The Leopard Vanguard (Leopard King Saga Book 1) Read online

  “My name is Yeshiva, but I beg you not to mention my name, if Scorpio learns that I complained, he might hurt me, or worse, my family. I have a wife and two children.”

  “Fear not Yeshiva, I shall be discreet.”

  “Thank you.”But when Eliana looked at him she read the doubt in his eyes. Perhaps he had been filled with empty promises before, only to experience disappointment. As she turned away from Yeshiva’s stall she swore to bring justice to all merchants.

  Seven/Septem

  Tullus couldn’t stop thinking about Eliana.

  While he was grateful to have prevented Eliana and her sister from an undesirable fate at the hands of the two forest vagrants, seeing her again brought back memories he thought he had buried. And what of Anna? He felt as if he was betraying her when he thought of Eliana. Anna was a sharp girl and she would soon figure out that something was amiss.

  He removed his sandals stretched himself out on the pallet in his tent while Celestra slept peacefully next to him. Soon Tullus’ eyelids grew heavy and he drifted off.

  “Tullus….Tullus…Tullus.” he heard someone call his name. Was it a dream or was it real? For a moment the voice sounded familiar, then, he saw Eliana’s oval face. Her ivory skin aglow, yet, her proud eyes stared at him sorrowfully. Soon the voice grew louder before it changed into another. Tullus’ eyes fluttered open. Eliana’s face disappeared; replaced by another. It was Paullus, standing over him, smiling.

  “I’m sorry to wake you Tullus, but I wanted to check up on you; when you missed breakfast, I grew concerned.”

  Tullus stretched out his sore arms and looked up at his friend. “It appears I overslept.”

  “You and Gansu have been spending much time practicing breathing techniques,” Paullus said, “and I hear you’ve been practicing the Fortis I spells.” Celestra awoke and skirted past

  Paullus’ leg.

  “It’s true, but every time I cast a spell I feel drained.”

  Paullus nodded. “You must focus on eliminating any residual negative emotions when using Elemence; and build up your vigor. But other than that how have you been?”

  “Yesterday, I saved two women in the forest from outlaws.”

  Paullus rubbed his beard. “Ohh, my, now that is disturbing.”

  Tullus slid out of his pallet and stretched again.

  “Tullus are you alright?”

  Tullus reached for a flagon of water and offered it to Paullus, who declined. He downed the contents of the flagon as stray droplets of water trickled down his chin. He wiped his mouth with his wrist and turned to face Paullus. “One of the women, she was someone I knew back in Rome.”

  “You two were close?”

  “You could say that.”

  Celestra strolled toward Paullus and he scratched the back of her neck. The Leopardess growled affectionately as Paullus worked his fingers up toward the spot between her ears. “It’s not my place to tell you how to live your life but when you first came to us you seemed troubled by your past. Now you’ve become an important part of this Troupe and the showpiece performer. Don’t you think it’s time you let go of the past Tullus?”

  Paullus’ words were wise, and Tullus wished he could adhere to his friend’s advice, but the memory of Eliana made him sigh.

  “Did this woman know it was you who saved her?”

  “No,” Tullus said. “I had my scarf on.”

  “Then perhaps it was for the best. Now, if you will excuse me. I must be off,” Paullus said, before making his way out of the tent.

  “You still plan on going to Rome alone?” Tullus followed Paullus outside, Celestra close behind him.

  “We still need new materials to repair the pavilion. Can’t have you performing in the forest for audiences, this Troupe has a reputation to maintain.”

  “Let me come with you Paullus. I lived there when I served in the Praetorian Guard. I could be of assistance.”

  Paullus smiled and placed a hand on Tullus’ shoulder. “Don’t worry about me Tullus, I’ll be fine. You seem to forget I was once a soldier, and despite my age this old dog still has a little bite left.”

  Tullus’ head was filled with cloudy images he couldn’t decipher, and he didn’t know why, maybe the Periculum spell was warning him about the future: perhaps it had something to do with Paullus’ trip.

  “There’s something not quite right about this,” Tullus insisted.

  “Tullus, I appreciate your concern but I need you here to watch over the Troupe. They now look to you as their leader when I’m not around. Besides, you must continue studying the Fortis I spells. Hradack went through a lot of trouble sending those to me. I told him about you and he has taken a great interest in your personal development.”

  Tullus scratched the back of his head and nodded. “I guess I would feel better if I was coming that’s all.”

  Paullus nodded. “There’s an old saying I once heard a long time ago. And it has helped me much throughout my life. Maybe it can help ease your nerves.”

  With outstretched wings and piercing sight the noble Griffin flies

  For a man to live a life fulfilled he must not close his eyes

  “When you figure out what that means, you’ll have taken a giant leap in understanding the word from a different perspective.”When midday arrived, Tullus watched Paullus’ cart pull out of the camp as the two large oxen driving the cart trudged toward Rome. Paullus waved at Tullus. “You would’ve made a fine Air Paladin, Tullus,” Paullus called out just before the cart disappeared from sight.

  Tullus fumed and kicked a small stone before his stomach’s growl reminded him of his hunger. He headed toward Renfrus’ kitchen to see if he could grab a bite of breakfast before beginning his breathing exercises with Gansu.

  Inside the dinning tent Renfrus was busy cleaning up when Tullus found him. He was sweating profusely, streaks of perspiration dripped down his double chin while the front of his apron was damp with sweat. He scowled when he saw Tullus and Celestra. “What is it now Tullus?” he groused.

  “I’ve come to see if I could get some breakfast.”

  “Sorry, you know my rules: if you miss breakfast you’ll have to wait until lunch.”

  Celestra growled at Renfrus, who ignored her.

  “You know how Celestra gets when she’s hungry?”

  Renfrus stopped what he was doing and stared at the Leopardess suspiciously.

  “What do you mean?”

  “She gets churlish, and when she’s churlish she’ll eat almost anything, and I mean anything–especially fat cooks who refuse to feed hungry Troupe members.”

  Renfrus stared at Celestra again, and she growled louder this time before he scurried toward the pantry and brought over a large plate of sausages, and a loaf of black bread.

  Tullus took the plate.

  “Next time, don’t be late,” Renfrus said before returning to his chores. Tullus pulled up a chair and sat down behind one of the tables while Celestra eyed the plate hungrily. He tossed her two thick sausages and she quickly devoured them. After they’d eaten their fill Tullus thanked Renfrus and headed toward Gansu’s tent. The Easterner, again in one of his meditative states, sat in the lotus position on the carpeted floor of his tent.

  As always, when he sat like this, his eyes were closed.

  “Hello Gansu,” Tullus said as a sweet smell greeted his nostrils. A small clay pot with dozens of tiny sticks protruding from it sat in front of Gansu. The ends of the sticks emitted fumes where the sweet smell emanated from.

  “One moment,” Gansu replied softly while his expression remained placid. One side of his face twitched as he muttered inaudibly in his native tongue. Finally, Gansu’s eyes opened slowly as he gazed upon his two guests. “You are late, Tullus.”

  “I know, I overslept this morning.”

  “Sit.”

  Tullus lowered himself into the lotus position across from Gansu. Celestra found a quiet corner in the tent and curled up to sleep.

  “Toda
y we learn Chinese fighting skill invented by ancient Emperor Huang Di. It is called Kung Fu.”

  “What?”

  “It is way of life in my country; or discipline as it is called.”

  “I’m not sure I follow.”

  “Stand up.”

  Tullus raised himself in front of Gansu before the Chinese man followed suit. “In body, many pressure points. These can be used against opponent.” Gansu placed his fingers behind Tullus’ ear and applied pressure. Tullus felt a sharp pain shoot through his body before Gansu retracted his fingers. The pain receded.

  “But what is the purpose of teaching me these skills Gansu? My swordsmanship has always served me well.”

  Gansu did not look impressed. “When swords are not available you must learn to rely on fists.”

  “But I’ve already learned what I need to know from my time in the Legions.”

  Gansu scoffed. “You learn to use blunt force with swordplay, and incorporating attack formations when fighting against opposing armies. But if one finds himself alone fighting many opponents, Kung Fu can help you win fight if executed properly. Easy to learn, difficult to master. Now I show you other pressure points.”

  Gansu demonstrated other areas of weakness in the human body and Tullus found himself applying the same techniques on Gansu. Sometimes he would be instructed to throw a well-placed kick behind the knee or a ribcage punch. After Gansu appeared satisfied with Tullus’ vigor during the exercises, he ended the training session.

  “No more I teach you today,” he said, before lowering himself into the lotus position again. Sensing this as his queue to leave, Tullus thanked Gansu who nodded and resumed his mumbling. Tullus left the tent feeling sore throughout his body, Celestra behind him. Outside the sun had risen in the sky and the fresh air felt good inside his lungs after time spent in Gansu’s incense-laden tent. Tullus didn’t realize how hungry he was again until his stomach rumbled. He headed toward the kitchen tent where lunch was being served. Tullus filled his plate with slabs of roasted chicken and seated himself across from Anna, who was eating a salad.

  “I still don’t see how you can eat those vegetables every day.”

  Anna laughed. “Probably not, you and Celestra are both carnivores. Besides, this food would not be to your liking…it’s too healthy.”

  “You’re probably right about that, Anna.”

  Tullus dropped a large slab of roasted chicken in front of Celestra and the Leopardess tore into the meat with fervor. “I’m a bit concerned about Paullus.”

  Anna put down her fork and looked up at Tullus. “Why? Did something happen to him?”

  “He left for Rome earlier today…alone. He was all mysterious about it. I don’t know, to me, it didn’t feel right.”

  An indifferent expression came over Anna’s face before she resumed eating. Beneath the table Tullus heard Celestra gnawing her teeth against the chicken bone.

  “Did he tell you anything about his trip?”

  “No, and I wouldn’t worry too much about it Tullus,” Anna said. She tossed Celestra a sliced tomato from her salad. The Leopardess looked at it bemusedly for a moment before returning to her chicken.

  Anna shook her head ruefully. “Tullus, you really must add vegetables to Celestra’s diet.”

  But Tullus was still thinking of Paullus. Anna picked up on this and placed her hand on Tullus’ wrist before stroking it gently. “Look, I know how much Paullus means to you but he’s old enough to take care of himself.”

  “It’s not like him to refuse company for trips.”

  “Maybe he wanted time alone with himself. Or maybe he has a woman there.”

  “Paullus?”

  “Yes, well, I hear he was quite the ladies man when he was younger…still probably is.”

  “Perhaps you’re right,” Tullus said. Anna leaned over and placed a soft kiss on his lips. “I’m glad we got together, Anna.” Tullus took her hand and kissed it.

  “Keep talking like that and you might get lucky in my tent tonight.”

  But despite Anna’s soothing words, Paullus’ absence continued to plague Tullus’ thoughts.

  {II}

  Camus Scorpio laughed at the dying man who hung before him like a strung slab of meat.

  “You’ll never get away with this Scorpio, the Collegium will hear of this.”

  Scorpio picked his teeth with a sharp dagger and spit on the floor.

  “I seriously doubt that, Milos,” Scorpio said before his bodyguard, Blackcat Barros, a large muscular Dacian with a crooked nose, whipped the helpless man. A fresh cut opened on the skin where the whip struck as beads of blood appeared on the broken skin.

  “When I inform the other members of the Collegium that you’ve been pilfering coins from our coffers, they’ll give me a medal. Blackcat, cut him.” The Dacian’s face lit up before he stuffed the whip inside his belt. He unsheathed a dagger and drew a long cut across Milos’ chest. Milos wailed in agony.

  “I’ll ask you again, where did you put the Collegium’s money?”

  “Up your mother’s cunt,” Milos said. Tears streaked down his cheeks. They flowed down his neck and merged with the bloody cut on his chest.

  “Now, Milos why did you have to insult my mother? This is between you, me and the Collegium.” Milos squirmed like a fly caught in a spider’s web, trying to break free of the ropes binding his wrists. But when Blackcat’s fists landed in his torso he ceased his struggle.

  “This grows tiresome. If you want me to kill you quickly I suggest you answer my question Milos, then, the pain will end.”

  Blackcat said: “Why didn’t I think of that earlier?”

  Scorpio grabbed Milos’ chin. “Milos, you never told me you have a son?”

  Milos jerked from side to side, and for a moment, Scorpio thought the wooden beams supporting Milos’ ropes would crack.

  “You stay away from my family, Scorpio.”

  “Tell me where the money is and I’ll spare your son.”

  A fresh set of tears appeared on Milos’ cheeks, “It’s in a brass box buried in the back yard of my home. Please…Scorpio…don’t…hurt…my…son.”

  “I’m a man of my word–the boy will die quickly, as will you.” Scorpio motioned to Blackcat, who, with one quick motion, slit Milos’ throat. Blood spurted like a fountain from Milos’ throat as garbled words sputtered from the dying man’s lips. A few moments later he was still. Scorpio shook his head and eyed Blackcat. “We must find cleaner ways to kill our enemies,” he said while gazing at the thick pool of blood at his feet. Milos’s lifeless gray eyes stared back at Scorpio like a slaughtered calf. “Now…clean up this mess.”

  Blackcat wiped his dagger on the sleeve of the Milo’s tunic. “Can I feed his corpse to Terror?”

  Scorpio nodded. “Might as well, he’d probably do a better job of cleaning up this mess.”

  Blackcat smiled and emitted a shrill whistle. Instantly a large black panther with starry eyes appeared through the doorway and padded inside the room. Blackcat pulled up a wooden stool and cut down Milos from the ropes. The corpse dropped to the stone floor while the panther licked its ivory teeth hungrily before gnawing on Milos’s face. Scorpio and Blackcat left the basement room and climbed the stone steps leading to the great hall before they took their places on a wooden bench.

  “Fetch me a cup of wine,” Scorpio ordered Marissa, who shuffled over to the table where he and Blackcat were sitting, “torture’s a thirsty business.”

  “It appears neither of us has lost our touch,” Blackcat added. “Still, with Milos gone, we’ll need a new treasurer.”

  Scorpio nodded as Marissa placed cups in front of them and poured the wine.

  “If we did, then we wouldn’t last longer than a pig’s cock in this business.” The two men chinked their cups in toast and gulped down the wine while Marissa disappeared behind the bar. Scorpio poured another cup of wine for himself and Blackcat. “When you find the money, make sure you let the other members of the Colle
gium know we’ve found it. Last thing I need is accusations that we played any part in its embezzlement.”

  “What about the boy?”

  “Send him and his mother far away, and make sure you give them adequate funds; I don’t want the boy growing up into an angry man bent on avenging his father; I have enough enemies, besides, I don’t kill women and children.”

  They finished the flagon of wine Marissa brought them and left the hall. People on the streets scurried away from them like frightened mice. Scorpio smiled. “You see that Blackcat, that’s what I like to see…respect.”

  “Looks more like fear if you ask me.”

  Scorpio grinned. “Fear, respect, same thing. So long as the merchants pay us and the people don’t give us any trouble that’s good enough for me.”

  They wandered around the Forum to pass time before Scorpio stopped dead in his tracks.

  “Well, Gods be damned,” Scorpio said. “Blackcat, go get Evol Mur and the others…and be quick about it.”

  A confounded look wrinkled Blackcat’s face. “Camus, what is it? What’s wrong?”

  “It’s the old man, he’s returned; now go find the others you fool. I’ll stay here and keep an eye on him.”

  Blackcat lumbered off while Scorpio blended in with the market crowd. How long had it been since he’d seen his old compatriot? Thirteen years? No. More like fifteen. Scorpio’s hands tightened into fists as he thought of the man who had once been his ally when they both served alongside Tacfarinas. “I’ve waited so long for this moment,” Scorpio said remembering the image of the man who had bested him. As he approached his old comrade he pondered the irony of discovering him. The image of the gold flooded Scorpio’s mind and his greed became a giant lizard that gnawed his soul. After he returned the gold to Norbanus his cut of the spoils would be enough to hire more men. Then he could dispose of the other captains and consolidate his hold on the Roman underworld. No more dues to pay the Collegium, or worries about offending one of his bloodthirsty rivals over trivial matters. When they were dead and Terror feasted on their mangled corpses, Camus Scorpio would be the undisputed king of a new criminal Empire.