Book 1: Prologue
The Expedition
Sometime in the 2nd Century AD, in the late winter, Captain Emilus wanted to impress the Emperor by sending an expedition into Dacian territory. However, a certain Captain Cattus reminding Emilus of the past events cautioned against it. Cattus was a younger Roman Captain who was promoted to the position while Emilus was more experience.
“What do you mean the Dacians are stronger?” chuckled Captain Emilus,
“These Dacians have dared the mighty Roman Empire for too long!”
“But the last time we tried that we lost” added Captain Cattus.
The two captains continued to debate over whether or not it was a good idea to send an expedition into Dacian territory. A Roman scout overheard the captains arguing with each other.
“Sirs with all due respect” said the scout, “I have heard tale from the natives of Dacians being able to transform into wolves.”
Captain Emilus glances at the scout.
“Where did you hear those stories?” asked Captain Emilus, “They might be misinformation aimed to demoralize us!”
“No, no sir, the Dacian locals are telling the truth” continued the scout.
The captain continued to roll his eyes over the scout’s comments. He knew the expedition must move forward anyway.
Moving Forward
Captain Cattus moves cautiously with his men through the forest, as much as he was against the expedition it didn’t seem to matter to Captain Emilus. Captain Emilus was thrilled as he was ahead of the expedition. The captain glanced around the forest, it was quiet, a bit too quiet.
“Those Dacians” chuckled Captain Emilus, “they think they will stop us but won’t!”
Emilus was determine to move forward through the brush of the forest. But the moment the captain stepped on some leaves, he sensed movement. This brand of movement was quite different from common movement from the local Dacian troublemakers. What was the captain seeing through the forest? Emilus shook his head and continued to move on.
“Probably just some stupid wolves” chuckled Captain Emilus.
But these were not necessarily ordinary wolves whatsoever. A certain wolf cult had took notice over the Roman presence in the Dacian region.Their cult leader - Decimus noticed the Romans in his territory.
“Those pesky Romans were able to take on the regular Dacian soldiers but they will not withstand us!” chuckled Decimus.
Besides Decimus, there was Domitia, his daughter.They had the ability to change into wolves thanks to a special amulet given to them by the shaman of their tribe.
Scouting the Romans
The notorious Dacian wolf cult members wanted to scout the Romans before striking. They especially noticed one particular captain - Captain Cattus. Domitia took note over his figure being rather different from the other soldiers.
“Interesting” said Domitia as she gazed at the young Roman Captain, “I want him as a prize.”
The other cult members gazed at Domitia with an odd sense.
“We would have to consult with your father” said a cult member.
Decimus who continued to observe the Romans from the safety of the forest soon could see the cult members heading towards him in their wolf forms.
“What do you two want?” asked Decimus as he growled at them.
“Your daughter wants to take in the younger Roman Captain as her prize” continued a cult member.
Decimus knew this would only anger the Romans to chase after them if the young Roman Captain were to be taken in by the cult in any shape or fashion.
“I must consult with the shaman” said Decimus.
Decimus soon decided to change back into his regular human form and headed off. He sensed his daughter was obsessing over that young Roman Captain and needed some advice before advancing.
Cult Leader and the Shaman
The shaman wasn’t far off from where the cult called home within the forest. Decimus had to trek for sometime managing to find his way there. Once he was there, Decimus noticed the shaman was busy working on some potions.
“Those Romans are going to get rid of our regular Dacian counterparts” said the shaman.
“I know, but my daughter’s behavior might be compromising our resolve” said Decimus.
“What do you mean by that?” asked the shaman.
“I mean my daughter is obsessed with a young Roman Captain” continued Decimus.
The shaman then bursts out with laughter.
“Oh really, please” said the shaman, “that kind of behavior will certainly expose the cult to the Romans!”
“I know, which is why we must get rid of all of them on their little expedition while we still can.”
“Smart thinking” chuckled the shaman.
The shaman then hands Decimus a bag of potions.
“Here are some healing potions, your cult might need them to recover once you have gone after the Roman soldiers” continued the shaman, “remember the Romans are no pushovers!”
“I understand” added Decimus.
Decimus then rushes back towards the forest where the Roman expedition continues.
