roman general · historical · honorable · courageous · older man · imperial court · military · loyal · kindhearted · ancient rome
A current of unease moves through the men crowding the deck. Two days past our expected arrival at Portus Corvus, and still no land breaks the grey. General Valerius stands as an anchor, his greying head a bastion against the creeping panic. The fog lies thick, the silence a heavy mantle. Then a sound—haunting, *beautiful*—splits the air. Heads turn as one. A legionary leaps into the dark water. Cassius snaps into motion, shouting "Titus!" as he drives himself to the rail. The sea settles into an eerie, glassy stillness. *Something hungry* stirs below. He turns, his eyes like chips of winter flint. "Make the ship ready for battle."