The Ultimate Spoils (Tumultus Chronicles Book 1)

by Nathan R. Mancini

  Bantius took a drink, considering this.

  ‘Perhaps I shall take my share of the slaves now, if it is alright. I think I would profit more by sending them to work my family’s quarries in the Aecor Collectives rather than selling them in the slave stalls,’ he said, looking around. ‘Do not worry, I’ll manage all the transportation myself.’

  Corvinus looked to Horatius, the grizzly general just shrugged.

  ‘I see no problem with that,’ said Corvinus, ‘but you will have to wait for Prefect Castus to confirm the exact distribution when he returns from his work.’

  ‘Of course,’ smiled Bantius, evidently pleased.

  ‘So we have their capital and stores enough to last the winter, what next?’ asked Valko. ‘Tensions with the remaining townsfolk seem to be rising. Just this morning, four more of our legionaries were found murdered in the streets and I have reports of six different reprisal attacks from the men.’

  ‘We are in a newly conquered city; hostilities are expected to last for some time, even years,’ said Horatius dryly. ‘You must not forget that these are barbarians we are dealing with. They will not come to accept the rule of law except through force – the more ruthless the better. It quickens the transition to peace. So the next time a legionary is found murdered, round up every local on that block and take them into slavery. If someone is suspected of harbouring weapons, burn their home down. The embers of resistance cannot smoulder when trampled beneath our boots. These people will quickly lose the spirit for hostility, you will see.’

  ‘By that action we will command a city in name only, with no buildings or people left inside,’ said Valko.

  ‘Do you think I care? Two days ago these people were Evastii and today they are still Evastii! They deserve nothing more than a chain around their necks,’ snarled Horatius. ‘And if Caldinium is no more by spring time, what of it? The citizens of Arcem will still come here because the news-heralds in Monarx tell them to. They will buy the land we take and repopulate the city anew. But I can assure you, they won’t want to live in tribal huts or have Evastii neighbours when they get here.’

  ‘He’s right actually,’ said Corvinus.

  ‘Who is?’ asked Bantius, looking between the two, confused.

  ‘Both are,’ said Corvinus, ‘the First Centurion is correct in that the legions are growing restless. I think two days of looting has been quite enough. Tomorrow I shall have the centurions rally the men and put them to better use now that Caldinium is to become an Arcemite province. As General Horatius said, citizens will eventually be coming here so we should make plans for the city’s rebirth.’

  ‘What sort of plans?’ asked Germanus.

  ‘Well firstly I was thinking to build an actual road – south, all the way to Tarqus,’ said Corvinus. ‘That way we shall have a proper line of supply to carry our armies and any potential travellers north to Arcem’s new territories.’

  There were a few nods of support from amongst those officers present.

  ‘Then sewers!’ added Bantius. ‘The streets here reek. It is most uncivilised. If we are to winter here, new pipelines will have to be dug to get rid of the filth. I cannot stomach staying here otherwise.’

  ‘If you think my men came here to dig out barbarian shit from the frozen mud you can think again, young Tribune,’ said Horatius.

  ‘Then what shall the Tenth Legion do for the rest of winter?’ asked Corvinus.

  ‘Firstly, the primacy of Almighty Taranis must be respected and shown our thanks for blessing us with victory here. Once my legionaries have finished tearing down all those damned Evastii idols to Khronus that pierce the streets here like thorns, I will have them ready for war. We are still surrounded by hostile territory and come spring, those remaining warlords will have chosen a new king to unite the clans against us,’ said Horatius. ‘The Bronze Fists will go out and lay waste to their villages before that can happen.’

  ‘Then you shall have my legions to help,’ said Corvinus.

  ‘Thank you for the offer but I do not need them,’ said Horatius flatly. ‘Besides, my legion still has a personal score to settle with these barbarians.’

  ‘Well then I pray fortune smiles upon you, General,’ said Corvinus, standing, ‘I propose a toast, to the glory of Arcem.’

  All but Horatius stood from their seats, raising silver goblets.

  ‘The glory of Arcem,’ they repeated cheerfully.

  ‘Yes, glory – that is why old men go to war,’ Horatius mumbled to himself before finishing the rest of his drink, not realising he was still in earshot. ‘Glory, what a dreadful lie.’

  IX

  ‘Remember you are only a man.’

  Publio Tarquinius, to Romanus the Great.

  The marble of the Senate house echoed with the sound of applause as two-hundred senators present from Arcem’s ruling class stood up from their seats, clapping their approval.

  Before the assembly, in the centre of the marble floor, two soldiers stood. Though unarmed, each struck an impressive figure. Long crimson capes hung over magnificent suits of armour, specially forged for this occasion and polished to a high sheen. Clutching their plumed helmets underarm, the two men stood to attention before the senators like the conquering heroes they were.

  In unison, Generals Rufus Horatius and Marcus Valerius Corvinus beat their fists against their breastplates in a well-rehearsed salute.

  Internally basking in the celebration, the smile on Corvinus’ face was a tremendous understatement of his glorious mood. He had never felt so proud, to be standing before his father, his country and the gods. His heart raced. There was nothing that seemed beyond his reach. In that moment, for the first time since receiving blessings of the Spolia Opima, he felt truly immortal. This is my destiny, he thought, as the cheers washed over him. He had found his place in the world.

  Of course, some senators among the benches were visibly less passionate in their applause – Tribune Fulvio being one of them – but Corvinus did not mind. He had no need to prove himself anymore and now they were back in Monarx, the spoilt aristocrat would once again bend to his father’s command as general and consul.

  Corvinus glanced at Horatius by his side and was amused to see the general’s uneasy expression. Corvinus’ smile broadened further. Here was a man he had seen charge into the heart of an Evastii horde with unfaltering tenacity, but throw him in the centre of a room full of senators and he was on edge.

  Standing at the rostrum to their right, Elder Liberius raised a withered hand to settle the assembly. It took several moments for the ovation to recede and the senators to take their seats again, but eventually all was quiet and the elder commenced his address.

  ‘By the grace of Almighty Taranis we are blessed to stand here this day, in peace once more,’ rasped Liberius, his voice faint with age. The elder paused a second for the resulting applause to subside. ‘But before we continue, it is only proper that we first honour those noble sons of Romanus who have given their lives in defence of our sacred Republic. Let the fallen be forever remembered as the heroes they are.’

  ‘May the Chronicles remember their names,’ the assembly said as one, bowing their heads respectfully. They waited in silence for several moments until the Senate Elder continued.

  ‘Now, in recognition of their valiant efforts against the Evastii incursion, we have gathered to extend our gratitude to these two men. In the name of the Senate and the people of Arcem, we honour you and have the following titles to bestow upon your names...’

  Corvinus felt his chest swell as another wave of applause coursed through the room.

  ‘For securing the enemy stronghold of Caldinium and purging its surrounding territories,’ said Liberius, ‘General Rufus Horatius of the Tenth Legion is henceforth proclaimed; Imperator of the North.’

  General Horatius saluted sharply in response as the senators applauded his name. The grizzly veteran otherwise remained unmoved by the award; his eyes fixed squarely at the distant wall.

&nbs
p; ‘And to General Marcus Valerius Corvinus,’ Liberius continued, ‘for the slaying of the Evastii king, Ariogaisus, in single combat before the battle’s charge, you have earned an honour granted only once before in our history.’

  Upon saying this, the Senate doors suddenly opened and two Praetorian Guards from the First Legion entered. Corvinus watched the silver armoured legionaries walk towards him, noticing the slender wooden case they carried between them on bronze chains. Corvinus felt his heart skip a beat as he considered what its contents must be. Like everyone else in the room, he had always thought it to be a myth. He never thought much of killing Ariogaisus, it all happened so fast, a day filled with such frenzy that it seemed a distant memory.

  ‘Not since the Purging of Arcem – one hundred and thirty years ago, when our great Romanus struck down Atrox the Terrible, has this honour been repeated,’ said Liberius. ‘However, today the Senate, in accordance with the Chronicles of antiquity, names you the Sword of Arcem, and presents you the ultimate spoils.’

  The two Praetorians stopped before the rostrum and Elder Liberius before opening the chest. Senators shifted in their seats as every eye in the Senate house strained to see what lay within.

  Corvinus stepped forward as Liberius gestured him to its hallowed contents. Inside, on silken pillows, was a single gladius. Its blade was of refined steel that shone like white gold and beneath its gilded hilt was a handle carved from polished ivory. Awestruck, Corvinus slowly reached down towards the legendary sword.

  It was heavy in his hand, filled with the weight of history. This ancient blade had carved Arcem from the fires of war and seen the barbarians forced back into the wastelands of the north. This had once belonged to Romanus the Great – the first Sword of Arcem.

  Corvinus saw the other senators were also taken aback by the sight of such a sacred relic. But as he lifted the blade high above his head, the spell was broken and the Senate house erupted in cheering.

  Consul Valerius stood next to Elder Liberius, with a proud smile across his features. The consul’s eyes met his son’s in a moment of private congratulation that made Corvinus stand even taller.

  Elder Liberius on the other hand, appeared less than enthusiastic. No matter how triumphant, the sight of a soldier – not of the Praetorian Guard – armed inside the Senate house would not sit comfortably with the old custodian.

  ‘The sword will be escorted to your Monarx estate upon the conclusion of this assembly,’ said Elder Liberius, barely audible among all the applause.

  Corvinus nodded and gently placed the gladius back into the wooden chest, which was then locked shut by the two Praetorians. The ancient sword was promptly carried out of the Senate chamber and calm returned to the benches.

  Corvinus watched it go, already excited to hold the great relic in his hand once more. He looked back to Elder Liberius and the two consuls. He smiled to see his father give an approving nod. Corvinus knew he had much to discuss with him after so long, but for now it appeared Elder Liberius was set to address other, drearier business of the day.

  ***

  ‘The boy leaves and a hero returns,’ said Consul Gaius Valerius, standing beneath the marble statue of Romanus. The assembly had finally finished and all were shuffling out through the gilded inner doors of the Senate house, home to their estates. In the midst of those departing, he saw his son’s dark crimson cloak and armour through the mass of pearl white togas.

  Gaius watched Corvinus slowly make his way through the crowd of senators as each tried to shake hands and pledge their friendship. Gaius knew the feeling all too well. Many a time had he stood before the Senate as a victorious soldier. In Arcem nothing promoted a man’s public career like success in battle and the ranks of fellow politicians could always be counted on to try and share in the glory. Men he had never met in his life would appear at his side and smile as if they had known him for years.

  The slight confusion on his son’s face was clear to suggest that he too was experiencing this, but it was a fleeting emotion, quickly replaced by the joyous smile of one basking in newly acquired fame.

  Gaius sighed, still thinking over the ramifications of his son’s actions. The Evastii incursion had been a frustrating disruption to his plans but his son’s decision to venture north had jeopardised things further. Besides distance, his entire stratagem for surprise over the Senate was at risk. With their heroic triumph over the Evastii, all of Arcem would now have their attention upon the famous Valerii legions. It was something Gaius would have welcomed in any other circumstance, but currently all he felt was the burden of another obstacle. He knew he should feel pride for his son and deep down he did, but there was a knot in his gut of equal measure. Nevertheless, Gaius was sure to keep up appearances for the public and presented outwardly as nothing but an honoured father.

  As Corvinus finally escaped the circle of crowding senators, Gaius managed another smile and greeted his son with open arms.

  ‘You have done the family well, my son,’ said Gaius, pulling him in for an embracing hug. ‘I am sure that your mother and all our ancestors were cheering your name as they watched down from the heavens today.’

  Corvinus returned his father’s smile.

  They moved to the far corner of the outer chamber to get away from the other senators, who had started their own discussions on the marble steps of the Senate house.

  Corvinus looked around, making sure they were out of earshot. ‘I am greatly honoured by all this, but father should you have drawn such attention to me at this time?’ he asked. ‘What favours did you have to spend to bestow the Sword of Arcem?’

  ‘No favours were required,’ said Gaius. ‘Your actions in combat earned you the sword and title rightfully. It was Elder Liberius who brought the ancient tradition to the Senate’s attention shortly after news of your victory was received. All it needed was an official backing which Consul Zeno happily provided. I really had nothing to do with it.’

  Corvinus laughed with heartfelt satisfaction.

  ‘Speaking of my fellow consul, I believe he has seen us,’ Gaius said, nodding towards the veteran statesman, emerging through a pack of senators.

  ‘Consul Valerius, Senator Corvinus, salve,’ said Consul Tiberius Zeno, raising his hand in greeting.

  ‘Tiberius,’ nodded Gaius.

  ‘Consul Zeno, it is an honour,’ said Corvinus, offering out his hand. Despite his senior years, the greying consul still had a powerful grip that seemed to catch Corvinus off guard. Gaius smiled as he watched the exchange; he knew full well that his fellow consul’s earlier life as a decorated soldier had not yet left him completely.

  Consul Zeno’s wrinkled face also creased with a knowing smile.

  ‘I wanted to personally congratulate Arcem’s newest champion, and if I’m not mistaken, the youngest one at that,’ he said. ‘It is not every day we get to bestow such titles, you know. But I suppose invading the north is achievement enough to warrant it. Bold young lad, you can be sure the Chronicles will remember your name. I cannot think of the last time someone tried to go north.’

  ‘It was the previous Third Legion under General Triarius, twelve years ago,’ answered Gaius. He remembered the man well from their shared service against the Balhirans during the Great Raid. Another brave son of Ultor, squandered by the Senate in Monarx, his loss had struck particularly hard.

  ‘Ah yes, I recall now. Poor fellow, sad what happened to them all,’ said Consul Zeno his voice heavy with sympathy. ‘At least the Evastii will not be too much trouble anymore, thanks to you.’

  ‘The credit belongs with the legions. It was they who did the hard fighting and won the day,’ said Corvinus.

  ‘Indeed. I hear your own legion is already making a name for itself on the field, young general,’ smiled Zeno. ‘Tell me again what they are calling it?’

  ‘The Night Guard, in memory of their blooding and triumph on the Gaur Mons, sir.’

  ‘The Night Guard,’ Zeno repeated, ‘an interesting choice.’
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  ‘The men seem to have to accepted it and wear it as a badge of honour,’ said Corvinus. Gaius watched his son with caution, as Corvinus seemed to take offence at the connotation in Zeno’s words. Gaius prayed his son would not respond out of line, he knew Corvinus was fiercely proud of his young legion, but decorated soldier or not, he was still speaking with a Consul of Arcem. Luckily, Corvinus said nothing more. The moment passed as quickly as it had come and he simply nodded in deference to the greying consul.

  ‘That is good. I remember when my own legion earned its name many years ago...’ Consul Zeno continued with a distant expression, as his thoughts wandered back to relive some ancient memory. ‘But I am sure Arcem can expect many great things from you, young Corvinus. By the way, I happened to be by the Temple of Taranis this morning and could not help but wonder if that fine suit of silver and gold armour by the altar belonged to Ariogaisus?’

  ‘It did, right up until I speared him from his horse,’ said Corvinus, smiling. ‘The moment I first saw the Evastii king on the Gaur Mons I wanted that armour. Once I finally claimed it, I knew it was a prize worthy of Taranis, and so upon my return, I offered it to the Pontifex Maximus in thanks.’

  ‘Impressive spoils indeed, I am sure the gods will be very fond of you after you praise them with such gifts,’ said Zeno. The consul was distracted as another group of senators across the chamber waved for him to join them. ‘It seems I am needed elsewhere and must be away. Congratulations again on your triumph Corvinus. I am sure Arcem will be in good hands with young men like you arising to take up after us.’

  ‘Thank you,’ said Corvinus, watching him turn to leave.

  ‘The Night Guard, I’ll be sure to remember the name,’ Zeno smiled to himself, walking off to the other groups of senators.