Book of the Undead

Chapter 04: Alexandria

The ground had been cleared of debris. Only the smooth stone foundations remained after the sacking of the great library. Alexandria had fared no better than any other city opposing the might of Rome. With the destruction complete, the rebuilding process had begun, but nothing could replace the scrolls burnt to ashes within the library. Some had been gathered from the farthest parts of the known world and contained knowledge recorded nowhere else.

I ignored thoughts of the past and concentrated on the present, pushing with all my might against the massive block of stone. Situated on a number of logs, the block slid across the tops of the logs as they rolled, allowing the great mass of stone to be moved. It was tiring work, but the clouds were out today, enough to keep the heat down and provide all the laborers with some natural shade.

When the stone block neared its destination, it was transferred to a pile of soft sand and the logs were withdrawn. The sand was gradually removed until the stone settled firmly against the foundation. The weight of the stone held it in place, the first of many needed to recreate the massive structure. The workers paused a moment so each might drink a cup of water from pitchers.

While work was at a standstill, we noticed a merchant ship drift slowly into port, its sails hanging unsupported without the wind. I thought it odd the crew had yet to take down the sails. The dock workers tied off the ship securely, but when they went aboard, a great commotion began. Shouts of fear and screams of pain filled the air, drawing the immediate and frightened attention of everyone.

Roman soldiers thundered past on their horses, red capes flowing out behind them. I looked closer at the merchant ship and found the dock workers were attacking anyone near them, biting them as if ravenous with hunger, but they almost immediately lost interest. Those bitten turned on those close by in a similar manner until the docks were a frenzied scene of blood and terror.

The soldiers reached the docks and promptly killed everyone who'd been bitten. Swords flashed as they struck down people without pause or mercy. Two of the soldiers were pulled off their horses, but they were killed by their companions after receiving bites from the crazed mob. It was over in a matter of moments.

I turned to leave but nearly ran into Roman military leader, the Centurion.

"You see now why we burned the library," the Centurion told me. "It had scrolls telling of these things, and if they were discovered, panic would consume the world."

I nodded wordlessly.

"Will you be silent, or will you fight to preserve the Empire?" he asked me.

"As long as such a menace exists, it is a threat to everyone," I replied. "I'll fight."

He clapped a hand on my shoulder approvingly and led me toward the barracks to begin my training.