All Chapters of UPRISING: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

King Dragan made a public decision to put the infant to sword. His decision was borne out of sheer but suppressed desires to launch a fight back against the superior kingdom of Athena and the fear of having King Gaius and his lethal army invade Balkans Peninsula. The announcement to decision the infant caused a mixed feelings amongst the natives as the reactions that came forth off the back of Dragan's cold decision were not as loudly jubilant. There were murmurs of dissatisfaction as much as hushed glee and concealed grins amongst the natives.However, the cold decision didn't quite go down well with Bojan who knelt still before the king all shackled up and subjected to doom. In spite of the fate that was soon to befall him, he sought mercy for the child, pleading innocence. Bojan launched deem an emotional rhetoric of pleas, prostrating before the king on his chest while he begged for the child to be spared.''The child is innocent,'' Bojan said, begging frantically. ''I beseech you

Bojan proceeded to lay Limah down on her back and he loosed the cashmere fabric from his body, upon which he laid the baby.''You must be thirst now, M'lady,'' Bojan said, looking at Limah's reddened eyeballs and tired face as he made to head to the ocean to fetch some water. ''I should get you some water.''In the nick of the moment, Limah feebly grabbed Bojan by the arm before he set forth for the ocean. She looked at the Balkan with her eyelids almost dropping close.''Thank you, Macho-man,'' Limah muttered, managing a smile and looking bereft of energy. ''You lost it all for me. Long may your fortunes be.''Bojan only crumpled his face and nodded in response. Limah requested that he sustain her on his knee and the baby should be brought into her arms.Limah cradled the baby in her arms and managed a smile at her child. She, then, passed the baby to Bojan and said, ''Maximus. His name is Maximus.''''Maximus.'' Bojan repeated arching his eyebrows in awe of the name.''Yes, Maximus,

In Thrace, Alcides grew into a formidable gladiator, gaining a reputation as a fierce and skilled fighter. His training in the arenas of Thrace was rigorous, and he had honed his combat abilities to perfection. The people of Thrace began to admire him not only for his strength but also for his humility and kindness, which he had inherited from his surrogate mother, Melissa.As Alcides continued to excel in the gladiatorial games, rumors of his greatness reached distant lands, including the city of Athena, ruled by his biological father, King Gaius. The prophecy of the Pythia had not been forgotten, and the king's fear of the child who would one day challenge his rule still haunted him.King Gaius, still desperate for an heir, had since remarried and had a legitimate son, who he named Octavius. But Alcides, now known by many as the "Thracian Titan," was the one who seemed destined to fulfill the prophecy. The Pythia's words had spread like wildfire, and some Athenians began to believe

As Alcides grew older, the House of Rhesus began to see the potential in him. It was not just his physical strength and prowess but also his intellect that stood out. This recognition led Artemis to hire a tutor for him, a learned man named Demetrius, who was to provide Alcides with a well-rounded education.Demetrius, a patient and erudite teacher, introduced Alcides to the world of literature, mathematics, philosophy, and history. He discovered that Alcides had a hunger for knowledge that rivaled his thirst for combat. Alcides devoured books, absorbing the wisdom contained within their pages. He was particularly drawn to stories of legendary heroes and epic battles, inspiring him to dream of greatness beyond the arena.Despite Artemis' insistence on providing Alcides with a balanced education, Rhesus, the formidable master of the house, remained resolute in his commitment to Alcides' training as a gladiator. He believed that strength and skill in combat were the keys to success in t

Demetrius continued to unfold the stories of King Gaius Jr., revealing the extent of his power and might among other kings and even the King of Thrace. His eyes were filled with a mix of awe and trepidation as he recounted the ruler's fearsome traits."Gaius Jr., my dear Alcides, is a force to be reckoned with," Demetrius began, his voice hushed in reverence. "He has expanded the empire of Athena through a series of ruthless conquests that surpassed even those of his father. His ambition knows no bounds, and he shows no mercy to those who dare challenge him."Alcides was captivated by the tales of Gaius Jr.'s conquests and achievements. "Tell me more, Demetrius. What were his greatest triumphs?"Demetrius leaned in, his words filled with admiration and awe. "Gaius Jr. has conquered kingdoms and territories that were considered impregnable. He has crushed formidable armies, defied the odds, and displayed a level of military genius that is unparalleled. His subjects and even his enemies