"Excuse me?" Titus asked, standing up from his chair.

"Regrettably, the Senate has determined you have to leave to the country for a while. At least until you recover, that is," the emperor stated with a tinge of disdain in his voice. He drummed the armrest of his seat while looking deep into the roaring fireplace. "You know how concerned they are with public sentiment on the conflict. Word of your... injuries, had reached us before your arrival. They did what I hadn't thought possible, making a ruling in a timely manner. Said ruling stating that you must be sent off immediately, 'For the preservation of the public trust.'"

"So, you are just going to make me leave. Just like that?" Titus asked, pacing back and forth. "Where exactly am I supposed to go?"

"Well, you are the only man to come back injured. You could see how that is a poor reflection of our nation as a whole. You are being sent to Corsica, hopefully where news of your circumstances doesn't spread. I have men waiting to ensure you don't bring any attention to yourself on the way out." He walked up to Titus and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Once you recover, I will personally give you the welcome you so rightfully deserve."

Titus stroked his cheek with his hand. "I suppose it's about what I deserve. I guess I won't be any more of a burden.

"If you look on the bright side, this is functionally a state-sponsored vacation. So maybe you should not wallow in your own self-pity and try to enjoy yourself."

"Show me my escorts. There is no point in sticking around any longer." "Not so fast. I am not robbed of all my powers after being elected as emperor. Senator Nerva still has some pull, and I won't let the source of my fame be treated so poorly while sitting idly by."

"Well. Find a way I can I stay in Palatine, incognito?"

"No, but I have arranged a meeting with someone before you are escorted out." Nerva got up from his chair and walked towards the door. He went to grab the door but ended up with the doorframe firmly pressed to his forehead.

Nerva reeled from the blow as an elderly woman made her way through the door. "How long are you planning to keep me waiting?" she asked.

Titus, momentarily distracted by his concern for his fellow man, turned to face the new arrival. "Mom? Why are you here."

"Why am I here? Because I heard your sorry butt was crying for the past hour," she replied.

Titus' eyes became glazed as tears welled up in his eyes. He ran forward to embrace his mother, squeezing her tightly.

"That wasn't permission from me for you to get emotional," she said. "But I'm glad you are back home."

Titus released his grip. "Mom, I messed up. I thought I could earn glory in the walls beyond the arena, but I'm just not good enough. I've let you down. Ruined the legacy our family once possessed."

"Quit being so melodramatic. There was no family legacy before you."

"The people once looked up to me. Now look at me, I can't even swing a sword. How am I meant to recover? To face myself again?"

"I've raised you. In my eyes, it was but mere moments ago when you were simply the son of Demetrios and not legendary arena champion. You couldn't handle a sword then, and that didn't make you any less special. Keep your spirits up, and give me some of that famous entertainer flair."

Titus wiped his face and straightened his back. He puffed his chest and walked out the door.

"What are we waiting for? Let's get this show international!"

....

"I wonder where Titus was," Derik asked.

"I don't know, but it seems he was lucky. There was definitely too much fanfare for my tastes. Only Palatine could manage to make an awards ceremony so gaudy," Montag replied.

The finely paved road sounded underneath their feet as Montag checked the new wares on his belt. Derik pulled a hood over his head and sniffled.

"This is something big, but I'm sure we will be able to handle it together. I am glad you decided to accompany me on this venture," Montag said.

"Yes, yes, don't mention it. You are starting to get a little bit annoying."

"My apologies."

"Any further details on the situation we have gotten ourselves into? Other than that it's unnatural, that is?"

"I know that once we arrive, retainers will be waiting to give us more information regarding the circumstances. I also know that some other countries have extended their aid, notably an expeditionary force of Corsican marines are set to arrive. While there are no large forces at play, the spread of different nationalities is a dire portent."

"And they can't solve this on their own?"

"I am sure if it was a significant threat it could be dealt with by the army. I am not well versed in their culture, but I surmise that their officers would not sink the deal with it. They are quite elite, not in numbers like our knights, but social standing."

"So why are we being sent. Shouldn't we be like, the highest standing? We are living legends. You would think that would get us some respect."

"I'm not sure. Perhaps word hasn't reached home as of yet? Regardless, rooting out some impurity in the word is a reward in of itself, correct?"

"Maybe we should just stop talking about it. The more you elaborate, the less I am convinced coming with was a good idea."

"It should only be a few weeks until we arrive. I will not hold it against you if you decide it is too much of a burden for you to handle."

"Making it a challenge? I can see right through your psychological tricks."

"My what?"

"Nevermind."