Some stories leave an impression through action and spectacle, while others linger because of the emotions they awaken. Vicimus: I Did What I Had To by Kadius Hollis falls firmly into the second category. Set against the frozen backdrop of ancient Rome, this short story delivers an unsettling exploration of survival, guilt, and the fragile nature of morality when desperation takes hold.
The narrative wastes little time drawing readers into a world where cold winds, empty stomachs, and fear quietly shape the fate of men stationed within Caesar’s supply lines.
A Roman Winter Filled With Fear and Silence
The story begins with a rare moment of comfort. Three Roman soldiers gather to celebrate the birthday of a younger companion, sharing wine, conversation, and temporary relief from the harsh realities surrounding them. Those scenes feel warm and deeply human, which makes the darkness that follows even more devastating.
Kadius Hollis carefully constructs tension through atmosphere rather than excessive action. Hunger slowly becomes the true enemy. As food disappears and survival becomes uncertain, the emotional tone grows increasingly oppressive. Readers can sense the soldiers’ unease long before terrible decisions are made.
What makes Vicimus especially compelling is its confessional structure. The story unfolds through the words of a dying father speaking to his son, revealing memories burdened by shame and regret. That storytelling approach gives the narrative emotional intimacy. Every detail feels weighted with sorrow, as though the speaker has spent years trying to outrun the past without success.
The emotional decline within the group feels painfully believable. Brotherhood erodes under pressure, trust weakens, and silence becomes dangerous in its own right. Hollis captures the psychological strain of survival with remarkable precision, showing how fear can transform ordinary men into strangers to themselves.
Blending Literary Tradition With Modern Emotion
One of the strongest qualities of Vicimus is the way it combines classical influence with contemporary storytelling. Roman history provides the foundation, yet the emotional themes feel universal. Readers are not simply witnessing an ancient tragedy. They are confronting questions about conscience, survival, and personal identity that still resonate today.
Hollis draws heavily from gothic and classical literary traditions. His admiration for writers such as Edgar Allan Poe, Shakespeare, and Ovid becomes evident through the story’s atmosphere and rhythm. Snow-covered camps, dim fires, exhausted soldiers, and lingering dread create vivid imagery throughout the narrative. The prose carries a poetic quality without losing clarity, allowing the emotional weight of the story to remain accessible.
Another impressive aspect is the restraint within the storytelling. Hollis avoids overexplaining emotions or relying on dramatic excess. Instead, he trusts the atmosphere, dialogue, and quiet moments to carry the emotional force. That subtlety gives the story greater depth.
The pacing also deserves recognition. Since Vicimus is intentionally concise, every moment matters. There are no unnecessary diversions or filler scenes. Each interaction pushes the emotional tension forward, making the final revelations hit with greater intensity. Readers are left reflecting on the moral consequences long after the story ends.
The question lingering beneath the surface of the narrative is haunting in its simplicity: how much of a person remains after survival demands the unforgivable? Hollis explores that idea with emotional honesty and literary discipline.
The Creative Vision Behind Kadius Hollis
Kadius Hollis, who also writes under the name Kade Hollis, is an independent author, poet, and publisher based in Dallas, Texas. As the founder of Bad Poet Revolt, he has dedicated himself to preserving literary craftsmanship in modern storytelling. His work embraces structured poetry, atmospheric fiction, and emotionally layered narratives that challenge readers while remaining deeply personal.
His fascination with classical literature began early and gradually evolved into a broader creative mission. Through live events, festivals, and direct engagement with readers, Hollis found an audience drawn to darker literary themes and emotionally charged storytelling. Books such as The Antics of Hopeless Romantics, Bathed in Morning’s Light, and Vicimus showcase his commitment to poetic rhythm, emotional depth, and carefully crafted atmosphere.
Hollis often describes his stories as “pocket-sized tragedies,” short literary works designed to leave lasting emotional impact. That description fits Vicimus perfectly. Despite its shorter length, the story carries enormous emotional weight and invites readers to sit with uncomfortable truths about humanity and survival.
Final Reflections on This Haunting Story
Vicimus: I Did What I Had To succeeds because it focuses less on Roman conquest and more on the internal collapse of the people caught within it. Kadius Hollis creates a chilling portrait of desperation, guilt, and fractured brotherhood through atmospheric writing and emotionally grounded storytelling.
For readers who appreciate gothic fiction, classical themes, and morally complex narratives, Vicimus offers a memorable literary experience. Its cold setting, confessional tone, and psychological depth combine to create a story that remains difficult to forget long after the final page is turned.
We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Thank you so much for joining us today! Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
My name is Kadius Hollis, I’m an independent writer, poet, and publisher based in Dallas, Texas, and I’m the founder of Bad Poet Revolt, a literary publishing company. I write gothic short fiction and structured poetry heavily inspired by classical literature, tragedy, and atmospheric storytelling. Much of my work explores themes like grief, obsession, vengeance, love, and identity through a darker literary lens.
I’m especially passionate about preserving craftsmanship in writing, poetic structure, musicality, and strong narrative atmosphere while still creating stories that feel emotionally modern and accessible.
Most recently, I’ve been focused on building what I call ‘pocket-sized tragedies’: short, impactful literary works designed to stay with readers long after they finish.
Please tell us about your journey.
My journey as a writer started very early. Poetry was something I naturally gravitated toward long before I ever considered publishing. I became deeply fascinated by classical literature and writers such as Edgar Allan Poe, William Shakespeare, and Ovid, especially their use of rhythm, structure, and emotional intensity.
What started as a personal creative pursuit slowly evolved into something much larger. Through festivals, live events, and direct conversations with readers, I began finding an audience that genuinely connected with darker, atmospheric storytelling and more structured poetic work. That journey eventually led to the publication of books like The Antics of Hopeless Romantics, Vicimus, and Bathed in Morning’s Light. Each project pushed me further creatively and helped shape my identity as both a writer and publisher.
At its core, my journey has really been about preserving artistry and emotional depth in an era where so much creative work feels rushed or disposable.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
One thing that helped tremendously was connecting with readers in person. Festivals and literary events allowed me to see firsthand what people emotionally responded to, and that gave me confidence in the direction I was taking creatively and for anyone pursuing a creative path themselves: don’t be afraid to create the work that feels authentic to you, even if it doesn’t perfectly fit trends or expectations. Some of the most lasting art comes from people willing to trust their own voice.
Thank you so much, Kadius, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
