Page 5 of 7 FirstFirst 1234567 LastLast
Results 81 to 100 of 123

Thread: AD USQUE FIDELIS

  1. #81
    ♔Old Dragoon♔'s Avatar I'm Your Huckleberry
    Content Emeritus

    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    At my mind palace...
    Posts
    1,083

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    Thank you Alwyn! Chorsamantis was a real warrior for Belisarius and a very intriguing character, but not a lot remains written about him. I believe during his day he was an Audie Murphy type hero and larger than life. It's fun to speculate...Now a little update...


    "I do hope your theatrical performance paid off Arsaces," said Probus as he was still glancing over one of the many documents on his desk. "My most esteemed Senator of course! I would never disappoint or fail you. I have much news of your daughter's latest adventure near her absolute favorite church where she often meditates..." Probus dropped the paper and his face looked like he was about to tear the heart out of a disloyal servant.

    "Tell me everything and do not gloss over the details! I then want my daughter brought in and then stripped down to the level of clothing you saw her with this Uliaris. I don't care if she is naked!" Arsaces' face nodded in agreement trying to hold back a sinister smile.

    As quickly as he had exploded his demeanor changed like the wind and continued with a mellow tone, "Now please begin Arsaces." Arsaces was not easily rattled and had anticipated the outburst of Probus and was not intimidated by him in slightest. If it came down to Probus' life or his own, Arsaces was a survivalist and trained in the arts of war beyond the capabilities of an aging has been consul. He possessed the skill set that Probus dreamed of, and was most aware of that fact. Arsaces used that fact to his advantage growing to become his master's most trusted adviser rather quickly and able to manipulate him seemingly at will. Juliana thought he was poison to her father, but neither she or her mother knew the depths of Probus' darkness. His wife got a taste of that darkness (she never revealed what he did to her to anyone) after they were newly married, and she never went against his wishes ever again. One can only assume that it was bad enough to shake her to her core.

    Juliana, however, was a free spirited young woman who many men would be intimidated by. The fact that that Uliaris never felt threatened by that spirit of hers, only made him that much more attractive to her. She rarely saw equal eye with her father except on religious matters. When it came to marriage she detested the thought of arranged marriage. The idea of having a man forced upon her to marry sickened her. Juliana wanted to marry someone she truly loved, and her father told her that she was being selfish and that smart match would the best for the strength of their family. Juliana decided that she would at least live for the moment on her terms. When she met with Uliaris before he went off to war she not only went against her father's commands, but she followed her heart and would fight for her love. She convinced Uliaris to train her to use sword and dagger. She was a quick student and before long she was near his equal. Juliana was not going to be held captive and forced to marry while Uliaris was gone to war as long as she could do something about it. She convinced her self of this, though Uliaris was not as confident. He did admire her tenacity as well as her determination. He often told her she would make a great warrior had she been born a man. There last training session together right before they said goodbye she outmatched Uliaris in their duel. She was fond of trying out counter moves to what Uliaris had shown her and could translate these thoughts to action. Uliaris relied to much on his training and could not think as fast as Juliana. He told her after their contest, "You are my master now!" She replied, "Marry me!" Uliaris without saying a word embraced Juliana and they kissed more passionately than ever before. As soon as they parted ways, Juliana knew more than Uliaris what she was up against. A thought of Uliaris tragically dying on the frontier would rip her heart out, but simultaneously make her life easier as well as marry someone with more financial and political means as her father wanted. She quickly extinguished that thought and cursed it from entering her mind. She was in love, and believed that her love for Uliaris would find a way even if it meant her father's destruction.

    The more Juliana had spun reasons to leave home to be with Uliaris, the more Probus suspected her with the man of lower station and was angered beyond reason. He had tried to get Juliana to admit her transgressions but to no avail. This is when Arsaces was hired when the others failed before him. Arsaces was a strix (ancient Greek mythological term similar to vampire) by nature, and was warned by colleagues of this nature. However, Probus welcomed this vice or as he considered it a virtue. He likewise considered his daughter at this moment his adversary in need of being subdued and broken.
    Last edited by ♔Old Dragoon♔; September 08, 2017 at 06:13 PM.

  2. #82
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
    Content Director Patrician Citizen

    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    12,242

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    Despite her training with sword and dagger, it sounds like Juliana is in real danger from the strix. It looks as if Arsaces has been manipulating Probus into rage over Juliana's relationship with Uliaris.

  3. #83

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    I finally finished reading your story but i just wish the action could be denser .Just a wish .Not critisicm.
    100% mobile poster so pls forgive grammer

  4. #84
    Caillagh de Bodemloze's Avatar to rede I me delyte
    Content Director Patrician Citizen

    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    the British Isles
    Posts
    10,212

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    Alwyn's right - it does seem that Juliana is in quite a lot of danger. Regardless of whether Probus's enmity towards her was caused by Arsaces or would have been there anyway, it can't mean anything good for her. That's a very ominous chapter!






  5. #85
    ♔Old Dragoon♔'s Avatar I'm Your Huckleberry
    Content Emeritus

    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    At my mind palace...
    Posts
    1,083

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    The army of Belisarius had been disjointed and scattered him about by inadequate and incompetent generals that were older and therefore promoted above him to Magister militum per Orientem from 527 to 529 AD. This was from the last year of Justin I reign and the beginning years of Justinian's. Being new to the throne Justinian followed his advisers advice from those early years until he could not take any more failures in 529. A lot of imperial court corruption occurred especially when there is a change in ruler. Those in other positions in power want to remain in power. Justinian was systematically draining court power to replace with his own appointees slowly but in some cases more quickly.

    The Persian War, especially the northern border in the area known as Iberia, was not going well for Rome. The final straw for Justinian was defeat and failure to protect and secure a fort building project and the workers near the city of Thannuris. That fort had two objectives. First and foremost it was to establish a forward staging point for probing and intelligence operations. Secondly it was also to be a forward staging point to re-supply armies for military operations into Persia. Expanding frontier borders against Persia was very important to Justinian.


    The Battle of Thannuris, on the extreme southern Persian border, was disastrous for the Romans but on a positive note the Persian victory failed to give them the knock out blow they were hoping for and the victory needed to easily capture their main objective, Dara. Though Belisarius' army suffered heavy casualties from which could only be estimated since a large number of Romans and allies were captured by the Persians.


    Nearly 6000 of his army of 15,000 not counting allies had been killed, wounded, or captured including a young general named Coutzes, who was a Thracian. He had a brother named Bouzes who survived and made it to Dara along with Belisarius and his army remnants. The Roman allies, the Ghassanids, were effectively destroyed along with their commander and king, Jabalah IV. The only thing positive from this battle was that Persian casualties were actually a little heavier, but they also had a larger force that drove the Romans in a panic from the field. However, they were in no condition to press their victory. That angered the Persian King, Kavadh I, so much that the victorious commander Xerxes was publicly disgraced and humiliated. Coutzes would never be heard from again. It was said that he suffered greatly and every time Kavadh thought of the unsatisfactory victory he had Coutzes tortured until he was nearly dead. One day Kavadh took to handing Coutzes his torture himself and until he expired and his guards had to inform him that the prisoner was dead. Bouzes on the other hand was no longer the hard headed, arrogant young general, but had become a valuable asset for Belisarius.

    Right before the Battle of Thannuris, Belisarius had sent Coutzes and Bouzes with most of the cavalry and infantry support from Jabalah which amounted to nearly 7000 of Belisarius' army. Belisarius asked the brothers to merely scout the area around the fort and not rush in as Thracian warriors had a tendency to do. Without better judgment, that is what the brothers did. They swung into action attempting to pounce on the yet to be formed up column of advancing Persians. Had the Persians not been concentrated they might have been destroyed piecemeal, but that was not the case and the lighter Persian forces were able to swiftly envelope the Romans cutting them down and capturing the majority of those remaining.

    After the battle Justinian appointed Belisarius Magister Militum per Orientem, but simultaneously appointed Magister Militum per Armeniam in the north. He wanted to make sure there were no distractions from exacting revenge on the Persians, but first he needed a new army for Belisarius. Belisarius was also raising a larger bucellarii force raised from his own funds.

    The next two years (528-530 AD) were for the most part uneventful for the army. They spent the time helping rebuild Dara's defenses, but not for Uliaris. Draxos was jealous that Belisarius selected Uliaris to be one of his messengers. In early spring 529, Belisarius asked him to deliver the progress on Dara's fortifications and intelligence on Persian buildups along the direct route to Dara to Justinian and return with any message from the emperor. Belisarius had a rotating messaging system in place so that junior officers could get out from the boredoms of camp and also prevent leaks of important imperial intelligence and other information of high importance. They had to be skilled trusted warriors as well, as they had a better survival rate and were more loyal.

    When Uliaris finally landed at the imperial port of Constantinople, he made way to the palace since it was early afternoon. Uliaris was hoping to pass his information to the praetorian prefect or the palace chamberlain, but the emperor and empress would not have it once they found out that Uliaris was a bucellarius for Belisarius, Justinian and his empress Theodora were not very cordial and made him lay prostrate before them. They took considerable time berating him since he was a bucellarius and not an imperial soldier. Theodora was the least cordial as she tongue lashed, "We do not want to see your putrid face when we ask for your message! You tell Belisarius that we for now on expect imperial troops and not his rotten bucellarii to deliver his correspondence and intelligence. Do not look up, but simply nod your head if you can follow that order!" Uliaris angrily nodded without exposing his face. Their court officials eyeing him the whole time as he laid prostrate remembering the instructions that Belisarius had given him. He had told him to only speak if he were permitted, and that Theodora would speak the sternest and first. Lastly that she was very astute about many subjects, and be careful what you say.

    Justinian finally had a palace eunuch, who was Narses who would soon be elevated to Grand Chamberlain of the palace, retrieve the messages. The whole time Uliaris did not raise his head up and then Theodora got off her throne and approached Uliaris as Justinian was reading the report. As she approached, he was still looking away and remaining motionless. Even when Theodora spoke into his ear he kept looking away. She said, "Though you are bucellarius, you are disciplined and your first impression was very favorable." As she rose back up, she let her hand slide across his cheek in a somewhat seductive manner causing Uliaris to feel mildly uncomfortable yet confused by that action since she castigated him moments earlier.

    She gently spoke, "Rise up and kiss my ring." As Uliaris rose, Theodora reached her right hand to be kissed as her right side faced the emperor. Whilst Uliaris kissed her Imperial ring on her right hand, she moved her left hand in towards Uliaris' inner thigh, sliding her fingers in an enticing manner. This was unnoticed by anyone else in the room as the emperor motioned for everyone to clear the room with exception of a few of his trusted advisers, Empress Theodora, and Uliaris. Uliaris tried with all that was in him to remain calm and not visually surprised at her advance as he knew now what the Empress might be up to.

    Theodora looked at Uliaris and spoke as she retrieved both of her hands, "Did you have anything to say bucellarius?" Uliaris replied in military discipline, "Nothing but my service, Your Highness." She smiled suggestively and chortled as she spoke, "Indeed you will be of great service to me."

    Last edited by ♔Old Dragoon♔; October 17, 2017 at 08:30 PM.

  6. #86
    Caillagh de Bodemloze's Avatar to rede I me delyte
    Content Director Patrician Citizen

    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    the British Isles
    Posts
    10,212

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    Possibly I'm being paranoid, but that sounds as if it could be a dangerous situation for Uliaris!






  7. #87
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
    Content Director Patrician Citizen

    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    12,242

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    I agree with Caillagh. It sounds like Belisarius gave Uliaris valuable advice, I wonder what advice he would give about the situation which Uliaris now seems to be in.

  8. #88
    ♔Old Dragoon♔'s Avatar I'm Your Huckleberry
    Content Emeritus

    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    At my mind palace...
    Posts
    1,083

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    mad orc, thank you for reading! More action is coming soon!

    Cailagh, and Alwyn, most dangerous indeed!


    Uliaris gave no impression that he was moved in any way. However, trying to control his thoughts about the Empress of Rome forwardly making advances on him at court was not what something he would ever dreamed of let alone that it was a reality. Shattering the awkward silence was the voice of Justinian ordering Uliaris before him. Justinian did not require him to kiss his ring or ritual other stand before him as he questioned him.

    "I have met your loyal father, and what a career he has had and his continued service. I at first did not know you were son of Alanus, as Narses so informed me. I must ask you why you would choose the bucellarii, being of lesser noble heritage, as usually they were hired barbarians? Please speak freely."

    Bowing before Justinian he spoke, "Your Majesty, I simply wanted to serve under Belisarius and the adventure that it would bring. Belisarius offered a great opportunity to be under his leadership as an officer, and was willing to accept me into his ranks. Though my father has served Rome and her emperors well in his path, I wanted to forge my own path in a different manner yet still serve Rome."

    Justinian pondered Uliaris' words for a moment then replied, "I am always looking for good officers for future posts. You may feel different down your path and diverting to another channel like water. Always be on the watch young Uliaris. When I ask men for service for the Empire, they rarely come round again. Remember that as well! Belisarius is well informed and will train you well. My reply will be delivered to you on the early morrow." Justinian motioned for his chamberlain and Uliaris bowed before he exited and was escorted by a court eunuch away from court.

    Uliaris was shown to his quarters for the night as it was near a series of rooms that were not used very often but were nicer than your average soldiers billets. Uliaris entered the room with his soldier's pack, to a sole olive oil lamp that was burning along with incense and various fruits, nuts, and varieties of olives were in bowls with a pitcher of wine. He turned around and his door was already shut. Looking around the rooms, Uliaris noticed that things around were too pleasant for a mere soldier. There were too many refreshments and the lamp light was also as if someone was already occupying this apartment. He noticed a bath drawn in the bedchamber which would feel refreshing after a long journey, but something just did not feel right for Uliaris. After a closer inspection of the two rooms he was finally convinced he was alone, and the bath was too enticing to pass. After pouring himself some wine and taking in a fruitful sip, the perfectly heated water was medicinal for Uliaris and his mind became more at ease. Thoughts of being able to see Juliana before he made the trip back to Dara were the forefront of his mind as he laid back to relax in the healing bath water. As Uliaris was lounging in the bath sinister thoughts started to creep back.

    As his mind raced and thoughts of the Empress returned even more powerfully especially when a shadowy feminine figure materialized, with only a sheer gown, in the lamplight. Her voice was like sweet nectar to his ears, and her scent was that of a goddess as she knelt down beside his bath behind him. She kissed his gaping mouth whilst holding a dagger to his throat. She spoke as if she was talking plainly to a servant to move palace furniture around, "You will do everything I ask of you, or this blade will leave a horrible mark, and then all I need to do is raise my voice and the muscular eunuch outside will...” running the blade down his chest, “...finish poor Uliaris. We do not want that do we?”

    Uliaris’ anger burned deep and more that he had let himself be trapped in such a way, that now he was being forced against his will to be unfaithful to Juliana. At this moment he realized that Belisarius had tried to warn him of Theodora without gossiping about her devious ways. The fact that she was toying with his obligation as soldier for Rome, but he was bucellarii first under Belisarius not Rome. Uliaris was certain that this temptress was Theodora amusing herself with him in the dim-lit room. However, this seductress had not identified herself, so this prompted him without even thinking about repercussions. Quickly Uliaris slid his right arm underneath the temptress’ right arm seizing the tricep of her dagger arm, and simultaneously he brought his left hand up grasping her wrist and in one fluid motion he had disarmed her and flipped her in the bath with him. Startled by Uliaris’ sudden counter moves, the now soaked woman moved back towards Uliaris. As she was moving towards him Uliaris did not feel right. His vision was blurry and distorted. He tried to look up as the female raised his head towards hers. The soaked female spoke softly, “Valiant effort! But you are mine now. You will not be completely out, and maybe you will remember some of this night, brave Uliaris...”
    Last edited by ♔Old Dragoon♔; October 30, 2017 at 01:35 PM.

  9. #89
    Caillagh de Bodemloze's Avatar to rede I me delyte
    Content Director Patrician Citizen

    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    the British Isles
    Posts
    10,212

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    This is not going well for Uliaris... [here, I need a smiley of someone hiding under blanket to avoid seeing the inevitable bad outcome]

    It is, however, a very dramatic situation, and effectively written.






  10. #90
    Flinn's Avatar His Dudeness of TWC
    Patrician Citizen Content Emeritus Administrator Emeritus Gaming Emeritus

    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Italy
    Posts
    20,306
    Blog Entries
    46

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    Quote Originally Posted by Caillagh de Bodemloze View Post
    here, I need a smiley of someone hiding under blanket to avoid seeing the inevitable bad outcome]
    I know that feeling, I usually use this one

    Under the patronage of Finlander, patron of Lugotorix & Lifthrasir & joerock22 & Socrates1984 & Kilo11 & Vladyvid & Dick Cheney & phazer & Jake Armitage & webba 84 of the Imperial House of Hader

  11. #91
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
    Content Director Patrician Citizen

    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    12,242

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    It seems that Uliaris can't escape now, if only he had realized the importance of the warning from Belisarius earlier!

  12. #92
    ♔Old Dragoon♔'s Avatar I'm Your Huckleberry
    Content Emeritus

    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    At my mind palace...
    Posts
    1,083

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    Just letting all who follow know that I will be back with an update December 19. Many rl issues keeping from being able to update sooner than the 19th. Blessings to you all!

  13. #93
    NorseThing's Avatar Primicerius
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
    Location
    western usa
    Posts
    3,041

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    I have started to read from the beginning. I am certain that I did read some of this earlier, but my memory is not what it used to be. I am glad that I will have another week of catch up reading before the next post. A great story so far!

  14. #94
    ♔Old Dragoon♔'s Avatar I'm Your Huckleberry
    Content Emeritus

    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    At my mind palace...
    Posts
    1,083

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    Uliaris awoke with a jolt as he had been brought out of a trance. He was not alone in his bed and was even more shocked that lady was not Theodora. He did not know who she was, though she was still asleep. He grasped her arms just like he had done early with the temptress in the bath. Uliaris’s grasp did not cause her to wake just stir some. He realized that this lady was not who he flung in the bath. Uliaris had always had good sense when it came to things such as this. His father always had good sense about his surroundings and of people. Uliaris’s inner voice was yelling at him to get out of there quickly. Just as Uliaris was getting his things sorted, a palace eunuch escorting Theodora and Juliana swung open the door as the empress and Juliana entered the front room where the bath was. Uliaris was in his bedchamber with a curtain drawn separating the front room. Uliaris heard the entrance and voices. He then realized who was in the front room as they moved closer to the bedchamber.

    Uliaris tried not to panic but he remembered that the temptress, who he believed was for certain Theodora, had gotten in through a secret passage. This room was not that big and there was only one possible wall in the room that would allow for such a passage. The wall behind the bed had to be the one since it did not face the front room, the outside wall, or the joining hallway to other palace apartments. Within a few moments Uliaris had found a wooden panel that lined the back wall behind the bed. The ornate panel swung open on concealed hinges revealing a dark passage behind. Uliaris grabbed everything he owned not fully dressed and made it into the hidden passage and closed the secret panel door before Theodora and Juliana walked into the bedroom. Uliaris could not find anything to light his path and struggled to get all of his clothes back on and equipment. Regardless, life in the bucellarii had taught him how to overcome this obstacle.

    He wanted to hear the conversation, but his mind was again telling him to get out fast. He had to report to Justinian soon to receive his reply for Belisarius. Being late was not an option and even more so was being caught by Theodora and Juliana hiding behind a panel as a naked lady laid in his night’s bed. Making his way through the dark pathway he saw a light emitting from cracks around the secret door. Uliaris prayed it was not Theodora’s apartment, as this morning had not been in his favor. Though he had escaped his bedchamber before he was caught he realized, as he was getting the last of his gear and clothing on, that he left his medallion necklace on his bedchamber table. Juliana gave it to him before he departed for Dara. He might as well been caught with that woman if she noticed the necklace.

    However, he would have to take the risk and get to court without it then perhaps slip back and retrieve the necklace after the meeting with Justinian. The hidden passage was connected to a hallway that ran straight to court. No one saw Uliaris emerge from the passage. Without incident Uliaris got his bearing and made way to court. As he entered Justinian greeted him to come directly forward interrupting a noble, and from the throne the emperor raised his right hand silencing he noble. As Uliaris approached he tried to look down and away. Justinian spoke, “Son of Alanus eyes forward and on me. You are my messenger! You are my mouthpiece to Belisarius. Your loyalty and devotion to Rome is weighed by how well you fulfill this mission. Do not fail Rome Uliaris!” Uliaris bowed, kissed his ring, accepted the sealed correspondence to Belisarius and replied, “Yes my Basileus.”

    Uliaris was then escorted out from the throne room to the long hallway which led to the palace exit. Just as Uliaris was being led down the hall Juliana was walking with Theodora and all three locked eyes on each other. Uliaris motioned for his escort to stop. Juliana walked up to him as tears were streaming down her cheeks. Theodora turned away and disappeared back down the hall with sinister grin she kept to herself. Before Juliana was a breath away, she withdrew the necklace she had given him. Uliaris knew their love affair was at an end from the conspiring of Juliana’s father, his henchman, and apparently Theodora. Uliaris did not say a word as she handed him back her token of her love. She said to him, “You broke my heart today, and now may a sword take yours at Dara.” Uliaris clutched her arm and pulled her closer to him. She tried to resist, but he would not relent, and said looking into her tear stained eyes, “I have never lied to you once and you must believe me that I was set up. I was given a strange toxin that caused me to not know what I was doing. You must believe me...”


    “Save your explanation for another whore who might be moved. This one will not...


    Still clutching her arm whispering, “Juliana! I cannot make you believe me, but please do this. It is all that I ask. Get my cup that is in that room and do not delay. If it still has wine left take it to my father’s physician. He will be able determine if it was poisoned. Please...”

    Juliana pulled away as hard as she could throwing Uliaris’s hand off her arm. She started to walk away as fast as she could, but then froze in place and turned to speak. “I will do as you ask only so that my mind will not be filled with doubt! Not for...” She stopped talking and turned quickly away and quickly went back to the room to retrieve the cup. As she walked away, Uliaris stood there with his heart aching and breaking every step she advanced further from him.

    Uliaris was then escorted out of the palace fearing he would never see Juliana again.
    Last edited by ♔Old Dragoon♔; January 18, 2018 at 09:01 PM.

  15. #95
    NorseThing's Avatar Primicerius
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
    Location
    western usa
    Posts
    3,041

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    I like Juliana would have a very hard time believing the toxin story. Seems too close to the dog ate my homework. I wonder how Uliaris will work out of this. Talking is not going to do the job. Action is really needed.

  16. #96
    Caillagh de Bodemloze's Avatar to rede I me delyte
    Content Director Patrician Citizen

    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    the British Isles
    Posts
    10,212

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    I'm impressed Uliaris persuaded Juliana to take the cup and get it tested. I hope it will show he's telling the truth - although if it does I worry that will put both Juliana and Uliaris in danger...






  17. #97
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
    Content Director Patrician Citizen

    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    12,242

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    It sounds like Uliaris' inner voice gives him good advice, and that (as Caillagh said) he can be persuasive. I agree with NorseThing that it sounds like he will need to back up his words with actions.

  18. #98
    The Wandering Storyteller's Avatar Protector Domesticus
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    I wash my hands of this weirdness!
    Posts
    4,509

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    Okay I think I read up to the prologue for now, but very good and exciting action! Been watching a lot of Vikings, seems a shame there's no series on the Byzantines themselves!





















































  19. #99
    ♔Old Dragoon♔'s Avatar I'm Your Huckleberry
    Content Emeritus

    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    At my mind palace...
    Posts
    1,083

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    Thank you gentlemen for your comments! @NorseThing, yes indeed it would be a hard story to sell, except that during this time, I will say, in what we know as actual history Theodora and Justinian were not known for their cordial court behavior. It would have been known by most nobles that if you had lands and riches, that it would not be wise to be at odds with these co-rulers. Also, they would devise the most devious plots which may or may not be true according to Procopius. What is definitely known is that if you were not in their clique so to speak...beware!

    @Caillagh, yes indeed danger is the name of the game, and just wait until what will be unleashed in the coming pages!

    @Alwyn, yes his inner voice should be definitely heeded as long as he stays focused on task at hand! Again, as I mentioned to NorseThing, not believing Theodora would not be a huge stretch as to how her and Justinian inflicted much sorrow and pain on nobles to their monetary and power benefit.

    @San Felipe, Thank you sir for starting to read my story! I hope you enjoy it! I agree there needs to be a Byzantine drama just hope it is not fictionally ridiculous like some of the things in the past. Regardless I would watch lol...

  20. #100
    ♔Old Dragoon♔'s Avatar I'm Your Huckleberry
    Content Emeritus

    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    At my mind palace...
    Posts
    1,083

    Default Re: AD USQUE FIDELIS

    Chapter VII: Amicitia Aequalitas (Friendship is Equality)

    It would be a day before a ship was going to be able to take Uliaris back to the port of Antioch, Seleucia Pieria. While he was waiting, he decided to enter a rather drab drinking den that one could gather possible information on sordid operations, and maybe even drink his sorrows away. There was a loud booming laugh at the back of the dreary place as Uliaris scanned the patrons. As if the boisterous laugh was beckoning him to investigate, Uliaris made his way to the source.

    The laughter quickly silenced as a sorry looking scoundrel was hurled toward Uliaris. Sidestepping away from the flying drunkard, Uliaris’s blood began pumping harder as he locked eyes with the bear in front of him who had completed the toss. The brute then dodged a knife attack and broke attackers arm. Soon someone took a swing at Uliaris, who blocked the blow punched his solar plexus with enough force causing him vomit up his grog. Uliaris saw a man unsheathe a dagger ready to backstab the large man who moments before was belly laughing. Uliaris unsheathed his spatha and with good speed made it to the dagger wielder before he could backstab by running his blade through the fiends side of his neck, slicing through his aorta.

    When Uliaris removed his blade it was like the fountains of hades belching forth blood from the deep. The large man spun around looking at Uliaris with great surprise. Everyone else froze in place as the backstabber laid on the cold stone floor bleeding out the last of his life force.

    The beastly looking man smiled and extended his right arm out in friendship as onlookers still stood motionless. Uliaris offered his hand out as they clasped forearms. The large man finally spoke, “Thank you my new friend for your assistance! Come drink with me, so that a true friendship can be kindled!”

    “Gladly friend, but what about the mess here?”

    “Ha! Someone is taking care of that backstabber as we speak!”

    “But why are the patrons acting like they had just defecated themselves?”

    The man-bear replied, “That backstabber was a sinister killer for some great leader of the Greens who goes by the name of Leo. Apparently they enjoy killing like that, but the folks of this sort in this fine establishment usually cac themselves not just look the part!” He then roared again with laughter.

    Uliaris needed a good belly laugh and joined in getting a pitcher of cheap wine and some bread, and drink with his new friend. Uliaris started, “I am Uliaris from Belisarius’s personal guard and...”
    “I know who you are friend. I am Andreas....It doesn’t matter who I am. I was hoping for a chance to meet someone like you. Though I am in your debt, I want to follow you to wherever your general is quartered and serve with you and your general. Hell, I would be your bodyguard or arms bearer if nothing else.”

    “Andreas, you do not want to go to Dara...”

    “Friend, look at me here! You do not think that my fighting skills would be of use against the Persian swine?”

    “Well, you are fairly handy unless you enjoy cac holes!”

    “Why else would I be here!”

    They both belly laughed again, and Uliaris gave in. “Andreas, for the potential of further laughs alone, I will on my honor take you to Dara and will vouch for you before Belisarius himself!”

    Andreas gave Uliaris the strongest hug he had ever received nearly causing Uliaris to expel the pomace (cheap everyday Roman wine). “Alright now don’t kill me on the first evening of our adventure!” Uliaris stated trying to gather his senses after nearly being crushed by the friendly brute. Uliaris then stated, “Your first order is to sit down and help me drink these two pitchers of Cretan wine.” Andreas stood there confused and replied excitedly, “Did you say Cretan wine?” Looking down at the table Andreas just seen the remaining one that Uliaris had been working on. Andreas questioned “What pitchers?” Just as Andreas questioned a rather cheery wench was just behind Uliaris holding two pitchers of Cretan wine. Uliaris smiled at Andreas and hen swung around taking two wine pitchers right out of young female servant’s hands to her dismay. Uliaris smelled the fruitful aroma, “Ah Cretan wine, you were saying my friend?” The servant cursed at Uliaris and went back to fetch two more pitchers for the intended patrons.

    Andreas looked at his and smiled before he gulped half of his down. Uliaris stared in amazement and said, “Slow down! This vintage is worth the wait.”

Page 5 of 7 FirstFirst 1234567 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •