Muted Implications (Clay Warrior Stories Book 12)

by J. Clifton Slater

  While the Senior Tribune read the allegations, Belen marched five couriers into the chamber. Assistants and secretaries pointed out the procession to the Senators who missed the six making their entry. The only ones oblivious to Belen’s group were clustered around Satoris Megellus getting their voting instructions.

  “…Refusal to follow orders while in unfriendly territory. Behavior unbecoming of a Legion Centurion…”

  From a pouch, Belen pulled small scrolls. Handing one to each courier, he pointed out five Senators.

  “…Dereliction of duty in a foreign city state. Commission of capital offenses against an ally of the Republic. And the theft of a horse from the city of Echetla.”

  At the mention of Echetla, the list of charges fell into an irrational question for Gaius Claudius. He could not understand why Sisera would go to a city where he had burned down the council building. Unless Sisera had ten Centuries of heavy infantrymen to protect him.

  The scrolls were delivered, and the couriers raced back to Belen.

  “Point of order,” Spurius Maximus called to the Chair. Although he struggled to get to his feet, the Senator had more energy than the day before.

  “Our pardon, Senior Tribune,” the Chairman offered. “The Chair recognizes Senator Spurius Maximus.”

  “Thank you, Chair. To the Senate, I wish a joyous Ides of March,” Maximus exclaimed to the chamber.

  While Spurius talked, his secretary handed out five more scrolls then indicated five different Senators.

  “I take this opportunity to remind everyone,” Spurius asserted, “of the Republic’s law. All debts must be paid on New Year’s Day.”

  Shouting and yelling broke out from sections of the chamber. Although aimed at Spurius Maximus, they had little to do with his speech. The anger and pain arose from the scrolls.

  “What is the meaning of this?” several Senators demanded.

  Spurius Maximus nodded at the complainers, sat, and folded his arms across his chest.

  ***

  “There seems to be a commotion in the Senate,” Satoris Megellus noted. “Chairman. Take the vote. A number of Senators have immediate business away from the Senate.”

  “All those who think Centurion Alerio Sisera is guilty…”

  “Chair. I demand to be heard,” Senator Flaccus bellowed. He leaped to his feet and strutted from his seat to the dais.

  “Senator Lucius Valerius Flaccus has the floor,” the Chairman said.

  But Lucius Flaccus veered off from the podium and stopped in front of Ignazio Dispansus.

  “Give me the pages,” Flaccus ordered. He held out his hand. When Dispansus looked to Senator Megellus for guidance, Lucius warned. “What are you looking at? Give me the papers. Or I will have your hand severed and the hand and the papers delivered to me.”

  Everyone heard the anger and the vile threat. Yet none of the Senators knew why Flaccus was so incensed. Dispansus placed the papers in the Senator’s palm. Then the Senior Tribune marched up the aisle, continued along the back wall, and left the Senate chamber.

  Lucius Flaccus ruffled the pages and cleared his throat. After scanning the words, he had written in Messina, Senator Flaccus read.

  Senator Spurius Carvilius Maximus,

  My friend, I trust this letter finds you in vigorous condition. Wintering in Sicilia is enjoyable if not tedious. The former is a result of being the senior representative of the Senate in Messina and assisting with military matters. Legion duties aside, the weather begs me to return next year, the Qart Hadasht army permitting. We really must sweep the Empire forces from this island as soon as possible.

  In helping Senior Tribune Caecilius with administrative duties, I had a document come across my desk. As it concerns an acquaintance of yours, I felt it germane to alert you.

  The document came in the form of a charge sheet. And the infractions listed were levied against Centurion Alerio Sisera. I believe you hold the officer in high regards. Due to the awkward nature of the situation, I disposed of the charge document.

  However, in case there is something in his actions that reflect badly on you, I felt it important to inform you of Centurion Alerio Sisera’s transgressions.

  Abandonment of a superior officer during trade negotiations.

  Desertion in the face of the enemy.

  Shirking of his assigned duties.

  Refusal to follow orders while in unfriendly territory.

  Behavior unbecoming of a Legion Centurion.

  Dereliction of duty in a foreign city state.

  Commission of a capital offense against an ally of the Republic.

  The theft of a horse from the city of Echetla.

  To be precise, all the charges are from statements made by Sisera to a Junior Tribune. Do what you must with this letter and its content as I wash my hands of the entire affair.

  I look forward to seeing you soon. Until then, may your digestion be adequate and your health glow.

  Lucius Valerius Flaccus, Citizen and Senator of the Republic

  “I will point out that the allegations against Sisera are not from a researched Legion charge sheet,” Flaccus explained, “but from a personal letter. Private correspondence from one Senator of the Republic to another.”

  “In light of this development,” Gaius Duilius announced from his spot off to the side of the dais, “by the power vested in me as Consul of the Republic, I declare all charges against Alerio Sisera dismissed. In addition, I order an investigation to be opened into the actions of Senior Tribune Ignazio Dispansus, concerning the matter of the letter.”

  “Centurion Sisera,” the Chairman instructed, “you are free to go.”

  Alerio marched to Spurius Maximus and saluted the Senator.

  “Thank you, sir,” he offered.

  “Stay close, Sisera,” Maximus requested. “Things are about to get ugly.”

  “I don’t understand, sir,” Alerio admitted.

  “The scrolls were notes calling in debts owed me,” Spurius Maximus explained. “There are a lot of angry, soon to be poverty-stricken Senators in the chamber.”

  Chapter 28 – Wielding Real Power

  Alerio and Civi positioned their bodies on either side of Maximus. Forearms acting as barriers, they held back the Senators screaming or crying for an extension.

  “As you’ve shown me,” Spurius Maximus expressed his disdain, “you don’t care for me or my politics. I expect payment today. Maybe you should ask Satoris Megellus for a loan.”

  “He is asking for too much interest,” one debtor replied.

  “In that case, I suggest you go sell some valuables,” Maximus remarked. “I am terribly sorry about you missing the next vote. Happy Ides of March.”

  Of the ten men who received scrolls, seven left the chamber to hustle up their payments.

  “Is it wise to make enemies of those men?” Alerio questioned.

  The Senator motioned for Alerio to bend down.

  “Belen is on the porch, offering deals,” Maximus told him. “Your instincts are correct. Never make enemies when you can avoid it. And because of that I didn’t have Belen deliver all the demand bills.”

  Spurius Maximus raised his arm but remained seated.

  “Chair. I want the floor,” the Senator requested.

  “The Chair recognizes Senator Maximus. You have the floor.”

  “Now let’s see if fear will give me the votes I need,” Maximus whispered to Alerio. The Senator stood then reached out. His fingers hooked under Alerio’s arm and Spurius pulled him closer. “I, Spurius Carvilius Maximus propose the adoption of Alerio Sisera. Chairman, call the vote.”

  Spurius Maximus glared around the chamber, daring anyone to vote against the proposal. After yesterday’s decision, the adoption was in doubt.

  “The Senate will vote on the petition by Spurius Maximus,” the Chairman proclaimed, “to adopt Alerio Sisera. All those against, please signify with a raised arm.”

  Senator Megellus’ arm shot into the air. Then wit
h bold gestures, he urged the Senators around him to raise their arms. Further from the seat of power, several more joined in the vengeful no vote.

  “That’s the first hurdle,” Maximus explained.

  “Senator, I don’t know what to say,” Alerio confessed. “Thank you, I guess.”

  “Don’t thank me yet, Alerio,” Spurius Maximus warned. “You will be taking on responsibilities for my estate and taking on my enemies. Before being grateful, know that you have a lot to learn.”

  “When will I be able to go after Ignazio Dispansus?” Alerio questioned.

  “By law, as soon as the Senate passes the resolution,” Maximus described, “you will have patrician status.”

  “Dispansus will be one less enemy you’ll have to worry about,” Alerio swore.

  “All those in agreement with the adoption, please signify with a raised arm,” the Chairman requested.

  “Here is the test of my real power,” Spurius revealed to Alerio. “Those afraid of offending Megellus will abstain. Those afraid of me will vote yes. But just in case some forsake me, and this declaration fails, Belen has more scrolls in his pouch.”

  ‘A political blood bath,’ Alerio thought.

  The Chairman and Secretary of the Senate put their heads together and counted the votes.

  “Attention to the dais,” the Chairman alerted the chamber. “The resolution for the adoption of Alerio Sisera by Spurius Carvilius Maximus passed with a majority vote.”

  “Aquila will be pleased. As am I,” Maximus said to his adopted son. “Welcome to the family, Alerio Carvilius Sisera.”

  Act 9

  Chapter 29 – Flexing Political Muscle

  “Since we escaped from Echetla,” Gaius Claudius greeted Alerio, “you have come a long way.”

  “It has been a strange and unexpected journey, sir,” Alerio admitted.

  The two shifted to the side of the observation area for a better view of the Senate and some privacy.

  “Whatever were you doing in that city?” Claudius inquired.

  “In addition to tampering with the Senator’s mail,” Alerio explained, “the staff officer reading the charges rigged orders that put me on a delegation to Echetla.”

  “He wanted you dead?” Claudius asked.

  “Or humiliated enough to hurt Senator Maximus,” Alerio added. “It almost worked.”

  ***

  From the dais, the Chairman declared, “Our final piece of business is the nomination and election of Consuls for this year.”

  “I nominate Gaius Aquillius Florus,” a Senator exclaimed.

  Calls of delight showed the support for the candidate.

  “I gladly second the nomination,” another called out.

  “Are there any arguments against this selection or challenges?” the Chairman inquired. When no one offered a dissenting voice, he stated. “All those in favor of Gaius Aquillius Florus to be our Co-Consul for this year, signify by raising your arm.”

  Just to be obstinate, a few refused to vote. But the rest of the Senators reached for the ceiling while belittling those who refused to participate. After a few heartbeats, all hands were raised. Gaius Florus was unanimously elected a Consul of the Republic.

  Consul Florus stood, bowed to each section of the Senate, and made his acceptance speech. Once the promises were made and thanks delivered, Florus sat and waited for his Co-Consul to be elected.

  ***

  From the dais, the Chairman explained, “The balance of power in our Republic depends on the protection of the citizens by the Senate and the guidance of the Senate’s business by two Consuls. With that, I open the floor for the nomination of our Senior Consul for this year.”

  “I proudly nominate Sulpicius Paterculus,” Satoris Megellus declared while uncoiling from his seat. “Over the years, Paterculus has brought leadership and intelligence to the Senate. There is no better man to handle the responsibilities of Consul.”

  “Consider the nomination seconded,” another Senator avowed.

  Megellus beamed a self-satisfying grin around the chamber. For those who knew the Senator intimately, they recognized the predatory nature of the expression.

  Happy to complete the last official act of the Ides of March, the Chairman ventured, “the vote is open for…”

  “Chairman. I have a different nomination,” Spurius Maximus announced as he climbed to his feet.

  Senators spent months deciding who to nominate. Typically, the vote by the Senate and, later, the people were already decided. Two candidates nominated for the same position on New Year’s Day was rare, creating a difficult situation to navigate.

  “The Chair recognizes Senator Spurius Maximus.”

  “I nominate Lucius Cornelius Scipio,” Spurius Maximus stated. “Senator Scipio is brother to Gnaeus Cornelius Scipio, a prisoner in Qart Hadasht. There is no better way to demonstrate our anger at the Empire for capturing last year’s Consul, than to install his brother as this year’s Consul.”

  Discussions, both loud and private, broke out in the chamber.

  ***

  In the observation area, the Senior Tribune and the Centurion watched the mania.

  “Why did your father do that?” Gaius Claudius asked Alerio.

  Not used to being adopted, Alerio shrugged off the question as if it were improper for him to have an opinion about his mentor’s motivation. Seeing the confusion, Claudius rephrased.

  “What is the purpose of nominating a second candidate?” Claudius inquired.

  “What is the purpose, Senior Tribune,” Alerio advised, “in having power if you can’t flex your political muscle. That is what you just witnessed.”

  ‘You have come a long way, Alerio Sisera,’ Claudius thought.

  They turned their attention back to the activities of the Senate.

  ***

  Senators clumped together and their secretaries rushed from group to group trading political favors. Of everyone in the chamber, the most isolated was Satoris Megellus. With his grand scheme for the year hanging in the balance of a vote, he seethed and refused to talk. His Lieutenants were busy threatening and making deals.

  “Chair. I demand a vote,” Spurius Maximus voiced his impatience. “This is the Ides and people have places to be.”

  “By the look on Senator Megellus’ face,” Belen offered, “he is very close to rushing over and stabbing you.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous, Senators don’t stab people. Not in the Senate building or on the Ides of March,” Maximus replied. “They hire other people to do their dirty work for them.”

  The Chairman shouted, “Gentlemen, please. Please. We will now take the vote on the Consul. All those in favor of Gaius Sulpicius Paterculus, signify your agreement by raising your arm.”

  Hands rose in clusters around the chamber. After getting assurance from the Senate Secretary that he had the count, the Chairman called for the vote on the second candidate.

  “All those in favor of Lucius Cornelius Scipio as the next Consul, signify your agreement by raising your arm.”

  Megellus seethed at the challenge to his influence while waiting. And across the chamber, Maximus plotted revenge.

  “The vote is going to be close,” Belen offered. “You could make a deal with Megellus? Or is that opportunity gone with last year?”

  “He attacked my villa,” Spurius said to Belen. “Until my dying day, I will make that animal pay for the violation.”

  “I’ve watched your adopted son over the years, Senator,” the secretary commented. “Did you pick him as your heir for that reason? For his aggressive nature?”

  “I chose Alerio because he is smart and reliable,” Maximus answered. “I know when I pass, he will take care of the Lady Aquila and my estate. Plus, he is tough enough to face my opponents. So partially, the answer is yes.”

  At the dais, the Chairman and the Senate Secretary ended their second huddle of the morning.

  “The Senate welcomes our new Consul,” the Chair announced. “Cons
ul Lucius Cornelius Scipio.”

  Lucius Scipio stood. Before giving his speech, he elevated his chin and searched the observation area. Once he spotted Gaius Claudius, the Consul motioned for the Senior Tribune to come down to him.

  Claudius saluted, acknowledging the summons.

  Lucius lowered his eyes and lifted both arms, “My brother rots in a Qart Hadasht cell. You have my word that I will do everything possible to hurt and destroy the Empire…”

  While the new Consul gave his acceptance speech, Belen said, “Congratulations Senator. It must feel good to be back.”

  “I will feel good when that snake is on his knees,” Maximus responded.

  Then he saluted Megellus before making a rude gesture with his arm.

  Chapter 30 – Follow the Threads

  In a backroom of the Senate building, Belen, Alerio, and Gaius Claudius circled a table. No one sat in the chairs.

  “I need to return to the chamber, but I’ll tell you what I know,” the secretary exclaimed. “We suspected Ignazio Dispansus was intercepting Alerio’s letters and the Senator’s correspondence. Without proof, there was nothing to act on. Two of the villa’s household guards were murdered on the street. Then Villa Maximus was attacked by Etruscan warriors. But we have no proof of who, or if it was the same person ordering the events. Now, I really must get back to the Senator.”

  “Go,” Gaius said dismissing Belen. The Senior Tribune tapped the table with a finger and told what he knew. “At the border, we had a war party waiting for instructions from the Capital. But I cannot see a connection between the events. This is like stalking a herd of deer through a grain field. Lots of cloven hoofprints but no identifiable trail.”

  “We have one opportunity,” Alerio offered. “Ignazio Dispansus has my personal gear. He may come after me for information on a temple chit.”

  “He should have your personal equipment,” Claudius commented. “He held you captive, didn’t he?”

  “Not at first,” Alerio described. Without thinking, he touched his tender eyelid. “A Samnite cavalry patrol intercepted me. They confiscated my weapons belt and pouches.”