VI

Questions

It always amazed him how much quicker he traveled with six people on horseback versus marching in with a legion of over 4,000. It took him approximately ten days to march the legion from Massilia to Arretium; while it only took Vitus five days to travel from Arretium to Massilia. Vitus looked behind him, Evandrus was riding tall on his horse and close to Vitus, giving his master a polite smile as he looked upon him. Lucky for him, Evandrus knew how to ride and he did it well. Behind his slave, his Thracian bodyguards were spread out consisting of their captain, Ligadis, the brothers Pytros and Kersos, the tall and quiet Terxun, and the young and rowdy Diza. The seven of them made great time from the Julii capital, yet he wished Sulla never sent him on this errand in the first place, oh what he would rather do than be with his new wife and legion.

He spent a day within Arretium after he brought Titia back from Rome. She was of course bombarded with questions on how her father was doing and how Rome was dealing with the plague. Everyone made her feel welcomed, especially his sister-in-law, Appia. Spending nearly a year in Arretium had made Titia and Appia closer than blood sisters, Appia had that effect on people. Yet Titia was not the only one lambasted with questions.

Vitus' uncle, cousin, and brother all questioned him about the affairs of Rome and he answered them the best he could. He told them that he had to leave on a special mission, and he admitted that it came from Sulla. And of course, even more questions followed; regarding his proscriptions, his sanity, the mission Vitus would have to undergo. Vitus ensured them that Sulla was not insane, that every word he spoke with was chosen with care. Proculus and Statius wanted to ply more information out of him about his mission, but Vitus told them he could say no more except that he had to go to Massilia. He remembered the stern face of silence Uncle Decius gave him, and how he brusquely pulled him aside to speak to him alone.

"That man is up to something, I know it. You went to Rome only to retrieve your wife and you come back with a mission straight from his lips? Be careful. I shall not ask what Sulla is ordering you to do, Vitus. If he desires your silence, then silent you shall be. He has spies everywhere. But I ask that you do not trust him and that you remember who you are as a Julii."

"Uh, of course, Uncle."

"I mean it. Sulla has the gift of twisting words and actions of others for his own benefit. Whatever he has you doing, do so with honor and remember whether such actions would aid the Julii or hinder us."

"I understand, Uncle."

Unlike his trip to Rome, Vitus decided it best to wear his Legatorial Armor and his crimson cape. His sword and his eagle-pommeled dagger were publicly fastened to his waist; yet he left his helm back in Arretium. He wasn't worried that he would encounter any danger in Massilia; the riot should have been suppressed by now thanks to Oppius. He had concocted a good story to tell Murio's family once he met them and his appearance as a general would only solidify it.

Ligadis galloped his horse closer to Vitus, "I can see the Massilian Bay from the road, a quaint and busy port filled with all sorts of leisure."

Vitus rolled his eyes playfully, "I have told you, we are not travelling to Massilia for leisure. Only business."

The captain groaned, "I ought believed I could change your mind. I never considered Hilarus Murio as one for business. I mean no disrespect, but why must you visit him yourself? If you wish to induct him into the Evocati, then why not send a courier?"

"He'll know I'm serious and perhaps feel a patriotic call if I'm looking…" Vitus smirked, pointing to his armor and cape. "…Soldierly."

His bodyguard shot an eyebrow up and extended his hand to the other bodyguards bringing up the back, "Is such why all of us are armored as well, to look 'soldierly'?"

"Back in the Samarobriva campaign, I recall he wasn't overly favorable of you Thracians."

"I can only count on one hand of those who were."

"Years have passed, you in armor may change his opinion on the matter."

"Things change and things remain."

Vitus grunted in acknowledgement. He looked back to his other four bodyguards. "Ligadis, how do the rest feel about this?"

"Well… they all wonder why not send a courier, but on the upswing they view it good that we are visiting the beautiful Massilia. Upon our last visit before we fought the Germanians, Diza is vying to see a fair Iberian he coupled with before. Kersos desires to sample on cheap, but good shellfish. Terxun doesn't really hold a care for this or the other, and Pytros desires to smell the sweet salty air of the bay."

"And what do you desire, Ligadis, from coming with me?"

"Oh I just tagged along to look soldierly."

That a got good laugh from Vitus.

The stone walls of Massilia had crimson banners of the Julii draping down the tall walls proudly. The paved highways entered neatly into the gateway, which seemed to have a decent size of traffic venturing into and out of the city. All occupants were wearing the plain faces of normality. Vitus wondered if the riot had been quelled more efficiently than he suspected.

He and his men requested entry inside, to which the guardsman politely told him. "Enjoy your visit to Massilia."

"I shall. Tell me, what was the extent of the damage to Massilia?"

The guard scrunched his face. "What do you mean? What damage?"

"The damage from the rioting."

Both of the guards looked at one another, then back to him. "Apologies, but we do not know what you speak of. There has been no riot within the city."

"No, I was told that a week or two ago there was a significant riot within the dockyards. It interfered with commerce. The riot was huge, wasn't it?"

The other guard spoke, "We can assure you that no such rioting occurred. The only thing that got the city in any sort of uproar was how the citizens joyously welcomed back Oppius' legions from beating the Suebi. But no rioting had occurred when his army left, nor when they returned."

The Legatus thanked the guardsmen as he moved away, troubled by their words and his own recollection. Vitus and his retinue dismounted and tied up their horses at the stables, before they ventured underneath the gatehouse.

In the center of the spacious square was a tall statue of the Conqueror of Massilia, Numerius Julius Gemellus. Gemellus was the twin to one of the Julii Patriarchs a century ago and took Massilia from the Gauls. The Gauls held Massilia since the beginning of time and they always stopped the Roman advance by launching ambushes from the woods. But Gemellus, using Julii ingenuity, launched a seaborne invasion from Sardinia and took Massilia with two days. Since then, the Julii have come to recognize the importance of the bay for its western territories.

Vitus recalled how his legion entered Massilia a year ago to begin the kickoff to repel the Suebi Invasion. He noticed the fascination in the face of his men as they ventured through the beautiful port city, breathing in the sweet yet salty air of the sea that enveloped the entire town, how the seagulls were plentiful above and squawked melodiously as they circled endlessly in the sky. Indeed Massilia was a beautiful settlement to visit if one had the luxury, yet Vitus noted the look of contentment on the faces of the citizens. The stench of squalor was much lower than it was in Rome. Men and women were playing with children in the streets. The guards' words must have been true, no rioting had occurred. Questions burned in his mind, but he recalled what his main task was for even being in this city.

The young legate caught two Town Watchmen patrolling close by. They noticed his attire of a Legatus and they stood to attention. Vitus asked them politely, "Pardon me, but I am seeking the abode of the Murii? Would you know a family of that name? Or their son, Hilarus Murio"

One of the watchmen rubbed his chin in thought and kept muttering the name. "I do know that name…" He turned to his partner, "Wasn't that name in the report?"

"It was, oh, I recall now! Apologies, but you may pay your respects to their home, Legatus. It's down the dockyard, several blocks past the barracks in the southern sector of the city. The sector is called Gemellus' Gift."

"What do you mean by such words? In 'paying respects', what is this?"

They looked at one another before turning to him, "Oh, you didn't know, Legatus?"

"Know what?"

"We assumed you came to observe their passing, both of the Murii are dead."

"What? They're—how?"

"From what I hear, they both passed in their sleep."

"They both died? Within the same night?"

"Yes. I know, quite strange but such were the results of investigations."

"When did they die?"

"Last night."

It took me five days to travel from Arretium to Massilia. And I met Sulla seven days ago. The Arcani murdered Murio's parents a week after I met with Sulla? Did they know I was coming or did they already send killers to end their lives once Murio failed? All these questions…

He gave a courteous nod, "Thank you for your directions." And he took his men and slave down to the docks; at the same time, his mind was trying to decipher what was going on.

The dockyards stretched out from the coast into the sapphire blue waters of the Massilian Bay. Multitudes of boardwalks stood proudly in the water with many galleys anchored beside them. Flocks of gulls circled lazily over the Bay, whose water shimmered in the most tranquil of blues. Citizens roamed peacefully around the docks and streets, with merchants shouting their wares in the distance. And not one speck of damage was seen anywhere in the Bay. Nothing was being reconstructed, no crucified bodies were hung up around the port for dissident rebels, and nothing was out of place. If no riot occurred, why did the courier tell them elsewise…?

He continued to ask directions for the Murii and Gemellus' Gift until he found their home. A small crowd of about fifteen people that looked to be neighbors stood outside the home, trying to peer inside for any news, yet they were kept at bay by the four men of the Town Watch that stood guard. The crowd wore no expressions of anger or confusions, but held concern and worry in its stead. Some were mumbling prayers to Juno and Jupiter to watch over them in the afterlife.

Vitus excused himself through the crowd as he gently forced his way to the entrance. One of the watchmen placed a hand on his shoulder firmly, "Soldier, you cannot enter these premises."

"Unhand the Legatus!" Ligadis barked. "You address Legatus Vitus Julius Germanicus, and you shall offer respect upon his name."

The crowd behind them began mumbling, the militiaman stammered with the clearing of his throat. "Julius Germanicus? But—I—I…"

Vitus cleared his throat, "I understand it is your job to keep out the crowd, but take note of this." He showed him the Token of the Julii upon his armor. "I am Julius Germanicus, if I chose to, I could be the Governor of this settlement. Now allow me entry."

"Of course! Uh, you may enter, Legatus…"

The four men stood aside and stood straighter in his presence. Vitus often didn't like when he had to pull rank or name-drop, but he did it when he had to and it did get results. But before he entered, he looked to the guard who touched them. "Watchman, tell me, who found them dead?"

"One of the neighbors, Legatus. She claimed that she was to go out with the deceased wife on the following market day. She called into the home but no response, yet she knew they did not leave. She entered the premises and found them both dead in their bed."

"Was anything taken?"

"Not that we could fine. Everything seemed normal around here. It couldn't have been theft or murder."

"How are you certain? You examined the bodies? And they suffered no wounds, there was no blood?"

"None, no marks were found on their bodies either. We could not find anything of worth that was stolen from the premises, their coin was still stashed away inside. We believe this was no theft or murder."

"And both of them died in the same night?"

"We know, it is puzzling, but we cannot figure out the cause besides… well… natural causes. The couple was old. Perhaps the gods saw fit to take them both, knowing such pain of solitary for the surviving spouse should be too much. Perhaps it was a part of a plan."

Indeed, to tie-up all loose ends…

"I shall go inside. Ligadis, keep your men on the watch for anything suspicious. Watchman, where is the woman who found the Murii?"

"Oh, she and her husband are inside this home."

"They are? For what purpose?"

"To set up their funeral arrangements. This couple was close to the Murii and the Murii have no kin, to my knowledge. They are preparing the bodies for viewing, Legatus."

"I see, I would speak with them. As you were, Watchmen."

The interior seemed like the standard home for any working-class Roman couple, nothing struck out to him as odd. A few amounts of basic furniture; plain curtains, a dusty rug, a table with several holes and splinters jutting out. Yet this was a simply cozy home where one could decently raise a family. There stood a man and a woman looking to be husband and wife, both gray in years, tending to two bodies resting on separate couches; cleaning and anointing the faces of the deceased.

"Apologies if I intrude," Vitus said to them in a soft and polite tone.

The old couple turned around. The man replied, his mouth was tight together and he wore a sullen face. "What are you doing here, young man?"

He smiled politely, "Greetings, I am Vitus Julius Germanicus, Legatus of the Twenty-Eighth Legion."

The grizzled husband looked at the armor and peered into the young man's eyes and there saw the truth of it.

"Legatus, oh! You honor us with your presence."

The wife bowed her head, "Indeed you do. But for what reason are you here?"

Vitus cleared his throat. "Hilarus Murio. I knew him when he was once under my command."

"Apologies, but 'you knew' him?"

"Oh I-I-I meant… uh that I know him from when he served, I used the wrong word, forgive me."

"For what reason do you arrive at the home of the Murii?" the wife continued inquisitively.

"The campaign with the Suebi is over. In peacetime, I often seek to revisit many of my veterans to see how they fare with life as a civilian."

The wife gushed, "You are very sweet to check up on your men."

Her husband turned to her with anger in the eyes, "Watch what you say, woman! He is not a damn child. Apologies for my wife, Germanicus. She forgets herself, she did not mean it in such a way."

He smirked softly, "No apologies are necessary, no harm is done."

Behind the couple, Vitus eyed the corpses lying on the couch. He inhaled through his nose and walked closer. The deceased couple looked so peaceful, as if they indeed fell into a restful sleep and never awoke. He tried to be subtle, he moved his eyes all over their exposed flesh from the neck on up, but saw no wounds or bruises on the skin. So they weren't strangled or stabbed, but was poison the killer?

"You knew them well?" Vitus asked.

"That we did. Close to thirty years, actually. We were their neighbors, but we met each other in our youth." said the husband. "I am Vibius Cordus, and this is my wife, Penelope."

Vitus addressed the woman, "So it was you who found them… uh, deceased?"

She bowed her head, her eyes quivered for a moment, "Yes, I did. Every morning, upon the conclusion of morning meal, Aula and I would venture into the market place together. Every morning, but she did not come out at her usual time, I figured she was busy getting ready but upon fifteen minutes passing, I called up and received no response. I ventured in and…"

"It was mighty unfortunate, their passing," Vibius said, placing a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder. "They were good people, many citizens knew them and their virtuous spirit. I must ask, Germanicus, you said you were here for Hilarus?"

"I was. You see, upon his discharge, I offered position of Evocatus yet he turned it down. In it he claimed he would return back to Massilia to be with his parents. I admit such was two years ago but I still remember Murio well." Yes, he was rotting on an altar after nearly assassinating Sulla. I wonder how they would react if they knew the truth of the son of their neighbors… "I seek to offer the position again to him. In case the years have not been kind to him, then he can seek employment on my staff. Is he presently here in the city?"

"No, I am afraid he is not. After he left the Legion, I recalled that he came back to his parents and stayed with them for a year and took service at the Temple of Jupiter."

"Truly? He joined a collegium of Flamines?"

"No, he did not," Penelope said. "Although he found the ways of faith later in the year. No, he was a temple cleaner, maintaining the visible integrity of the temple and its statues. It was a tough two months for him when he came back, no proper work for a soldier in a town known for merchants and artisans. He took jobs here and there, nothing sticking longer than a fortnight. He… uh, took to drink, he claimed to ease him of his memories and his state as a jobless man."

Vitus sucked on his bottom lip. Indeed, there are some things no man should see in battle… "How do you know all of this?"

"I frequented with his mother, Aula, daily. She was… a cherished friend, she spoke of her son often. She then told me that one day, he retuned expressing the amazement he witnessed when the priests offered lambs upon the Ides and heard their prayer to Jupiter. He was fascinated with them. Days later, he came back to his parents with news of his employment as a temple cleaner. He stayed at the Temple for long periods of time, even after the closing of hours within the Forum. He would clean the temple and the priests would teach him about the grace of Jupiter. He was happy."

The husband took over, "Then, as a year passed, he announced that he was leaving Massilia 'to make his fortune,' if you can believe such. He claimed he would venture to Rome."

"Rome, huh?" Vitus said.

"Indeed." Said the husband, his eyes were weary as he recollected what had happened. "His father and mother offered to throw a party to see him off, but he refused and left a few days later. As he left his parents, and he extended his goodbyes to us as well."

That doesn't tell me much, was that gap of time when he joined the Arcani? "He stayed in Rome for the entire time?"

"As much as we know, yes."

Vitus looked to Murio's parents. "I extend apologies if my comments offend, but… his parents… how did they die?"

"In their sleep. From what the Town Watch described, they were both sleeping in their beds, eyes were closed as if they were in an eternally peaceful slumber."

"Did you hear anything that occurred the night of their death? Anything at all?"

Penelope looked frightened, "No, we did not. It was a normal night, just quiet in their home. Why? Do you suspect something foul, like murder?"

"No I do not, it's just… strange how both of them died in their sleep the same night."

The husband exhaled, "We did as well. But the Watch assured us that nothing sinister occurred. Nothing was taken from their home, the rest of our neighbors saw no one enter, and look they have no signs of wounds on them. They both… died at peace."

Penelope said softly, "I feel horrible for whenever their son shall return. To find both his beloved parents deceased…"

"I agree," Vitus said, "I truly did not expect this. I extend the utmost gratitude unto you two for speaking with me today. I do hope that Opiter and Aula Murio find peace within the afterlife." He dug in coin pouch and gave them twenty denarii. "Here, as my condolences, use this for their funeral arrangement."

"Such kind words and actions, we thank you, Julius Germanicus."

"Before I leave, can you point me in direction of the temple that Hilarus worked at?"

"Indeed we can, just follow these directions…"


The Massilian Temple of Jupiter stood tall and proud in the midst of the square, its white marble reflected the noon sun radiantly, bright as a beacon. A statue of Jupiter was erected in front of the temple, him resting marvelously on a throne, showing his dominion and authority over all. Unlike the square near the gates where children played with one another; none played in front of the temple, volume in this area was kept to a respectable minimum, no gambling was done, everything here was held in reverence. Vitus motioned for his slave and his bodyguards to wait in the square, it was only necessary for him to speak with the Flamens.

The Flamens were a revered collegium of priests within Roman society, each sect dedicated to a god or goddess of the Roman pantheon. Yet the three major sects of the Flamens worshipped Mars, Quirinis, and of course, Jupiter. If one wanted to extend a specialized offering or prayer to a god, they would venture to the temple and consult with the Flamen.

The interior temple was heated and dimly lit by numerous candles that flickered shadows across the walls, statues of all the variations of Jupiter that Romans named him were positioned with care at every end of the temple. The deeper he ventured, the more he noticed how the sounds from the outside dimmed, until it was only the echo of those inside worshipping which was the only noise present. Sweet myrrh incense was draped over the inside to better clear the mind of those who offered to the Greatest God.

Vitus drew near to a life-size statue of Jupiter Optimus Maximus—the Best and Greatest—which had an eagle rested proudly on his shoulder as he stood straight, his heavy marble eyes peering directly into the young man. Vitus turned around at the sound of shuffling feet behind him. A Flamen had approached him. The priest wore a leather skullcap on his head and a heavy cloak of wool that draped over his body.

He smiled warmly and spoke softly, "Welcome, soldier, may Jupiter Optimus Maximus bless the ground that you tread upon. How may I be of service?"

Vitus smiled to the Flamen, "I seek to make a donation to Jupiter, the Greatest of the Great, if you would have my offering?"

The priest nodded and extended his hand. "It is not I that accepts it, but Jupiter himself. I would say a prayer if you allow me?"

"Gratitude, but I have a prayer of my own, but you may stay there and observe me."

The Flamen bowed and lit several beeswax candles at the feet of the statue and backed away a respectful distance. Vitus placed twenty denarii into the offering cup, a strand of his hair, and sliced his palm and allowed the drops to descend upon his offering. Then, he removed a pouch from his hip and removed a small wooden totem, whittled in his own image by his late father. His father told him that the in the olden times, the Julii would craft a totem for each of its sons as a charm for good fortune; yet such practice has fallen out of favor. Yet his father reminded him that all his victories in battle came from praying with the totem, the only time his father did not pray resulted in his final battle and defeat. Vitus was determined to carry his totem with him wherever he could; and no matter which god he prayed to, his totem will be in front of him.

"Before your wisdom and grace stands Vitus of the Julii, awarded the name Germanicus, son of Lucius of the Julii, awarded the name Magnus. I beseech thine wondrous blessing, oh Jupiter Optimus Maximus. You who control the heavens and watch over the fates of Man, I beseech thine wondrous blessing. I beseech thine wondrous blessing not on me, but for my family. I ask for protection to all those of my blood, for my wife so that she may find content in life with me. I ask for healing for her father and protection over her house from plague and violence. I beseech thine wondrous attitude to bestow the mere fraction of your wisdom upon me, so that I may solve this mystery with the Arcani. Bless me with sight beyond sight, temper my emotions and expand my mind, if you would allow it. I give you my blood and gold to appease you, though I have no livestock to sacrifice, I do hope this shall suffice. Bless you, oh Jupiter Optimus Maximus, the God among Gods, I bless your might and wisdom. Long live the glorious Republic of Rome and long live the Julii that grants Rome her strength."

He bowed his head and wrapped his bleeding hand around his totem, and kissed it. As he finished, the Flamen offered a clean piece of cloth to bandage his cut.

The priest postured himself straight and asked, "A wondrous prayer, that was. Jupiter smiles down on your benevolence. What did you say your name was, young patrician?"

"Vitus of the Julii, known as Germanicus."

His lips tightened in surprise before he nodded surely, "Even better that a Julii made an offering!"

"Such jubilance can be better directed towards a question I hold."

"And what would that be?"

"As you know of me, I am a general of many veterans and I come to Massilia in search of a few of them to offer a slot in the Evocati."

"A prestigious honor for these veterans, I imagine."

"Of that there is no doubt, yet I hold trouble of finding one veteran and I was told that he worked here as a cleaner. His name is Hilarus Murio."

His eyes widened and his mouth formed in a smile, "Ah yes, Murio, he did work here but decided to leave some time ago. He was a troubled soul at first but found piety by the mercy of the Gods."

"Do you know where he could have gone?"

"He told us that the Gods beckoned him to the capital of Rome. Yet I sent letters to fellow Flamens of Jupiter in the main temple in Rome to be on the lookout for him and to aid him if they saw him. Yet none have seen him. We also send our brothers to lands far, mostly Greece. Several men from our Massilia sect here ventured to Athens, and a few of them have spotted Hilarus Murio roaming within Athens."

"Athens? Quite a ways from Rome, now isn't it?"

The priest chuckled amiably, "Indeed it is."

"Were they sure it was him? Did they speak to him?"

"In their letters they said they were positive it was him and tried to broach speech, but he disappeared before they could."

"How long ago was such a sighting?"

"Uh… it is hard to say but, maybe two months ago… three, perhaps?"

The young legate sighed. Of course it had to be that long ago… "For what purpose do you believe he would bear false tongue of his whereabouts?"

The priest sighed as well, "I do not know. I would stay hopeful that his intentions were true, yet he had to venture to Greece. And on such falsehood… he was troubled when he came to us. He was occupied in drink and violence, like many veterans who return from war. But he found grace with the Gods and came to our temple. I do not know if he still resides in Athens, but our brothers have not seen him in Rome. Wherever he is, I do pray to Jupiter that he is at peace."

He is, I can assure you that. Vitus scratched the back of his head and eyed the ground, "I do as well, Flamen. You must be busy with your duties. I extend gratitude for you taking the time to speak with me."

"Of course, Julius Germanicus. I extend my gratitude unto you for visiting our temple and praying to the Greatest God. I hope you find Murio and if so, please tell him that we at the temple are keeping him in our prayers."

Vitus didn't say a word. All he could do was suck his teeth and give a nod. Another lie he had to keep and another person he would have to inform of Murio's death.

The legate was greeted by Evandrus and Ligadis upon his exit. His body slave immediately went to work, tending the cut on his hand. Ligadis walked up with both hands on his hips, his face showing mild impatience, "So, do we know where Murio is?"

I do, but not where his cult could be. "No." It was too easy seeing disappointment in the wrinkled brow on the Thracian Captain. Vitus was sure he himself was wearing it too.

Ligadis exhaled, "So what now?"

Vitus took a squat in the shade next to his other bodyguards, "I don't know. I don't know where else to look and who else to ask. We'll be heading back home shortly."

Evandrus offered him some water, Vitus accepted. As the cool liquid washed down his throat, he sat there thinking in frustration. The priest and his neighbors said he was in Rome, but then there were sightings of him in Athens. And yet no one saw him in Rome. A dull pounding was in the back of his head. He hated this. He was a soldier, not a manhunter sent to track wayward men and their crimes. On days like these, there was something that made warfare seem utterly simple and pleasant compared to this intrigue.

He looked to his men, the sudden thought popping into his head. "You all hungry?"

The Thracians gave him a smile, "Yes."

He stopped for a meal around the Forum to wrap his head around this mystery. He supped on fish that had been deboned and purchased a bottle of white wine to drink. As expected of a port city, the seafood was exquisite; his men definitely made their approval of the quality vocal. Diza smirked at several giggling girls resting in the shade from a distance that were eyeing him, even inviting them to come join him, and made a sleazy pun about deboning of fish and their bodies. Thankfully, Terxun gave him a slap in the back of the head as the other Thracians laughed at him. Vitus noticed the happiness and the lavishness within several of its citizens, and some people were singing songs, others were pointing out eagerly of all the colored sails of galleys that entered port. Such tranquility around him. This tranquility…

He swallowed a piece of the fish and announced to his retinue, "Apologies, but we cannot leave just yet. There's one more place I need to go, and with a few more questions upon my tongue."


Being a Legatus certainly had its advantages, but being a Julius allowed him to open up virtually any door within the Julii territory. He strolled up to the Governor's Palace in the middle of Massilia and walked through the doors, showing all guards the token of the Julii upon his armor. Something that would take the wealthy an appointment to enter the Palace had only taken him about ten seconds. It seemed like the inside of the palace was a maze of activity. Slaves running left and right to fill some needs, irritated merchants storming out cursing, guards being called down the hall for assistance, a loud clamoring of anger coming from upstairs. Damn near a madhouse.

A retainer noticed the young man and scurried over with a forced smile. "Welcome to the Governor's Palace, how may I assist you?"

"Greetings, I am Vitus of the Julii, known as Germanicus. I am here for Aulus Oppius."

The retainer gulped softly and bowed, "Such is great to hear that one is finally searching for him, hold for a moment as I shall fetch someone."

"Wait! What do you—"

He was gone, running to call for a tribune. Vitus decided it best to follow him among the confusion. After taking a more steps up the stairs, the clamoring grew louder. Around the corner was the sight of men sharply dressed in exquisite and clean tunics, were waving scrolls in anger at a heavy door in front of them. They cursed, yelled, and spat at the door; and would have probably torn it down if not for the guards who were stationed in front of it who pushed them off. The man he followed had to force his way through the small mob into the door.

Not fifteen seconds later, the door opened and the clamoring roared to an apex. The guards were forcing them back and made a hole for a man to exit the door and beeline straight for the legate. Vitus recognized him as the Tribune under Oppius during the Suebi Invasion.

"You," Vitus said, "I recall you. You are… uh, Caranius!"

"Indeed I am. It is good to see you, Legatus Germanicus!" He shook Vitus' hand firmly. His face looked utterly ragged. "You came to the city quicker than I expected, but I do not complain."

"What do you mean?"

"Tribune! I demand to be seen by Governor Oppius!" a patrician shouted, waving his sealed parchment furiously.

"I have a shipment of spices for Sardinia that is stalled without the Governor's seal! Where is he, Tribune?!" a merchant yelled.

"Forget your shipment, fool! I may lose 15 talents of gold if my papers are not signed by today! Where is the Governor?! If this is not signed, then you shall reimburse me, Tribune!" sneered a third man.

"Patience, I beg you! I have urgent business with the Legatus." He said, all while avoiding eye contact.

Caranius led the confused young man away to a more private room, the angered echoes seemed to follow them in the hallways. Once the doors were closed, the Tribune exhaled noisily and poured him a cup of wine. "Thank the Gods for your arrival, Legatus. It could not have been more fortuitous."

"Why were those merchants and patricians pressed to frenzy, Tribune?"

"Uh, did you not receive the courier that I sent out to Arretium?"

"No I did not," His tone was sharp. He was getting tired of being looked at like a fool today. "Nor did I meet one upon the road. Did his message entail about the riot?"

Caranius downed a cup of wine and took a seat in a chair. "Yes and no." He sighed, "From the beginning then, I can only imagine that you are surprised to see that the city and its docks are completely intact. Our legions were ready to settle disorder within this settlement but were greeted not with cheers of relief, but with cheers of victory of conquest. I spoke to Prefect Pulcher upon our return, and he assured me that no rioting occurred. Nor did he send couriers out for Oppius when we resided in Lugdunum."

"Are you certain?"

"I am. He insisted he did not send anyone."

Vitus was trying so hard to recall the face of the messenger, but he just couldn't. "So who was that man that came to our camp? And for what reason did he claim Massilia was revolting?"

"I've been thinking over such a thing for these past days, Legatus, believe me. Yet that is the least of our worries at the moment."

Vitus looked to the door, the shouting could still be heard. "The wealthy are harassing you? Where is Oppius to soothe their souls?"

Tribune Caranius put down his cup and sucked his teeth. "Legatus, Aulus Oppius never returned."

"What?" The image of Oppius drinking the night they all separated had flashed in his mind. "What about Quintus Sertorius? Did he arrive in Hispania?"

"He did. After a day, I sent a courier to Sertorius, and I was given a message back with his seal. Sertorius even commanded some of his cavalry to aid us in patrolling the regions to search for Oppius. And we found nothing. We sent men back to Lugdunum, the townsmen verified that Oppius and his retinue did leave the morning after, and nothing strange had occurred upon their departure."

Why couldn't he remember the courier's face? "Do you believe that the courier lied to draw out Oppius?" Vitus asked.

"Such thoughts ran in my mind, but I cannot figure out motivations behind such. And if such is true, then where is he? His bodyguards, their horses, their arms and armor; we found no trace of any of them." Caranius rested his head in his hands. "It seems as if Jupiter himself had plucked them out of existence entirely…"

"No riot… a false courier… and no Oppius… what is going on?" Could the Arcani have done this? If so, why did they want Oppius? Possible ransom? They would have heard received such notice sooner if such was the case…

"I do not know what to do anymore, Legatus," the Tribune continued with a groan. "You saw those men, they are demanding to see him. We have searched everywhere from here to Lugdunum."

"Then double them. Send out more patrols, offer rewards for citizens and manhunters for any clues. Do whatever you can to find Oppius. You do your part and I'll do mine."

"If I may ask, what shall you do?"

"I shall give your news directly to my uncle in Arretium. He'll figure out a solution to this conundrum. This city seems to be running well without the direct influence of Oppius. You and the prefect are doing well, maintain order within this settlement. We cannot allow commerce to falter."

"I understand, yet Oppius had many trade contacts and investments, those meagre few who threatened to break down the door were among them. Oppius was a shrewd man who kept many… financial assurances and contacts to himself. Not even the treasurers of this city know about some of his dealings. All of this was to assure that only he could manage this city to its full potential. With his absence, they all claim that only Oppius can sign off on some documentation or pay them private funds, and other… um, illicit activities. If they are not dealt with, I fear they may spark an actual riot here. This is becoming too much. We'll need a new governor, and I'm a soldier. Since you are in the city, and a Julii, technically you can stay here as governor. The Ides approach in a few days and a governor should be present to observe the ceremony."

"The Ides." Vitus recalled. The Ides were a day within the Roman calendar which signified the middle of the month. This month would have a full moon within the sky, a particularly powerful omen to Jupiter. The priests of each Roman city would offer a public sacrifice of a white lamb to Jupiter himself to bless the city until the next Ides come. Vitus then recalled how when he left, Proculus told him that he would take his wife, Appia, and Titia, out to a random settlement around the coast to observe the ceremony of the Ides. But here in Massilia, Oppius' absence would definitely be noticed. Vitus mused on the thought further, he could technically take the position of governor, at least just for the ceremony…

"I could, yet I… I have duties of my own that require my attention." Sulla is not a man to be kept waiting, especially with Titia's family in his hands…

"I see… So, what shall I tell them about Oppius?"

"Well, what have you been telling them?"

"That Oppius still remains away from the city for rest and leisure, he seeks to not be disturbed with business. This only infuriates them."

"Hmm… well… you should… uh, hmm… well since he is absent, you speak with the authority of the governor, the treasury is full, I assume. Pay them what they ask, and you be the judge of the limit for such affairs—no, wait! Better yet, give them extra if you can as "interest" for such inconvenient delays. And if they hold problem with unjust wages, then they can take it up with my uncle in Arretium and see how he likes to settle accounts. If they make threats, then use your soldiers if you have to, but maintain order. You became a tribune to rise and gain political positioning, correct?"

"I did, yes."

"Then such is your first task. Maintain order here in Oppius' absence—especially in the realm of commerce—and I shall speak with my uncle. Oh, that's right! I also have the ear of Sulla. Maybe we three can secure a promotion to Quaestor for you in the near future. After all, commerce is the root of civic virtue, and what better trait to have in the Senate along with the title of Quaestor."

Caranius' face glowed. "Truly?"

"Truly. You are a soldier, now it's time to be the politician, Caranius. My uncle shall send someone skilled in finance and management to keep commerce flowing. In the meanwhile, do what you can here, Caranius, you must."

He tightened his lips and nodded, "I shall."

"That's what I want to hear." Vitus stood to rise. "Be firm with them, envision them as… wayward recruits, show them who's in command."

A determined gaze radiated off of Caranius. "Gratitude, Germanicus."

He stood to leave, "Do your duty, keep searching for Oppius, send any information about your progress to me in Arretium. I'll do what I can to aid you."


"Oh, I know that look," Ligadis remarked. "Nothing positive came out on meeting Oppius, hasn't it?"

Vitus was walking out of the Palace, rubbing his scarred hands in contemplation. "In a way."

Ligadis grew a cocky grin, "So you mean to say that this entire trip here has been pointless?"

"Feels that way in one regard, but productive in another." The sun glared down on him, the soft pounding in his head grew in intensity. He massaged his forehead and groaned, "You wouldn't happen to carry wine on you, Ligadis?"

"I can fetch you some if you desire, Dominus," said Evandrus with soft politeness.

"Please. Red or white, it makes no matter. I need a damn drink." He gave some gold to Evandrus, and the loyal slave hustled off to the Forum. Vitus felt very tired. All those days on the road to answer a few questions had only birthed more questions and few answers. The leads he had had turned up empty. A city he thought quelled of insurrection may now birth rebellion in the future, and the governor responsible is missing.

He did pity Caranius, but he hoped his "bribe" of possible attaining of Quaestor will motivate the Tribune to get the wealthy under control. And Oppius… Vitus groaned aloud, to think that he would keep all the patricians and merchants in his circle so that only he would profit from them. Such a corruptible man, could he not see what would happen to the city if he was removed from it? Or did he not plan that far ahead in his mind, only prioritizing the here and now. And whom to replace Oppius in the meanwhile. Cousin Statius? He was good with trade and order; he could be a decent governor. Massilia was too important a city to be left ungoverned.

"Well, where to now, Vitus?" the Thracian asked.

He sighed. That was the question. Where to go? Arretium? Or Rome? He did tell Caranius that he would head back immediately to Arretium to alert Uncle Decius. And yet he swore to Sulla that he return with any news he found about the Arcani. The choice may not have been seen as dividing, but this one puzzled him. He could easily go to one city and travel to the next one a day later. But in his experience, a day of time can make all the difference in the world. But where would he go first; his family or his liege?

"Back to the Italian peninsula," he finally answered. We shall take the road; I hope we may come across some findings of Oppius." I shall better decide this later when we get on the road.

Innocent parents of a cutthroat end up dead, reports of a riot were falsified, a governor is missing, and an archaic organization of assassins has resurfaced within the Republic. Vitus shivered at these thoughts, he gripped the handle to his sword tightly; just what in the world was he walking into…


Thank you for reading.

-Kanuro5