The Legionnaire at last caught sight of Cordis as his horse strode the dewy grass plains. The sun rose behind him, its rays reaching out to touch the capital city of the Empire. Towers, walls, keeps, and what were essentially palaces were clustered in the center of the marble metropolis. These structures housed the patricians, the elite class of citizens. The patricians were made up of powerful families who controlled most of the wealth and political offices within the Empire. On the other hand, situated outside the beautiful edifices, were the plebeians. While many at the capital had it far better than the rest of their poorer counterparts throughout the empire, there was a noticeable disparity of wealth from the patricians. Nevertheless the city seemed to glow with its clean, marble exterior. It was undeniably the greatest of all the cities man had established. While most, if not all, of the travelers took the paved roads that had stood for decades due to their construction, the legionnaire took a more scenic and efficient route. As he came upon the massive gates and their armored protectors, the city guard let him pass upon seeing the seal he carried from the Senate. The Legionnaire’s horse trotted through the white streets on the way to the Senate House. It conveniently lay between the patrician and plebeian district as a symbol of unity between the two classes. Although, some would say this was a symbol of something that never was. As Liam approached the beautiful structure, he was met by a guard wearing Red armor with gold highlights. These men were members of the City Guard. Liam dismounted his horse and handed the reigns to the sentry, but before he went inside he grabbed the wrapped body of the dead assassin to show to the Senators and Emperor Tarquin. The ornate Senate House opened its doors to the Legionnaire. Almost as if the building itself was welcoming back a son from a long and costly war. As the sun shone through various windows, floors and pillars glowed a pleasing white to those lucky, or unfortunate, to enter. While he was making his way to the Senate chambers, two Praetorians accompanied him. Their gold armor plates glistened and clinked as they walked. One courteously addressed the Legionnaire. “Good morning sir, the Emperor wished to inform you that were it not for their duties in the Senate, he and his father would greet you in person.” “Thank you for informing me, although I highly doubt I warrant a personal greeting from him.” “He begs to differ. Emperor Tarquin and Senator Maridius remember what you did for him at the Battle of Sanguis.” Before Liam had become a bounty hunter, he served with Emperor Tarquin when they were both Legionnaires. When they were ambushed by Barbarians, Tarquin and Liam’s unit were hit first and the hardest. As their men fell, Tarquin was abandoned while the others fled. Except Liam. Liam brandished his sword and charged into the line of the enemy. He and Tarquin fought furiously while the rest of their battalion reorganized and joined the fray. Neither would have made it without the other. They were like brothers, fighting side by side to what they thought was certainly the bitter end. By the time the dust settled, Tarquin and Liam were covered in blood. They could not count how many men they killed, but it was enough for Liam’s sword to break. As a reward for his heroism, Julius Gracchus, the Late Emperor, gifted Liam with an Eternal Steel sword. Such blades were rare, and rarer still for a legionnaire. They were sought due to their nigh indestructible nature, sharpness, and light weight. Liam was recalling these things before he came back to the present to find himself walking before the Senate. As he approached, a clerk was addressing the officials, “On account of the bounty placed on the head of the traitorous praetorian, the Legionnaire, Liam Gue approaches this noble body and its Emperor.” This being said, Liam placed the corpse on the floor in front of him and removed his helmet to reveal his short, blonde hair. He kneeled and noticed the Emperor sitting on a marble throne with the two consuls sitting at his right and left. The Emperor’s brown beard and hair contrasted with his blue eyes and white skin. On the top of his head was a laurel wreath crown, and in his hand was an iron scepter. Though both were merely for decorum. “Your Grace,” He began, “Noble Senators, I bring before you the the traitorous praetorian, slain by my hand.” He slowly unwrapped the head of the dead man to reveal the face. As he did so, one of the praetorians who escorted him was standing next to the body, looking down at the face with disgust. The Senators too turned their noses at the sight of such a reprehensible man. “Is he the assassin?” Gaius Maridius, the father of the Emperor, suddenly inquired. “It is, Senator. That’s the traitor.” “Good.” The Senator said curtly. “Take the body, burn it, and bring the Legionnaire his reward.” As he said this, Tarquin stood up. “My friend, as promised your reward will be a substantial sum of 1,000 gold coins. But as a token of mine, and the Senate’s gratitude, we have had a spear made for you out of Eternal Steel. May it serve you well should you need it. But I pray otherwise.” He and the Senate applauded Liam as the Praetorian brought in the bag of gold and the beautiful spear. The spear was a different style from his sword, more ornate than he preferred but still beautiful and no doubt efficient. “Thank you, your Grace. I shall make good use of it as I have with this sword.” The Emperor smiled satisfactorily upon hearing these words. A Senator rose from his seat and spoke knowing this matter was finished. “We must continue with other pressing issues that require attention, your Grace. Legionnaire, you are dismi-“ “No, he can stay.” The Emperor interrupted. The Senator looked baffled. “Your Grace, it is important that we keep such information secret. We have no idea who might be spying for the enemy.” “Liam saved my life, Senator. He has been nothing but loyal to the Empire. I trust him.” The Senator paused for a moment before speaking further. He gathered his wits and began, “The traitor General Quirinius and the bishop Cassius Aurelius have gathered 36 legions to their cause. Our informants tell us that the 58th Legion have just recently joined the Republicans.” Senators stood up in outrage when they heard this news. There were cries of ‘Treasonous dogs!’, ‘Fanatics!’ and ‘Men without honor!’ (Continued in the comments)