The rainy night in the camp around Ariminum flashed as if the fury of the gods were falling upon it. Thunder echoed in the distance, bringing unease to the hearts of men. Over the past months, the cohorts, hailing from various parts of the republic, had gathered in Ariminum for numerous rituals. Among these was the significant Lustratio Martialis, a purification ritual for the army.
Despite the chaotic weather, Pompeo Dominatus was in his tent, relaxing after a day of rigorous exercises and training to improve the cohesion of his Centuria de Equites. He was accompanied by Marius and other officers. The group was engaged in lively conversation, sharing laughter and stories about the day's events.
One of the officers recounted a humorous incident involving a recruit.
- So, when he went to jump the obstacle, he hesitated too long, and his horse reared up. He fell straight into the mud. When I went to reprimand him, his face was completely covered in muck, babbling incoherently. Hahaha... I couldn't resist! I nicknamed him Recruit 'Bah Bah.' Now, wherever he goes, the other recruits tease him, calling him a barbarian: 'Bah bah bah!' I swear, he turns red with rage every time!
The officers roared with laughter, their spirits lifted by the tale, when a messenger arrived at the tent.
Drenched from head to toe, his soaked clothes left puddles on the wooden floor. The officers' laughter died down as the tent fell silent. The messenger's solemn expression quickly darkened the atmosphere.
- I am looking for Pompeo Dominatus. I bring a message from Mariana.
the messenger announced.
The officers exchanged serious glances. For weeks, they had sensed that any mention of Pompeo's family—especially anything concerning Mariana—brought tension. Yet, intoxicated by wine, none of them left the tent.
Pompeo, now wearing a grim expression, spoke in an annoyed tone.
- Who sent it?
the messenger replied promptly.
- it is said to be from Victor Dominatus
Pompeo's annoyance turned to anger. His voice boomed as he commanded
- Bring it to me! I will read it myself!
The messenger handed him the letter. Pompeo tore it open and began reading. With each line, his face grew redder, his anger more palpable.
Of course, Marius, ever the opportunist, noticed this and seemed to enjoy the unfolding scene.
The letter read:
[ To My Esteemed Brother Pompeo Dominatus,
Your letter has reached me, carried on winds of ire and laced with the bitterness of unfulfilled desires. I have read every word with the gravity it deserves, for though we are brothers, your words tread dangerously close to the edge of respect.
You accuse me of stealing what you never possessed, of taking what was never yours to claim. Know this: my engagement to Lucia Cinna is not a matter of whim or ambition, but a union forged through respect and understanding. It is sanctioned by both our house and hers—a bond stronger than any fleeting desire.
But remember, my brother, blood runs thick and cannot be betrayed by envy. This is not a matter of conquest or rivalry but my future and our family's destiny. You may curse the heavens and earth, but the truth remains steadfast: I will marry her, and she will become part of our family, a part of me.
Yet, I must warn you—and I do so as a brother who values our bond even in the face of your misplaced rage—on the day you set foot on this island or any city where we may dwell to enact your petty revenge, the ground will deny you shelter, the clouds will deny you cover, and even the heavens will deny you salvation. My wrath will not be satisfied until your body lies in the mud, fit only to be fed to pigs.
Seek another woman to claim as your own, one better suited to the barbarism and animalism you seem to revel in. Your fantasies shame our family.
I do not issue this as a challenge but as a warning born of duty. Our family must remain united, not fractured by jealousy and wounded pride. Let this be the end of your folly.
Should you persist, you will find no brother awaiting you, only a sentinel guarding what is his by right. Reflect on this before allowing anger to dictate your actions.
Your Brother or Your Foe,Victor Dominatus ]
As Pompeo finished the letter, his rage erupted. Grabbing the nearest bottle of wine, he hurled it against the table, the crash echoing through the tent. As if the heavens shared his fury, a thunderclap followed.
- GET OUT! EVERYONE, GET OUT!
he roared.
The officers scrambled to leave, their jovial mood replaced by unease.
***
Meanwhile, in Mariana, Victor Dominatus sat by the bedside of an old man. Titus, a veteran of the city watch, was on his deathbed, afflicted by a severe case of tuberculosis. The man's frail body trembled with each labored breath, but his eyes held a flicker of hope as Victor spoke.
Victor's tone was calm yet chilling, like a devil sealing a pact.
- Sir Titus, your situation is dire. Your wife is gone, and your daughter Estella is too young to marry. When you pass, her future will be uncertain, and her prospects grim. But I am a man of goodwill, and I bring you an offer.
The old man's gaze sharpened.
- What... what offer?
Victor waited a few seconds, then spoke
- I can ensure your daughter's safety,
Victor continued.
She will serve as a maid in my household, protected and provided for until she finds a husband worthy of her. She will not suffer. This, I promise you. But.
he paused, his eyes narrowing,
- Nothing in this world is free. You have something I require.
Titus coughed violently before rasping.
- Anything. If it means she'll be safe, anything. What do you ask of me?
Victor's smile widened, his words as cold as steel.
- You shall swear an oath to me. A dark oath. The price for your daughter's safety and happiness is your soul. Even after death, you will serve me until the end of time. Can you swear it?
Titus' trembling hands clutched the blanket as he nodded weakly.
- If it's for Estella, I swear it. Tell me what to say.
Victor leaned in closer, his shadow looming over the dying man.
- Then repeat after me...