• Prologue: The Birth of Anger


    Rome,
    793 b.c



    “….Tis a son my lord, Rhea’s loins have bore you another heir.” Senicio called over the squalls of the crying child, his aging voice cracking as he gained his masters attention. Mars was not pleased.
    “It is an ill sign.” Mars announced to the court, standing over Rhea as she suckled the newborn, “I have been given another heir on the very same day I received news of the elder children passing away. “
    “An ill sign, of what sorts my lord?” Senicio leaned closer to hear his master’s words, though filled with anger and booming over the crowd, he still strained to hear it.
    “This child shall be anger incarnate, he will bring death and suffering to everyone he meets.” Mars declared.
    “What accusations you have spoken my lord, from where did you obtain this prophecy of your child’s future?” Senicio looked to Rhea who still had not spoken, not even in the defense of her child whom she lovingly held.
    “Do not question the prophecy of a God, Senicio, I have foreseen his treachery, if he is not taken from this place, he will bring Rome to her knees in his onslaught.” Instantly the crowds who had gathered to watch the birth of the heir roared in anger, their voices accusing and filled with hatred, none of them wished to see their newly founded city reduced to rubble.
    “Throw the child away my lord, tis not worth the trouble!” screamed a respected senator over the yells and shrieks of the crowd.
    “Yes, cast him out!” others agreed.
    “Tis the only answer…” Senicio reluctantly agreed, not sure if he was doing the right thing.
    “So it is declared, the child will be exiled, given the name Rage, for the terror he promises.” Mars Decreed, but as he moved to take the child away, Rhea bellowed in anger, her cheeks flushed as she clutched the child to her breast.
    “You will not take my child away!” she cried, “He is mine, and I shall not let you have him!”
    “Rhea, leash your anger girl, I am a God, and will not be spoken to like a slave!” Mars moved to strike her, but some unseen force held him immobilized. Rhea stood from the chase lounge and bolted from the balcony, carrying the child her people sought to destroy.
    She ran down corridor after corridor of the vast temple, her birthing gowns torn and bloodied, not to mention covered in sweat from the strain of birthing a child so strong. She did not need Mars to tell her what the child would be, she could sense his power growing and surging as she sped down the hallway. Mars was wrong! Her child would not be a destroyer; she would not see it done. This child had been what protected her from his attack just moments ago, he would be protection for those weaker than him, and Rhea could bet her life on it.

    As she skidded to a halt outside the second floor atrium, her eyes filled with tears of rage and agony, she knew there was only one place she could send the child, a place where his powers could grow, and he could be loved and nurtured the way he should. He would indeed have to leave Rome and she pray to the gods Mars would not find him.

    Tearing away her birthing robes she wrapped the child tight and entered the atrium, where a statue, set in stone, of the Fates stood over a beautiful fountain. As the child stared into the clear waters, he cried no longer, a sense of peace washing over his infant body. Rhea kneeled before the fountain, staring into the green eyes of a child she would most likely never see again, and wept as she held him close.
    “No matter what you will one day think of me, or your heritage, I will always love you my son. May the Fates take liking to you and be your guidance, for you will surely need it.” She kissed his forehead, and nuzzled his tiny round head, before lifting him up the fountain. “I will give you the name Ulrin, for the kindness you will one day show.” She submerged the child in the crystal blue water, until he disappeared from sight completely.

    Mars and a legion of guards burst through the doors behind her, splintering the wooden doors with his immense powers, which Rhea could now sense surging in anger. He reached her in three powerful steps, his stride promising hell and damnation for anyone foolish enough to cross him, and Rhea had been that fool
    Lifting her from the floor by her hair, he growled into her face, “Where is the child Rhea, and do not lie to me wench!”
    “I will never tell you, or anyone else who threatens his life.” She spat, before he lifted his hand and slapped her across the face. Rhea only laughed.
    “ Insolent wench. I will see you crucified for this.” He threw her roughly to the ground before stepping away from her, “Better yet…” he looked back at her fallen form, his handsome face twisted with a sick grin, “ Men, have at her. Use her as you see fit, just kill her when finished.” The guards all laughed.
    “Yes my lord….It will be our pleasure.” Said the general as Mars moved past them and out what was left of the door, his ears filled with Rhea’s shrieks of pain and suffering. Mars laughed, knowing this would only be the beginning of his angry wrath. If Rhea wanted him to search for the son he regretfully sired, then she would get her manhunt. One way, or the other.