Chapter IX
Legion
Arzealous unable to move watched as the Siren slowly approached, emanating from the device coiled around her arm was a pulse of light that hypnotically held him and Callinicus in a vice like grip; as she neared a strange sickly sweet smell filled the air. The situation was desperate, he had been careless and what was worse he had drawn the Watcher to his doom also. The woman advanced with a cold unflinching aspect, her eyes were deep and penetrating, there was something about her prey, something powerful that was hidden, it was as if there was a veil over them, and she was finding it difficult to break down the barrier behind which lay their true identity. Her arm twisted one way then the other, the strain she exerted was beginning to tell, as the power the two figures before her radiated was great indeed. With a mighty surge, energy shot from her arm and was absorbed by the staff held by Callinicus; a mighty flash lit up the night as power erupted from his staff hitting the Siren full on, flinging her back with a shriek, her body absorbed the full force of the blast and was incinerated, bursting into an inferno of flame and fire, all that remained was a gaseous fume.
Arzealous released from her grasp turned to face his companion; he was more than a little relieved; “Fortunate, you know how to use that thing.”
Callinicus gave out a gruff grunt, “I didn't do anything; the staff acted of its own accord, almost as though it was defending itself. I was as rigid as that tree, and just as helpless to act against the Siren, as it would be when facing a woodcutter.”
“Then as we previously suspected, there appears to be more to that 'stick' of yours than meets the eye, I think you need to find out exactly where it originates from; and whatever saved us, I am thankful for it; I cannot believe I was so foolish as to walk into such a trap. And against a being as powerful as a Siren, I should’ve known better. Do you think you destroyed her?”
Callinicus wryly smiled, “She was shattered into a thousand shards of glass. If that didn't end her then I don't think anything could, and unless a Siren can regenerate, there’s no real coming back from where she's gone."
Arzealous understood the strangeness of the universe, and he quietened for a moment, staring at the place where the Siren last stood, “I wonder.”
Callinicus gestured toward the palace, its windows were well lit, and domed churches rose like hilltops, there was some commotion and a troop of Stratiotai were rushing forward down the Mese; they had seen the blinding flash of light and thought the forum of Constantine was burning. As they realised who it was that was standing there, they slowed, confused by the calm.
One of the Stratiotai edged ahead of the others, “Arzealous, we saw what we thought was a fire, and believed that the enemy had a new catapult that could fire ballista and missiles well into the city.”
Arzealous took the man’s arm in greeting, it was Photis of the elite palace guard, “The enemies reach is not yet that long. I’m afraid what you saw was something not altogether natural for these parts though; Callinicus can explain.”
The Stratiotai fell in behind, and escorted them to the palace.
“You were informed I suppose of the Rageon that has been roaming within the city walls, well what we just encountered was a Siren, which has a close connection to it.” The Stratiotai murmured with unease. “Do not be afraid, it’s been destroyed or so we think, unfortunately there are probably more of them somewhere in the city, and who knows what else maybe hiding here...”
Photis turned and gestured for the men to quiet, “Go on.”
Callinicus drew in a deep breath, “We have sent Priscus, Valerius and others to seek the creatures out. If they find anything that appears unnatural or untoward, they’ll exorcize it: they’ve also gone to fetch a monk that can help in this regard, apparently he knows a lot about such creatures.”
Photis huffed, “That's either old Theophilus or Steven, God preserve us, those two could do more damage than the Saracens. There is something else sir, while you were away we’ve had news from Germanicus and Adamous. ”
There was an uncertainty in his tone that gave Arzealous pause, “I take it not good?”
Photis looked over his shoulder as though he did not want to be overheard, “It's the way in which the news arrived that had us spooked sir. They have in their possession what they referred to as a Sacred Seal…”
Arzealous immediately raised his hand, “When we are inside not here.”
Photis nodded uncomfortably.
They made their way up the main thoroughfare toward the palace. Arzealous walked with some urgency; talk of a Sacred Seal being found, altered the entire dynamic of their stay at that time, and still for all their searching they had not found any clue as to Rafael’s whereabouts; he looked around, the air was heavy, and the hour was getting late. When they had left the Church it was at the time of the evening liturgy, but he had no idea how long their battle with the Siren had taken: now at least he had an explanation as to why the Rageon was there with its cohorts, they were more than likely after a greater prize than the taking of a world such as Terra Azure. Callinicus also seemed troubled by the news; his eyes furtively gazed from side to side; he was certainly anxious as they all were, that they should not have another run in with a Siren or any other creature for that matter, but with the discovery of a Sacred Seal that would now prove more likely than not.
“What do you think?” whispered Callinicus.
Arzealous checked to see that he could not be overheard before speaking, “Things are beginning to unravel. It’s a shame you destroyed the Siren, I would have dearly liked to have had time to question her.”
Callinicus gave out a shallow laugh, “If I recall there was no option; it was either her or us; and frankly I’m glad it was her.”
Arzealous nodded and rubbed his eyes, “Perhaps next time we’ll set a trap and see what we catch in our web.”
“Umm, be careful with that, those that set traps are often caught up in them themselves, after all the Siren set a trap for us and the outcome was not what she expected. We wouldn’t want to suffer a similar fate.”
They were finally approaching the palace, as they neared creaking metal gates opened; guards of the Vigla stood to attention and saluted as they passed through. One joined them, it was the Viglator.
“Good to see you’ve returned, and not a moment too soon I might add, what did you learn from your foray?”
“It is hoped we have shut the Rageon out for the time being at least; but I understand you have some news here that ties in with our venture.”
The Viglator appeared more tense than usual, “When we are in the presence of the Emperor all will be revealed; he is dining in the House of Justinian and requested that on your arrival, you be taken to him at once.”
As they walked through the palace grounds the fragrant smell of flowered potpourri lifted their spirits, it was a more sultry evening than was usual for that time of year, and each of them began to relax. The paved way echoed to their passing. Marble and bronze statues that had stood for hundreds of years towered over them watching their passage, a testimony to the age and indomitable spirit of Rome. The Scholae were out in force, they were the elite Stratiotai, chosen for their famed fanatic, diehard stoic attitude, once known as the Praetorian Guard and still sometime referred to as such. They stood tall, their high helms, and pristine armoured breastplates made them seem even more imposing, at their sides bedded into the walls were mounted torches that gave their shadows vigour, it was as though they were terrible statues of ancient gods. Walls of stone reared up behind them, in the air was the smell of the Sea of Marmara and to the other side, towering above the walls, The Hippodrome. The cries of gulls reached out to them. The wind had got up and was wrapping the wash against hard thick Theodosian stone. They had arrived at Justinian’s House; doors opened, and a warm greeting met them as they entered.
An attendant directed them to where they could freshen, before they entered the presence of the Emperor. Usually they would bathe then
sup, but the prevailing darkness meant that, but for a few ritualistic necessities, they were to make their report. The chamber was large, marble statues of past emperors and saints stood at each corner, of what was a large bathing area of steaming water. Up against one wall was a row of basins filled with heated water and brimming with petals, which were already prepared for them to wash in. Arzealous unstrapped his breast plate and with relief, let it fall to the floor. He was handed a towel and a fresh tunic and breeches to wear by another attendant, who quickly recovered his garments, no doubt to clean. Arzealous stood a moment with a sponge, and let the hot water soak into his strong frame, from his shoulder to his navel the water washed the grime away. Relieved for the freshness of the touch of clean water, he felt his body start to relax. Taking the towel, he began to wipe himself clean; then he rubbed warm olive oil over his skin, before getting a scraper and running it down his body to clean any grit and grime away that had resisted departing the first time around. He repeated the process as did Callinicus, until they truly felt cleansed.
Once dressed, he took a deep breath, his body felt vital once again. An aide standing by; then took them to see the Emperor. They walked through aged corridors that the great Theodosius II had once used, when he had first built the palace. On the walls were painted scenes from antiquity, a profusion of colours to illuminate pasts never to be forgotten; a true lesson of history.
As they approached the chamber where the Emperor sat, a light filtered out through an open door, mutterings could be heard escaping into the corridor. The door was thrust open and they entered a large chamber. The Emperor sat at the end of a long table, to either side of him was a general and a magistrate, one wore flowing gowns of silk, the other was in full army regalia, the General had a scar above his left eye, and a sunken nose, probably the result of a youthful skirmish when he had been a mere Stratiotai, he had been a lover of the art of boxing, his arm was tattooed in the manner of the Northmen, his hair was cut short and his grizzled face seemed vital with alert pale grey eyes; The Magistrate had long hair down to his nape and a short beard, his olive skin suggested he was eastern in origin, his dark fiery eyes held a deep intelligence, well versed in the classics and in mathematics, he had a keen wit and resourceful mind. The two stood, as Arzealous entered, only the Emperor remained seated, but a soft smile fashioned his face.
The Emperor threw down a bone which was leapt on by a dog, and began to wipe his hands, “Well I hear your mission was a success, also that you destroyed some otherworldly creature when you got back.”
“Not I sir, Callinicus did that; but there are other such creatures loose in the city, I sent a squad to track them down, they’ve taken some drunk of a monk with them, I don’t recall his name.”
The Emperor raised an eyebrow at the mention of the monk, “A drunkard you say, that could be Steven or Theophilus they're about as odd and as crazy as they come, so they'd be perfect for such a duty. If one of those two can't scare the damned creatures away nothing will. Steven though has had one or two run-ins with the Patriarch, unsurprising considering he’s slovenly and free spirited, and the others about as pious as they can be; I'd be grateful if those two were kept apart, we don't need any unnecessary distractions at this most crucial of times. By the way did you hear we’ve received word from Germanicus and Adamous?”
“I heard something; it certainly is a surprise to have word so soon.”
“Surprise,” all three laughed, “you have no idea and I don’t think surprise quite covers it. Fortunately we’re getting used to strange happenings round here, so the shock of people arriving from Thebes practically out of thin air, with a message for us was the type of unusual we've grown accustomed to.”
The General smiled lightly, “It certainly was the manner of their arrival, and not that they arrived that startled us; believe me when I say, it would have shocked the vestments off a nun.”
Arzealous and Callinicus seated themselves down as did the Viglator.
“Anyway, with what you said of this Rageon being able to appear at will from whatever realm it comes from, we knew such things were possible; we just didn’t realise our ancestors had the temerity to harness such powers, but apparently they created a device that enables people to travel long distances, by creating a doorway from one place to the next; quite remarkable really. The device is called a Sacred Seal. Have you heard of anything like that?”
Callinicus looked at Arzealous who imperceptibly nodded, “I have heard of such a thing but only as a myth, the horse Pegasus is symbolically such a device, carrying a person over great distances at speed in a very short time.”
“Well we can all say that this device is no myth. But just as important was the news carried back to us. Charon is not a myth either it has been confirmed he has taken Thebes.”
Arzealous clasped his hands together, “So Charon is here after all, that's very interesting.”
“Yes, we know the name of one of his Acolytes also, Drakos.”
Arzealous eyes sparked into life, “Drakos is a Wraith, the Wraith are also in league with the Rageon, that’s one thing we discovered from our venture into its world, which can only mean that…”
The Emperor grimly finished the sentence, “Charon, the Wraith and the Rageon are working together. Now those are words I thought I’d never hear myself say. More wine anyone.” The Emperor gestured for an attendant to pour some wine.
Callinicus's face turned grim, “Is there anything else?”
The Emperor smiled, “I hope not, we’ve had enough excitement for several life times thank you; the problem is we don’t know whether they are in league with the Saracens.”
Arzealous interjected, “They’re not exactly working with them; we found out that much, but they are somehow manipulating events in the enemy camp.”
"Could it have something to do with that Sacred Seal? But then again one of the Stratiotai that returned did say they needed the Seal to find something else." asked the Emperor.
"So there is something more," replied Arzealous. "That explains why they haven't called off their assault on Constantinople and headed towards Thebes, also they may have overestimated the ability of Saracens to break us. And we all know that our Theodosian Walls are likely to stand for another thousand years without being breached."
There seemed a collective sigh of relief from the Emperor and the General.
“Well I’m thankful for small mercies, if the Saracens are unaware of their ally then that's good for us. Who knows what weapons they could bring to bear if they were actually helping them? But even with their indirect help they may have a few more spectacles in store for us. It also means whatever they’re after they don’t want the Saracens to know about it, but the thing is the Saracens aren't silly they're going to know something's up. Also until Germanicus and Adamous make their move, the Rageon and Charon aren’t going to know that they’ve been discovered, that gives us a slight advantage for the time being.”
Arzealous took a sip of wine and ran the rim of the goblet round his lips a moment, “You must understand it will not be long before they find out and believe that we know of their intentions. At this time they will know that their passage into the city is blocked, but they won’t know how it got blocked, if we are really fortunate they might even suspect their erstwhile allies of treachery. And if they suspected anything we’d probably be facing a full scale assault by the Saracens right now, but then again their assaults are not that uncommon anyway. I must say I hope Germanicus and Adamous don’t actually try to take on Charon and whoever else is aiding him; I’d rather know what my enemy is up to so that I might be better prepared when the time comes to face him in battle, than take a risk on going after him and lose all chance of knowing why he's here at this time.”
The Emperor rubbed the weariness from his face, “I believe they do intend going after Charon. We’re in the risk business at the moment Arzealous, so they will have our full support with whatever they decide to do.”
Callin
icus tone became more reflective, “What of the Merovingian and the Francs can we expect aid from them.”
The General spoke up for the first time, “I would say not until Germanicus and Adamous are through dealing with Charon.”
Callinicus drew a scroll from his cloak and unrolled it, “We may not need their help, as there was something that I discovered on our little jaunt that may be of use to us.”
The General immediately became attentive, “Unless you’ve something that can take out the enemy fleet, I don’t think there’s much else that will alter our situation.”
“General I believe we will be able to damage the enemy enough to force him to withdraw. What I’ve got here is a formula that the Rageon was working on; it was intended for use by the Saracens against us; it may alter the war finally in our favour, I subtly altered the one he had so that it won't work, but have taken the original for ourselves.”
The Emperor clasped his hands together thoughtfully, “Interesting, I wonder what we have here that Charon is eager to get his hands on, and no doubt its of greater power than that of a Sacred Seal? Heraclius apparently brought back that staff from the Persian Wars. I wonder what else he brought back. What is it we know of Charon, that makes him our enemy?”
Arzealous put down his goblet and leant back in his chair, “We all know that Charon comes from another realm; in mythology he is the guardian of the so called underworld, with grave responsibilities, he answers only to his master Hades. And the thing is he probably does not see us as his enemy, we are merely in the way of him achieving whatever objective he has. I would also say this; Charon may have already tried to gain by other means, what now is being taken by force. Have any emissaries recently come with unusual demands, may not even be recent, maybe years past for all we know.”
The Emperor shook his head and sighed, “All we get are unusual demands from emissaries, so it could be any of a thousand requests. Callinicus did you find anything else of interest when you were looking in the Archives.”
“There was no mention of Charon. In all the accounts I have thus far looked into, there is no record of him and ever since the first mention of the Rageon I have been looking for anything that might stand out as unnatural to our world.”
The General let out a hoarse cough, “You do realise that in the east Charon goes by another name. Perhaps you should get back to your books and scrolls and see if you missed anything.”
“Yes I do know that, and in the east his name is Mot, and many others, but that is the point there was no mention of him. He is simply not mentioned in the chronicles of that time.”
“I see, so he's actually conspicuous by his absence,” said the General.
"Or maybe you just missed something," replied the Emperor.
The Magistrate interjected, “Isn’t Hades one of the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. This all sounds very close to what happens in the Book of Revelation. Perhaps that’s the clue to what they’re after. Perhaps we should speak to the Patriarch about this?”
The Emperor beckoned to an attendant, “Send for the Patriarch he is in the Hospital attending to the sick and wounded, tell him he is needed at once on a matter of deep urgency. Let's see what our priest has to say about all this. And remember he’s as belligerent today as he ever was, so talk with care…though if he tells me once more to…”
The General smirked, “you’ll do what.”
The Emperor wryly smiled, “Whatever he says of course, these zealot priests, you can’t live with them, and you simply, can’t live with them.”
The General turned to Arzealous, “The Patriarch feels that this invasion of the Saracens is a punishment for our sins, and until we truly repent we shall not overcome. And so who knows what he’s going to say when he realises that Charon is behind it, and most likely Hades behind Charon.”
The Magistrate began rubbing his forehead, “This is going to be fun. A Witch out there and a…”
“Now, now, let us all be tolerant,” choked back the Emperor.
They patiently sat and continued their meal, and drank the required amount of wine as was needed when the Patriarch was asked to appear at court. After two hours had passed, an attendant sheepishly appeared at the door.
The Emperor leant back resignedly, “Well.”
“He says that if you wish to see him then it should be in a place of Piety and not opulence, in his chambers in the Church of the Holy Wisdom.”
The Emperor laughed, “Okay then Gentlemen, I believe we’ve been summoned: to the Church it is.”
They lifted themselves from the table and made their way slowly over to the Church of the Holy Wisdom. It was a clear night; stars lit their path as though sharp crystals had been cast in heaven to guide them. They walked along in the shadow of the mighty Hippodrome. The Emperor seemed distracted as if he were playing over in his mind what he was to say to the Patriarch; unfortunately the uncompromising Bishop of Constantinople had that effect on everyone, from the lowliest to the highest, they all felt like school children in his presence.
“You never know we might find him in good humour,” said the Emperor quietly.
The General merely laughed, “He’s as old as Constantinople, have you ever known someone of that age to be in good humour? He’ll be complaining about something, no doubt this time it will be his back.”
The Magistrate grunted, “It was his head last time, what is it he said? ‘You all give me a headache, get out.’”
“Was it his head; it was gout with me, what does he expect he drinks the best wine in the Empire, I’ll wager we’ll find him supping from a goblet tonight,” scoffed the Emperor.
The General was immediately alert to any sport, “I’ll take that wager, I reckon the first thing he complains about is his failing eyesight, I haven’t heard that for a while.”
The Magistrate jumped in, “It’s got to be gout, and I'm willing to bet three gold pieces on that.”
They neared the church, set up on a rise, it was an imposing building, the greatest domed roof ever built, it was an astounding monument to Christendom, built by artisans, artists and mathematicians, its stone marble pillars were brought from Ephesus, Egypt, Syria, and Rome, from the corners of the empire, of all different colours red, jade, black, white, all formed to compliment that most holy of edifices ever created by man.
As they approached the open gateway they could see a commotion taking place; Priscus and Bacchus jumped back with their hands held high in surprise.
“The Siren’s in there, that mad Monks gone in after her, but I wouldn’t…”
The Emperor strode passed, “Never you mind, I wouldn’t; I certainly would. Let’s see if we can get the thing to talk before the Bishop and your monk kill it, and ruin my lovely church in the process.”
They all rushed forward to find the Siren surrounded by priests, the creature was grovelling on the ground, with the Monk standing over it, a bible in hand chanting in Aramaic. The Bishop was leaning on his elaborately gilded rod, and when the Monk stopped chanting, he began, as did the priests at his side. They were performing some holy rite and within moments the Siren seemed to flash and begin pulsing with energy; then as the chanting got louder, echoing throughout, the creature seemed to erupt in flames and vaporise. The Bishop almost collapsed exhausted by his efforts. Steven seemed to take the full force of the blast and was thrust across the floor as if he had been picked up and thrown by a mighty wind.
Everyone stood motionless shocked by what they saw.
The Emperor went and helped the Patriarch to stand straight while the Magistrate and Bacchus helped the Monk to his feet.
"Is everyone okay?" shouted Arzealous.
He was greeted by a few groans and remonstrations.
The Emperor puffed out his cheeks, “This maybe a moot point but we really needed to find out what they were up to.”
The Patriarch his eyes returning to their old vigour brushed him away, “We did discover one or two things, that’s why, in the end it destroyed its
elf; our chanting was only to contain it while we questioned it.”
Arzealous moved forward, “Then what did it say?”
The Patriarch looked at Steven, who grimly gazed back, “It said we are legion, and we are everywhere.”