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<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><font size="5"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Here is the next part. Things are getting deeper. <br>
</span></span></font></div>

<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><font size="5"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br>
</span></span></font></div>

<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><font size="5"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">*****************<br>
</span></span></font></div>

<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><font size="5"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br>
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</span></font>
<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><font size="5"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></span></font></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>Bitt stared at the chain with undisguised
anger but he kept silent. One end was attached to the post with a metal ring.
The other ran to a shackle on his right leg.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“You must stand your ground. A legionnaire
stands his ground in combat. You do not move your paws in the slightest till
ordered, You are like a rock. A mountain,” the trainer snarled. He pointed to
the chain. “That will be removed when you have learned to fight.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>Bitt pulled his lips back in a snarl. “I
already know how to fight.” With that he pulled out a seax and sliced through
the metal chain easily.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>Bitt stepped back and sheathed his seax.
“Are you always this rude people or are you doing this just for my benefit?” He
asked casually as he leaned on his scutum.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>Sardius snarled silently and then charged
straight at the fox, sword raised and shield out.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>The two went at it with astounding ferocity.
The fox didn’t back down despite the leopard being almost twice his weight and
a foot taller. His training took hold and raised his shield and braced himself
as he had been taught.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>Sardius slammed into Bitt, throwing his full
weight into it and sending the vulpine tumbling backwards and to the ground. He
staggered to his feet, a little dazed and in pain. He brought his shield up and
looked for his sword. He was surprised to find he was still holding it.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“STOP!” Centurion Feriolius shouted as the
wolf raced across the training ground. He deliberately stepped in front of
Sardius who had his sword in hand and was advancing on the fox.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>The leopard came to an abrupt halt.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>Feriolius slowly stepped backward without
taking his eyes off Sardius. Finally he walked over to Bitt.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span><a rel="nofollow" name="_Hlk532780106">Centurion Feriolius</a>
carefully examined the wound in Bitt’s side. Thankfully it was just a shallow
cut but it took a lot of effort to make any wound with wooden weapons. That was
the reason for using them.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“Sardius,” the wolf said in a cold tone.
“Your task is to train them. Not kill them.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>The leopard started to speak but Feriolius
cut him off. “You’re done for today. Dismissed.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;">***************</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><a rel="nofollow" name="_Hlk531737474"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="text-decoration:none;"> </span></span></u></b></a></div>



<span style=""></span>



<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>A fortress the size of Gamellae has many
places both public and private. This particular room was located in a building
near the Principia. It was not particularly hidden but its plainness insured
that few gave it any notice. Which is what it’s current occupants wanted. Aside
from a single servant (a calico marked feline in the service of Legio Legatus)
there was all the centurions from the predator side of the legion. Indeed the
only prey species in the room was the tall stag seated at the head of the large
table. This was Tertius Nepius Tironacus, Legio Legatus (commander) of the 76^th
legion. The prey species centurions had their own little room. On the opposite
side of the fortress of course.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“The mongoose? What of him?” Tertius asked.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“Rasil is a tough one with a bully
attitude,” Vidius answered. The cheetah was seated in the corner trying to
catch a breeze through the window. “Already been in three fights and been
disciplined for them. But he’s starting to fall in line. I’ll make a
legionnaire out of him!”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“How is the dog doing?”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“Farid?” Antalas was centurion of the 5^th
cohort, 6^th century, The lion had a longer and thicker mane that was
distinctly lighter than that of Tossius. It spoke of him being a different subspecies.
“A good solid person but he is young. It will be a few years before he reaches
maturity.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>The senior centurion nodded as he sipped his
wine.<span style="">  </span>“Keep that in mind during
training. Can’t push him too hard till he finishes growing.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“He is going to be a big one,” Anatalas
commented. “A few years and he will be truly tall and muscular.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“What of the leopard?”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“Nahash is a survivor,” Vidius answered.
“The fifth son of farmers who were hit hard by the drought last year. He’s
already sent his pay home.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“Was he as starved as he looked?” The senior
asked.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>He got a nod of the head in reply. “Oh yes.
When he got his first meal he ate it all and licked the bowl and spoon. I’d
like to add more to his rations for the next few months. Till his muscle and
flesh fill in.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>The stag nodded in agreement. “Agreed. And
the fox?”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“That fox never wanted for food,” the
centurion commented bitterly.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>The others nodded.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“But he is in great condition,” the one
added. “No need to toughen him up.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“Where is he from?”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>The wolf shrugged. “Not sure. All he said
was from the north.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“A real, northern barbarian?”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“He speaks Latine decently,” the centurion
commented. “And passable Aramaic.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“He knows how to fight. The big problem is
he fights like a typical barbarian – for himself,” the leopard commented. “He
needs to learn to fight as a legionnaire.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“A few weeks training will sort him out,”
the one centurion commented. “We’ll see if he can be a legionnaire.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“I’ll toughen him,” Sardius commented.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“Or kill him,” another quipped without any
humor.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“I have to be sure he is tough enough.” The
leopard countered.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“You broke three of his fingers and two of
his ribs yesterday,” the wolf responded. “And you actually gave him a puncture
wound that took twenty stitches to close.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“A little blood never hurt,” the leopard
countered. “I need to be sure he fights like a legionnaire should.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“You were so busy ‘training’ him you didn’t
notice that he did fight like a legionnaire,” the wolf snarled. “When you
charged him he didn’t pull out those silly knives of his. He raised his scutum
and gladius and went right at you.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“Your task is to train them,” the legate
commented. “Not kill cripple or kill them.” He turned to the wolf. “Feriolius.
Take over the fox’s training.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>The wolf nodded. “Yes sir. I’ll have him
train with his contubernium. Working as part of a team will straighten him
out.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;">*************</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span>

</div>



<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>Tossius found Bitt in the barracks. His
friend was resting on his bunk.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“How are you feeling?” The lion asked.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“Everything hurts,” the fox answered slowly.
“If it’s not broken, its bruised.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“Sardius hit you really hard,” The lion
commented.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>Bitt nodded his head slowly. “So I noticed.
Was he trying to train me or kill me?”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“He’s trying to train you,” Tossius
responded. “But he does tend to be rough.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;color:black;"><span style="">   </span>"Does he always act
that way?" Bitt asked.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;color:black;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;color:black;"><span style="">   </span>"No,” Tossius
responded. “Sometimes he gets really rude and obnoxious."</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;">*************</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>Bitt spent most of the next day
recuperating. That meant trying not to move in such a way as to really hurt. It
was hard with two damaged ribs. The morning formation was the hardest as no
matter how he stood something hurt. Most of what Feriolius said was mundane.
The sign and countersign for the sentries and things like the one latrine being
closed for repair. One thing caught the fox’s attention.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“And let it be known that the vile imposter
Theodocius I has been deposed,” the centurion said out loud in a rather bored
tone.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>Who cares?” A voice commented in a whisper.
“He’ll be gone soon enough.” Bitt wasn’t sure who had spoken but he agreed.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“Like the all the others,” A second added.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“Keep quiet,” the decanus ordered softly.
“Just salute and raise your arm and cheer three times when we all do.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“The valorous and honorable Petronius
Maximus has gained the throne,” the centurion intoned. “All hail Emperor
Petronius.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;display:none;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>And in the momentary silence before
Feriolius could speak another did. A soft voice that carried over the whole
formation. “Whoever he is,” it said sarcastically.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>Vinius turned about and scowled at Bitt but
the fox shook his head in denial.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>The soldiers gave a forced cheer and waved
their arms overhead. They repeated this two more times with an equal lack of
enthusiasm.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>The centurion nodded his head. “Dismissed.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>Bitt was quiet for a moment.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“Nothing to say?” Vinius asked.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“That’s all? The leader of the largest
empire in existence has changed and that’s all the notice it gets?” The fox
asked. Confused.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“That’s right,” Kegan answered.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“Does that happen every time the emperor
changes?”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“Usually,” the badger answered. “If they
bother to send us a message at all.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“Who cares?” Sabinus added. “He’ll probably
be gone soon enough.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“What happens in your homeland when the
emperor changes?” The hound asked.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>Bitt thought for a moment. “Ah,” he managed
to stutter. He tried to remember when WAS the last time he had heard of a
change of emperor. But nothing came to him.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>The whole group broke out in laughter.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“Who cares?” Sabinus repeated.</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><span style="">   </span>“No one,” Bitt answered. ”But someone
should.”</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"> </span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;">*************</span></div>





<div class="yiv4283287121MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:New serif;"><br>

</span></div>



</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>