In the doorway, the two guards crumpled to the floor. Standing over them were two of the Rank Leaders from Alerio’s right flank unit.
“I thought you were still on the mountain,” Alerio commented.
“We are, sir,” one replied. “And you need to be on the road before moon rise.”
“And we need to be back with our ranks before daylight,” the other advised.
They hauled the guards into the room, lifted Opsis, and carried him to the doorway.
“There is a horse and rations at the front of the building,” one Rank Leader told him. “Good luck, Centurion Sisera.”
This time, when Alerio snuck out of Echetla, he rode a horse through a half opened front gate. On the trail, he allowed the horse to walk until they passed the dip. Then he kneed the mount. Soon, the city faded into the darkness as the Centurion rode into the night. Later, the quarter moon rose, giving Alerio and his mount better visibility.
Act 4
Chapter 11 – In The Capital
“Chaldaeus. Another round?” Emericus asked.
“The Ides of March is in two weeks,” Chaldaeus advised. “If the General holds to his usual social calendar, he’ll be hosting galas for the new Consuls.”
“And, we’ll be on duty for a week. So tonight, we honor Bacchus,” the other household guard announced. He raised an arm and called to the serving girl. “My good lady, more vino, if you please.”
The two former Legionaries talked, laughed, and drank until the room spun.
“Had enough to hold you?” Emericus inquired.
“Bring on the Consuls, the Senators, the diplomats, and the rich men who want to touch the power,” Chaldaeus slurred. “We’ll guard them all.”
“I will take that as a yes,” his fellow man-at-arms replied.
The two spilled extra coins for the serving girl onto the table. In their state of inebriation, they failed to notice the coins falling into the slopped vino on the tabletop. Or the four Samnite cavalrymen who rose and followed them out of the wine cellar.
“It is a lovely evening,” Chaldaeus declared when they reached street level. “Look at that quarter moon.”
“Tonight is almost as perfect as the evenings in Venusia,” Emericus added.
“You only liked that assignment because we had garrison duty,” Chaldaeus stated. “We should have been with the marching Legion claiming our glory.”
“There was no glory in cleaning up the Samnites who refused the peace treaty,” Emericus insisted. “But we were younger than, and all our days were good days.”
The four Samnite tribesmen of the Legion auxiliary drew their swords. In three quick paces, they reached, stabbed, and chopped the former Legionaries to the ground.
“They have coin purses and nice blades,” one of the assailants mentioned. “What say Major Caraceni? We can split the coins and sell the gladii.”
“We got paid enough for the kills,” Paccia Caraceni justified to his men. “I’ll not have common thief on my soul as well. Let’s go.”
The four marched away from their victims, turned down an alleyway, and disappeared into the spring night. Moments later, a vendor heading home for the night discovered the bodies. His calls of alarm brought four City Guardsman. Without suspects, the guards could only send for a wagon to haul Chaldaeus and Emericus away.
***
Spurius Carvilius Maximus settled into his personal bath. The warm water closed in over his shoulders and he rested the back of his head on the lip of the pool.
“Senator, I apologize,” Belen said as he crossed the floor tiles.
“I’m not doing anything,” the Senator replied. “What is it?”
“Optio Affatus would like a word with you,” the Senator’s personal secretary explained.
“It’s early for him, isn’t it?” Spurius Maximus observed. “I’m not leaving for the senate until later this morning.”
Belen glanced at a window set high on the wall. Stars shown bright enough to be seen through the opening. Later, as the Senator mentioned, would be near sunrise when the senate started its session.
“Come, Master Affatus,” the secretary said with an encouraging motion of his hand.
The former Legion NCO marched into the bath. His hobnailed boots clicking on the decorative tiles until he braced a few feet from Spurius Maximus.
“General Maximus, good morning,” Civi Affatus barked using the Senators preferred form of address.
“Report, Optio,” Maximus ordered as if they were on a Legion operation.
“Chaldaeus and Emericus are dead, General,” Affatus stated. “Killed on the streets last night.”
“The result of a brawl?” Senator Maximus guessed.
“No sir. Their blades were sheathed,” Affatus described. “And they weren’t robbed. I’m adding another man to your personal guard for the next two weeks. And I am sending a cavalry escort to accompany Lady Carvilius to the villa.”
“That seems to be a bit of overreaction,” Maximus suggested. “How do you relate a street crime to the Senate of the Republic or the road between here and my country estate?”
“Naked blades, General,” Affatus replied, “sharp edges do not care about status or location.”
“No, they do not,” Maximus agreed. He stood and the muscles that made the old campaigner a leader of men during the Samnite wars were still there. But the mass was now covered by a layer of fat and wrinkled skin. Nevertheless, the General was still an intimidating figure. “Optio, I rely on your expertise. What else do you need?”
“I’d like Centurion Sisera here for a few weeks,” Affatus responded.
“Why Alerio?” the Senator inquired.
He took a robe from a household slave and slipped it on.
“His blade work and level headedness in a crisis, sir,” Affatus listed. “Plus, as an active Legion officer, he can stay closer to you than a household guard in social settings.”
“Thank you for your concern, Optio. Dismissed,” Senator Maximus instructed. Then, once the NCO of his household guard was out of the room, he turned on Belen. “Have we heard from Alerio? Has he returned any of my letters?”
“No, sir,” the secretary responded. “It is odd because Centurion Sisera is very diligent about sending replies to your letters.”
“Unless he is deep into a fight,” The Senator boasted. “Then a combat officer doesn’t have time for trivialities. I am getting dressed. Alert the coachman and Optio Affatus’ people.”
“Right away, Senator,” Belen acknowledged.
***
Just before sunrise, Senator Spurius Maximus and his secretary hopped from his carriage and flanked by two bodyguards, walked a torch lit path to the senate building.
At the top of the steps, he turned and scanned the temples around the forum.
“I need to build a temple,” he declared.
“To which deity, Senator?” Belen questioned.
“I’ll have to quiz my colleagues and see which has the most backing,” Maximus answered. “But it must be an original temple that calls to Legionaries and farmers alike. Since it will have my name on it, every man must feel an attraction to the temple.”
“Such broad appeal is difficult to find, sir,” Belen reminded the Senator. “The sun is almost up.”
Senator Spurius Maximus marched through the doorways and entered the senate building. Belen hung back searching the porch for familiar faces. Spotting a secretary for a senatorial ally of Maximus, he strolled over to speak with the man.
“Greetings, fellow assistant,” Belen said as he approached.
“Back away, Belen,” the assistance warned. “I can’t be seen talking with you. At least not this week.”
“I am not clear on your meaning,” Belen pleaded. “Are you ill?”
“To my very soul,” the other secretary confessed. “But not bodily. Be gone with you, Greek.”
Confused by the rebuke, Belen walked into the building and spotted three assistants for Senators a
lso allied with Maximus.
“Friends, I’ve just had the most curious encounter,” Belen explained while pointing at the doorway. “An assistant actually…”
Rather than a warm reception, the three aids turned away and hurried off in different directions.
Belen had been working deals and agreements for Spurius Maximus for over ten years. During the decade, he had seen party revolts. Caught unaware, important men, controlling large voting blocs, were brought down. In the span of a couple of days, they found themselves begging for support and pleading for information about upcoming legislation.
He sacrificed decorum for the immediacy of the moment and ran to the bodyguards.
“You, get into the senate chamber,” he ordered the biggest household guard, “position yourself against the wall facing the Senator’s aisle.”
Inside, the tiered rows of curved seating were broken every so often by rising aisles.
“You, bend over and sneak down to the Senator’s seat,” Belen ordered the second bodyguard. “Make yourself small and remain as inconspicuous as possible.”
“Won’t the General notice me?” the former Legionary asked.
“Tell him I will be along shortly to explain,” the secretary informed him. “Now, go. And watch for free blades.”
While the household guard went to the chamber, Belen raced to the porch. He needed a messenger. Civi Affatus had to be warned about possible trouble at the villa. And the Optio needed to send a couple more bodyguard for Spurius Maximus.
Belen did not fear an assassination attempt on the Senator’s life. To steal political power required only a covert stab, injuring Maximus enough to put him in bed for a few days. In his absence from the senate floor, any kind of political absurdities could happen.
***
“Belen, I think you have been hanging around me for too long,” Maximus scolded. “Perhaps a theater put on another of those awful Greek plays. You know the ones that make Latian’s hate Greeks for being so self-righteous. Or for the playwright’s flowery poetry. One last month had the hero plucking out his eyes. His eyes, for the Goddess Eris’ sake. Talk about strife.”
“I have no idea what you are referring to, Senator,” the secretary remarked. How could a man like Senator Maximus not identify with Oedipus Rex in the one hundred and seventy-one-year-old play by Sophocles? “The senatorial aids and secretaries shunned me outright. There is something wrong, sir.”
“Maybe it’s anti Greek week,” Maximus said with a chuckle. “Now the vote is coming up on my Sicilia plan for this year. Leave or be silent.”
“At least allow the bodyguard to stay,” Belen implored.
“Fine, fine, he can stay,” Senator Maximus relented.
He sat up straighter and glanced around to make eye contact with his voting bloc. Oddly, everyone of his more powerful allies suddenly got busy talking with assistants or reading scrolls.
“The Senate will vote on the foreign agenda for this year,” the Chairman of the Senate declared. “In less than two weeks, we will elect two new Consuls. To help them, I have two bills on my lectern.”
The Senate chamber grew quiet as the Senators and their aids focused on the words.
“The first bill allows for funds to raise four Legions,” the Chairman stated. “These Legions will march on Sicilia in the spring and drive Qart Hadasht forces from the island once and for all.”
“There’s my bill, Belen,” Maximus boasted. “It should pass easily.”
“Yes, sir,” the secretary responded.
“The second bill in front of the Senate is another direction for our new Consuls,” the Chairman of the Senate explained. “For next year, bill number two orders the fleet to Sardinia and Corsica. Once there, they will secure treaties and deeds of friendship by negotiation or by force, whichever the Consul deems is necessary.”
Chapter 12 - The Vote Count
“While the fleet has been a shiny and pleasing object, it is Legionaries on the ground that win territory,” Senator Spurius Maximus said coming to the end of his speech. “Remember, since we relaxed our guard the Empire has moved in, secured half of the island, and taken hard-won cities. Gentlemen, we must march on Sicilia. Thank you.”
Maximus half bowed expecting to make a gesture of humility to hide the confidence he felt. But while sitting, he noticed the lack of enthusiasm for his speech and thus his position.
“The Senate recognizes Satoris Megellus. He will describe the benefits of the second foreign policy bill,” the Chairman of the Senate announced. “Senator Megellus.”
Satoris unwound his lanky frame and stood. He nodded at a few sections of Senators before starting his speech.
“We have expended massive amounts on warships and the training of their crews and officers. And thanks to the Gods, our fleet has been successful,” Satoris exclaimed. Cheering erupted and he waited stoically for the clamor to die down. “Now that we have the tool, and do not doubt that the fleet is a tool of war, we must take advantage of it’s ability. I am speaking about rowing to Sardinia and Corsica and bringing Roman law to the uncivilized islands. Those are the islands we need to use our tool on, not Sicilia. A tool that has cost us but, is formed and ready. Let this body legislate for recouping our expenses with the fleet. Let us move to take Sardinia and Corsica. Thank you.”
Wild applause broke out in every section of the chamber. Satoris Megellus acknowledged the cheering with a wave of his hand and sat.
Senator Maximus reached out, grabbed a handful of Belen’s robe, and pulled the secretary close.
“Send a message to Lucius Flaccus in Massina,” the Senator instructed. “Alerio Sisera needs to be aware of the danger.”
“Is the Centurion truly in peril?” Belen inquired.
The Chairman of the Senate called for votes on the two bills.
“Look at the man standing at the top of Satoris Megellus’ aisle,” Maximus suggested.
Belen flicked his eyes in the direction then back to the Senator.
“There is a Senior Tribune standing there,” the secretary reported. “He has piercing eyes and a scar high on his left cheek.”
“That man is Ignazio Rudentis Dispansus. Senator Megellus’ military advisor and enforcer,” Maximus explained. “If Satoris Megellus is targeting me, he will want to destroy anyone associated with me. I need Centurion Sisera to be watchful.”
“All those in favor of marching on Sicilia?” the Chairman inquired.
“Send the messenger,” Maximus insisted while raising his arm to signify his vote.
Spurius Maximus did not bother to count the votes. He knew his bill had already lost.
***
Later, Maximus called for attention, “A point of order.”
The fleet bill had passed, and the winner had a crowd of Senators around Satoris Megellus offering congratulations. While his boss collected political pats on the back, Senior Tribune Dispansus stared at Maximus’ bodyguards.
“Senator Spurius Maximus,” the Chairman acknowledged, “you have the floor.”
“I propose a new temple to be constructed near the forum,” Maximus replied without even standing up.
“Can I get a second voice on Senator Maximus’ proposal for a temple?” the Chairman of the Senate inquired.
None of the Republic legislators backed Spurius Maximus. He nodded to the lectern to signal that he would not press the proposal.
“The motion did not carry,” the Chairman of the Senate announced.
Spurius Maximus pushed out of his chair. Followed by one bodyguard, the Senator directed the other to walk in front of him. Belen and two more guards sent by Civi fell in with the former General.
As they left the building, Senior Tribune Ignazio Dispansus stepped away from the wall as if to follow. He hesitated then stepped back and reoccupied his position. The threat, although missed by Maximus and his people, was seen by enough Senators to make an impact on the weaker ones.
***
The household guards ma
intained their usual patrol patterns. It was believed that gladii carried by former Legionaries projected enough strength. At entrances, an extra guard would assist when delivers were made or when a guest arrived. Villa Maximus, by normal standards, was a model of security in the city.
“Bia. Thank you, Goddess, for the force and power of my body,” Tomas Kellerian prayed with a bowed head. As he turned from the statue in front of the villa, two armed guards blocked his way.
“Please leave,” one advised.
Although seemingly courteous, there was no grace in the statement.
“Get Optio Civi Affatus out here,” Tomas instructed. “You will be glad, he will be happy, and Senator Maximus will be pleased.”
“You aren’t on the visitor’s list,” the other exclaimed.
“Is there a list?” Tomas inquired.
“Not yet. But we expect one at any moment,” the guard replied.
“You will announce me to Affatus,” Tomas threatened. He reached out and rapped on the man’s spear. “Or, he can find a new supplier for his household men-at-arms.”
“You are Tomas Kellerian, armorer to the gods,” the other sentry gushed.
“And to fine villas throughout the Capital,” Tomas added. “But not to villa Maximus. Not any longer.”
The two moved back in coordinated paces. When the guards were out of striking distance from Tomas, one went to the front door.
***
“Centurion Tomas Kellerian, come in,” Senator Maximus greeted the armorer. “Belen tells me you needed to see me right away.”
“General. I received a letter from Alerio Sisera,” Tomas began.
“At least one of us has,” Maximus said with a little hurt in his voice.
The armorer placed the letter on the Senator’s desk.
“There are a couple of coded hints of trouble in his missive,” Tomas mentioned.
Spurius Maximus’ eyes found the two troubling sentences.
I am in Echetla training their spearmen on Legion drills and formations.
If you see my mentor, please pass on my best wishes.
Muted Implications (Clay Warrior Stories Book 12) Page 8
