By your leave, sir. Drusus bowed and headed off with Soria to get settled into his lodgings, still stunned at the turn of events.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
Asha carefully brushed one of the four horses that she would be using in the days race. It was a calming ritual for both horse and driver that formed a bond of trust that was necessary in a race like this. The animals especially were nervous about the situation. They werent as dumb as many people thought they were. There was a quality to the air, a certain excitement and energy that no human was sharp enough to perceive, that they picked up on and it told them that today was a race day.
As Asha finished with one horse and moved to the next she couldnt help but think about how fortunate and unfortunate these horses were. They received nothing but the best in food and care. There were even guards to watch over them at night as it was not uncommon for fans of the three rival race houses to try and lame or drug their opponents animals, not to mention the spies from the bookies in the city who would like to shift the odds in their favor.
All of that care and protection came at a price though. The races were dangerous for all of those involved including the horses. Sometimes those seven simple laps could turn deadly. In fact that was what a lot of people at the Circus Maximus went to see. It wasnt a true competition if one racer pulled ahead and stayed in the lead the entire race. Only when two of the charioteers were crashing into one another or threatening to pass would the crowd be satisfied. It wasnt uncommon for a driver to be dragged or a horse to collapse and pull the rest of the team down. In both cases it was unlikely to avoid a fatality.
Moving to the third horse of her team of four her thoughts drifted to last nights conversation with the rest of the blue team racers. As they did before any race they shared their thoughts and insights on the opponents they would be facing. Most important to her were the discussions about Atilius Cornutus, the main rival in her race. From those that had raced him before she learned that he preferred to take the lead early.
His primary strategy was to set a fast pace for the entire race. Any teams with inferior horses would soon fall behind to the point where they couldnt catch up. Also, at high speeds it was easier to make a mistake. It was the typical of a rising star who wanted nothing more then to impress the crowds with a reckless display. Asha knew that if she had any chance of beating him she would have to be able to push her horses to their limits and not fall behind.
Pushing the race to the back of her mind Asha began brushing down the fourth and final horse in her team. With only a few hours till the start of the race she wanted to relax. There would be plenty of time for anxiety when the race was underway.
Lucius Marius was astonished at the masterwork Pyris had accomplished with the pendant. It was so simple in size, yet it's petite stature made the intricate lace and overly that much more complex. "Pyris this is your best work so far. As a reward, I'm going to take you to the Circus Maximus today to watch the races with me. Perhaps you can display your talents to our patron. Come now, best to get into some nicer clothes."
Pyris was grinning broadly as he held the small pendant delicately in his hand. Every unhappy thought was washed away at the sound of getting to see the races. He quickly rushed to his bedchamber where he placed the pendant on his bed while he changed into a cleaner tunic. Soon he and Lucius were off to the races to watch.
Summer Heat
After spending a bit of time at the bathhouse, Lucilla and Berit were riding on Lucillas litter towards the Circus Maximus. As they drew closer to the massive stadium, the going became slower as they came to the massive crowds gathered there for a day of races. Dozens of odds makers lined the streets as one drew closer to the stadium, calling out for bets to be placed. Lucilla was used to bets being placed on the races, but in a very different context. Among the wealthy, amounts were agreed upon between the two betting parties and conditions set. But many of the common citizens, and even some slaves, seemed eager to place bets with these men on the streets.
As they passed within sight of the entrances, both young women were glad they would be entering through the more private gate reserved for the Emperor and members of the Senate. There were easily hundreds of Romans gathered at each of the large entrances, wanting to get in for the first races of the day. Like the gladiatorial games in the Coliseum, the races at the Circus Maximus were a right of a citizen, not a luxury, so no admission was charged.
Soon the litter passed through the private gate, stopping at the entryway just beyond where the slaves carrying it placed it off to one side near dozens of other litters. The two young women then made their way through a tunnel towards the seating for the arena. Once inside, it was easy to spot the emperors private area, able to easily sit more that two score guests with him. It was positioned in the center of one of the long stretches of the race, right up near the front of the wall to the sand track below.
As Lucilla drew closer, she could see her father already seated next to the emperor and his wife. Several important senators were seated nearby as well as many of her fathers important clients. The Praetorian guards standing around the emperors private section let the two young women through immediately, Lucilla making her way towards her father and the emperor.
She hadnt quite made it all the way when Ovius Plautus came over towards her. Good day to you Lucilla Justina, you are looking radiant as always. I trust you have recovered well enough after any indulgence you may have had last night. Lucilla gave him a warm smile as she replied. I am well enough Ovius Plautus, and truly I only drank a little over much at the dinner. I hope you did not suffer from any such troubles?
Ovius Plautus gave her a wry smile as he answered. If only the wine had been my only such indulgence, but then I am afraid I am a bit overly attracted to food. Speaking of which, I am pleased your father choose to hire the freedman cook I suggested to him to take with you to the East.
Lucilla gave the senator a quizzical look. I was not aware that father had hired a cook, but then I have been out most of the morning thanks to Berit. She looked over at the Celtic woman with a slight smile before focusing back on the senator. The old man gave a slight nod. Ah, well it was only just this morning that your father hired him after my recommendation. I believe you spoke with him last night at the dinner party, he was working there as a food taster, which was his primary duty while still a slave. He was one of the tasters near Caesars dais.
As the raven haired woman nodded in remembrance, a slight frown came to Berits face as she too remembered the taster from the night before, as well as the fact she was pretty sure she had seen him near the Forum earlier that same day. The fact that Orvius Plautus had now helped secure him a place in her masters household felt slightly disturbing. Lucilla didnt seem to notice the redheaded womans reaction as she replied. Well, I am sure I will be meting him again later this evening.
Orvius Plautus nodded as he took the raven haired woman by the arm and started towards her father and the emperor. Yes indeed. There is still a bit of time before the first race begins, but I am sure you wish join your father, allow me to escort you to him. With that they were on their way towards the waiting seats near Antonius Justus.
Drusus was checking out his new room and getting settled when he remembered that it was a race day! He quickly ran toward the Circus Maximus, knowing he would never get in to see the opening race. That was ok though - the races were as much for the excitement of event as the actual races. Everyone from slaves to senators would be present.
Drusus ran most of the way to the Circus Maximus and then waited with the crowds as they shuffled in.
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
As Lucius and Pyris arrived at the Circus Maximus, they quickly sought out Antonius Justus and his other clients. Soon the two groups had found each other, and the formal greetings were taken care of. Soon the race would start and enjoyment would be had.
Summer Heat
Lucilla and Berit noted the arrival of Lucius Marius and Pyris to watch the races. The fact that Pyris was accompanying him, told Lucilla that the young man had likely done something that had impressed his owner, thus the visit was a reward. As her father had told her the night before that he had made Brutus a tribunal in the legion that would be accompanying them to the East to join the three other legions already in the area, Lucilla was not particularly surprised that he was absent. He was likely already at the legions camp, learning his duties. Though it would likely not be as often as when he was just the son of one of her fathers clients, Lucilla knew she would likely see Brutus again soon.
The legion seemed like it would be a good fit for Brutus, he did spend a great deal of time training as an athlete. Most of the Roman elite spent at least a little time in the legions, some, like her father, would go back and forth between legion postings and more civilian offices. Lucilla wondered if Brutus would be one to move back and forth in such a manner, or would he seek to make a full career of being in the legions.
She was pulled from such thoughts as the chariots for the first race moved out to their starting places to the cheers of the crowds. Her father and the emperor placed a small wager on this first race, neither particularly interested in this race. From what she had heard, the emperor was likely most interested in the race that one of the better racers for the green team was in, Atilius Cornutus. That was either the seventh or eight race if the remember correctly. That would likely be one of the most heavily wagered races of the day.
After giving Pyris a warm smile after greeting his master when Lucius Marius had come to greet her and her father, Lucilla turned out towards the sand race track to watch the first race.
The first race went by with the usual fanfare the Circus Maximus provided. By design it was not the most competitive of races but instead was meant to warm everyones appetites for what was to come. The green racer had won though it was not without strong competition from the white teams racer. There was a great deal of close calls and near collisions though nobody crashed.
Away from the upper class where the mob sat the party was already well underway. This was one of the few releases from the tedium of working day in and day out that they could take part in. It was a time where they could really cut loose and bring out their wild side. All manner of behaviors that normally were not allowed in normal Roman society would be engaged in and in the background there was the constant murmur of people arguing over who the next winner would be.
All of this was far from Ashas mind. She was busy making preparations for her race. Every part of her chariot had to be looked over and inspected. Like a wise racer she did not trust anyone to look after her equipment for her. It would be too easy for someone to bribe the caretakers or slip in themselves and loosen one of the wheels so that it would fall off mid-race. There were some people that would do anything to ensure the racer they were betting on won and many racers new to the business fell prey to them.
Walking around her racing chariot it never ceased to amaze her how insane riding in one of these races was. Though well built they were meant for speed and little else. The heaviest piece was the metal axle that stretched between the two metal shod wheels. Unlike a war chariot there was no floor to stand on. Instead there was a small space for the driver to place both feet. Other then that there was just the light wood frame that ran in front of the driver and the tongue that extended forward between the second and third horses which all four would be harnessed to.
Finishing her inspection Asha began to strap her four steeds into position. While she did so she looked from where she was toward the second race. It looked to be in the middle of the fifth lap and the red team racer was in the lead. He was working his horses hard, though, and she doubted he would be able to keep that pace for long. Even from where she stood she could see that the animals were starting to froth at the mouth. Looking back to her work she took a few calming breaths.
As Lucius and Pyris settled in, the first race began. Lucius was being cautious in his wagers, only wanting to bet in favor of the same horse Antonius Justus would bet on. Pyris had tricked his way to sitting with Lucilla and Berit, finding comfort in the two from their compassion. He smiled shyly as the first race began and they all focused on it. He glanced down to gaze again at his work, hoping it might one day earn his freedom. Any cheers from the surrounding stands were pantomimed by Pyris faking the sound from his mouth. He wasn't aware the charade wasn't really working.
Summer Heat
Lucilla and Berit both smiled warmly at Pyris as he sat near them and the first race began. Though Lucilla was not overly interested in the first race, as it usually was one designed to get the crowd more in the mood for the following races, she still cheered from time to time, though over all the blue team did little to contend for the lead. The race ended in a green team victory, which lead to Antonius paying a small sum to the emperor, for they had not bet heavily on the early race.
As the races continued, the two young women noted that Pyris was trying to fit in, though not succeeding as well as he likely hoped. Luckily for him however, most everyone else had so much of their attention on the race during the times he tried to fake a cheer that they likely didnt notice his attempts.
One by one the races went by. The crowds booed, the crowds cheered, but most importantly the crowds were entertained. Before Asha knew it the 8th race was upon her and she, along with the other three racers, heard the trumpets that announced the start of the race. Quickly she strapped on the leather helmet that all the racers wore, for all the good it did. Still, some protection was better then nothing.
Stepping onto her chariot she lashed the reigns to her waist as all charioteers did. At the speeds they were going and with all the bumps from the other racers it was easy to lose your grip and drop the reigns. Since doing so would cause you to lose most of your ability to steer the chariot all racers made sure to tie themselves to the chariot. It was the reason they all carried knives. If the chariot broke apart under the stress of racing your only hope was to cut yourself free. Otherwise you were in for a very gruesome drawn out dragging death or perhaps a quicker but no less gruesome trampling under the hooves of another racers chariot.
Asha squinted her eyes as the dim lantern light gave way to the bright shining sun. Shortly after the crowd burst into a roar of greetings. So strong and loud was their cheering that the female charioteer could feel the vibrations run through her body. The air was so charged with excitement that it was practically a tangible substance, that it could be tasted in the air. This was the moment that most of the racers lived for though for her it was a pale replacement for riding free on the open plains of her homeland.
As the grooms pulled her team of horses into the third starting gate she flashes a quick glance to her right, noting the red racer. She then flashed a look to the left and carefully gauged the white and green racers, especially Atilius Cornutus. Her surveying did not go unnoticed and the Atilius returned her look. Ive been looking forward to racing you. They say youre protected by the gods. Is that true?
Asha chaffed slight under the comment though she couldnt deny that her reputation was such. It wasnt an unusual thing though. Some would even say that Atilius was favored by the gods. However, that didnt mean she had to like it. She would rather have it said that she won her races because she was skilled, not because the divine had a hand in things. If that is what you want to believe.
Hah! Thats what I thought. Too bad. I enjoy beating those blessed by the gods more then anyone else. he answered.
Before the conversation could progress further the starter stood with handkerchief in hand. The grooms that had led the racers onto the track quickly fled to avoid being caught by the coming flurry of hooves. All eyes were on him, waiting with baited breath. As he released the piece of cloth there was a riotous cheer and the gates came crashing down. The four charioteers cried aloud and their chariots lurched forward with a burst of acceleration.
This was the most dangerous part of the race. All four charioteers knew how important the inside track was and all four wanted to get it on the first lap, preferably before the first turn. That led to a lot of crashes right at the beginning of the race. While it didnt happen often it was not unknown for literally all of the chariots to be disabled in one giant and glorious pile up.
The white racer powered forward. He started on the inside lane and had the best position of them all. Atilius the green racer was keeping pace, edging to the side and nearly touching wheel to wheel as he urged his horses on. Asha edged her chariot over as well, putting the squeeze on Atilius. The red racer, perhaps the most determined of all due to his disadvantageous starting position was whipping his horse relentlessly and cutting hard to the inside to try and avoid getting forced into last.
As the four of them approached and then entered the first turn around the spine the crowd watched with fevered anticipation. The green and white chariots bumped, their wooden frames creaking as the wood wheels ground against one another. Their drivers both struggled to push the other out of position and secure the lead. Meanwhile the red racers extra efforts had pulled him enough ahead of Asha that when he cut in the turn his wheel threatened to clip the legs of her horses.
Seeing the danger Asha quickly pulled to the left, giving up some of her speed to remain out of danger. Coming out of the turn she was now behind Atilius who was about a half a chariot length ahead of the white racer with the red racer closing in on the other side. Asha of course would have preferred to get and hold a lead position but she was not dejected. This race was far from over.
The pack of four chariots sped around the second turn around the spine and started the second lap of the race. Atilius, despite his best efforts had not managed to widen his lead thanks to the tight cornering of the white teams racer. He was also hampered by constantly having to fend off the red racer coming in from the outside.
Asha had little ability to make her way through the pack until the middle of the third lap. On the first turn around the spine Atilius turned tight with the white racer and rammed his chariot so that the left wheel bounced outside of the pylons that marked the edge of the track. There was a sharp crack as his axle hit one of the pillars and broke in two. The white team supporters gasped and groaned while the rest of the audience cheered as the chariot splinted and fell apart.
The white racer desperately attempted to reach the dagger on his belt to cut himself free as he was dragged along the track by his horses. Reacting quickly Asha whipped the outside horse and called out the command to move to the right to avoid the debris and then left to attempt to take the inside track. However Atilius too wanted the inside track and he was closer. Slowing slightly and shifting to the left he trampled the fallen white racer without a second thought and seized the prize position.
The fourth lap started with Atilius a full chariot length ahead of his remaining competition. Asha was right behind him, running along side of the red racer. As they entered the first turn the Scythian woman intentionally turned ride, throwing the weight of her chariot into his and trying to create an opening so that she could challenge Atilius for the lead.
In response the red racer flicked his whip at her instead of his horses. Asha felt the sharp lash fall across her right shoulder, easily tearing through the blue team tunic that she wore. Wincing in pain Asha kept one eye on the track and the other toward the red racer. He flicked his whip at her again, forcing her to duck to avoid the sting but also causing her to lose some ground. The crowds cheers of amusement were clear as they watched the two, some even forgetting who was in first place.
The fifth marker was lowered as the three remaining chariots once again completed a lap around the track. Asha once again pulled herself along side the red racer and predictably he attempted to thrash her with his whip. Tired of this pointless game she thrust her hand upward to intercept the whip in mid-flight. The leather whip smashed against the palm of her hand, making a deep cut. Clenching her fingers into a fist she quickly thrust the end of the whip into the wheel spokes of his chariot. The rapid spinning wheels quickly coiled the whip and snapped it from his hands.
Without the lash of his whip to keep his horses inspired and to signal when to turn, he quickly began to fall back, giving Asha the opening she needed to challenge Atilius for the lead. By the start of the sixth lap the female charioteer was pulling up along side the current leader. Not to be undone Atilius quickly shifted to the side, effectively blocking her from passing. Biding her time she waited until the middle turn, when Atilius would have to move back to the inside, to make her move.
Coming up around on his right side again she powered her way through the turn, throwing her weight into the inside of her chariot to avoid the centripetal pull to the outside. For a brief moment one of the two wheels left the ground but as the track straightened out again the wheel came down and Asha was now side by side with her remaining opponent.
The seventh and final lap started with the two running neck and neck. Repeatedly the two of them crashed their chariots together in order to force the other off balance. Every few seconds the lead changed from one to the other as they each pushed their team of horses to their limits. However Ashas horses had worked hard in the battle with the red racer and it seemed that Atilius was leading for longer periods of time.
Entering the last turn there was one more trick Asha had left to play. With all of the encouragement her voice and whip could provide she coaxed one last burst of speed from the team. Cutting in close to her opponents chariot she brought the front part of the left wheel of her chariot between the body and the back of the right wheel of his. With a sudden turn to the right she brought the front of her wheel into the inside of his.
Time seemed to stand still as the moment of truth descended on the racers. One wheel was sure to give under the pressure. There was the protest of stressed wood followed by a spark where the wheels met and a sudden ear splitting snap. As the moment passed the wheel on Atilius chariot bounded free and continued to roll down the track. The right side of his chariot hit the ground hard and dug a trail in the soft dirt track. Asha couldnt help but smile and drink in the self satisfaction of seeing Atilius expression as he realized his loss.
To the wild cheers of the crowd the female charioteer sailed across the finish line, her heart beating in time with the hooves of her horses. She had won. The deafening roar of the crowd was all for her. Today she was not just a slave. Today she was a hero in the eyes of Rome.
Antonius Justus continued to bet against the emperor as the races continued, the amounts slowly becoming larger and larger. But neither really made much headway against the other as various teams won different races. Finally, the showcase race of the day arrived, the eighth race, featuring one of the current stars of the Circus Maximus, Antilius Cornutus. For this one the emperor looked at Antonius Justus with a slight smile. You might not want to reconsider supporting your usual team for this race; the outcome is all but decided.
The governor just gave a slight smile at the suggestion. Though it might be what wisdom would dictate, there is also such a thing as loyalty, which I am sure guides your support of the green team Caesar. I am willing to bet in support of the blue team against Antilius Cornutus. Would one hundred and fifty thousand sesterii seem an appropriate sum for such an important race to you?
Emperor Hadrian smiled, obviously not worried about losing the bet, but also seemingly pleased that someone would stand firm in opposition to him. Lucilla watched the interaction with some interest, knowing that such a characteristic could easily be taken too far which could quickly lead someone into disfavor with a Caesar. But her father was smart enough to know where such a line was, and this was defiantly not such a case. You are indeed loyal Antonius Justus, even when your team is fielding a woman. But if you are intent on this folly, how about we make it more interesting, say two hundred and fifty thousand sestertii?
Lucillas father didnt hesitate to nod in agreement, looking back out at the track as the chariots took their starting positions. Very well Caesar, two hundred and fifty thousand sesterii on the blue team against your green team. Those nearby the two had fallen silent as the wagering had begun, many amazed at the amount of the bet. As the two men both focused back on the lined up chariots, those around them did as well, a few making some last minute bets, though much smaller than the one just made.
Lucilla looked back at the chariots as well, particularly focusing on the woman in the blue team chariot, slightly amazed that her father had allowed the wager to reach such a high mark. Berit leaned in near the raven haired woman as she whispered. Your father is sure willing to lose a lot of money in support of his team. They say this Atilius Cornutus is unbeatable. Lucilla just smiled as she whispered back. No one is unbeatable in the Circus Maximus, anything can happen, so its a little early to say he has lost.
Berit didnt reply as she sat back in her chair and the chariots were off. The initial surge at the start was always a potentially riveting part of the race, with crashes very possible as all four chariots tried to vie for the inner track. As the racers struggled for the early lead, the crowd watched with excited anticipation, cheers and boos following even the slightest change in positions.
As the racers went around the first turn, much of the crowd gasped slightly as the green and white racers chariots bumped into each other. But Lucilla was more intent on the narrow avoidance by the blue racer at keeping her horses from being hit by the red chariot. Though she was relived the racer had avoid the mishap, it did place her in last.
Lucilla watched with a slight feeling of worry until Atilius force the white racer into a marking pillar on the third lap, the cheers of most of the crowd drowning out the groans of the white team supporters. Lucilla felt a twinge of pity as the man was trampled to death and Atilius took the lead.
The female driver for the blue team and the red teams driver fought over second place for a time, the contest almost distracting from Atilius lead, especially when the red driver started trying to use his whip on the woman. Lucilla found the ploy rather disgusting, but of course, it was by no means cheating in a race, as anything was allowed during the race. It turned out the blue team driver was quick enough to avoid most of the attacks, catching the whip and then getting it wrapped up in the red drivers own chariot wheel, depriving him of a means from spurring on his team effectively and essentially eliminating him from the race.
This caused Lucillas spirits to rise as the woman began to surge forward to challenge Antilius lead. It took until the final lap for her and the green driver to be fighting for the lead. The crowd was riveted on the contest, the two constantly struggling for the win, the two chariots colliding several times. Finally, as the rounded the last turn, the woman blue driver moved her left wheel between the body and right wheel of Antilius chariot, managing to break off the wheel of the green drivers chariot and allowing her to continue on to the win.
As she crossed the finish, there was thunderous applause in the stands as Antonius Justus stood up, clapping as well. The emperor seemed a little shocked for a moment, but then clapped as well. Well, that one goes to you Antonius Justus. I will see to it that your winnings are delivered later today. The governor looked back at the emperor as he replied. Thank you Caesar, it is as you know, anything is possible in a race. It would seem that this Asha is indeed favored by the gods as some say.
Emperor Hadrian nodded as well as he replied. That she may be. Antonius Justus however was watching the young woman riding the chariot as she finished wheeling around in her victory and started off the track. An idea had begun forming as he had watched the race, and now he was sure it could be an excellent idea.
Far to the East of Rome, a patrol of horsemen made their way through a low canyon near the Tigris-Euphrates valley. They were scouts from the Eastern half of the Parthian Empire, trying to determine troop strength of the rebellious forces in the Western half of the empire who followed Osroes I. Since the Roman Empire had withdrawn from this province that they had taken in the last war, the former ruler of the province had declared himself king and started a war with Vologases III, the true king of the Empire. Since the time, civil war had existed between the two halves of the empire, the severity of it rising and falling in the last few years.
Vologases III had decided that it might well be time for a new offensive against the rebellious provinces, so his forces were trying to determine the strength of Osroes Is forces. Hastrian was the leader of this patrol, having served Vologases III for many years, fighting the Romans for three years during the recent war and having fought against the rebellious provinces since the civil war had begun. The sun was beginning to set to the West, leaving little more they would be able to learn today.
Calling a halt to the small column of horseman, he turned back and gave instructions to begin setting up their camp. The soldiers in the patrol quickly setting to work to carry out the order. Most dismounted, to begin preparing the area for their camp, a few gathering all the horses to be tethered. Several remained on their horses, moving to provide security for the others as the camp was set up.
Rishar was one of those still mounted to guard the camp, moving a short distance from the camp so he could still see his comrades, but had a better view of one end of the canyon. So far their patrol had seen very little to report back, which was somewhat troubling. While it could mean the forces of the rebellious provinces were weak, it could also be an indication that they were massing somewhere else.
Looking back briefly at the camp, Rishar noticed something that caught his attention. An unusual darkness seemed to be forming around between him and the camp. At first the horseman thought it might be a trick of the light, but he quickly realized the darkness was rapidly spreading. There were suddenly shouts of panic and surprise from beyond the cloud of darkness, telling him that something was wrong.
Drawing his sword, the horseman started back towards the camp and the swirling darkness. Slowing down as he neared the cloud, Rishar was surprised as some dark form erupted from the darkness, knocking into him and causing him to fall to the dusty ground at the feet of his horse. The animal panicked, something highly unusual for a mount breed for battle. Quick reflexes prevented Rishar from being trampled by the panicked horse as he quickly got back to his feet, looking around for whatever had knocked him off his horse.
Screams sounded from in the camp, as the sounds of battle increased. Spinning around, Rishar saw no sign of what had hit him. The dark cloud started to spread further out, quickly overtaking the horseman who suddenly found himself in complete darkness. Turning around, his sword still in front of him, Rishar tried to determine if there was any threat within the darkness, though he could not imagine how anything could find anything in such conditions.
Then there was a sound of flapping wings, causing Rishar to turn towards the direction he thought the sound was coming from. Suddenly, the horseman felt something pierce his chest as he fell backward, confusion his last thought before he knew no more.
Up upon one of the sides of the valley, another group of horseman watched the swirling dark cloud, the sounds of the dying faintly audible from the distance to the battle. Several horses fled in all directions from the darkness before everything finally fell silent. In front of the horseman was an old man dressed in ornate robes with his arms outstretched and chanting in a strange language. Suddenly, the old man stopped his chanting, gesturing momentarily with his arms before bringing his hands together.
As if on cue, the cloud of darkness collapsed in upon itself, reveling the destroyed camp. The few erected tents were in taters, and there were discarded weapons and other object strewn about, but there was no sign of any of the patrol that had been setting up the camp. The horseman on the ridge looked over the scene with a slight trace of fear as the old man turned back towards them, focusing on the one in the center.
Velores, one of Osroes Is sons, regarded the old man with a cold stare as he spoke. Impressive old man, but that was but a small patrol. I fail to see just how that can truly help us against the full force of Vologases IIIs armies, or the Legions of Rome should their new emperor decided to retake that which he abandoned.
The old man just gave a sinister smile as he replied. That is but a small example of the power I can call for you great father young prince. Those that do not succumb to the destruction I can summon will surely flee in terror from the terrible power at your fathers command. No one will dare stand against Osroes I!
The young Velores seemed not entirely convinced as the old man climbed back on his horse. We shall see old man, we shall see.
Pyris and Marius watched intently as the race transpired. Pyris interested for the excitement, Marius interested in the wager. Neither said a word but one in fear of the emperor's malice for losing to the appointed governor. Pyris smiled to Lucilla and Berit, watching their reactions to the results and how Lucilla's father would be treated. He looked at the pendant he was holding in his hand for a moment, smiling at its beauty in the sunlight. The twists in the wires seemed to catch the light just so and fragment it like a faceted jewel of great size and detail, yet held only a simplistic semiprecious stone at its center.
Summer Heat
The races continued after a short while, the crowds having to settle some after finish of the eight race. Some of the enthusiasm was gone from many of the fans of the other teams, particularly the green team, but the followers of the blue team seemed especially energized. In the emperors section of the stands, the mood was similar to that of the rest of the stadium. While he bet on some of the other races, the emperor seemed a bit less interested in the races than talking more with Antonius Justus about the situation in his new provinces.
While her father and Caesar began talking more about business, Lucilla focused a bit less on the races as well. Looking over a Pyris, who had been excited when the blue racer had won, the raven haired woman noticed the quite young man looking at something in his hand. Catching a glint of silver in the sunlight, she smiled warmly at Pyris as she asked. Is that some of your latest work Pyris? Your brother showed me the ring you made for him, it was masterfully done. May I see this new object?
Berit turned away from the current race as well as she heard Lucillas question. Pyris was skilled with his silver smithing, and she enjoyed seeing how he was improving in his craft.
Pyris blushed a pinkish shade of red at the compliment. Marius turned slightly to eavesdrop into both the politics and the possible conversation between Pyris and Lucilla. Pyris extended a well stabled, nervous hand holding the pendant to Lucilla. His pride in the piece overcame him slightly through a smile as he recovered from his blushing earlier. He had great hope that Marius was listening, hearing the compliment from Lucilla. It would mean he would get more respect from his master, not to mention more rights and freedoms.
Summer Heat
Lucilla took the pendant slowly from Pyris hand as he held it out to her, his pride in his accomplishment obvious. Holding up the object, she studied it closely, marveling in the intricate and delicate design. This is magnificent Pyris. I think there are few who could produce something this amazing. If you continue to produce objects of this quality, you will soon find yourself in high demand as a jeweler.
Giving Pyris a wide smile, the raven haired young woman handed him back the pendant. Glancing over at Marius, she hoped that her fathers client had heard her comments, Pyris deserved better treatment from his master.
Marius smirked inwardly at the thought of his next great jeweler being Pyris. He glanced around, feeling good about his profits from betting and the prospects of tomorrow. Pyris was smiling broadly and practically beaming with the compliments. He graciously accepted the pendant, nodding a thanks that he secretly wished he could express. Perhaps someday he would regain his confidence.
Summer Heat
As the final race finished for the day, many in the crowd began making their way from the Circus Maximus, returning home or some other errand. Emperor Hadrian arose at the finish of the last race, causing all those around him to stand out of respect as well. The emperor faced Antonius Justus with a smile as he said, It has been a most entertaining day Antonius Justus, and I am sure you feel a most rewarding one. Like you, there is much that requires my attention now, but I would like to meet you and your lovely daughter for lunch tomorrow.
Antonius Justus gave a slight bow as he responded. We are most honored by your invitation. Until tomorrow Caesar. Emperor Hadrian then made his way from the booth, the Praetorians and his other aids following after him. Antonius Justus then looked at his daughter. You heard the emperor, there are several items of business that require my attention right now, but you should know I have hired a new cook to accompany us to the East.
Lucilla smiled at her father as she replied. Yes, Orvius Plautus told me he had recommended him to you. I look forward to meeting him when I can. As her father made his way from the viewing stand, Lucilla turned towards Pyris with a warm smile. Well, there are some things I need to attend to as well Pyris, it was good to see you once more. I look forward to seeing you next great creation. Glancing at Lucius Marius and nodded to him as well before making her way from the stand with Berit following close behind.
Artius spent the rest of the day showing Brutus his way around the Roman camp, giving him information about the daily life of the soldiers that Brutus would be overseeing as they went. The camp was a buzz of activity, which Artius explained was primarily due to the preparations for the deployment to the East. But in truth, it is a rare day that you find many of the soldiers of a legion idle. There is always some work to be done for them, be it improving the fortifications of the camp, or training, or working on a local building project, soldiers that are kept busy are soldiers that cant be planning trouble.
The veteran centurion gave the new tribunal a little wink at the last comment as he gradually led him back towards the center of the camp. As the two neared the tent of Legatus Kaeso Sosius Durus, they saw a few other young men gathered outside the tent, all dressed in fine armor. It would appear that some of the other tribunals have been gathered. Artius commented as he noted Kaeso Sosius gesture over for Brutus to join them. I will leave you in the Legatus capable hands for now Tribunal Brutus Marius. Please dont hesitate to seek me out should you need any further assistance. Artius gave a slight bow and headed back into the camp as legions legatus and other tribunals waited for Brutus to join them.
Pyris' lesson had been over for a quarter day, and he was practicing the techniques in the small forge. He had made numerous pieces incredibly quickly, each one more impressive than the last. His mentor left for a moment feeling Pyris was mature enough to handle things on his own. In the absence of his mentor, Pyris began his masterwork piece for the lesson. He took a small piece of silver, and began pulling at the corners like it was dough. His hands began to glow an orange fire while the metal itself shimmered. It was like working with wet clay as he molded and shaped the silver. The process seemed to never end as he periodically tossed the piece into the water nearby to cool the metal in its current shape. When he was finished, A beautifully knotted flower pendant had been molded out of one singular piece of metal. No points of welding truly made the piece stand out over the others. With the piece completed, Pyris smiled. The center looked as though it held a large stone, but in fact it was merely a unique network of silver crisscrossing that created a gemstone appearance. This was truly his best piece yet. He shut down the forges for the hour, and headed up the stairs to display his work to Lucius and his mentor.
Summer Heat