Note from Kanuro5: This is the final chapter. *Sigh* it's been a long way and a long time, but we're finally here. Almost brings a tear to my eye.

Also, I posted my penultimate chapter back in May, but because the website was acting up when I posted it, apparently the alerts didn't go out when I published the chapter. So if you have not read the previous chapter, "The Return", then please do so before reading this one.

I'm very excited for the Seventh Season of Game of Thrones coming out next week! I will be enjoying that with an ice cold beer in my hand.

If you have gotten up to this point, then thank you for reading! I never could have dreamed that my story would be read all the way through and have gotten as popular as it has been. Thank you all and Enjoy!

XLIII

Carpe Diem

Rome

Two Months Later

84 B.C.

"Let there be order within the House! I demand the floor! Now then… Proculus Julius, Vitus Julius, you two have been brought here today to stand trial for crimes against the Republic. The charges for which you are being prosecuted are on the grounds of gross criminal negligence, insubordination, destruction of military discipline, treason, desertion— " Magistrate Calavius slurred with venom.

Proculus' eyes narrowed, " 'Desertion'?"

Both brothers turned their eyes to the Praetor sitting under his uncle, the Consul. Marcus met their eyes but showed no expression.

"Do not interrupt!" The magistrate bellowed as he stood imperiously. He calmed before continuing, "Desertion within the face of duty, for conspiring with the Britons in handing over Samarobriva, and speaking with the authority of the Senate towards the enemies of the Republic! Now against the charges labeled against you, how do you two plead?"

"Not guilty." Proculus said.

"Not guilty." Vitus said.

"Very well then, with permission from Consul Caius Maxentius, may we begin?"

All eyes of the Curia fell on the Consul. He cleared his throat before he spoke, "You may begin, Magistrate."

And here we go, thought the Julius brothers. They knew they would face exorbitant amount of trouble based on their decisions, but they failed to fathom it would be of this magnitude. Then again, they both knew the Senate had to make an example out of them. To tell all military leaders that collusion with the enemy would be meted out with utter punishment.

After returning to Alesia, the Julii family and the remnant of the Twenty-Eighth Legion traveled to the Julii capital of Arretium, where they were greeted warmly by the Julii Leader, Decius Julius. The first order of business that needed to be done: the funeral of Lucius Julius the Mighty. As his body had been cremated by his sons on the campaign, Lucius' head was the only thing to be displayed to the mourners, which was washed, anointed, and wrapped. Hundreds attended Lucius' funeral, many of them were prominent noblemen who extended condolences to the brothers. After the procession, they cremated his head and built a tomb within the Crypt of the Julii that laid beneath Arretium for all prominent Julii who had ascended with the Birth Mother, Venus.

Lucius' family resided comfortably in Arretium thereafter; Vitus was working hard to reorganize the Legion back to fighting strength and Decius had taken Proculus as his apprentice to learn administration and politics. Until mere days ago, where they received a summons from the Senate, requesting their immediate presence for a trial about their campaign. Refusal or delay would lead to punishment that the brothers wouldn't dare conceive of. The brothers prayed to Venus to protect them from the Senate's wrath, for they knew what was to be asked of them.

And now here they stood. Side-by-side one another, wearing the simple crimson tunics of the Julii. Surrounded on both sides by the hostile and critical senators of Rome, whom stared bitterly at them with eyes of disappointment and disgust.

The prosecution consisted of Magistrate Calavius, a well-known detractor of the Julii and all too eager to condemn members of the glory seeking family. Presiding over the case was Consul Caius Maxentius who sat brazenly in his Consul's seat. Underneath the Consul sat Praetor Marcus Maxentius, his eyes focused on the brothers yet they had a sort of sadness in them that the brothers noticed.

Calavius wasted no time in calling witnesses for the prosecution. To the brothers' surprise, they consisted of the senatorial legionary survivors at Samarobriva, yet Marcus Maxentius himself was not called forth to testify. The legionaries answered all of Calavius' questions, saying how the brothers were eagerly wanting to surrender Samarobriva and broker terms with the barbarians, how Vitus spared Lugotorix and how he spoke to Lugo extensively, how Proculus struck the Praetor, and how after the evacuation the men could spot Vitus and Lugo speaking to one another in the rear.

Such testimony was utterly damning in painting the brothers as barbarian sympathizers, but now it was time for the brothers' defense. For this special hearing, the brothers were allowed to bring for witnesses to aid in their testimony. Their first witness was called forth.

"State your name for the Senate." Calavius grunted.

"Gaius Aelianus. Primus Pilus of the Twenty-Eighth Legion."

"Centurion Aelianus, how long have you served with the Twenty-Eighth Legion?

"Fifteen years. Within two months, it shall be sixteen."

"Were you aware of the objective for the Samarobriva campaign?"

"Yes. Our orders were to retrieve the Praetor at all costs and return him to Rome. Lucius Julius explained it to the men."

" 'At all costs' you say? Did the Julius brothers authorize the use of force to extort the Praetor into conceding into the Britons' demands?"

Aelianus' eyes shifted over to the accused. He lowered his head and sighed, then raised it again. "We were given orders to await any command that the Generals ushered. They had not used those words but if they had…"

"You would have done so? You would place your hands on the Praetor? Speaking of which, didn't Proculus Julius place hands on Praetor Maxentius during a heated argument?"

"He… yes, he did. But only because the Praetor placed hands on—"

"That is enough, Primus Pilus." The Magistrate turned to the senators. "These are the men on trial, men who disregard positions of prestige and resort to violent actions like those of petty criminals to get what they want. They forcibly coerced Praetor Maxentius to concede to Briton demands."

"What?!" Proculus shouted, "We did not force him!"

"Silence! Do not speak unless spoken to!" Calavius rebuffed.

Aelianus was stricken with horror. But he quickly recomposed himself before speaking, "Magistrate, as a soldier of the Republic it is my duty to report with honor that the previous statement had not occurred. There was cause behind the action of Proculus Julius."

"No cause can exist to put hands on a Praetor. Must I remind you, Primus Pilus, as a soldier of the Republic your loyalties lie with the government not to your general."

"The sacramentum I swore was to Lucius Julius and then to his son, Magistrate. I shall always take up the sword to defend the Republic, but it is the Julii that command my sword."

Several senators began murmuring with disappointed groans. Calavius dismissed the Primus Pilus and called the next witness.

"State your name for the Senate."

"I am Ligadis."

"You are of the Auxiliary of the Twenty-Eighth?"

"I was."

"Yet no more?"

"No. Please note my attire." He wore the armor of the Julii, yet not of the Auxilia, but chainmail armor of the General's Bodyguard. In fact, he wore a golden bangle around his right bicep that had a stenciling with the numbers "XXVIII" and kept his crimson-plumed helmet at his side.

"Upon returning to Alesia, Vitus Julius promoted me and my fellow Thracians to his retinue of bodyguards based on our merits in the campaign. This bangle around my arm signifies my status as Captain of the General's Bodyguard."

Wary eyes formed on Vitus. Calavius spoke, "Placing Thracians as bodyguards… such trust Vitus places in foreigners and barbarians."

Mumbling followed the comment.

"He did so based on our valor in battle, Magistrate."

"I imagine many Romans were valiant as well. How were you Thracians selected over Romans?"

"The terms of service for many of us had already expired, yet Lucius kept us within his legion. Vitus had released us from our service and offered if we would be his bodyguards. Many of us agreed."

"And those who didn't?"

"They left the army and retired in Arretium. We Thracians were rewarded with a community inside the walls of Arretium. Yet what does this have to do with the accusation?"

"Soldiers of the Senate have stated, that as they marched out of Samarobriva, they spotted Lugo and Vitus in the far rear, seemingly… conversing with one another. Witnesses also state that you were tasked with bringing him back. Ligadis, was Vitus not with Lugo and were they not in deep conversation?"

"They… yes, they were."

"That is all."

The next man they brought up caused a slight stir within the Senate based on the man's vulgar appearance.

"State your name for the Senate."

"I'm known as Ardunas."

"And you stand barbarian?"

"I'm of Gallic blood, yes."

"How did you come into the Julii's services?"

"I met the brothers in the field as they ventured to Samarobriva. I offered the services of me and my men as mercenaries."

One senator scoffed, "A Gaul, how can you be trusted with the lives of Romans?"

"If not for me, both of these brothers and the Praetor would have had a Briton axe dug into their skulls! I protect my employers."

Calavius continued, "Are you still in their services?"

"We are."

"As simple hired swords?"

"Ha! I've been elevated to status of Mercenary Captain of the Twenty-Eighth Legion and Commander of the Archer Auxilia."

"More barbarians in your midst, Vitus?" Calavius asked.

Vitus clenched his fists, refusing to back down from Calavius' glare.

"Tell me, as a fellow Gaul, how did you measure the King of the Gauls, Segovax?"

"He was a cunt. Fuck him."

The Senate groaned in disapproval, Calavius slightly blushed at the bluntness. The brothers couldn't refrain from sniggering.

"Profanity is not tolerated within the Senate!"

Ardunas rolled his eyes. "Fine. Segovax was weak and irritating, I knew him not personally but I heard many speak of him."

"As a great and respectful king?"

"As an arrogant fool who allowed Rome to seize all of his lands. The only Gauls that truly followed him were of the Averni tribe."

"I see. And from what tribe are your roots?"

Ardunas paused before exhaling, "I was an orphan… yet I was raised in the Averni…"

Calavius smiled triumphantly as he faced the senators. "Not only do the Julius brothers keep barbarians in their midst, yet they hail from the same tribe as the Gallic king!" He quickly spun around to Ardunas, "As a man of his tribe, did it not pain you to see him in chains to be a prisoner of Rome?"

"Would it pain you to see these two fellow Romans banished or executed?"

"Do not misdirect."

"Then do not ask questions that stand on clarity."

"It is of rare notion to be within the eyes of the Senate and not be of Roman citizenship. I suggest you keep this in mind, Gaul."

Ardunas simply rolled his eyes once more. "What does Segovax have to do with this trial? Isn't he still imprisoned in Rome? I thought this had to do with Lugotorix and Lugo? This whole notion is filled with shit… why the fuck am I even here? What are they even being charged for?"

"Cease with the outburst or you shall be meted out with punishment!"

"Whatever…"

"Do not test me, Gaul."

Ardunas rolled his eyes once more.

Calavius recomposed himself and said, "For what purpose did Vitus spare Lugotoroix?"

"He spared him so that he and Segovax may be brought before you all. He would have been glad to see them die, but to rob Rome of a public execution seemed an injustice. Seeing as Segovax is awaiting execution, then I believe Vitus was correct in that regard."

"So you do not believe he did so to show mercy?"

"Magistrate… The king was instrumental in the death of his father and near destruction of his legion. Do you truly believe any man would show mercy if they had a choice?"

Calavius cleared his throat before continuing. "Legionaries of the Senate state you were present when Vitus first met Lugo. How was the demeanor between the two?" said Calavius.

"They were… friendly."

"How so?"

The Gaul looked towards Vitus with an apologetic frown. Vitus sighed and nodded. "They smiled at one another, chuckled even…"

"Did they act as friends?"

The Gaul stared at Vitus and back at the magistrate.

"Answer the question, Ardunas? Did they act as friends?"

"They did."

The inevitable murmurs of gossip rang around the House. Ardunas bowed his head in frustration before being told to leave. The brothers chose not to hide their anger towards the prosecution.

"That ends the procession of witnesses for the defendants. Senators of Rome… look at the company that the brothers kept in their drive towards Samarobriva. You have all heard how valiantly they defend their leaders, even when presented with fact about their leader's folly. Is their testimony even admissible? Who comes before them as witnesses but a hired sword, whose allegiance to gold comes before duty. A soldier sworn to his commander who took active part in the mutiny? Or even an auxiliary who derive from an ousted people? And even more, Proculus Julius harbored a Briton spy in his army which led to the near decimation of the Twenty-Eighth Legion and the death of his father, Lucius Julius. Vitus agreed to hand over Lugotorix, Samarobriva, and the dignity of Rome in his brokering of a ceasefire. From the beginning of the campaign, the Julii have thrown their lot in with savages instead of noblemen, and here stands the sum of their folly: six destroyed legions and a territory still in barbarian hands. They are both guilty of sympathizing with the enemy and are guilty of treason! Shall we allow such negligent Romans who fail to witness their consequences to continue walking in Roman lands? These two men have disgraced the arms of Rome!" Calavius turned to the watching Consul, "I hereby propose sentencing that Proculus Julius and Vitus Julius be denied fire, water, food and shelter for up to a distance of 500 miles from all cities of the Republic of Rome!"

The men of the Senate began to clamor at once, many sending up shouts of agreement, others beseeching the Consul to commit the sentence. Praetor Marcus Maxentius was sucking his teeth at the proposed motion, his eyes lingering on the brothers. But both sons of the Julii stood tall and resolute, refusing to give the Magistrate the pleasure of seeing terror on their faces.

"Magistrate, do I have permission to speak?" Proculus asked.

"You do."

"Why do you question us if the Praetor explained what has happened before this trial even came to mind? You've heard testimonies of everybody, why are we here?"

"He has explained to us what has occurred. Yet we needed to hear the reasoning behind such decisions from your own tongue. Was it pure negligence or did you sympathize with the enemy? The sentencing of you two shall differ based on our verdict."

"Yet you did not hear our testimony but that of the witnesses brought in our defense. We are to speak."

"You may."

Proculus groaned quietly before speaking. "It is as the witnesses claimed. We spoke to the Heir of the Britons, Lugo, outside Samarobriva, he offered us three terms in which to ensure that we could return home. Handing over the Briton King, Lugotorix, surrendering Samarobriva, and offering a ceasefire with the Britons. And we agreed to them."

"So you admit it?"

"That is our admission. But it was not in negligence that we agreed, nor sympathy. But only in obedience did we make the decision. Obedience towards the Senate. We did so to ensure that the Praetor would return safely to Rome, on the directive of this very Senate."

The magistrate eyed them methodically. "And did you not contemplate such consequences that shall arise from such decisions?"

"Of course we did." Vitus answered this time. "This was not a decision that we've chosen absentmindedly. We measured whether the outcome would overweigh any consequences."

"I see… Have you heard the reports from the north?"

"No."

"Very interesting, these reports. Our spies have noted that several Germanian territories are being seized in rapid succession." The magistrate ceased speaking to the brothers and instead focused on the Senate, "And who stands the perpetrator in this conquest? None other than the Britons themselves!"

The senators turned to each other mumbling loudly at such a statement. Proculus kept his eyes to the floor and growled. Yet Vitus stared on at their accuser.

"Your new friends, the Britons, are now consolidating their foothold on the mainland," he continued. "Since Germania lies in disarray, they shall seize the north from Rome! Each day they grow stronger and shall soon forever be anchored to the mainland. And another barbarian tribe that Rome must now contend with! Any offensive that we make against the Britons shall now forever be arduous and costly for the Republic. How do you explain yourself with these actions?"

"This surprises me not." Vitus told him. "Of course they would attack Germania, they're the weakest people within proximity, currently. Also, this anger towards Germania is personal to every Briton. The Germanians were thus instrumental in the Briton exile from the mainland a century ago. These northerners pride the corpses of Gauls and Germanians above Romans. Now that they've returned to the mainland, their focus shall be upon Germania."

"And how long before their focus diverts to Rome? How do you explain yourself with these actions?"

"Lugo shan't break his word."

"That still does not answer my question."

"Fine. You desire my answer? This ceasefire grants the Republic much needed time to ward off the Britons."

"Such would not matter if you hadn't allowed the Britons unto the mainlands!"

Proculus spoke up, "The Britons would have invaded the mainland regardless of the decision by my brother and I. Gallia was weak and isolated, and Germania was ruled by an incompetent king who cared more about short-term wins than long-term victory. You can verify with the Praetor on this, we three spoke to Lugotorix who admitted he formed the alliance of the barbarian tribes just to get his army on the mainland. If we didn't march on Samarobriva, he would have gotten his army here eventually. The Briton Invasion was inevitable."

Vitus tagged in now, "And now that the Britons are here, they are fortifying themselves to ensure they can repel any invaders upon their lands. Rome must follow suit and fortifying the northern and western provinces."

"How can Rome fortify its strength if its forces are divided between different wars?" Calavius asked.

"And how can Rome attack the Britons if its forces are divided between different wars?" Vitus spat back. "If memory still serves correctly, the Brutii are still with Sulla in fighting Mithridates in Pontus. And the Scipii are still fighting the Egyptians in the East. I believe it is in Rome's best interest not to wage an impending Pyrrhic war when we can consolidate our strength."

The senators threw their groans at the young man. An old senator stood up, "And you deem yourself knowledgeable in Rome's best interest?! What can you claim is Rome's interest? You spoke for the Senate once before, shall you do it again?"

"The orders of the Twenty-Eighth as given to our father by the Senate stipulated the rescuing of Praetor Maxentius from the barbarians at all costs. It was this that we believed that the Praetor's wellbeing superseded all previous commands given by the Senate. Thus, I made judgement in agreeing to the surrender."

"You acted without consulting the Praetor?!"

"No, we'd spoke to him. Yet he was adamant, but I did convince him to surrender. I felt it my duty to convince him; for Lugo left the decision with my words, not the Praetor's."

The senators growled in unison. One senator stood with a shout, "Marcus Maxentius held sacred office on the cursus honorum! Why did you dare listen to a mangy animal as Lugo instead of a Praetor? Tell us, boy!"

"Because Lugo held no interest in the Praetor. The Praetor angered him and on a whim he could have had us all killed if the Praetor continued to speak. And it's not like we held much of a choice, we had to accept all three terms or else we would have been killed. Lugo held us hostage with those demands of his. And why did Lugo converse with me? Because I believe he… he respected me."

"How so?"

"As his army of 8,000 ferocious warriors came marching to Samarobriva, they stopped in their advance to retrieve the wounded, both Briton and Roman. Fearing the wounded Romans may fall to torture, I took my horse along with three men and charged out alone to stop the abduction of Romans. And it was as our witnesses stated, it was there that I met Lugo, disguised as a slave. He was amazed by my courage to charge out there practically alone, and as I told him my plans that I held to torture his father, he showed... appreciation for my honesty."

Calavius folded his arms, "And as our army was boarding ships to sail away from Samarobriva, what was it that you two discussed?"

"We spoke only of the outcome of the entire campaign, from both sides of the fighting. From how the Britons lost many men to how the Republic has lost many men, for our Fathers' valor in this campaign, all for it to end in an uneasy truce. And… we spoke of the future of our people, the war that is to come, and how we both shall be eager to face each other on the field of battle. He spoke to me like this because I believe he found a sort of… affinity between us in our experiences as the younger sons gaining power and strength, and how we were both around the same age as well. And the will to do whatever it took to ensure the success of our Fathers' missions."

Calavius glared at him. "And did you hold the same feelings of 'affinity' towards him?"

The brothers could hear the rustling of cloth as most of the senators adjusted themselves as they leaned on the edge of their seats just to hear the answer. Vitus inhaled, he remembered the genial nature of Lugo, his detailed thought process of how to win his battles against Rome, his tale of how he survived three years of slavery and escaped. He envisioned Lugo's smirking face. Vitus exhaled.

"Yes, I did."

The entire Curia became a buzz of mumbling and jeering. A senator shot up from his seat, "See here! This boy admits his fondness of this barbarian scum! How dare he offer dignities of respect towards a foolish animal!"

Vitus snapped his head towards the man, a warped glare was on his face. "Lugo is many things, but do not consider him an 'animal', and especially not a 'fool'. For it is in my opinion, my brother's, and I believe even the Praetor's, that Lugo of the Britons is the most dangerous and cunning barbarian alive today. More so than his father. He even infiltrated the family of a senator as a slave for years and successfully escaped slavery. When he finally becomes King, he shall lead his barbarians to power the likes of which Rome has never seen since the Gauls had sacked Rome."

"Blasphemy!" a magistrate screamed. Many of the senators echoed such sentiments.

"You elevate such curs beyond their filthy stations!" shouted a senator.

"And doomed us all with your folly!" shouted another.

"What have you to say for your brother, Proculus?" Calavius said, "As the elder, it is your responsibility to correct him if he goes astray! Yet according to Maxentius' report, you too were silent in this foul negotiation. Do you not find fault in your brother's logic?"

Proculus didn't even blink. "Not for a damn moment. I agree with everything he stated and the necessity for this reluctant truce with the Britons. At Rome's present state, another war on another front will be most inadvisable. I did not stop him because I had faith in him and in his decision. And because I too believe it to be right. As shameful as the ceasefire and the surrender of Samarobriva was, I deemed it a necessary evil to exist. And I know Vitus did as well."

"Then you both stand ignorant fools and traitors." Calavius slurred.

"Yet less so than the old men in this Hall!"

The voice echoed from outside the Curia entrance and the clomping of sandals from the speaker was entering. The murmurs of the senators broke out at this seemingly random instigator. The guards that had stood at the entrance moved aside to let the man enter. All the voices disappeared. The Consul's eyes grew wide and Marcus leaned forward in his seat. The brothers blinked with incredulity.

The man's once dark black hair had greyed considerably yet still had fullness to it. He shared the rugged strong jawline of Lucius; yet unlike his younger brother, he was of average height and built, nothing like Lucius who was the bigger man of the two. The flesh of his face began to show the wrinkles that were inevitable to hide for a 58 year old man. His eyes were sinking further back into his head and bags were beginning to sag from under his eyelids from stress. Yet despite his lean physique and outlook, he carried a honey-filled baritone voice that reverberated anytime he spoke.

The man turned to the brothers, "You two have said quite enough, now allow me to speak for you."

The brothers' grim expressions had faded away into jubilant smiles at the sight of him. Vitus spoke out, "Uncle Decius! Y-You're here! You came!"

He gave them a smile so subtle that only the brothers could pick up on it, "Of course I have. What kind of man would I be to allow such scavengers to pick the bones off my nephews?"

The once vocal shouting of the Curia had degraded into softened murmurs by the senators.

Caius Maxentius said, "Decius, why are you—how did you—the Senate is in session! How have you entered into the Curia?"

The rest of the senators threw out bitter jeers upon the Patriarch, who took all the criticism with an utterly calm demeanor.

"Oh Consul, oh senators, forgotten have you all the decree of the Senate of Old that allowed the Heads of the Three Great Families of Rome to be present within the Senate. Thanks to the exploits of the Patriarchs of the Julii, Brutii, and Scipii during the Pyrrhic Wars, the Senate had rewarded the Patriarchs with this gracious gift of joining the sessions and trials of the Senate. Thus I rightfully exercise this notion to join session of the Senate, and speak to the defense of my nephews."

The senators groaned. Decius' eyebrow rose and he spun around to face the senators.

"Answer me this, is it wrong for me to come to the aid of these two? Especially how they were attacked by you senators so unjustly? You have sent a damning message for them to come to Rome absent lawyers to defend themselves or risk imprisonment and further punishment. How dare you! And when you all knew I left the Italian peninsula for Sardinia for business, you sent word of trial to my nephew, absent any word to me!"

"Quite right, we did not inform you because it did not concern you. You were not present when this act occurred, but they were. In fact, how have you come by knowledge of this trial?"

"Because I wrote to him," said the Quaestor of the Senate, Tiberius Pullius, an adopted man of the Julii family.

A torrent of boos and groans fell on the young quaestor. The brothers stared on wide-eyed at the senator who stood in their defense.

Tiberius continued, "How can we call ourselves for the people if we bring suit against young men who did everything they could to ensure their survival and the survival of the Praetor. Their sacrifices stand for naught if we are to crucify them here to save face with the people. If this is the measure of the Senate then I shall not stand for it! Apologies, Consul, but I must excuse myself from this trial if this is how we condone ourselves."

Tiberius stood to his feet amidst the shouting senators that once called him brother. One vocal senator above him spat on Tiberius but he calmly walked out of the Curia, refusing to look a single senator in the eye.

Decius faced the magistrate, "I am here now to offer defense for Proculus and Vitus Julius! Provide reason for my rescindment for the defense."

Calavius held out an accusatory finger, "Y-You are not welcomed here for your flagrant bias towards the defendants!"

"My flagrant biases? And what do you say towards the presence of Caius Maxentius? Should not he be excused as well if his nephew can still remain? Why doesn't his nephew stand where Proculus and Vitus reside?"

Consul Maxentius rose to his feet, glaring at the Faction Leader. "Mind your tongue, Decius! I am the Consul of Rome."

"And I am the Patriarch of the Julii! Am I or my family not granted the same respect and reverence? Our line is just as old and prestigious, if not more so than, the other families within the Republic. Yes you hold office of Consul, and I shall respect the office, but do know to respect my title as well, Caius. My words alone shall be valid defense for them. I appeal my right to speak for them!"

Eyes turned to the Consul. "It is your right, yet know that even this has boundaries, Decius."

"And I shall cross it as I see fit." He walked in front of the brothers and could see that he held their confidence in their eyes. The Julii Leader faced the senators. "I know the story. They told me what had occurred on their arduous journey. I spoke to the officers, the common legionaries, and the Auxilia and mercenaries of the Legion. And they have told me the same as my nephews have. And you all have the gall to show fury at their actions?" His voice was rising now, "You all dare point your fingers at Proculus and Vitus, yet you fail to point your fingers at yourselves! Oh where shall I begin with such folly?

"Do not label me as cruel to criticize. I understand the urgency in sending a relief force to rescue the Praetor from danger, time was of the utter essence. I understand. Yet did you senators bother sending the messenger to me on the messenger's way to Alesia? The only report I received about this illegal campaign was a letter from my late brother, informing me of the Twenty-Eighth's immediate mobilization! The forces of the Julii are spread thin as are all legions of the Republic. I could have done nothing to aid the Twenty-Eighth, but it's the principle that the Senate had not informed me of this campaign that wounds me! You send five legions of the Senate up north and bother not to inform or request aid in finance or soldiers of the Julii? We are the slayer of barbarians! What would have occurred if the Praetor went north to capture Samarobriva with Lucius Julius at his side? What if that was so? How many dead men would yet draw breath if such was truth? Yet hubris blinded you senators into believing that you didn't require to the Julii to conquer barbarians, and you yet criticize my nephews for what you claim is their folly?!"

An old senator stood up with thunder in his voice, "This was an act of national welfare of the State!"

Decius chuckled bitterly, "Oh Remodius, what lies you spew to me. Am I your wife? Why not speak to me in truths as you do your mistress?"

The senator promptly sat back down.

"Because of this negligent Senate, I had to mourn my brother, and was prepared to mourn his sons as well until the Gods have divinely returned them to us. I do not lie fault in Lucius' death at the hands of the Britons. No, I lie fault in this immoral Senate! You send my brother and his sons to save the Praetor, but when tragedy struck and my nephews had to respond with spontaneity and wit, you scrutinize them?"

Decius turned his attention to the Consul. "Their punishment would extend to banishment from Rome for hundreds of miles with Romans refusing them food and water, correct? Because their hands were forced by barbarians? Where's the justice, Consul? Where I ask you? Caius Maxentius, bear your eyes at Proculus. Look upon him! You mean to admit that you would banish your own son-in-law?"

The entire Curia fell quiet.

"To devoid your own daughter of joy in life, you seek to criminalize her husband? Have you not forgotten how you came to me upon offer of marriage to my family? How you discussed the contract of marriage with my late brother? Have you forgotten?"

All eyes fell on the Consul, even Marcus', who was sucking air through his teeth.

"You dare speak of the contract in the open, Decius?" Caius sneered through a reddening face.

"And you dare seek to banish your own son-in-law, Caius? Hmph! Of course you do, I believe you even plan to divorce Proculus and your daughter. Before such a sentence is carried out, Appia shall be a free woman back in your household I imagine. And what tales of gossip shall spill in the streets I wonder after their divorce, even how and for what purpose their marriage was for?"

Calavius stepped in, "Do you know what the streets of Rome say, Decius? The plebeians shout for the downfall of Proculus and Vitus, cursing their name in their failure to keep Samarobriva and breaking bread with the enemy."

"But do you know what they call Proculus and Vitus in Arretium? Ariminum? Alesia? Segesta? Mediolanium? Lemonum? They usher cries of 'Heroes'! Ye, do they cry though the Twenty-Eighth had suffered defeat, they regained their vengeance, destroyed the Gauls and saved the remnant of five senatorial legions and a Praetor of Rome. 'Heroes', they call my nephews. And I hear their echoes throughout the Julii lands, praising the valor of these two young men for their exploits in avenging their father and saving the Praetor from certain death! And…" Decius walked closer to the Consul bench, his eyebrow raised discernably, "And…you plan to divorce your daughter from a hero of the plebs?"

"Cease in these petty attacks of guilt, Decius!" shouted Calavius, "You treat this matter as personal insult, whereas this is strictly political!"

"I treat it as such for this is truly a personal matter! It is personal for every citizen proud to be called Roman! To deny the people their heroes is a personal strike against liberty! They shall rouse anger and discontent against the Senate. These two should be honored, not condemned."

"Because of these two, the Britons now have a foothold on the mainland. We have yet another barbarian tribe to contend with now! And after we just vanquished the Gauls."

"A moot point, Magistrate. Had they not surrendered and fought to the death, the Britons would have still had a foothold on the mainland. Worse, the Praetor would have fallen, and we would have contended with the unknown Prince Lugo in the future. Because Proculus and Vitus surrendered, we know the strength of the Britons. Because Proculus and Vitus surrendered, we know that the Senate has been and can be compromised by spies. And because Proculus and Vitus surrendered, is not Marcus Maxentius sitting among us today? Still alive and well? And it must bestated that the Praetor returned with not one, not two, not three, not four, but with all five eagles of his Legions. All five! For surrendering, Proculus, Vitus, and Marcus kept the strength of Rome with them, instead of allowing them to fall into the hands of the barbarians. How would the whole of Rome react if six eagles were taken by the Britons? Six, from the Twenty-Eighth and the senatorial legions. Juno Inferna! The horror! And who is this collective, 'we' you speak of for vanquishing the Gauls? Destroying the Gauls has been a singular effort on the part of the Julii."

Decius turned to his nephews, extending his arm towards them. "To punish them would be an affront to justice. To criticize them would be an affront to logic. What they were faced with was truly… tumultuous. They knew that no matter what decision they made, the consequences would have been severe. But they rationalized and came to sound judgement. And now these two and the Praetor are alive. And all three of them are valuable. They've faced the Briton army, they know how they fight, they know the units, they know their aristocracy. They fought the Britons while no other Roman has. In these wars that are to come, we, need, them to fight. We must take the good wherever we can."

"So inform us, Decius," continued Calavius, "What are we to do with all the generals in the provinces who "speak" for the Senate? Shall we allow them to dictate terms on the behalf of the Senate and give no reprisal, to allow corruption and treachery to grow unchecked where our eyes are not present? A precedent must be established."

"Indeed. Discipline is absolute. A precedent must be set indeed, yet not for them."

Calavius smiled as several senators groaned, "I see. Not for them because they are your nephews?"

"No, for they have been trapped in a paradox. What could they do in such a situation? Either they had to save the Praetor at all costs and surrender to barbarians, or they all die by the barbarians and the Julii have failed the mission from the Senate. In obeying the Senate, they had to perform a duty they knew would come back to haunt them. Their backs were against the wall and they knew they would be damned no matter the option. A necessary evil by all means. They are an exception. And alas the fault lies not in them. Truly it was that Lugo spoke to Vitus, but ultimately it was the Praetor, Marcus Maxentius, who agreed to the demands of the Britons. The brothers could only suggest and beseech but it was the Praetor who decided."

"Praetor Marcus Maxentius, what have you to say for the defendants? Should they be found guilty based on—"

"The Praetor is not the one on trial." Calavius interjected.

"Yet he was the reason all of this occurred, correct? He was there from the beginning to the end of the campaign. And apparently he was not asked to speak upon his own actions. If the evidence already presented against my nephews is too incriminating, then what is the problem with the Praetor speaking? Speak Marcus, tell us what you have to say?"

Marcus, who had been silent throughout the entire trial, stood from his bench. His haggard eyes laid upon the brothers, betraying no emotion to them. He studied them with intensity, and then slowly eyed the Senate on both sides of the hall. He looked to his uncle Caius who stood straight in his seat exhuming pride.

"Of my opinion I give, that the brothers—Proculus and Vitus—not be punished with banishment or any susceptible option conceded by the Senate."

Surprised muttering exploded from the rows of the senators. Even Caius showed surprise by the notion. The brothers too were equally speechless, their eyes have not left Marcus.

Marcus continued, "Ye, Lugo spoke with Vitus and convinced him into surrendering the settlement. And ye did the brothers argue with me and my men to surrender. B-But… But I held the office of Praetor and seniority and I ultimately decided in the surrender. For the record and in front of witnesses outside of the Senate…I…I reveal that I have made such confession public to several of the senators. I held the authority to live or die within Samarobriva, but upon receiving news of the urgency for my return to Rome, with the seal of the Consul, I realized that our return held priority over our death. To urgently return to Roman lands, I had to concede to Lugo's demands. I make my decision public to all the senators and the Patriarch of the Julii of my actions as Praetor of the Republic. I held final sway in the matter of diplomacy, and I take full responsibility for the outcome of the Samarobrivan Campaign. It is said that officers exemplify the Army and Army exemplifies the State… if Rome is made to look weak, then it is of my accord."

The senators were aghast as Marcus finished. Many turned to each other with confused expressions and damning eyes. They wanted to know who Marcus spoke to and why was such covered up from the rest of them. But amidst the clamoring, all senators knew at least the first person Marcus confided into, and they let their cold stares be known towards the Consul. But Decius made himself heard.

"So, the Praetor admitted fault as well and even pleaded for punishment, yet you all seek to silence such a just act in favor of offering my nephews as culprits. A matter which could be settled in a hearing but instead you sought for a trial? And now we have a man who admits culpability and you waste time and effort to allow other men to take the fall. HOW FAR HAS THE SENATE FALLEN?!" Decius suddenly roared like a lion.

The senators recoiled in their seats, eyes wide and hair straightened on end. Even the brothers were surprised at their uncle's sudden ferocity

"We lose legions and a settlement and we act as if the world has come to an end? Have you all truly forgotten our history?! Rome has had its share of defeats, yet they've never been the end of the Republic. When disaster rears its head, we endure the brunt and we rebuild, stronger than before. We do not point fingers and misdirect blame, we grow stronger from defeat. That is what Rome is. Resilience and Recovery.

"Today, my nephews were called before you all on charges of treason, what is treason I ask? To go against custom in the sake of following orders; or to condemn others in action for what you commanded them to do? All of this is a stepping stone of knowledge. Rome shall remember this folly in hopes of never repeating it again. We shall grow stronger from this. The enemy is not at our gates yet, and they shall not be for some time."

Calavius raised an incredulous eye, "So what is to be our plan against the Briton Threat? Do nothing?"

"We grow stronger. Three months have passed since the ceasefire, and the Britons have not encroached on Roman borders. Seems like Lugo was sincere and Lugotorix is taking advantage of Germanian anarchy to grow stronger, as we shall do ourselves. I'm sending as many men up North to Alesia as soon as possible to guard our northern border. Rome's forces are spread too thin to conduct an offensive against the Britons, and thus we must be on the defensive until we can revitalize fully-trained legions. Marcus, Proculus, and Vitus, did what they had to in order to survive, we shall need their strength and knowledge, and we need them to train our men to face the Britons. Allow them to walk free in Rome so that they may aid the Republic in repelling this threat in the future. We must all be as one! With the entire world out to destroy us, we must be united! We must grow stronger in this ceasefire of ours, and when the war comes, Britannia shall be destroyed. And if such doesn't sway you… well, please inform me on this, can the Republic truly destroy the Britons without the aid of the Julii? We can do much for the Republic; our influence is strong in the heart of every citizen. And even here in Rome, there's many a man who hold the values of the Julii dear, is it truly wise to risk angering them. Especially so close to elections, where votes can be… crucial?"

The brothers and their uncle had left the atrium of the Curia with sighs of relief and grand smiles. As soon as they were away from the sights of the senators, Vitus lurched over to his uncle and gave him a proud embrace whilst Proculus patted his shoulder with a grin. One man came running after them, calling for Proculus and Vitus.

"It's you," Vitus remarked in surprise.

"Greetings Vitus and Proculus. I am Tiberius Pullius."

Vitus approached him, "I offer apologies for I've heard of your name, but do not know you."

"I believe I recall you, faintly," Proculus said to him.

"I remember you, Proculus, you were young back then. I was your father's Tribune at the time." Tiberius rotated his head and showed them his missing ear. "He personally saved me from a Gaul all those years ago. I still think about that moment on the Lucretian Bridge, if not for his intervention, my body would have been a feast for worms and crows."

"And now you're a quaestor." Decius said with a genial smile, patting Tiberius on the shoulder. "The Gods truly elevate those they seem worthy."

"Well… most likely ex-quaestor come next election. Informing you of the trial sealed my fate within the Senate." He sighed, "Now the Julii shall no longer reside within the Senate House."

"Such may be. Yet you chose the right action in informing me. You chose the Julii over the Senate. Loyalty, that's what matters at the end of our lives and what gets you rewarded."

"Agreed," Proculus smirked. "If you haven't told him, Vitus and I most likely would have never set foot in Italia again. We may have even lost our lives."

"Such speculation of death is only bluster." Tiberius explained, "To threaten execution of the nephews of a Patriarch could very well lead to Civil War, a fact no faction truly desires. And please, Proculus and Vitus, allow me to offer sympathies for your father. I was… most stricken when I heard the news of his death. I… I even, f-feel like I may have caused it…"

"Why would you believe so?" Vitus asked.

"You two did not know? Hmm, then allow me to explain. When news came to the Consul that Marcus was besieged, panic gripped the Senate. No one knew what would be the right course of action, so I spoke in front of the Senate and suggested a rescue, and it was I who nominated your father to go forth and rescue the Praetor."

"What? That mission, it… it came from you?"

"Indeed it was I. Of course I knew such a mission was dangerous but your Father had dealt with worse odds, if the Gods had granted me foresight to see that he would fall because of my decision…"

Decius placed a hand on Tiberius' shoulder. "Do not think that way, Tiberius. The Gods have chosen for him to rest in the Elysian Fields. He died in the field of battle, like a true Roman, like a true Julii."

"Gratitude for your words, Patriarch."

Proculus smiled, "And you have our gratitude as well, refusing to disassociate with the Julii, such was tantamount to suicide in your political career."

"Of course. Your father saved me and elevated me, I would do I all I could to save his sons."

"Come to my villa by the end of the day, Tiberius, I would speak with you in greater detail."

"As you will, Patriarch." He bowed. He turned to the brothers and smiled. "Apologies, but I must be on my way. Venus watch over you, Proculus, Vitus."

"And to you, Tiberius Pullius."

The uncle and brothers trio exited the Curia to be greeted to a decent sized crowd of onlookers who waited eagerly to hear the verdict of the Senate, some were just curious if they need to flee the city if Decius would declare civil war against the damnation of his nephews. Upon seeing the smiling faces of Decius and the brothers, many of the citizens murmured in a mix of relief and surprise that they were acquitted. Several citizens even applauded as the three descended down the stairs. Many of the men begged to ask the brothers what had occurred and began to crowd them, yet Decius' guardsmen blocked all of them away, allowing the Julii to walk down the steps.

The three witnesses of the brothers—Aelianus, Ligadis, and Ardunas—made their way in front of them with smiles of pride.

Ardunas had just finished a large yawn with a stretching of the arms. To be confined outside the Senate House for the duration of the trial indeed left a foul taste in his mouth, but he couldn't get away to gamble his money under the watchful eye of Aelianus and Ligadis. Or at least do his duty and recruit whatever scum that could be employed as a hired sword for the Julii.

Ardunas gave them a smile full of teeth, "Still in one piece then, eh? Figured those grouchy old bastards would have eaten you two alive."

Proculus shrugged, returning the smile, "Eh, too much gristle on the bone for them pack of scavengers."

"If not for Uncle Decius, we would have been consumed by them." Vitus added.

"Well I believe being Patriarch has its advantages." Aelianus said, nodding to Decius.

"It does indeed, soldier." Decius turned to the brothers, "If only your Uncle Hertius still drew breath, he could orate better than I. The skill of influence was his craft. I believe he could have even philandered Vesta into his bed. It pains me however that the Senate places your legion as scapegoat to cover up their own inadequacies. This injustice cannot stand."

Ligadis commented, "If I may speak? It's baffling. They desire the Praetor back at all cost yet they disapprove of surrendering Samarobriva in order for that to happen." He sighed. "I shall never come to understand Roman politics."

"I echo such sentiment, Thracian." Ardunas chuckled.

"Come now, let us all be on our way," Decius said. And the six men ventured forward, away from the Senate House and away from the crowd of onlookers that began to follow them.

Six guardsmen of the Julii formed a protective circle around the retinue. As the party walked forward, the guardsmen kept their formation tight through the crowd of people, gently pushing the plebeians out of the way of the Patriarch so that he may have enough space to walk.

"Thank the Gods," Vitus said out loud. "To think that we could have been banished from the Republic…"

"I would never allow such to happen," Decius reassured.

"If you were ten minutes late, then we would probably never see any of the family again," Proculus remarked.

Decius looked at Proculus and patted him on the shoulder, "Is your mother and wife here?

"They are, they're residing in the villa below the Capitoline Hill. Mother was worried as always, but she shall leap above the moon when she sees us acquitted."

"And how is your wife, Proculus? Is she still angry?"

"She's faring well, Uncle. And…" he sighed, a bit of blush colored his cheeks, "Well, starting today, she began speaking to me now in full sentences instead of one-word answers… so I guess that mean's she's starting to forgive me."

Decius smirked, "The fury of women, eh?"

"Burns hotter than Apollo." Proculus said with a sigh.

The day the brothers returned to Alesia, Appia wept in relief with Proculus, the couple was ecstatic that they were reunited once more. Yet the following day, Appia's personality came into a huge reversal. Appia laid into Proculus about his infidelities; just when Proculus had thought losing to Vitus in one-on-one combat was the most embarrassing pinnacle of his life. Proculus was so ashamed on being called out that he couldn't even look her in her tear-filled eyes. But he listened to her scorn about her embarrassment, he listened to how hurt she felt when a random drunk called out Proculus' unfaithfulness in front of a crowd of people, he listened to her, and as she began explaining the pain she felt, the more he came to desire her. She still loved him, he knew it, but the pain she felt from his infidelity had wounded her to her fragile core. She was truly one of a kind, a rose never to be stepped on as he had often done. And after nearly dying on several occasions during the campaign, he had come to truly appreciate the most divine luxury in his life.

He would change. He told her that, he grasped her hands and gave her the sincerest look, pledging his faithfulness to her, evening revealing his vow to the gods on the eve before the battle. Tears rolled down her cheek, but her gaze was sharp as steel, "Words are wind, Proculus." She stood up and walked out the bedchambers. Proculus called out to her, "Appia! I shall prove it… I shall be a man you are proud to call a husband." She paused right before she was out of the chamber, she lingered for a few seconds, then walked out.

The following day, she woke up before him and was already eating her breakfast with Proculus' mother. As he rose and kissed her on the cheek good morning, she turned her head, without saying a word. Anytime he asked her a question or said something witty, or stated fact; Appia would give a dry response of, "Yes…No…Perhaps…Funny…Hmm…I see…or, I am tired…" One-word answers were the culmination of her responses, and Proculus felt the burning jab of every word as if they were molten daggers. And she continued that trend of speaking towards him, for two months.

What was even worse for him than her one-word answers? For two months, they did not have sex. Proculus was use to receiving the daily pleasure of Appia to calm his urges, and he knew they both received incredible amounts of pleasure from each other's lovemaking. But on the night that Appia told him of his infidelity, she sat in the bed with her back towards Proculus; the first time Proculus ever remembered her doing such a thing. He got close to her and snuggled with her, instinctively placing his groin to her bottom. But she would slightly move herself away from him, peeling his arm off her and continued sleeping away from him. Proculus sighed regrettably and turned around in his bed, his back to hers, whispering to her, "I'm so sorry, Appia…" but she did not respond. He realized the full extent of his punishment by Appia and the Gods, a silent and sexless wife. For two months.

The first week was very tough. The second week was unbearable. The third week, he felt he would go mad. His balls felt as heavy as lead and when a women passed by, his loins would begin to stir. The thought of pleasuring himself came to his mind often. But all the time when he brought his hand to his groin to pleasure his stiffening member, a horrid truth would always shoot him in his head, It was because I would always indulge in my pleasures that got me into this mess. He sighed heavily, and would remove his hand from his loins. He made an oath to the Gods, and on his soul he would keep it.

Proculus was at his breaking point, especially coming off a three month campaign where he didn't have Appia to warm his bed with him. At least when he was campaigning in the winter, the constant threat of death and freezing occasionally kept his mind off carnal desires, but in the safety of Arretium, it was nothing else but carnality that plagued him. But he was resolute in this punishment of his; he survived a blizzard, he survived murderous barbarians, he even survived Lugo, and he survived the crippling death of his father. Proculus knew he could surpass his hedonistic tendencies.

Instead of having enough free time to embrace his vices, he decided to substitute them with more noble virtues. Instead of slacking off in his training, he trained regularly with Vitus, Ligadis, and Aelianus. Instead of wandering around the brothels, he mentored under his uncle in the palace to learn of administrative duties of running a city, or visit the orphanage to speak of the children who recently lost their father in the Samarobriva campaign, telling them of all the heroics and sacrifices he personally witnessed of the legionaries. Instead of doing nothing but drinking in the palace, he opened the books and scrolls of the Julii to learn of knowledge that his father had tried to implement into him. He had to do anything to keep his mind off his desires. It was bitter work, but frequent routine aided him in changing. But still Appia was adamant. Proculus wondered if she would ever forgive him.

But then, the Julii family arrived at Rome yesterday to support the brothers' trial. Proculus took her to view a play in the streets of the Forum, a play that bore a similar rendition to the ones they saw on their first date. Appia's eyes grew large as she remembered her first special moment with her husband those years ago. She turned to him, witnessing his usual self-satisfied smirk of confidence that he always wore. Appia nodded and giggled, "You remembered? From that long ago, Proculus?"

"I'll remember anything if it involves you."

Appia giggled once more, and rested her head on his shoulder, intertwining their hands together as they watched the play unto its conclusion.

The fondness of that memory brought an earnest smile to Proculus. He faced his uncle, "It's getting better, Uncle. I feel it."

"Such is uplifting to hear, Proculus. Hard work of marriage in the present bears the ripest of fruits in the future. Trust me."

"And Uncle… during the trial, you mentioned that the marriage between Appia and I was formed under unique circumstances? Uh… to what did that mean?"

"Proculus, there are many things that occur behind closed doors, and you shall become privy to them. All in time, understood?"

"Understood."

"It surprises me how complicated marriage can be," Vitus said with a smirk.

"Such reminds me," Decius said to the youngest brother, "You're sixteen, we need to seek out a wife for you."

"A wife? Truly?"

"A wondrous idea. If he holds a wife, a way shall finally appear for him to lose his virginity."

Vitus lightly jabbed Proculus in his stomach. Proculus chuckled hard.

"A discussion that can keep until after tomorrow," Decius said.

"What is happening tomorrow?" Vitus asked.

"Tomorrow is the day that your former Primus Pilus, Caeso Cossutius, and his family, are formally adopted into Julii."

"What?! That's tomorrow?" Vitus gasped.

"Yes, it had been planned for that day, but interests in Sardinia had called me away before I could tell you both. Tomorrow shall be a grand moment and ceremony for the Julii."

"Pardon me, Patriarch," Aelianus said, "But isn't adoption just the signing of papers and ratifying of wills?"

"Ordinary yes, but not for the Three Families. It's more of a religious ceremony, it holds more meaning to the adoptee and his family. It shows that he truly is one of us. Apologies, but I cannot go into more detail about the procession."

"I cannot wait to see him and his family inducted." Proculus told him.

Vitus sighed, "It would be tomorrow… Unfortunately I cannot attend tomorrow, Uncle."

"Where do you go off to?"

"Arretium. I must return to my Legion."

"What is with the haste though? Can you not wait a day?"

Aelianus turned to Decius, "New recruits, sir. We expect them tomorrow, they number in the hundred, sir."

Ardunas stretched his arms, "And on top of that, I've sent letters to some contacts in Narbo who are interested in procuring more coin for service, they shall make fine auxiliary. I can guarantee the Julii will have the finest archers the Republic has ever seen! Keep providing denarii and you shall have an amazing upkeep."

"So you say, Gaul. If Vitus is willing to invest in you, then I shall as well." Decius dug in his clothes and removed a bag that held a quarter talent of gold and gave it to Ardunas. "I know as a mercenary you held no allegiance or provocation to testify, and here is a reward for helping my nephews. Continue in aiding them in any way you can and you shall have more than you can count."

"Then you shall not be disappointed, Patriarch!"

Vitus paused. "Uncle, Proculus, when you see Cossutius, please offer him apologies in my place for not being present. And also, tell him this, 'Welcome to the family.' He may join me at Arretium anytime, he always has a place with the Twenty-Eighth."

"Cossutius shall understand, General." Aelianus said. "Knowing him, I believe he would want you to miss it if it meant expanding the Twenty-Eighth."

"How long do you plan to stay in Rome, Uncle?"

"For two months, there's quite a lot of business that needs to be taken care of for the Julii sector in Rome, and to administer over the election of offices. And now that the trial was over, I know that Proculus is staying here to aid me with my duties. I'm pretty sure your mother may return to Arretium eventually, and hopefully Appia shall remain here in Rome with her husband."

Proculus smirked, "I believe that's a strong possibility with her now."

Decius was smiling hard, "You two have truly matured. I remember you both before you went to war. How different you both were… After all that you two have been through, I would say you two have found some happiness at the end of your journey."

Proculus stopped walking, his head was hanging low. "Our father is dead… along with Antonius, Oroles, and the other veteran soldiers of the Twenty-Eighth, the man who plotted their downfall has escaped and his son is arguably more dangerous than he is, the Twenty-Eighth was practically destroyed, the Senate's five legions were effectively wiped out, Cassius has fled to the wilderness, we surrendered to barbarians, the settlement of Samarobriva is still in barbarian hands, the Senate hates us, and the Britons are planning to expand their borders on the mainland…" Proculus sighed, "Uncle, I do not believe this constitutes happiness..."

"You and your brother are yet alive, and are acquitted of punishment from the Senate," Decius smiled, placing a warm hand on his nephew's shoulder, "Such alone is the only happiness I, your mother and your wife could ask for. And do not forget about the Julii's gift, as Aeneas came from the ashes of Troy, from the ashes we shall rebuild. Stronger than before."

The gates of Rome were now visible in the distance. They approached a junction, where heading left took travelers past the Julii sector of Rome, and the right led to entrance of the great city.

Vitus chuckled, "I see the gates now, we shall be leaving."

"We're leaving now?!" Ardunas remarked.

"As opposed to when?" Ligadis asked.

"Uh, later? I just got some coin! There still exists three brothels in Rome I have yet to visit!"

Aelianus sighed with a roll of the eyes, "There are several brothels in Arretium…"

"Such is true, yet my men and I have already been banned in two of them!"

"Not our problem, Ardunas," Ligadis said, placing a hand on behind the archer's back to hurry him.

"It shall be, when you have Gauls full of lust and no proper outlet to soothe them!"

Proculus couldn't refrain from a subtle chuckle. "Hmm, oh Vitus. You possess quite interesting ancillaries, don't you?"

"I do, I think they shall bring out the best in me… well, I wonder of Ardunas but… he comes through in the end."

"Great men are surrounded by great individuals, correct?"

"That they are. So… I guess that explains why there's no one by your side."

Proculus shot his eyebrow up, and playfully punched Vitus in his chest. "You cheeky bastard," Proculus snickered. Vitus gave a snicker as well. Proculus continued, "Do not worry. I shall draw the great ones unto me, in time."

"Of that I'm sure."

Proculus pulled Vitus into a deep hug. And Vitus returned it with every ounce of fraternal love.

"Be safe, Vitus. And don't let those crazed recruits kill you."

"Take care, Proculus. And don't let those savage politicians devour you."

They broke the embrace and Vitus hugged his uncle.

"Thank you for all that you did, Uncle. No words can express my gratitude."

"I told you, I shall not allow anything to befall you or Proculus. Now go to your men, I shall see you in two months."

He turned around and went to his patient ancillaries.

"So, are we off?" Ligadis asked Vitus.

"That we are. Let's go."

"And here, I had one of the guards hold on to this whilst you were inside the Curia." Ligadis handed Vitus the sword of Oroles. The young man smiled as he grasped it, quickly fastening it to his waist as they walked.

"Gratitude, Ligadis. Much gratitude. I feel almost naked without it."

"Of course, General."

Vitus clenched his hand around the handle of the blade as he walked, his mind drifted to the smiling form of the Getae Prince.

"How many recruits do we have again?" Vitus asked.

"A good number, General. Around one hundred at last count." Aelianus replied.

"Ah," Ardunas exhaled, playing with his hands, "New meat to be tenderized."

"We'll get the Legion back up to fighting strength, sure we will." Aelianus said confidently.

"Don't go easy on them, alright Primus Pilus." Vitus said with grin.

"Of course not, General. Cossutius even gave me his own rod that he used on us. These new men shall be acquainted with it as well."

"Vitus!"

Vitus stopped and turned around. Decius was waving to him with a proud smile on his face, calling out, "Vitus, I hope you are aware of this. It usually takes five years to fully train a legion from scratch; your father did it in four."

Vitus looked at the sky for several seconds. His hand fell into his pouch and he grasped his totem. He softly chuckled and turned around. He gave his uncle and brother a stare of assurance. "That so? Well then, I shall do it in three."

His uncle smiled, his brother laughed with pride. They stood there and acknowledged Vitus for who he was and who we was going to be. Vitus spun around and continued walking forth with his men behind him. He grinned at the image of Lugo in his mind.

I promise you Lugo, I shall be ready for our war.

The day the streets of Rome fall silent is the day that Rome is conquered. Past the noon hour, Rome is as loud as it is magnificent. But no place is as loud as the Forum. The vendors are shouting their sales, exotic animals from all around the world ranging from birds to monkeys are chirping and screeching into the air, the giggles of a mistress as a cheating husband feels up her stola and kisses upon her neck, cursing and spitting from haggling gone wrong, and the laughs of the mischievous youths playing childish tricks on the old. But amongst the plain and content plebs venturing in the marketplace, there was a unique young man venturing through the crowd with the three men who would aid in his ambitions of upholding the legacy of the Julii. His names was Vitus Julius, and his journey has yet to truly begin.

I felt so proud finishing up that last sentence. And now it's over. I can hardly believe it. I love "Invictus" and the characters, battles, and gruesome deaths that I have written. Almost four years I've spent writing this and now it's finally complete.

And yes, I do plan to make a sequel. Or several sequels hopefully if I have my way and time.

About the trial process, the real Roman trial system would take much longer, but I did an abridged version to get all the good stuff you can hear in the trial to the forefront. I'm rather pleased that it turned out this well, the trial was actually the longest and hardest piece I had to do for the entire story. Not even my battle scenes were as hard to come up with than this trial.

I want to thank ALL the reviews I had received, all the PMs, and all the criticism—constructive or otherwise—they all kept me motivated to finish this story for three and a half years, 44 chapters, and 370,000 words. Thanks for the people who consistently kept messaging me with historical facts to use to help improve the story such as -Trap3r, -Kamzil118 and -Elder Sibling and so many others.

It's truly been great fun writing this story for not only all of you who got to this point, but also for myself. This project has been the most passionate thing I have ever did and it's thanks to you all who kept reading it which kept me motivated. THANK YOU.

ROMA INVICTA

-Kanuro5