Sempiternus by Bruce Berg

Author:Bruce Berg
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy & Science Fiction, Historical, Romance, Immortal, Action-Adventure
Publisher: Bruce Berg
Published: 2021-04-10T00:00:00+00:00

“DO YOU SLEEP, HUSBAND?”

“No,” Kalesius murmured. In truth, he had been dozing lightly, despite – or because of – the death and destruction just outside the cellar.

“I must ask something of you,” Lucilia said softly.

Kalesius turned toward the dark outline of his wife. “You wish something?”

“Yes.” Lucilia sighed. “In the morning, when everyone leaves for the waterfront, you must leave me here.”

At this, Kalesius sat bolt upright. “No!”

He felt Lucilia’s slender fingers press against his lips. “You must. I cannot take another step. And you cannot carry me. I’m sure the Legatus would not permit it.”

“I won’t leave –”

“Yes,” Lucilia whispered firmly, “you will. All I hope for is a quick end, like Aunt Domitia.”

Kalesius thought back to the Lady Domitia’s sudden demise – struck from behind by a glowing stone vomited up by Vesuvius. She was dead before she hit the ground. “I can’t leave you,” he whispered fiercely.

“You must.” Lucilia’s fingers gently caressed his face. “You...you will live on. I know this now. You were right, Kalesius...not even an angry Vesuvius can kill you.”

Great Earth Mother, how is this fair? This beautiful woman deserved a long and full life. I know that my time with her would not last long – but she doesn’t need to die. Not here. Not like this. “I love you, Lucilia,” he whispered softly.

Her lips gently brushed against his. “And I love you, Kalesius.” She pulled away from him for a moment, and then her hands fumbled for his. When he opened his hand, she pressed something into his palm and closed his fingers around the object.

“Take it,” she whispered insistently.

Kalesius traced his fingers over the object. A gold chain, from which a small pendant dangled. It had been the first gift that he had ever given her, that day in Rome...a lifetime ago. “Your necklace?” he managed to choke out.

“I want you to have it,” she said softly. “Wear it and think of me often.”

Kalesius slipped it over his head. “I’m wearing it now,” he whispered.

Another soft kiss. “Thank you, my husband.”

At that moment, a new, ominous sound penetrated the cellar. Kalesius looked toward the entrance in alarm. Lucilia’s fingers tightened on his shoulders. “What’s that noise?” she asked, her soft voice thick with fear.

“I don’t know,” Kalesius replied as he gently disengaged himself from Lucilia’s grip and stood up. “Stay here,” he said as he stumbled through the dark cellar toward the entrance.

He found his way blocked by a gladius point. “Back to your place,” the soldier ordered gruffly.

“Relax,” the centurion’s voice as he stepped forward, shoulder to shoulder with Kalesius. “He’s not going anywhere. Besides, you have his wife.”

“You’re to remain under guard,” the soldier replied, although not as forcefully.

“Then come along and guard us,” Kalesius said. “I just want to see if I can find out what that noise is.”

The guard muttered assent, more from reflexive obedience to the centurion than anything else, and stepped aside, allowing Kalesius and the centurion access to the cellar entrance. Both men didn’t waste any time, heading up the crumbing steps to the entrance, four soldiers following close behind.

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