All Chapters of Purpel and Ash: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

The way back to Rome was a single agony.Every step hurt. The purple band between Marcus and Livia joined each shock together as if it wanted to remind them that they have not long since more two separate beings. They supported each other, humbling, bleeding, but with a determination that was stronger than its wounded body.Two times they had to hide in bushes when patrols passed – mixed groups of Valeriers and Aureliers. Both sides had common goal: to find the two traitors before reaching the city.In the second night, hidden in an abandoned olive grove, they broke together. Marcus pulled Livia under his coat and they slept tightly to each other. The cold of the earth crawled into its bones, but the heat of its bodies and the purple light of her magic kept her alive.“I can no longer,” Livia whispered with a breaking voice. tears ran over their dirty cheeks.“But you can,” Marcus answered and kissed her. First gentle, then always more desperate. His hands glitted under her

The morning grazed cold and mercilessly over the city.Livia stood in front of a polished bronze mirror that the old priest brought them had. Her hands lay protectively on her still flat stomach. The purple Lighting her bond with Marcus had changed – it had become softer, warmer, as if it already enveloped the little soul in it.Marcus stepped behind her. He was freshly washed, wearing a simple but clean Tunic the priest had worried. His hands gently laid over their Belly. He kissed her neck, slow, suspicious.“Are you sure?” he whispered. His voice was very scared. "We could flee. To Sicilia. Or on. Raise our daughter somewhere in peace.”Livia turned in his arms and looked deep into his golden eyes.“She would grow up in eternal flight. Hunted by both houses. I want her free breathing. And if the gods have given us a choice, then I choose that Rome sees us.”Marcus kissed her. First tender, then with growing despair. He lifted her up and put them on the old wooden table. Hi

The sacred halls under the Temple of Vesta were a place outside the time.Thick, warm light fell through narrow slits in the ceiling and painted golden Stripes on the old marble floor. The scent of incense, myrre and fresh Herbs hung hard in the air. It was quiet down here – so quiet that you have your own Heart beat.Livia sat on a wide camp covered with soft wool blankets and furs. Your Hands rested on their belly, which has become a bit more round in recent days was. The small, purple-golden lamp of her daughter was now almost constantly noticeable, a gentle pulsation that linked with the band between her and Marcus.Marcus knelt in front of her on the ground. He had just washed her feet – slow, careful, as if it were a holy act. His great, silent hands were unusually gentle. Again and again he bowed and kissed her ankles, hers Waden, the inside of her knees.“You are so quiet today,” he muttered, without looking up.Livia dashed him through the dark, wavy hair. It was lon

The darkness of the catacombs was perfect.Marcus ran as fast as his injured legs wore him. Livia hung in his arms, the legs wrapped around his hips, the arms fixed around his neck. Your breath went on his neck. The purple light of its renewed bond was the the only thing that broke through darkness – a weak, pulsating glow that just enough brightness donated to not bounce against the old walls.Behind them were the steps of their followers through the corridors. Severus’ voice like Donnergrolles:“Find them! Kill the aurelier! Bring my daughter alive!"Marcus’ shoulder wound bleeded strongly. Every step sent a stinging pain through his body, but the band also passed the pain on Livia. They bite Teeth together and pressed her forehead against his.“Let me down,” she whispered. “I can walk.”“No,” he crawled. “You wear our daughter. I carry you both.”The catacombs were a labyrinth of old tombs, narrow passages and half crashed vaults. Below were the bones of generations of Roma

The time in the hidden cave had lost any meaning.Marcus didn't know if there was a day or night outside. He only measured the days to Livia's growing abdomen and her daughter's ever stronger tits. The purple light of its bond had become a constant, warm glow that the cave dipped in gentle violet.At this “end” – Livia lay in her camp of blankets and furs – it happened.She suddenly got up and grabbed her belly. A sharp, long pain she went through. Marcus was with her right away, kneeled next to her and took her hand.“Livia?”She breathed hard, sweat stood on her forehead. “It’s... it’s going. She comes.”Marcus’ face was assaulted. “Now? Here?”Livia smiled despite the pain. “She waited long enough.”The next hours were the hardest of their lives.The labors came at ever shorter intervals. Livia lay on camp, legs angled. Marcus was tireless at her side – you know the sweat from the Forehead, held her hand, spoke her silent courage and sang the old song he had already had sung