The Warrior's Pilgrimage: The Adventures of Remus, #1

By Frank Schildiner

In the days before the rise of Rome, two mighty champions of mankind appeared among the ancient tribes of Latinium. Their names, Romulus and Remus and only half of their story remains. The true tale of the forgotten twin, Remus, is one of power, slavery, horror, and heroism. Remus shall battle warriors, horrors from the days of ancient myths, and a giant from the mysterious lands of the East.

 

THE WARRIOR'S PILGRIMAGE tells the first story of Remus, the lost brother of King Romulus of Rome. All profits from this book shall St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for the treatment of pediatric cancer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Frank Schildiner
• Release date: Jan 3, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393644439

Book preview

1

The fire flickered and danced as the shepherd unveiled the bundle he held within his powerful, tanned arms. Two babes, tiny, with dark hair and eyes and the copper skin of the Alba Longa lineage. 

It took a moment for the assemblage, but soon they realized the important detail they easily overlooked. The infants were alike in every way—exact twins, down to the shape of the chubby fingers and toes.

They are the children of the Vestal, Rhea Silva, daughter of Numitor, the shepherd said as he bowed and stepped back from the circle of light.

His name was Faustulus and he was well-respected despite his lowly state. A powerful warrior of the Lupercal Brotherhood who was fourth in line for the role of master of the pack. His wife, the sensual serpent sister and temple dancer, Acca Larentia, stood at his side, watching the children beneath her heavy hooded eyes.

How does a Vestal become pregnant? a voice asked from beyond the firelight.

A ripple of laughter flowed from all sides, hushed by the angry expressions from the elders. The elders of each tribe sat together, swaddled in their traditional garbs representing the seven beast spirits who ruled mankind.

I shall take your meaning less literally, Faustulus said, smiling beneath his heavy, dark beard, It is unknown. The Vestal claims Mars himself is their parent. The usurping king found that so frightening, he had the girl executed swiftly and ordered the children exposed to the elements. I do so now, following the king’s words precisely.

The laughter that followed spread further than the previous amusement. Several of the gray-haired priests and priestesses joined in the merriment. Mockery of the various kinglets throughout the land was acceptable and even encouraged. This maintained the connection between the tribes, at least in theory.

The Vestal named them Romulus and Remus, Acca Larentia said, I cannot tell them apart until they awaken. Then Romulus, the elder of the pair, will fuss and demand attention.

Your choice, Servius, elder of the woodpecker tribe said, of bringing them to us was wise. Twins are sacred and the claims of exalted birth must not be ignored.

Agreed, Lupa, the newly chosen mistress of the wolf tribe said in a throaty whisper, Though they could be an omen. We must consult one of the wise. We must beg for one of the Three...

A heavy, tense, silence enfolded the gathering, with many present holding their very breath. Invoking the Three was a terrifying thought, one never taken lightly. The mercurial forces they represented caused even the fiercest tribesman fear at the very thought.

Fear not, a mocking voice said from the depths of darkness, One of those you so-named is close-by.

The tribesmen near the entrance of the cave parted, revealing a shadow covered outline of a figure. They stood without moving for several seconds before swaying forward, moving with a gliding, silent step. 

A hooded cloak made from a red material fell away, exposing long, plaited dark hair, tawny skin color, and a blemish free face that practically shimmered in the light of the bonfire. Her hips were wide, and her narrow waist and perfectly formed breasts caused a few intakes of breath from men and women present. Dressed in a simple cloth gown reminiscent of a Vestal, this witch was beautiful, but also somehow quite forbidding.

Yet few looked upon this vision of noble, regal, loveliness with lust-filled thoughts. They knew she was one of the Three: beautiful to the eye, yet deadly to those who step in their path.

She smiled, flashing shining ivory teeth beneath her plump lips. Nodding towards the seven tribal elders, she knelt and examined the sleeping twins for several moments.

Romulus and Remus, sons of the Gods, the witch said and stroked the heads of both with gentle fingers.

So, they are the children of Mars? Acca Larentia asked.

Laughter bubbled in the witch’s eyes as she glanced up briefly before returning to the children.

All beings that live are the children of the Gods, serpent dancer, she said, However, this pair are special. The paths of destiny await them, and they shall change the world.

Rising, she pulled a flint knife from her bodice. Gently cutting her finger, she leaned down and drew seven circles on each of the twin’s foreheads.

One shall rule as king, his name immortal, his tale, unforgotten, she said, The other shall die, yet live and shall be known by name. The second shall perform mighty deeds for mankind. This is their fate, though none shall repeat my prophecy. Doing so shall bring the wrath of the three upon their heads and that of their family and neighbors. Witches you call us, and this is true. But we are also the vengeance and punishment of the Gods to those who disobey their words.

She turned and strode in the same swaying step towards the mouth of the cave, vanishing from sight in mere seconds. The tribes stared into the plutonian shadows for a long time, before the chirp of a cricket shattered the tense silence. A weak chuckle emerged from several directions and a collective sigh of relief spread across the cavern.

No matter my age, the horse tribe master known as Chiron said, Those witches still terrify me. I nearly shit myself when she approached.

Based on the smells, Lupa said and chuckled weakly, I believe several bowels emptied.

Giggles and guffaws followed, though Servius soon waived those present to silence. He was the eldest of the tribes, a tall man with wide shoulders that drooped with age. His beard was more gray than brown and the furrows and folds across his face were deep and hid his formerly handsome countenance.

The wise spoke and we must follow her words. Who shall train the children? he asked.

The eldest tribes among us should do so, the priestess of the serpents said as she scratched a symbol upon the sandy floor, Wolves and horses were the first and noblest among our people. They shall teach one child each in their ways.

Why them? someone asked, Eagles, woodpeckers and bears are equally important!

Servius held up a hand, silencing protests with the simple gesture.

Each tribe holds greatness within them, this none question. In truth, we each have strengths that the others lack. The wolves are great fierce warriors, learned in ancient ways, and leaders in battle. The horses are wise, wisest of all tribes and fight with a calm that frightens. Entrusting one twin to each would do all our people a service. Had they been girls, the serpents and vultures would raise them in their ways. Do you see the truth?

There was a murmur of assent and Servius bowed north, south, east, and west in a symbolic display of unity. Everyone bowed their heads silently for several seconds, accepting their ruling.

I believe, Servius said, That Faustulus and Acca Larentia shall foster the babes. They brought the twins to the tribes and shall parent the children of destiny. Do we have assent? Good! Let us conclude with a celebration.

+++

Less than a hundred yards away, the witch smiled and nodded to two other similarly garbed figures who stepped to her side.

They agreed, sister? one of the witches asked.

Of course, they did. It was in their best interest, or so they believe. The wolves took Romulus, the horses Remus, the first said and pulled her hood back in place.

Who shall rule and how shall the other die, yet live on and perform deeds? The Oracle of Delphi is speaking nonsense again, the third witch said.

The Oracle spoke the true words and I know not how it shall come to pass, the first said, I do know that debating shall achieve nothing. What is meant to be, shall be. Battling fate is a waste of time and always results in greater calamity.

I disagree, the third said, though I shall wait and watch for now. What would occur had both children been exposed to the chill winds of the night?

The prophecies cannot be avoided, the second said, Hurling the twins into the Tiber could not destroy their fate. What could happen is the result could become...twisted and terrible. I learned this when I kept...

Yes, the third said and melted into the darkness, We know and need not hear the story once again. I shall not interfere, for now. But I have plans that shall be followed...

The first witch stood silently for several minutes before saying in a soft voice, Her madness is returning.

I hope not, sister, the second said, The last time that occurred, Troy fell, and we lost many who would be better served saving mankind from the hidden horrors that roam in the night.

I do not care what came of Troy, the second said, Though I had considered saving Hector and making him mine. No matter. I shall find out if her response is anger or insanity. If the second, she may be beyond our help.

The first shrugged and said, So be it. If she leaves us, another shall take her place. The goddess demands three in her name at all times.

You are a cold and calculating woman, Circe. I should hate to have you as an enemy, the second said and stepped away.

Remember that, Calypso,’ Circe said and glanced back towards the cave, My enemies do not prosper. I hope you shall remain my sister."

2

Years Later...

Romulus was looking for trouble, I knew that when he appeared with a club slung across his back. A twisted, sadistic smile crossed his face, vanishing instantly when he thought I might be looking. Happily, his pack of followers were not in evidence.

Remus, he said, dropping