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

  “The Tribune forced me to, Camus,” the fat man howled, waking a nearby man who lifted his head and grumbled before returning to sleep.

  A line of blood streaked down the fat man’s neck and stained the neckline of his tunic. He excused himself and disappeared from the hall room.

  “What are you doing here at this hour?” Scorpio asked. A bar wench came over with two glasses of wine which Norbanus declined. Wine slows the reflexes, but that didn’t stop my dear father from abusing it.

  “We have business to discuss.”

  Scorpio downed the cup of wine and wiped his mouth with the back of his wrist. “At this hour?”

  “You know I’m a respectable public figure. I cannot be seen loitering around the likes of you. What would my superiors say?” He tossed Scorpio a scroll with his wax seal affixed to it.

  “What’s this?” Scorpio asked, scornfully eying the scroll.

  “That is a list of requirements I will need from you.”

  Scorpio broke open the seal and read the parchment. He let out a howl of laugher and looked up at Norbanus. “You can’t possibly be serious. I have a business to run. Most of these demands are ridiculous.”

  “Our new Emperor has made it clear that he wants less crime in the city. Try and keep your dogs leashed for once, Camus, and make sure not to dump the dead bodies of your enemies into the Tiber River–it’s bad for public morale.”

  Scorpio rolled up the scroll and stuffed it into his tunic before shaking his head in disgust. “Next you’ll be asking me to feed all the street beggars.”

  “It wouldn’t hurt. It might even improve your image. But there’s another matter to discuss. Have you found the old man yet?”

  Scorpio eyed Norbanus suspiciously. “My man Evol Mur is looking into it. Trust me, I want him found as much as you do. I have an old debt to settle with that shitworm.”

  “Don’t forget how much this means to me,” Norbanus said, knowing that Scorpio didn’t give a dog’s fart about his troubles.

  “If I do locate it, I’m inclined to seize all of the gold for myself,” Scorpio replied.

  Norbanus’ scowl darkened his handsome features. “You will do no such thing. My uncle died for it, not to mention the other Gods-cursed item hidden beneath it. Its return to the Empire will cleanse the stain from my family’s name when I present it to Caligula.”

  “But I’m the one who found it, Norbanus,” Scorpio said.

  “You mean you’re the one who stole it: during your traitorous sojourn serving as Tacfarinas’ lieutenant.”

  Scorpio laughed again. “And now the nephew of the great Decrius is collaborating with one of Tacfarinas’ men. Tell me, what does that make you my dear Tribune?”

  “Do not mistake our alliance for friendship; it is a marriage of convenience…for both of us.”

  “I wonder what your poor uncle’s soul would think if he knew you were collaborating with me?”

  Norbanus clenched his fists. “Do not test my patience Scorpio, we both have much to lose if this cache isn’t recovered.”

  “Since I’m risking my livelihood to find it– plus the other item–I believe that entitles me to additional compensation.”

  Norbanus scowled. “Very well, if and when you find the old man and learn where he’s hiding it you and your men shall receive a bonus of say…500,000 aurei?”

  “Lets drink to it, Norbanus,” Scorpio said, handing the Tribune a goblet while the bar wench poured each of them wine. Even though he despised alcohol, Norbanus took a conciliatory sip while Scorpio downed his wine in one gulp. “Is there any other business we need to discuss while you’re here?”

  Norbanus smiled at the wench and eyed the curvature of her large breasts. “Yes, I will be requiring a woman for the night and I think this girl here will do nicely.”

  {III}

  Camus Scorpio hated politicians. Tribune Norbanus would collaborate with him, order him around and fuck his women; but when it came to loyalty, Norbanus possessed none. Of course they were allies, but as Norbanus stated it was a ‘marriage of convenience.’ Scorpio wondered if Norbanus possessed one shred of probity—collaborating with men who had contributed to the disgrace of his uncle, Decrius. Many years ago, after his career in the Skull Order had come to an end, Scorpio found himself serving under Tacfarinas as one of his lieutenants: successfully campaigning against Roman forts across North Africa. Throughout the years the gold was always on his mind, especially since the day when his attempt to steal it had been foiled by Tacfarinas’s first officer. Camus still remembered his betrayer’s face: it was a face that had cost him great riches. After his failed attempt at stealing the gold, Scorpio and his confederates had been cast out, all because of that cursed First officer. Later, Tacfarinas had entrusted the gold to this First officer for safekeeping. This occurred shortly before Tacfarinas himself had been captured and executed by the Roman army. Afterwards, the First officer and the gold had conveniently disappeared into the dessert. After Norbanus had bedded Marissa he had left before the first rays of dawn cast thin streaks of light through the hall’s windows. A serving girl brought Scorpio his breakfast. He tore into the food with fervor. The warm bread tasted good and he munched on a sour apple before washing it all down with a cup of mulled wine. Scorpio stared at the yellow banner of his gang which hung from the landing. Upon it, his crest: a poised black scorpion above two crossed spears. Beneath the banner hung his old skull mask, the one he wore when he served as an assassin in the now-defunct Skull Order.

  “I hear the great Tribune paid us a visit last night,” Evol Mur said. He seated himself across from Scorpio.

  “Did Marissa’s screaming wake you as well? He fucked her hard enough.”

  Another serving girl brought them more bread. “What did he want this time?”

  “He came to discuss rules Caligula wants enacted.”

  Evol Mur cursed under his breath. “Norbanus thinks he’s better than us because he wears fancy togas and hides behind his title, but he’s more like us than he cares to admit.”

  Scorpio nodded. “Aye, but don’t tell him that, he’d break out in hives.”

  They laughed. “Any new leads on the old man?” Evol Mur asked.

  “I have Blackcat Barros looking into it.”

  “A talented one he is, that Dacian.”

  “Aye, not only a good bodyguard but a good scout as well. We’ll find the old man and when we do we’ll have 500,000 aurei for our troubles.”

  Evol Mur’s jaw dropped. “Norbanus agreed to give us a bigger cut?”

  “Yes. He finally realized he’d never find it without our help. Stupid whorefucker, he doesn’t know how much indebted he is to us.”

  After finishing his breakfast Scorpio left the hall, flanked by his men, eager to survey his territory. Above them, the morning sky was a blood red hue dotted with slender charcoal clouds. It may rain later today. Better get started with the collections.

  “Who’s first on our collection list Evol Mur?”

  “Filius the Blacksmith: hasn’t paid his protection money in two weeks.”

  “Let’s see if we can fix that this morning.”

  They came upon a smoky forge were a lean man in a dirty blacksmith apron was welding a sword. He looked up from his work and scowled at Scorpio and his men. “I told you not to come back here Scorpio, now get out of my shop.”

  “Filius, Filius, Filius. I must say I am disappointed in you. You haven’t been paying your dues. According to my records you owe me 500 denarii. Now what am I supposed to do about that?”

  The blacksmith appeared unfazed by Scorpio’s demands. “You can piss off, that’s what

  You can do…you and your band of filthy bloodsuckers.”

  Scorpio nodded to Evol Mur who, along with the other men, charged Filius. The blacksmith swung his hammer at Evol Mur and managed to keep him at bay before the rest of Scorpio’s men overwhelmed him. Two of Scorpio’s men held Filius by the arms. The blacksmith squirmed like a fish before
Evol Mur punched him in the stomach. Filius cried out in pain before ceasing his struggle.

  “That’s better, much better,” Scorpio said. He picked up the hammer Filius had dropped during the struggle. It felt warm in his hand from the heat of the forge. “You see Filius, I don’t like it when people in my territory fail to pay their dues, it’s bad for business and like all successful businessmen I like to turn a profit. “Put his hand on the anvil,” Scorpio barked. Filius squirmed again but Scorpio pummeled him in the stomach with the hammer before his men placed Filius’ hand on the face of the anvil.

  “So you see, when people like you fail to pay me I cannot turn a profit. So that means I can’t pay my men and then they get angry. And when they get angry they can’t work, which in turn makes me angry.” Scorpio brought the hammer down on Filius’ hand. The sound of a sharp cracking noise rose from the anvil as the blacksmith cried out in pain, his swollen broken fingers now resembling soggy earthworms. Tears flowed down Filius’ face and he sobbed like a maligned child.

  “I think I like you better this way,” Scorpio said. His men grunted in agreement. “Now, the next time I see you I expect you to have my money. If you don’t, you stand to lose much more than the use of your hand. Tell me Evol Mur, does our good friend Filius here have a family?”

  “A big-tit wife and a skinny daughter I believe,” Evol Mur said.

  “I see. Well, isn’t that wonderful. How old is the girl?”

  “She’s quite young,” Evol Mur said, “but I wouldn’t mind a piece of her cunt.”

  “Did you hear that Filius? My man here would like to hump your daughter. So be warned, the next time you fail to pay me I’ll have your daughter dragged down to your shop and you’ll have the pleasure of watching her get fucked by Evol Mur.” Scorpio’s men released Filius who nursed his broken hand.

  “Gods curse you Scorpio,” Filius said as Scorpio and his men left the shop. “One day someone will rise against you.”

  Scorpio turned around and walked back into the shop. “My enemies are smarter than that.” He let out a cruel laugh and headed off.

  “What’s our next stop?” Scorpio asked.

  “Ostia Antica, we have a new batch of slaves arriving this morning.”

  “Ah, yes I can already smell the profits.”

  They arrived in Ostia Antica, which lay nestled at the mouth of the Tiber River and passed a series of rustic buildings that constituted the heart of the cityport. They made their way to the quay where various ships were docked. The port swarmed with people and Scorpio’s men pushed their way through a gaggle of street vendors before they arrived at the pier.

  “This is it,” Evol Mur said as he pointed to a docked ship named Wind Stalker. Above the ship’s masts two grey gulls squawked while a group of men and women were led down a gangplank. Their wrists and ankles bound with metal cuffs chained together to prevent them from escaping.

  “Fresh profits,” Evol Mur said.

  Scorpio greeted the captain whose breath reeked of wine. After paying the captain Scorpio’s men took charge of the slaves and led them back into the city. One of the slaves, a dark-skinned, bare-chested man rippled with muscles spoke: “Where are you taking us?”

  “Quiet! Or I’ll flog you,” said Evol Mur.

  “When will you feed us?”

  Evol Mur seized a wooden club from one of his men and slammed it into the slave’s stomach. The man collapsed, while the sound of his chains rankled Scorpio’s ears. But the slave quickly collected his composure and rose to his feet. He stared at Scorpio, eyes filled with hatred. This one is their leader, Scorpio thought. Even in chains he is dangerous.

  Evol Mur handed the club back to its owner. “You eat when we tell you to eat; you’ll shit when we tell you to shit; and, if anyone else speaks out of turn, I’ll rip out your tongues and feed it to the street rats.”

  The slaves were led to a group of metal cells surrounded by a large wooden fence located outside the quay. There an attendant in ragged clothing took charge of the slaves while Scorpio’s men unchained them and herded them into their cells. After all the slaves were behind lock and key Evol Mur spoke: “You are now the property of Camus Scorpio: your lives belong to him. If you cause trouble, it will be met with punishment. Punishment usually means you get beaten, or starved. Sometimes both.” Mur laughed. “From this point on your former lives mean nothing. Your only goal is to fetch a good profit at the slave market when we decide to sell you.”

  The dark-skinned slave grasped his cell bars and eyed Scorpio like a hungry lion. When Scorpio noticed this he pointed him out to Evol Mur. “I don’t like the way that one looks at me; have Kletus Spearthrower keep an eye on him.”

  {IV}

  Tullus awoke and dressed himself in his uniform before making his way to Norbanus’ office.

  The Tribune was not there so he asked around until a Guardsman led him toward the baths where Norbanus was soaking himself. The air inside was humid and Tullus’ undershirt stuck to his chest. He watched as a young woman handed Norbanus a towel which he wrapped around his waist after emerging from the pool. “Greetings Tullus. I must warn you that if you are here to bathe the water is quite tepid.”

  Tullus saluted Norbanus. “I must speak to you Tribune.”

  “Then, speak,” Norbanus said, while the young slave girl dried his back with another towel.

  “It is a private matter I wish to speak of.”

  Norbanus waved the slave girl away. “Now we are alone, what is it you wish to speak of?” “You once said you owed me a favor: do you recall your words?”

  Norbanus nodded. “Of course I do. How could I forget? It was right after the battle with the Parthians. You saved my life. Have you come to collect on that debt Centurion? What is it you desire Tullus? Wealth? Women? More power? Ask, and it shall be yours.”

  Tullus said: “I wish to leave the Praetorian Guard.”

  Norbanus’ face suddenly became somber. “And why do you wish this? Are you not happy serving our new Emperor?”

  “No, it’s not that sir; it’s only that all my life I have been a soldier. For over twenty years I have marched under the Eagles of Rome. I feel my time has come for retirement.”

  Norbanus stood up and rubbed his chin. “I can tell you have given this a great deal of thought, Centurion. But why now? I wish to know the reason behind this request before I grant it.”

  Why is he asking me this? Tullus thought. “I wish to get married and start a family.”

  Norbanus sniggered. Tullus didn’t like the sound of the Tribune’s response but he tried not to show his discontent.

  “So you plan on asking Senator Remus for his daughter’s hand in marriage?”

  “You know?”

  Norbanus sniggered again.

  “Everybody in the whole palace knows Tullus. Did you think that such a thing would go unnoticed? She is quite beautiful; you have good taste.”

  “Will you grant my request sir?”

  Norbanus nodded. “Very well, I can tell that Venus has cast her spell over you and that you mean to wed the Senator’s daughter. But know that once you are released from the ranks of the Praetorian Guard you may never return. Think about what you are throwing away. Many soldiers in the Empire would kill to serve in the guard; it is a coveted position of privilege and honor. You would forsake it all for a woman?”

  Not any woman, Norbanus. “I would, sir.”

  “Alright, citizen Tullus. I release you from your service to the guard.”

  “Thank you sir.” Tullus saluted Norbanus. He turned and made his way out of the bath.

  “One more thing,” Norbanus said. Tullus stopped and turned around to face Norbanus. “Remember this Tullus and never forget it: things are not always as they seem—Love, most of all.” After Tullus left the room he heard Norbanus’ laughter echoing throughout the corridor.

  The next day Tullus said his goodbyes to Titus Fabius and the other Guardsmen–who wished him well in his new life. Decimus clasped Tul
lus on the back and said: “I don’t know whether I should be sad to see you leave, or happy that you are starting a new life.”

  “Be happy for me old friend. Gods know I need all the happiness I can get these days. But I see Norbanus hasn’t wasted any time in naming my successor. Congratulations, Centurion Decimus.”

  Decimus laughed. “I guess this means I have to cut down on my drinking and whoring.”

  Tullus said: “Somebody needs to act responsible around here.”

  Tullus embraced Decimus as the other Guardsmen looked on. “Are you sure this is the life you want Tullus?”

  “I’ve never wanted anything more.”

  “I was afraid of that. Love is a strange thing Tullus, once it grabs your heart it doesn’t let go until it’s too late. Have you told Eliana about your plans?”

  Tullus shook his head. “Not yet.”

  “Before you leave I have a gift for you.” Decimus led Tullus toward the palace stables. “I know you don’t like horses,” Decimus said as they strolled through the stable, passing the stalls that contained various chargers. Some of the creatures whickered at Tullus and he wondered why Decimus had brought him here, “I thought you might need a companion to keep you company during your travels.” They left the stable and approached a fenced yard where a brown mule stood.

  They stopped in front of the mule. It looked up alertly, its large brown eyes gazing intently at Tullus. Tullus smiled at the mule and Decimus laughed.

  “I see you’ve taken a liking to Septimus. Well, he has that effect on people. He’s a kind, gentle creature. I bought him from a farmer shortly after we were stationed here.”

  “You never told me you owned a mule?”

  “Aye, once, I had a mule when I was a boy.” Decimus sighed. “That creature was my best friend. After it died, I was so sad that I longed to own another one. Sometimes, I come here when I’m feeling lonely, and talk to Septimus.”

  “You talk to a mule?”

  “Aside from you, Septimus is the only real friend I have in Rome. Now he’s yours.”