Celestia sat with soft smile adorned on her face as the Sun's shone down above her. The Solar Princess always gave off a certain glow in the Sun but it was ever the more present when simply siting in the courtyard surround by flowers and a single Cherry tree. She had a single table with a large platter to hold all her necessary Tea supplies and a simple vase for a single white Trillium. The only thing that didn't fit in this morning picture was the awkward Unicorn Stallion looking around with shifty eyes as if expecting a Guard to shoo him off.
“Dear, Fabulinus,” Celestia began for the fifth time that particular morning. “You're just fine sitting here with me considering I'll need your skill as a Scribe,” the Princess tried to reassure the Pony with a dull blue coat and grey mane.
Fabulinus, the Scribe, adjusted his thin brim glasses before replying “I understand that, Princess, and I thank you immensely for the opportunity but wouldn't you want your student Princess Sparkle to handle such an important event?” he asked with trying his best not to sound cowardly or lazy. “It's not every day a being that was alive for most of the Roman Era conflict is willing to tell everything about it. Princess Sparkle would, quite literally, be bouncing off the walls at the chance to learn more about them,”
The Princess quietly giggled at the mental image that was brought to mind of the newly appointed Princess. “To be honest, Fabulinus, I have yet to tell Twilight about this incident,” Celestia admitted before letting out a small frown. “I don't need another Princess trying to keep the Centurion locked away so he may never see light again. My dear Sister is doing quite fine on that category alone,”
“Begging my bluntness, your Majesty, but the Human did assault you and your Guards. From what I have through the grape vine, he held your life within his very hands,” Fabulinus spoke of the events as a chill went up his spine as he imagined the attack.
“He had every right to attack. When I had encased him in stone, he was in mid-battle with an Equestrian force,” Celestia defended Lucius with a cooler mind. “He did the only thing that was natural to him. He attacked any in his way as he plotted to escape the Castle which, fortunately, he did not succeed,”
The two Ponies of two different statures simply agreed in their silence as they enjoyed the warmth. It wasn't long until a Human was marched into the courtyard with both ankle and hand cuffs. Celestia watched as the human noticeably hid his eyes away from the bright Sun which made the Princess frown. Her horn glowed for only a moment as a cloud suspiciously hovered over the courtyard for overcast.
The Centurion took quick notice of it and the soft smile Celestia was now giving him. He quickly put the two together and let out a sigh before shuffling towards the table in his tunic and shackles. A single seat was set out for his Human figure so he simply sat down with his back straight.
Celestia let out a hum of satisfaction before speaking to him. “Good Morning, Lucius. I take it the bath was refreshing?”
Lucius paused for a moment before nodding his head. The shower was refreshing till the buddies of the Guards who Lucius gave a good beating too, decided revenge was in order. The Stallions were smart enough though, as they beat the Human where the Tunic would cover any bruise. The Centurion grit his teeth as his torso protested any unnecessary movement. “It was very pleasant,” he responded.
Celestia gave him a smile as she examined that there was indeed a man underneath all the filth and blood that was caked on his being from the battlefield Centuries ago. Her horn went alight as she released the locking mechanisms on both the ankle and wrist cuffs. With a hum of satisfaction she levitated the heavy shackles to a nearby guard who opened his mouth to speak until Celestia glared at him. “That will be all, Guards. I believe Centurion Lucius Maxis Vor will be a placable guest for the day, I would think,”
Lucius watched as he turned his head towards the two guards to smirk which they instantly scorned at. Theres was a heated moment as the two stared at each other with fury before the two Royal Guards saluted and retreated to the nearby hallway in a frustrated trot.
“You shouldn't tease them or your beatings will continue, Lucius,” Celestia calmly noted before pouring three cups of tea to both herself and the two guests.
Lucius sat in stunned silence before opening his mouth which Celestia calmly explained “If you were them, you'd want some tiny slice of revenge, wouldn't you?” she spoke before taking a dainty sip of her tea. The Human was speechless for a moment as he wondered if Celestia ordered the guards to beat him in the shower or not. He pushed the idea out of his mind however as he turned his gaze to the Unicorn Stallion that remained quiet.
Celestia noticed Lucius new target attention and levitated her saucer and cup back to the table. “Excuse me for not introducing him. This is a Scribe of the Royal Family that is particularly in charge of Old Rome. His name is Fabulinus,” Celestia introduced as the spoke of Unicorn bowed his head politely towards the now unpleasant Centurion.
“What authority does your parents wield to name yourself after a God?” Lucius went on the verbal attack as he pointed an accusing finger at the Stallion. “What authority does your Parents have to allow you such a high name?”
Celestia waved a hoof to Lucius that caught his attention a moment to look at the smiling Mare. “I apologize if his name disturbs you, Lucius, but he is the best Scribe and Librarian I have, short of myself when it comes to the Roman Era. He doesn't mean any offence to you or your Gods,” she tried to appease the Man and cursed herself for not remembering earlier. It already seemed like the meeting was getting off to a bad start.
“Be that as it may be, but you still dishonour the Gods by thinking yourself as so high to them by facading your name as such,” Lucius spoke before crossing his arms.
Fabulinus, who was speechless, could only open his mouth in shock before a magical assistance helped him close it. He heard the childish rumour that a Roman Era soldier had awoken from some slumber and assaulted the Princess. To think that he'd be speaking to a Roman Centurion face to face. Fabulinus coughed once to regain his posture before speaking with joy and hesitation. “I apologize to all the Gods, Lucius Maxis Vor of the Seventh Legion. I pray that Jupiter and Fabulinus will forgive both my Parents and my own transgressions,”
Lucius studied the Stallion for a moment in silence before shaking a head. “At least do a sacrifice to help appease them, for pity's sake,”
Celestia took that tone as a unsteady balance in their overall conversation. It could be better but she knew it could have been far worse by leagues and mounds. She took another sip before watching the Centurion take a sip of his cup although he was much vulgar about doing so. The Princess mearly smiled before asking one of many questions that was eating her up inside. “Where do you want to begin, Lucius?”
The Centurion finished the rest of his drink in one last gulp before letting out a small breath through the nostrils. He was a Legionnaire for over eight years. Many have fallen by Gladius, Shield, Pilum and feet; both friend and foe. He had endured betrayal, the reassurance of a true friend and the true meaning of fear. He has killed Gryphon, Pony, Human and even a Dragon. All of those tales have a start however as Lucius closed his eyes for a moment to draw out most of his memories of old.
“If you truly want to know everything then we shall start from the beginning,”
My father was a Legionnaire of the Senate and the Roman people and was immensely proud. It was one of the traits that my Mother constantly pestered me that I copied my Father so. She use to say “Lucius, my boy. You are like your father, half your heart belongs to family while the rest belongs to the Legion,”
I never fully understood until I officially donned the Centurion helmet more then a few years later in my Career. My journey however doesn't really start with training or a grand battle but with a few words my Father shook into my skull before his Legion was tasked to depart. These words would never leave my mind till the day I die. It was the words his Father gave him and his Forefather before him.
With two sturdy hands on my shoulder and strong eyes that reminded me of iron bark gazed deep into my very soul. It was some of the most tense seconds in my life as both my Father and I gazed at each other in an uneasy tension until he spoke.
“One day your very being will be judged by Jupiter, Mars and all others in the most holy of court. Don't let it slip away,” he spoke as he gave each of my shoulders a firm squeeze. “Think of me if you are ever afraid,” he finished before pulling me in and giving me a body crushing hug and a kiss on the forehead before donning his helm and leaving our villa with the rest of his Contubernium.
Celestia gave him a soft smile as she could see the only lingering smile the man adorned since being awoken from stone. She extended Lucius another refill as she spoke gently “Your Father sounds like a loving and proudful man. I bet you were swollen with pride to have such a Figure in your life,”
Lucius was quiet for a moment as she finished pouring the tea into the cup. His smile faded back into the steely blank stare he accustomed when recalling memories that seemed so ancient at times. “He was a great man. I would also have embraced him with a tight hold if I knew that was the last day I'd ever see him again,”
Celestia and Flabulinus were quiet as the statement sunk in that the story was going to be turning rather dark if his tone was one to go by.
I was in the middle of my training session when the news hit our Legion. Someone apparently overheard the messenger from the Commander's tent that the Second Legion, my Father's Legion, was attacked. I didn't know at the time but a Slave uprising from north of Roma was stiring across Rome's small Empire at the time. Villa by Villa was being stirred, Slaver camp by Slaver camp.
My Century huddled around the lad who was spreading the news and that's when he spoke of the Second Legion being over ran by surprise. An entire Legion scattered by an increasing Army of Slaves. My blood boiled at the very thought. I lost my Father because some incompetent ruling family fool underestimated his enemy.
Never before had I trained till my body was exhausted and when the General noticed that I was the only one at the hacking post practicing my thrusts late into the night was when he asked me, “Why do you still stir, lad?”
I stopped my practice for a moment to collect myself. I slammed my fist against my chest and saluted my Superior officer before saying, “With the lost of the Second Legion, I also lost my Father, Sir. Mars has charged me with a debt I need to repay to the General commanding the free Slaves. A debt I can only repay in blood,” I spat out with utter hatred and fueled anger.
The aging man stared at me along with his surrounding body guards dressed in full armour. His skin has been overcome with the signs of age but his eyes were sharp. It was the only physical trait the man still seemed to hang onto that could remind him of youth. He cleared his throat once before waving his Scribe to his side. “You are Lucius Maxis Vor from the Second Cohort, Third Century, correct?”
I nodded my head, “Yes, Sir,”
“Centurion Tassios is in his final year of service before his twenty five years is up. Your Family owns the Vineyard properties east of Roma, no? My Wife is rather fond of the taste but my tongue has long since been dulled by food in the Campaigns,” The aged man nodded to his Scribe and signed his seal on parchment moments before rolling the contents back up and tossing it to the Legionnaire. “If you can Command a Century better than your Family produces Wine than I will give you as much blood as you can handle.”
With that signed parchment sealed my fate much like the Gods will upon us. The next Morning and every day afterward was tougher than anything I experienced before. Each day was consumed with Drills, Full equipment marches and endless combat scenarios. At night, Centurion Tassios hauled me to the Cohort's Officer tent. Drills, Signal recognition, Parade Formalities and Formations were constantly reviewed and practiced.
The first time I actually took command of my Century in a fake attack drill was exhilarating. It was amazing attacking as a unit but something else entirely when I was commanding the flow and tempo. Veterans within the Century sat me down and slapped me on the back as they both congratulated and thanked me. They apparently have seen more then a few Centurions who only looked upon the Soldiers as pawns. None of the men in the Century were stupid however; men will die on both sides.
I was full of myself but it wouldn't last.
The Seventh Legion was soon at full strength and orders were passed from the Senate. The Slavers were trying to make a push to the East. It wasn't a far fetch goal that they'd turn to Equestria for support and aid. Everyone knew that the Ponies abolished Slaves and although trying to stay diplomatically neutral, often took in Slaves. It was the Seventh and Fifth Legions that were to intercept and destroy the slow moving army as they tried to move every man, woman and child, from all races, to safety.
The whole mission would have been fruitless if the massive movement of united beings didn't need to feed and take shelter for both the elderly and young. It was decided upon the fields west of the Great River.
Fabulinus halted his penmanship as he recognized the estimated date and battlefield. He flipped open a book and nodded his head solemnly as he risked a glance towards the siting Centurion. The Human was starring right back knowing full well that they were both thinking of the same Battle.
The lull in the moment caught Celestia off guard as she turned to her Scribe noticing the two that were solemnly gazing at each other in understanding. “What battle was this again, Fabulinus?” she asked curiously.
“The Slaughter of Freedom, 748 A.B.” Fabulinus spoke out as any who heard him speak lowered their head in respect.
Celestia hummed in regret fulness as the memory dawned on her conscious. She was away at the Conference of Races to discuss a Continental Peace Treaty which Rome also attended when said battle occured less then a Kilometer from the Equestrian border. “So you were there, Lucius?” Celestia asked although she could already foretell the obvious answer.
“I killed fifty two beings that battle. Fifteen human men, Eight women, Eight Mares, Eleven Stallions and ten Gryphons. To this day I thank Mars as his will that the Leader of the Slaves faced me down,”
Fabulinus mouthed the word that made Lucius practically growl, “Spartacus,”
My Century held firm as the splashing of the Great River behind us consumed most of our thought. The border between the Roman soil and Equestrian soil was but a simple river. Towers that doted Equestria's border held Pony Soldiers watching the battle along with a large Army. Lucius didn't pay any of the Ponies any head though as his objective was in front of him. The Slave Army that was ordered by Spartacus held a long line of both Cavalry and Infantry.
Our own line, with our backs to the River gave us little breathing area but also little chance to be flanked unless the Horses amongst the slaves decided to take a dip in chest high water. I didn't really know at the time but the General probably saved a lot of men that day because of his battle plan. The Seventh Legion were ordered to live up to their name as they stood their line amongst the numerically superior foe.
My blood boiled as my Century stood on the front line with the other Cohorts in reserve behind our own. The First Cohort and all of the Equites and Auxiliaries were hidden in the lush forest to our left. The only thing that I really remember was the General ordering us to hold the line. Not one step back.
I pledged my life to that order. Before me was the very Army that killed my Father and smudged my Family's Pride. I can remember licking my lips before the fight and the nervousness that stretched through the ranks knowing full well that this would be the first fight many in the ranks would be witnessed too, including myself. I didn't get much time to really maul it over in my head when the enemy advanced forwards with shouts and cries for their freedom.
I was never so happy in my life to crush so many Dreams.
“Century! Brace!” I shouted at the top of my lungs as my shield found a familiar home in front of my body. My caligae, with the studs that ran along the bottom, dug into the very soil as the man behind me sheathed his own gladius and placed his weight upon my back. The Slaves first assault crashed upon our shields like a tide of feather, fur and skin. A Mare crashed into my shield as the momentum vibrated through my arm. Never had I felt so alive when, together with the man behind me, I pushed back to send the Mare off her centre. It was at that exact moment I got my very first kill.
I stabbed my Gladius forward but not at the mare but instead to the Gryphon that was assaulting my Brother in arms to my right. My attack struck true as the tip pierced through the jugular, and like a piston my arm retreated and struck again at the exposed throat. I could see the Eagle like eyes staring back at me, terrified, as blood splatted onto my arm.
The moment ended quickly as the Mare was once again upon me as a sword was raised with her mouth for a downward strike. I could tell that the blade was chipped and more then likely dull but it wouldn't matter if it connected to skin. I raised my shield slightly as the blade connected and with practiced ease I stabbed forward with my Gladius to dig it into the Barrel of her chest. My hatred began to flow and for a moment my peripherals began to eclipse in shadow. All I concentrated on was the bastard in front of me until a shrill scream echoed forth from my right. The same man that I helped from the Gryphon fell with an axe lodged into the base of his neck.
I watched in horror as a man I trained with since entering the service of both the Senate and Roman people tried desperately to clutch his neck where the blade was imbedded. It also didn't strike me at first at that moment how exposed I was with the shield to my right was on the ground. The man who killed my Brother charged forth with a dagger now in his hands. I knew that I had only a second to react. I pushed with all my might on my shield to gain some breathing room and then concentrated on the man with the dagger.
I was shocked however as the man was clutching his gut in pain. The man was stabbed by the Legionnaire behind me and as the Slave saw his life flashing before his eyes, a Legionnaire of the Seventh slammed into him with the ball of his shield which sent him backwards.
“I've got your back, Sir!” I heard behind me as a hand was once again placed on my back to help me brace.
I shook my head and focused once more on the situation at hand. After blocking another clumsy swing of what looked to be a simple human women who looks like she had the hands of a weaver rather than fighter, I put the whistle to my lips and blew hard once. “Century! Rank Rotation!” I shouted before pausing to let the cautionary command sink in. “Rotate!”
I watched with pride as the front rank pulled their shields back so the man behind them could push forward. All except myself knowing full well what would happen if they would see my helm retreat behind our lines. I would rather die by the hands of my enemy then live the life of a coward.
“What about their leader Spartacus?” Fabulinus asked as he leaned forward, completely entranced by the story thus far. He had filled pages full of info and personal thoughts as his tea had long since went cold.
Celestia smirked at the Stallion but soon refocused her attention on the Man. Before her was a man openly admitting to not only enjoying in his combat confrontation with an Army of Slaves but that Vengeance was the only way to calm his Father's spirit and Family's honour. She knew it wasn't far fetched as Roman standards for the time period and culture but if Lucius were to walk upon the streets today? Celestia knew the acclimatization to the culture of Equestria today would be difficult for him.
She continued her caring gaze at the Centurion who was avidly watching the ripples within his tea cup. He didn't stir for a moment until she reached out an placed a gentle hoof onto his arm that made him flinch. Was he that clear conscious about the battle or was there a scar deeper than he previously didn't let on? “You can stop if you wish, Lucius,” Celestia offered in an attempt to comfort her precious guest.
“No,” Lucius shook his head at the offer before holding his cup in front of him. “This was where the battle really gained it's notorious name,” Lucius spoke as he tipped the dark liquid onto the grass before him.
The battle carried on and it was obvious that the Seventh was getting overran. Many Slaves fell but Legionnaires that were holding the line were getting tired. My arms were weak themselves as I could remember the horn blast that warmed my spirit. A thunderous scream echoed from a far off existence I had forgotten even existed. The First Cohort charged with Pilas showering most of the surprised Slaves before them. The Equites atop of their steeds raced along the outer perimeter as any hesitant Slave was trampled to death.
It was a welcome addition as a shower of arrows rained down on the masses but just in case, I ordered my rear ranks into a loose Testudo. It was evident that the archers were aiming for the Slave masses but it only took one lazy archer to place an arrow into a friendly; something not uncommon.
What really saved the Seventh however was the delayed assault of the Fifth but my concern was on one sole man. He was surrounded by what seemed to be skilled veterans, no doubt Gladiators. A rock that was thrown at our ranks collided with my shoulder plates but I ignored the dent and mild pain as my sight caught on the approaching target.
Spartacus stood tall and handsome by Human standards which was probably part of the reason his Charismatic aptitude collected so many to his cause. He was armed with a rounded wooden shield and a Gladius which was obviously looted from previous battles. For all I knew, he was carrying my Father's very own blade. My blood that was calmed down after the initial contact with the Slaves began to quickly boil. My grip on my sword quickly tightened as my knuckles whitened.
Spartacus saw me and more than likely my Helm which bore the red hair that symbolized me as my Century's Centurion. I knew in an instant that I was his target and nothing excited me more as my Father's words echoed in my head. My vengeance was at hand.
His first strike was harsh as his shield battered against mine and even though I was starting to tire, it remained stoic in it's defence. Again Spartacus shouted as he slammed his shield with mine but my strength was starting to give as both myself and the man behind me groaned to keep me up right. The Slave General knew he gained the upper hand and I knew that everything needed to be settled quickly before my strength would fail. I couldn't fail before my men, my Legion and before my Father.
I waited as Spartacus came in to strike high and I pounced to thrust forth towards his abdomen. This however was fruitless as Spartacus was obviously used to normal Legionnaire style fighting. He had already relocated to his right and threw his shield over mine and pulled me forward.
I remember the feeling of everything crashing around me. The blue sky above teasing me with it's calm demeanour while the surrounding field reeked of blood, urine and death. All of this was halted as Spartacus raised his Gladius to strike down at me. The Veteran that was bracing me moments before lurched forward, yelling but it would have been too late. It was then that my Father truly entered my mind but not as a Soldier filled with pride but a man who loves his Son beyond anything else. The terror that held me moments ago fled as Spartacus thrust his blade with all of his weight behind it.
Spartacus' blade pierced through my armour plates and eagerly dug through my right shoulder. He wasn't smiling though as we both stood there for a moment as all pained washed over me much like Spartacus' blood on my face. My Gladius pierced through his throat and began to spill it's content on my face like a shower of death. I remember smiling like a fool moments before passing out.
The courtyard was quiet as the party of three let the story sink in. Lucius was quiet but unlike the mood his story had put him as, he was doing anything but smiling. He had been twirling the cup in his hands before settling it back upon the saucer on the table.
Celestia was quiet for a moment as she watched the man worriedly as his silence washed over her thought. The wound that was inflicted upon him obviously wasn't fatal but at the same time he described himself as glad or passionate about his deed of Vengeance. This was his first year in the Seventh Legion: Invictus and already he had one of the bloodiest battles in history under his belt. It was still eight years before the Equestrian and Roman conflict. So many questions ran through her head but one had to be voiced. “Fabulinus, why was the battle named 'The Slaughter of Freedom'?” the Princess asked although she remembered most of the deeds.
The Scribe Stallion coughed once as he regained focus on the situation at hand. It caught him off guard that he had just heard first hoof about the demise of the famous Freedom Fighter, Spartacus. If he had shown his likeness to Spartacus, he was sure Lucius would have his fist down the poor Stallion's throat and yanking out his tongue. Pushing his spectacles up he recalled the battle from all the text books, “The Equestrian General witnessed the battle as the greatest waste of life he had ever seen. After the fall of Spartacus, the Army was further doomed as the purposefully delayed Fifth Legion completely surrounded what was left of the Free Slaves.
“Some fought to the death while others simply gave up. Spartacus' head was shown to every single Man, Woman, Mare, Stallion and Gryphon to show that their leader was no longer going to lead them to foolish freedom. What was left of the slaves,” Fabulinus paused a moment to plan his next words carefully, “What was left of the slaves were crucified from the Equestrian border all the way back to the gates of Roma. A total of Six thousand slaves crucified to remind any slave against such action in the future,” the Unicorn finished with a long sigh.
The quiet between the three was tense before Lucius rose which caused the guards who were waiting along the outside perimeter to close in, hoofs on weapons. The Centurion made no attempt at an assault or any movement as he gazed to Celestia. “So what is your judgement, Princess?” he asked waiting for an honest disgusting look for his actions.
Celestia never did any such action but instead rose to close the distance between them. Her pose was so close that they felt each others breath, their gazes fixed on the other much like the battle that doomed Lucius' Legion. She spoke softly as she searched the Centurion's eyes for fault or trickery, “Did you feel glad or fulfillment when you killed those Slaves?”
Lucius refused to give her any ground as he gave himself pause only for a moment to look at her again. “I avenged my Father and his Legion. I won a battle against Rome's enemy in front of Mars and Jupiter's eyes,” Lucius spoke confidently. “I would relive that same memory again and again not changing a single thing,”
Celestia didn't break her gaze as his answer ran through her mind but she wasn't satisfied. “But how did you feel? How did you feel when you stabbed that Mare? Or that Gryphon? How did you feel when Spartacus fell by your hands?”
“Good,” Lucius answered instantaneously. “I felt alive. I wanted nothing more than my Century to crush our enemies into the riverbed,” he answered without smiling or flinching, without shifting his gaze or profuse sweating. He was serious as the Sun was hot and the Moon was cold.
Celestia was quiet for a moment before softening her gaze. She knew then and there that she was talking to a sane man. Lucius may have been in a dangerous and psychotic event but he was also grounded. He held his virtues true and looked over his Men within the Century. Many of this day and age would be appalled at the Professional Soldier but Centuries of peace would do that to Nations and its populace that didn't know of war. “It takes a killer to know a killer,” Celestia murmured quietly so only Lucius could hear her.
Lucius only nodded his head at the increasingly awkward position the Princess was pressing in his personal space.
“You are welcome to stay in the Gardens, under watch of course, until Dinner is ready. You are invited to eat with both my Sister and I, along with Fabulinus as well,” Celestia invited the man without retreating from their close positioning.
“I decline,” Lucius quickly answered moments before thinking that the Princess was very subtly, sniffing him? He shook his head to both rid the thoughts and the invitation.
“Oh, my mistake, Lucius Maxis Vor,” Celestia giggled as she leaned in further. “I'm ordering you to join us for Dinner,” she beamed before retreating back with a sway to her pillow. Humming she levitated another cup of tea to her lips almost ignoring the odd expression on both Unicorn and Human.