Chanting over, Capitolinus sat in a large wooden chair, with the two tribunes sat either side of him, and said loudly “I thank you all for coming today and I say welcome to you all, especially the fresh faces I see.” He nodded in the general direction of a few faces and caught Brevo’s dark eyes with a slight nod of recognition before he spoke again. “Today, my friends, we will discuss the new land laws that the senate are forcing upon you.” People murmured, and heads nodded. “As you know the Patrician clans have searched for and found the twelve tables and some of the old laws of the kings that were lost when the Gaul’s took our city due to their pathetic leadership. The laws of the twelve tables that rule your lives and mine are good in the majority of cases” he added, speaking slowly with pursed lips and a deep ridge between his frowning eyebrows. “In the old days, the king would decree land to the people after a victorious season of campaigning. Families would be granted parcels of land to plough and develop.” His voice had risen in pitch as he looked out at the silent gathering. “Men like you, Maxus, would be given your share of the future” he said as he inclined his head towards a gap toothed, dark-haired, fellow who grinned back at Capitolinus. “You Fastius, whose family have repaired the roads and houses of the rich for over two generations, would have received your just reward of land in the colonies. But have any of you seen anything?” his raised voice asked as he moved his gaze away from Fastius and across the room. Heads shook silently. Brevo felt his bottom lip tensing as he, too, frowned at the words he heard. “No, because the patricians have taken all of the land or given it to their favourites, to men who only gain the land on tenancy agreements, so the rich get richer whilst you, my friends, get poorer.” He held up his hands as mutterings stirred the room. Brevo saw that Clavius was nodding furiously at the words of Capitolinus. “There is no equality for all in this Republic, gentlemen. I tell you now that I, with the grace of Jupiter, greatest of the gods” at which he turned towards the statue at the end of the garden and temple above and beyond the wall “will take your voices to the senate. I, will force them to abide by the old laws which gave every man the opportunity to earn his share of land equally.” He stood, his right fist balled as he slapped it against his thigh. “Without a delegate to take your case to the senate you will have no say, no voice in this free Republic of which we are a part. The senate will continue to give parcels of land to those in their favour, and continue to increase your debt to them. They will own your rights as freeborn citizens by owning everything you have, taking your blood and sweat, taking the produce that you toil to produce, taking your last breath” he paused. “Gentlemen, I tell you, they will take your freedom.”
“Never” called a man in a short grey tunic as he stood from his sitting position on the floor.
“Sit, sit” placated Capitolinus as hands pulled the man back to the floor. “The land laws give them this power, my friend. You must support your tribunes to veto their stranglehold on your freedom. You must become more active in denouncing the laws which you know will only make your troubles as good freeborn citizens deepen as men in the pay of the senate are given land and you are left with nothing. How many sons did you all lose in the last few years? Good men. Solid men who fought as the gods expected. But have you gained anything other than hardship for their deaths?” Murmurs became groans as men visibly pulled at their hair and shook their heads, emotions now starting to show at these new words. “I tell you now, friends” his arm rose and pointed out towards the city. “They have prospered. Their friends have prospered. Has any man that you know, solid citizens who fought for Rome, gained anything other than a few meagre handouts from the patricians who run Rome? No” he added with a shout. “You must listen to your tribunes” continued Capitolinus with a look to the two men beside him. “They will support your voices, but they cannot do this alone. One single pebble will wash up on the beach and be lost, but a thousand pebbles can start to build a wall. Ten thousand pebbles will hold back the tide, twenty thousand pebbles will change the whole direction of the tide. I tell you gentlemen, the time has come for your voices to build that wall, to hold back the tide of bad laws which the senate will create in their own favour. Gentlemen” he sat down, and his earnest face turned towards the statue of Jupiter. “You must know that the gods favour me. This” he raised his right hand “hand saved you from disaster against the Gaul’s, slaying those who opposed Jupiter’s will. I tell you now, follow me, listen to your tribunes and we will build that wall of pebbles, we will change the tide of laws which promote only the sheep who follow the patricians and make them richer whilst you struggle to plough your fields and your children starve.” The noise levels were growing as men started to stand and shout their agreement. Capitolinus waved them to silence as he stood, his teeth showing white as he grinned at the men around him. “Listen to your tribunes, follow them, support them and change Rome for the better, gentlemen” he said as he turned and clasped hands with both tribunes before moving slowly through the clapping men towards the door.
“The gods love that man” Clavius said loudly over the din of the room as Brevo sat and watched the gathering shifting to get close to Capitolinus as he moved towards the door. A lot of what he had said was true, he thought as he went through various men he had seen benefit from the wars. Narcius was close to Camillus and had gained land and houses in and around Rome, the first spear now almost as rich, if not more so, than some of the patricians themselves. He snarled at the thought. No other man he knew had gained any large grants of land, and there were precious few he could think of, who had been an ordinary man like himself. He’d lost two brothers at the Allia, a cousin against the Gaul’s and three of his nephews since then. All for what? As head of the extended family he’d picked up their debts, picked up their screaming children, picked up the stresses of their poor farms and knock-kneed animals which were only fit for the pot, and he’d been left with more dependants than he could feed. Was Capitolinus right? He bit down his teeth as he considered the words he’d heard. Was it fair? Had the senate, and his commander, been tricking him all along? How had he fallen for it all this time? Camillus had let them take the spoils from their campaign, surely that was worth something. Yet what were these trinkets worth? Nothing. He’d lost them all in games of dice. If he’d been given land. His thoughts were interrupted by jostling as men shifted back to their seats and he glanced to Clavius who was still standing and clapping as the door closed behind the retreating form of Capitolinus.
“Gentlemen” said the deep voice of Menenius, his dark eyes looking directly at Brevo, or so he thought. “I have a plan to discuss with you all.”
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“And his wife?” asked Javenoli as Pompeia rolled to her side and picked a date from a small earth bowl decorated with the shape of oak leaves and acorns. Her thin aquamarine drape shimmered in the candlelight and he smiled as he watched the curve of her hip tighten against the dress.
“She is plain” replied his consort. “A shame she has nothing about her to show any interest, although she dotes on her child as she has lost several over the years.”
“Yes” replied Javenoli. “They haven’t been as lucky with their offspring as some” he added with a glance to the mural of Achilles which had recently been finished in his bedroom. The tight muscles of the warrior were fixed in a stance ready to spring at the army that was rushing towards him, spear held up for the attack. Javenoli smiled, turning his attention back to Pompeia. “And do the ladies of the senate talk of their men and their activities?” he asked.
“Incessantly” she replied. “Although those that you would expect to remain silent, do so. They are trained well” she smiled. “Though I have a few tricks” she started to say, turning large eyes to Javenoli. His grin made her smile more broadly before she continued. “It would seem that Iulius, Cincinnatus and that man with the big eyebrows” she asked.
“Naminius” Javenoli replied as she nodded recognition.
“Yes, him. They have sent envo
ys to Tarquinii, Vitellia and Carsioli to set up new trading deals.” She turned a knowing smile towards Javenoli, who half laughed as her eyebrows rose in reply to his outburst.
“Moving into enemy territory” Javenoli replied. “The Latins have trade deals with Rome which are always a loose alliance dependent upon the war situation. Dealing with them now is folly. It won’t be long before Rome expands into their territory and takes it all.” As soon as he said the words he realised what Pompeia was implying and sat forwards. “Clever” he said.
“Yes” she added. “I was asked if I would like to back some of their deals, although I was asked not to talk to you about it” she added. “I said I might be interested” she said seductively as Javenoli flicked a grape towards her and smiled. She turned a serious look towards him. “What do you make of their moves?” she asked.
Javenoli looked at the floor for a moment, deep in thought. “I guess that by looking for trade deals in both the north and the west they are looking to gain favour with local families, offer them support if Rome does attack their lands. It will be well received by the traders as they are far less likely to be inclined to war if Rome does move against them. It will buy them good trade routes and local supply depots if an army moves through the territory too.” He inclined his head and nodded. “Yes, clever” he added. “I should have considered it myself if it wasn’t for all the work I have been doing trying to keep up with Capitolinus and his constant grumbling” he glowered as he mentioned the name.
“Let Istros remove the burden from you” she smiled.
“Ha. I have considered it, but I need to use his name for a few deals with some of the lower families to secure a pocket of land along the river which could be very lucrative once I’ve arranged for the senate to drain the marshes there. We’re extending the Cloaca Maxima in that direction” he added as she replied with a nod. “Then I must deal with him properly. His hatred of Camillus is going to cause us problems, I can see it. He must understand that removing Camillus’ will make no difference to Rome, the senate will endure, and the patricians will continue to hold power. Being a king of Rome was a fanciful idea whilst we sat starving on that hill” his eyes moved towards the Capitol as he continued “but it was nothing more than that, the dreams of starving men. His move to pay off the debts of plebeians and win their favour is only going to bankrupt him, but he can’t see it. Without the money he’s throwing at them, they’d all be at somebody else’s door asking for handouts” he shrugged.
“He does not understand that, my dear” Pompeia chided. Javenoli grimaced. “I fear that you will come to blows with him. I also fear that he takes up too much of your time” she added as she slid across her reclining couch and pushed a foot out to rub against his thigh. He smiled in response. “Vispania has moved out of the house” she said as Javenoli nodded, Istros having already informed him of this recent change. “She’s had enough of the streams of people calling at the house at all hours of the day and night. I’ve suggested she comes with me on a small trip, to help her to relax” she said as Javenoli inclined his head.
“I feel sorry for her” he added sadly.
“I think it would be in her interests to be away from Rome for a while” she said with a look to her companion.
“Probably for the best” he replied.
After a moment’s silence Pompeia spoke again. “I will talk with the ladies of the senate to understand more of their husband’s plans, I’ll feign interest in their husbands schemes. We should consider similar concepts” she said as she moved her foot along his leg. “My connections across the Paludes Pomptinae are very strong. My family have farmed and traded there for centuries.”
Javenoli smiled. “Let’s talk of that later. I have something else in mind” he smiled as her eyebrows rose in mock surprise.
************
Watching the woman had brought a moment of peace to his evening as Istros sipped at a cup of warm broth from a street vendor. She had dark curls which flowed from the wrapped hood which covered most of her head, deep brown eyes and round rosy cheeks. He smiled as he blew on his broth, pieces of barley floating on the surface as other colours from the boiled vegetables within pushed their way to the surface. Not bad, he thought as he took another slow drink and felt the heat warm his throat. The woman turned away to another buyer, this man taking a sample of the broth before he bought. He watched the woman’s hips under her thick clothing and felt a tinge of envy as he glanced to the grey haired old man who sat behind her stirring a large pot of newly boiling broth. How the Roman’s lived, he thought. Young brides for old men. Well it was the same the world over he supposed. He turned his lowered head back to watching the back of the serving woman and his thoughts warmed him as much as the broth. His peace didn’t last long though as he heard shouts and the noise of running feet from along the road. Men appeared, boys running ahead waving sticks and shouting ‘war, war’ as they continued to jog along whilst looking back over their shoulders. People were up and looking over at the road, voices raised in questions as the streets filled. Istros saw the old grey beard rushing off into the streets and turned to see his young wife already moving quickly into the shadows with one of the younger customers. He smiled as he helped himself to another cup of the broth at her absence and sat back on his bench to blow onto the hot liquid as he cradled the cup.
Men on horses appeared, thronged by a small crowd of people all calling for news. The horses had their ears pressed hard back as they stamped and skidded along the roads, teeth bared as men and boys jumped out of their way. A street beggar dipped his coin cup into the broth urn, his eyes fearfully watching Istros for any sign that he might give him away. Istros raised his cup slowly and dipped his head, which elicited a huge grin from the beggar, his single tooth looking like a long finger hanging from inflamed red gums. The noisy crowd moved slowly as more people arrived and joined the soldier’s new entourage. They turned up the hill, heading for the forum and towards the Capitol Hill as the riders called for space and waved their spears at the crowd as they continued to shout for news. It took ten minutes for the crowd of followers to disappear up the hill behind the riders and for Istros to finish his broth, the streets still full of people all pushing and shoving as they either followed the riders or moved back towards their homes. As he watched he saw the grey beard coming back, his thin legs shuffling as he crossed the road, eyes suspicious as soon as he saw his wife was not tending the pot. Just as his voice started to call for her she appeared from the back with an arm full of vegetables and quietly started to chop them into a copper bowl. The old man mumbled words as he passed her and stared into the broth to make sure it wasn’t burned as he ladled thick lumps into the urn from which they sold their produce.
“What news?” Istros called out, lifting his chin towards the disappearing crowd. The wife looked up, her cheeks somewhat rosier than before the commotion, Istros thought. The old man grunted and spat on the floor. “More tribes not happy at paying taxes” he said with disdain as he looked at his wife and narrowed his eyes before standing and tapping her leg with a long, thin, stick he kept beside his stool. “Why’s your stola all twisted?” he demanded as Istros grinned to himself and started to move off. The wife yelled something back at the old man and they began to bicker, their voices rising to yells by the time he rounded the corner and turned away towards the Esquiline.
After an hour he’d gained an audience with Javenoli as the Pontiff was dressing to attend the urgent senate meeting. He stood quietly in the hallway as Javenoli stumped about angrily cursing the local tribes and swearing that if he were in charge Rome would have them all put to the sword. Istros considered this statement and thought that surely if Javenoli, as chief priest, willed it to be so, then it would happen, but he decided to say nothing.
“Istros, have you any more news of Cincinnatus?”
“No more than two days ago.”
Javenoli’s slave covered his outstretched arms in a thick cloak as he turned to the Thrac
ian. “Good. Keep an eye on him. And” he added “I hear Capitolinus is stirring up trouble with the local plebeian groups. Find out what’s happening” he said as he clasped his cloak around his body and set off to the door where Istros knew several Lictors were waiting to lead him to the Curia. Istros sighed as he picked up his thin woollen cloak and began to wrap it around his shoulders. A noise made him glance back over his shoulder and he tensed as he saw a shadow move beyond the door behind him. Someone had been listening. Stealthily he stepped across to the door and opened it slowly as he held his breath and peered into the semi-dark corridor. Nobody. Noises came from the other direction as Istros stood still and wondered which of Javenoli’s slaves had been listening, was it Garvi again? A loose end, he thought. I don’t like loose ends.
************
Chapter 16
A crowd had gathered outside the Curia as the senators arrived, each patrician picking his way through as they huddled behind bodyguards who were showing the customary violence to anyone who got in their way.
“Move aside there” shouted one voice as Cincinnatus looked up in surprise as his retinue came to a halt.
“Patrician pigs” called a voice as a stone flew over the head of one bodyguard and hit another square in the face with a dull thud. Faces blurred as bodies suddenly moved with the energy of those who don’t want to get caught in the middle of a street brawl. Cincinnatus pulled a short wooden club from his belt and braced himself as he clenched his teeth. His chief bodyguard was wading into the shifting crowd with a scream as the man who’d taken the stone in the face stood his ground and swung his thick cudgel in a circle to clear the way. Hands pushed Cincinnatus forwards towards the meeting house and he felt himself almost lifted up the steps and into the thick oak doors. Turning to look back over his shoulder he saw a knot of men standing back in the crowd staring at him with wide grins. He clenched his teeth and spat out an order for his bodyguards to give chase and teach them some manners before he turned into the building, other senators already being bundled into the doorway as he moved.
The King of Rome Page 24
