Lucius lunged for the man, and plunged his pugio up beneath his chin without a thought.
Nolan Phelan’s eyes shot wide and froze as blood dripped out of his shuddering mouth.
“What did you say, Nolan?” came the voice of another man, and a moment later, Serenus Crescens stepped into the corridor.
Lucius spun and kicked out as best he could, sending Crescens sprawling back upon the floor inside his tablinum.
“Help!” Crescens yelled, but the words barely escaped his throat before Lucius was upon him like a fury, clawing at him, punching him. “Who…are…you?” Crescens cried between blows. “Help!”
“Don’t you recognize me, Serenus Crescens?” Lucius growled. “You watched me burn….you watched my home burn…you watched my world burn!” Lucius felt strength returning to his limbs with every stroke o
