Elena Valeera's Story

♫ My Name (Wearing Me Out) ♫

Tacitus stood there as a oak, tall and strong. As always he was ever watchful over his charge, the ever loyal watchdog. His arms were folded behind his back as he stood tall, quite literally towering over the others in the strategy meeting. His seemingly cold, and dead eyes carefully scanned his surroundings, always preparing for the worst. But every so often his gaze would lie upon Rei, the mage spymaster. Tacitus has been up front, and vocal about his......dislike of mages. Though he will remain professional if only for the troop's sake, they were both seen as important members of the rebellion after all. Would not bode well for moral if they were constantly at each others throats. But he has made it abundantly clear that he believes that mages should be closely monitored, and controlled, especially someone who has proven to be so......erratic. Though he does not understand Lady Valeera's leniency on her antics.

The war meeting was soon about to commence with the arrival of Lieutenant Azura, who was running late, as he brought reports of the current status of the rebel forces, and operations. Tacitus' intense eyes narrowed in on Oberon. "Lord Azura I would like to remind you that tardiness is an unbecoming trait of any forces leadership. It does not set a good example towards our forces." He coldly stated, his voice deep, and commanding, just oozing strength, and power. Tacitus did not personally dislike Oberon. He was a competent enough warrior, and appreciated his capabilities. Though he does not agree on his training policies, and the fact that he is constantly running to Lady Valeera's side, which makes him feel as though it is unnecessary for him to be Lady Valeera's personal bodyguard if he is always there at her side.

When the reports were passed out Tacitus picked his up, and pretended to read it as Oberon reported on the events. Once he was done speaking Tacitus rubbed his chin as he stared at the gibberish on the paper. "If the route is in the forest I suggest picking a ambush site near tall, and strong trees, and place troops within the tree line. A two prone attack, one from above, and another below will give the enemy little time to react. Make the killing quicker, and more efficient." Tacitus suggested as he placed the report down on Lady Valeera's table.

When Lady Valeera stood up, and spoke Tacitus' body became much more rigid, and tense as he stood at attention. With Lady Valeera's suggestion of him, and Oberon joining her to address the troops he merely nodded, and grunted in agreement as he followed closely behind her, keeping himself at her left side. Tacitus stood there ever rigid, and calm as Lady Valeera gave a rousing speech to her army. With the speak over, and the crowd cheering Tacitus merely let out a pleased grunt.

Tacitus glanced over at Lady Valeera. "Words I hope they will form into action, Lady Valeera." He stated lowly to Lady Valeera. "I hope their enthusiasm last, and I will see to it that eagerness does not turn into recklessness." He stated. "Love of the people, strength of a nation." Words that were often told to him by his trainer during his youth. To a Gladiator that merely means that it is the admiration, and enjoyment of the crowd that gives a Gladiator strength. They were words that he has always liked, and felt appropriate to say. While Tacitus may be seen as fairly new to be apart of the rebel's command structure, he does not let that stop him from offering Lady Valeera words of advice when he feels it appropriate.

Tacitus looked upon the crowd of soldiers. He still thought they were sloppy. He has become quite the ruthless teacher, and has told them that his intent is not to turn them into soldiers, heroes, or freedom fighters, but to turn them into warriors to be feared. While they aren't bad per say, but they'd still barely last five minutes in the arena. But before he began training them it was down to one and a half. Progress that he has to deem as acceptable.

Tacitus training methods have often been scrutinized by the other troops. Some saying he could be inhumanly harsh on the recruits. Such as shackling the recruits to large rocks, and force them to run ten miles in the pouring rain. And for those that fail to complete the task in a amount of time that he deems acceptable then he forces to stay out in the run doing push ups until dawn's first light. And he makes sure to keep watch of them throughout the entire night to be sure they didn't slack off. This brutal harshness, from someone outside of Orina, and a mercenary no less has often led to them question his loyalty to their cause. But to these thoughts are often quelled when they witness him first hand in action. His worth is quickly made apparent.

Tacitus has never given much mind to what the others thought of him. A part of him does think this fear is warranted. If they knew the truth about him, the things he's done, the people he's hurt, he doubts that they could forgive, or accept him. He was, is, and will always be what he's been made into, a monster to be unleashed on others enemies. He is but a tool of war now. So perhaps their gossip about him is well placed. Tacitus was then snapped out of his thoughts as the cheering began to slowly die down. He let out a sigh. "One way or another they will have their freedom. In this life or the next is up to them now. And you as well Lady Valeera. There is no turning back." He added.

♫ Same Old War ♫

"Your will, my hand Lady Valeera." Tacitus stated as he placed his fist on his chest piece, and gave her an agreeing nod as he turned away from them and made his way towards the troops. He strode across the camp, towering over all others, and displaying a sense of strength, and nobility towards the other soldiers. He held his arms behind his back, and puffed out his chest, walking like a lion among it's pride. All the troops seemed to part as he walked, giving him a respectable amount of space out of a mixture of respect, and fear.

As he began to approach the squad of soldiers that were to partake in the ambush he could hear the sound of huffing, and weezing coming near him. Tacitus looked down and saw his hound, Xerxes waddling over to join him. Xerxes short legs were almost not enough to keep it's large torso up, with his belly being a inch or two away from touching the ground. As it waddled it was carrying a chewed up leather boot that was covered in droll in his mouth. Tacitus let out a small sigh. "I do hope that is one of the recruit's boots, and not Lord Azura's....again."

Well there was nothing that could be done about it now. Whoever it belonged too it belonged to Xerxes now. Tacitus sure wasn't going to take it away from him. As Tacitus approached the solders they all stood at attention, and saluted him. "Your orders are to kill the Zankor soldiers, take the supplies they are transporting, and to take the captain of the convoy, and his squire alive." He informed them. "You are to choose an ambush site with ample trees. Go for a two prone assault, one group will hide in the trees, and drop down on them, while the other will take the tunnels and surprise them from below."

"How will we know which one is the captain?" One of the soldiers asked. "Use common sense. The leader will most likely stand out from the rank and file. You will know who's in charge when you see them." He answered. "Attack all at once, and disable the leader, and his squire quickly. Rei has questions for them." He added. "Man I can't wait to make those Zankor bastards pay!" One of the soldiers stated with some excitement. Tacitus turned towards the soldier, towering over him.

"Remember, knowledge brings about skill, and skill bears strength. Use your head, and keep your emotions in check. A clouded mind will kill you as fast as any blade. Anger is a useful ally, but it can so easily turn against you." Tacitus stated, causing the soldier to take big gulp, and nod his head. "Uh.....yes sir....of course sir."

---

♫ Biggest, The Best ♫


Heat from the sun above beat down on the training arena of the young Gladiators, as unforgiving as them. The sand beneath their feet was searing. But the young Gladiators gave no reaction to it, they just endured as they are meant to. Steel clashed against steel, and thundered around the arena. The young Gladiators were paired up together. There was only six would be Gladiators left of the batch of originally twelve. This group included a five year old Tacitus. Tacitus savagely attacked his sparing partner, a boy roughly his age. But the raw ferocity of his attacks one wouldn't think that they are simply sparring with one another instead of being in a fight to the death. But Tacitus it might as well be.

Tacitus bashed his wooden shield against the other boy's, causing him to stagger back slightly. Tacitus took this opportunity to press his opponent. Wild, and raw slashes flew from Tacitus steel sword, bashing against the boy's shield in a desperate attempt to defend against him. The boy tried one last ditch effort to gain advantage by stabbing his sword forward. Tacitus sidestepped the blow at the last moment, and clinched his arm down onto the blade, holding it in his armpit. Tacitus brought his sword up, and lobed it into his opponent's sword arm, forcing him to drop his sword, and grunt lowly in pain.

Tacitus took his sword out of the boy's arm, cutting deep with the bone being visible. Tacitus bashed the boy with the pommel of his sword, forcing the boy back, and then he continued his onslaught. This forced the boy to the ground as he tried to defend against Tacitus. With one powerful kick Tacitus broke the boy's wooden shield. Tacitus pressed his foot on the boy's chest, keeping him pinned to the ground. Tacitus brought up his sword to go for the killing blow, all with a pleased smile on his face. A whip wrapped around Tacitus' wrist, and pulled him off the boy, and dragged him through the sand. "Enough mongrel!" The commanding voice of their trainer ordered. "Get the weak one to the medic!" He ordered, and several older boys dragged the loser to the medic.

"Hold!" The trainer shouted, forcing all the other pairs to stop in their tracks. He cracked his whip in the air, getting everyone's attention. "Return to position!" He commanded, and everyone stood in a line, and at attention. The trainer walked back and forth in front of the boys, sizing them up. And then from the balcony above them came their master Domitius, and his two children, Seia and Decius. This made all of the young Gladiators grow antsy, all wanting to gain their master's favor. Their trainer once more cracked his whip to gain their attention. "What are you?!" He asked. "Hounds to be unleashed upon our master's rivals!" They all stated in unison.

"What is beneath your feet Tacitus?!" He asked as he stopped in front of Tacitus. "Sacred ground watered by the blood, and tears of failures, teacher!" Tacitus shouted. The trainer nodded. Domitius looked upon his stock, particularly Tacitus in pleasure. This caused a slight smile to twitch on Tacitus' face. "Partner up!" The trainer ordered, causing the young Gladiators to scramble to find a partner. Tacitus easily found him a partner, as his near killing of his last partner made him quite desirable to defeat. Domitius looked upon Tacitus with interest, something that he himself felt, and was pleased with.

As the pairs began attacking one another their master's attention was brought to the current champion of the house, a Gladiator named Aramis. Aramis approached his master on the balcony, and they began talking about something, but the fact that his master's attention was no longer on him was something he couldn't stand. Tacitus began violently, and savagely attacking his foe, trying to get his attention once more. But Domitius paid no mind. Tacitus growled in anger. He glared up at Aramis with hate in his eyes. He was taking all the attention of his master, this couldn't stand. He had to show that he was the most powerful Gladiator. That he was the true champion.

As he continued his attack he was growing increasingly irritable, and angry. He pushed his opponent back with a swift kick to his ribs. Tacitus looked up to see his master's reaction, but he hadn't seen it. This pushed him pass his boiling point. Tacitus tossed his shield aside, and charged at his foe. His sparring partner held his shield up to defend against the charging Gladiator. Tacitus leaped in the air, landing on the opponent's shield. He then kicked off of the shield, going high in the air. The trainer in the meantime was watching a separate pair, not knowing what was going on. Tacitus used this boost to leap up into the balcony of his master, and attacked the champion.

Though surprised, the champion was not caught off guard as he was able to draw his sword, the sign of a champion of House Lactantius, a sword with a ivory handle carved in the shape of a tiger. Aramis was able to block Tacitus' attack, though the young gladiator was fast enough to inflict a small scratch upon Aramis' face. This sudden attack caught Domitius by surprise, making him instinctively put himself in front of his children to protect them. Decius had a slightly amused look on his face, finding this better than the normal training. Seia on the other hand had a much more excited look as she bit down on her bottom lip, and tried to push herself pass her father's arm to get a better look at the action.

Tacitus continued his attack upon the champion, using his small size, and superior agility to his advantage against the obviously more experienced, and stronger opponent. Tacitus continued to attack him, jumping around Aramis, not giving him time to properly counter him. "What are you doing whelp?! Have you gone mad from the heat?!" Aramis growled at him as Tacitus attacks had pushed him back further into House Lactantius, causing many servants to flee in terror. "Proving that I'M the best!" Tacitus roared as he continued his onslaught. Despite the frequency, and savagery of his attacks none of them had managed to land. But eventually he managed to land one wild slash to Aramis' arm.

Aramis glared down at the blood as it started dripping on the ground. "Enough of this!" The champion roared as he kicked Tacitus back. Tacitus hopped back several feet away from him. Tacitus hopped on his tippy toes, preparing for an attack that he had been working on. He slammed his feet into the marble floors of the house, and held out his sword in front of him. And in a blink of an eye he rushed forward with amazing speed. As Tacitus came closer for his attack Aramis quickly spun around him, and slashed his back. Tacitus staggered as stopped, and spun around to face Aramis. The wound shot pain up, and down his back, but he had to ignore it the best he could.

Tacitus roared like an animal as he ran forward to attack him. Aramis blocked his slash with his sword, and locked with Tacitus. Tacitus tried to push back at Aramis, but the champion was far too strong for Tacitus. Aramis quickly swept Tacitus legs from under him, sending him up in the air. In the brief moment Tacitus was in the air Aramis punched him in his chest with quite a bit of strength. Tacitus went flying across the room before hitting a pillar. Tacitus gasped in pain as his wounded back hit the pillar, leaving quite the crack in the marble. As Tacitus fell to the ground Aramis gave him little time to react.

Aramis lunged forward at Tacitus. The young Gladiator clinched his sword, and began to raise it for an attack but it was too late. Aramis swatted the sword out of Tacitus grasp, and slashed him across his chest with enough force to spin Tacitus around. As Tacitus faced the marble pillar he felt Aramis' grip on the back of his head. Aramis violently slammed Tacitus' head into the pillar, and then again, and then again. After four smashes he pulled Tacitus' head out of the pillar. At this point Tacitus' face was covered in blood, and bruised. His right eye was swollen shut as blood poured down his forehead, and passed his eyes, appearing like he was crying tears of blood.

Tacitus was dazed, and confused. He tried to open his mouth to say something but all the came out was gargling noises, and blood. Aramis threw Tacitus back, and in midair dealt the young Gladiator a bone crushing elbow, forcing him down to the marble floor, creating a slight crater. Tacitus was drifting in, and out of consciousness, his vision was blurry. It was at that point he was certain that he was gonna die. Aramis placed his foot on Tacitus' chest, pressing his entire weight on the boy. Tacitus groaned in pain as he could feel what remained of his ribs breaking. He was now fully conscious, and desperately clawed at Aramis' leg. Aramis looked down upon the boy with disgust, and raised his sword high above his head.

Once his sword was up Tacitus stopped struggling, deciding to accept his fate. Tacitus spat up a gunk of blood, and glared up at Aramis with his one working eye. "D-d-d-......" He breathed heavily as he struggled to get the words out. "D-D-DO IT! I'M N-N-NOT AFRAID!" He screamed as loud as he could. He would not die begging for his life. He had to accept the consequences of rash actions. Aramis smirked in amusement before he brought the blade down towards Tacitus' neck. "Aramis hold!" Domitius ordered as he approached the two Gladiators. Aramis did as instructed, stopping his blade as it touched the skin of Tacitus' neck. Tacitus could feel his blood drip down from the sword, and onto his neck, and the coldness of the steel.

"Pick him up." Domitius ordered. Aramis sheathed his blade, and stepped off of Tacitus' chest before he yanked the boy up by his hair. Aramis held Tacitus up by his red hair, causing Tacitus to grunt in pain. He tried to move his arms, or legs to fight him off but nothing happened. Domitius held out his aging, ringed hand, grasping Tacitus by his chin. Domitius moved his slave's head from side to side to get a better look at him. "Let him live. I like the fire in this one's eyes!" He ordered. Aramis hesitated for a moment. "O-of course master. As you command." Aramis stated, making sure to keep his gaze to the ground, and not at Domitius. "Put him back with the other whelps. He'll have to be properly punished by his trainer." Domitius ordered.

Aramis gave him a nod, and began to drag Tacitus towards the training arena. As they went Domitius smiled to himself. "He's going to be a keeper." He softly stated. Aramis roughly threw Tacitus down into the training arena, where the other young Gladiators were watching towards the balcony, wondering what was going on. The battered, and bloodied Tacitus fell to the sand of the training arena, tumbling across it slightly. That sand that got into his open wounds burned intensely, but he did all that he could not to show his pain. He couldn't show weakness. Aramis then threw Tacitus sword down into the arena, landing mere inches away from the boy.

Tacitus looked at his beaten, and nearly unrecognizable face through the reflection of the steel. That was the strength of a full-fledged Gladiator. Though there was a part of him that believed that Aramis was holding back during their battle. Tacitus back arched violently as he felt the sting of his trainer's whip upon it. "Worthless mutt! I guess you still need to be house broken!" His trainer roared. He lashed at the boy once more with his whip. "Take him to the medic! Once he is stitched up I will see to it that he has the proper punishment!" Several older boys grabbed Tacitus by his arms, and dragged him across the sand. "Let him serve as a warning for what happens when you challenge your betters! Now, back to position!" The trainer shouted, and then cracked his whip. The sound of the whip cracking was the last thing Tacitus heard before he fell unconscious.

---

"Um...sir?" The soldier snapped Tacitus out of his train of thought. "Is that all?" He asked slightly nervous. "Yes. Just be prepared." He stated. Tacitus then turned away from them, and began to walk away. "Xerxes come." He ordered, causing Xerxes to get up, and follow behind him. The two made their way towards Lady Valeera's tent to resume his duties as her protector.

♫ Dear X (You Don't Own Me) ♫

Tacitus stood in silence at Elena's side as they waited for the caravan. He folded his arms, and stared towards the forest path, glancing up every so often at the morning sky to check the time. It seemed that the caravan was running late. Tacitus looked over at Elena who was intensely focused on the road. Tacitus placed his hand on her shoulder, and gave her an encouraging nod. He could almost feel her frustration over the Zankor soldiers grew, something that's not super great moments before a battle. Frustration leads to anger, and anger leads to defeat.

But it wasn't too long before the caravan had arrived. Tacitus watched closely as the caravan came into full sight. There were more soldiers than he had expected, but he wasn't too worried about that. As they came closer Tacitus readied himself, reaching for his Mage's Bane, and gladius sword. Glancing over at Elena, it was time for her to sound the charge. And once she did Tacitus followed closely behind her as they made their way towards the action, taking out some of the soldiers that Elena had missed on their way with his gladius sword.

Tacitus held his shield in his left hand, and sword in his right as he charged forward. Tacitus rushed forward, overtaking Elena, and rushing pass her as he engaged the soldiers before her, all the while releasing a deep, guttural roar. Seeing a giant roaring towards them caused the soldiers to stop in their tracks, bringing up their shields as Tacitus grew closer. Once he got close enough, Tacitus delivered a powerful kick to one of the soldiers, landing it directly to his shield. It was with enough force that it threw the soldier several feet, right into a couple of other soldiers.

To his left a soldier charged at Tacitus with his sword held high. Tacitus bashed the man with his shield, causing him to spin completely around, only to be met with Tacitus plunging his sword into the man's head, killing him. As he pulled his sword out he glanced in the steel, seeing a reflection of a man charging towards him behind him. Tacitus ducked down, and spun around on his right heel. As he turned to face his attacker he slashed at the man's left leg, completely cutting through the bone.

Before the soldier could fall to the ground Tacitus shoot up, and grabbed him by the chestplate, and threw him aside. Tacitus turned to face his next targets, and without a second thought he threw his sword, it hurtling towards a couple soldiers. The sword whizzed pass one of the soldiers, and embedded itself into the chest of the other one. Tacitus rushed forward towards the other soldier, who readied his shield to defend himself. Tacitus violently clashed against the shield with his own, pushing the soldier back. Tacitus pushed him to the ground, and yanked him up by his neck. Tacitus held the full grown man high above his head, and then threw him towards a group of soldiers, with the man barreling through them like a bowling ball.

His next target was a man with a spear who was charging towards him. Tacitus moved forward, and combat rolled towards the body his sword was in. Tacitus yanked his sword out of the dead soldier's chest mid roll. As he completed his roll he held up his shield to defect the spear jab from the soldier, and then he plunged his sword forward, straight through the man's gut. Tacitus got up, and lifted the soldier into the air, twisting his sword in the man's gut as he groaned in agony. Blood dripped down from his stomach and onto Tacitus' face. Tacitus kept a cold, and detached face, completely devoid of emotion. Tacitus took his sword out of the man's stomach, and allowing the soldier to fall to the ground. He looked up, there was still soldiers to be killed. It was going to be a long day.

♫ Somewhere I Belong ♫

With the battle finally over Tacitus regrouped with Elena. His once white robes were stained red by the blood he shed this day, as well as his face painted with it. Tacitus followed behind Elena as she went to the medics where Oberon was being treated for his injuries. With his yells of pain Tacitus rolled his eyes. 'Weakling.' While normally he wouldn't hesitate saying that to the lieutenant's face, he figured it wouldn't be the best thing for morale to call one of the leaders of the rebellion weak. Especially considering that some are still wary of him since he is a hired sword.

As he watched the two's interaction Tacitus let out an annoyed sigh, followed by a roll of his eyes. "We need to press while we have an advantage, before the enemy can regroup." Tacitus stated as he entered himself into the conversation. "I'm sure your.....mage would agree that our advantage won't last long." With the mention of Rei there was a clear note of disdain in his voice. It was no secret that he wasn't particularly trusting of the Spy Master. In fact he found it annoying that a mage would have such a high ranking position.

"The empire's reach is long and far, it will not be long before they can make up what they've lost today. And they'll be back to take their trade routes." He reminded them, as always being a party pooper. This was only a small victor in a much larger game. And he needed to remind them of that. "You must choose our next target carefully. We still need a good foothold in this area, a proper base of operations." Tacitus then folded his arms, and rubbed his chin as he carefully thought of possible strategies, and next moves.