The Falling Empire Silent Assassin: Ceasar's Rise

By Dane Stuart

As the war raged between Rome and Gaul, an unexpected turn brought relief to the Romans, when the Gauls signaled their surrender. Julious Ceasar was praised for his bravado, along with Octavis, the ruler of Rome, who had appointed Ceasar as chief general of the Roman Empire.

Immediately following the surrender, a chain of mysterious events befell the city of Rome, leaving the senators uneasy and the citizens frightened.

Knowing that an internal struggle between the first lady of Rome and others who envy her position was amid the privileged, unanswered questions began to circulate. Dark secrets loomed from past deeds that were thought to have been buried long ago.

Will Ceasar continues to hold his position as chief general at such a young age, or will he and Octavis be the reason the empire fall from grace?

Still in all the greatest unanswered question remains—who is the silent assassin?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781684562039

Book preview

Chapter I

I hope your choice leads us to victory

—Piru

The Roman soldier's camp

The sound of hooves echoed through the campsite then came to a halt. The man who temporarily held Angelo’s position approached the group that was to be his reinforcement. He stood a towering six feet, three inches tall and built like a seasoned fighter.

I’ve been expecting you though not so soon, he addressed the man astride the pale white horse. I’m Cassius, the acting general of the Roman Empire.

Greetings, Cassius, I’m Julious Ceasar. I was sent with strict orders to replenish the broken ranks and push on further into Gaul.

And your rank? Cassius asked.

My apologies. He looked over all the soldiers standing behind Cassius then made eye contact with the acting chief general once more. To be frank, I’m to take over as Angelo’s replacement, proceeding as the chief general of the Roman Empire, and it’ll be an honor to have you as my second.

A surprise look masked Cassius’s face. He cleared his throat before responding. If this is so, I’m sure that you have on your person the proper documentation. Come, I’ll show you to your quarters.

Ceasar noticed the apprehension in his posture but made no mention of it. He logged it in memory as a reminder to himself to pay close attention to Cassius.

After Ceasar and his men settled in, Cassius slipped out and went to speak with the other high-ranking men in the camp. No sooner than he entered the conference tent, questions were being blurted at him from just about all in attendance, all but Krishna, the only other general appointed by Octavis.

Silence! Cassius shouted over the group. How are we to carry out such complex plans if we continue to behave like animals.

Everyone became mute. No one dared make eye contact with Cassius, as he stared grim-faced over his war council. As for this Julious Ceasar, we are to make him as comfortable and wanted as your wives in the bedroom. Is that understood?

All nodded in agreement, but Cassius was not satisfied, prompting him to repeat himself. I asked, is that understood?

All brought their closed fists down with force upon the makeshift table to seal their words with action as well. Cassius now filled with satisfaction spoke with relief, Very well. He then made his exit, never acknowledging the guard holding the flap of the tent used as both exit and entrance.

Rome

Octavis stepped from his bath and was being towel dried by two Roman beauties, both with long black hair, full breasts, and slim waists. One of darker complexion, the other a tan shade of her original y cream-colored skin. One held his robe out, allowing him easy access to slip his arms in. The other tied it at his waist.

The double doors were pushed open as Helena, Octavis’s wife, came in wearing her casual white dress with a golden clip binding the dress at her left shoulder. The dress was cut to an inch below her knees, the soft material exuding style and class.

She walked up to her husband, kissed his lips, and then informed him, saying, Piru is in the foyer waiting for you. She removed the clip from her dress, and as it fell to the floor, she said, I’ll have Rachel and Diane draw me a bath, then I’ll be all yours for the remainder of the evening, so please, don’t keep me waiting.

What is it now, Piru? Octavis asked as he entered the foyer.

Piru stood up and walked toward Octavis. What was the meaning of you appointing such a young soldier when I informed you that I already had someone in mind that’s worthy of the position.

Calm down, Piru. I’m quite confident in your ability to assign a replacement for Angelo, and I’m sure he met the criteria for the position on the surface. But there is also the additional four elements that are the secret requirement of our empire, Octavis replied evenly.

You don’t even— Piru started but was stopped short by Octavis.

I know that you had eyes on Cassius for some time now, but as head of the senate, I possess the power to assign who I see fit to command our men.

Shocked that Octavis knew of his interest in Cassius, Piru looked away and said, I hope your choice leads us to victory. He turned and walked to the door. Goodbye, Octavis.

Octavis chuckled slightly and turned in, mentally preparing himself for his wife. He entered his quarters and noticed that all but the bedside lamp was turned out. The mood and ambiance of romance engulfed him. The warmness in his loins rose to a boiling point when his eyes settled on Helena’s naked body. She lay on her back, one leg raised slightly and a hand hidden down by her sex. Her left hand which had moments before been occupied with kneading her breast, extended toward her lover beckoning for him to come to her with her index finger.

Octavis walked up to the bed, and as Helena reached her hand under his tunic, she grabbed hold and stroke his limp member to life, while looking him in the eyes and said, I thought you’d never return.

Octavis smiled down at her, and when he felt her hand squeezed his now erect love muscle, he took a deep breath to release his tension. Have your way with me, my love, he replied, grunting as she took him in her mouth.

While the other generals and captains stood some ways behind away from the line of fire, Julious Ceasar fought on the front with the men under his command, dressed in his full-battle attire. His enemies blood stained his shield and the blade of his sword. He wore a gold-plated armor matching his gold-plated helmet with a line of red trimming going through the center. And as all chief generals before him, he wore a crossbow on his back. Being a master of all weapons gave him the advantage he needed to punish his enemies.

The soldiers in the lower ranks admired Julious’s bravery and his lead by example trait. Julious sat astride his horse and addressed his men that survived the battle, Now that we have achieved victory!

The once-silent valley was now loud with roaring chants. Ceasar! Ceasar! Ceasar! He held his right arm up to silence the soldiers scattered around him. His head slumped hanging to his chest then looked back up, surveying the faces of all the soldiers before him.

He then shook his head, saying, No, no, no. Not Ceasar but to the gods that gave us the strength, to the gods that fought with us, to the gods that gave us safe passage. His eyes did one last sweep over the hardened faces of his men. To the gods that gave us victory! Chants of his name continued on their way back to Rome.

Among the generals, Cassius chuckled and said, Let him have his fun. It will be short-lived.

Chapter II

Patience my lord

—Unknown

Rome

It was full moon. Darkness hung in the alley where the shadow of buildings blocked the moonlight. Deep in the corner hidden by the dark shadow cast from the market place, a man was crouched down out of sight, face hidden by the dark-colored cloak he wore. He waited patiently for his contact to arrive. A while later, a figure entered the alley, with a look of confusion on his face. That was until a voice called out, Over here, my lord.

Recognizing the voice, he hurried over to the man now standing beside the wooden crate that served as his hiding spot.

In a hushed voice, the newcomer asked, What do you have for me? Looking over his shoulder to be sure they were alone.

First, you must hand over what you have for me.

The man reached beneath the many layers of clothing he wore, pulling out a palm-size brown sack, which he tossed at the shorter man. He caught the sack, pulled the string releasing the bind opening the sack to check its contents. Upon seeing the small fortune of silver pieces, he drew the string close and concealed it on his person.

You have what you requested. Now speak.

Patience, my lord, the man said then reached in a brown satchel that was slung across his shoulder and handed the taller man what looked to be a scroll.

That’s a map indicating the location of his home, where he once stayed with his mother and sister. His father had passed, leaving his mother and sister as the only remaining, living, blood relatives.

Hearing this, he concealed the scroll and turned to leave but stopped and turned back toward the spy. Not knowing what to expect, the spy took a quick step back, letting his hand hung closer to the knife tucked in his waist—a sign of experience, understanding the true danger of his occupation.

Just above a whisper, he said, No one is to know or gain any knowledge of our arrangement. Do we have an understanding?

Yes, my lord, the spy answered and faded into the shadows.

Chapter III

It is not the size or age but the heart of the lion that renders him among all other.

—Julious Ceasar

The Roman Soldier’s Camp

There’s a rider about one mile out, heading for our camp. Looks to be one of ours! one of the lookouts shouted over his shoulder.

Hearing that it was friendly, Julious wondered what this could be about, knowing that a messenger was sent only to relay important issues that could not wait. Time lapsed rather quickly, and the rider, who was indeed a messenger, rode into the camp requesting to see General Ceasar.

Julious rose from his seat and approached the smaller man, who seemed to have ridden into a camp of giants. The messenger was no more than five feet tall. It was a well-known fact that most messengers were built similar in stature. This allowed them to cover more miles in less time, being that their horses did not have to rest as much.

Confirming that the young soldier standing before him was, in fact, Chief General Ceasar, only then did he hand over the scroll he was ordered to transport by Senator Octavis.

Julious broke the seal, opened the scroll, and began reading. His first thought was that he did recognize the handwriting and most of all, the signature that no doubt belonged to Octavis. What he did not understand was why Octavis made the request for him to return to Gaul, if what the message read was true.

Recent speculation led to suspicions that there was a chance that assassins were planted in and around the city of Rome on orders from King Akeel. The Sick was the name used by Akeel’s enemies when making reference to him. For the past five summers, King Akeel’s sickness showed neither progress nor worsened. His status was always reported to be the same, and no one besides his healers, wives, and warlord were allowed access to see or speak with the king. The king’s only son, Prince Akeel, will succeed his father to become the second king of the Gauls and was being groomed as such, not knowing when his father would pass on.

Julious felt that he’d be more useful back in Rome, where he’d aid in the weeding out and killing of those sent by the enemy. But it was clear that he was to pick twelve of his best men and head into Gaul, tasked with the job of investigating the suspected spying on of Roman delegates.

Gaul had surrendered on terms that their government structure remained in place, while Rome acted as their head of state. With their king on his dying bed, why would Gaul plant assassins in Rome, knowing that it is a direct breach of the signed agreement?

It did not make sense, Julious thought. Reaching this conclusion, he decided to send someone in his place and return to Rome against Octavis’s orders.

He ordered Cassius to head the group returning to Gaul. He was to use whichever methods he deemed would produce speedy and accurate results. There were no objections there, but one soldier did not agree and refused to go unless General Ceasar himself accompanied them.

Why should my family suffer my absence while your family benefits? Simon asked.

It is not a matter of who benefits but what is in the best interest of Rome. And I assure you that your family will be informed that there will be no risk of danger to you on this extension.

General Ceasar, my decision has been made. Unless you are to accompany us, I’ll be returning home.

Are you challenging my authority?

I thought you’d never ask, Simon said, drawing his sword, taking a confident stance.

Julious kept his composure, calculating which would be the best method to defuse the situation before it went any further but thought against it. He was now the chief general, and in this, he knew no such disrespect should go unpunished. His intention was not to lose a valuable soldier but still in all. He knew this had to be done.

Simon kept rambling on, sword in hand, taunting the general. Simon never embraced the idea of having such a young soldier giving him orders, and paired with the additional encouragement from Cassius, he knew this day would come. He thought for sure the young general would be an easy task, especially being aware that the others already conspire to make a report in Simon’s favor.

You’re a child, Julious. You have no right to lead us.

Julious stood directly before him, watching him intently but remained mute.

You hear me. You’re a child! Simon repeated himself, voice growing louder the more he rambled on, hate in his eyes.

You’re just a spoiled child! he shouted and charged at Julious, sword extended forward.

With precise timing, Julious stepped to the side, drew his sword, and kicked his attacker to the ground. Simon recovered just as easy as he went down, readying himself for another attempt.

Staying on the defensive, Julious stood ready with his sword gripped tight in his left hand, awaiting Simon’s next move. The soldiers, witnessing the one-on-one challenge, watched quietly to see the outcome.

In an angry drawl, Simon asked, Do you really think that you’re a match for me? Silence hung between the two for a moment before Simon screamed, Answer me!

Julious did not answer. Instead, he plotted in his mind all the different ways he could bring this madness to an end. Being agitated from Julious’s silence, Simon lurched forward, intending to sever Ceasar’s neck but missed by an inch. Julious slipped right and brought the butt of his sword square against Simon’s sternum, playing Simon’s momentum against him knocking the air out of his lungs. Julious pivoted to keep his balance, wielding two quick slashes forcing Simon to his knees. The spectating soldiers looked on in awe, seeing Julious now standing over Simon with his sword held high for the finishing blow.

He was coughing up blood as he tried to beg for his life. He was using his sword as support. Head held down, he struggled to speak, Have mercy. He coughed. I have a child. He coughed some more. I promised her my return. Forgive me.

You should have thought about that before you drew your sword against me. His face remained expressionless as he spoke. Know this, it is not the size or age but the heart of the lion that renders him the king among all other. Those were the last words Simon heard, then Julious brought the sword down hard severing Simon’s head from his body. And without showing any emotion, Julious walked away from the beheaded body splayed on the ground.

The general walked over to Cassius, who seemed not to be affected by what transpired between the general and Simon. They spoke briefly before parting ways, knowing there was a newfound level of respect between the two.

Chapter IV

We’ll be the laughing stock of our lesser powers.

—Senator Thomas

Rome

The weather was dry with mild wind kicking up dust in the street en route to the coliseum. People looked on in awe as the soldiers rode past. When the soldiers entered the courtyard, they were met by Octavis, his wife, Helena, Senator Piru, and three other senators. Octavis locked eyes with Julious, a questioning look forming on his face.

Welcome back, men. General, allow me to be first to congratulate you all on a job well done, Octavis spoke with a cheerful smirk on his face. Come, Julious. We have much to discuss!

I assume we do. Julious dismounted and followed Octavis inside.

I’m quite certain your men will enjoy the festivities we have prepared for the evening. Lots of food, wine, and women. What better way to initiate a night of enjoyment, do you not agree?

Well, of course, my lord. Now about my return to—

Never mind that, General. I’m confident that you had valid reasons for your decision. For now, let us bask in the dawn of victory. Get yourself cleaned up. We have a long night ahead.

Helena materialized at her husband’s side upon Julious’s departure.

And so? she asked with a questioning expression plastered on her face.

I did not ask. I felt that was best when handling a situation as such. After all, he did bring us victory.

Helena sighed then looked away from him. I believe you’re losing your touch dare. You’re being much too easy on him. I don’t think it’s wise to give him free rein to do as he pleases.

We also need good men at our disposal. We have enough enemies in our backyard. We need not create another. I do not plan on having another sword pointed at my back. Follow my lead, dear. Be nice, Octavis said as they entered their quarters.

How about an adventure of ecstasy to prime me for the excitement to come? Give me a reason to be happy. Will you? Helena purred in his ear.

How about an adventure of ecstasy to look forward to?

You’re no fun.

Come, you relentless wild cat.

His hand latched on to the nape of her neck, pulled her to him, and kissed her hard on her lips. In the process, she tried feverishly to reach beneath his tunic to locate his manhood, only to be stopped and turned about roughly so that she was now facing the wall. Octavis kissed her neck with renewed energy while hiking up her dress.

Helena sighed approvingly. Slow down, you animal, she said, bracing herself against the wall for the pleasure to come. Helena felt the head of his erect penis probing the entrance of her vagina, and before she could say another word, he entered her savagely from behind. The strokes came hard and fast. The expression on her face was one of fulfillment and satisfaction. She welcomed every bit of it until they both reached their climax falling to the