Ceros The Bold

The following is a piece of writing in the style of an Ancient Roman Myth, written as a part of my Mythology class at Full Sail, March 2005.

The glory of Romulus' great reign weighed heavy on the mind of his only son, Ceros, who feared he would not be the great man his father was. The immortal Romulus now cared for the city from the resting place of the all knowing Gods, and Ceros wanted nothing more than to be seen as a great man in the eyes of his father and the people he was to rule. If he were not to be remembered as a great man, he would rather not rule at all, even if it meant his death.

He went to one of his closest friends, Thalios, commander of the small army of Rome and asked for the chance to prove himself on the field of battle, to expand the land he would rule and bring great treasures to citizens of Rome.

Thalios had been a great ally to now immortal Romulus throughout his life and in founding Rome. He cared for Ceros with the heart of a father, and did not want to see him come to harm on the battlefield. He knew Ceros could become a fine leader to his people even if he were to remain in Rome. Thalios offered him 3 challenges to try and prove himself worthy to command an army across the plains of Europa, in the hope that he would fail.

Ceros first had to wield a bow and hit a criminal sentenced to death, killing him with a single blow from one hundred paces. Ceros had never been deft with an arrow, but believed the Gods would guide his eye. Drawing back with all of his might, the bronze tipped arrow did fly, hitting the man in the chest. He choked and drowned to death from the blood in his lungs.

Impressed by this skill, Thalios then decided to reverse the roles. Taking a wooden shield from one of the crowd of gathered soldiers, he did hand it to Ceros. He was told to defend himself from 5 archers new to the army, each impressed by Ceros' efforts, each with 5 arrows. With great agility, Ceros would manage to avoid all efforts from these newly recruited archers, catching each of the arrows on his shield.

Thalios, now worried at the prospect of seeing Ceros heading into battle, drew his gleaming sword which had seen the blood of many foes and tossed Ceros another. If Ceros could tag Thalios before Thalios could disarm him, he would be given control of a determined army of men. Ceros was more accustomed to, and therefore more skilled, with a sword than a bow and managed to tag Thalios in little time, though not without effort.

Ceros was proclaimed general of the Roman army and he quickly addressed him men. He proclaimed, "The city of Rome is to become an empire, stretching far beyond the borders of the lands that surround us. This army is to be the most feared band of soldiers in history. Even the Gods themselves should shudder at the mention of our name!" An almighty roar from the gathered throng gave Ceros the assurance he needed that his men were indeed bold warriors.

Within the week the army was on the march. Traveling into Etruria, the first test for Ceros and his army did lie in wait. His command was strong and with Thalios to help guide the far flank of the disciplined men of the Roman army, they did conquer their first foe. After resting for the night, the army of Rome did move to the next land as their next target. They would slay the enemies that would stand in their way, slaughtering men where they stood. With each new mile, Ceros was adding to his legacy. Almost all of Europa was conquered in the years that passed. Rome became the most splendid city of the Empire as the seized riches, both valuable and intellectual, were returned there. The lands now under Ceros' control were also enriched, as the minds across the countries of Europa were put to work together.

Romulus watched over his son Ceros, his great friend Thalios and their army as they battled through the years. Despite the passage of time, Ceros and Thalios seemed not to age. Romulus had pleaded to his father Mars, God of war, to grant them long life and good fortune. Mars made the men victorious in battle and spoke to his grandfather Saturn, the God of Time, who in turn agreed to slow the effects of Time upon the men. Both were thankful to the Gods for their good fortune.

Resting in the land of Gaul, Ceros was pleased with all that he had done. Thalios came to him and praised the great deeds that Ceros had performed for Rome. "It is now time for you to return to your people. Be among them and rule them into your old age. Let your body, which has seen many battles, rest its bones and let the kindness in your heart shower your Empire."

"Great Thalios," Ceros replied. "Your words reflect the thoughts running through my own mind. I have but one more land to conquer. The land of Britannia shall fall to my sword. This I will do in the name of my father Romulus and set my name, Ceros the Bold, among the legends of my people."

Thalios warns Ceros against the dangers of the Britannians, but agreed to follow him into this final battle. Crossing the waters between Gaul and Britannia in the impressive Roman long boats, Ceros launched his men into battle. The sheer noise of the fighting, the roars of the barbarians and the barking of Ceros' orders woke the God Jupiter from a slumber.

The clashing of swords had been a continuous grating on the God's ears for many years now. Tiring of this annoyance, Jupiter did slay Ceros by guiding a barbarian axe through his armor. The shade of Ceros left his body and did rise up to be beside his father Romulus, now immortal and watcher of his people.

Thalios, enraged at the loss, would lead the Roman army to a victory and name the spot Ceros died as Londinium, "Home of the Bold One." After a month of mourning the memory of their great leader, the army would return back to Rome recounting the legend of Ceros to all that they met in their path. Upon the arrival, Thalios took the throne as ruler of the kingdom.

-Ashley Bennett