Trix paced around her office. Her
office. The grand room once belonged to her father and his grandfather before him. Generations of emperors ruled Rome from this circular room. Lands had been conquered, people enslaved, and families torn apart. But for every pain this room had caused it had also brought joy. The once warring people were now one. Trade and travel had been made easier and safer, knowledge flowed freely across the empire and beyond. But today was not about the far reaching power of her office. Today was about the impending execution of a woman who had been like a mother to her. A woman who had raised her. Yet this woman who had brought her up had only cared for her so that she might be used in a ploy to take control of the empire."They
donot"Are you well daughter?" The dowager empress Eliana asked her daughter as they stood before two grand doors. "I am well mother. I was just thinking about father. I miss him so." The young empress confessed as a tear fell from her cheek. "It's been three years Trix. I am sure where ever he is he is proud of the woman you have become." "Thank you mother." Trix smiled. "Now you must face your guests." Her mother urged. "It will be a long time before I am seen again." Trix said grimly. "It is you that wished to go on your mission. Do not worry. All has been arranged. People will be told that you are on campaign with the military."
Jacob suck past a merchant as he grabbed his midday meal from the man's merchandise. Everyone was busy watching the Empress and her men march out of the city and towards the rest of the known world.Jacob had been born in the far away Jewish City of Jerusalem. This was before his father had brought them to the Roman countryside to start a new life as a farmer. Unfortunately without even a month of moving into their new home bandits had stolen from their home, raped and murdered his mother and three sisters. Unfortunately at that time he and his father were in the city selling their produce in the market. In the month that followed his father was constantly sick, he blamed himself for the death of his wife and daughters. Within a month his father passed away as well. The young boy who was only twelve at the time was left penniless and orphaned. He quickly learned to beg and steal. Soon en
It was early morning and Trix dogged as she grabbed a piece of bread from a near by stand. It had been two months since she had started going around the city as a girl named Krista, a runaway servant of a roman noblewoman.Further down the street she could see Jacob waiting for her. The boy was nice enough to let her stay in his small home. They lived off what they could find and they were lucky enough that the gangs had not turned an eye to their sanctuary in the city. Their home was at the center of the city. She knew that despite her instructions Hector had positioned members of her personal guard close by. She had recently seen some of them patrolling the streets. She pretended not to notice them since it would come in handy in case something happened."So what did you get?" Jacob asked as they walked back.
Trix scanned the halls to make sure no one was around. She didn't want to be dragged back to being Empress Vitatrix too soon."Who were those men?" Trix asked Jacob as the turned a corner."Members of the Draco Gang. They've been trying to get me to join them since I stole from one of their leaders." He explained."I thought gangs never tried to recruit you?" Trix asked beginning to doubt his original story."They don't. They spoke to me several time but nothing like this. Something must be up with the gangs." Jacob pondered as continued on their way."What could have stirred them up?""A plot against the empress? A chance to change
Trix awoke to Hector preparing a meal on his table. It was still dark out and clearly too early for any servants to have brought to him."Did you steal that from my kitchens?" Trix teased."I did not steal it. I had your maids bring it up. Together with supplies." Hector said pointing at a bag in the corner of the room."We aren't supposed to be able to afford those." Trix said."Vitatrix, think of it this way, Krista broke into a home of a noble born that has more than he/she needs. Krista and Jacob are hungry and cold and could do with some things. So Krista stole it." Hector said with a grin."You are one smart boy." Trix said kissing him on he cheek.
"I can't believe the Empress is dead." Jacob said in shock at the news."Are you sure she is dead?" Trix asked Gaius."We received word from our spies in her army that she has not come out of her tent since they left. So they snuck into her tent and found her tent empty." Gaius responded."But that leaves no one to inherit." Trix said trying to learn who would stand as heir."There is one boy, a child. He can easily be dealt with. After which only Lord Hector stands in our way. Our very generous benefactor can then seize the throne." Gaius said with a huge grin."Our benefactor?" Jacob asked."Yes. A man who seeks justice for his fa
"Master Jacob, Lady Krista, come join us in our morning meal!" Came Gaius' voice from the other side of the door waking Trix up.She watched as Jacob make his way to greet their host."We will join you shortly. And please sir we are no nobleborns." Jacob said as he peeked out the door."We will be down in the dining room." Gaius said in response and left."I don't have any clothes that would suit this place." Jacob said with a worried face.Trix stood and opened the chest at the foot of the bed."It seems our gracious host has taken care of that for us. Come take a look at this." She called to Jacob.
Hector patrolled the streets together with his soldiers. He did not want to see the streets fall into chaos while Trix was on her mission."Lord Hector, a disturbance was reported in the market." Said one of his soldiers as they walked through the streets."We better take a look at it then. Good job soldier." Hector said complementing the man."I am pleased to be of service sir." The man bowed and returned to his place.Hector continued to look around many of Rome's citizens were peaceful people, living their day to day lives in harmony with one another, but there was a select group of naturally rebellious people that continued to cause havoc on the city.The gangs had always b