The Plight of Angels



  The Plight of Angels

  The virtue of betrayal

  Written and published by Elijah Reed.

  Copyright 2017 Elijah Reed

  The virtue of betrayal

  On the first day of a new age, the sun rose high and sat in the center of the sky. In that opalescent beauty a summit of seventeen warring tribes, some peaceful and others war hungry, agreed that for the good of their collective peoples that a unified land was one that would benefit all. The tribal chiefs, generals, patricians, and warlords agreed to elect what was assumed to be an honest and trustworthy leader to rule them. This man would control the armies, shared lands and more importantly the free people who desired safety from the great and incessant wars.

  A stubborn but wise man named Cor, an old patrician, was elected from the tribe Servi Sperat for the conflicts that he halted between factions during times of war. During these days others tribes of the south still fought bloody engagements over petty fiefs of land. This new northern empire was a great diamond that those weak tribes could never hope to attain. After Cor was given the role of supreme ruler, over the vast empire he dubbed "Ignis" after his father's name; he divided the land between the great leaders of each tribe and restricted the power of each to keep them in check.

  This tactic worked for a time and Cor ruled peacefully. As the sun fell one evening over the abode that Cor had taken for his personal affairs, the old bearded man wandered, albeit slowly through the well-constructed stone halls of his personal villa. He sat at the table and chair of which he normally resigned to consume his meals. He raised his pale gray and wrinkled hand to signal his slave to bring him his food. The ragged and beaten woman trudged over to him, wearing what could be described as ripped brown dress that covered her chest, upper thigh and shoulders, carrying a carved wooden bowl of cold stew.

  The horribly bruised woman placed the bowl in front of the tired old man. Having noticed that she had bruises, open cuts and an exceptionally obvious limp. This concerned him as he remembered her somewhat free of injury yesterday, he inquired "How did you become so awfully beaten, slave?" She nervously replied "I fell from a wagon, sir" Cor, sat quietly for a few seconds then loudly announced "No you did not" He tasted the sharpness of metal on his tongue, a sudden pain in his side and only then realized he was wounded.

  The virtue of betrayal

  He jumped to his feet suddenly, swinging widely and hitting the woman to the ground. Turning to see the slave and her bloody knife, he quickly fell down on her holding her down with his weak arms as he bled onto the floor of the villa. The nameless slave struggled while trying to drive the knife into his side. He toiled to hold her down, all the while the slave screamed. He cried out in fear “Protect me!” The fight continued for fifty long seconds before Cor’s bodyguards rushed in to protect their master. They quickly surrounded the couple and began trying to separate them. One guard managed to pry the knife from her grip.

  The guards grabbed her by the arms, pulling her from under him and dragging her towards the dining table. They threw the girl onto the table and pinned her arms down. The highest ranked among the guard called out to his men in urgency “Hold the bitch down! I will get the Emperor to a physician” He lifted the mortally wounded man into his arms and ran through the rooms of the villa, bursting through the wooden main entrance and onto the streets of the empire's capital Muroexcelso. The bodyguard propped up Cor in his Chariot, and quickly took the reins, spurring the horses into action. Cur faded in and out of consciousness as the heavy beat of the two horses shook the ground with their haste.

  During Cur’s short journey he saw many small houses, stalls and the bustling, beautiful and capturing brilliance that was the city he spent his life building. The free people dressed in fine burgundy and magnificent blue tunics walked the crowded streets, busied and occupied greatly by their existence here. The Chariot drove at great speed through what was now known as the slave quarter; the houses were ramshackle and abused much like the residents. Cor regained his composure only for a second to see fifty men in chains, watching as an Ignissian soldier beat one of them with the scabbard of his sword. The shame of this tragedy took Cor’s heart and stabbed it, as he remembered that he had the power to end it.

  He arrived at the physician’s hovel just away from the crowded city and noted that it was no more beautiful than the home of any free man, there was fine green grass surrounding it and an apple tree not five meters away. Yet the house itself was built of four timbers buried into the ground and planks of worn rotting wood nailed to them. The door was barely attached and covered by a useless thatch roof. The bodyguard helped Cor through the door to be greeted by a young man with red hair, pale skin, and sickeningly restrained gray eyes, that looked distant and yet attentive. The man quickly grabbed Cor and threw him down on a wooden bed lined with animal furs.

  The virtue of betrayal

  Cor looked across the small one room house seeing rabbits hung from the wall on his right and another bed just under them and on his left was an oak table with various ominous tools on it. These tools included bone needles, a small axe, an iron hand clamp and a trepan, which Cor feared most. The physician ran across the room grabbing a wooden jug of water and pouring it into a bowl and quickly ran to the bodyguard, demanding “Quick! Soldier, unsheathe your dagger” Cor shook at the thought. The physician elaborated “Go behind the house and use the callipers to heat the dagger over a fire” The bodyguard shot off outside. The physician shouted, “Don’t come back unless it is red with heat!”

  The physician quickly dropped to his knees grabbing coils of rope from under the bed where Cor lay. He began tying Cor’s hands and feet to the legs of the bed, Cor struggled out of fear but the man continued. He scolded “I’m tying you down so you don’t die on this bed!” He continued “If you are to die on this bed and I am to die by your guard, then you should at least know my name is Aegus, stop your struggling and you will live to kill me yourself” Cor ceased his struggle out of exhaustion and Aegus continued the work of tying him in place. He first tied the arms and then the legs, making sure that were tight enough to prevent uncustomary injury.

  After he was done the physician marched across the room and grabbed a piece of wood from out of sight and shoved it into Cor’s mouth. He muttered “This will stop you from biting off your own tongue” Cor tried to scream but was muffled by a dirty rag that Aegus threw over the thick wooden block that was forced into his mouth. Aegus went on to rip the purple robe that adorned Cor’s bloody body and placing two fingers on the open wound. He pried open the wound slightly which caused Cor to scream out in immense pain, he went on and reached for the bowl of water that poured twenty minutes earlier.

  He held the wound open and poured water into it, ignoring yet more muffled screams from his unfortunate patient. The bodyguard came back into the small rotting house holding a pair of callipers which themselves carried a burning hot dagger, its heat warmed the room and Cor’s eyes burned with fear as he rushed through the possible uses for this fiery implement. The bodyguard remained silent knowing that Cor’s life depended on this man. The physician grabbed the callipers from the bodyguard. Aegus briskly muttered “Thank you, soldier” and went straight back to the task at hand. He applied the fiery hot dagger to Cor’s wound, pressing it with force on his ribs. Cor’s scream despite being muffled were deafening.

  The virtue of betrayal

  Cor fell unconscious from the searing pain and physician removed the dagger, revealing a fully cauterized wound, the smell of burning flesh was of disgust even to the seasoned and bloody Aegus. Cor slips out of consciousness during the horrendous ordeal. The bodyguard grew nervous but was silenced when Aegus swiftly announced “He still draws breath
so don’t even think about leaving his side” Aegus inquired “If he did die what would be my chances of living?” The bodyguard responded “None” Aegus replied without hesitation “Then that is why I won’t let him” The physician removed the rope, wooden block and rag from Cor and began organizing his tools, knowing well that his patient may be unconscious for many hours.

  The sun rose and fell twice before Cor finally awoke to see Aegus grinning confidently. He began to sit up from the bloodstained and comfortless bed. Aegus gave him a hand and pulled him up. Cor’s whole body throbbed with the pain as he quickly realized that his suffering was not over. Aegus hesitated but spoke, “You are not out of the woods yet, sir.” Cor, shook off the pain to reply but was interrupted “You can leave when you like but I expect you to return every week for me to treat your wounds” Cor lifted his legs from the bed, carefully placing one foot on the ground to test the strength of his legs. He carefully placed his second foot on the ground and held himself up. The bodyguard walked through the door holding a carved wooden shaft and plain white tunic.

  The bodyguard passed the tunic and the wooden pole to Cor, explaining “I made it while you were resting it will help you walk and the tunic will cover your wound” We must return to the Villa now” He continued “My messenger tells me that the slave girl is being guarded by twelve men” Cor stood in silence, looked towards the bodyguard and replied “Did they...” The guard interrupted “No man has touched her” Cor, while changing his clothes breathed a sigh of relief “That is good I don’t want any depravity or violence acted out upon her until she has been interrogated” Cor turned to the physician “I will be here every Saturday for you to treat me, you will receive a king’s ransom for each day you treat my wounds”

  Cor ambled out of the door to gaze upon the land around physician’s house. It was beautiful, green and peaceful, silent save but a few small birds singing, the smell of fresh air drew a stark contrast when compared to Muroexcelso, which stunk of feces and sweat ”just inside the walls of the city and yet so green and beautiful” he thought to himself. He turned to see the guard, who was standing behind him and asked: “Guard, what is your name?” He answered “My name is Facimus”

  The virtue of betrayal

  Cor walked towards Facimus’s chariot, placing his new walking next to the reigns and stood ready for his bodyguard to take him to his destination. Cor walked towards Facimus’s chariot, placing his new walking next to the reigns and stood ready for his bodyguard to take him to his destination. The bodyguard climbed up to take the reins but was interrupted by Cor. “Take me to the slave quarter and then we will handle the assassin. The soldier, Facimus spared no time in driving his chariot to the destination.

  The wheels spun wildly and Cor stood contemplating the grand deed that would distract the common people away from his injury. He couldn’t simply announce that he was wounded considering his age and the assassin in question; the people would be ashamed of their emperor and demand a stronger ruler. “No free man would take commands from someone so weak as to be felled by an injured slave girl,” he thought. The pounds of the horse's hooves rattled the wheels of the chariot and created trails of dust as they went and the stench of the city could be faintly recalled as they approached. Before Cor knew it they had arrived.

  The Slave Quarter bristled with activity as free men, slaves and women rushed about their business. Unlike all but one district the slave quarter had a unique scent in the air, the pungent smell of blood. Cor remained unnoticed by the crowds of people numbering in the hundreds, each of which barely spoke but together forged a symphony innumerable words, all of which were inaudible and yet thunderingly loud. The one thing could be heard over the crowds of people was the auctions. Every day the slaver traders of the city stood before the mob and sold their cattle, today’s offer was fifty boys starting at one thousand two hundred drachmae. The crowd bided eagerly for the bloodied and beaten children.

  This district was among five in Muroexelso and despite being the smallest of the districts, the Slave Quarter covers nearly four miles of the city. The city itself was huge but this district was persistently crowded at all times of the day. Cor finished observing his surroundings turned to Facimus and said: “General, are you prepared for this?” Facimus responded, “Sir, I'm not a general and for what?” Cor answered assertively “Do as I say you will be and you will be leading your own army by the end of the month” he continued “You have done much for me, Facimus. Do this and you will reap the rewards of your courage” The young bodyguard smiled, removing his crested helm revealing his youthful olive toned skin, his short curly hair and went on to adjust the blood red cloak attached to his Armor.

  The virtue of betrayal

  Cor suppressed the pain of his wounds and strutted towards the dirty patch of ground where the slave auction continued. He saw the auctioneer standing on an old wooden platform with around seventy slaves tied to stakes in front of the crowd. Cor continued his brazen strut until he reached a set of steps on the right side of the platform. He climbed them, each step shocking the crowd who watched on in amazement that an emperor would step foot in this, the most disgusting of districts. Facimus walked onto the platform after him, placing a single hand on his sword.

  Cor stood on the platform in front of hundreds of citizens, turned to the auctioneer and furiously demanded: “Auctioneer, do these slaves belong to you? “The crowd shuddered with confusion. The auctioneer replied “Yes my lord, these are the finest slaves in all of Muroexcelso” Cor stood before the crowd, raised his hands and asked, “Who among you respect slavers?” The crowd fell silent. He continued “Why do you, the people, cheer for the right of slave owners?” He turned, pointed to the auctioneer and declared “Slavery will be no longer be tolerated in this beautiful city, release these boys and take your trade to the countryside” The crowd gasped.

  The auctioneer screamed out “An emperor who hates slavery! Will you release your slaves?” Cor turned back to the crowd and declared “Yes I will, today I will free all of my own and offer them work” The auctioneer mocked “The emperor who robs his people, how noble he is.” Cor quietly demanded “Facimus, make this man kneel before the people” Facimus grabbed the slaver by the arm and pulled him forward and booted the back of his legs. The auctioneer fell to his knees. The crowd fell silent as Cor strolled towards kneeling auctioneer. He spoke directly to the crowd and asked: “Would anyone ask that I spare this tragic man’s life?” The crowd remained silent.

  Cor stood silent for a few seconds and asked: “Would anyone cheer for this man’s death?” The once silent crowd became a triumphant roar and Cor had his answer. Facimus unsheathed his sword and placed the blade on the slavers throat, only to be interrupted by a whisper “Facimus, offer me the sword” Facimus play along and offered Cor the sword. Cor took the fine gladius and held it high above his head, inspiring yet more cheers from the bloodthirsty crowd. Cor swung the sword into slavers head, shattering his skull and spraying the crowd with blood. He continued to ignore his injury and climbed down from the platform, still holding the gladius.

  The virtue of betrayal

  He stood before the tied and bound slaves and swung the sword into their ties, setting them free and creating a spectacle for the people to enjoy. Each boy was set free one at a time as the crowd clapped and cheered. After it was done Facimus and the emperor walked peacefully back to the soldier's chariot, allowing a moment for Facimus to ask “Why did you kill the slaver?” Cor responded “A show to distract the people, if only for a moment. People will talk about the outlawing of slavery and they will speak of controversy, but in truth they will simply set up auctions outside of the walls” He continued “To the common people it will seem as if I took a stand against it, when in fact, all I did was move it out their sight”

  The sun cowered behind the clouds as Cor and Facimus took their short walk back to the chariot, Facimus shocked at Cor’s answer stayed silent. The relief Cor was feeling was euphoric and the s
hock, that Facimus was experiencing, painful. The howls of the crowd could still be heard faintly in the background even as Cor and Facimus mounted the crimson painted chariot. Facimus waited on his emperor's command, inquiring “To your villa?” Cor nodded and the horses leaped slowly into action as if even they knew where they were going. Time passed quickly as they passed through the rest of the slave quarter, its pain and drama soon faded as the horses marched on.

  The horse's mighty gallop gained speed as they entered the merchant's district. This district was among the most beautiful, each and every home well maintained, each and every person well dressed. Despite its business, it was somewhat green and pleasant, owing its heavenly gardens to the wealthy men and women who paid to make this place a symbol of prosperity. As the chariot approached the center of the merchant's district, Cor and Facimus were greeted with stone roads, tall houses and bustling marketplace that carried everything from weapons to live animals, from fruit to scrolls. The delicate and pungent smell of bread and fish could be tasted on the air and rich children played in the streets, unhindered by any danger you could imagine.

  The chariot flew through the remainder of the Merchants District and approached the district that Cor called home, the noble district. This district sat on the highest hill in the center of the city. It was and still is the pride of Muroexelso. In this place, the highest and most powerful citizens live in unimaginable wealth. The homes here have green gardens, clean water, and private baths and the fine scent of lavender can be detected in the air. Facimus pulled down the reigns, slowing the horses to a crawl as they turned past the wooden station of a street cleaner.