King Titus Tatius ducked to the right, using the column as a barrier between the assassin and himself. Another swipe but the Greek stone protected him from death. If he could make it to his room then maybe he could reach his weapon…

Breaking from the cover, Titus bolted for the archway that led to the confines of his sleeping chamber but the assassin was quicker. With a sharp swipe of a black swathed leg, Titus found himself falling to the ground and the Persian quickly following with blade ready.

Rolling over, the Roman King just managed to grab the two wrists as the killer brought his weapons down. Despite the man’s slight form, his strength was unbelievable and Titus found the sharp tips of metal descending towards his neck. His muscles bulged, ached, as he fought the pressing weight. Underneath him, the gritty sand rubbed into his back and he was pinned down further. Now it was a match of strength, sweat breaking out on both foreheads and gritted teeth fought for victory. And Titus was loosing.

The roar of fury made his attacker’s head turn and a huge figure crashed him will the grace of an avalanche. Caught off guard having been completely unaware of the new combatant, the blow threw the Persian sideways making him drop his weapons.

Gasping for breath, Titus turned his head to see who the newcomer was. The man was large, even bigger than he was, and every part of him was bulging muscle. A thick beard adorned his face and dark hair showed he was of foreign origins. But Titus knew him. It was Helius.

As the assassin recovered he rolled with trained agility to dodge Helius’ second attack and prepared himself to face the new threat.

Helius drew his sword, a broad blade that was well used to killing enemy. Spitting on the floor, he charged but too late he realized the dark swathed intruder was no simple combatant. A handful of sand was tossed up and he roared in anger as the dirt blinded his eyes and in confusion and frenzy he swung his bronze weapon from side to side hoping to keep back the killer.

The assassin was not so foolish. Drawing a small knife, the executioner watched Helius carefully, waiting for his chance. The Roman’s large blade swung wildly, looking to hit its invisible target but the gaps were wide and the small knife weaved between the holes to inflict and open small cuts and nicks in Heliu’s flesh.

And then it was over.

The curved knife plunged into the Persian’s side, driven by Titus’ clenched fist. With little more than a sigh, the assassin collapsed to the ground. As Helius wiped his eyes clear, Titus looked down at the slain killer as he caught his breath. Was it the Persians trying to weaken Rome’s growing power? Unlikely, they had more pressing matters with Greece. If that was the case he had been hired to kill Titus by another enemy, and whoever had wanted him dead was rich and powerful.

“Are you hurt badly my King?”

Pulled out of his thoughts, he looked across at Helius who watched him with bloodshot eyes. Examining the wound on his thigh, he saw the split material with clotted dry blood and shook his head, “No, thanks to you. It seems you are the one that his hurt.” He gestured to the numerous cuts that now adorned the warrior.

Helius sighed in satisfaction at his liege’s safety, “Pah, I have had worse in battle.”

Titus smiled, “Yes, and I have seen you fight bravely against many of the tribes we subdued.” His expression turned more serious, “Now what brought you here?”

A grim look suddenly clouded the hero’s face, “I knew of this assassination attempt. We must leave now if you are to survive.”

“How did you know?” The king asked, puzzled by Helius’ words. His brow furrowed with question, “Do you know who hired him?”

Helius nodded, “And they are too powerful for you to face.” He looked away for a second, “We must flee Rome if you are to live.”

For my other stories/parts go to:

http://www.xomba.com/short_story_list_metrius_and_others