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Chapter 8 - Paulus
I
His sides throbbed. Walking hurt. Everything was pain. Aemilia had done fine work, but nothing could prevent the agony from the injuries he suffered. In reality, he knew he was lucky to be alive. Only time would allow his flesh to mend and the torment to end. For a moment, he relived the hot iron Aemilia used to seal his flesh and shivered at the phantom feeling it caused in his sides. The smell, the taste in the air, it made his stomach turn. At any other time, he would have been bed ridden. This was not any other time. Survival forced his legs forward and kept the suffering at bay.
“How are you doing?” Aemilia asked as they reach the main road.
Paulus glanced over his shoulder one last time and felt remorse cut through him. Somehow, he knew they would never return. They were abandoning the farm and his heart sank. He swallowed hard, to fight the knot in his chest and met his wife’s eyes.
“Sore,” He forced a smiled in an effort to reassure her, “The walk will loosen me up.”
Aemilia smiled back, but it held the same warmth as his own. She adjusted her pack and strode onto the road. Paulus kept pace and refused to look back again, even though it ate at him to do so and made his neck stiff as if it needed to be cracked.
There was not much to say after a neighbour transformed into a monster and attempted slaughter everyone around it, so they did not speak for some time. One foot after the other in a steady rhythm was the only thought and action.
The sun was muted by a grey haze, but the heat felt amplified. After a while, Paulus smelled smoke on the air and as they crested a low hill, the source plain to see. A farmhouse, distant but visible on the horizon, bellowed smoke into the air. The trees near it had also taken flame, creating a smoke funnel that rose far into the sky before it spread and thinned to obscure light.
In the smog-filled distanced, at least three other columns rose. Paulus’s heart sank. He wondered if others suffered the same fate. His head was starting to become light due to the smoke and he was unsure which, but he knew one house was Bantius’s. Are there others like Bantius? He thought to himself. Selfishly, he was glad their journey would take them in another direction than the burning structures.
“What is going on?” Aemilia whispered. Shock laced her voice and there was no forthcoming answer to her question.
“We should keep moving,” Paulus said, “We’ll need to find somewhere to shelter for the night. I doubt I can make the full journey to Lavici without rest.”
Aemilia swallowed and pulled her eyes away from the devastated land, “There is the river cove?”
Paulus nodded in agreement and took one last look at the distant smoke trails, “Probably the only place we’ll be able to find shelter that’s nearby.”
He took the lead and focused on his feet to keep the hurt at bay. It did not work as intended. As they reached the hill’s base, he stopped to take a deep breath that sent pained slivers across his nerves. He hoped he had enough strength to reach the river.
Their pace was slow, but steady. Grey light began to turn into a deep blue and purple haze in the sky. Feint water burbling sounded in the distance and hope pushed them forward. The noise grew louder and steadier with each step. Fresh water aromas hit them like a wave, as if there were a wall against the carbon filled air.
After cresting a small bluff, the river sawed through the landscape with dazzling power. Paulus knew it as the Gracus. He did not know what fed it - likely the glaciers beyond the Northern Mountains - but what he did know is that it fed into the powerful Tiber River and flowed to the Capital, Carthirose. The Gracus was not large enough to carry the massive ships that the Tiber was able too, but smaller scale skiffs and fishing boats patrolled the river’s calmer waters regularly.
The cove was not hard to find. Its calm waters were clear and small fish glided about without care or worry. Beyond the sheltering rocks at the cove’s inlet, the Gracus raged in sharp contrast to the serine pool. The rapids drowned out the world with dull harsh noise and filled the air with mist.
Carefully, Paulus ease down the steep embankment onto the sandy shore along the water's edge. He winced as he slid the last few inches and had to brace himself from falling by holding a tree’s exposed root. Aemilia landed beside him, with a graceful softness and gave a reassuring hand to ensure his balance was okay. A smile lifted his lips and she returned it.
“Remember when we used to sneak out at night and meet here?” Paulus asked.
Aemilia’s smile broadened, “I don’t think you are in the right condition for that.”
“I am trying to remember something good,” Paulus said.
“Let’s get you settled in the cave,” Aemilia suggested, “Then we can enjoy those fond memories.”
Paulus did not argue. His legs wobbled. Exhaustion made his eyes heavy, and his mind was beginning to fog. The cave could hardly be called thus. It was little more than an impression in the embankment and could not claim to be a robust shelter. However, it was deep enough from them to fully seclude themselves within. There was nowhere else to go, and this was better than being in the open.
Aemilia pulled a half-crushed bread loaf from her back and tore off two chunks before returning the remainder. She handed Paulus the bigger piece and took a small nibble from her own. There was not much to say, so they sat in silence and ate.
II
The scream returned with more tenacity and all sleep left his eyes. It was closer, as if it were inside their natural shelter. He sucked in his breath and stifled a whimper in his throat. Rocks overhead screeched. The scratching noise was familiar to him; his mother used to run her nails across a marble cutting board to silence him when he was young. He imagined the Bantius-thing’s talons scraping and lacerating the stones above. Dust and dirt descended from the small cave’s ceiling with each clawing noise. With an inevitable slowness, the small screeches walked step by slow step towards the cave’s entrance. Sweat poured from Paulus’s forehead as panic took hold. This is the end, he thought, and his chest hurt from the stress.
The footfalls stopped. Again, the night was silent for an uncomfortable time, which seemed to last forever. His breath refused to come, and he felt like he was drowning. He waited for the Bantius-thing to rear its hideous face into the cave’s mouth and leap at him with its impossibly long fangs.
He looked at Aemilia, who was nestled beside him and slept soundly. Her face was beyond peaceful. He smiled - despite the fear - appreciating that her perfect beauty would be his last vision in life.
Whatever was above had a heavy breath and its wet maw was audible as it licked its lips. Paulus wanted to see it, to know if it was his doom, and wholly did not at the same time. A low rumble, like a wolf’s growl emanated from the thing. He did not know if it was his imagination or otherwise, but he swore he saw long fingers with dagger-like talon’s dig into the ceiling’s edge at the opening. He imagined the thing arching its back and rearing its head at the full moon as it called out, in a horrific cry. Others joined the chorus, and new fears twisted his guts. Bantius was not the only one...
The cave’s roof rumbled as whatever it was took off, in a sprint - back the way it came. Once again, the night grew silent, this time for good. Not even the crickets sang and the water from the nearby river seemed to still. He looked at Aemilia and smiled, despite the chill at his very core as his heart slowed back to its normal beat. She fidgeted slightly in his arms. Paulus was always amazed by her ability to sleep through everything and anything. For once, he was thankful she was not snoring.
Sunlight spread across the cove. It was picturesque in its beauty. Paulus looked out from the cave and enjoyed the scene’s serenity, despite his body being a dull pain and almost unmovable due to the stiffness in his muscles and joints. Aemilia was just beginning to stir as the sun crept in. He kept his arms lightly around her as her eyes flickered open. She smiled and pressed against his chest.
“Good morning, my love,” Paulus said.
“Good morning, love,” Aemilia replied through a yawn.
“We should get moving soon,” he said, “The sun has been up for about an hour.”
“Please, a little longer?”
He smiled and ignored the urgency he felt in his soul to get away. The day could wait. Taking a moment to be with each other, after all that transpired, was more important than getting a few extra yards down the road. Lavici was close and they would easily make it before nightfall if he could keep a steady pace for a few hours.
Hunger caused them to finally stir. Aemilia produced more bread, and they ate slowly, unwilling to leave their embrace. After they finished, reality took hold and Aemilia pulled away. Paulus wanted to protest but the urgency returned to get away, and he winced as he pushed to his feet. A night on rocks had not been kind to his wounded body. He was beyond sore and had to force his limbs to move with conscious thought. After he took a moment to take in the sun’s position, he was relieved that it was still a few hours from its zenith. Their journey would not be as rushed as he thought.
Aemilia filled their water skins in the cove, while Paulus spent his bladder on the tangled roots outside the cave. They gathered their belongings and Paulus felt bad that Aemilia hefted weight without aid. With some help, he managed to climb the embankment, and after he caught his breath, they moved on, back towards the road.
The road was quiet. Silence stretched as if even the prairie animals refused to stir. Not even insects swam through the wet morning air. As Paulus took in the land, he noticed the grass had lost its luster and was beginning to yellow and grey at the tips. Leaves on the few trees that broke up the hilled expanse shared a similar sickly appearance as the grass. It was very unusual to see such a decayed state in the foliage so early in the summer, and he wondered what the cause was.
They passed a large leafless frightening behemoth, who’s branches were swarmed with crows. The black birds watched them pass with soulless dark eyes. A few made catcalls and cried in high pitched squawks.
“I hate those things,” Aemilia whispered, as if afraid they would understand.
“We should keep moving,” Paulus said, “They ignore us.”
More distance passed and just as Paulus noticed the sickly land, he found that not all was dying or tainted. As they got closer to Lavici the land seemed to improve. There were only bright green grass blades. However, the crows did not. They gathered on every tree that lined the road and their cackles. Paulus had the impression that they were taunting him. He knew it was his imagination but could not shake the feeling.
Rancid death pushed away the still air, overpowering the feint carbon. Its smell was worse than the dung Paulus used to nourish his fields in the spring. Large bloated black flies swam lazily through the air and had to be swatted away as they gathered into clouds. After a few more steps, the source became apparent. He almost did not recognize the body at once but was not spared that mercy that came from realization. His heart shattered and he cried out, which caused the crows to stir from their tree roosts.
“Argento...” He whimpered and fell to his knees. The horse was torn apart. Portions were missing and other parts were splayed across the ditch in a wide arc. Blood spattered the grass in wide jetting streams and ended with Argento’s detached head a few yards from the rest.
“By the gods...” Aemilia rasped as tears welled in her eyes.
Lavici lacked the vibrance it had during their last visit. It was as if the stones had aged a hundred years and became grey from weather wear. People milled towards the town in a loose herd. Many looked pale and others bore wounds. Carts burdened with personal belongings and family members, young and old, bobbled on the road’s cobblestones at a trickling pace, while those on foot shuffled forward only slightly faster. Everyone’s head was bowed, and their clothing looked battered from travel.
“I guess we aren’t the only ones,” Aemilia commented.
Paulus nodded but could not bring himself to speak. His mind’s eye was transfixed with Argento’s mutilated visage as if the decapitated head were seared into his eyelids. Tears refused to come to wash the image away; he had already spent enough to make his eyes swell.
As they approached the gates, a bottleneck formed, and bodies pressed together. Paulus felt the same claustrophobic discomfort he had felt during their last visit to the town. At the same time, this was completely different. It was the people’s mood, he decided. He could feel the sour emotions upon the air and taste it from the scents from those nearby. Instinctively, he gripped Aemilia’s hand to prevent any separation in the crowd.
Guards at the gates called for order repeatedly and the crowd did not object in their slow churn into the town. Paulus felt as if they were being herded. Anger flared in his chest. His blood heated. He could not explain why. Maybe it was the grief for Argento, maybe it was crowd, or maybe it was that he and Aemilia were displaced from their home, then forced to endure this discomfort. No matter the cause, he wanted to lash out. It took a significant effort to hold the feeling at bay; luckily, it eased as they crossed Lavici’s threshold and were afforded a little more space, because the guards spread the people evenly across the square to keep the order.
“Please!” A guard amongst the crowd cried, “Do not push! We must remain civil until accommodations can be made!”
More guards made their way to the yelling one, and Paulus felt a wave from the crowd, as whatever disturbance the guards sought to hold shifted the herd. With a sigh, Paulus did his best to let the remaining anger go. It helped that his body was so battered. Being mad stole the energy he needed to stand and move, while his body sought to heal.
“So many...” Aemilia said.
There were far more gathered in the crowd than gathered outside the town’s gates. Paulus felt fortunate to get in, with how full the square was becoming. The rural folk were quickly overcoming the town's ability to accommodate. Paulus prayed to the gods that they would not be sent back out, to whatever fate or ends that could meet them beyond the walls.
“The bastard bit me!” A guard cried from within the shifting disturbance. Paulus could not see the interaction and was too tired to worry about it. The crowd continued to shift against the commotion and the pressed bodies caused him into a stumble. Pain shot through his nerves as he used to much force to remain standing. He was forced to put his weight on Aemilia, and it was as if what little strength he had was sucked from him. She held onto him with effort but managed to keep him upright, after a whimper.
“Chain him!” One newly arrived guard cried at the commotion.
“Everyone remain calm!” A burley guard right beside Aemilia screamed with a lion’s roar. Paulus had not noticed the burley guard before but was thankful to be near someone with authority. His thick beard and wax pointed mustache stretch beyond the t-shaped opening in his helm. The simple armour on his chest, shoulders, and forearms glistened in the smoke muted sunlight. It did little to hide his bulk and only added to it.
“Sergeant!” A female’s voice cut through the crowd noise, like a warm knife through butter.
The burley guard turned and saluted. Paulus caught the stress in the guard’s features, and his eyes drifted to approaching woman. Although slight in stature, she had a commanding aura about her. The crowd seemed to naturally melt away from her, creating a channel for her and her entourage. Her armour was far more complete than the burley guard’s but was not ostentatious and looked as if functionality was its primary design consideration.
“Captain,” The burley guard stammered and saluted.
The woman stopped and met the burley guard’s eyes with ease, despite being more than a head shorter. It was as if she were a foot taller than the bearded man. Her hard eyes were cold with unflinching authority and the tight muscles in her face were imposing to a degree that seemed impossible for such a slight woman. Paulus was reminded of his mother, when he and his brother accidentally broke something while they played as young boys. He guessed the burley guard felt the same by how he sucked in his gut and straightened his posture.
“We need to stop the flow and bring order those who have already entered,” The woman said, “The healthy and those who can walk must be brought in and given rooms in the halls or apartments where there is space. The sick and severely wounded must remain here in the courtyard. We will build tents to keep them once we disperse the crowd.”
“Understood mum,” The burley guard sergeant said.
“Maintain order, Sergeant,” The woman said, “Two escorts per group.”
“By your will Captain,” The burley sergeant saluted again.
The woman returned the salute and pressed on. She gave a stiff but not unkind nod to Aemilia as she passed and placed a hand on Paulus’s shoulder. Her piercing eyes twitched up and down and her lips grew tight. “Sergeant,” The woman called over her shoulder, “Put these two in the first group, this one is pretty bad, and I want him cared for before he is unable to walk.”
“Thank you,” Aemilia whimpered as a tear rolled down her face’s contours.
“You are safe now,” The woman said, “We’ll find what caused this.”
Before anything else could be said, a commotion outside the gates caused the woman to turn her attention away. She marched into the crowd with an arrow’s surety.
“Alright you two,” The burley guard announced, “Move this way. You can join the first group about to leave the square. We don’t have much space for everyone, but you’ll have a small room to yourselves.”
“Thank you, Sergeant,” Aemilia smiled as warmly as she could muster.
“My pleasure, ma’am,” the burley Sergeant returned the smile.
“My I ask your name sir?” She asked.
“Dexsius ma’am.”
Aemilia nodded, “I’ll remember the name, thank you Dexsius.”
He smiled with real warmth, “We’ll do our best for you all. Please, join the group, least you be left behind.”
“Goodbye for now, Sergeant.”
Paulus let Aemilia lead and struggled to find any strength. His feet dragged with each step and his knees sought to buckle. The journey had taken more from him than he thought. His sides felt wet, and it wondered if the wounds had reopened even though they had been cauterized.
Lavici’s streets seemed abandoned. Only sickly, hairless rats roamed the alleys and gutters. Paulus did not like their look. It was as if their albino red eyes glowed in the shadows, but he was sure that was just his imagination. The thick black veins throbbing beneath their pale skin was equally disturbing and they hissed like cats at any in the group who strayed near. A particularly fat rat crawled towards group and Paulus could have sworn it was trying to bite his ankles.
“Watch those damn things,” A guard said and kicked the rat aside with is armoured boot, “They have gotten vicious recently. Especially the hairless ones.”
Paulus watched the rodent spiral through the air a short distance and his neck tightened in irritation when it landed and squealed from its back. He said weakly, “They look wrong.”
The guard nodded, “Something has gotten into them. The healers think rabies. Don’t want to get bit, that’s for sure.”
Before Paulus could reply, the guard at the procession’s front called out, “Uulius, did you get drafted for the patrol?”
The guard who kicked the rat, who Paulus assumed was Uulius, called back, “Yeah I drew the short straw.” Uulius gave a quick chin tilt, signaling their conversation was over and raced up to the other guard.
“Unlucky bastard.”
“I am guessing you won’t be joining us, Mettius?” Uulius asked.
“By the gods no!” Mettius laughed, “I am going to enjoy a hearty meal and warm bed while you and the others prance across the countryside looking to get killed by whatever is stirring all these people to Lavici.”
Paulus detested Mettius for his causal dismissal. He knew no one wanted to be displaced from their homes and forced to endure this march. None wanted to accept charity. They had no choice. Monsters roamed where they once carved a meager life from the soil. He knew Mettius would miss those crops when they spoiled and when winter made food sparse.
Uulius chuckled, “You are such a noble soul.”
“I am a soul whose belly will be filled with a proper meal tonight, not shit rations!”
“Better luck next time, asshole.”
“Oh, you don’t mean that Uulius,” Mettius said and gave a playful pushed to his comrade’s shoulder.
Uulius laughed.
Suddenly serious, Mettius said, “You look after yourself, kid.”
“Don’t worry about me, old man.”
The friendly banter brought no smile to Paulus’s face. But he was glad there was still mirth in these dark times, even if it was unintentionally at his and the others expense. There was a faint hope that he could find enjoyment again after he healed; despite what he and Aemilia had seen. He had always been a positive soul. The real miracle was that he still had some, despite what had happened. He could see in the others’ dead tired faces that they did not share his hope.
The apartment was a small space. Beneath the spaced floorboards, light from the hall reached up like fingers and danced through the dust in the air. The walls did nothing to disguise the noises from the next room and felt thin to the touch. In a way, after what had happened, these discomforts were pleasing. There was an unconscious primal desire for safety in numbers.
“It's not so bad,” Aemilia said as she helped Paulus to the bed.
With a slight hiss and wince, he twisted into the small bed and settled in. The guards said food would be brought to them from the inn’s master and that the Captain had arranged payment, but Paulus had little mind for food. He was sure he was famished but exhaustion did not allow him to feel his stomach’s anger.
Aemilia began to strip him and check the wounds. He winced as she had to peel away the fabric, which stuck to his scabbed flesh. He could feel the wet and wondered how bad the wounds were. He did not have the courage to look.
“We are safe,” He said and weakly pulled Aemilia to his side as she took a clean cloth to the rent flesh.
“I hope so,” Aemilia said.
“The guards seem like good people and the town’s walls will keep out any troubles,” Paulus said confidently. He could see Aemilia was not convinced and so held her tighter. She set the cloth aside after the wounds were clean and lay down, then nuzzled under his chin; careful to not push on his wounded sides as she draped her arms around him.
“I love you,” She whispered into his chest.
“And I you,” He said and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
The footfalls stopped. Again, the night was silent for an uncomfortable time, which seemed to last forever. His breath refused to come, and he felt like he was drowning. He waited for the Bantius-thing to rear its hideous face into the cave’s mouth and leap at him with its impossibly long fangs.
He looked at Aemilia, who was nestled beside him and slept soundly. Her face was beyond peaceful. He smiled - despite the fear - appreciating that her perfect beauty would be his last vision in life.
Whatever was above had a heavy breath and its wet maw was audible as it licked its lips. Paulus wanted to see it, to know if it was his doom, and wholly did not at the same time. A low rumble, like a wolf’s growl emanated from the thing. He did not know if it was his imagination or otherwise, but he swore he saw long fingers with dagger-like talon’s dig into the ceiling’s edge at the opening. He imagined the thing arching its back and rearing its head at the full moon as it called out, in a horrific cry. Others joined the chorus, and new fears twisted his guts. Bantius was not the only one...
The cave’s roof rumbled as whatever it was took off, in a sprint - back the way it came. Once again, the night grew silent, this time for good. Not even the crickets sang and the water from the nearby river seemed to still. He looked at Aemilia and smiled, despite the chill at his very core as his heart slowed back to its normal beat. She fidgeted slightly in his arms. Paulus was always amazed by her ability to sleep through everything and anything. For once, he was thankful she was not snoring.
III
“Good morning, my love,” Paulus said.
“Good morning, love,” Aemilia replied through a yawn.
“We should get moving soon,” he said, “The sun has been up for about an hour.”
“Please, a little longer?”
He smiled and ignored the urgency he felt in his soul to get away. The day could wait. Taking a moment to be with each other, after all that transpired, was more important than getting a few extra yards down the road. Lavici was close and they would easily make it before nightfall if he could keep a steady pace for a few hours.
Hunger caused them to finally stir. Aemilia produced more bread, and they ate slowly, unwilling to leave their embrace. After they finished, reality took hold and Aemilia pulled away. Paulus wanted to protest but the urgency returned to get away, and he winced as he pushed to his feet. A night on rocks had not been kind to his wounded body. He was beyond sore and had to force his limbs to move with conscious thought. After he took a moment to take in the sun’s position, he was relieved that it was still a few hours from its zenith. Their journey would not be as rushed as he thought.
Aemilia filled their water skins in the cove, while Paulus spent his bladder on the tangled roots outside the cave. They gathered their belongings and Paulus felt bad that Aemilia hefted weight without aid. With some help, he managed to climb the embankment, and after he caught his breath, they moved on, back towards the road.
IV
They passed a large leafless frightening behemoth, who’s branches were swarmed with crows. The black birds watched them pass with soulless dark eyes. A few made catcalls and cried in high pitched squawks.
“I hate those things,” Aemilia whispered, as if afraid they would understand.
“We should keep moving,” Paulus said, “They ignore us.”
More distance passed and just as Paulus noticed the sickly land, he found that not all was dying or tainted. As they got closer to Lavici the land seemed to improve. There were only bright green grass blades. However, the crows did not. They gathered on every tree that lined the road and their cackles. Paulus had the impression that they were taunting him. He knew it was his imagination but could not shake the feeling.
Rancid death pushed away the still air, overpowering the feint carbon. Its smell was worse than the dung Paulus used to nourish his fields in the spring. Large bloated black flies swam lazily through the air and had to be swatted away as they gathered into clouds. After a few more steps, the source became apparent. He almost did not recognize the body at once but was not spared that mercy that came from realization. His heart shattered and he cried out, which caused the crows to stir from their tree roosts.
“Argento...” He whimpered and fell to his knees. The horse was torn apart. Portions were missing and other parts were splayed across the ditch in a wide arc. Blood spattered the grass in wide jetting streams and ended with Argento’s detached head a few yards from the rest.
“By the gods...” Aemilia rasped as tears welled in her eyes.
V
“I guess we aren’t the only ones,” Aemilia commented.
Paulus nodded but could not bring himself to speak. His mind’s eye was transfixed with Argento’s mutilated visage as if the decapitated head were seared into his eyelids. Tears refused to come to wash the image away; he had already spent enough to make his eyes swell.
As they approached the gates, a bottleneck formed, and bodies pressed together. Paulus felt the same claustrophobic discomfort he had felt during their last visit to the town. At the same time, this was completely different. It was the people’s mood, he decided. He could feel the sour emotions upon the air and taste it from the scents from those nearby. Instinctively, he gripped Aemilia’s hand to prevent any separation in the crowd.
Guards at the gates called for order repeatedly and the crowd did not object in their slow churn into the town. Paulus felt as if they were being herded. Anger flared in his chest. His blood heated. He could not explain why. Maybe it was the grief for Argento, maybe it was crowd, or maybe it was that he and Aemilia were displaced from their home, then forced to endure this discomfort. No matter the cause, he wanted to lash out. It took a significant effort to hold the feeling at bay; luckily, it eased as they crossed Lavici’s threshold and were afforded a little more space, because the guards spread the people evenly across the square to keep the order.
“Please!” A guard amongst the crowd cried, “Do not push! We must remain civil until accommodations can be made!”
More guards made their way to the yelling one, and Paulus felt a wave from the crowd, as whatever disturbance the guards sought to hold shifted the herd. With a sigh, Paulus did his best to let the remaining anger go. It helped that his body was so battered. Being mad stole the energy he needed to stand and move, while his body sought to heal.
“So many...” Aemilia said.
There were far more gathered in the crowd than gathered outside the town’s gates. Paulus felt fortunate to get in, with how full the square was becoming. The rural folk were quickly overcoming the town's ability to accommodate. Paulus prayed to the gods that they would not be sent back out, to whatever fate or ends that could meet them beyond the walls.
“The bastard bit me!” A guard cried from within the shifting disturbance. Paulus could not see the interaction and was too tired to worry about it. The crowd continued to shift against the commotion and the pressed bodies caused him into a stumble. Pain shot through his nerves as he used to much force to remain standing. He was forced to put his weight on Aemilia, and it was as if what little strength he had was sucked from him. She held onto him with effort but managed to keep him upright, after a whimper.
“Chain him!” One newly arrived guard cried at the commotion.
“Everyone remain calm!” A burley guard right beside Aemilia screamed with a lion’s roar. Paulus had not noticed the burley guard before but was thankful to be near someone with authority. His thick beard and wax pointed mustache stretch beyond the t-shaped opening in his helm. The simple armour on his chest, shoulders, and forearms glistened in the smoke muted sunlight. It did little to hide his bulk and only added to it.
“Sergeant!” A female’s voice cut through the crowd noise, like a warm knife through butter.
The burley guard turned and saluted. Paulus caught the stress in the guard’s features, and his eyes drifted to approaching woman. Although slight in stature, she had a commanding aura about her. The crowd seemed to naturally melt away from her, creating a channel for her and her entourage. Her armour was far more complete than the burley guard’s but was not ostentatious and looked as if functionality was its primary design consideration.
“Captain,” The burley guard stammered and saluted.
The woman stopped and met the burley guard’s eyes with ease, despite being more than a head shorter. It was as if she were a foot taller than the bearded man. Her hard eyes were cold with unflinching authority and the tight muscles in her face were imposing to a degree that seemed impossible for such a slight woman. Paulus was reminded of his mother, when he and his brother accidentally broke something while they played as young boys. He guessed the burley guard felt the same by how he sucked in his gut and straightened his posture.
“We need to stop the flow and bring order those who have already entered,” The woman said, “The healthy and those who can walk must be brought in and given rooms in the halls or apartments where there is space. The sick and severely wounded must remain here in the courtyard. We will build tents to keep them once we disperse the crowd.”
“Understood mum,” The burley guard sergeant said.
“Maintain order, Sergeant,” The woman said, “Two escorts per group.”
“By your will Captain,” The burley sergeant saluted again.
The woman returned the salute and pressed on. She gave a stiff but not unkind nod to Aemilia as she passed and placed a hand on Paulus’s shoulder. Her piercing eyes twitched up and down and her lips grew tight. “Sergeant,” The woman called over her shoulder, “Put these two in the first group, this one is pretty bad, and I want him cared for before he is unable to walk.”
“Thank you,” Aemilia whimpered as a tear rolled down her face’s contours.
“You are safe now,” The woman said, “We’ll find what caused this.”
Before anything else could be said, a commotion outside the gates caused the woman to turn her attention away. She marched into the crowd with an arrow’s surety.
“Alright you two,” The burley guard announced, “Move this way. You can join the first group about to leave the square. We don’t have much space for everyone, but you’ll have a small room to yourselves.”
“Thank you, Sergeant,” Aemilia smiled as warmly as she could muster.
“My pleasure, ma’am,” the burley Sergeant returned the smile.
“My I ask your name sir?” She asked.
“Dexsius ma’am.”
Aemilia nodded, “I’ll remember the name, thank you Dexsius.”
He smiled with real warmth, “We’ll do our best for you all. Please, join the group, least you be left behind.”
“Goodbye for now, Sergeant.”
Paulus let Aemilia lead and struggled to find any strength. His feet dragged with each step and his knees sought to buckle. The journey had taken more from him than he thought. His sides felt wet, and it wondered if the wounds had reopened even though they had been cauterized.
VI
“Watch those damn things,” A guard said and kicked the rat aside with is armoured boot, “They have gotten vicious recently. Especially the hairless ones.”
Paulus watched the rodent spiral through the air a short distance and his neck tightened in irritation when it landed and squealed from its back. He said weakly, “They look wrong.”
The guard nodded, “Something has gotten into them. The healers think rabies. Don’t want to get bit, that’s for sure.”
Before Paulus could reply, the guard at the procession’s front called out, “Uulius, did you get drafted for the patrol?”
The guard who kicked the rat, who Paulus assumed was Uulius, called back, “Yeah I drew the short straw.” Uulius gave a quick chin tilt, signaling their conversation was over and raced up to the other guard.
“Unlucky bastard.”
“I am guessing you won’t be joining us, Mettius?” Uulius asked.
“By the gods no!” Mettius laughed, “I am going to enjoy a hearty meal and warm bed while you and the others prance across the countryside looking to get killed by whatever is stirring all these people to Lavici.”
Paulus detested Mettius for his causal dismissal. He knew no one wanted to be displaced from their homes and forced to endure this march. None wanted to accept charity. They had no choice. Monsters roamed where they once carved a meager life from the soil. He knew Mettius would miss those crops when they spoiled and when winter made food sparse.
Uulius chuckled, “You are such a noble soul.”
“I am a soul whose belly will be filled with a proper meal tonight, not shit rations!”
“Better luck next time, asshole.”
“Oh, you don’t mean that Uulius,” Mettius said and gave a playful pushed to his comrade’s shoulder.
Uulius laughed.
Suddenly serious, Mettius said, “You look after yourself, kid.”
“Don’t worry about me, old man.”
The friendly banter brought no smile to Paulus’s face. But he was glad there was still mirth in these dark times, even if it was unintentionally at his and the others expense. There was a faint hope that he could find enjoyment again after he healed; despite what he and Aemilia had seen. He had always been a positive soul. The real miracle was that he still had some, despite what had happened. He could see in the others’ dead tired faces that they did not share his hope.
VII
“It's not so bad,” Aemilia said as she helped Paulus to the bed.
With a slight hiss and wince, he twisted into the small bed and settled in. The guards said food would be brought to them from the inn’s master and that the Captain had arranged payment, but Paulus had little mind for food. He was sure he was famished but exhaustion did not allow him to feel his stomach’s anger.
Aemilia began to strip him and check the wounds. He winced as she had to peel away the fabric, which stuck to his scabbed flesh. He could feel the wet and wondered how bad the wounds were. He did not have the courage to look.
“We are safe,” He said and weakly pulled Aemilia to his side as she took a clean cloth to the rent flesh.
“I hope so,” Aemilia said.
“The guards seem like good people and the town’s walls will keep out any troubles,” Paulus said confidently. He could see Aemilia was not convinced and so held her tighter. She set the cloth aside after the wounds were clean and lay down, then nuzzled under his chin; careful to not push on his wounded sides as she draped her arms around him.
“I love you,” She whispered into his chest.
“And I you,” He said and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Thanks for reading!
Brett
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