Imperium: Hidden Legacy

Prologue

I love Jonathan's voice :D And the song literally warns you to be prepared for everything XD Also, Lion King fans unite!

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The true worth of a man is to be measured by the objects he pursues. - Marcus Aurelius

When I was younger I thought everything could be bought with coins. I had though political status and influence were things of great importance. Things ambitious men such as myself were ready to kill for. I wished to climb higher and higher! Climb over the pile of my enemies beneath my feet and grasp glory!

In order to do so, I betrayed those closest to me; my family and one of my closest friends. The friend I considered a brother had ended in prison, to be locked for as long as he lived. My parents were crushed with constant lies and schemes, losing the sight of their dear gentle boy they once knew. Yet I rose higher and higher to be the first beneath the King, ignoring the pain and suffering I caused to those I wished to secure. And I wished for more, my hunger for power being a bottomless pit never to be satisfied.

But reality came in the form of her; and it came with a hard slap on the face and few curses upon tongue. Without any warning, she stroke viciously and without forgiveness like a snake, with such precision and elegance I never thought possible. She attacked my fortress and conquered it effortlessly, raising the flag of heart in victory. One woman was more than enough to defeat a man many feared.

After a lot of convincing the same strong woman became my wife, and gave me the most wonderful present, our children. She thought me what was truly important and where my ambitions should lay. She gave me a new start and a chance to make things right. With the experience I've gained and things that I've learned, I decided to guide my children towards the right path so they'd never go down the same road their father had.

If only it was as easy as it seemed. My children weren't the types to listen but rather to discover things on their own. And I couldn't forbid them that, at least not completely. Especially when I was so far away.

With my position in the Senate came duties that had to be fulfilled; all for the glory of Dokimo! Yet, with duties that demanded my presence, I had little time for my family. My wife wasn't ready to move to capital and wanted to stay within the city of Emona. In all honesty, she had made the right choice. Yet, I wished all of them near me.

Since time with my family was limited I cherished every moment with them. The distance itself was bearable, I sent letters whenever I could, but it was rather hard to find yourself all alone in a villa with no one to greet you once you'd come back home.

But I knew I'd get back to Emona, back to my family. 

"Have we made the right decision?" A deep voice came from the threshold of my room.

Turning around, a smile formed on my lips when I saw the current King of Egren. "Of course we have. Don't tell me you've started to doubt all of us now."

"Us? Never." A throaty laugh escaped him, "The youngsters? Well, I can't be the only one sceptical about them."

Even now, after all these years, I was still impressed by him. His chiselled jawline, slim face and roman nose made him appear serious, yet plump lips and brown eyes which sparkled with happiness brought out youth within him. Dark hair and stubble only complimented his face, emphasizing his beauty overall. His sturdy, muscular physique was that of a true warrior; one experienced and trusted by his men. The only imperfection I could point out was the scar on his right eye, earned in battle, but for same reason it only gave him more appeal. A true angel, indeed.

"If you stay on the throne for too long, people will think you've established dictatorship. Give youngsters a chance. They won't be able to show their true worth if you don't give them one." His lower lip protruded in a sulky pout, making me laugh. "We were once young as well, brother. Everything will be alright, you'll see."

Puffing, he turned around, seriousness back in his voice. "I honestly hope you're right." Before leaving, he turned around one more time and said in a gentler tone, "I wish you stable weather on your journey and hope you'll arrive home safely. Greet your family for me when you get there."

Unaware if he had heard my humming as an answer, I went to the window to once again glance at the capital. With unusual certainty in better times, reliance in future generations and one last chanting of "Everything will be alright", I left my room and headed towards the bustling streets of Dokimo that lead me onto the road towards Emona.

If only I had known back then how wrong I actually was.

The final test I had to pass and wasn't even aware of was soon upon me, yet the words my wife often spoke whenever I'd go into battle remained clear, engraving themselves into my very soul. I am the fortress. My heart is the only flag. I am the fortress which does not surrender. Once more, I had to prove that.

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My first story on wattpad ever! Damn I feel proud! (And anxious)

Fun fact: Emona or Aemona was a Roman castrum built 35 BC during the reign of second triumvirate. The location of Emona overlaps with the southwest part of the old nucleus of the modern city of Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia.

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Peace! Love ya all,

Almighty Cafka