The King of Rome

by Francis Mulhern

  As they did so, he put out his hands as if he were begging, knowing that this would cause men to keep their eyes from his. He recognised two men instantly, Marcus Furius Camillus and Publius Valerius were both back in the city. This could mean that they had either been victorious, or that they had lost. This news needed to get to Javenoli as quick as his legs would carry him.

  ****

  “You smell like the horses you’ve been following” said Javenoli, his eyes still puffy and bloodshot from the early hour. “Go and get cleaned up and then come to the Curia, I’ll meet you there” he added, stopping and turning back to Istros before he left. “And you’d better bring some of the hired help, if what you say is true you’d better not be out on your own.” Istros understood and sloped off towards the bath house.

  Javenoli had been busily issuing orders across the household before he heard the knock on his front door; no doubt the summons to the senate that the return of Camillus would demand. Dawn was no more than an hour into the day and the population would, mostly, already be up and busy setting up stalls, moving animals from pens and drawing boats up ready to send out fishing or transportation runs. Rome didn’t sleep very much. Despite the early hour, the red tiled roofs steamed as the sun touched them with its warmth, suggesting today was going to be hot. The still air remained cool to the throat, though, as Javenoli hurried to the meeting house, his breath labouring by the time he arrived. Taking his seat, he’d already had three messengers bring him snippets of news; a resounding victory despite the odds, the gods following Camillus once again and the desire for Camillus to send men to Antium. He marvelled at how a few riders would give away every state secret to any man who plied them with coin or drink. Thoughts of Garvi came to his mind, filling it with anger.

  “You appear troubled” came a familiar voice.

  Javenoli lifted his eyes to Marcus, who had appeared next to him and took a seat, his face a mask of curiosity. Javenoli, flustered for a moment by his sudden appearance, breathed slowly and placed a hand on Marcus’ forearm. “I am an old man, Marcus” he said once he had composed himself. “I used to laugh when I found my father asleep in the mid-day sun, that white crust formed in the corner of his mouth.” They both smiled at this. “I would tell him he needed more exercise, to take up his sword training once again to keep his strength up” he allowed himself a wry smile and shrugged. “Now I find that I have his curse” he said. “Sleep comes at me when I least suspect it. I find it harder to wake in the morning. Today, well look at me” he said, holding up his arms as if his clothing and condition were anything other than immaculate.

  Marcus appraised him, tucking a fold of cloth in and picking at a dark hair that sat on his shoulder before nodding his approval. “There, you are the embodiment of a Roman senator, ready to do your duty for the senate and people of the city.” Javenoli waved away the words, playing along, before asking.

  “I hear a great victory is to be discussed?” He raised his eyebrows awaiting a reply. Marcus tilted his head before looking around at the slowly filling room and leaning closer.

  “Gaius, I need to discuss the omens. Have they continued?”

  Javenoli allowed his eyes to move over Marcus’ shoulder as he considered his response. Allowing Marcus to think that the omens remained bad at a time when a great victory was to be decreed could be difficult. It would cause more questions to be asked than was comfortable. Camillus continued to overcome every difficulty that was set against him, maybe there was some profit to be had in the scheme though? He tightened his jaw and spoke quietly, thinking as he did so. “There remain some days when the omens are” he winced “hard to understand” he whispered. “However, in general they are much improved. Have you noticed a change?” he asked, knowing that his own answer had not given any clear indication one way or the other.

  Marcus sat back. “I have seen incompetence cause problems with the men under my command, whether priest or tribune, centurion or Optio” he shook his head. “But I can honestly say that I remain convinced that the gods love Rome and want the city to prosper.”

  “The omens say that there is a problem with men, Marcus, not with the gods” as he spoke ideas were forming in his head, ideas that could yet prove profitable. “Remember, that is what we said. Jupiter is asserting his strength, but his sphere of influence is limited to the actions of men. If it were the case that your actions have resolved these issues, then all omens would be good” he looked at Marcus expectantly.

  “I considered the same thing, Gaius. But surely the sacred triumvirate would also act? And Minerva, Juno, Fortuna” he shrugged. “They continue to give great support to our actions. Mars remains in the front line supporting the strength and bravery of our soldiers, but still there are trivial things, errors in ceremonies, the men remain concerned about every indication Gaius. The auspices seem good one moment and then confusing the next. The sacrifices themselves are good, but the actions to take the readings are often wrong, or a mistake is made” he shook his head, perplexed.

  “Interesting” replied Javenoli. “It seems then that we both have the same issues. It would also seem that the gods are happy with many of our actions, yet unhappy with others. As we have said, they are fickle in their love for men. The gods are clearly happy with your actions. It may be that the warnings we saw in our readings have been resolved by your victory. I wonder though, what the issues in Rome were that the omens observed. There were several signs of unrest whilst you were gone, Marcus. In fact, Capitolinus has been stirring up more trouble with the plebeian council. It seems that he is intent on speaking for the common man even if the council and the senate don’t thank him for it. All very commendable, but I don’t see what good it will do. This unrest could be what the omens are pointing to?” Changing the subject before Marcus could reply, he asked “Have we Volscan lands to sell?”

  Marcus frowned at the question. “No” he replied. “We defeated the Volscan and Hernici army, but I am here to ask the senate to allow me to march against Antium, to level it to the ground and destroy it utterly.” Javenoli nodded at the words. “Would you confirm this action if I raised it?” he asked.

  Javenoli bowed his head sagely. “Of course, Marcus. But might I enquire as to the omens that you mentioned whist on campaign. What were the origins? What were the outcomes?” The sudden change of conversation seemed to cause Marcus another momentary hesitation as his tired mind caught up slowly.

  Marcus spent a moment discussing the issues he had faced on campaign. “These issues seem to be errors, Marcus, not the will of the gods. I would suggest that they may even be the work of someone who is trying to undermine your authority in the legions” suggested Javenoli.

  Marcus looked at him thoughtfully. “Who would do such a thing?” he asked. Javenoli simply raised his shoulders and eyebrows and looked blank.

  “I only suggest it as an option, my friend. It seems that the issue with the readings here at the temple have almost resolved themselves, and your personal sacrifices are all clear. However, if what you say is true, then the more public sacrifices have been beset with problems. Maybe these problems are man-made and not the work of the gods. Who are your enemies Marcus? What would they have to gain from your downfall?”

  Marcus looked at the old senator and didn’t speak for some time as he considered the comments Javenoli had made. “You have given me much to think of, Gaius” he said suddenly, a spark in his eyes which presaged danger. “I will think on this” he said suddenly, his voice now firm. “I must join my family” he added as he gripped Javenoli’s shoulder and squeezed it gently. “Remember what I said, if I ask for the power to attack Antium, will you give it your blessing?” Javenoli nodded his approval and Marcus rose, moving quickly across to where his brother had appeared with his family group.

  Watching him leave Javenoli considered his position. The plans he had held with Capitolinus had brought great wealth and power. His spheres of influence now extended into cities beyond the walls of Rome, yet he
still felt empty. What was this curse that the gods had given him? Why did he still hunger for more control and more power? He considered a more profitable alliance with Marcus and his clan. The man was embedded in reforming the way the state was organised and controlled, changes which would affect his own businesses and profits. Maybe a closer alignment with Camillus could have benefits though, he thought. The gods continue to love him, to guide him. The people love him too. Pompeia had said something similar only a few days ago when they had discussed the issues they were having with Capitolinus. Maybe he could set Camillus against Capitolinus, that could help resolve several issues at once. But now the senate was filling fast and he had other things to consider so he turned his mind back to the issues at hand.

  *****

  Marcus had informed the senate of their great victory and received resounding cheers from the senators. He had then gone on to demand that the senate allow him to take the army on to Antium to destroy what remained of the Volscan and Hernici forces. This had caused furious debate amongst the assembled senators, with as many against the plan as for it. Javenoli had watched with interest and, without hesitation, thrown his vote in with Camillus, which surprised some of the watching men. However, the overall vote was still not complete when the sound of ferocious hammering echoed from the door and, once allowed access, several men hurried in, their faces urgent with news.

  Iulius, still holding the office in control of the meeting, stepped forward and listened to the reports, turning a grave face to the senate. “Gentlemen” he proclaimed. “Nepete has fallen to the Etruscans. The city has been sacked. Whilst our army remains in the field fighting the Volscans, Etruscans and Hernici, have taken arms and destroyed the city, carrying all spoils away to Sutrium. These men” he waved a hand towards the new arrivals “have come to beg for support as Sutrium has closed its gates to the enemy, but is floundering and will last no more than three days before it too is sacked.” His stern features turned to Marcus. “Camillus, we have more immediate needs than Antium. We must decide what force we will send to Sutrium to support our allies. We cannot let Sutrium fall. It is vital that we hold that land, we cannot let the Etruscans break our borders.”

  Senators were on their feet, calling for their clan voices to be heard, whilst the chamber debated the issues at hand. Javenoli sat back and watched as the leading men of Rome reviewed every detail that they had of the Etruscan army, the strength, the composition and the possible weaknesses of their forces. They debated how they should deal with the army, led by Marcus and Valerius, which currently sat in camp near the border to Antium awaiting further orders. It was decided that this army was too distant to move, as the leading force, to support an attack on the Etruscans, and that the best solution was to use the relief forces which sat at the gates of Rome to move to support Sutrium with calls to arms to other close allies.

  “These men” by which he meant those in the relief forces “remain strong of arm and will” said Iulius, taking control of the meeting as it began to draw to its conclusion. “The question of Antium remains” he said, his greying eyebrows lifting as he spoke. “Yet the more dangerous threat to our Republic is that of the Etruscans. Our allies must be supported, our soldiers must be mobilised immediately.” Heads were nodding amongst the senators at these words. Marcus turned to his brother with a tight expression on his face. He’d argued that Antium was the bigger prize, it was the breeding ground for sedition against the Romans. Destroying it, he had maintained, would remove years of warfare against this enemy. However, as his argument had lost support he had, reluctantly, accepted the will of the senate and sat, arms crossed in frustration, as they continued to review options. Finally, an agreement appeared to have been made and Iulius stood to make the announcement when a call went up from Marcus Manlius Capitolinus.

  “I, beloved of Jupiter, demand that I take the honoured role of leader of our forces against these Etruscan foes” he called as a dumbstruck silence befell the room. Heads swivelled, some misunderstanding the words which were spoken and other turning to their compatriots with quizzical faces. Capitolinus continued unabated. “I have the experience, I have the god-given strength and I have the rank to do this.” He was standing with his right arm raised, pointing towards the Capitol Hill.

  Senators rose and called out obscenities, some laughing and joking at his abilities, whilst others stood and cried that Capitolinus deserved to be commander of the army. Javenoli squashed his mouth into a frown and stared at the scene around him as sections of the senate reacted angrily and men wagged fingers in the face of others. The calm debate turned, in an instant. Marcus turned to his brother Lucius. “Capitolinus is making himself no friends with his outburst.”

  Lucius gave a cursory glance towards the continued shouting in the room before replying. “The man is a fool. What does he wish to gain from all this continued shouting, claiming to be the right man for the job? Surely, he can see that the senate will never agree to his demands, especially as his followers are causing such problems in the city. Only yesterday another fight broke out by the Boarium.”

  “Really?” asked Marcus.

  “Of course, you weren’t here” Lucius said, raising his eyes to the ceiling with a small shake of the head. “A follower of his” he motioned towards Capitolinus, who was shouting at three men who were trying to make him sit “was attacked by a gang of rent collectors as he had not paid his dues. Another gang, they say of his followers, appeared within minutes and there was a full-scale fight. Two men dead and several hurt” he added, as Marcus turned to look at Capitolinus, still calling for his right to lead the army against the Etruscans. Just as he was about to reply to his brother, Capitolinus fell silent, his own clan finally dragging him to the bench and gaining the quiet that Iulius demanded.

  Turing swiftly Iulius spoke directly to Marcus. “We ask you, Marcus Furius Camillus, to lead the second legion against the Etruscans, take these men, who stand ready to do your bidding, and crush our enemies.” Capitolinus was almost bellowing in rage as his own brothers hastened to silence him. “The first legion will remain in the field and move to support you as soon as they can. With Mars, war-bringer, ever at your side and the grace of the sacred triumvirate, we will be victorious, for is that not your natural way with war, Camillus? Take our armies, strike these dogs from our path and then, when victory is yours, we will discuss Antium.”

  Marcus stood, acknowledging the senate whilst avoiding eye contact with the furious Capitolinus, and looked slowly towards his friend Valerius. “Senators, I thank you for your continued confidence in my abilities. I would request two things of this house” he said with a stern expression. Thoughts were going through his mind quickly as he considered his response, thoughts as to how to deal with Capitolinus at the fore of this thinking. “Firstly, that Publius Valerius joins me as master of horse. With his advice and skills as a leader of men we will do the bidding of the senate in the name of Rome. Secondly, I ask that Marcus Manlius Capitolinus take control of the first legion and bring them to Sutrium, his experience is as he says, as good as any man in Rome. His strength will be valued by Quinctus and the other tribunes. In all other aspects, I will lead our armies as you have requested.”

  Every face turned to Capitolinus, who sat with anger and hatred in his eyes. Murmurs began to grow as the silence stretched. Iulius stood, and turning to the senate he asked, “I am sure, gentlemen, that we agree to these conditions?”

  Almost immediately Capitolinus was on his feet. All heads turned to him as he brushed away a hand that gripped his toga. He smiled as he turned to face Marcus and then his face fell on Iulius. “Yet again the voice of the senate is twisted towards that of Marcus Furius. Yet again we have men bending their knee to his greatness” he started, men getting to their feet. He waved at them and remained as calm as he could, his own silence and stern-faced glares scolding them into silence. “Are we not democratic? Does not every man have a right to speak in this house” he shouted as other senators continued t
o attempt to speak over him. “The Republic was created to remove the despot, the king who ruled with tyranny, his vice-like grip dictating our every step. Yet here you act as if this man” he raised his arm towards Marcus, “is your king.” Marcus was on his feet angrily baring his teeth as Lucius tugged as his arm in a parody of the Manlii clan attempting the same of Capitolinus only moments before. “The Republic is dead if we cannot debate these things” shouted Capitolinus as men shifted towards him shaking their fists and shouting. “Dead” he cried again over the noise. “he grants me his favour to lead his own troops” he laughed as he spoke. “Me. Jupiter has given me strength” he said as men began to quieten at his words. Noticing the sudden lull and reticence of some of the senators at the mention of Jupiter he pressed on. “Did I save the Capitol from the barbarians so that I would be ignored by you, the very men who I saved?” he asked. “Do you not remember the score of men I killed, god-given strength striking them from the parapet to their deaths. And now, to be offered this glib response to try and appease me.” His head shook. “Senators, I asked for your support and once again you turned to my better to lead our forces” he stared at Marcus, still standing and facing him. “If I, with Jupiter at my side, am not, in the eyes of you men, good enough to lead our forces then I stand down my request. This man is not dictator, you have no power over us” he said directly to Marcus. “Despite how these men treat you. I will not serve under the great Camillus. My days of being a senator are over, gentlemen. I have no wish to be a part of a Republic which does not listen to the voices of our forefathers, who said every man should have a voice, every man should have a chance to lead, every man should have the opportunity to support the future of all our clans. As Jupiter is my witness” again men cowered as his brazen use of the gods name, “I have the god-given strength, I have the right to speak, the right to accept or veto your words unless you are dictator. Are you making him dictator?” he asked Iulius directly. “Is that your right?” he shouted as more hissing and angry voices were raised. “Then I decline your gracious offer” he bowed obsequiously “and I take leave from this chamber to review how this Republic came to this end, where one man is given the role of dictator without the name. Democracy has died today, gentlemen” he said, pushing away from his brother, who had stood and tried to calm him. “And I will renounce my place in this chamber. Jupiter will know that I am right. Look to your own gods, men of Rome. Look to them” he started to shout as the noise was now rising to almost deafening proportions. “Does your god look upon you with the love that Jupiter has shown me?” turning a last wry smile to Marcus he gripped his toga and shoved his way along the bench towards the door, angry shouts following his every step. At the door he turned a final stare into the chamber and spoke one last time. “The gods are demanding change” he looked at Javenoli. “You men have taken all that the people of Rome held and squeezed their necks into a noose as you emptied their pockets. Jupiter showed you the error of your ways with the Allia, and then my saving of the Capitol. And now” he shook his head “you turn away Jupiter as quickly as you turn me away from this house. Let Jupiter reply, for I am only his servant” he said as he postured for the door to be opened, leaving with his head held high.