Текст книги "Swords of Rome"

Автор книги: Christopher Buckner

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Текущая страница: 24 (всего у книги 26 страниц)

Gaius shook his head as he remembered the first story that Valerius had told him many years ago.

“Nothing important, sir only that my father, a very long time ago found himself in this same predicament when he stood before a superior officer who said he would grant him anything he wished.”

“Oh? And did that officer do such?” Paullus asked.

“Yes, yes he did.”

“And may I ask what that was?”

“My father asked for my mother.”

Paullus looked confused as Gaius elaborated on the memory.

“She was a slave and property of the camp prefect. My father and she had falling in love prior, and he wanted to marry her. Of course, the prefect was not too keen on letting her go, but he felt compelled to comply, nonetheless.”

“Well, I do hope that you don’t ask for Claudia. I would have issues parting with her. I do not think I could get dressed in the morning without her there to help me figure out which arm to put through my tunic first,” Paullus chuckled, which caused Gaius to glance over at her. He saw that she was blushing.

He noted that she would have been a fine prize, and if he asked, Paullus probably would give her over to him. Even so, at the moment, as he had told the brief story about his father, Gaius knew what he had to ask for. It was the only thing in the world that he truly wanted. He knew, however, that his words were about to cause a great deal of pain to the man who sat across from him, and that scared him a great deal. Not because he feared what Paullus might do or say, but that he actually liked the man, a great deal and the thought of hurting him pained him greatly.

“Consul,” Gaius’ voice grew serious as he stared back at Paullus. “You ask what I want – what you want to reward me for my services. Then, I ask only one thing.”

“Ask and it shall be yours?” Paullus said enthusiastically.

“I want you to release Julia of her marriage vows.”

Paullus’ expression changed suddenly. He was no longer excited at the prospect of Gaius’ request as he looked at him for a long while, not saying a word, almost as if he had not heard what Gaius had asked for.

“What do you mean?” Paullus stuttered.

“Varro, her father is dead. The political and financial gain you would have attained no longer has meaning.”

Paullus stood to his feet and stepped away from his chair. His back was to Gaius as he placed his hand to his forehead, seemly lost for words.

“You asked me what I desire the most, consul. It is she. I love her, and I always have,” Gaius added, now standing to his own feet. He felt like he had dug himself a hole that he could not get out of. However, he had said what he needed to say.

“And she loves you, I suppose?” Paullus asked, not facing Gaius. His words sounded cold and bitter, almost to the point of rage.

“She does,” Gaius answered truthfully.

“Have you shared her bed?” Paullus asked, his words becoming colder.

“Sir?” Gaius was hesitant to answer.

“Answer me!” Paullus cried out as he turned sharply and faced Gaius.

“We have.”

Gaius felt sick, suddenly, when he watched Paullus expression of frustration and anger change before his eyes. He seemed weaker and sad by this realization as he stepped further away from Gaius.

Gaius felt like he was betraying the man – tearing out his heart right then and there. He desperately wanted to say something that could ease the consul’s mind, but he knew that no words could.

“Why…why her? I would have given you anything, Gaius – armies, wealth and power. I would even promote you as the next consul of Rome if you so asked. I would have set you and your descendents up for generations to come. Why her of all women?” his words weren’t spoken so much as statements, but almost as a bribe.

“Because, there are no other women, there never has been. I’ve loved Julia my entire life, and she loves me. She is all that I crave in this world, nothing more. I do not make this request likely, but I need her as I need air. The blood in my body aches for her. I’m nothing if she isn’t with me, in body and soul.”

“You know what she means to me! I’ve confided to you what I’ve never spoken to anyone before, and this is what you do to me!”

“I do not mean to create mistrust between us. Your friendship does mean a great deal to me.”

“Do not – ” Paullus wasn’t able to finish his sentence as his emotions had gotten the better of him. In his still weakened state, he fell into a coughing fit as he dropped to his knees. Both Gaius and Claudia tried to rush over to him, but Paullus raised his hand and cried out, “Don’t! Both of you get out of my sight! NOW!”

“Master…” Claudia tried to say as she looked on, a few feet behind Gaius.

“I said, leave me!” Paullus cried again as he spat out a mouthful of blood. He had exerted himself in his anger, but Gaius’ words had hurt him more than his still healing wounds, that much was painfully clear.

Gaius turned away from the consul and placed his hand on Claudia’s shoulder. She was already beginning to tear as she desperately wanted to run over to Paullus and help him, but Gaius urged her to leave him be.

“I am sorry, Paullus. I truly am,” Gaius said before he left him alone, who now rested his back up against the wall; his hands over his face.

“Take care of him,” Gaius then said to Claudia once the two were outside.

“I’m sorry, Gaius,” Claudia tried to say as she wiped away her tears.

“No. You have nothing to be sorry about. I did not mean for any of this. I just had…” He couldn’t even finish his own words. He felt it best that he should leave. “Be safe, Claudia,” and then Gaius left.

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

Gaius stood among a dozen officers. This was only the second time he'd stepped foot inside the Senate house of Rome. The last time it had been when the war with Hannibal had started and back then, which seemed like a decade ago, the Senate was confident in its resolve and its ability to crush the upstart warlord who had taken a tattered army of barbarians across the Alps, and crossed into Italy; however, a great deal had been lost since that day – whole armies, tens of thousands of lives, both military and civilian alike – more than the Republic had ever sustained in its long history. Lesser countries would have fallen under similar circumstances, and in fact, only days prior the Senate was debating whether or not to call for terms with Carthage.

Rome would have given up much of its territory – everything gained in the last war and then some, yet the Senate did not give into its fears and instead turned to another man to guide Rome from the crisis.

Gaius had seen many men, consuls and generals alike that vowed to win the war, but all had come from the same cloth – rich, influential, aristocratic individuals who sought personal glory and fame. Paullus had said the day prior when Gaius had spoken with him, Rome’s fathers were dead, and it was left to the sons to usher in a new era. Many feared that this nation would not survive another generation, no less another war; so, in response the Senate and people put its trust into the hands of Fabius Maximus.

Gaius had met him years before, the nephew of Varro that had seemed bent on irritating his uncle during that first dinner many months now past. Maximus had been outspoken then, a freethinker with radical ideas that did not, and in many ways still did not sit well with the social elite of Rome. However, like Gaius, Maximus was a changed man. He’s seen too much, and now expected a great deal from those men he was going to lead.

The Senate had just finished granting Maximus the title of Dictator. He would be the sole power in Rome – a king in everything but the name. He commanded the armies, navies and the political powers of the Republic. What he said, no man could question. It was a dangerous gamble, one that the Republic had tried desperately to avoid. The return to the old kings was every Roman greatest fear. However, at the moment, there was no other choice. If Rome was to survive it needed to speak with one voice until the crisis had passed, and the war won.

Gaius stood with the other officers listening to the closing statements from the various senators who applauded the decision to appoint Maximus as dictator. There was no real point to their speeches. The choice had been made and there was little need to justify why Maximus was the right candidate for the title. These men were merely playing the political game that Valerius had said he hated so much about the Republic – covering their own asses and positioning themselves to benefit from Maximus’ new post.

He ignored much of what they were saying as one speaking stood and gave his speech, followed by thunderous applause and cheers as Maximus sat quietly, smiling and nodding his thanks to each speaker. No, Gaius’ eyes had been locked on Paullus, who sat in the left stone marble seat of the consul – the second seat still empty as Varro’ place had not been filled.

Paullus had already stated that he would be staying out of politics and so far, it seemed he was doing just that. Beyond a few choice words earlier in the proceedings the consul had little to say about the historical events of the day.

From time to time, Paullus would turn and look over at Gaius. He could still see the anger in Paullus eyes when they stared at each other.

Gaius didn’t know what Paullus might do. He did not grant his request to release Julia of her marriage vows, and in fact, if he wanted he could drag Julia to the courts and force her to marry him, or perhaps even take away all of her father’s wealth, land and holdings for her violating their contract by having an affair with another man.

Gaius knew he should never have admitted that the two of them had slept together or shared a relationship. However, it was hard for him to lie to the man’s face when he knew the truth any ways. Truth be told, he didn’t regret anything he had said. It did pain him that he had hurt the consul, but he had to say what he felt in his heart. It seemed pointless, now with everything he had seen and lived through to continue to hide his love for her in the shadows – allowing proper Roman edict to stand in the way of expressing his true feelings.

When the last senator finished his long speech and sat back down, Maximus stood up and stepped out onto the Senate floor. He was dressed in his finest white robes with a dark-red tunic underneath. He stood quiet, for the moment, as he allowed the room full of senators to finish their applause before he spoke.

“We have suffered a great deal, we Romans have. Our lands have been tainted with barbarian filth. Our farms burnt, our cities raised, our citizens driven to the four corners of Italy, and our brave soldiers massacred by the thousands. And for what I ask you – for the personal glory of one-man – Hannibal?”

The mention of Hannibal’s name brought a chorus of jeers from the senators. Maximus just raised his hands and signaled for everyone to be silent.

“You have sent forth many of our city fathers to face this threat, and very few have returned alive. We have burned and grieved for too many of our greatest men since this war has started. We have lost entire armies, not once, not twice, but three times. And now you ask me where will we get more? How will we find new bodies to fill the ranks of our brave legions, and how will they be able to stop a man who most believed can’t be defeated?”

There was another chorus of rumbling from the senators as they acknowledged Maximus’ questions.

“If this Republic is to prevail and endure the years to come, we must cast off our traditional ways – our aged system and beliefs, and embrace a new doctrine that will usher in a new era for Rome. I have already set plans in motion that will, within the coming year, restore our legions to fighting strength. No more will our armies be filled with the social elite and those privileged few to own land. I am inviting all Italians, not just Roman born, to join our ranks regardless of property. Even the lowest peasant and beggar have the right to defend his country.”

The Senate began to rumble disapprovingly, but Maximus ignored them and continued on with his speech.

“All personal debts will be wavered for those that choose to serve in the army.”

More rumbling followed that statement.

“I will issue orders for able-bodied slaves to be freed and drafted into the legions. And no longer will these new legions be led solely by the wealthy elite, but by those men who have already proven that they have the experience and strength to fight and win battles, regardless of class or upbringing. And no more will our soldiers be made up of children and old men, draftees or seasonal soldiers. Our armies will be comprised of professionals, experienced officers and men of fighting age. Terms of service will be twenty years, with reward upon retirement with land and citizenship.”

Gaius glanced over his shoulder at the gathering officers who stood with him. They all looked at each other with the same amused expressions on their faces as the senators, all whom had thrown their support behind Maximus, now seemed troubled by his words. While they expected military reform, they hadn’t expected this. In a single speech, the dictator had thrown-away hundreds of years of social edict.

“Rome can no longer look only to her own benefits. We, the whole of Italy and our holdings beyond these boarders are at risk. We must become a singular nation and not just an individual city among many nations. Those cities around us have been loyal during this war despite Hannibal’s calls that they should rise up against us, yet despite what they are threatened with few have sided with him. It is because of these brave Italians whom we are still here today. I will no longer ignore these facts as my predecessors chose to do. Any that joins our legions will be granted Roman citizenship, including a movement that will soon include all the central Italy!”

A loud chorus of jeers and boo's roses to his last statement. Maximus smiled at those who were openly trying to rebuke him, but he had more supporters among the Senate that forced the most outspoken to sit down and be silent.

“We will no longer try to battle Hannibal openly. Our armies have faced him four times, and each time they have met with utter disaster. Alternatively, we will, as I have suggested in the past, will avoid conflict with his army and instead focus all of our attentions on breaking his overstretched supply lines, his support from his barbarian allies, and his native country. Under the leadership of Scipio the Younger, he will lead our legions to Spain and crush Hannibal’s means of supplying his armies here in Italy. I have already recalled four legions from Greece to aid in this effort, and with the new legions, we will be raising in the coming year, Hannibal will have no means to carry out his campaign against the people of Rome and the Republic. He will be trapped here in Italy, too weak to fight, but still too strong for us to meet head-on.”

“It is cowardice!” Gaius heard one senator yell at the top of his lungs.

“And it is foolish to send more of our sons out to be slaughtered in meaningless campaigns that will accomplish nothing!” Maximus rebuked. “I will no longer see our brave soldiers used for your political gains, and shortsighted ambitions." Maximus’ words grew harsher as he seemed to be speaking directly to the man who had cried out moments ago and those like him.

“We are fighting for our very survival. It is this Senate that only a month ago abandoned its post – leaving our people to the vices of our enemies. However, it is the brave officers and men of our legions, such as the Sixth,” Gaius felt a sudden sense of pride that Maximus had just mentioned his men, “that stood upon our city walls, waiting for Hannibal and his army. And while that army never came, I know that they would have stayed and fought to the last man – not for you, senator – not to protect your wealth or even to save this house, but to safeguard their families, this city and its legacy. It is they that I will turn towards – it is they that will carry the Republic out of these dark times, not you, senator, nor even I.”

The murmurs within the collection of senators seemed to diminish. Some of the men who were most outspoken about Maximus’ new policies glanced nervously towards Gaius and the other standing officers in attendance. Gaius realized that Maximus more than likely wanted them here so that they may hear his words personally, and of course, side with his renewed strategies. If he had the full support of the army, no one would dare to challenge his new doctrine for the Republic.

“We are at a crossroad, gentlemen. We have stood against the storm – not always united, but still we share the same resolve. Rome will not surrender, not to Hannibal or his ilk, now or ever. I do not promise you a quick victory or that there will not be bloodier battles to come. However, I do promise you victory in the end. And when we have attained that victory, not just over Carthage, but the whole world will know of the power that is Rome and our beloved Republic.”

Maximus’ last words got the reaction he was hoping for. His supporters, the majority of the Senate stood to their feet and applauded him, cheering his name as if he had already delivered on his promises.

The Senate chambers would not be quiet for several long and loud minutes, when it finally did Claudia stepped next to Gaius and spoke into his ear.

“Gaius, the consul would like you to stay. He wishes to speak with you once everyone has left the chambers.”

Gaius looked at her, seeing her nervousness as she relayed Paullus’ message to him, and nodded his understanding.

She stepped back as he turned his gaze toward Paullus, who was standing like many of his colleagues, applauding Maximus’ speech, yet his eyes were on Gaius as he stared at him for a long while.

Sometime later Gaius stood alone near one of the large support columns. The last of the senators, aids and officers had left moments ago, leaving just him and Claudia, who stood in the far corner near the front entrance, and Paullus, who was still seated in his consular chair. He wasn’t looking directly at Gaius, not yet as he seemed to be deep in thought.

Gaius, despite the uncomfortable silence stood poised waiting for Paullus to say what it was he had to say. When it seemed that Paullus had made his mind up, he stood uncomfortably out of his chair, still aching from his wounds that slowly were healing day-by-day, and started over towards Gaius, who stood taller, at attention, ready for whatever Paullus was going to say to him.

He could not read Paullus’ face as he neared him, walking with a heavy limp, but still making the effort to look strong. He did not know what to expect or what he might do if Paullus demanded that he should keep Julia and planned to marry her. He would not let that happen. Not now. Not after everything he had lived through. He knew without a doubt that if those were Paullus’ words that he would take her away from Rome – somewhere far from this place beyond the reach of Senate and Hannibal. He just didn’t want it to come to that.

And then Paullus spoke, not with anger, but still stern and direct.

“I did not agree to marry Julia because I desired political favor from her father, or to further my own career. I agreed to marry her because I loved her. I always have, since I first laid eyes on her years ago when she was still a child.”

Gaius wanted to say that he regretted making that comment that was Paullus’ only reason for entering into the agreement in the first place. He hadn’t meant for his words to come out as it had. However, he kept his mouth shut as Paullus continued.

“I may not have known her as long as you have, but that does not change how I feel about her, Gaius. I have cherished what time I have shared with her, even as little as it has been. And I dream of what life we may yet have left to live, together, as husband and wife.”

Paullus’ expression changed unexpectedly as his voiced lowered, as he abruptly found that he could no longer look Gaius in the eyes.

“However, I knew then – I’ve always known that her feelings towards me were not returned. I had hoped that with time, she could see me in the same light as I see her. Even so, I know now that her heart and soul had always been entrusted to another man, a man who not even my wealth, power and influence could stand against.”

Paullus looked up at Gaius with heavy eyes.

“I am glad at least that it is you, my friend whom she loves. I do not know of anyone better.”

Gaius did not know what to say or what he should. He just stood staring at Paullus, seeing that the realizations that he was letting go of someone important to him was perhaps the most difficult thing he ever had to do.

“I will release Julia of her marriage vows as you asked, and give you my blessings for your union, Gaius.”

“Thank you,” Gaius replied, which brought only a sad nod from the consul before he turned to leave.

“Paullus,” Gaius called. Stepping over to him, he stood before Paullus and placed his hand onto the consul’s shoulder, and spoke softly.

“I am not of noble birth, or do I pretend to understand Roman edict or social standings as much as you, my friend. However, I do understand what it is to hide my feelings for another person, but are not able to express them. I know how much it hurts, how far you would be willing to go to be with that person, even die for them.”

Paullus looked confused by Gaius’ words, but he listened regardless.

“Claudia,” Gaius indicated towards her with his eyes. Paullus too looked back at her, who stood quietly watching the two men speak, unknowing that the subject turned toward her.

“She stayed with you when you were injured – defended you against your captives even at the risk of her own life, and never once while you were unconscious did she leave your side. She did not do this out of servitude or loyalty. She could have left you. She could have been free. Nevertheless, she stayed, no matter the risk. She stayed because of you, because she loves you more than you could possibly know.”

Paullus looked back and stared at Claudia.

“But she is a-”

“A slave,” Gaius finished Paullus’ own words. “My mother was a slave, but that did not change the fact that my father fell madly in love with her. He didn’t care what others would think, or how it might reflex on him. He only needed to know that he loved her, and she him. Everything else, it doesn’t matter.”

“I…” Paullus struggled to speak, but he hesitated for a moment as he kept his eyes on Claudia, seemly seeing her in a new light. “I did not know this.”

“We seldom do, until it is pointed out to us. Build your farm, my friend, and be happy. This is your life. Live it as you want to – with whom you want.”

Gaius turned and left Paullus alone. He hoped as he left that some good would come from this war for Paullus. That he would heed his advice and forgo all judgments of other and follow his heart. He deserved at least that much – a real chance to share his life with another that cared for him as considerably as he loved Julia.

When Gaius turned back one last time, he saw that Paullus was now standing with Claudia, speaking with her, not as a master but just as a man speaking to a woman as he held her hand. A small tear ran down her cheek as she listened to him with a warm smile. Gaius didn’t stay longer to see what happened next. He didn’t have to as her smile was all he needed to know.

He had what he wanted. He had Julia for himself. No rules, status, obligations or family could stand in their way now, save for one thing – his duty to Rome.