Kanuro5: Happy to put up another chapter. Also am currently reading The Masters of Rome series, by Colleen McCullough. A seven series book of historical fiction centered around the Republic to Empire, from Marius and Sulla to Antony and Octavian. Very great book, currently on the the first installment "The First Man in Rome". If you enjoy Ancient Rome and love fiction, this is the book for you! Anyway, enjoy!
III
Welcome Back
The gates of Arretium were before them. The large stone walls of the Julii capital stood magnificently, tall and thick; a stalwart defense that exemplified the security and strength of the Julii. Yet despite its thickness, Vitus could hear the throngs of civilians inside cheering their lungs out.
Sertorius had sent a courier out to Arretium two weeks ago upon the victory over the Suebi. Vitus knew that if his brother had had his way and convinced their uncle, than the entire peninsula of Italy would have been celebrating a triumph for the three Julii generals. Yet, only the Senate could confer a triumph over to a general, and seeing as Sertorius led the campaign; Sulla would rather have been consumed by maggots than allow him to be awarded a triumph.
The Twenty-Eighth Legion had rested and organized themselves in a small town, half a mile out from Arretium. It was essential that when they entered the city in celebration of victory; they looked fresh from battle, dignified, dried blood of their enemies caked to their armor and arms, yet not fatigued.
The men had spent a good hour getting ready from outside the city, making sure every detail of their ensemble was perfect for the crowd they were prepared to enter. The Germanic prisoners that could walk had their hands bound with rope and attached to the backs of the horses; to be paraded around to exemplify Roman superiority. Romulus had recovered nicely and Vitus was determined to ride his stallion into the city.
Primus Pilus Aelianus walked among the ranks, shouting, "Alright, boys! Fasten your gear and ready yourselves. It's time to look like soldiers!"
The men lined up in neat formations, backs straight and eyes focused upon the large gate. Vitus gently mounted Romulus and closed his eyes; he could feel the presence of the city through its thunderous crowds. He opened his eyes and gave a nod to the trumpeter.
One trumpeter inhaled and blew with all his might to the gatesman on top of the walls. The gates opened and the first sight that the legion saw were a multitude of men and women positioned parallel from one another and separated by the large street, screaming their heads off with jubilant cries.
"Advance!" Germanicus gave the command. The trumpeters blew loudly and the fellow brass players played a wondrous bombastic cadence of victory as the legionaries began their march into the capital city of the Julii. Banners of the Julii—a black laurel wreath with gold outlines on a crimson field—draped over many homes and buildings inside the city, and seemingly as the soldiers marched past each banner, the crowds' roar grew louder. Women were waving frantically at the dashing and rugged legionaries, children were play-marching beside them, and several whores flashed their flesh and blew kisses towards the grizzled soldiers as they pass their establishment— needless to say, many of the legionaries turned their heads over to such sights.
It wasn't a triumph, but it would definitely do.
The multitude cheered, "Germanicus! Germanicus! Germanicus! Germanicus! Germanicus!"
A smile crept on his face and he gave the crowd a polite and composed wave. The people loved it.
Arretium was a huge city, the peak level of a settlement that all cities aspired to reach. All the capitals of the Three Families were similar to Rome, huge cities in stature—housing close to 300,000 civilians that lived within its security. They had full functioning city plumbing whereas smaller cities would have just built meager aqueducts. To the western sector stood the Scriptorium, an upgraded Academy meant to house the city's intellectuals and future orators. The eastern sector had the Arena of Arretium, where some of the finest gladiators of Italia fought for the crowd's amusement. Vitus breathed in the air, it was great being home.
The quasi-triumph continued for another half an hour, Vitus had near forgotten how large this city really was. The column of legionaries had made a turn down right, past the Grand Forum, and arrived in the colossal marble square in the center of town that laid in front of the Pro-Consul's Palace, the home of the Patriarch of the Julii. It was a massive marvel of architecture that exhibited the power of the Julii to all who gazed upon it.
Standing at the edge of the large marble steps to the Palace was an ensemble of men and women who stood with prestige and pride as the victorious hero returned from battle. At a command, the Legionary column diverged into a set formation of lines in a parade rest, their standard and eagle at the foreground of the formation. The crowd had followed them into the open area of the Pro-Consul's Palace and still continued to cheer on with vividness.
Germanicus approached from horseback to the regal men and women that stood at the foot of the steps, their smiles were proud and welcoming. A soldier held the reins of his large, black stallion and Germanicus hopped off with poise and dignity. He approached a man, heavy in years, yet imbued with the gravitas that few Romans could possibly match.
The old man wore a splendid tunic dyed in an exquisite shade of crimson, with the waist and hems flecked with gold and ebony. Draped over and around his tunic was the toga paterfamilias, a heavy toga worn to symbolize the position of the Patriarch of one of the Three Great Families of Rome; it was a lighter shade of red and the hem was solid dipped his head in a bow and bent his knee to the Patriarch of the entire Julii clan, Decius Julius, his own uncle. The crowd fell silent.
The old man's lips parted and a deep voice came out, "Vitus Julius Germanicus. You may rise as Victor over the Suebi."
Vitus stood straight and beamed with pride, "Gratitude, Uncle." The crowd erupted.
Decius Julius, the Patriarch of the Julii, was quite old at the age of sixty-one years, yet was still as sharp as he was when he was twenty. He was once of average height and build before time had shrunken him, and his once jet black hair had aged considerably into a thick white. His eyes were sunk into the back of his head and his face began to sag but his voice still carried the booming baritone he had in his youth. He was the eldest brother of three, with Vitus' father, Lucius, being the youngest of the three.
And to the Patriarch's right, was the Heir of the Julii; Statius Julius, Decius' son. Statius was a man of blackened hair, average height and build; he had a flat stomach and a melodious voice that rivaled his father's. He was no soldier, but a man of gifted skills in arithmetic and statistics. When Vitus' father yet lived, he had held the title of Heir until his death in battle. Decius then deferred the title of Heir to his only son, Statius.
Decius' gave a toothy grin, "Your legion looks magnificent, Vitus."
"Do you approve of them, Uncle?"
"I approve of them." He took several slow steps forward to inspect the legion, he raise a hand high and his personal trumpeters blaringly blew their instruments for silence. The crowd's once boisterous cheer died away in an instant. Decius bellowed with the all strength he had in his lungs. "Legio XXVIII Invicta! You stand before the citizens of Arretium, your blades bloodied and glory gained! You have exhibited exceeding valor in the face of the Suebi horde and saved the region of Lugdinensis! You have shown them the might and will of the Roman people, the courage of its citizens, to strike evil from this world! Such incredible feats shall not be forgotten. Let this victory over the Suebi be etched in the annals of your history! Let it be remembered and rejoiced!"
Germanicus unsheathed his sword and shot in the air, "Twenty-Eighth!"
All soldiers chanted, "Twenty-Eighth! Twenty-Eighth! Twenty-Eighth!" The thousands of citizens jumped in the air and applauded and cheered, chanting the number, "Twenty-Eighth."
Decius looked to Vitus, "They have pleased me greatly. They may be dismissed."
Vitus nodded to his Primus Pilus, Aelianus nodded back and did an about face to the legion.
"Twenty-Eighth! About face! Towards the barracks!" As one, the soldiers did a 180 degree turn to face the Army Barracks which housed all legionary members. Aelianus shouted, "Advance!"
They marched as one to the sound of trumpets and drums; they shifted from parade rest back to a column formation and left the square, towing most of the crowd with them. Soon the Pro-Consul's Palace began to quiet down.
Statius approached his cousin and slapped him lightly on the shoulder and shook his hand. "You could not believe how eager the people were to celebrate your return, Vitus."
He chuckled back, "I know, I near went deaf when I entered the city."
"A most fitting welcome for someone like you, rest assured."
Vitus nodded to him in appreciation, then gave a smile of warmth at the woman standing in front of him, Octavia Julius, his mother. A stunning woman in the middle of her years …Vitus received his mother's soft facial features. And like his brother, both sons had inherited their dark auburn hair from their mother. She gave him a maternal hug and cupped his face, "My Vitus, you looked so magnificent. Your father would have been so proud of you."
"Yes, I knew he would of have been." The words of his father echoed in his mind, "Though I have won many laurels in my lifetime, you two have been the greatest achievements that I have ever earned."
"You look positively thinner; I dared not believe it possible," She remarked. "Have you not been eating?"
"Bread and porridge, the luxury of a soldier, Mother." He smirked and kissed her on her cheek.
He looked to the man beside her who gave him a smile of smugness, "Another notch of victory to etch into your sword, you never seek to disappoint, Vitus."
Vitus smiled at the man, "Oh, Proculus, hard to disappoint someone who's always disappointing."
Proculus jabbed him in the stomach with a smirk. Vitus laughed. His elder brother, Proculus Julius—who was five years older than him at the age of 24—pulled Vitus in for a fraternal embrace. Proculus was a tall, physical specimen, handsome as a god and had a body that was chiseled out of marble. Years ago, he once stood an aristocratic hedonist bedding whores per month during his wife's flow of blood. Now he stood disciplined and faithful, occasionally making vulgar remarks and still dependent on wine, but he had more self-control than he ever had in his life. His duties now lie in administration of the upkeep between the great Julii cities of Arretium and Ariminum.
By his side was his wife, Appia of the Julii—who before marriage was known as Appia Maxentius, daughter of the former Consul, Caius Maxentius. Her beauty was extraordinary; her golden hair gleamed majestically, shaming the sun in splendor. Not even the taxing event of childbirth could damage her slender figure. She was of a gentle soul and loving nature, a true Roman woman and wife of virtue.
Proculus pulled out of the hug and shook his head, "By the Furies, you wreak, Vitus."
"Apologies, you often do not receive the luxuries of baths whilst in the forest of Germania."
Appia smiled, "Welcome back, Vitus." She hugged her brother-in-law, she smelled wonderful. "It lifts my heart that the Germanians did not harm you."
"As am I, though they certainly did try," he told her.
Statius looked to Vitus, "We received your letter ahead of time, Vitus. Shame Sertorius and Oppius could not join you and bask in the hour of glory."
"I echo such sentiment, yet Sertorius claims that he must return to his governorship in Hispania, and Oppius to quell a riot in Massilia."
"What?! A 'riot'?" Decius blurted.
"Well, uh, when we were preparing to leave Lugdunum, he received a courier that spoke of an inaction of a missed payment, several dock workers began a riot within the dockyards. Two hundred in all, if I recall correctly. Yet Oppius insisted that his legions could quell such an uprising. So he sent his legions out immediately. It has most likely been quelled a week ago."
Decius and Statius looked to one another. Decius spoke to Vitus, "I see. Hopefully that is the case, I shall send a messenger to Massilia to verify everything. A port city as valuable as such cannot fall to dissension."
"Uncle!" Vitus looked down to see his own little nephew beaming with a smile, as he ran to hug his leg.
Vitus kneeled down and grinned at him, "Lucius, by the gods you are growing big! How old are you now?"
"Uh… I am this!" He held out three fingers.
"You are three, Lucius! Say "three", sweetling." His mother, Appia, said with a giggle.
"Three!"
Proculus sighed, rustling his son's red hair. "Ugh, we're still working on that."
Vitus placed both hands behind his head, "Well he is just like you, Proculus; I remember that you couldn't even count to three until you turned ten."
"And you were under three feet until you turned fifteen."
"No matter how old you two become, you must bicker in one way or another," Octavia told them. "Come inside, Vitus."
The doors opened grandly, and inside he was reunited with the splendor of the interior palace. The servants gave proud smiles to him, the pristine slaves bowed down to him, and his family surrounded him with dozens of questions. Vitus had to admit, it felt good whenever he returned home and he was the subject of their talks.
Yet there was one person whose absence was particularly noted by Vitus. He turned to his brother and sister-in-law, "I do not see, Titia. Where is she?"
Appia glanced to her husband, it seemed like she was nervous, at least to Vitus it did. But Proculus cleared his throat, "Uh, she is in Rome at the moment, Vitus."
"What? Uh, what is she doing in Rome?"
"She is assisting her father in a… delicate matter. She left not too long ago but made a vow to return as soon as she was done with her father."
"Oh, uh… alright, then."
Proculus handed his brother some parchment. "Here, your wife sent you this letter."
"She wrote me a letter?"
"She did," said Appia with a smile, her face was as radiant as Venus'. "It came a week ago. Go ahead, read for yourself."
He opened it up and read it carefully.
"Vitus, my dear husband, I write this letter to you with my eternal love. I hear that your victory of the Suebi begins to draw to a close. I desire your victory to be swift and filled with glory so that you may return to me. We may not have spent as much time as I would have desired, but do know that in the short amount I have come to truly cherish you. I am blessed that Venus and Juno have given us a loving marriage and I pray to the Gods for your success and prompt return. I am honored to be called your wife. With my eternal love I decree unto you.
Titia of the Julii"
Appia asked him, "So what is the letter about?"
"She… She says that she loves and misses me."
"Such is truly sweet."
"Such is truly strange." He said with a furrowed brow. "This does not seem like her, but… it is a comforting letter though." He folded it up and excused himself, he knew a dinner was to be prepared so he best go to his bedchamber to change and bathe before the dinner. His family gave him warm smiles and allowed him to be excused.
Into his bedchambers stood a young man about seventeen in age, he was slightly taller than Vitus and held wide-shoulders yet held a submissive look in his eyes. His name was Evandrus and he was Vitus' personal slave. Evandrus stood pleased, "It lifts heart that you have returned victorious, Dominus."
"I feel the same, Evandrus," he amiably patted the slave on the arm. "You look well, Evandrus, it looks as if you have been eating well since I left."
"I have, yes, but, uh… Dominus? A question, if I may? For what purpose would you have me remain in Arretium while you were off to war?"
Vitus took a seat on his bed, taking off his boots. His sore buttocks missed the comfort of his bed. "How would you assist me? I needed soldiers, not slaves. Your utility would be better suited here in Arretium than in Germania."
"As you say, Dominus. I just desired to accompany you is all." He moved to take off Vitus' cape and armor, yet Vitus held out a hand.
"I am fine, Evandrus, I've done this before."
"But… I…"
He sighed, "Alright, very well."
A smile rose on the slave's face, he moved to his master and began unfastening the straps and hooks of his crimson cape and armor. Vitus took a look outside from his bedchambers in the palace to the sprawling city. The people were celebrating with vigorous rapture, all smiles and songs. An easy smile came to his face. He did well in protecting their territory, he did well in protecting his home.
It was the mid-morning hour of the market day for the Great Forum and business was flowing with hundreds of men and women crowding the establishment. And within such hours, Vitus found himself shopping with Statius; Evandrus following his master close behind.
Upon his return last night, he had enjoyed a luxurious feast upon his reunion with his family, telling them about his adventures and recounting what it was like fighting barbarians to his young nephew. His legion would have an entire week's rest before commencing with training once again. Vitus decided it be best to sleep through most of the day, finally not worrying about barbarian infiltrators slipping in through the night and slitting his throat.
He was planning on this, but his cousin, Statius, came to his bedchambers two hours after first light and woke him up. And thanks to his military lifestyle, once Vitus woke up, he stayed up. Statius then urged him to follow him into the Grand Forum. After nearly a year from "decent" civilization, it was somewhat strange to be back in a crowded, urban environment. Instead of wearing armor constantly, he now wore an austere crimson tunic with gold inlaid in the helm and black patterns inlaid in the sleeves. He had an angusticlavia—a narrow stripe running down the tunic—that was solid black with a flickering of gold that denoted his status of that above the plebeians.
"For what manner have you dragged me out here, Statius?" Vitus asked, half-amused.
"I need your opinion on a most delicate matter. I seek your help in finding an exotic pet."
"Oh, uh, sure… What kind of pet of exotic nature do you seek?
"A monkey."
" 'A monkey'? For what purpose do you desire a monkey for?"
"I've met the most charming of women in the city and she wields an eye for beauty. I heard that she is fond of animals. So I desire to find her a monkey in hopes of her affections."
"Why ask me in matters of courtship? Why not Proculus?" His brother had once bedded eight girls within a week when they were younger. If anyone knew about courtship, it was certainly him.
Statius chuckled with a shake of the head, "I do not possess the physical appeal of your brother, nor do I have his silver tongue. I also believe he would recommend me taking her to a tavern and fucking her later that night as if she was a whore."
Vitus' lips tightened, "Indeed that does sound like something he would say."
"So this monkey shall be a charming gift to her to secure her affection. You are here because I need your discernable eye. Inspect this monkey with me and see if it fairs better than the monkeys in Germania."
"There are no monkeys in Germania."
He frowned, "Truly? I was told that the forests in Germania are bleak and cold, housing creatures of shadow and bizarreness, yet of an exotic nature."
Vitus had to hold back a rowdy laugh. "They are bleak and cold, that aspect is truth. But 'creatures of shadow and bizarreness', considerably less so. Deer, boars, wolves, bears, foxes, squirrels, goats, hares, and owls; not quite bizarre I'm afraid. If you care for exotic beasts, take her to Africa, apparently the Scipii make a mountain of gold selling strange chimera-like animals across the Republic."
"Those prospects of animals are grim."
Vitus shrugged, "Eh, grim animals for a grim place."
"I do desire that it is a tame creature. I do hope it doesn't bite."
Vitus chuckled, "Of course it bites, it's an animal."
"Well that's disappointing. For what purpose did I bring you then?" he finished with a joke.
"I begin to wonder such myself." Vitus exhale noisily and scratched his auburn hair, "Listen, Statius, how about you decide on this alone, I see something else I should buy over there."
"Oh alright, be quick, I may need your help with the cage if I buy this thing."
He separated from Statius and walked amongst the crowd, he inhaled with relief. Why Statius would decide to buy a monkey as a gift for a woman was beyond him. In fact, besides the token gift of jewelry and clothes, Vitus was rather unfamiliar in what women would want. He guessed it depended on the woman; his wife, after all, asked him for something pretty unique upon her return.
"Perusing for a gift for the Domina?" Evandrus asked.
"Do not worry about that. For I have already found a gift that she asked me to give her."
Evandrus blinked, taken back by the comment. "Apologies for inquiring but when did you have chance to acquire such a gift?"
"From the campaign, it was what she requested I give her on the eve I left for battle."
"Oh, so what is—"
"Help me! HELP!"
The young man brought his head up to the commotion that seemed to come from down the ways of the Forum. Many of the customers swiveled their heads to the noise as well, murmuring loudly on what was going on.
"Leave me be! I beg you!" the shouting continued.
Feminine shrieks rose into the air, as the crowded Forum began to part in half, the commotion was coming into clearer view. He was a portly man who was middle-aged and wore a grey tunic that had exquisite golden inlets around the seams, a sign of his wealth and prestige. Yet he was clutching his stomach as he ran, knocking over stalls and spilling food everywhere. He scrambled to his feet, but slipped occasionally on his own blood that was leaking from several wounds in his stomach, leaving a horrid trail behind him.
"Move! Out of the way!"
The angered cry came from where the bleeding man initially was. A gang of six men with long daggers were rushing through the Forum, their eyes on the wounded man.
"There he is!" one of them shouted.
"Do not let him escape!" ordered another one.
The wounded man fell by the Legatus' side, his hand grasping Vitus' tunic. Evandrus moved to separate the bloody man from his master. Tears were in the bleeding man's eyes from the pain. "Make them cease! I beg of you! Please!" He plopped to the ground, convulsing.
"Dominus, step back!" Evandrus begged.
"No." Vitus stepped in front of the wounded man, drew his sword and snarled, "Stand down! You men stand down!"
The gang of six stopped and bared their daggers at him. "Who the fuck are you?" the leader sneered. "You dare interfere?"
"Take pause, Gnaeus… I believe I recall his face…" said one of the knifemen.
"As do I…" said another.
One of the men's eyeballs shrunk in fear. "Sons of Dis! His eyes, that's Julius Germanicus! He arrived just yesterday!"
The leader instantly bowed, "Excuse my insolence, Julius. I meant no offense."
"You seek to kill this man? Lay down your weapons immediately!" Vitus shouted.
"B-B-But we are obligated to do so."
"What?"
"Germanicus, this man is proscribed to die. And we seek his head. We mean no offense, but please step aside."
"What are you talking about?"
The wounded man was trembling, the olive color of his skin was leaving his flesh. He stammered, "Ple-Plea-Please save me… ple-plea-please save me… I beg of you, I can p-p-pay—"
"Vitus!"
Statius came running by, as did the men of the Town Watch. "What is the meaning of this?!"
"These knifemen seek to murder this man, Statius!"
"But Heir Statius, we commit no crime!" the leader pleaded. "That man was proscribed. Titus Parnus Dento was on the proscription."
Statius' mouth fell. "Oh…"
Vitus looked to the bleeding man and back to his cousin, "Statius, what does he mean?"
Statius looked down at the wounded man, and sighed with an air of regret. "This man is Titus Parnus Dento, and his name was on the list." He looked to the knifemen and nodded solemnly, "Carry on."
"What?! Statius?!"
Statius grabbed his arm, "Vitus, move aside and let them finish their work."
"But he—"
"Statius?!" the dying man sobbed, "No-no-no-no-no, ple-plea…"
His life fled with his breath.
Statius was squirming, trying hard to keep himself composed in front of the crowd. He swallowed hard and looked away, his voice aimed at his cousin, "Is he—"
Vitus had seen plenty of this in the past three years of his martial life. "He is dead."
The leader of the gang approached the Julii, "So… may we uh…?"
Statius sighed. "You may. My men shall see to it that you are compensated."
Vitus grasped his cousin's shoulder. "I do not understand what is happening? You allow these men to walk away with murder?!"
"Many things have occurred since you were away, Vitus. Let us return to the palace, and my father and I shall inform you."
They walked away. Behind him, Vitus could hear the groans and shrieks of disgust from women. Over his shoulder, he noticed one of the killers position himself over the dead man and brought his sword down on his neck. The head rocked from side-to-side from the momentum of the chop. One of the killers laughed, "Good. Now find a box of salt for transport. I do hope he is worth considerable coin!"
"It was barbaric. Six men chasing one man down, in the middle of the bloody Forum. And no man or women lift a finger to aid the man. They just observed his gory demise. And they gazed at me as if I was a villain for interfering."
Proculus sighed heavily. Statius looked ashamed as he sat next to his father. Yet Decius' face was firm like iron as he had his slave pour him a cup of wine. He reclined on his couch in the triclinium—the dining area of the home—and snacked on a tray of fruit brought out to him.
"Uncle, why do you not look perturbed by this?"
"Apologies, Vitus. But through this frequency of violence, it has a harrowing way to… desensitize. This is the way the Republic is now. You have not heard since you were away on the campaign against the Suebi."
"Statius said the same thing, but what has happened?"
Proculus exhaled after drinking some wine, sitting next to Vitus on the couch. "Sulla happened."
"What about Sulla?"
Decius cleared his throat before he spoke. "As Dictator, Sulla has enacted proscriptions throughout the entire Republic. Any citizen with their name found upon the list written by Sulla and hung out in front of the Forum is to be outlawed as an "Enemy of the State" and denied the protection of Roman law. Their citizenships are revoked, their property is seized by the state, and their lives are forfeited. Many of them have been killed by other citizens and their heads rest upon the spikes of the Forum; few have escaped and decided to live in exile. Most of these men were allied at one point or another with Marius. When Marius seized Rome five or six years ago, he had his soldiers kill supporters of Sulla. And now Sulla does the same in retaliation."
Gaius Marius, Vitus thought. The reformer of the Roman Army, the legendary seven-timed Consul, friend of his father. A great man who the Gods afflicted with madness from a stroke. He and Sulla, once allies and friends, became bitterest foes and had shed blood all over the Republic.
"But it does not stop there." Statius stepped in. "Not all the doomed men are enemies of Sulla… He has killed wealthy patricians in Rome and with luxurious estates and business. Their coin fills his coffers, especially after the cost-draining war he fought in. He also does so to reward his own veterans and those patricians who served him well. Yet death does not come only to those sentenced. If any man or woman is caught aiding the proscribed, then they too are sentenced to death. The dead cannot even be given privilege of a proper funeral."
Proculus' lips tightened. "He certainly lived up to his boast. How did it go, Vitus? 'I am a blessing to my friends'…?"
" 'But a reckoning to my foes.'" Vitus finished. His head was flushed with such news that came to him. The image of Sulla formed in his mind's eye. "How long have these killings gone on?"
"They still continue, but they started about a month after you left, Vitus," his brother had said. "Thousands upon thousands lie dead from these proscriptions. The city of Rome itself weeps from the pools of blood that is being spilt. Paranoia about who shall die next engulfs the city. Many prominent families have fled the peninsula in utter fear, leaving all they have and choosing the path of exile rather than death. The citizens that hold anything of value that can be seen as fortunate—such as a lovely garden—may find his name on the list. There's also suspicions that are going around that some innocence are ending up dead because the murderers "claim" they aided the proscribed—even though one victim who was innocent was known to be a hated enemy of the murderer—nothing can be proven and by time evidence is gathered, the innocent is already slain. All of this is usually just to settle bad blood."
Statius spoke, "But other cities as well are not safe from proscriptions. At the end of every month, a list goes out to every major city in the Italian peninsula with a list about thirty names of the condemned. Be it Julii, Brutii, or Scipii; all cities receives these. Sulla has many enemies, and much desire for estate."
Decius' heavy eyes fell to the wine in his goblet, "He personally came to see me about adding Sertorius' name on the list. It is common knowledge to everyone that Sulla and Sertorius despise one another. Yet Sulla was wary because Sertorius holds governorship of Hispania and has his own legions that are loyal to him. To add his name may cause another civil war between Sertorius in Hispania and Sulla in Rome."
"And you said no, correct?" Vitus asked.
"I did. I vehemently protested against adding Sertorius' name. Not only would doing such an action force Sertorius into war, but he is an honorable and just man, and a valuable general. To have him killed to appease Sulla would be a grave injustice towards the man. It was not easy to convince him, but I made my case passionately, and he rescinded… reluctantly."
Proculus drank from his cup, "If Sertorius desires to survive, he best stay in Hispania with all his men. He crosses into Italia by himself and I imagine Sulla may have him killed immediately."
I figured that was why he choose not to return, but, Vitus thought. But did Sertorius know about these killings, and if so, why did he not tell me?
Vitus shook his head softly, "Sulla… How could he do this?!"
Statius offered Vitus a cup of wine. "Because he is the Dictator. And it was us, the Julii, which aided him into that position."
"Begrudgingly aided him." Decius added.
"Though aided him nonetheless, Father. And such we have little right to criticize what he does since we put him in such position."
"Ha!" Proculus scoffed, his smile a mix of amusement and offense. "What a weak-willed statement, Statius. For is it not the right of a republic to criticize those they elected who had fail them? Marius was killing many people when he had power, and now Sulla is doing the same damn thing. We had just replaced one brutal man with another, except this time he wields absolute authority."
"We didn't hold a choice, cousin."
"There is always a choice, Statius. And we made ours."
That we did. This was not the first time that Sulla marched against Rome. The first time Sulla marched on Rome, he was denied the honor of hosting an Eastern Army to defeat the Pontic King, Mithridates VI, by his once one-time friend but now hated rival, Gaius Marius. Sulla waged war and won, exiling Marius and his loyal supporters to Africa. After the civil war, Sulla left Italia to fight in the East, allowing Marius to return to Rome, declaring Sulla an outlaw and exile, and gaining his seven consulship—which he would not enjoy since he died two weeks after winning the consulship.
The second and most recent war against Rome was virtually fought over the same reason as the first one. With Mithridates defeated and with Marius dead, Sulla decided to return to Rome to regain control of the city. His opponent was Marius' own son, Gaius Marius Minor, the newly elected Consul. When Sulla landed his legions upon Italian soil, the call went out to the Three Families, yet they were all called to arms both by the Senate and by Sulla.
Sulla represented the Optimates, the conservative Senatorial majority of Roman society which generally supported the nobles. Marius represented the Populares, which favored the common people of Roman society to try to instill reforms to help the poor. The Scipii were traditionally conservative and wealthy and thus instantly sided with Sulla, in addition to Sulla's clan, the Cornelia, having a close blood tie to the Scipii. The Brutii were also among the Optimates but chose Sulla over the Senate since it was Sulla who aided the Brutii in repelling Mithridates and his Pontians.
The Julii, however, was the only Family of the Three Families to be traditionally with the Populares; yet Decius decided to fight for Sulla for several paramount reasons. Yes Gaius Marius the Younger was in the Populares faction, but he was not his martial father who had won several wars and reformed the entire Roman Army. Sulla was a proven general with a great mind for strategy. To face Sulla, the Brutii, and the Scipii was folly, especially when Sulla's other legions were marching across the far side of the Alps and could flank the Julii. And so Decius abandoned his principles for the common people to stay off annihilation.
Sertorius was furious. He never held a liking for Sulla and before Sertorius was adopted, it was known that Sulla ruined his political career. Sertorius threatened to desert to the Marian cause; yet Decius had personally came to see Sertorius and spoke to him in great length in private. What he said to Sertorius, he never repeated, only Sertorius knew what was said. It pained him greatly, but Sertorius decided to fight alongside the Julii in Sulla's war.
Sulla's Second Civil War was greater than the first, but lasted half a year due to the aid of the Three Families. Vitus fought in several battles against the Senators and won resounding glory, yet he never felt glorious in slaying fellow Romans. Marius the Younger was besieged by Sulla in the final battle and as Sulla's forces won, Marius tried to escape but was caught. He fell on his sword instead of surrender. With all his enemies destroyed, Sulla took the mantle of dictatorship and thus came to power.
Proculus spoke up, "It has been almost a year and these proscriptions are still coming in at a steady rate. It makes you ponder if Sulla is paranoid because of power? Trying to wipe out all threats, real or imagined."
Decius made a low grunt. "I doubt he is. In my dealings with the man, I have not known him to succumb to the ravages of paranoia. He is a calculating sort, always trying to determine his best course of action. A man like him builds schemes upon schemes as a builder builds brick upon his foundation. He's ruthless and can be known as quite unpredictable. He knows what he wants, and that is order. And for order to exist from a previous administration, the slate must be wiped clean."
"But then again, Uncle…" Proculus said. "Power consumes, bends, and even breaks the mind… who knows what he has become."
"None of you have visited Rome?" Vitus asked.
"I did," Proculus answered. "Two months ago when Sulla made a motion to ratify the new age restriction for offices of the cursus honorum."
"Wait? You were at the Senate House?"
"As was I," Statius added. "Sulla did many things in your absence. He completely reformed the constitution of the Republic. He destroyed what dignity the Tribune of the Plebeians had in the Senate, essentially stripping all veto power away from the office. Such actions rendered the people of Rome powerless in face of the patricians, it is downright sacrilege. And as Dictator, Sulla had increased the size of the Senate. He added over 300 men as senators.
"He also chose to reward the Three Families and those who supported him. So he added twenty members each from the Julii, Brutii, and the Scipii." A small smirk grew on Uncle Decius' face. "You know, Vitus, because of Sulla's reform, your own cousin and brother now stand senators of the Republic."
"Proculus, you're a senator?!"
Proculus chuckled with a bob of his head. "Senator Proculus Julius. Has not a more luxurious title ever been uttered?"
"I am stunned."
Statius chuckled. "So was everyone when Sulla made the announcement. And with his title of Dictator and his proscriptions, no man dared protested openly."
"This is my first step in climbing the cursus honorum. Maybe in three years I can run for the office of Quaestor?" Proculus mused.
Vitus shook his head in wonder, "Wow… Anything else that had occurred?"
Decius, Proculus, and Statius shot looks at each other. Decius said, "Indeed, two months ago, an insidious plague had hit Italia."
"A plague…?" Since he was gone, there have been massacres in the Republic, a vast expansion of the Senate, and now plagues? At this point, if they had told Vitus that Jupiter ripped opened the sky and dangled his cock over the mortals, he wouldn't have been surprised. What a difference a year had made. "Gods, of course there was a plague…"
Decius continued, "The plague came from the north, from Mediolanum. And since we Julii hold territory in the North, of course we were hit first by it. Then it went down to Rome, then down to Brutii lands and Scipii lands. We estimate that around 60,000 people have already died throughout the Italian peninsula."
"60,000…" the words left Vitus' mouth in a breathless tone.
"Fortuna blessed us though," said his brother. "The plagued has currently passed from Mediolanum, Arretium and Arrinium in the previous week. But Rome is still heavily inflicted with it."
Statius extended his goblet out to be refilled with wine, "I talk to the people in the Forum and they claim that citizens in Rome are beginning to believe that the plague was caused by the Gods for Sulla's bloodshed."
"The gods do everything. Yet I believe this mere coincidence."
"I don't know, Father, the plebs are starting to believe this is no coincidence, and when they start voicing their beliefs…"
Vitus rubbed his mouth with his hand in concern, "And Titia is in Rome."
Proculus sucked on his teeth. "She is, do you recall when I broke words about her leaving for Rome?"
"Yes, to aid her father and— Wait… her father contracted the plague?"
"He had."
His hands shot into the air in exasperation, "For what purpose did you hide this from me?"
"Yesterday was such a grand affair for you, Vitus. I did not seek to sour the mood of your victorious return. So I planned to tell you the next day, which I currently have."
"Gods below," he cursed softly. "I have been gone for nearly a year, and madness and death have engulfed the Republic. If I wanted this insanity, I would have remained in Germania…"
Proculus patted his shoulder. "Welcome back, Vitus."
Vitus placed his elbows in his knees and his face into his hands, his mind coursing faster than a river. After half a minute, he turned around to Evandrus, who was standing silently behind him. "Evandrus, pack my belongings, make it light, enough for three to four days. Then find Ligadis and tell him to pick four good men to accompany me, him included."
"Your will, Dominus." He bowed then promptly exited.
"You're packing for four days? To where do you go?" his brother asked.
"To Rome."
Statius objected, "Rome is still ravaged by plague, Vitus. You should wait until the epidemic has died away."
"I shall not wait, I am going to see my wife."
"But Vitus, it's—"
"You're not going to stop him, Statius." Proculus said with a soft smirk. "I've seen that look in his eye many times. Titia should still be in her father's home. Do you remember where it was?"
"I do."
His brother sighed, "Mother is not going to like this, Vitus."
He sighed too. "I know she won't, but I'll feel safer if Titia is here, and also I would seek to know the status of her father." He looked to Decius, "Uncle, you understand I need to—"
"Go, Vitus. I understand. I believe it better if you stayed, but… I understand. Do you leave now?"
"No, I would leave at first light tomorrow."
"Then I shall extend you the best of luck, Vitus, and do be careful. The city is unstable I beg you to be careful."
"Such is why I am bringing my Thracians, Uncle. I shall be fine. And if everything is fine with her and her family, then I shall bring her back as well."
Let's head to Rome...
I am glad that I am able to write about the Julii capital and other members of the Julii family
Doing research for this was pretty interesting, discovering how Sulla could organized the murders of so many citizens because he held the title of Dictatorship was kind of eye opening.
Thank you for reading
-Kanuro5
