It was dusk, Priestess Liviana stood near the Liris River, close to the swampy cave of Haddon, making enchantments. Her skin has turned scaly like a reptile, showing her life connection to Haddon. She knew the beast will awake shortly to go hunting under the cover of the dark. She must guild it with the staff of Odion to the sacrificial lamb for tonight's sacrifice. She can sense the hunger for more blood from the beast. It will be her doom if the King and council of elders discover her trickery. Yes. She has tricked them to believe that after the first human sacrifice, Aeliana, there will be no more human sacrifices. She was supposed to determine when the beast takes human sacrifice. But the words of that cursed girl seemed to have triggered a greater curse. Now, she no longer has control over the deep hunger for human blood from the beast. It was even beginning to affect her too with her always longing for the coppery taste of blood in her mouth. But they must not come to know. She must ensure that they never do.
"Ha-dd-on," she whispered whilst chanting her spells.
In the cave, the dragon opened its bleary red eyes as the priestess enchanting call filters into its ears.
Haa-dd-on. It is time. Rise! Rise and quench your thirst for fury. The House of Sabinus calls for you. The blood of the virgin maiden, Persis, calls for you. Put on darkness and unleash your wrath. Strike fear in their heart. That they may learn to submit to the one who holds your harness."
As she spoke, the eyes of the dragon glowed a deeper shade of redness. It raised its head and roared. Rocky debris flew off the cave walls. It began to huff and puff deeply, huge fire burst from its mouth. Under Liviana's control and manipulation, it moved towards the mouth of the cave.
Magnus Sabinus stealthily led his family through the back road trail away from the Liris River towards Fabrateria Vetus. Eerie silence reigned around them. His young daughter, Persis, was in disguise. Her golden hair wrapped in a dark ¹Palla, the woollen material fell over her left shoulder and wound round her dark linen ²tunic. A dark ³zona was also tied tightly around her slim waist, making it easier for her not to stumble over her long tunic as they moved in haste. They all wore dark clothing since they believed it will conceal them from being seen in the dark by anyone. Her father has this firm opinion that High Priestess Liviana was out to get his family since he challenged her at the last meeting of the council with Proconsul Magnus.
"Marcus, hasten your steps. We need to get to the border between Lucca and Fabrateria Vetus. We'll be out of danger once we get there," Magnus urged his youngest son who seemed to be slacking in his steps. They have at least a mile and a half to walk before they reach their stop tonight.
"I'm trying Papa. Remember I hurt my foot earlier today, and it hurts badly with all these walkings. Couldn't we at least have used the travelling coaches instead? It would at least be faster and more comfortable than stumbling in the dark along on this trail," he grumbled.
"Quit whining, Marcus!" his elder brother snapped. "You're not a child anymore. Papa has told already why we need to take the trail. No one should see us leave till we reach a safe distance from Lucca."
"Marcus, Flavius is right. Forbear a little, my child. When we get to the bother, we will join the stagecoach that will bring us to Tibur, far away from this cursed land of death. We need to protect your sister. I have lost a wife. I cannot lose my daughter too."
"Rrrrrrffffff."
A slight rustle of the leaves in the woods flanking the trail brought them to an abrupt stop. Magnus raised his left hands, motioning them to be silent. With his right hand on the hilt of his sword, he carefully scanned their environment to see if anything was out of place – more like if they were being followed. Nothing. Maybe it's just the wind.
Two fiery orbs stared at them from the dark surroundings. It crouched low and began to move towards them.
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Footnotes:
1. Palla - a shawl-like wrap for use out of doors during the classical periods.
2. Tunic - long Ionic clothing made of linen that women wore in ancient Rome.
3. Zona – Also called Girdle, often tied around the waist to hold the tunic up.