Robert Newcomb: Rise of the Blood Royal

“It shall be done!” he shouted. “I speak for all of us left behind when I say that it has been a pleasure to serve with you!”

At first Vespasian could find no words. “If you wish to surrender to the katsugai, I will attach no shame to it!” he finally shouted back. “They do not kill their prisoners! I will return to this land and free those of you who live, I swear it!”

“You must go now, my liege!” the tribune shouted. “The time grows short!”

Despite the insane fighting closing in on them, for several moments the two men looked each other in the eye with the unique brand of understanding that only years of service in the legions could provide. Vespasian did not know this man, nor would he ever get the chance to do so. Even so, he would never forget this stalwart soldier who sacrificed his own life for that of his emperor.

Vespasian ran into the depths of the whirling portal and vanished.

VESPASIAN SMILED AS HE LOOKED ACROSS THE ARENA. The day would again be hot, and the two blood-red canopies had been stretched toward one another to provide shade for the multitudes that had come to take part in their emperor’s victory celebration. So as to keep the growing crowd amused, he had ordered an initial slate of killings. Blood, wrecked chariots, and dead skeens littered much of the arena floor.

Because so much Shashidan gold had been brought home to Ellistium, no expense would be spared on this celebration day. Attendance would be free, thousands of wild animals and Shashidan skeens would be slaughtered, and the food and wine would be without charge. Every seat was filled, and Vespasian had issued an unprecedented decree that the public might also stand in the aisles.

A fortnight had passed since the Battle of the Vallesis Majestatis. Many legionnaires had been killed, but many katsugai had died as well. To the tribunes’ credit, a surprising number of Vespasian’s soldiers had escaped through the azure portals before the vortices had been closed. Vespasian’s dream of taking Ryoto and killing theInkai had not been realized, but his most urgent need had been fulfilled beyond his wildest dreams.

Even now, the gold count was still being tallied, to say nothing of how busy the Imperial Mint was stamping out new coins. Soon Rustannica’s treasury would be filled to overflowing-creative ways would be needed to deal with all the money. Most important of all, the war against Shashida could be prolonged for centuries if need be.

Vespasian turned to look at his wife. Persephone had long since forgiven the way in which he had forced her to escape the battle scene. Dressed in a long red gown, she wore new jewelry of her own design that had been crafted from the stolen gold.

Lucius Marius sat beside her. Because this celebration was to be unique, he had asked Vespasian if his latest female conquest might be allowed to accompany him to the emperor’s box. His mood generous since returning home, Vespasian had approved. The woman was a lovely creature with long dark hair, and she hailed from an Ellistium krithian family of some note. The way Lucius coddled her caused Vespasian to wonder whether the legendary First Tribune had perhaps met his match.

The usual box reserved for the tribunes was full, as was the section meant for the women of the Priory of Virtue. All twelve members of thePon Q’tar had survived the battle, and they were in attendance as well. Tray after tray of sumptuous food was served by Shashidan skeens, and wine flowed without end. As he waited for the celebration to begin, Vespasian pointed toward his goblet and caused it to float into his grasp. The rich red wine had been made from the best Rustannican highland grapes, its finish sweet and strong.

On arriving home, Vespasian’s first order of business had been to call a meeting of the Suffragat, whereupon Lucius had given the war report and detailed their losses. Many legionnaires and tribunes had perished, and not one of the Bedevilers had returned. By necessity, vast amounts of supplies, food, and support troops had been left behind in Shashida.

Even so, these losses paled when compared with the amount of stolen gold that had been taken. Because the treasury had been so amply refilled, replacing the war materiel would be a simple matter. Given time, thePon Q’tar could easily conjure even larger herds of Bedevilers and other creatures. Even the loss of so many troops did not greatly concern the Suffragat, for now the empire could afford to offer large financial bonuses to entice enlistees. New blood had been needed in the legions for a long time, and at last they would have it.

Vespasian and his counselors knew that the campaign losses should not be publicized; therefore they would be made up a little at a time so as not to arouse suspicion. The Suffragat’s usual report to the citizenry had been censored even more heavily than usual, and it contained only the details of a great Rustannican victory and the taking of much gold. Because the treasury was so full, Vespasian also announced that taxes would be lowered, especially on the trading of slaves. The mood in the country was joyful, and any hint of rebellion had vanished.

Even so, as Vespasian waited for the celebratory portion of the day to begin, concerns still plagued him. On returning home, the Oracle had informed Gracchus of Shailiha’s victory over Khristos, and he had told the Suffragat. When compared to the threat that Shashida continually presented, the world’s other side remained a relatively minor concern. Even so, the reigningJin’Saiou would have to be dealt with in some way.

Most worrisome of all, theJin’Sai had reached Shashida and he too now commanded forestallments banned by the Borderlands Treaty. Vespasian had destroyed the Shashidan barge from which theJin’Sai had thundered down azure meteors, but as Vespasian’s chariot had overturned he had not been able to determine whether Tristan had been killed. Sitting back in his marble throne, Vespasian pursed his lips, thinking.

In a strange way it didn’t matter whether he knew theJin’Sai ’s fate, he realized. If Tristan died during the battle of the Vallesis Majestatis, so be it. If not, Vespasian would soon know, for only he and theJin’Sai commanded such awesome gifts of the craft, and they would surely meet again.

Just then, legionary buglers and drummers entered the arena through the Gates of Life and the crowd stood and cheered. On a signal from Vespasian, the one-eyed Games Master quickly swiveled a new sign that had recently been crafted from stolen Shashidan gold.

On seeing the order, hand-picked centurions stationed on the arena floor quickly exited through the Gates of Life. When they returned, at first the amazed spectators gasped, then they cheered as never before when they saw what the centurions carried. From the woven baskets lying in their arms, the centurions began throwing newly minted sesterces-complete with Vespasian’s likeness-into the surging crowds.

Smiling, Gracchus Junius sat back in his chair and took another sip of wine. Seated by his side, Benedik Pryam leaned closer.

“You were right,” Benedik said quietly.

“I usually am,” Gracchus answered. “But even I do not know to which of my recent accomplishments you refer.”

“I speak of our young charge, of course,” Benedik answered, tilting his head in Vespasian’s direction. “He truly knows what Ellistium is. It’s the mob, pure and simple. His decrees to lower taxes and to throw money into the crowd are master strokes. They are sure to love him as never before.”

Rubbing his chin, Benedik scowled. “Even so, it seems that in some ways we are right back where we started.”

Gracchus laughed. “If that is what you believe, then you are as blind as you are foolish,” he replied. “Aside from the total destruction of Shashida, we have gained all that we could have hoped for. Our treasury is bursting, and the mood of the populace has again swung in our favor. Rustannica’s ability to finance her war against the Vigors has never been so robust. Our emperor has accepted his immense gifts and he has proven that he is willing to use them. Even better, he believes that his terrors have been forever banished.”