Aeterna Aurelia

By Ethan Healy

The world of Tellus is decimated by a cataclysmic event commonly referred to as The Great Scourge. A thick purple fog containing horrifying monsters that can kill groups of people within the span of a single breath. Flavius Sempronius David, an Imperial Knight, has returned to the remnants of his civilization as the only survivor of an expeditio

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ethan Healy
• Release date: Dec 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9781088075685

Book preview

I

Clop, clop, clop, clop. The sound of hooves stepping on a stone road echoes throughout a bleak scenery. Its rider struggles keeping the horse calm as he navigates through thick purple fog. His breath becomes visible with each exhale. The man remains unfazed despite his body’s cry for the sun’s warmth. The visibly disturb horse nearly throws its rider off its back when it violently reels. An unknown force rips the rider out of his saddle onto to the ground. The man smoothly rolls into a proper firing position with his musket. A humanoid creature flashes its razor-sharp teeth as it growls menacingly. The creature possesses no eyes, no ears, nor nose, merely solid skin. Two long spikes protrude from its spine as if originating from the bone. Twelve-inch-long claws constitute the creature’s fingers. Clink! Crack! Pop! The man slays the beast near inches away from the rifle barrel, causing it to ragdoll. More creatures spring out of the fog reacting to the gunshot. The man tosses his musket aside and unsheathes his saber. He holds out his free hand lifting one of the creatures into the air. His eyes glowing with a thin right neon blue line around the edges of his irises. He crushes the monster’s chest and throws it into another. The man narrowly avoids another creature’s claws with a sidestep decapitating it in the process. He stains the ground and paints the air crimson as he carves his way through the horde. Dodge, stab, sidestep, slash, slash, sidestep, sidestep, stab, lift, crush, throw, dodge, dodge, stab, slash. The humanoid creatures scatter in every direction when the ground abruptly shakes. A silhouette appearing in the fog sending chills up the man’s spine. A monster standing at over eleven feet emerges to confront its prey. The wolf-like being stares down at its soon to be victim bearing its red-stained teeth. Great! How are you getting out of this one David? The man thinks to himself.

David sheathes his sword, digs in his heels, and holds up both hands. The wolf swipes but David stops paw in place mid-swing. Dirt kicks up from beneath David’s boots as he’s pushed backward. A sharp pain consumes David arms as he struggles keeping the wolf’s attack at bay with his telekinesis causing him to grimace. In a blink of an eye, an overwhelming sensation of weightlessness overtakes David. Crack! He coughs up blood as he slumps against a tree. David’s body disobeys his directives to move. It…got me good. David laughs at himself. A slight burning sensation runs along his spine followed shortly by twitching fingers. David avoids a strike which tears the tree behind him in two at the last second. The wolf monster stumbles as the sound of cannon fire erupts. An iron ball tears off the beast’s arm, another iron ball tears its leg off, and another iron ball tears its head from its body. David sprints towards the direction of the cannon fire. Musket fire echoes through the fog motivating him to quicken his step. Soldiers struggle for their lives as they clash with the humanoid creatures. Limbs torn apart, throats chewed off, and corpses pile up. With saber unsheathed, David joins the fray mercilessly slaying every monster within arm’s reach. His assault allows the soldiers to retreat with their wounded. And his stout rearguard action as soldiers move towards a large gate prevents further casualties. The roar of cannons erupts once more with iron pummeling the earth once more. Cannonballs effortlessly reduce monsters to pink mist. David and the soldiers slip behind the large gate as the creatures flee.

David closes his eyes and opening them a second later reveals his normal eyes. He realizes the battered soldiers staring at him with both terror and awe. Not batting an eye as they whisper among themselves. David recoils as a ray of sunlight pours through a crack in a secondary gate. A large military complex comes into focus as David’s vision corrects itself. He carefully observes his surroundings as he quietly walks through the medical personnel pouring through the gate like a flood. He momentarily stops to turn his attention to the large wall behind him. Armed guards spring into action without warning surrounding David with bayonets. David allows the guards to disarm him by simply raising his hands. Without complaint, he follows the guards to a cell in one of the fort’s oblong buildings. He pulls his cloak’s hood down before burying his head in his hands. Clang! Clang! Outside the cell stands an older gentleman in a well-maintained uniform of simplistic design looms. The military jacket is solid red with gold buttons, gold rank insignias on the collar, purple cuffs, and purple shoulder boards providing the only contrast. The uniform pants are black with a thin gold and purple stripe running down the hem of both pants legs. The solid black boots stopped mere inches below the knee. David glances at the black aiguillette the man wore with his uniform.

You the garrison commander?

Titus Rabirius Volusenus. And who are you?

David.

David huh? Titus is silent for a couple seconds. Tell me, what were you doing outside the wall? Titus sharply asks.

I led the expedition of fifteen Imperial Knights.

That expedition was two years ago! You’re claiming your that David?

So that’s how long it’s been. David quietly thinks with a muted chuckle.

You have proof? Because I’ll execute you right here for daring utter such a boldface lie!

David adjusts his cloak to reveal the geometric patterned tattoo running from his shoulder down to his fingertips on his left arm. The tattoo glows a bright neon blue as David lifts Titus off the ground by the throat telekinetically. After a few seconds, David releases Titus who gasps for air.

Titus clears his throat. I…I…I need to confirm your story. If you’ll excuse me, I need to send a telegraph.

Titus walks away unceremoniously with slumped shoulders. David fingers runs across twisted and dented steel as he unfastens his breastplate. Resurrecting and modernizing the old Lorica Segmentata only reduced the enemy from having a hundred ways of killing you to ninety-nine. He stares at the puncture holes, the claw marks, and the deep concaves. It did help me out though. David tosses his armor aside and lays down on his cot. Clang! Clang! Clang! David sits up and his jaw drops. A woman leans back against the wall crossing her arms. His eyes can’t help locking onto the woman. Noting how her black hair, tied back into a short ponytail, perfectly highlights her symmetrical face, and makes her hazel eyes pop. Nor can David prevent himself from sneaking a peek at her physique. The consequences of two years of isolation. It doesn’t help David her elaborately designed uniform accentuates her physical features. Such as sharply toned her muscles with excellent definition.

Not two years back from the grave and your first response is to ogle me?

Well…um—

The woman grins ear to ear. I’m just messing with you.

David breathes a sigh of relief. I see you haven’t changed Aelia. Still getting into trouble?

Errrr…well—

What did you do?

May’ve gone overboard when dealing with some fugitives. Damaged some property—

Some?

Er…mostly burned down a warehouse. It's why I’m assigned here temporarily. It’s the last day of my punishment

David sighs. You pass Titus?

I did. And he informed me about you. I tried vouching for you, but he insisted on sending a telegraph back to Aurelia. I don’t think he likes me very much.

The pair laugh before slipping into ideal talk. David falls silent when Aelia asks about the world beyond the wall. He lifts a part of his tattered shirt revealing scars on his body. Not old scars but scars which should not be.

Hell!

Aelia’s confident, borderline smug, demeanor slips as her smile fades and her eyes drift downward. Her posture shifts with her eyes shooting upward to the ceiling as her hands move behind her tilted head. An obvious attempt at trying to conceal her true feelings. A guard frees David from his cell. He apologizes on behalf of Titus, returns David’s weapons to him, then motions for David to follow him. The guard explains accommodations are arranged for David to stay at the fortress until transportation to the nearest train station is acquired. David asks the guard to pass along his gratitude to Titus along with his apology for being rough with him. The guard shoots David a strange look but doesn’t sally forth a question. Aelia subtly chuckles as she closely follows behind. Cannons roar, bells toll, and soldiers scramble to their posts. Better keep her out of trouble. David thinks as Aelia rushes toward the wall.

From the parapets, David observes the battlefield below as iron deforms the earth. Through the fog, several figures dance through the hail of metal remaining unscathed. Shrapnel shot proves ineffective as no figure falls dead despite iron shots blanketing whole areas. A pit grows in David’s stomach as he quietly watches the scene below. At the corner of his eye, he notices the large grin on Aelia’s face. Oh no! David fails to stop Aelia from jumping off the wall. He mumbles under his breath before jumping over the edge after her. Using his heel and left palm, David slides down the wall to slow his momentum enough to land safely on the ground. Clack! Sparks fly when steel crosses steel as David barely unsheathes his sword in time to escape a fatal blow. The knight's legs go numb, his hands shake, and his breath grows erratic as red tinted yellow dragon-like eyes stare him down. Clack! Clack! Clack! Clack! David continually steps backward as he’s driven back by each strike. He leverages his enemy’s momentum to create an opening by driving in his heel and quickly pivoting. Blood covers his hand as he lodges his blade into his opponent’s neck. David’s eyes widen as his assailant remains standing even after suffering a killing strike. After freeing his saber, the panicked knight creates as much distance as possible as quickly as he can. Steam emanates from the opponent’s wound as it closes. Who in the hell is this person? Clack! Clack! Clack! Sidestep, thrust, clack, sidestep, dodge, clack, slash, thrust, clack, clack, sidestep! Clack! Clack! Clack! Clack! Clack! David sends his opponent fly by chucking a resting log at him. The knight loses his footing as he struggles closing the opening in his guard when two other cloaked figures charge him. Aelia dispatches both assailants by setting them on fire. However, they return to their feet as if nothing happened. David notices their wounds aren’t healing as fast along with their pained expressions. Shortly thereafter, he finds himself back-to-back with Aelia as their predators surround them.

Damn it! Why won’t these guys stay down? Aelia shouts.

I don’t know. But there are worse ways to die I suppose.

Don’t tell me you’ve gone soft? Aelia teases.

Oh! I didn’t survive two years in a monster-infested wilderness just to go down in a small brawl. I may have an idea, ever wanted to be like the sun?

Aelia enthusiastically nods with an excessive grin. David launches Aelia into the air with his telekinesis. An excessively bright light stops the attackers in their tracks as they scramble to shield themselves. David braces himself as Aelia throws a massive fireball. He reaches out his hand as the fireball hits like a hurricane. So, this is…what it…feels…like to be…in a furnace? David thinks to himself as buckets of sweat pours down his face. Four piles of ash and three corpses chard beyond recognition remain when the fire dissipates. Aelia lands on her feet before immediately collapsing. David catches Aelia in his arms before she hits the ground. She’s not bleeding from her eyes, or ears, or nose. She’s not pale. No signs of broken bones. Good. When I said like the sun, I didn’t mean it to be taken that literally. You just had to overdo it again. David stares out into the visible distance waiting for something else to jump out of the fog. The fog responds with silent contempt.

II

Musket fire rings loudly and men yell as armies clash in a chaotic brawl. Clack! David locks horns with an ashigaru pushing against a yari spear with his musket. Clack! Clack! Clack! David struggles defending against the reach of his enemy’s weapon. He grinds his teeth, resisting the urge to scream as the ashigaru skewers his right shoulder. He takes the split second his opponent pulls his spear back to knock it away. Capitalizing on the opening, David violently bashes the ashigaru’s skull with the butt of his rifle, sending the demi-human to the ground. He smashes the ashigaru’s head over and over and over until the demi-human is dead. David surveys the battlefield seeing his fellow legionaries fighting for their lives. He refocuses when he spots a horse charging towards him with its rider poised to impale him. Enduring his agony, the young legionary rushes to shove a powder package down the muzzle, ram a musket ball down the barrel until it’s snug with the powder charge, reinsert the ramrod in its proper place, pull the cock to insert percussion cap, and aim. Clink! Crack! Pop! David misses hitting the horse instead of his target causing the animal to launch its rider into him as it falls. He scrambles to his feet coming face to face with a samurai with piercing eyes. The ground shakes from an earthquake which should not be.

***

David opens his eyes to a bumpy yet peaceful train ride. He yawns before rubbing his face. He notices someone intensely staring at him out of the corner of his eye. A little girl in a plain light green dress sitting in the seat across the aisle. A million different thoughts cross David’s mind as he tries formulating words. The mother sharply rebukes her daughter for bothering other people before apologizing to David. He brushes away the awkwardness by assuring the mother there’s no offense. He breathes a sigh of relief when he’s left alone. The rolling plains and distant mountains gleam beneath the sunlight. A majesty instilling awe in David as he stares out the window. Buildings interrupt the serenity of the countryside as the train slowly loses speed until coming to a stop. Buildings of stone, marble, and concrete adorn with intricate designs stand mightily stretching as far as the eye can see. Cathedrals from small meeting houses to sprawling architectural masterpieces dot every other corner. Marble statues and memorials confidently stand out against the rest of the enormous metropolis. Large plumes of smoke rising from factories fill the skies with dark smog. Horse-drawn carriages navigate streets filled to the brim with a bustling populace. David’s chest tightens as he tentatively steps off the train. It’s only been two years so why does Aurelia feel so…foreign to me? The knight stumbles backward as someone bumps into him without remorse. He shakes his head as memories slowly return to him about city life. He stares up towards a flag flying high in the sky. The flag depicts a golden eagle with its wings fully stretched out as it holds a bundle of sticks with its talons. The bundle of sticks serves as the base of a laurel wreath which wraps upwards. Two thick red bars form a simple cross behind the aquila, contrasting with the gold emblem and the white background. Thin navy-blue lines run parallel with the red bars, with a thin gap in between the two, providing more depth to the overall design.

Streets, buildings, and signs blur together as David navigates his way through the city. His ragged appearance catches a couple glances from passing pedestrians. David grabs a newspaper from a stand for a mere two denarii. His eyes widen at the headline urging him to read carefully through the story. EVIDENCE HAS RECENTLY COME TO LIGHT OF ANOTHER INFLUENTIAL PRIEST ENGAGING IN MORALLY REPREHENSIBLE BEHAVIOR. FATHER MARCUS CURTIUS QUIRINALIS ENGAGED IN SEXUAL ACTIVITIES WITH CHILDREN AND, MOST CONCERNING OF ALL, THE ILLEGAL PRACTICE OF MAGIC. THIS RECENT SCANDAL INVOLVING THE CLERGY HAS SPARKED WIDE SCALE OUTRAGE AMONG THE GENERAL POPULACE. IN SOME CASES, LEADING TO SMALL-SCALE PROTESTS. BISHOP POTITUS COCCEIUS FRUGIUS, HEAD OF COUNCIL OF BISHOPS, HAS PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED FATHER MARCUS CURTIUS QUIRINALIS HAS BEEN EXCOMMUNICATED AND HANDED OVER TO THE INQUISITION. THE HEAD BISHOP HAS URGED THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO REMAIN CALM AND CONTINUE HAVING FAITH IN THE CHURCH. THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS IS CONVENING IN THE NEXT TWO DAYS TO ADDRESS LONG STANDING ISSUES AND PERHAPS IMPLEMENT FURTHER REFORMS. HE HAS PROMISED THE CHURCH WILL PAY RESTITUTION TO ALL VICTIMS. HOWEVER, THE BISHOP’S ANNOUNCEMENTS HAVE DONE LITTLE TO EASE THE PUBLIC’S CONCERN. THE MOVEMENT OF SKEPTICISM GAINS MORE MOMENTUM AS QUESTIONS ARE EMERGING ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THIS OLD INSTITUTION. THIS IS DESPITE THE INCREASED ATTENDANCE RATES AFTER THE BEGINNING OF THE GREAT SCOURGE.

David tosses the paper away as a cocktail of anger, shock, and confusion overwhelms him. Around a corner a large crowd surrounds the entrance to a modest cathedral. They ruthlessly pelt the door with fruits and vegetables. Angry chants reverberate through the streets with uniformity and deafening effectiveness. A priest dodges projectiles as he emerges from his sanctuary to face the mob. It’s a miracle the priest manages to quiet the people enough so he can speak. He begins his speech by acknowledging the reason the crowd has gathered. He expresses his empathy and sympathy for their feelings. The priest raises a letter in the air explaining his extensive efforts, along with other like-minded priests, to petition the Council of Bishops in denying Marcus Curtius Quirinalis from joining the priesthood. A flying tomato denies the priest the opportunity to finish his speech. The chanting grows louder as the crowd’s emotions intensify. David forces his way to the front of the crowd placing himself in between the priest and the mob. He reveals his markings identifying himself as an Imperial Knight and orders the crowd to disperse immediately. Grumblings and murmurings permeate from the protestors as they peacefully scatter. David breathes a sigh of relief before looking over his shoulder at the priest solemnly reentering his cathedral. I wonder how father is handling this upheaval. I know he was against the confirmation of Marcus Curtius Quirinalis. If there’s a silver lining, he might finally be able to push through his reforms. With a sigh, David continues his journey through Aurelia.

A shadow looms over the citizenry as dread saturates idle conversations. Talk of the Great Scourge, Aurelia’s Wall, and of societal unrest spew from people’s lips like snake venom. Conversation after conversation follows the same pattern of anxious thought. David grows disheartened as people’s chatter is no different from two years ago. The marketplace the knight enters however remains as vibrate as he remembers despite the gloomy atmosphere surrounding it. People conduct business with boundless vigor and families socialize with uncontainable enthusiasm. The marketplace itself is like a window into a bygone era as it sharply contrasts against the march of modernity. A tiny bubble of light when a vast void of despair. An intricately designed marble statue standing proudly serves as the marketplace’s centerpiece. The sculpture depicts an austere woman of exuberate physical prowess armed for battle while holding a flag. The most striking feature of the warrior is her breastplate with the Imperial seal engraved on it. Echoes of faint laughter ring in David’s mind causing a tear to run down his cheek. He places an Aureus note on the base of the statue.

Leaving money? A cloaked woman asks.

Yes. It’s tradition for anyone who served in the 13th Legion to leave money on her statue. Normally you’d leave one denarius, but if you were in the legion during a time of war then you’re supposed to leave an Aureus note. David gently removes his fingers from the statue. Care to tell me who you are, mysterious stranger?

My name isn’t important. The stranger answers coldly.

You’re being very suspicious right now. And look very suspicious at that.

I’m a person who likes to be left alone.

Then why approach me?

Because I was curious. I’ve never seen someone do what you did before. You look suspicious yourself.

I haven’t had the time to change clothes. I was on a long journey, so to speak.

The mysterious stranger turns on her heels while coldly but politely biding David farewell. David kindly reciprocates but falls silent upon noticing a faint glimpse of dragon like eyes underneath the stranger’s hood. He pretends to walk in the opposite direction but loops back around using the merchant stalls and the crowd as visual obstructions. He carefully ducks in between obstructions when his query seems aware of his presence. Gradually, the knight finds himself traversing towards the slums. Despite the impressive polish of the buildings the ragged attire of the residences exposes the impoverished nature of the area. David lingers momentarily as the mysterious woman takes a sharp turn into a back alley. He charges into the alley with a hand on his sword only to find it empty. He meticulously scans the surroundings as he carefully presses deeper into the alley. Damn it! She got away. David relaxes. How did she get away so quickly? And where could she have gone? David investigates his immediate vicinity for clues. Dirty boot prints indicating a trail lasting three feet before mysteriously vanishing. The alley lacks any divergent paths allowing a person to disappear like a phantom. Creak! David's attention snaps to the roof where he spots the tip of a cloak. Before he can sprint after his quarry a voice calls out to him from the street.

David! What are you doing here?

Juba. I don’t have time—

Oh no, no, no! You were supposed to be back at the Sanctum two hours ago. Do you know how hard it was to find you? Juba laughs. Come on. The Great Knight is wanting to see you.

David snorts but follows Juba as he possesses little doubt the mysterious woman has escaped by now. He hops into a nearby carriage Juba reserved. Juba sprawls out in his seat making himself comfortable. David is more regimental in his posture but no less comfortable. The carriage jerks as it begins moving through the city. David blankly stares out the window at the world passing by him. He leans on the palm of his hand as he presses his elbow to the window frame. Buildings fade away into fog and horrific screeching drowns out all other sounds as a specter of the past takes hold of David. The smell of rotting flesh overwhelms his nose, nearly forcing him to gag. He grows numb as a chill steals all sense of feeling in his body. He endures the siege of sensations without complaint or hesitation by retreating behind his eyelids. Out of the darkness behind his eyelids, the red tinted yellow color of dragon eyes appears starling him out of his seat.

You, ok? Juba kindly asks.

Yeah. I’m fine. Just something on my mind.

Ok.

You seem rather relax. Almost like it hasn’t been two years.

Don’t mistake my calmness for apathy.

Wouldn’t dream of it!

David and Juba laugh.

I figured if anyone had the slimmest chance at surviving out there it’s you. What was it like anyway?

David leans back in his seat and glances at the window. Hell. Fortunately, I don’t think I’ll lose any sleep over it.

And just now?

Because of something unrelated, hopefully. Have an update for me?

Things in the empire are…precarious. People are anxious and quick to act out when provoked enough.

I saw firsthand at a cathedral.

Yeah. The ever-growing scandals of the church are not helping things. Before the scandals, the institution provided a calming effect by giving people some sense of security. Now they’re just adding fuel to the fire. If that isn’t bad enough, magic use has increased dramatically within the last year.

How bad have the curses been?

All minor. The perps have only managed to hurt themselves. But that might not always be the case. There’s evidence that cults are springing up like cockroaches. I don’t have to tell you how bad that is.

The Inquisition on top of it?

Mostly, they’re working as hard as they can. However—

However?

However, they’re wearing thin trying to keep up with the growing volume of cases. So, we’re being roped into helping them out. And about two months ago, the Sisters of St. Lysander have been brought into the fold.

David looks at Juba sideways, They’ve been made an imperial organization?

Not exactly. More like temporarily deputized to conduct limited police actions.

Things must be really bad if we’re having to rely upon a paramilitary organization of religious zealots who idolize the traitorous Lysander.

At least they’ve become masters as hunting down and eliminating magic cultists over their colorful history.

David's attention turns back to the window when chanting causes the carriage’s cabin to vibrate. People with colorful signs crowd around a textile factory hollering and protesting.

I’m assuming there’s more to the story than what you’ve shared.

About six months ago there was a fire at a factory. Most of its employees died either by the fire itself or from jumping. It’s sparked a mass movement of people across the empire demanding labor rights.

What’s the Senate’s response?

They have a series of bills they’re debating over.

That’s quick! David responds with shock in his voice.

Not quick enough according to some people. There’re growing calls for universal suffrage.

David grows a half-mortified expression on his face.

I figured that be your reaction. Juba confesses.

David claws at his face momentarily. He leans back while shaking his head. If they want to be a citizen, they can earn it like the rest of us. David rubs his temple before sighing. Anything else I need to know?

Rumors. Mostly fatalists talk about the collapse of civilization.

David shakes his head, signaling his dismissal of such apocalyptic notions. Entertaining the idea of the Aurelia Wall falling stops him in his tracks. The carriage jerks as it comes to a complete stop preventing David from finishing his thought. He exits the carriage where he’s stopped by a gate guard demanding an inspection. The guard changes his tune upon recognizing David and enthusiastically commands the gates to open. David remains motionless as he stares at a titanic building larger than any palace. It’s been too long. Carved deep into the Sanctum’s marble façade above the main entrance is a mantra. WE ARE THE SHIELD OF PEACE. WE ARE THE SWORD OF JUDGEMENT. HERE WE WILL STAY, MOST EXCELLENTLY! When David manages to push through the large bronze double door, and he’s greeted with an extravagant entrance hall of