus window, but turned right and vanished into the night. A few minutes later, three dark cloaked figures skulked up the greenway towards Calvinus' window from the far end of the block. Two stepped into the shadow of a tree, while the third accepted a leg-up and vanished into its branches. Nedel had gone to warn Calvinus, and was stationed inside, guarding the Emperor. Calvinus, upon hearing the warning, had switched places with the guards from the hall, and now stood beside a Sorcerer who bore a striking resemblance to the General himself. Seeburn and Markus had returned, and stood near the cafe', while Sylus hid in the shadows across the street. Cassius was nowhere to be seen. A brief flare of light within the foliage caught Seeburn's eye, as the assassin lit something. There was a brief rustle in the branches, and a soft impact within the General/Emperor's chambers. Then an arrow streaked through the night, drawing blood from a dark cloaked figure, and the peace was broken. Seeburn's hand sought another shaft for his bow, even as his treebound target shifted to place the trunk between himself and the archer. From his hiding place at the far end of the block, Cassius swore. They were going to ruin everything. The death of the General, at the hands of the Senator, would send the Empire into war with itself. Rome would be gone, just as Rome had destroyed his own home, and something new and better could rise from the ashes. But there was no help for it now. He drew his blade and charged. Appelenea smiled. The assassins had chosen the wrong place to ply their trade. "[I]Root Bind[/I]", she whispered, laying her hand on the ground. Instantly the green way before her rippled with movement, as each and every plant in the area began to writhe and twist, looking for something to hold. Cassius found his legs becoming mired in the suddenly clinging grass, dragging his advance to a halt. By sheer perseverence he manage to reach his target, but was then rooted to the spot. One of the assassins saw the spell ripple through the grass, like the wind through a field of grain, and managed to gain a foothold on the tree's rough bark before he was bound. He then began to dash away, twisting and sliding his feet free in a slow motion flight for freedom. The second one found himself with his feet rooted to the ground, facing the dark skinned warrior from the southern continent. A flex of the wrist and blades appeared in his hands, as if by magic. The third one found himself being grappled and bodily held by the branches of the tree. And though he twisted wildly, all he managed to do was lose his footing so that he was now fully suspended by the grasping branches. "Fool!", Cassius swore as he drove his blade at his opponent. "You got caught!" The dark-robed figure parried the quick thrust, and replied with one of his own. Then a smile spread across his face. "Hard to dodge when your feet are held, eh?" Then he shifted his grip upon the blade, preparing for a different kind of strike. "[I]Titan's Stature[/I]", intoned Marcus, directing the blessings of Jupiter towards the Barbarian from the west. Seeburn's form began to swell, and soon he stood as tall as a giant. He backed off a few paces, then ran and leaped, clearing a broad span of the clutching grass, then slogging forward towards his foes. But grass and trees are the death of mountains, and they truly care nothing for size, for the larger you are, the more there is to hold. His pace ground to a halt almost at once. Above, two guards coughed, gagging on the sleep smoke that the assassin had released into the room. One staggered and fell, while the other reached the relatively fresh air of the window. Looking out, he saw the dark robed man struggling within the branches. He lunged with his blade, and within moments he too was a prisoner of the tree. The fleeing Assassin found himself being pursued by a guard, as the General's soldiers were far from asleep on watch. Both struggled to take step after grass-ripping step, as another guard called the alarm." "Assassins in the night! Alarm, Alarm!", the man cried, as he approached the furious struggle between Cassius and his hooded foe. Cassius took a quick glance over his shoulder at the approaching guard, and that was all the opening his foe needed. A quick feint with his parrying blade, a short thrust upward beneath the edge of the armor, and Cassius was done. He fell, his blood now watering the grass that held him firm in place, for the grasses cared nothing for living or dead. Seeburn ploughed forward, step by plodding step, until he reached the tree. There he saw the one man, painfully out of reach, facing an Imperial guard, while the other was slowly strangling himself in an attempt to escape the branches. A quick slash of his titanic weapon, and the suspended man's struggles ceased. Appelenea looked at Markus, and saw the look of frustration on his face. Cassius was dying, and he couldn't be reached. Seeing that the enemy were not going to escape, she asked the grasses to release their prisoners. And slowly, they responded, relaxing their grip. It was over. [/QUOTE]
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