Be Mine Or Die

The End of The War

''At the height of its power, the Roman Empire was vast, stretching from the deserts of Africa to the borders of Northern England. Over one quarter of the World's population lived and died under the rule of the caesars. In the winter of 180 A.D., emperor Marcus Aurelius' twelve-year campaign against the Barbarian tribes in Germania was drawing to an end. Just one final stronghold stands in the way of Roman victory and the promise of peace throughout the Empire.''

Roman army was celebrating the victory over German tribes. It was the final battle of this war which seemed like eternity to most of the soldiers. Maximus, the general of the Roman army, was walking through the horde of cheering soldiers. He was happy that he and his fellow soldiers, along with the Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, were about to witness the era of peace and prosperity.

The winter was reaching her end. Marcus Aurelius was proud - that final battle brought honor and prosperity to him once again. Most of all, he was proud of his general, Maximus. He knew Maximus was a good leader and a good man, he loved him like a son. However, the Emperor had incredible news for him, he was just waiting for the right time to tell him...

Except he was a good soldier, courageous man, Maximus was the husband, father and the brother. His family was his whole life. He had a beautiful wife, playful son and the kindest younger sister. Her name was Diana. After their parents died, she was the only one Maximus has left. She was still in a cradle when it happened. It wasn't simple to raise a little girl up when you're on your own, but he wanted to show everyone that he can do it, that he would keep his little sister safe from everything. Maximus put a lot of effort to teach Diana important life lessons - to be careful who you can trust; make your brain be the leader, not your heart; conceal your feelings and other things. Diana always listened to Maximus, but if she gets out of the line sometimes, she would always blame herself for not listening to him. And how she looked like? Here is the description:

She had sapphire eyes, just like Maximus. Down her sun-kissed shoulders was falling long and wavy brown hair. Her lips were full, reddish like a beautiful cherry that is ready to be picked up from the tree. She was short, but her figure was goddess-like, with smooth skin that felt like the finest silk. She was kind, candid and a little bit naive. Her voice was sweet as a mermaid song. Diana also played the huge part in this story. You will find out soon, dear reader...

***

''It was a great day,'' Maximus said as he was walking through the camp with the Emperor's son, Commodus. Commodus was an ambitious young man, who hoped to take over his father's place one day. He felt that this day is close. The day when he will become an emperor. But there was several thing that were eating him alive - jelaousy, amorality, ruthlessness... In other words, Commodus was too proud - if someone ever dared to say anything against him, he would feel hurt. ''Peace is finally upon the Empire,'' Maximus continued. ''Indeed,'' Commodus stated, pretending to agree with Maximus. ''You fought well.'' ''Thank you, your Highness,'' Maximus replied, slightly bowing his head down. ''You are part of the family now,'' Commodus said. ''I embraced you as a brother. Is there anything you want now, after the war is finally over?'' ''When your father releases me of the duty, all I can do is rest myself and prepare to go home in the dawn,'' Maximus said feeling the dream taking him over. ''No one deserved it more than you,'' Commodus said. ''Don't get too comfortable. I might need you soon.'' Maximus nodded. He felt that something strange was in the air, but couldn't say it out loud. ''I can't wait to see my family... To embrace them all,'' Maximus tried to change the subject. ''My wife, my son... My sister...''