Macedonian Obsequium (Rania Lark x Tyr)

[Rania Lark]

Anastasija had awoken on that warm summer's day safely in her room of her father's large villa situated on the borders of the Macedonian empire. Her father, a wealthy nobleman, had provided everything for his daughter that she could have ever wanted. She had the most extravagant clothes, furniture and more servants than she could have ever needed. She was the jewel in her parents' eyes and they ensured that she knew that every day.

However, as spoiled as she was, Anastasija still maintained an air of kindness. She loved her family more than words could express and she also loved the people who lived in the city. She ventured out almost everyday to meet and speak with them. However those days were soon to end. Her father had decided that she would be wed within the month to another leader of a nearby city. She would be leaving her entire life behind to be betrothed to a man she had never met. Though Ana was not opposed to the match, understanding that it would solidify the relationship between the two cities, she feared leaving everything she had known for her entire life.

This day, after she had awoken and her maids had helped her dress in a pale yellow dress that was made of the finest linen and flowed over the lines of her body perfectly, her hair was done. The top of her naturally curly, brown locks were pulled up over her and fastened to the back of her head by a shining silver clip. Then, delicate gold chains were imbedded into her hair, flowing out from the clip before running over the top of her head and a single citrine gemstone hung down slightly onto her forehead. Leather sandals were fastened to her feet by another maid. Anastasija thanked the women and dismissed them when they were finished. The maids all bowed and left the room, leaving Ana to herself for the time being.

It was only a few moments that she was alone in her room before Ana decided to go out and spend some time in the elaborate villa gardens. She walked out into the warm sunshine streaming down and took up a place seated at the edge of a large, tropical flower that had just bloomed the day before. She took hold of the delicate bud and smelled it, reveling in the sweet smell of summer, closing her eyes and imagining her life married to a noble in another city. It was all so exciting!

 

[Tyr]

The Macedonian Empire had grown and grown, expanding out over the Mediterranean, none had achieved the wealth, the power, the culture prominence of this country and its people. Alexander the Great had pushed it boundaries as never before, but he like so many after him had pasted on, and there was something even more powerful growing in the west and expanding, the Republic of Rome. It started with skirmishes and truly did nothing to diminish the Empire, any nothing but minor territory was lost. Yet, one war was followed by another, and Rome began to win, taking greater and greater control of areas once belonging to the Empire. In between these war, peace reigned and the lands were prosperous. Unbeknownst to Anastatija or her family, Rome was once again on the move, its legions advancing to solve what it considered the Macedonian problem.

Roman Legions had already landed moving to control key roads, ports, passes and building moving with the precision and deadliness that made them feared the world around. Even now a messenger was running to her home to give warning, to tell of the chaos that was happening. Her family like so many others supported a free and powerful Macedonia and not some weak and meaningless vassal state that Rome so often created in its wake. Unfortunately Rome knew exactly how to impose its will on those that failed to see its way, its legions and their gladii were an efficient and effective means to an end. Trained, organized, and equipped there were few that could equal them. Anastasija just happened by fate to be in the wrong geographical place, at the wrong time.

Their spies had already noted who in the populous worked against them, who would be open to supporting them and who would oppose them. Some would see their lives end, others would be chained, while those that accepted them would find their lives basically untouched. The ruthless application of power had worked again and again over the centuries as the wealth and power of Rome grew.

Sounds, very unfamiliar could be heard below, making known the first signs that the soldiers of Rome had arrived at this once peaceful community. Screams, yelling, horns, trumpets, things weren’t normal. Smoke was already rising from the local barracks, as the Romans had put it to the torch with the defenders still in it. Groups of soldiers were already splitting up, heading to the governors house, and others who would oppose them. They knew the quickest way to win, was to cut the head that ruled, and that which might take its place. Rome would put those in power it knew would do as they were told.

 

[Rania Lark]

Anastasija walked through the lush, green gardens that surrounded her home, enjoying the sounds of the morning as she walked through the ornate decorations and sculptures around every corner. The birds were singing and the bees were buzzing, all going about their daily lives without a care, just like Anastasija. The Macedonian woman eventually found her way to a solid marble bench situated in the centre of a circle of white and yellow roses. Closing her eyes, Ana took in the scents of summer and the peaceful sounds of the garden during the morning.

But her peace would be short lived as a messenger came sprinting up the hill and through the gates of the imposing villa atop the hill. He ran as fast as he could through the gardens and past the daughter of the leader of the city. Ana opened her eyes as his speed caused a slit breeze to ruffle her curls and the fine linen of her dress. Recognizing that the man was almost in a panic, she stood and ran after him, albeit quite a bit slower as she didn’t know what was going on. For all she knew, it could be an orphan stealing an apple from a merchant. Then she smelled it. Smoke. The thick scent descended down upon the garden, masking all the pleasant smells that usually surrounded her. Then the screams began. Horrible, blood curdling screams. Screams that one would hope never to hear in their lifetime. Then the horns. Trouble was upon their peaceful city. Ana turned and ran to the gates, the heavy wooden gates surrounded by stone walls that separated her and her family from the rest of the population of the city. She reached them just as the guards were pressing them closed, lowering the large wooden barricade against them that only happened when the city was under attack.

Ana’s eyes were wide with panic as she turned and ran back into the villa. Racing through the open air courtyards and hallways, until she ran into the great room, catching the last of the messenger’s panic stricken story. The city was under attack! By the Romans! Her father, Gaius, turned to see his daughter standing in the doorway, panic written all over her face. Her mother immediately broke down into tears as her father made his way across the floor to his daughter. Yelling over his shoulder to the numerous guards surrounding the open space in the centre of the hall.

“Gather every footman and archer you can,” he ordered as he took hold of his daughter, holding her tightly to his chest, “I want every inch of that wall defended to the death!”

The guards nodded and left the room to fetch all the guards of the castle. Gaius then looked down into his daughter’s eyes, the panic stricken eyes of a girl terrified of what was to come. “Listen to me Anastasija.” he whispered to her, “I want you to go. I want you to take a horse and leave by the southern gate. I want you to leave this place and never look back. Do you understand? Your mother and I will join you soon.”

Ana’s face fell as her father instructed her to go. Tears filled her eyes as her panic turned to despair. She shook her head furiously, refusing to go at first. But her father’s insistence was something she could not ignore. Her sobs echoed in the great hall as he once again pulled her tightly to his chest, tears filling his own eyes as his wife and her mother sobbed behind them.

But Ana did as her father ordered. Leaving the great hall, she ran through the hallways of the villas, her dress billowing out behind her until she reached the stables. Grabbing the reins of a black mare, she led the horse out through the aisle between the stalls before emerging by the Southern gate. Mounting the horse, she kicked it into a canter as she ran from the villa, the gates closing behind her as she made a desperate attempt to escape just as the screams overtook the walls of her home.

 

[Tyr]

The Romans employed an experienced army that was hardened and trained on the battlefield. Even as some of the residents of this community prepared to defend others simply moved to stay out of the way, one ruler was equal to another. Most fell quickly to the men of the Roman legions, but some put up a fight, a few Romans fell, but the blood being spilled was far more from those of this land. There was no honor or fairness in how the Roman fought; it was about winning and conquest. If a man barred his home, to protect him and his family, the Roman’s simply burned it down. The skills they learned from past battles were used without mercy. As they moved, they killed, murdered, maimed and enslaved. Fathers were killed, their wives and children taken, those that didn't fight were ignored.

To keep word of their invasion from spreading they’d moved first to secure the roads and accesses to the community, in a few places discreetly hiding in nearby trees or around corners so their presence would not be seen or known. Some of the outlying villas had enough warning to close their gates and arm their staff. This didn’t concern the Centurion Crassus as he moved his men from one villa to the next; bring a concentration of force sufficient to dispose of any defenders. Various tactics were used, from a log to beat down any barricades, to ladders to climb walls. Bowmen kept the heads of the defenders down, while his force went about systemically breaking the defenses of the various villas. Several villas were ignored as they held families that had already secretly pledge loyalty and support to Rome, or were considered to be in opposition to the present rulers of the land. Though vicious and merciless, the Roman’s weren’t stupid, and had done this before, and new how to go about it for maximum effectiveness.

The soldiers had spread out, around town, trying to pick up stragglers, not only because of the damage they can do, by warning others, but they often took the most valuable of loot as they fled. Four such men, waited in a corpse of trees. They had already tied and gagged two others fleeing down this way, now there was the sound of a horse coming. Smiling at one another, they drew their swords, while two hefted their bows, and came to stand in front of the oncoming horse. They’d pick a good ambush spot, for it left little room for escape, and slowed down any one riding. If the person tried to go past, they were ready to kill the horse if necessary.

Halt!

 

[Rania Lark]

Once outside the walls of the villa, Ana kicked her horse into a gallop as she sped away from her home as fire liked at the stone walls. The horse kicked up a cloud of dust from the dirt road leading away from the city and out into the countryside, dotted with various farms with the occasional villa. She would seek out one of those villas and request shelter. Surely once they knew who she was and what was happening, they would allow her rest safely within their walls.

However, her plan was quickly dashed as mere moments after escaping the city, four men emerged into the road, wearing the red and gold armour and cloaks of the Romans who had just ransacked her city. Two had their swords drawn, the other two had arrows loaded into bows and were pointing them towards her. Immediately, Ana pulled back on the reins of her horse, her head turned frantically as her eyes searched the areas next to the road for an escape route. There were no obvious ones as the trees were cleared for miles on either side to make room for farmland to feed the people.

She turned back to the men and pulled back on the reins harder as she approached, pulling the horse to a walk before she turned it to the side, her head glaring at each and every one of the men. Summoning her anger and as much inner strength as she could, Ana straightened on the horse and spoke in her most commanding voice.

“Let me pass! I have nothing of value!"

 

[Tyr]

None may pass!

The soldier stepped forward, one taking a hold of the reins, right at the horses head, just in case she changed her mind and decided to try to escape. The woman showed her affront at being stopped, by demanding that she should pass, and that their intent was to rob her. The soldier that took a hold of the reigns seemed to be the one in command, as he answered her as if she was nothing more than a commoner.

Now dismount! If you don’t I will yank you from the horse.

The man looked to be in his early thirties, his face pot marked and dark, his eye light blue stared out from his helm at her. The tone he took spoke to a person used to his orders being followed. No respect was shown, as he meant to take command of the situation, and thus her. He didn’t contest about valuables, as his men would later search her and the horse for such, a soldier pay was not the greatest.

And I wouldn’t want to hurt a pretty thing like you. So why don’t you come on down, nice like.

No need to have her screaming or letting others know that they were here. His orders were to capture all those fleeing and return them to the town, others would decide their fate. He was just a soldier following orders, and this one had nice clothes on, so she might be important.

 

[Rania Lark]

Ana was a little taken aback at the demands offered up by one of the soldiers. She was not used to being refused and her horse whinnied lightly as he took a few steps forward. The Macedonian's body stiffened slightly atop the mare and she pulled back on the reins, laying one hand on the horses flank trying to calm the animal.

Then he demanded that she dismount from the animal. Immediately Ana's survival instincts kicked in and she pulled back on the reins, kicking the horse in a feeble attempt at escape. One that was too late as the soldier had a grip on the reins right at the horses mouth, holding the horse still and thus trapping Ana within the clutches of the soldier. Desperate for any help, Ana remained atop the horse, the only means of protection she had at that moment. She had no armour, no shield, no weapon. She was helpless in the situation and she had to think fast.

So she did the only thing she could think of. Opening her mouth, she let out the loudest, blood curdling scream she could muster. A scream that told whoever was listening that a woman was in trouble. If any of her countrymen were hiding or fighting at that moment, perhaps they would hear her and come to her rescue. It was a long shot, but Ana knew she had to try, the other option far more terrifying.

 

[Tyr]

The young woman did the predicable thing and tried to kick the horse to get it moving, realizing her predicament. Castor held the reigns tightly to keep his prisoner from escaping. He rolled his eyes as the girl opened her mouth and screamed a rather unfortunate development, but not entirely an unexpected one. Hopefully her scream would mingle with others, and not warn anyone else coming on this way. Still an immediate response was needed, and he reached up with his free hand grabbed her and yanked hard, attempting to completely unseat her from the horse.

The other men held there weapons ready as their leader dealt with the uncooperative woman. As soon as she was on the ground, the other soldier with the drawn gladius was ready to take control of the horse, to free up his commander to deal with the unobliging woman.

Maybe I didn’t make myself clear!

The tone was of an unhappy yet controlled man. If she continued once on the ground he was more than ready to backhand her so she realized that disobedience was not acceptable.

Now you will shut up, or suffer the consequences.

 

[Rania Lark]

Ana's screams of fear and pain was quickly replaced with a squeal of surprise as the soldier took hold of her arm and yanked it down, pulling her off balance and then completely off the back of her horse. She fell off her feet on the ground, held up only by her arm as he pulled her up against him. Ana tried to keep her face angry and not show the fear that began crawling through her at that very moment.

She continued struggling once on the ground, her hands and legs flailing and kicking blindly. However, her struggles were abruptly stopped with a hard backhand right across her face, planted on her right cheek. The pain was so abrupt that Ana stopped struggling. Her face showed surprise and shock at first before the burning sensation overcame her cheek as the slap left a red hand print on her cheek. Tears came to her eyes as she raised her free hand to touch the pained flesh of her cheek.

Ana's eyes after his threat of consequences for not listening, Ana's face showed all the fear that had been coursing through her body, her hand still rubbing the red flesh of her cheek, terrified to learn what other consequences would be. Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes as she began pleading.

"Please," she begged, "Please let me go. I won't tell anyone anything."

 

[Tyr]

At least the screaming had stopped, as Castor handed off the horse to one of his men. The young thing was already pleading, begging for her freedom. Castor could have backhanded her again, but she was a nice looking thing, and he didn’t know if she was important or not. The way she was dressed and held herself, spoke to the fact she was probably not a commoner. If she was a peasant or farm’s daughter he wouldn’t have had a problem, he just didn’t want to piss off the powers to be, plus something that nice looking was important to somebody, not a mere soldier like him. So he was going to error on the side of caution, and be careful with her, and if he and his men needed a little fun, they'd fine an unimportant local girl to keep them warm

Now shut up! Roll over on your stomach, hands behind your back.

He said with a ferocity, as he prepared to bind her. If she didn’t respond, or continued her rambling, he would hit her again, or shove a foot into her back. He didn’t have time to waste, and he wouldn’t be doing any permanent damage, but he needed to gain control of this situation. When she did as instructed he would bind the girl, and his men would keep lookout, making sure no one else was trying to come this way or trying to sneak by.

We can't have you or anyone else wandering off. Now be a good girl and stay quiet, or I will have your gagged, do we understand each other?

The statement wasn't cruel, just a matter of fact, as Castor had no animosity towards her, just a job to do, nor did he have a problem doing whatever it took either. In the end he was a Roman, and Rome was all that mattered.

 

[Rania Lark]

Ana’s chest rose and fell quickly as her breath came in short spurts from the fear. She was scared and it showed despite her head being held high and her voice loud and decisive. Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes as he demanded she lie down on the ground on her stomach to be bound. She shook her head slowly, rambling, pleading with the man not to do this. To let her go. But her voice fell on deaf ears and his strong hand found her face once again, hitting her again.

Stumbling to the ground, she was forced down onto her stomach, her face nearly shoved straight into the dirt. However, the slap had sent her neck snapping to the side which saved her a mouthful of soil from the road. Her tears continued, dripping onto the road as he pulled her hands behind her back, binding them with a rough rope before doing the same to her ankles. Her tears turned to sobs as he told her to be a good girl so she wouldn’t be gagged.

Raising her head from the ground, Ana’s sobs rang out as her tears continued to run down her cheeks leaving dark stains on her dirt streaked face before dripping from her jaw to the ground, darkening the earth beneath her. Her begging, however didn’t stop but continued in hushed tones.

“Please, I beg of you,” was all she rambled as she was helpless lying on her stomach, her wrists and ankles preventing any movement.

 

[Tyr]

The girl’s begging was useless; there was no way he was going to get the wrath of his commander by breaking with orders. She was nice looking, but there was plenty of pussy to play with here, and he didn’t need the whip or some other bullshit coming down on him. With her arms tied behind her, and bound with skill, he grabs her upper arm, and begins pulling her along deeper into the grove of trees out of sight from the pathway. Half drags her as he went, for he had to return quickly because they had the road to still watch.

Move, walk or drag doesn’t matter to me.

One of the men brought along the horse which would be tied off also deeper in the grove. In a small clearing a ways back in the group of trees was another Roman soldier standing guard over a small group of prisoners. All of them tied with their arms behind their backs, but so too at their ankles. Castor half shoved, half tossed her to a spot with the others on the ground.

Now sit down, don’t say a thing.

Reaching into a pack he drew out some rope for which to tie her about the ankles, to limit her potential to escape. The others there looked like a family, with a father, his wife, older daughter and younger son. The father had blood on his dripping from his head, clearly hit there by something; the others just looked on wild eyed. From their attire, Ana would guess they were possibly farmers or trades people. The family all look scared and distraught, as they sat there in the dirty, not knowing their future. Smoke could be seen in the distance rising, as fires continued to burn in town.

 

[Rania Lark]

Ana’s yelped in pain as the man’s hand wrapped tightly around her upper arm, pulling her up to her feet roughly. Not giving her enough time to recover and get her balance, he then began pulling her off the road, into a small grove of olive trees. Ana’s eyes were wide with fear as she watched the road disappear from her view. She needed the road for potential rescuers to see that she was being held captive. However, him dragging her and her losing her balance over an overgrown root brought her attention tumbling back down to her current predicament.

However, no more tears came from her eyes as she was dragged into the clearing before being tossed onto the ground. Without her hands to break her fall, she fell backwards from his shove, landing square on her back right next to four other people. She struggled to push herself up to a sitting position as the man pulled another rope from his pack, before wrapping it expertly around and between her ankles, securing them together and effectively taking away her ability to run.

Her eyes wild, Ana looked to the rope and then to the others before she began searching the trees for a miracle, a blade of some sort to get free. The other four people looked terrified, completely distraught and scared for their lives. Their predicament as well as her own tugged at Ana as her father had taught her. She was here to be a comfort to these people as any good wife of a leader should, reassure them that help was on the way and calm their fears. No doubt, she would be the one the entire city was looking for so if she was saved, they would be too.

So once her feet were tied, she leaned into them as the black smoke from the fires within her home and around the city her father governed billowed into the air.

“Do not be afraid,” she whispered softly, her voice calm albeit with a tiny tremble to it, “Someone will come for us, I am sure of it.”

 

[Tyr]

The guard stood vigilant over the prisoners, though eyes spent far more time on the girls, and he gave all of them a smile, but it wasn’t a smile of a friend or family, it was one that held a darkness, a hunger. The young woman, the daughter didn’t see it for what it was, the mother scowled at the man, as they waited. The sun continued its passage across the sky, little happening, the young man asked to pee, and the guard told him to just piss himself. The day would normally have been considered a beautiful day, except for the presence of the Roman soldiers, and Ana being a prisoner.

The prisoners were able to whisper back and forth, and the guard seemed uninterested in them as long as they didn’t move from where they sat. Only real sound was the gentle wind coming off the sea caressing the trees. It was finally interrupted by the sound of a galloping horse, the yell of men, and then battle. Though Ana couldn’t see what was happening, she heard sounds muffled by the trees, and finally the scream of one man, and the gurgling sound of another dying. Soon Castor returned, they were helping one of their men along, he looked like bruised and battered, holding his arm. Castor told the other guard what happened.

The messenger, tried to run over Parthus, and he didn’t move fast enough, I think he broke his arm, as the horse went over him.

Castor laughed a bit. As they deposited their injured comrade down across from the prisoner, the man wincing as he sat.

The other man got the worse of it, and our slow Parthus gutted the man’s horse and sent him flying, he didn’t even stand before he was full of arrows.

Some more laughter followed as they joked about the Macedonian’s death. The other soldiers soon came back as horns were heard in the distance. Smiles on the Roman soldiers' faces, as Castor let the prisoners know their town had fallen and was now secured and controlled by the Romans.

Well we should return soon to the town before night fall.

He saw the other soldiers looking at him, and he nodded, he knew what wanted.

Yeah, okay we can have some fun before we head back. Two of us will stand guard while the other play, then we'll switch off, you guys got the messenger so you go first. You can choose either one or both you’d like, but not this one.

Castor indicated Ana, as two bowman grinned and advanced on the mother and her daughter. The father already struggling and calling them monsters.

 

[Rania Lark]

Ana too noticed the stares and the smile from the lone guard who was standing a few steps away from the row of prisoners. She had seen the lecherous stare before however, she didn’t react to it, instead opting for an emotionless stare back. Turning back to the scared peasants, Ana spent the rest of the time offered them almost alone comforting them, reassuring them that they would be rescued, that she would make sure they would go home and that she would ensure that everyone knew of their plight. Even with the threat of the young man humiliating himself by urinating all over himself was met with a kind word and comforting look from Ana.

All of a sudden, as the sun had crossed the sky, Ana heard galloping of horses. She couldn’t tell if it was one or many. She turned to peer through the grove of trees trying to see what was happening, who it was who had approached. Then the clash of steel, a horse whinnying in pain, a man screaming, arrows screaming through the air and the deathly groan of another man. Ana’s eyes were wild as she heard movement through the trees. Her eyes searching for her own people, she was met only with the four Romans who had captured her, three of them pulling an injured one along. Ana’s hope was dashed, however that disappointment only lasted a moment before she looked to the others, trying to smile kindly, give them some reassurance.

Then the horrible story was retold of how they had killed a messenger, a man unarmed Ana was sure of it. They mocked his death, and a fire began to burn behind Ana’s eyes as her gaze narrowed, focused on the leader as he had led such an inhumane attack. Then the leader gave them the other two women, the mother and daughter, for the taking, sparing her once again. Ana’s eyes shifted from the Roman to the two poor farmers beside her. She knew her position could garner some sway, even in a captive situation. She was worth far more than the entire family together. Her father had also taught her to sacrifice herself to save the family. Ana’s breath quickened in her chest as she turned from the family back to the Roman, calling out just as the two Romans reached out to grab the poor women.

“Wait!” she yelled hoping to stop the violation in its tracks, “These people are merely poor farmers. People who have done nothing to you and will do nothing to you. They merely were returning home from selling their wares in the city. I am Anastasija, daughter of Ilarion, leader of this city. You have the most important captive you could have ever hoped for sitting right here. And I will comply, if you release the others.”

By the end of her speech, her voice trembled only slightly as she gave up her own life to save four others, and that frightened her to her core.

 

[Tyr]

Castor was surprised by the young woman’s interruption, as she’d specifically been excluded from being a plaything for his men. The wiser and smarter thing was for her to remain silent and just let him and his men have some fun, but instead she’d professed that she was the daughter of the ruler of this city. If so her value had just gone up tremendously, and he needed to get her to his commander immediately, for if she was who she said she was delaying her return would get him in serious trouble, for they were only grunts. The two bowmen were just about to pick the young girl next to Ana up and cart her off to spot of their choosing when Castor raised his voice, and put all his attention on Ana.

Stop guys! Is it true what you say girl?

It seemed unlikely that the daughter of the ruler of the city, just happened be alone on horse and came into his hands. Here clothing was nice, and was most likely that of a noble or well off merchant, her horse a good stead. Still was this just some sort of delaying tactic or means of distracting them. Though it didn’t matter, he had nothing but her word, and if it was true, he needed to get back to the city as soon as possible, and their fun would just have to be delayed. Shit, he thought.

As he waited for her to answer his mind was a whirl as he considered the possibilities. Was she supposed to meet someone, where there others nearby, no matter, having your tunic down and dick out wasn’t the way you wanted to meet an enemy.

Suit up boys, get the horses ready. We move out, now!

There were groans of dissatisfaction and consternation that things had changed, but none were so stupid to not follow orders. Even the man with the broken arm made ready to stand and move.

You, stand guard at the tree line, make sure we don’t have company.

With the immediate orders given, he turned back to the young girl, and gave her a more thorough looking over as he asked questions, he didn’t tell her he was a bit nervous that he’d now hit her a few times, as he wasn’t privy to what was her position, now that they’d taken the city.

Now tell me girl, are you alone? Are there others? Where were you going? Who were you going to meet?

 

[Rania Lark]

Ana breathed a sigh of relief as the allowed rape was stopped in its tracks with her revelation that she was the daughter of the ruler of the city. She caught the looks from the farmer’s family as they stared in disbelief of who they sat next to. Once the movement beside her had stopped, her eyes traversed back to the leader of the men who had captured her.

However, she kept her mouth firmly shut. She had offered up a deal, an agreement and she would not further her words until that agreement was made good. However, no sooner than he had asked her if what she was saying was true, he was ordering his men to move out. Relieved that the women would be spared that cruelty, Ana sat up straighter on the ground, making herself appear more regal despite her dirt stained clothes and the mud smeared on her face.

She watched solemnly as the men dispersed, preparing to leave. Then the leader approached her again, this time giving her a more ‘thorough’ examination. She kept her head held high as his eyes roamed over her body. Her fine jewelry made of gold and citrine, her fine silken dress, her fine leather sandals did not take from her story. She knew that she was dressed as the daughter of the ruler and that her words would hold true.

Her eyes returned to the family at her side as he asked her a barrage of questions. Her eyes opened more, trying to give the family the comfort that they so desperately needed at that moment. She would get them out of here, no matter what. Then she turned back to the Roman standing only a few feet away from her.

“I offered a deal,” she spoke calmly, motioning to the others, “I will give no more information until they are free to return to their home…unharmed.”

 

[Tyr]

The men untied the horses, and loaded up their packs. The bound woman who professed to be the daughter of the city’s ruler, didn’t answer his questions, but offered another deal, the information for the other prisoners to be released. Castor didn’t even really consider it, for he didn’t know who she was for sure, and releasing the others was against orders. So he just issued more orders.

No I’m not releasing them, everyone back to the city.

Castor turned and barked some more orders.

Tie them together, and prepare to move out.

The men tied one prisoner to the next in a chain, before they came back and removed the ropes about their ankles. Now they could stand and walk, but were encumbered by all of them being roped together. Any escape would be greatly hindered by this. Only the Castor had a horse, so he mounted up, with Ana’s horse tied off to his, and then the prisoners tied off to it, the guards walking on the side and to the rear of the chain of prisoners. As soon as possible he would march them all right back to the city and his commander, for him to figure out.

 

[Rania Lark]

Ana saw the look in the Roman’s face, an expressionless visage that gave nothing away, not even if he was thinking about her deal. However, after a moment of silence he barked out more orders, refusing her deal and instead ordering all of them back to the city. Immediately, Ana’s eyes returned to the family next to her. Though her eyes were slightly fearful, she still tried to wordlessly ensure that they were indeed safe with her, at least for the time being.

“Do not worry,” she promised in a whisper, trying to ensure that they were aware that she was who she said she was. Her attention was then yanked back to the leader of the Roman group of soldiers, ordering them tied together and to prepare to return to the city she had called her home. Ana was tied to the daughter of the family next to her at the front of the line. Once they were all secured together and the ropes around their ankles cut, all five captives got to their feet. Ana stood at the front of the line, leading the group of captives out of the grove and back onto the road. Once there, the lead from Ana’s wrists was secured to her own horse.

Once they were all secured and the soldiers were in position, they were off, walking back towards the city, back towards her home.

 

[Tyr]

The road was empty, no one coming or going from the city. The smell of smoke grew as there were still several fires burning within the city. Once Castor and his prisoners had the city in sight, it looked like it always did, though the men standing near the gate wore the armor and emblems of the Roman Republic and not the Macedonian Empire. The gates were well guarded, and it was hard to tell if that was to keep people from getting in or from leaving. Outside the city, a large camp was being set up, the flags of Rome flapping along it edge and next to several tents. The small train of walking prisoners was being directly led to the gate and not the encampment.

Castor came to the gate, dismounted, and saluted with a fist to his chest and then an open hand motion. He talked to the guards and was quickly passed through, both inside and outside the gate many waited, all were being asked questions and searched. Remounting, Castor slowly guided his men and captives deeper into the city, winding there way ever closer to the governor’s palace. They were stopped at several checkpoints and Castor was asked questions but soon directed to continue. Many of the citizens of the city mulled about, unsure what to do, shock in their eyes as squads of Roman’s moved briskly about their task. They watched as the Roman's passed with their prisoners.

 

[Rania Lark]

Ana and the other prisoners kept pace with the slow moving horses as they were led down the empty roads back towards the city. It was strange seeing the once busy road, bustling with merchants and families out to purchase wares most days, completely abandoned within hours. It was the aftermath of invasion and immediately, Ana began to worry for her parents, her family, her people.

Then the smell of the black smoke rising from the city walls invaded her nostrils. Ana tried to raise her hand to cover her nose from the onslaught but couldn’t as the horse kept her hands pulled forward forced to remain in front of her hips as they walked towards the gates of the city she had called home. They walked past a camp being hastily constructed just outside the city walls. It consisted of numerous cloth tents all bearing the roman eagle insignia. However, the prisoners did not stop there. Instead the Roman who led them marched them right past the encampment, instead heading towards the city gate. A gate that was once opened every sunrise and closed every sunset to protect the people who lived within, now was guarded by Romans in their bronze and red armour.

Ana and the others were forced through the iron gates, now protecting a prison where her people were now captives within their own homes. As they passed by homes, some burned black with charred bodies within them, others with the straw roofs still burning a bright red, spewing black smoke into the air. The smell of the destruction was nearly too much for Ana and she bowed her head, moving her hands up to her mouth in a desperate attempt to keep the scents from invading her nostrils once again. Her eyes crossed over those who were still alive, wandering about the city. Some were in a daze, staring into nothingness as they wandered about. Others were screaming, huddled over the burned or bloody remains of loved ones. All the while, a myriad of soldiers marched throughout the wide streets and narrow alleyways, going about their business and paying no attention to the suffering around them.

Ana caught a few people’s eyes as they walked past them, some of them recognizing the daughter of the governor, others stared blankly through her like she didn’t even exist. Immediately, Ana felt for all her people at that moment as her eyes filled with tears. All the people who had lost everything. She only hoped her family had been spared such horror.

 

[Tyr]

The Macedonia Empire, was broken into areas, each ruled by a local governor, who was responsible for their area, making sure taxes were collects, and their quota of conscripts and soldiers were met, fed, and equipped. The governor’s had vast power and leeway in how they went about this. The governors were appointed, though they often were from the same families generation after generation. This did not mean that things didn’t changes, and there was always maneuvering by those that desired and coveted that wealth and power for themselves.

The death and destruction had no impact on Castor or his men, as they’d seen it all too often in the campaigns of the Roman Republic as it expanded it borders. This city would just become another district of the Republic, a part of the massive machine that was Rome. The very soldiers that had defended it, would become men in the same army as them. Most of Castor’s men called not from the lands around Rome, but from distant districts that had fallen under the Republic’s influence.

The guards had directed to Centurion Hadrianus for determination of what he should do with his special prisoner. They slowly climbed the cobble stone road, the clack of the horses hoof against stone as they ascended towards the governor’s palace. As they rose, they got a better view of the city that hug the coast. When they were almost upon it when Castor directed his men to separate the prisoners, he taking Ana, the others going with his men, for none were needed for what was to come.

I’ll take her to see what Centurion Hadrianus, and see what he wants done with her. Take them to the holding pens, then report back to camp. I’ll be back as soon as I can.

 

[Rania Lark]

Ana’s eyes were in astonishment at the cruelty exacted upon her people by the Roman soldiers. So many of them were now homeless. There were elderly people and children wandering aimlessly in the streets, searching for their children and their parents. Any family members who had survived the brutal attack. Ana was horrified at the sight of the bodies littering the streets, denied a proper burial.

But she was forced to walk, not offer words of comfort, of empathy to the people who had lost everything, escaping with only their lives. She was so distraught at the extend of the destruction that tears came to her eyes as she looked back to the family behind her. She promised herself that she would save them, as she couldn’t save anyone else in the city.

When the soldiers stopped their movements, the commander turned back directing his men to take the family. At that moment, they were cut from the tether connecting her to them. In that moment, something snapped in Anastasija. She pulled on the rope connecting her to her own horse, struggling to escape, to save the poor farmer’s family as they were ordered to the holding pens. Her eyes were narrowed, wild, like a woman who had lost her mind. She yanked hard on the rope, the rough tether chafing her wrists as she watched in horror as the family was pulled away from her.

“No!” she cried out, “Release them! Let them go home! They have done nothing!”

 

[Tyr]

The girl struggled protesting and demanding that Castor set them free. He looked back at her with a steely gaze, and yanked on the rope like some leash. She had no power over him, and her demands were utterly ignored, nor even entertained for he was a soldier and he had orders, and a few poor peasants were irrelevant.

Shut up! Everyone has done something, if nothing more than being stupid enough to fall out from between their mother’s legs. Now move!

Castor again yanks the rope, his mount moving forward till they arrive at the grand entrance of the governor’s palace. Again he was met, by the guards, another short exchange and salutes, as he prepared to dismount. A man stepping forward to secure the horses. Castor asked where he could find Centurion Hadrianus, and the commander at the entrance offered one of his men to show him the way.

To each side of the entrance now hung the bright banners of Rome, Men moved about with purpose like they owned the place, even though they just arrived this day. Horses were leaving and coming as reports arrive and orders were sent. The large front doors still showed signs of where they’d been force in. As they moved through the grand place, he gave her some clear instructions.

Be respectful, answer when you’re spoken to, and don’t say a thing if you aren’t asked.

Castor gave the advice once, as they approached the grand hall.

 

[Rania Lark]

Ana's last scream for freedom for her fellow captives was cut off as her captor yanked on the rope leading to her bound wrists. She yelped as she was yanked around to face forward, stumbling on the cobblestones and falling to her knees with a thud. Pain shot up through her body as her hands and her knees broke her fall on the stone street. His words went through her body like a knife. He didn't care at all for her people nor for their wellbeing. He truly was a monster, just like the stories she had been told as a child. The monsters from Rome!

The second yank had Ana scrambling back up to her feet to avoid being dragged like a sack of grain and sustaining more injuries. She stumbled forward slightly as she made it to her feet a split second too late. Catching herself that time, she straightened up as the soldier led her behind his horse, up the road, until they reached the governor's palace. Ana's home.

Ana was horrified to see her father's colours callously replaced by the bright reds and golds of Rome along with the insignia of the Eagle. Their presence had been wiped out of the city in less than a day of occupation and battle. The large wooden doors leading into the palace were splintered and split in places, showing signs of the fierce battle that had been fought and lost by her Father's men. Soldiers were milling about everywhere, talking, walking, riding horses.

The Macedonian turned and looked at the soldier as he gave her 'advice'. Her eyes narrowed defiantly as she raised her head further, her status as a noblewoman obvious in her upturned nose. Despite the dirt, blood and her ruined clothes and ruffled hair, she still carried herself as a noble and she would not allow some lowly soldier tell her how to behave.