19 AD

The sharp, cling, of steel against steel hummed through the air, it was a song, both abrupt and beautiful. Looking through the window he could see the two groups of opponents facing off. Helix had always enjoyed watching sword fights. Something about the violence of the dance, with only a few pounds of shaped steel between you and your enemy, entranced him.

"If it isn't the boy from Elis." Startled from his musings, Helix recognized the sharp voice and turned to look.  "Come to join the great Cesar's legion after all?" The dark-haired soldier from the night before strode toward where Helix was waiting, fourth in line from what he'd been told was the commander general's office. This particular commander was responsible for the entire force of Roman military within the city proper.

The office door stood open, revealing an immaculate space, organized to efficient perfection. It was empty of life, save for a hunting dog who had been lazily sleeping in front of the desk for hours.

When Helix had arrived at the barracks entrance that morning, the actarius, an assistant of sorts, had ordered him to wait in this line. Originally there were eight men in front of him and two more who arrived after he did. As the morning shifted to noon and beyond, with no sign of the commander or his actarius, men slowly began to grumble about the wait, then leave the barracks. Now only the four men and Helix remained.

Quickly absorbing details, the soldiers uniform, and confident bearing, the thought crossed Helix's mind that perhaps this man was the commander they were all waiting for. The guess was confirmed moments later when the dog rose and padded up to the man.

"Yes Sir," Helix answered straightening slightly, in spite of his aching legs.

Stopping by the door, the commander continued to look at Helix for a long moment, before glancing over the other men. Raising his voice, he spoke in the hard tone of authority, "Congratulations. You lot proved you are capable of following a simple, boring, order. In a moment, I will ask you to place your mark on a scroll. After that, your life, your death, your dreams, and desires, will no longer be your own!" The men around Helix shifted slightly, but he kept his attention fixed on the commander.

"After that moment, you will belong to the legion, until death takes you or your twenty years of service are complete. You will go through hell, you will be hungry, you will watch your brothers die around you, and most likely you will die a lonely, gruesome, death. If any of you cowards are having second thoughts, leave now." His eyes flicked to Helix's face. "You will not get the chance again."

Two of the men at the front of the line hastily left, keeping their eyes downcast. When the echoes of their retreating footfalls could no longer be heard, the commander nodded once and entered his office. "Very well."

One by one, the men in front of Helix stepped forward, gave their names and signed the open scroll stretched across the desk. Helix's heart beat fast in his chest. He considered leaving. This was Sal's idea after all. Not his. Even if he had considered joining before he met her. Why should he sell his soul for some damned woman's quest to find a god? But the way the commander had met his eyes, there was a challenge there. 

His turn came, the commander beckoning him forward. Stepping up to the table Helix picked up the quill, the tip already damp with black ink.

"You don't belong here, boy."

Eyes snapping up Helix met the commanders stare. A glint of warning flickered in his dark eyes.  Anger and frustration flooded in threatening to overwhelm his better judgment. Sucking in a breath, he forced himself to still. "Why, Sir?"

The commander stepped around the desk, stopping with less than a hands-breadth between them. Pulse racing, Helix tightened his jaw, forcing himself to meet the taller man's intensity. Voice low and hard,  the commander spoke, "Whatever foolhardy, blasphemous, thing you have done, has marked you for death. If you are smart and very, very lucky, you might forestall that fate and get to live a semi-full life. Only a fool would test fate by becoming a soldier while marked for death."

Helix felt the blood drain from his face. Still, he stood steady. "I don't understand."

Studying his eyes, until Helix thought he might melt under the man's gaze, the commander slowly let out a hot breath. "You did not know?" The sixteen-year-old shook his head slightly.

Returning to his position behind the desk the commander nodded at the scroll. "Sign your full name." 

"But you said..." Helix abruptly stopped talking as the man's dark eyes again met his. The look was terrifying and promised pain if defied. Without another word, Helix signed the document.

Helix Lycon.

*~*~*~*~*~*

The Aquileia barracks, located conveniently at the front of the consul's massive estate, were comprised of a half dozen buildings set in a square around a sandy training area. All the buildings, save for one, were exactly the same shape, with two bunk rooms and a squad leaders chambers connected by a narrow corridor. To the back and center of the square stood a two-story stone structure, which served as home for the commander general and his staff, as well as containing the kitchens,  and baths for the entire barracks. It was from this building that Helix followed the commander.

He wanted to question the man, find out what he meant by, 'marked for death', find how he would even know such a thing and why he changed his mind about allowing him to join. But all of his questions had died on his tongue when the commander ordered him to report at dawn for private training in the yard. Now Helix followed him into one of the small buildings.

"This will be your bunk." The commander waved a hand at one of the beds. "Keep it in an orderly state or you can sleep on the floor. The actarius will get your size and provide your uniform within a day or two." With that, he left Helix standing alone.

Reaching out a hand, Helix felt the softness of the blankets and bed. It was not in the same league as the inn he'd spent last night at, but to him it felt more comfortable, the close quarters reminding him of his berth while sailing.  Placing his bag under the bed he took a deep breath and sat.

Thoughts cascaded together forming a jumbled web in his overwrought mind. Why did the commander say he was, 'marked for death'? How did he know, and what did that even mean? Why had the man even cared enough to say something? Did Sal know?

Helix grimaced. Surely, if a strange commander knew something about him then Sal had to know. Maybe she had even been the one to, mark him? Getting to his feet he walked outside where men still trained in the sandy yard with all manner of weapons. A few minutes of walking brought him to the inn where Sal had informed him she would be staying. At least this establishment could actually be found, he thought ruefully.

The building was a grand work of marble stone, complete with a front balcony. Double doors made of dark cedar and carved to perfection, stood open to let in the glorious evening air. Helix entered the building and was immediately intercepted by a balding innkeeper.

"What can I do for ya, laddie?"

"One of your patrons, Sal, said I could find her here."

He gave a brief nod. "Aye. I'll have a servant fetch her. Wait here."

Helix nodded, inwardly cringing both at the thought of more waiting and seeing Sal. Still, if he got answers, this wait would be worth it. The innkeeper sent a servant scurrying for the stairs at once.

Sal appeared a short time later, her gorgeous features earning her second looks from everyone, male and female, in the inn's foyer, sitting room. Her long blue gown, complete with gold embroidery, made her red hair and pale skin stand out.  "I take it you were accepted." The corners of her painted mouth rose into that snake like smile Helix was growing to abhor.

"Yes. But barely."

"Oh?" Her tone was casual. To casual.

Dropping his voice, so only Sal could hear, he spoke, "The commander said I was marked for death, and almost did not let me join. What does that mean? Did you do... this?"

"No, the mark is not mine. But I can remove it for you if that is the favor you seek from me?" Helix stared at her, silent, as his stomach twisted into knots. After a moment she spoke again, "Don't worry Helix, you can decide later. Meanwhile, General Ynyr Kornel will train you properly."

"I thought you said, you would have a hand in that?" His tight tone was laced with frustration.

"I do." Her lips twitched into another smile. "Now run along, back to your new home. You should be using this evening to make new friends." With that, she turned and swept toward a small group of women who stood talking near the stairs.

Helix watched her go, his frustration growing with every click of the woman's shoes against the grey marble floor. He wanted to follow her, shake her, and force her to tell him what the hell was happening, but he also feared her. The fear grew worse every time he was near her. He knew she was toying with him, and he felt powerless to stop it.

Teeth grinding, Helix left the inn and slowly walked back to the barracks. The setting sun stained the world with deep purple and vibrant red. Pale stone buildings shimmered, adding a surreal, dreamlike, feeling to the city streets. Focusing on steadying his temper, Helix arrived at the barracks just in time for the dinner horn.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Dinner was comprised of roasted beef, venison a mix of vegetables delightfully finished off with buttered bread. Mouthwatering Helix dug into his portion. He'd opted to sit alone, even though by nature he enjoyed meeting new people. Perhaps it was the fact that Sal had told him he should make friends, or maybe it was commander Ynyr's hard watchful glances in his direction, that had driven him into desiring a small measure of solitude.

About halfway through his mushrooms and carrots, a plate thudded down next to Helix's. Looking up mid-bite the young man met the unremarkable blue eyes of a slender blonde soldier.

"Helix Lycon?" He extended a hand. Slowly, Helix sat down his fork and took the mans forearm, shaking it in the Roman way.

"Captain Marcel Gratien." The blonde slid onto the wooden bench next to him and began eating his own food. "General Ynyr said you found us."

"Yes, sir." Helix continued eating.

"He also said he put you in my block."

Sliding his eyes sideways, Helix fully expected the captain, his captain he realized suddenly, to reprimand him for his less than respectful attitude. "Really sir?" The blond's eyes were glinting with humor.

"You can call me Marcel when not on duty. The sir this, and sir that, gets old real quick!"

Unable to contain his amusement Helix grinned. "Alright." He paused. "Sir." The last word was edged lightly with laughter.

Marcel chuckled, tossing a rogue carrot at the youth. Helix tried to duck but the captain's aim was true. The orange missile bounced off his chest and fell to the floor. Forgetting about Sal and the commander for the moment, Helix finished off the last of his meal, drowning the particles from his taste buds with a swallow from his water stein. "So what should I expect for training tomorrow morning?"

"A hair cut."

Helix blinked. His black hair fell just past his shoulders. Though he had never really cared much about his appearance the thought of it being cropped short intrigued him. "I meant-"

"I know what you meant. After you get your mop chopped you will be sized for your uniform. Then training actually starts. Strength and combat drills before lunch. Battle theory and assigned work detail after. I will show you the ropes."

"General Ynyr said I was to report to him at dawn for private training."

Marcel's gaze snapped to him. "He did?" Helix nodded.

Taking a drink, Marcel glanced to where the commander still sat eating. Their eyes met briefly, Marcel's holding a question. The commander's expression remained carved of granite. Watching the exchange, Helix wondered if all captains were so familiar with the general commander.

The moment passing, Marcel returned his attention to Helix. "If you are training with the general, then I have no idea what you should expect."

"What kind of man is he?"

Marcel sat a little straighter. "A good one. And a damn good commander."

The captains words sunk deep into Helix. The respect Marcel held for the commander relieved some of the misgivings he'd harbored after the man had told him he was marked for death. Even though he was still not sure what that meant, at least he believed the commander might have had good intentions in letting him join the legion.

The remainder of the meal passed with a few stories passed between them. Afterward Marcel and Helix both walked back to their block.

"Dawn comes early around here. Get some sleep, I'll wake you in the morning." Marcel left Helix in the hall.

Making his way to the narrow bed, Helix collapsed atop it. He was too tired both physically and mentally to bother with anything but sleeping. Tuning out the steady din of his bunkmates talking, Helix was soon snoring.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Silence in the dark, melted into shrouded echoes of lightning swirled with black clouds. Thunder broke the quiet with a mighty roar, as a bright flash birthed the high noon sun. Scorched lifeless grasslands were cut through with flowing streams of blood.

Kneeling on the dead ground, Helix looked down into the rotted face of his mother. Around him, the corpses of his father, his brothers, sisters, and their mothers stretched away into the distance. Everything smelled of copper and charred flesh. In a panic Helix flew to his feet, the world slid sideways sending him sliding, down, down, down, toward a gaping black hole. The bodies slid with him, coating him in blood and fluid. Helix screamed in terror as the corpses around him suddenly opened their empty eyes in perfect sync.

"Helix. Helix." The faces whispered his name, their cracked lips parting.

Faster and faster he slid toward the blackness below, his terror at the bodies sliding past him with their open eyes and high pitched whispers making his mind spin with terror.

Helix bolted upwards, the bed creaking loudly with his sudden shift of weight. Cool air burned in his throat as he sucked in mouthful after mouthful in an attempt to calm his thundering heart. His sweat soaked shirt and sheets stuck to him, regardless of the brisk night air.

The faint glimmer of light from the torch in the corridor illuminated the sleeping men around him. A few stirred, then realizing it was still dark rolled over and went back to sleep. Helix threw the blankets off and moving as silently as possible, slid his boots on.

The door into the corridor was only a half dozen steps away. Rolling his foot with each step, Helix successfully managed to make it to the hall with no more then the faint sound of his boots brushing against the stone. To his relief, he found Marcus's door closed. Reaching out a hand to the exterior door handle, he winced as the metal scraped loudly within the mechanism. After a moments pause, Helix continued to open the door, relieved that it no longer continued to shriek his presence into the night. He supposed it did not really matter if he was in his block or somewhere else, as long as he was available to receive and obey orders when called upon.

Sucking in another breath of cool seaside breeze, Helix paced up and down the sandy soil in the yard. He relished the feeling of the air chilling his damp skin. By the faintness of the stars, he could tell dawn was not far away. At least he'd gotten most of a nights sleep before the terrors struck. For most of his childhood years, he'd lived on little more than a couple hours sleep, due to intense nightmares. They were always about death, blood or falling. The lousy dreams had dwindled for a time. Helix hoped tonight was not going to be a sign of their return.

As the sky lightened from black sapphire into hues of gold-tinged blue, the commander general exited the building dressed not uniform but instead sporting a white tunic, black knee- breeches buckled at the waist with a black belt and a soft looking leather boots. His dark eyes immediately spotted Helix where the youth still paced. Striding forward commander Ynyr stopped just in front of Helix. The young man also stopped and hesitantly saluted, bringing the fist of his right hand to his heart, then flinging it open and away.

Commander Ynyr's sharp gaze looked him up and down. "Are your boots in good condition?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Follow me." With that Ynyr began to run, Helix beside him.

From the barracks, they ran up through the city, until they reached the city gate. That distance alone was enough to leave Helix's legs and lungs burning. When Ynyr continued through the gates, nodding his acknowledgments to the on-duty sentries, and began following a trail up the side of a nearby hill, Helix inwardly groaned.

About halfway up the second steep hill, Helix collapsed to his knees. As if in response to his sudden closeness to the earth, the contents of his stomach lurched forward, spilling themselves before him. Desperately gasping for air Helix remained on his knees, staring at the vomit-strewn ground, until black boots, standing just outside the puddle, invaded his vision.

"Get up."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello all!

Sorry this took me so long to write. I had a good deal of world building I had to iron out before I could continue. I appreciate your patience, support and votes/comments!

Before you all ask, "When does he become a wolf?" I just want to remind you that this is an origin story. It is about his journey to becoming the very first, werewolf of legend. Legends aren't built in a flash and Rome wasn't built... you see where I'm going here.

This chapter is dedicated to one, super awesome, laaazybones ! Please check out her book Terra Wolf for a super exciting fantasy/werewolf read!