The Fall of Veii- Part 2

by Francis Mulhern

  “Gentlemen” Ahala called, his voice starting to crack as he yelled into the temple. “You do yourselves no favour with such...” he looked exasperated as he stared at two of the more vocal Senators, each red-faced from shouting. “Noise” he added with a shake of his head and a deep exhalation of air.

  “You have that right” called Ahala to Sergius. “If you take that path you will leave the Senate no option but to call a Dictator” a loud cheer came from the back row again “to resolve this issue.” He stared hard at Sergius, his eyes glancing to Virginius, and then across to Apuleius, before continuing.

  “I warn you both as Tribunes that a Dictator will have the power to enforce rules stronger than those of the Senate. Found guilty you could be banished or imprisoned” he added, his face cold. “You men must decide your own actions. But I warn you gentlemen I will call a Dictator to review the case against you. Decide. Veto the decision to re-elect new Tribunes for the year or agree to it. I will call the Senate to elect a Dictator if you veto the motion, the Republic will not allow incompetence in its soldiers. You have one hour to decide” he said dispassionately as he shook his head and frowned at both men, the meaning of his words not lost on either of them.

  ****

  An hour later the Senate had reconvened and Virginius stood forward, his head bowed. The Senators sat in silence as both Tribunes stood in front of them.

  “Senators and Tribunes” said Virginius as he looked coldly at Ahala. “The Republic is stronger than any one man or his actions. The Republic and our laws must be followed under the eyes of the gods and we as humble men must accept these laws.” He spoke quietly and without emotion, his words firm yet not angry or aggressive.

  “Our actions at Veii” at which Sergius stood tall and his chest rose under his toga, though his eyes betrayed the emotion he was feeling. “Were not those of incompetent generals” at this a number of dissenting voices called out, but he ignored them all. “They were those of seasoned campaigners who believed their actions were correct” he said more loudly over the noise. “The outcome” he nearly shouted as the noise grew steadily “was the will of the gods, we are but men and we play our part.” His voice was drowned by a chorus of booing and name calling from the seats around him, the Temple once again almost shaking at the cacophony that erupted at his words.

  “Let the gods” he called. “Let the gods judge us” he shouted as Sergius nodded in defiance. “But” he called raising his hand for silence and turning to scan the room as waited for the Senators to fall quiet. “But” he called again.

  “We” and he nodded to Sergius, who had the grace to nod in reply before dropping his chin on his chest as if in defeat, “will not veto the motion” he said as he sat and a great cheer went around the room.

  It took five minutes for the leaders of the Senate to call the men in the Temple to order. Ahala stood, a measure of relief on his face.

  “Gentlemen of the Republic it falls on me at this sad time to make null the roles of Military Tribune for this season and to call for re-elections. Voting will open at the close of this meeting and we will decide within the next day whom shall be the new Tribunes.” He looked to the two men sat in front of the Senate and took a deep breath. “Neither of these two men will be allowed to stand for the roles.” He looked back up at the silent men.

  “Unless there is any other business I propose we adjourn to begin the voting” he asked with wide eyes to the room at large, fully expecting the men to agree and rush out to their lunches.

  “Senator” came a voice to the right near the Temple doors. He scanned the rows before he saw Apuleius stand and take a step forward.

  “The plebeian tribunes are wondering what punishment there will be for the incompetence of these men?” he asked quizzically, his face a deep frown.

  “Punishment” replied Ahala. “In times of war there is no punishment” he added, returning the frown.

  “But these men and their incompetence has caused the death of the beloved sons of men of Rome. Men who would be tilling the land and growing the crops to feed the City. Men who would stand proudly under a new commander, their sword arms true and strong against our enemies if these men had not been so foolish and rash in their hatred of each other that they had not left them to be slaughtered by their ineptitude.” A series of gasps came from the room.

  “There will be no punishment, the loss of their roles and potential future political careers is enough.” Came the quick reply, Ahala almost ruing his words before he spoke them as Apuleius smiled his predatory grin.

  “Then” he called more loudly as Decius stood and stared at Ahala, ice in his eyes. “As is our right, we the plebeian tribunes call a law-suit against these two men for their incompetence as leaders. By their poor actions they have caused the death of fellow Romans. By their” the indignation of the act brought most of the room to their feet, angry shouts cursing the plebeians as both Virginius and Sergius gaped at the face of Apuleius. “By their acts men have died that need not have died. You called for the gods to judge you?” he shouted above the noise, an angry finger jabbing in the direction of the two men. “I call on our laws to judge you under the eyes of Justitia and under the laws of the Republic. We the plebeians DEMAND it” he screamed as the veins in his throat bulged and Decius moved to his shoulder with a face of stone.

  ****

  Servius frowned into the semi-darkness of the trees, his eyes growing more accustomed to the light as he sat still on the horse, his head low. It had taken four days to traverse to the meeting point avoiding the main roadways and villages so that his cargo would not be spotted. Behind him were thirty donkeys loaded high with the next load of weapons for the defenders at Veii. This will be the last drop I do, he said to himself as he took a deep slow breath and watched the movement deep in the trees ahead of him. It had been by chance he had noticed the sudden movement ahead, a branch swinging and then another. Hopefully it was no more than a deer or a boar, but he felt a sudden fear and clutched at the lucky talisman he held around his neck. Muttering a prayer for luck he continued to scan the trees. No new movement came. He was a full day early for the meeting and expected no-one to be near the waterfall which lay another hour away from where he sat, especially in this thick part of the woods. Behind were seven of his best men, each clutching swords or other weapons as he leant forwards and listened for any sounds. Nothing again, but he remained still as a precaution. One error and they could be dead.

  After another few moments he sat up and waved to Artius. The man crept forwards.

  “I am going to scout ahead. Keep these men quiet and do not move. If you hear any sounds of running, stay still, pass the word. I can escape any man in this darkness” he added with a grin.

  Artius nodded and turned, creeping back to the waiting men behind.

  Slipping from the horse Servius slid the long blade from its scabbard, removing the belt and placing it over the horses back before stepping quietly into the darkening woods.

  The undergrowth was thick and clawed at his legs but he continued to step forwards slowly, speed was not important, a misplaced step could announce him to any number of men or beasts. After only a hundred steps the darkness had grown, the low light from above the trees giving only the minimum of vision at floor level, an advantage only he could use. For years his ability to see so much better than any man he had ever met in the dark had been his route to his fortune, today was no different. He stood next to a thick tree, his breathing slow as he continued to scan the area. Nothing.

  With a frown he decided it must have been a deer moving through the forest and went to turn. A sudden blinding flash behind his eyes announced the pain he felt before he fell to the floor and disappeared into unconsciousness. As he slipped into the darkness his only thought was betrayed.

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  Chapter 12

  The voting had been completed and the new Military Tribunes were Marcus Furius Camillus, Titi
nius Saccus, Philo Maelius, Genucius Augurinus, Manlius Vulso and Atillus Priscus, all patricians and all of the older families of Rome. The men had been sworn in and accepted their roles in the traditional manner, each setting off to the camp to which he had been assigned.

  Marcus had, after a request from his brother, been assigned the siege at Veii and had set off with a heavy heart. Veii was one war he felt he could not win, surely the city held the love of some great god more powerful than those who watched over Rome. He had considered his approach with the siege at Veii for some time and had sent riders forwards to receive reports of the strength of the standing army and its most recent actions. Ahala had suggested to Marcus that he defer to Honorius a great feast at the siege works to thank him for his year in charge. Reading the reports he found it hard to find anything to celebrate. Continued skirmishes battered the Roman defences around the raised walkway which had moved no more than five paces forward during the whole year. Men continued to defect to the city of Veii, reports showing that troop morale was low and the waters of the lake continued to rise, indeed the water had recently caused a long section of the siege works to fall as it had risen another foot in the last cycle of the moon. Marcus frowned at this news, considering the words Lucius had said to him regarding the lake and the waters receding in his hour of need. What did it mean?

  His tent was dark as he pondered the latest report by candlelight. He heard the voice of Mella outside and sat up, his eyes squinting as a knock on the central tent pole announced his arrival.

  “Sir” came the words as the smiling face of his old friend entered the tent, two Centurions close behind.

  “You asked for an update” he said, scanning the area for a seat before Marcus pointed away into a dark corner. Stepping across and gripping the chair he passed it across to one of the men and then returned to fetch another. “We are less than a day’s ride to the defences.” He said, passing across another chair and returning to fetch the last. “And you have the latest report. Word is though” he said as he sat and looked up “that the water has stopped rising, no increase for a few days now” he smiled.

  Marcus nodded but didn’t reply.

  “Caelio” Mella said as he looked to the officer to his right “has a brother at the defences and has suggested he ride ahead tonight and get the latest update from him before we arrive.”

  Marcus glanced to Caelio with a nod and returned his eyes to the report before handing it across to Caelio, who took it and leant forwards to catch the light.

  “Good idea” Marcus replied. “Caelio” he said as he took a small tablet and stylus and began to scribble, looking up as his mind went through his thoughts. “This is what I need to know” he said as he continued writing. “Morale. Weapons. Defences. Centurions who are liked and those who are not.” Mella looked up at this odd request, but Marcus was still scribbling and talking. “Food supplies. Duty lists”

  “I’m not sure my brother will have all of that” Caelio said with a smirk.

  Marcus nodded. “Agreed but you can stay and find out the information and we can discuss tomorrow evening when we have arrived and completed all the necessary hand-overs with Honorius.” He spoke quickly and decisively. Caelio nodded, handing the latest report to Mella.

  “It’s a shame Scipio isn’t still at the camp” Marcus said without looking up from his writing. “He would know all of this” he said. Scipio had returned to his family at the end of the previous summer following the death of his mother from the plagues which continued to eat into Rome’s population each year. Mella nodded, thinking of the withdrawn man he had met at his house only days earlier. Scipio had declined the offer to join Marcus as his wife was due a new child in the coming days, promising he would join once the child had been accepted into the family and all the correct rites completed.

  “There” Marcus said as he handed the tablet to Caelio and sat back. He looked to the three men and relaxed. “Narcius how is the arm” he asked, knowing that the leader of the Eagles had spent weeks working harder than any of his men to regain his full usage of the arm hurt in the recent battle at Capena.

  “Better than I could have expected” he grinned, a weary look in his eyes which Marcus caught.

  “You should take a day or two’s rest when we reach Veii” he said as his eyes narrowed. “I need you to get around the other Centurions and officers and see what they think of the defences, which are the weak points and which are the strongest. The men will know” he said as he clicked his fingers and a slave, his brown tunic tight on his lean frame, stepped into the tent from the rear quarters. “Wine” Marcus said without looking at him. Bowing, the man disappeared.

  “Veii is a thorn in the foot of Rome” Marcus said. “A thorn I want to pull out” he added, his voice suddenly determined. “I asked you here as I need your advice and I need your support” he said as the men looked to each other.

  “I’ve sent Fasculus on a little trip” he added as he noted the surprise in the faces of all three men, each flicker of their faces telling him that they had not known of the task the new man to their inner group had been assigned. Before he spoke again the slave arrived and dutifully poured out a measure of water and wine for each man, the three across from Marcus waiting for him to drink first.

  “Gods Mella, don’t stand on ceremony, you’ll unnerve me, man” he said with a smile as he raised his silver cup and said “For Rome and the Republic” at which Mella grinned and replied “Fortuna and Mars.” The men drank their cups dry and placed them on the table, Mella reaching across and filled them with the jar before holding it out to the slave who disappeared into the back to refill the jug.

  “What’s Fasculus doing then?” asked Narcius.

  Marcus leant forward slightly and spoke in a quiet half whisper. “I had intelligence that Veii was receiving weapons from a source outside the City. My informant gave me some details of a new meeting and I sent Fasculus to” he paused “intercept it” he finished.

  The men creased their brows. “Who” said Caelio.

  “I don’t know yet who has been supplying the weapons but needless to say it is from within Rome” he said with eyebrows raised as the three men shook their heads and sucked air in through gritted teeth, Mella looking angrier than the rest.

  “Bastards” he spat.

  “That’s as maybe, Mella” Marcus continued. “If he has intercepted the drop he will gain the information we need to tighten the screw on whoever it is” he smiled. “But I need your help on another matter” he said, looking to Caelio more than the other men whom he had known longer and trusted more explicitly. Marcus considered the three soldiers, men who fought for the glory and honour of Rome, but he also knew that they fought for wealth and social standing. He felt nervous as he began to speak.

  “We must conquer Veii” he said sternly. “Rome demands it and so do the gods.” The men looked grave as he saw their faces become serious. “I believe” he sat forwards again “that there are too many families who are too close to those in Veii and that they support them wherever they can. Supplies, weapons, even poor tactical decisions” he said as the men raised their eyebrows, Caelio looking as if he was about to speak but holding back his words.

  “Speak openly Caelio” Marcus said, noting the sudden reluctance on the man’s face.

  Caelio, his lips suddenly dry glanced to Narcius and then back to Marcus. “Sir” he said, his voice low “such words are treasonous. The Senate would not allow such a thing, they would find and kill any man found guilty of such a crime.”

  “Find is the key word, Caelio” replied Marcus. “Rome has defeated every enemy for miles around, yet we have struggled for nearly ten years to defeat Veii. Why? There has to be a reason beyond the high walls and defences of the city.” The men sat in silence. “How can any city under siege hold out for so long, surely there is not enough food for ten years held within its walls? So there must be other reasons.”

  “The gods favour them” Caelio said with a twitch as he
glanced to the rue sprig, a talisman to Fortuna that he wore on his left wrist.

  “I thought so too” Marcus replied “until Potitus overheard a discussion in the baths between two men who I shall not name yet.” Marcus gulped back some of the wine, the three men doing the same as his action prompted the same response in all of them. “That is why I sent Fasculus on his trip. Potitus heard a father complaining that his son had gone on a trip to deliver goods to Veii but that he had not returned. As you can imagine the words were hushed quickly but Potitus followed them to their home. It took some time but a few well placed spies and a few coins” the men smiled, money always bought information “gave us our first clues.”

  Mella looked to Marcus, his face firm. “Why did I not know of this?” he half demanded as he looked to Marcus.

  “My friend” Marcus replied “I could not involve any of you” he started to say.

  “But Fasculus” Mella replied a little louder “can you trust the man?” he asked indignantly.

  Marcus took a moment to take in the meaning in his words. Fasculus had, indeed, been Javenoli’s spy from many years ago, but he had proven himself in battles and had been as loyal as any man in the army, but he was especially good at finding information that other men could not. Marcus contemplated Mella’s words before speaking. Mella had been his friend as a boy, his sword tutor and bodyguard as well as his drinking partner. But things had changed. Marcus had risen in status to command a Roman Legion, thousands of men would live or die on his words. He looked to Mella, who flushed slightly under his gaze. “Fasculus was the right man for this job, you know his skills Mella, and the fewer people who knew about it the better. In fact” he said as he sat straight in his chair “now only you three, my brother Lucius, Potitus and Fasculus know this” he said as Mella’s bottom lip protruded slightly and he nodded.