We have lost. This all-encompassing realization dominated the thoughts of Gaius Iulius Caesar, self-proclaimed leader, ruler and emperor of the Roman Empire, for a moment that was a little too long. After a devastating defeat at Pharsalos, the advance of Pompeius and his followers could hardly be stopped. Province after province fell into the hands of Pompeius' men until they finally stood at the gates of Rome. The siege had already lasted several days and threatened to come to a climax for the attackers. Despite the courageous and steadfast fight of his praetorians and legions, Ceasar's enemies continued to gain the upper hand. Large parts of the metropolis had already fallen and there were only a few places where the superior numbers of the enemy could still be held back. The Emperor of Rome could see the enemy legions advancing through more and more streets and a feeling of fear spread through his body.
A heavy hand on his shoulder freed Ceasar from these gloomy thoughts. When he looked around, he saw his loyal commander and friend Decimus Nero looking at him with concern. "We have to get out of here, Gaius, now!" said the legatus of the Praetorians in a surprisingly calm tone. He persistently pulled the emperor towards the palace gates. "All is lost Decimus! Our life's work is being destroyed by power-hungry schemers and traitors. We will fall and our beloved Rome with us." As these words were spoken, more buildings, hit by the onagers of the enemy army, went up in flames. Heat billowed up and the legionaries standing on the steps of the palace staircase took a step back.
"Hold your ground, men! Protect your emperor!Victor Roma!" Nero's call rang out over the ranks of the most loyal and best soldiers in his legion.Centurions passed on orders and had their heavily armored men erect a wall of flesh, steel and shields.At the same moment, the first opponents broke away from the fighting in the streets and alleyways surrounding the palace.A few moments later, the first units formed up and began their advance on the emperor's men."We must get you to safety!" shouted a huge Praetorian, who had formed up around Ceasar together with nine of his brothers in arms.Their shields protected the leader not only from the heat but also from the first arrows that occasionally found their way behind the ranks of the legion.Together with Decimus, the emperor was pushed through the gates of the palace, which closed behind them a short time later.
Accompanied by the sounds of battle from the doomed soldiers, the small group hurried deeper into the magnificent building. On their flight from the inevitable, they crossed corridors and descended stairs, encountering only a few people. Those who could had long since fled and those who were loyal or foolish enough were preparing for an honorable death in the Emperor's service. After a while, the scenery changed steadily and where marble and magnificent sculptures had previously adorned the walls, more and more bare rock could now be seen. After a few more bends, the palace ended abruptly and turned into a building site. Various tools, several oil lamps and torches were scattered around a yawning black hole in the wall. An elderly man sat on a small stool with a look of relief on his face. As soon as he recognized the emperor, he bowed deeply and rummaged in his tunic for something. Shortly afterwards, he brought out a piece of parchment and held it out to Nero. "This gives you a chance, my lord. We have spent the last few days exploring as much of the caves as we could, but we have not been able to find a way out of the city. Nevertheless, I think it is possible that we could find a way out here." He pointed to a corridor on the parchment that led to nowhere. The architect and advisor, Aulus Sergianus, hastily climbed through the hole in the wall while gesturing for the group to follow him.
The moment the emperor started moving, the sound of boots and the clanking of armor could be heard from the other end of the corridor. "Someone must have betrayed us! Otherwise those dogs wouldn't already be so close behind us," said Nero with a furious gleam in his eyes. Even before the first pursuer turned the corner, the Praetorians had formed a shield wall in two rows. With a determined look, the men nodded to their leaders and shouted "Ave Ceasar! Victor Roma!". With one last glance through the hole, Ceasar saw a fierce battle breaking out in the corridor.