The story so far:
"The Roman" -> (5 skipped) -> "The Roman, Pt.7" -> "The Roman, Pt.8"
The Roman, Pt.9
by TheRomanizer22
As the blood residue remained on his hands, Castus made his way down the familiar road that would lead to 'Il Centri di Roma', or Central Rome. Along the way he would stop and camp within the nearby villages, working for food and shelter until he reached his destination. He was careful to make sure that no one would discover his real identity, for it would be in due time for him to reveal the truth to the empire via the Emperor. During his last day in the village of Napoli, Castus felt he was finally ready. He was finally ready to deal with the consequences of his past actions, and finally ready to face the reality that he might have to start over. After much thought, he decided he would petition his way back into the Imperial Army. He now had no reason not to fight, and the army was the only home he had ever really known. He had also known the Emperor pretty well, so he knew his approach had to be diplomatic, practical, sincere, and come with a bargaining chip. Without further thought, he decided to use the barbarian attack he was a victim of to help further persuade the Emperor to allow him to re-enter the Imperial Army. "My Emperor, I was on my way back from exile when a village was attacked by barbarians from the north. Armenius and I were able to fight them off but I fear they will attack again. We must prepare for an impending attack from their army. We must warn the villages of Rome!" As Castus pleaded further with the Emperor, he began to wander if his words were beginning to fall upon deaf ears. Finally, Castus gave up. "If you're not going to do something, at least warn the citizens of Rome! They did nothing wrong and they deserve to know! Their lives should be spared!" As tears began to run down his eyes, Castus felt his throat lump with sorrow and anguish. "Alright," he said. "If I have to, I'll do it myself. Maybe my display of courage and bravery will inspire all of Rome to stand up against this travesty and defend their mother land. We can make our own Army-" "What makes you think you're even qualified to train peasants and turn them into an army? It was but a few months ago when you went mad! How are we to know that this simply isn’t a ploy to earn you a spot back in the imperial army!" Just as Castus was about to leave with his pride taking more than enough personal hits, Armenius stepped up to defend him. "Emperor, I’m Armenius. I’m pretty sure you remember me as one of your prized gladiators. I was at my home, on my personal property with my family, when I was viciously attacked by the barbarians from the north. If it weren't for Castus, I was sure to have become another mere casualty in their quest to overtake your empire. This man right here is a brave soldier, and an even braver father, and what he did, he didn't have to do. Why cant the imperial court take a message from this gentleman and stand up for what's right?! Do you want to give the citizens of Rome the idea that they are not safe within their own city walls? That the emperor that they pay taxes to and loyally support does not even think highly enough of their lives to want to protect them from harm? I ask of you, Emperor, to let us gather an army so that we may have a fighting chance against these..barbarians. If we prove that the citizens of Rome are NOT to be made prisoners lightly, then no one will attack us like this! It is your duty to protect your people!"
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