Chapter Five: The War

Days turned to weeks and before I knew it 2 years had passed since I had arrived at the Caspian villa. I was freshly turned 18 and Aurelius was 17. I had settled well into the role of Aurelius's personal attendant and companion. I spent my days trying to be as useful as I could to any of Aurelius's needs.

Regretfully as I accompanied Aurelius to his lessons it was discovered I lack the aptitude for swordmanship. Rather than be discouraged I instead focused all my time and energy honing my intellect in various areas with aims to become an advisor. I learned the in's and the out's of the countries politics as well as with the influence of lord Caspian gaining many useful and influential companions.

Over those two years it was as if I bloomed into an entirely new version of myself. Gone was the conceited and cowardly Marcus, in his place stood a humble but quick witted man. It was not only my mind that matured, physically my boyish roundness gave way to a chiseled but slim figure.

Aurelius on the other hand was now lined with muscles that traced over all the curvatures of his body. His once waist length fiery waves had been cut to barely a crown of his head, to not get in the way of his training. His once lazily beautiful features had sharpened to fierce handsomeness.

He trained, I studied we lived day to day with this unchallenged schedule. I think "that" day started just like any other. Aurelius was training in the courtyard with the other boys while I was sitting in the sidelines quietly observing while also reading my book. That day Lord Caspian had chosen to supervise the training. That wasn't entirely unusual as he would occasionally take an interest to watching Aurelius and the other boys practice drills or combat. They were doing just that when of Caspian's slaves arrived with a messenger. His attire adorned the colours of purple and gold signifying his was a messenger under the Lord Emperors command. His forehead had beads of sweat and his complexion was pink and flushed showing signs of exhaustion. I watched intently at Lord Caspian's expression as he undid the scroll. His face showed no change, but the sky darkened as if reacting to the news in his stead.

He summoned Aurelius out of the crowd and they both disappeared to somewhere within the manor. It was past noon when he reappeared. His facial expression appeared calm but his eyes carried a small glint of that may have resembled excitement. He pulled me aside and simply said two words clearly and nonchalantly "A War"

———————————

Aurelius POV:

Helios would not be the great empire it is if not for bloodshed. The blood of my ancestors is spread throughout the whole continent. War is something that is part of the Caspian blood. I've been trained for this ever since I was young

I am not afraid of war