In the shadows, I watch from a distance. As if by some mysterious force, I was compelled to come here. To observe this prey before striking. My first thought was that I didn't know who this person was, but here I was. A voice in my head told me to be here. It was subtle and, at the same time, irresistible. The need to obey was so powerful that I had ceased questioning the what and why. I felt I was a mortal instrument of some unseen force. As I observe the prey, I'm losing myself. That another person is taking control of my thoughts and actions. I'm becoming nothing but an observer in my own body. The man that I was watching was a politician in this metropolis. That much I know for sure. One of Governor Elias's aides and trusted confidants. 'But how did I know that? Just a moment ago, I had no idea who this man was. The information came from the ether.' His guards were many and well-armed.
Getting close to him would be challenging if I wished to remain anonymous. But, of course, no one would miss a beggar. I look at the man sitting across the alleyway with his head down. The mad was in rags and looked like a former servant. His left arm was a stub, becoming useless to his masters now. A cracked my neck awkwardly. Something quark that is not in personality. I snap my finger with a loud pop. The man notices the sound and looks over at me. This alley is vacant except for the two of us. Unfortunate for this damned soul. As if his instincts kicked in, he crawls away weakly. I stalk behind him as he hobbles, trying to run. An unfamiliar sound echoes in the alley. I was whistling a tune I had never heard before. Softly singing to myself. It terrified me, yet I continued the stalk. The man, too weak and slow to escape, pleads for his life.
"Please, master! Spare me!" he whimpered.
"Spem omnem relinquas," I stated. "Abandon all hope," I whispered.
I didn't know the meaning of these words. They came from somewhere hidden inside me. Fear grips me as my shadow extends to wrap around the man. His body was stuck in a web of nothingness. Muffled attempts to call for help come from his mouth. The city guard he seeks is just around the corner. I shovel my right hand into the man's back, impaling him. A dark viscous liquid flows from my forearm, covering him in the tarry substance. In a matter of moments, the man is devoured by the tar. The liquid pools on the ground for a few more moments. Something forms from the liquid into a human shape. More seconds pass, and in the briefest of time, I appear.
The entity had the same face as me. Vivid golden eyes, a straight nose, high cheekbones, thin lips, and a square jawline. My short black hair was even identical to the way I cut it. He even wore the same black leather armor that I wore. In a flash, the version of me shifted to the man I had just murdered. I extend my hand at the exact moment my twin of mine does. We merge into one body, one being, and I instantly know everything about this man's life. His name no longer matters at the present moment because I was him now. I could wear the rags that he'd left behind. No, I needed something more appropriate to approach the prey I desired. Exiting the alley, I spot a garment merchant not far from here.
____
Dressed in black robes and a new set of leather armor, I stalk the politician as he visits the luxurious shops along the market. I also bought a second pair for obvious reasons, as there were two of me now. The prey had several guards, nine of them. Soon, he would visit a particular shop. One where I could strike without drawing attention. I had long since stopped questioning where my information came from. A new sense that I developed. That was my reasoning for this newfound ability.
As I had foretold, the man entered a shop where the guards remained outside. Finally, my opportunity had arrived. I sneaked around the back to another alley. A window on the second floor that faced the alleyway was ajar. With inhuman strength and swiftness, I leap inside the open window without sound. The room was empty, and I heard the victim talking to the establishment's owner. A bouquet for the wealthy that provided unique gifts. The man was seeking presents for his soon-to-be bride. I waited as the owner guided the man to a waiting room while she prepared his special surprise. That happened to be this room. I took a position in the walk-in closet. It was open and dark inside. A perfect striking spot to execute my plan.
The patron escorts her guest to the fancy couch in the center of the room. A servant girl brings him food and drinks while he waits. Once they were gone, my body shifted to the beggar. I emerge from the shadows undetected. The prey eats his food casually, unaware of his impending fate. Only when I cast a shadow over his body was he alerted to the reality he was now in. A vain attempt to summon his guard or help resulted in a weak murmur. I repeat the process as before. A groaning and terrified yelp comes from the noble's mouth. As I devour the noble, his memories flood my mind. The reason behind this action is apparent. The wealthy man is a means to an end. This man is to be wed to Lord Elias's eldest daughter. His death will facilitate my goals. The ordeal for him is over.
There was no need to replicate his appearance. It was simply a matter of absorbing his essence and transforming the dead man's body and the beggar's body on the floor. A little positioning to appear as a robbery gone wrong or an assassination. This would sow discord amongst the city dwellers. I make a quick escape back into the alley. Soon after, I hear a scream come from the room above. The heavy boot of the guards enters the establishment. Cries for the city guard come from the front as I walk away.
____
Proclus and I waited in the Governor's waiting room. The wait would be longer due to my actions earlier. That was the purpose. We stand together to greet Governor Elias. The round and burly man had a look of grief on his face. The merchant Oppius is at his side, another round and manicured man.
"I'm sorry for the wait. But unfortunately, there has been a tragedy. My soon-to-be son has been murdered by a petty theft. Lady Juventia Socellia, my daughter, is inconsolable. I have reviewed your request and decided to grant you permission. That said, I have a proposal if I may impose upon you. I'm aware of your services to the Kingdom. Lord Oppius and your father, Lord Proclus, speak highly of you as well," Governor Elias said.
"Be the Gods; I feel for your loss. Anything that you request, I shall provide to the best of my abilities," I said.
"I can attest to my son Primus's abilities," Proclus," assured.
"I would like you to serve as my daughter's personal guard. They're bound for Pons Aelii soon," he said.
Without hesitation, I accepted his offer. "It would be my honor to serve you in this capacity. I shall begin my duties at once," I stated.
"Excellent, Primus. My daughters are attending the games at the city's Colosseum. Please bring them back to my home. I will inform Juventia myself of her loss," the Governor said. "Oh, Lord Oppius shall accompany you to Pons Aelii as an advisor," Lord Elias added.
I bow as the Governor departs, leaving Lord Oppius with us. I had anticipated and would need this wealthy merchant in the future. Oppius was a brilliant man and well-connected to all manner of people. Now that I had gained this new position, I'd need loyal and dependable men. Preferably legion-trained men. My new aide would know who could fit this role. All this to release him. First, I must find him. Then the matter of releasing him can be achieved.
____
Today's events are in full swing. An epic reenactment of a famous battle plays out below. My new charges watched from the exclusive VIP section with the best view of the arena below. The three young ladies sat at the front of the balcony. A trio of dark-haired beauties. Getting close to any one of them would do for my needs. However, I required power, influence, and an army to accomplish my goals and fulfill my purpose. To that end, I would wed one or all of them. This would require precise planning and devotion. Two traits I possess in abundance. Oppius makes his way over to introduce me as their new personal protector. One of them turns and looks at me. Her deep purple eyes hinted at her otherworlder lineage. It was common for Oromanians to take otherworlders as mates, even wives or husbands. She was around twenty, and her two sisters were eighteen or nineteen. They, too, shared the purplish hue of their eyes. The merchant invites me down to introduce myself. Having the memories of her dead finances would aid me here as well. I made my way over to the three beauties and bowed politely.
"My Lord, these are Governor Elias's children, Lady Juventia, Lady Vipstana, and Lady Volcatia," Opplius announced.
"Primus Atilius Pelagius, a former Legate of the Legion. Your father has appointed me as your new personal bodyguard. At his request, I will accompany you to Pons Aelii. However, he also wishes that you return home at once," I revealed.
"But the games are still active. So father dis promises us the whole day," the elder sister said.
"What your father means is that he has an important matter to discuss, Lady Juventia," Opplius explained.
"Then why does he need all of us?" Lady Vipstana said.
"Vipstana is right! There's no need for all three of us to indulge Father in his constant important business," Lady Volcatia countered.
"I'm sorry, my ladies. This is a matter of safety more than anything else. Unfortunately, there has been an incident that requires me to assume myself as your protector. Now, we must depart immediately," I stated.
My firm yet calm demeanor and explanation caused them to pause their disagreement. They were smart enough to understand that there was a threat to their lives. That was the point of eliminating Lady Juventia's fiancé. He was just the first. The other two men in the sister's lives would be handled discreetly on the way to Pon Aelii.