ARESIA: Fall of an empire

CHAPTER SEVEN: ARESIA'S FALL

The next morning, Phílos awoke early, determined to move swiftly. He took a brief moment to freshen up before setting off for the amphitheatre. Upon reaching the amphitheatre, Phílos found his workforce already arriving and busy getting their equipment ready to begin the cleaning process, his voice ringing with authority, commanded his workers, "Let's get started! We have a lot to accomplish."

His workers, eager to please their new emperor, quickly got to work carrying out his instructions. The air buzzed with the sounds of chatter as they began their tasks, clearing the arena and tidying the area for its impending restoration.

Phílos returns back to the palace leaving the workers to clean up the amphitheatre, his mind set on his tasks, walked through the palace's grand halls and stepped into the throne room. His eyes fell upon Calliope, seated at her own designated chair. Phílos approached her calmly, his gaze meeting hers with a mix of determination and weariness. He greeted his aunt, his tone courteous, yet tinged with a hint of exhaustion. "Good morning, Aunt Calliope," he said with a nod, his eyes holding hers steadily.

Calliope, her voice brimming with irritation, snapped, "Save your greetings. I'm in no mood for pleasantries today.

Phílos stiffened, his expression becoming guarded. Calliope's words struck him like a whip. "I'm disappointed in you, Phílos. I've just learned that you've recruited workers to begin clearing out the amphitheatre," she said, her tone sharp, disappointment etched in her voice.

Phílos frowned, frustrated by Calliope's question. "Are you possessed?" Calliope had asked, her tone carrying a deep sense of disbelief. Phílos, his frustration growing, shot back, "No! I'm not possessed. I'm just doing what needs to be DONE! Why can't you understand that?"

Phílos winced at her harsh words. Calliope sneered, "Pardon me, but what needs to be done? This act alone stands as an abomination. You're destroying the tribute your great grandfather did for those who died that day. Oh, Dante would have destroyed this amphitheatre!"

Phílos, his tone tinged with anger, retorted, "You keep bringing up my great-grandfather! I'm not him! I'm not bound by his decisions!"

Calliope's voice rang out, her tone sharp as a blade, commanding, "Silence!!"

Phílos' mouth closed, his words dying on his tongue as he stared at his aunt, his shoulders rising in defiance.

Phílos' jaw tensed, his fists clenching as Calliope's words hung heavy in the air. "You are bound by our family traditions, whether you like it or not," she stated firmly.

Phílos, his voice tight with suppressed anger, shot back, "But what if those traditions hold us back? Hold ME back?", his voice growing heated, finished his sentence with "Remember your place, Aunt!"

Calliope locked eyes with him, her gaze unwavering and stern.

She straightened in her seat, her presence imposing. "I am a royal member of this family," she stated, her voice steady. "I have every right to call you out, nephew."

Phílos' tone was stern as he called out, "Guards!"

The guards stationed outside the throne room burst through the large double doors, their expressions alert and ready to respond to his command.

Phílos pointed a finger at Calliope, his voice firm. "Arrest her!"

The guards looked at each other, taken aback by the order. One dared step forward, and said, "My lord, are you sure you want to proceed with this

arrest?"

Phílos' glare was unwavering, his voice cold and firm. "Did I stutter?"

The guard, realizing there was no room for questioning, nodded swiftly and gestured at his companions to move closer to Calliope.

Calliope, her face twisted with a mixture of rage and desperation, struggled against the guards' grip, her attempts to break free futile against their strength.

Calliope, her voice hoarse from her futile struggles, cried out, "Release me this instant, Phílos!"

Phílos watched impassively, his gaze unwavering as the guards firmly held onto her.

Grand Empress Iris and the Dowager entered the throne room, concern etched on their faces, to witness Calliope being held by the guards. "What's going on here?" Grand Empress Iris inquired, her voice betraying a hint of alarm.

The empress dowager's eyes widened as she took in the scene, "What is the meaning of this?"

Phílos, his voice ringing with conviction, insisted, "From now on, I will receive the respect I deserve!"

Grand Empress Iris and the empress dowager exchanged puzzled glances, shocked by Phílos' authoritarian assertion..

The Dowager, her eyes widened in shock, attempted to intervene, "Release her now!"

However, Phílos cut her off with a firm command, his voice devoid of mercy. "You'll do no such thing. Take her away, or I'll end your lives."

The guards swiftly dragged Calliope out of the throne room, her futile attempts to resist overpowered by their strength.

Iris approached Phílos, her voice a hushed whisper, "What has gotten into you, son?"

Phílos met her gaze, his expression hardening. "I'm doing what I must, Mother," he declared firmly.

Iris looked at him, disbelief and frustration etched on her face. "What you must?!!" she echoed, her voice laden with disbelief and irritation.

Phílos held her gaze, his jaw set in determination. "Yes, Mother. I'm doing what I must," he said, his voice steady and resolute.

Phílos stiffened at her words, his eyes widening in shock. "Stop this madness, or I'll turn my back on you and leave this palace for good," Iris declared, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and pain.

Phílos felt a pang of uncertainty in his heart, he had not expected his mother to respond so strongly. However, he collected himself and replied, "You wouldn't dare, Mother."

Phílos turned to one of the guards by his side and commanded, "Lock the palace gates. Nobody is allowed out until I say so."

The guard nodded and quickly obeyed, ensuring that no one could leave the premises without Phílos' permission.

Cyrus, his expression puzzled and concerned, entered the throne room and asked, "What is going on?"

Dowager, her face etched with worry, filled him in on the events that had unfolded, recounting Phílos' arrest of Calliope and his subsequent threats.

Cyrus' eyes widened, his features reflecting a mixture of disbelief and concern. "Is it true...?" he asked, directing his question toward Phílos.

Phílos, ignoring Cyrus' question, stated as he exited the throne room, "Inform the people to come to the amphitheatre I have a gift for everyone."

With those words, he strided briskly away, leaving Cyrus, Dowager, and Iris staring after him in concern and confusion.

The guard swiftly carried out Phílos' command, summoning the people to the amphitheatre. Soon, the grand arena was filled to capacity, the air buzzing with anticipation as nearly everyone had responded to the summons.

In the royal section, the Dowager, Grand Empress, and Cyrus sat together, their faces etched with a mixture of concern and anticipation, while the nobles and counselors took their allotted seats on the opposite side.

Phílos stood tall and proud, addressing the crowded amphitheater with a commanding presence.

"My fellow aresians," he began, his voice echoing through the arena, "I have summoned you here today not for a mere gathering but to share an announcement."

The crowd fell into a hush as they hung onto his every word. Phílos continued, his tone confident and resolved, "I have a gift for the people of Aresia."

Whispers spread among the crowd, their curiosity piqued as Phílos made his command. "Bring him out," Phílos instructed, his voice carrying over the growing anticipation.

The crowd's murmur grew louder, their eyes fixed on the empty space in the middle, eagerly waiting for the 'gift' to be unveiled.

A loud gasp filled the air as the Barbarian Lord was dragged outside, his appearance eliciting shock and surprise.

Iris, her voice filled with confusion and concern, confronted Phílos, "Phílos, what is the meaning of this?"

Phílos, his voice booming and filled with determination, declared, "Today I avenge my father's death! Release the lions!"

His words resonated through the air, met with a mixture of stunned silence and nervous whispers from the crowd.

Within moments, the sound of a low growl filled the air as a pair of fearsome lions were led out, their majestic forms moving with primal grace.

Consul Leotinus, his voice rising above the commotion, shouted from his podium, "Stop this nonsense!"

Cyrus pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation, "My lord, stop this! What are you doing?"

Dowager, her voice trembling with concern, chimed in, "Phílos, this is madness!"

Phílos, his gaze fixed on Kang, called out, "Kang, any last words?"

Kang, his expression a mixture of anger and resignation, met Phílos' gaze defiantly, but remained silent , his voice echoing in the arena, responded with a defiant roar, a menacing smirk playing on his face.

Phílos, his voice ringing out with authority, declared, "Let the games begin!"

The workers frantically removed the chains from the lions and quickly retreated, seeking safety. Kang was now alone with the powerful predators, their massive forms stalking menacingly around him.

Kang lunged forward, swinging his sword at one of the lions, but before he could even get close, the powerful beasts pounced on him with frightening speed. Their ferocious claws tore into Kang's flesh, and their jaws ripped into him with a raw, primal ferocity. The terrifying scene of Kang being fiercely attacked and consumed by the lions filled the air with a chilling sense of terror and horror, leaving the spectators speechless and stunned, witnessing the brutal, gruesome spectacle unfold before

The arena fell into a heavy silence, as some spectators hastily departed, unable to bear witnessing the gruesome scene any longer. Those remaining stood still, frozen in shock and fear, their hearts racing at the brutal spectacle they had just witnessed. The air was heavy with the weight of their emotions, as the reality of what had just occurred slowly sunk in.

The royals were left speechless by the shocking event, their eyes wide with horror. Tears filled Iris's eyes, her heart heavy with grief and disbelief, as she struggled to comprehend the unimaginable violence she had just witnessed.

Phílos' eyes scanned the arena stands and caught sight of River, her expression one of shock and disbelief. As their gazes locked, Phílos could feel the heavy weight of her judgment upon him.

Iris, her voice shaking with emotion, confronted Phílos, "This is why you opened the amphitheater?"

Phílos, his face hard and unyielding, nodded, silently affirming Iris's statement.

Tears streamed down Iris's face as she shook her head in disbelief. "I don't know you," she said, her voice trembling, "It's like I've lost my son."

She turned and walked away, her form small and broken, followed by the Dowager and Cyrus, their faces etched with disappointment and sorrow.

The weight of the moment settled heavily in the air, the realization sinking in that Phílos had lost more than just the confidence of his people. He had lost the trust and faith of his own family.

Phílos decided to head to the tavern and drowned himself in drink, seeking solace in the amber liquid that dulled his senses. He remained there until well into the evening, his face flushed and his vision slowly blurring. dusk soon approached and phílos left the tavern and headed for the Palace, his steps unsteady and his words slurred, stumbled towards the palace. There, at the entrance, he caught sight of River, sitting quietly.

"River?" Phílos called out, his voice thick with intoxication, his eyes glossy and unfocused.

River looked up, her expression a mixture of concern and disappointment in his state.

"You've been drinking," she observed, her voice tinged with a blend of care and judgment.

Phílos, his tone slightly defensive, asked, "What are you doing out here?"

River, her voice filled with a mix of concern and disappointment, responded, "Phílos, what you've done is not good."

Phílos, his brow furrowing at her words, mumbled, "I did what needed to be done."

River shook her head, her expression serious, "Did it really need to be done in such a way?"

Phílos, his words slurring, grumbled, "It was necessary... needed to send a message."

River, her tone gentle but firm, countered, "There could have been other ways to send a message, Phílos. A more humane way."

Phílos looked at River, his gaze still hazy with intoxication. River spoke, her tone firm but tinged with compassion.

"That's not why I'm here," she stated simply.

Phílos, his mind fogged by the alcohol coursing through his veins, cocked his head in confusion.

"Then... why are you here?" he asked, his words thick and clumsy.

" I am carrying your children Phílos...i went to the priestess today she says I'm pregnant with twins" River said her eyes locking with phílos own

Phílos, his face lighting up with genuine happiness, held River's cheeks in his hands and said, "You... you're carrying my child? It's twins?"

Tears welled up in his eyes as the news sunk in. He was going to be a father.

River gently pushed Phílos away, her voice soft but firm, stating, "You stink of wine. Come, let's get you cleaned up."

She supported his unsteady steps as they made their way to his chambers, a mixture of worry and affection in her eyes.

River guided Phílos to his chambers and helped him change into his night robe. Then, with gentle care, she laid him down on the bed, making sure he was comfortable.

Phílos, his voice soft and vulnerable, pleaded, "Please... stay with me tonight, River."

His words hung in the air, filled with a mixture of longing and loneliness.

River hesitated, her voice tinged with reluctance. "I... I have to go back to my mom. She's alone."

River reluctantly agreed to stay and lay down on the bed next to Phílos. She watched him slumber, her gaze filled with a mix of concern and fatigue. Eventually, her eyelids grew heavy, and she too surrendered to sleep.

River had been lying beside Phílos, her sleep interrupted by the loud noise outside the window. She sat up in bed, her senses instantly on high alert, and hurried to the window. To her terror, she saw chaos unfolding before her eyes. The palace and the empire were under attack. Panicked shouts filled the night, and the distant flicker of flames illuminated the scene.

She turned to Phílos, her voice urgent and urgent, "Phílos! Wake up! Wake up!"

Phílos, jolted from his sleep, snapped to attention as River shook him awake. He rubbed his eyes, trying to focus, and glanced towards the window. The sight that greeted him made his heart skip a beat. The palace was under siege. Screams and chaos filled the streets.

He quickly rose from the bed, his mind racing, and said, "What... what's happening?"

Phílos and River emerged from the chamber, their faces etched with worry. Phílos, gripping his sword, demanded, "What's happening? Who's attacking us?"

His gaze fell upon his family, who stood outside, their expressions mirrors of his own concern.

Phílos felt a pang of guilt as Iris addressed him, her words laced with accusation.

"You've brought this upon us," she stated, her voice tinged with anger. "The barbarians have come for vengeance."

Phílos' heart sank as the reality of his actions came crashing down on him. He knew Iris was right - his choices had led them here, he froze as his eyes fell upon Orion, Kang's son, approaching with the barbarian soldiers. Orion's voice rang out with a chilling call, "Phílos!"

Cyrus yelled Go. I'll hold them off!" his eyes pleading. "My lord," he said urgently, "Please, go now. Your family needs you!"

Phílos remembered calliope, imprisoned in the dungeon. He instructed his family to wait in the secret tunnels, his voice urgent.

"Wait for me in the tunnels," he commanded, his gaze flickering with determination. "I'll go to the dungeon and retrieve Calliope."

Phílos sprinted through the palace corridors, his heart pounding in his chest. He approached the dungeon entrance, its heavy doors standing between him and Calliope.

Phílos reached the dungeon entrance, the heavy doors seeming to mock him with their impassive silence, he pushed open the dungeon doors and freed Calliope. As he looked into her eyes, tears welled up in his own eyes.

"Aunt... I'm sorry," he said, his voice trembling with remorse, as tears rolled down his cheeks. "I'm so sorry."

Calliope's voice was heavy with sorrow as she responded, "It's too late now, Nephew."

Phílos nodded, his voice thick with guilt. "I know, Aunt," he said heavily. He took her hand and hurriedly led her towards the secret tunnels, their footsteps echoing in the corridor as they moved.

As Phílos and Calliope approached, they were met with an alarming sight: Orion and his soldiers held Phílos' family captive, their weapons poised threateningly.

Phílos felt a mix of anger and desperation as he saw his family in the clutches of Orion's men.

Orion's eyes, cold and calculating, locked onto Phílos, who stood before him. Orion was massive, nearly three times larger than Phílos, his sheer size adding to the intimidating aura that surrounded him.

Orion, his tone dripping with contempt, spoke.

"Phílos," he breathed, his voice laced with derision.

Orion, his voice brimming with anger, vowed revenge. "I'll tear you apart, just like you did to my father, but with my own hands," he stated, his enormous fists swinging towards Phílos.

Phílos, though utterly terrified, managed to evade Orion's attacks, his body moving with a frantic desperation, his fists swiped the air where Phílos had stood moments before, missing their targets. Orion's frustration grew with every failed strike.

Phílos, his eyes darting about, spotted a sword on the ground. Without hesitation, he grabbed it and slashed at Orion's hands, hoping to weaken the barbarian's grip.

Orion, enraged, seized his sword and launched a series of powerful strikes at Phílos. Phílos, with a mix of skill and desperation, defended himself, parrying and blocking Orion's heavy blows with his own sword.

Orion, his strength overwhelming, broke Phílos' sword with a devastating blow. Phílos staggered backward, falling to his knees before Orion's immense form.

Orion grabbed Phílos' head, holding him up, his tone cold, telling one of his guards, "Kill his family".

The guards, following Orion's command, seized Iris first.

Phílos, his voice filled with anguish, yelled in desperation, "No, no! Kill me instead!"

As he watched, his mother, her eyes brimming with tears, looked directly at Phílos, her face etched with a mix of sorrow and resignation. With a swift and ruthless motion, the guard slit her neck.

Next, they took hold of Calliope, her gaze locked on Phílos, her eyes brimming with tears. Without hesitation, the guards carried out Orion's order, ending her life in a swift and brutal motion.

Phílos, his heart shattered, looked on in horror, tears streaming down his face as he witnessed the violence unfolding before him, his family falling victim to Orion's brutal command.

The guards then took hold of the Empress Dowager, her eyes fixed on Phílos as she called out, "Hail Aresia!" before meeting her tragic fate. Phílos broke down in tears, the weight of grief overwhelming him, while River's desperate pleas filled the air as she was next in line.

The guard who had been holding River, about to meet the same fate as the rest of Phílos' family, was abruptly struck down by an arrow.

Injured yet undeterred, Cyrus and several surviving guards, their faces etched with pain and determination, stood as a final line of defense for Phílos' remaining family, their swords gripped tightly, ready to defend despite their wounds.

Orion, his attention shifting towards the newly arrived threat, dropped Phílos to the ground.

Cyrus, his voice hoarse and urgent, called out to Phílos, "Go now, my lord! Go!"

Orion, his steps steady and his demeanor cold, advanced towards Cyrus and the remaining guards who had charged to engage him.

Cyrus, ignoring his injuries, joined the fight, but their resistance was futile. One by one, the guards fell to Orion's brutal attacks, their sacrifices in vain.

Phílos rushed to River, his eyes puffy from the tears that ran down his cheeks. He held her tightly, the weight of his grief palpable in the air as his gaze fell upon his family, laid out on the floor.

As Phílos held River close, he ran through the tunnels, their footsteps echoing in the darkness. Soon, they emerged onto the streets, the chaos of the outside world a stark contrast to the eerie quiet of the tunnels.

The scene that unfolded before Phílos and River was heart-wrenching. The empire was engulfed in flames, its once-majestic buildings now reduced to rubble, and his people, his subjects, were being brutally slaughtered.

River couldn't hold back her tears, the reality of the horror before them too much to bear.

Phílos swiftly mounted a horse and offered a steady hand to help River up before they both galloped away from the tragic scene of their burning empire.

River couldn't tear her gaze from the devastating image. The sight of their empire going up in flames left her heart heavy with grief.

They rode with fervor, each stride taking them farther from the smoldering ruins of what once was the grand empire. The fires of the burning city grew smaller in the distance until they could no longer see their former home in sight.

TO BE CONTINUED