For the Betterment of the World by Jeremiah Cain

Author:Jeremiah Cain [Cain, Jeremiah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Vyletra
Published: 2019-04-12T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Some amount of time passed.

Moments. Millennia. Adratus could not be certain, but it was a time in paradise. And when he opened his eyes, his body still pulsated with superlative delight. Dizzy. He remained on the altar with Ubaz atop him.

He could not move. He did not want to. Adratus only wanted to feel the energy they had created, the amazing energy with which they had imbued the entire room. It hung in lavender ribbons, circling within the air.

“Marvelous performance, prefect,” said a man’s voice. It took Adratus a moment to think, to recognize the voice of Legate Maximus. “I am, at once, flabbergasted and aroused.”

The chief and virgins darted into the room.

“How dare you interrupt the holy marriage ceremony!” Kaie shouted in outrage.

“Stand down, woman. I come to collect my man and will soon depart. Besides, from what I witnessed, the marriage was well consummated.”

Adratus lazily turned his narrowed eyes to his leader, to see Maximus approaching in full armor. He then licked his lips, dry from breathing so heavily. “How now, friend?” He panted. “Welcome to my wedding.”

“Congratulations, prefect. Did you, pray, mention to the recently deflowered that Tridulans cannot marry barbarians and that Tridulan soldiers cannot marry at all?”

“Is that true?” Ubaz tensed in his arms.

“Only in matters of law,” Adratus said. “We are married at the soul, my love.”

“Nevertheless,” Maximus resumed, “we have matters to attend. Come. His Imperial Majesty has answered our communication. We march on the Rucas at once.”

“The Rucas?” Chief Kaie spoke up, while Adratus and Ubaz sat up. “What will you do to them?”

“The Rucas,” Maximus began, “killed thirteen of my men without provocation. Thus, by order of His Imperial Majesty, the Rucas clan will repay their debt tenfold. We shall storm their region and collect one hundred and thirty men for crucifixion along our road.”

“Despicable,” Kaie shouted. “I won’t allow it.”

“You stand in good favor with the Tridulan Empire, madam,” Maximus rebuked. “Unless you wish to aid us, I suggest you maintain your distance from this. Already, a second legion sails here. We would hate to need call more.”

Ubaz wrapped his waist in a pelt. “You can talk to him, right?” he whispered to Adratus. “We will have peace, our people and yours. As you vowed.”

“This is a separate matter,” Adratus said, confused, as he backed away from his groom. “Certainly, you expect not peace with those who attacked us. You saw what the Rucas did to us. Do you think such things can occur without retribution?”

“But is one Tridulan life worth ten of ours?”

Adratus said nothing.

Lann flew into the chamber and landed some distance from both legionaries. He raised his mace resolute.

Maximus drew his gladius while Adratus dashed for his own.

The three men took battle stances as they eyed one another.

With cries of terror, the virgins hurried frantically to the farthest wall.

“We will have none of that here!” Chief Kaie commanded. “This is a holy place.”

“Adratus fix this,” Ubaz implored. “The Tridulans can’t kill a hundred and thirty of my people.

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