It was quite the sight to behold.
The ambassador took his usual seat at the center of the governing hall where he laid his weighty sack of a belly slacking down his waist the same way his brain was shaking inside the hard bones of his round large skull above. He had just received an inerasable memory during the late night and early morning. A dispute to his arrogance following the grand show he wished to conclude the three months of terror with. Like the pharaohs of Egypt, struck by divine retribution, for the first time and perhaps the only time, the arrogant official was taken by the horror of surprise and fear, his triviality - disdaining features thinned with anticipation for the first time, his eyes roved every corner for any unexpected signs, things he had never bothered to do or admit it necessary before as he was certain the high place the emperor had bestowed upon him would protect him with the iron clad walls of authority and power.
He was shaken to his core, not even able to hide the trembling of his hands as sheer tics of nervousness. His pupils contracted in a hollow gaze unlike the rowdy thoughts racing across his mind, trying to keep his brain alert only to be met with a shaken body that would not respond to this urgent alertness.
The counselors though agitated by the news, remained silent waiting for the man to start talking, fearing to poke him albeit he burst at any moment like a cornered feral animal. Germanous, on the other hand, kept silent as well but for different reasons.
He had not been this satisfied in a long time.
The wit – drained and fear – hammered image of the ambassador was such an enjoyable sight to the young governor who he had forgotten his manners and stared rudely with gauging eyes at the pile of bones and flesh sitting in front of him. His penetrating gaze was seen by everyone, and the counselors began to whisper among themselves how the crazy blond was delighted by the esteemed ambassador's plight, it was as if fate had avenged him for the insults he had received from the older and higher ranking man by this vile message sent to him by the remaining thugs. The intensity of the governor's stare was enough to drag the ambassador out of his shock, and he lifted and turned his eyes at the intrusive eyes. He stared at the glaring redness of the blond's irises, a vivid reminder of the bloody scene he had woken up to, taunting him, whether intentionally or not with their glimmering color, alluring yet beastly. Caecilius turned his head away, repulsed by their sight and the motion was not unnoticed by the man who provoked it.
"It saddens me to see you in such a state, esteemed Caecilius."
The man, spoken to with a light insincere tone, moved in his chair with unconcealed restlessness, wanting to look at the governor yet repelled by his eyes color, shining brighter than ever under the morning clear rays.
"It goes without saying that this incident will be investigated and…"
"Damn you, Germanous, of course it will be!"
The usually composed ambassador yelled, springing from his chair all of a sudden, as if he was set on fire by the deep yet shining red color of the eyes looking down on him, unable to tolerate the sneering tone masquerading as caring and affection. The dishonesty gowning the blond's noble features that would easily deceive any ignorant eyes, lighted every nerve in the ambassador's body on fire. Without being prompted, he started berating the younger governor:
"For gods' sake, you can be behind this for all I know! How could they penetrate deep into the palace, especially when none of them remains alive?"
The counselors thoughts that were roaming their minds unspoken, now that they were loudly stated in anger, quickly joined the angry disturbed man in frank agreement. Though expected since the moment the imperial convoy had arrived, this agreement taking the forms of questions and nodding, left the blond visibly shaking and enraged. To be arraigned for such a horrid crime was a shame Germanous refused to bear or tolerate. His façade quickly fell, rather shattered into open mockery, failing to control himself for the first time.
"I understand that the esteemed ambassador had been deprived of a restful sleep that he is talking incoherently… why do not you take the day to…"
The young governor sneered at the older man, his teeth cracking and lips trembling from sheer anger and disgust, but Caecilius did not take the offense silently and continued with his fit of rage and shouting:
"I know it was you!! You are after me since the first day I came! You did nothing to repel those bastards… because you were in cahoots with them!!"
"Where is this new accusation coming from? I sent the city garrison and every person capable of fighting after these criminals! I compensated every family that fell victim to their slaughter and terror still holding the burden of their loss and sorrow… I spurred renovations for these people's sake, for them to expand their lives and thrive like the other citizens in the neighboring cities…"
"Then explain to me how these vagabonds were able to sneak into my own room… my private chamber… my resting place… without alarming a single soldier… either our troops are deaf and blind or they were ordered to become thus!"
"What transpired last night differs no little bit from what had been transpiring for the last three months, these thugs have been kidnapping and assassinating wealthy and noble people from the middle of their houses… the only deviation is that the target thought himself immune to their blades, a creature above retribution and punishment!"
"What did you just say now, boy?"
The words the fired up blond had uttered echoed stronger than the clash of swords upon a battlefield. These last words resounded against the hall's walls on constant replay, bouncing from one wall to the other, making sure it reached every ear attending that meeting. Caecilius approached from the young governor, smiling for the first time since his dreadful awakening, a yellow teeth – bearing sneer smile.
"Are you supporting these criminals and polishing the hideous truth of their vileness?"
"I am merely describing what comes across my eyes as I walk down the tunneled vision you see things through, my dear Caecilius."
"My vision would not adorn terror with justice or criminality with retribution! You have just exposed yourself you brat… and…"
Despite the blond's grave error in wording his intentions, he still did not back down, not an inch away from the enraged ambassador. He kept his gaze steady and fixed on the agitated man until he managed to make him, though seconds ago standing certain and daring, uncomfortable and hesitant. As if inhabited by the soul of his deceased pet lion, the young governor's features twisted with a wildly majestic wrath, his eyes narrowing like a feline ready to take the jump on his prey.
For the second time in the same morning, Caecilius was at loss, fear permeating through his glands and pores.
"Excuse my impudence esteemed Caecilius… but I do not see anything wrong with what the governor had said… or tried to explain…"
The interfering sound belonged to the other Roman visitor, lieutenant Plinius who stepped into the argument, standing between the two heated men.
"These criminals attribute their atrocities to justice and equality… understanding their reasoning will allow us greatly to anticipate their next actions and targets. We have to surf the water they are boarding so we can sink them precisely…"
"What future actions are you rambling about, Plinius! They are all dead! I have punished them with death! They are eliminated!"
"With all due respect, ambassador, you are the only one who keeps repeating this as if you want to convince yourself before anyone else of its validity."
Caecilius turned his head stunned at the rude commander, and hums that were better kept within started to chirp secretly across the hall.
"Esteemed Caecilius, I have told you many times that one of these criminals had escaped, we have not eliminated them entirely yet. One battle does not mean victory in war, yet you maintained a deaf ear to my pleas for further search and investigations as you wished to turn your punishment into an absolute victory that would disclose the case and negate its regrettable consequences."
Plinius stood his ground in the face of the angry man, defying his theory and defending the unjustly accused governor. The hums that filled the hall few moments ago suddenly came to unsettling stop, channeled through stares approving the lieutenant's argument. The claws the ambassador believed that the young governor was sharpening and hiding beneath his feminine hands turned out not to be his own, they were honed by the false beliefs he enchanted the people surrounding him with, Plinius being a prime fresh example, along that foreign dual wielder. Although the theory recited in the man's head sounded ridiculous and childish, it was true nonetheless. Regaining his composure and proving these two wrong became his primary goal now. The stout man returned to his seat, avoiding any eye contact with the fearlessly glinting red of the governor's eyes, and directed his speech to Plinius while addressing the entire assembly.
"You have a week, more than this timeline by a mere second or a breath… and I will send a message to the emperor demanding new leaders and governors… even the annihilation of this cursed city that had only proved until now to be a waste of money, supplies, and souls!!"
Caecilius may not have spoken the last threat directly to Germanous's face, but his words found the sought man without making a mistake. For the sake of proving himself right, and for the sheer thrill of carrying on his orders, he was ready to demolish the budding dreams the governor wanted to flourish the modest city with. Not only were his dreams and aspirations interrupted mercilessly by a band of terrorists vagabonds, they were now held against him, a badge of shame to hang on the era of his rule, a weapon turned against him when he wanted them to become the flower he held in his statues of recognition instead of a flaming sword.
"Thank you Plinius."
The blond whispered to the lieutenant as the assembly left, but the latter merely nodded his head.
"I was doing my duty, what my military pledge taught me. Nothing more, nothing less."
Germanous kept his head hung low; so he had not gained an alley, yet did not make a foe at the same time. He finally drifted his gaze and searched for his uncle, who unlike the previous times, did not rush to his aid or defense. Had he lost what little faith he placed in him? Germanous watched the man leave the hall with a determent look in his eyes, avoiding speaking or engaging with anyone.
He was bent on something, something that no matter how many spies the blond were to send to investigate, none would ever be able to uncover.
***
Sextus's house was unusually silent after the grand show it had just put up few days ago, and which took the mourning vengeance – seeking city by a storm, honoring their grieve and powerlessness and renewing their courage and hope. But this short – loved empowerment quickly faded after the ambassador's incident. Everything came to a halt similar to a sleep – walker trance, and the arena's owner was left to clutch his throbbing head between his hands, wailing and lamenting his luck. On the other hand, the spear wielder did not mind the renewed halt and paralysis that inflicted the city. It was his chance to pull his thoughts together and devise a plan to retrieve his stolen weapon and return the insolence a double.
A knock on the door startled the two men, each drowning his varying thoughts in a jar of wine. Sextus started to sweat in fear. The knock were light and shy. He turned around contemplating escaping from the house roofs, which was impossible in his case, or hiding in his room. The lancer threw a quick glance and watched in amusement Sextus's dilemma before he took it upon himself to open the door. Hearing these hesitant timid knocks he thought it might be Oscar, and a blond head hidden beneath a hood indeed welcomed his longing eyes, but the redness that peered through the hood revealed the visitor's identity immediately, no guesses needed.
"You…"
"Make no grand welcoming of my visit… it is just…"
Diarmuid kept holding to the half opened door, not sure if he should invite the man to begin with, let alone throw a festive greeting for him. He had clearly came undercover, no guards or horses in sight. He waited patiently until the visitor struggled and failed to find the appropriate words so he opted for what he never preferred while speaking about, honesty.
"I am glad you were the one who opened the door… I was hoping to meet you… I was hoping to meet a… a friend!"
Diarmuid eyes dropped at the word like a flattered maiden. The incident of the stolen blade and the governor's defense of him was not something he would ever forget and not repay. But to mount it to the title of friendship… was it the blond's loneliness or his boredom talking now?
The Celtic stepped aside, allowing Germanous to come in then closed the door tightly. Sextus peeked from behind a pillar, and his jaw dropped upon seeing the visitor but the lancer shook his head preventing him from uttering a word, so the arena's owner merely bowed and left the two men, curiosity eating his soul like maggots feasting at a fresh corpse.
"I wish to remain in this yard, but I do not think it is safe or wise."
Germanous expressed his sorrow, as he turned around checking the small yet refreshing garden. Diarmuid, holding to his red spear, comforted the jittering man:
"You can stay wherever you wish, this spear is here to protect you."
The poorly disguised blond looked at the glittering weapon but shook his head. He headed to the guest room and the Celtic followed in silence.
"Tell me Diarmuid…"
He immediately jumped to the point, wasting no time on pleasantries, just the kind of conversations the Celtic spear - man preferred and found worthy.
"What did you think of the renovations I wanted the city to be risen with?"
"I am a man of war, the only renovations I can take pride in is invading neighboring castles and clans expanding my territory."
"So you view them as worthless?"
"No."
Germanous took off his hood to study the man's expressions directly, with no veil or barrier to his eyes and he found that the latter was not joking or making fun of him.
"I invaded castles and ceased lands to protect my people and expand their wealth and provisions. You found another mean to secure the same thing for you people."
"Was I selfish in my plans?"
"Maybe hesitant."
"You are awfully honest."
Germanous chuckled to hide his nervousness, or was it his dissatisfaction with the given answers? Anyhow, the lancer's words were true and not devoid of logic or reason.
"Is this not what you came here for, governor?"
Diarmuid asked this time, noticing the man had returned to his hesitant stance and thoughts and the blond nodded with a bitter smile. He started musing at the blandly decorated wall in front of him and began talking.
"The flourishing era I wanted to bring into this tasteless desolate lands turned into a weapon of accusation aimed at me… embezzling money… opening weak points for these criminals to strike through… collaborating with them… and I crowned these charges by defending you openly in front of the whole city…"
The governor's tune held no reproach or guilt, but his eyes were lidded heavily with a remorse taking the shade of a phantom dimness across the usually bright color of his eyes. If it was not his intention to sound condescending, it felt so. For any other man addressed with the same manner, he would call these words a beguiled trap but the Celtic knight who soared once so high with vows of honesty and virtue of trust could not see them as such. Guilt ran through his heart, but did not befog his mind or crawl into his esteemed beliefs toward the man. So he merely carried the conversation with the question.
"Do you believe these accusations?"
"I believe the malice they are directed with."
"And do you regret your actions?"
This time, Diarmuid's guilt grew stronger. If it were not for his own negligence, the stolen spear incident would not have happened and the governor's stance would not have been jeopardized. That was how he viewed the matter and the man's visit, simple, true, devoid of obligations. The problem is that he did not know that the incident was rather forgotten after the morning unsightly affair, yet Germanous for some reason chose to strike at that specific string, until he strummed the perfect tune.
"I try to help these people and overlook their simplicity and vulgarities… I try to gift them a higher standard to aspire at and they mold it into a weapon to pierce me with… but I do not want to give up, Diarmuid…"
"This decision is up to you."
The blond faced the sun – kissed lancer. His words were true, whether to give up on his people or keep striving to steer them into a better state of living was his choice and fight. Both options carried more risks than benefits, for even if he were to retire, he would not be left to live safely. He had many haters and enemies, intentionally acquired or not. His existence was a threat since his birth and while he could not obtain any loyal weapon to shield him till now, he had finally found the desired blade upon which his dreams and visions would hang and be executed and protected.
"You might be a slave and me a governor… but ironically we are standing in the same boat… sinking to the same waiting sharks…"
Germanous approached the gladiator shaking his head in visible frustration, like a young deer wobbling on his new strengthened feet, walking with feigned innocence into the den of a predator, preferring the allure of swaying passions and unified goals rather than the strategy of a doomed chase .
"No, this is not right! Since we are standing at the same boat, we are equal! We have no captain or commander… we are both lost souls denied a star to guide us on our way… and surrounded by the same enemies… "
These words were a charming perfume, though hissed by a person who possessed a pair of eyes resembling those of a snake. They still took the lancer in their allure and beauty, awakening the withered petals of his heart and supporting the broken stem of his dreams and hopes. Equality, though he had never viewed himself any lesser than any strutting and noisy Roman, was robbed from him the moment he lost his battle. Restored partially by the pardon the blond had given him after his murder of a noble man, its light still shone far from him. Even if he opened the windows of his room to welcome the sun's fresh ray every morning and spent his evenings stargazing, this light did not reach him but now it was projected directly at his being by the man standing in front of him, though hooded and disguised, he still managed to shed such empowering light and close the distance between the prisoner and the hoped lost ray.
"I have no power, the soldiers would only obey Laurentius or Plinius now… but I have a splendid blade… splendid because I cannot command it but only humbly implore its aid!"
Germanous went on with his usual pleasing tone, sweetened like always with promises and hopes.
"Is equality what your dreams are about?"
Germanous was about to nod his head but he stopped at the middle of the act thinking.
This pause did not deter the Celtic lancer, it proved to the dual wielder that Germanous was making his final decision, the decision that would sway the Celtic's choice and steer his blade. A cold hand crept to the lancer's warm one, engulfing what little muscles it could in its tiny grasp.
"Equality is unknown in these lands, it might not grow all the flowers you desire to smell and enjoy… but it would be a steppingstone… paved by your blades and guided by my visions… let us bring a true justice unlike the one those lunatics are preaching… let's clear your name and mine from this profanity sullying them! "
"Then?"
"The flower you wish is yours to claim."
The flower of freedom had been planted in the soil for over a year, yet quickly and passionately started to show its smell with a simple promise and alliance.