Chapter VII - Who forces me?

Chiro island

Third week of the first month of 576

The workers were tirelessly rebuilding the walls destroyed by the countless cannon shots they had received.

At the same time, the soldiers were picking up, with masks on their faces, the putrefied bodies of their comrades that decorated the sands.

When all were in their deep rest, in the early hours of the morning, and, without a previous declaration, the viceroyalty launched an indiscriminate bombardment on the island, devastating it completely.

"As if Philipart was not enough," he threw his glass to the ground, making the man next to him startle, "they attack us without even warning us!"

Salustio Luperco, praefectus of Chiro, had his mind scrambled by all the events that were happening in such a short time.

And worse, he was overwhelmed! He realized that the reconstruction of the island could take a whole year.

"What if we ask for help?" One of his most faithful generals and friend, and the one in charge of the unsuccessful defense, Aulo Atratino, was doing his best to try to calm the anger of Salustio, who, since the end of the attack, had not stopped cursing the viceroyalty.

-No!" His breathing was getting faster and faster. One of two things could happen to us..." He raised his trembling hand, forming the number on his fingers. "Either they won't send us help because they have to focus on Philipart, or force us to participate in the war against him. It doesn't matter which one it is, we lose both!" He lowered his hand, slapping the table hard.

"And what if..."

"Salustio Luperco!" A man of common features entered the meeting room, startling them.

"Cornelio Gayo... How dare you enter his house like a dog! I have no time for visitors, get out!" He pointed to the exit.

"It's good to see you again, Luperco."

With a slow step, he began to approach the table, still being invaded by Luperco's enraged gaze.

"May we know what you are doing here, Captain Gayo?" Aulo tried to relax the tense atmosphere that had been generated.

"Apart from bringing some doctors and workers to help with the repairs; my sincere condolences for what happened, I wanted to come to bring you the good news of what is happening in the Empire."

He took a seat, fixing his eyes on the one who was looking at him with contempt.

"Don't even bother, we already know about Philipart. So, if that's all you came for, thank you very much for your help, but you can leave now," he raised his hand and, once again, pointed to the door.

Cornelius shook his head.

"Crásico has declared himself a rebel against the Senate, taking power over all of Asians," he gave a mocking smile, leaning back against the back of the chair.

Salustio and Aulo looked at each other dumbfounded, unable to believe Cornelio's words.

The news was so sudden, it left them speechless, they did not know what to say.

"He asked me, in a kindly way, to build a huge fleet to face the Senate and Philipart...."

'They were just short of taking my dog away from me.'

"And he has sent me here to communicate to you the orders that both of you must follow."

Salustio swallowed saliva, fearing the worst, and, as if he felt that his body was about to faint, he rested his arms on the table, trying to calm the trembling of his hands.

"You, Luperco, you must deliver, to the Anky port, all the fleet you have, and, one of your legions."

"What?!"

"And you," he ignored his reaction, "Aulo, your participation as general in Asians is required. You must report to Lugrum as soon as possible. It is not up for discussion."

"Wow..."

Auos stared at the ground, as if pondering Crásico's request. He had participated in skirmishes leading up to the tribal war. But this would be his first large-scale conflict, he didn't know how to take the news.

Salustio was biting his fingers, hurting them, staining his lips a crimson red. His eyes watered, he was trembling too much, his breathing quickened, he looked like a bomb about to explode:

"And if I refuse what?!" He repeatedly hit the table, and from his mouth came out, in different directions, the blood from his hands.

"Who knows, maybe the viceroys will visit him again?"

"What are you talking about?" He stood up with the intention of hitting him because of the obvious threat he had received.

Without answering him, Cornelio stood up, heading for the exit, ignoring him.

"I wish you both luck. May the Nintu bless you," and before leaving, he threw a last glance at Aulo. "Be careful with him, tie him up well."

Luperco, who had not found the comment funny at all, unsheathed his dagger.

-Damn you!