Prosecution by a senior military officer conveyed the serious nature of the charges. Impressed, the Senators were attentive as Dispansus marched down an aisle and assumed a position beside the dais.
Alerio, guided by the temple guards, shuffled slowly down to stand on the other side of Consul Duilius.
“I am Senior Tribune Ignazio Dispansus,” the prosecutor announced. “I will state the facts, for they are evident. Then leave the verdict to your impartial vote.”
“The Senate of the Republic awaits your presentation, Senior Tribune,” Consul Duilius stated.
Dispansus pulled two pieces of paper from a pouch and unfolded them.
“Centurion Alerio Sisera is charged with the following. Desertion in the face of the enemy. Shirking of his assigned duties. Refusal to follow orders while in unfriendly territory,” Ignazio Dispansus listed. “Behavior unbecoming of a Legion Centurion. Dereliction of duty in a foreign city state. Commission of capital offenses against an ally of the Republic leading to a sentence of death, and the theft of a horse from the city of Echetla.”
The last charge, being almost ludicrous compared to the others, brought laughter from sections of the chamber.
“But this is the day before Anna Perenna’s day. To aid you in finishing this distasteful business early and to help you leave for your celebrations,” Dispansus offered. “we want to make the sentence as plain as the charges. The prosecution askes only two lashes for each charge, a loss of rank, and exile from all territories in the Republic.”
A request for crucifixion or lashes leading to inevitable death would have triggered debates. But exile and stripping a bad Centurion of Legion rank was easily accepted. Concerning the lashes? The infantry officer must have done something, the Senators thought, to deserve the charges.
Satoris Megellus leaped to his feet.
“I thank the Senior Tribune for his concise presentation,” Megellus exclaimed. “In keeping with his brevity, so we may suspend the session until the Ides of March, I request a vote to convict Alerio Sisera of all charges.”
“I second the motion,” a voice came from across the chamber.
Alerio hurt. Not just from sleeping naked on the cold brick floor. But, from the extra punches to his body when he asked for food and water. In a state of exhaustion, he wanted to get the trial over so he could sit down.
The guards felt Alerio sway and they rested open hands on his shoulders to steady the prisoner.
“Centurion Sisera, do you have any response to the charges?” Consul Gaius Duilius inquired.
The Senate chamber fell into a tense silence. By law, a senior magistrate could overrule any verdict issued by a lesser magistrate. And until after the vote tomorrow, Consul Gaius Duilius was the highest-ranking magistrate in the entire Republic.
He could rule by himself on Centurion Sisera’s fate or toss out the will of the Senate. But Duilius, as a plebeian, would pay a terrible political price if he overturned a Senate vote.
***
Senator Satoris Megellus concealed his mouth behind his hand. And as if in deep thought, he allowed the skin around his eyes to crease at the edges. The creases could be concentration, but the hand hid the mirth and truth. Joy filled his soul. His heart expanded and his chest almost burst while attempting to retain his ego.
The fate of Spurius Maximus’ protege rested in the palm of his hand. Satoris Megellus could crush Sisera like a bug at any time. In the meanwhile, Senator Maximus slouched in his chair, powerless to stop the stampede of humiliation orchestrated by Megellus. And, to top off the honey cake of a day, Gaius Duilius, the no name upstart plebeian Consul, had jumped into the political cesspool.
Satoris Megellus felt as if Dolos, the God of Deception and Treachery, was standing over his shoulder nodding with approval.
***
“Centurion Sisera, do you have any response to the charges?” Consul Gaius Duilius insisted.
“General, I shouldn’t have been there,” Alerio mumbled.
“But do you deny the charges?” Duilius, the General who had awarded Alerio with two Naval Crown Medals for bravery, begged. “Do you have anything to say for yourself?”
“I shouldn’t have been in Echetla, General,” Alerio responded.
Gaius Duilius had fought, not only in the Legions but, in the Senate to reach his current position of power. Could he in good conscience throw away the future of his family name by siding with a Centurion? Hoping for help, he focused on Alerio’s mentor.
***
Senator Spurius Maximus slowly raised his eyes until they caught the Consul’s stare. Some of the fire returned to the former General’s face and he braced his hands on the sides of his seat.
Civi Affatus and Belen reached in to help.
“Get your hands off me,” Maximus growled.
They jerked back, helpless to aid the Senator.
Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead and perspiration stained his robe. Struggling to gain control of his weaken body, Spurius Maximus shook all the way to a standing position.
His allies gasped at the man who had slept most of the morning. And his enemies sneered at the frailty of the once formidable Senator.
“Senator Megellus began the trial by setting a premise,” Maximus said in breathy tones that revealed his struggle to get the words out. “It described Alerio Sisera as a plebeian, elevated above his station.”
The wounded man began to topple but caught himself. He extended an arm towards the aisle.
“Optio, lend me your shoulder,” Maximus instructed.
Civi Affatus rushed to the General’s side and carefully placed Spurius Maximus’ arm over his shoulders. Then using the wisdom of a former Legion NCO, Civi set a scenario for Spurius to help him focus.
“General Maximus. Half of our heavy infantry is down, the maniples are failing, and the Samnites have us surrounded,” Optio Affatus described a scene before inquiring. “Orders, sir?”
What no one could see was Civi holding Maximus’ wrist in the folds of the robe. With Spurius Maximus’ arm anchored firmly in place, the Senator appeared to be just leaning on the other man.
“Optio, if you need to know who to kill, look around,” Maximus replied. Then, as if taking his own advice, the Senator scanned the chamber before speaking. “My colleague has boasted of nobility and how Centurion Sisera has failed. He went as far as to insinuate that if the acts had been performed by a patrician there would be no crime.”
“That is ridiculous,” Satoris Megellus declared. He chopped the air with a hand as if to dismiss the allegation. “He isn’t and he committed the crimes. That is a ridiculous accusation.”
“Senator Megellus, in fact you began this trial by asking for and being granted the floor of the Senate,” Gaius Duilius reminded him. “I can have your words about the untrustworthiness of plebeians read back to you by the secretary.”
The Consul’s statement carried a double-edged meaning. They challenged Megellus’ assertion that he had not talked about the shortcomings of plebeians. And, they served as a reminder that Gaius Duilius’ came from humble beginnings.
“That won’t be necessary,” Megellus scoffed. “I know what I said.”
The Consul shifted his attention to the other side of the chamber.
“Your point is taken, Senator Maximus,” Duilius acknowledged. “Is there a conclusion or solution in the direction you are going?”
“I…” Maximus sagged and grabbed his side.
Two people in the chamber and one outside responded. Gaius Duilius tensed at the failure of the Senator to complete his defense of Sisera. Satoris Megellus relaxed as the defense faltered.
But outside and unaware of the injured Senator’s unfinished sentence, Senator Lucius Valerius Flaccus ran up the steps of the Senate building. He reached the doors and slammed them open. The wood crashed into the walls making a racket.
“I demand a recount,” Lucius Flaccus shouted as he marched down an aisle.
The sounds of the d
oors violently opening had most people’s attention directed at the late arriving legislator. His voice echoing across the chamber focused the rest on him.
“A recount of what, Senator?” Consul Duilius asked.
“Well, Consul/General Duilius, that is the question,” Flaccus announced as he settled comfortably into his senate seat. “Isn’t it?”
***
Civi helped Maximus down and moved to the aisle.
“The chair recognizes Senator Lucius Flaccus,” Consul Duilius called to the chamber. “Does the Senator request the floor?”
“I didn’t make it from Messina on a ship of crazy good Legion sailors not to have my say,” Flaccus declared. He glanced at another Senator sitting adjacent to him, said a few words, then addressed the podium. “I understand there is a trial taking place. I’d like to hear the charges.”
“Senior Tribune Dispansus, if you please,” Duilius requested.
Ignazio Dispansus cleared his throat and read from the papers.
“Centurion Alerio Sisera is charged with the following. Desertion in the face of the enemy. Shirking of his assigned duties. Refusal to follow orders while in unfriendly territory,” Dispansus stated the charges for the newly arrived Senator. “Behavior unbecoming of a Legion Centurion. Dereliction of duty in a foreign city state. Commission of capital offenses against an ally of the Republic. And the theft of a horse from the city of Echetla.”
Satoris Megellus stood and rocked his head as if having heard a rare truth.
“Senator Flaccus, do you? Do any of us need to hear more?” Megellus challenged. “I feel it is time to vote so honest men can get home for New Year’s Eve.”
Lucius Flaccus sat but did not relax. Something was gnawing at the back of his mind. But the traveling and grand entrance had clouded his logic. Maybe later he would remember.
“If there are no other arguments,” Consul Duilius proclaimed. “All those…”
“Hold,” Senator Maximus bellowed. “I request the floor.”
Duilius almost slipped and let his relief show.
“The chair recognizes Senator Maximus,” the Consul stated.
“I wish to adopt my protégé, Alerio Sisera,” Spurius Maximus told the Senators. “I request a vote.”
Pandemonium broke out and members of factions turned to each other to discuss the political ramifications of the vote. They knew Spurius Maximus had no male heir. If he died, his estate would be absorbed by the Republic. No one expected him to die without a son. But none were ready for the adoption of an accused, plebeian Centurion.
The other consideration was after the adoption, Sisera would immediately be elevated to patrician status. His rise to nobility would complicate the trial.
From his side of the chamber, Satoris Megellus sent runners around the senate. They carried his instructions on the vote.
“The Senate will vote on the petition by Spurius Carvilius Maximus,” Duilius put the proposal forth, “to adopt Alerio Sisera. All those against please signify with a raised arm.”
The Senate Secretary counted, then counted again. He passed a note to the Consul.
“By a majority,” Duilius announced, “the Senate denies Spurius Maximus’ petition. And with that, I declare this session closed. Happy New Year’s Eve.”
Satoris Megellus jumped to his feet yelling for recognition. But the law stated that a sitting Consul was the senior magistrate of the Republic. And seeing as Gaius Duilius was the only active Consul, there was nothing Senator Megellus could do except plot revenge.
“You two,” Duilius inquired as he stepped away from the dais. “What Legion unit are you from?”
“Consul, we are…”
Senior Tribune Dispansus jumped in front of the guards.
“They are from my staff, Consul,” he explained. “We’ll escort the prisoner…
“You are interfering, Senior Tribune,” Duilius warned him. “Until tomorrow, I am General of the Legions. Therefore, the escorts are my Legionaries. And I asked a question.”
“They are not Legionaries,” Dispansus revealed.
Gaius Duilius looked from the Senior Tribune to Alerio’s tortured face. Then he made a fist and shot his arm into the air. Two fingers extended from the fist.
“I need two infantry officers,” he shouted to the back of the Senate chamber.
A pair of Centurions, both adorned with medals for their valor in combat, peeled off the wall. Together they marched down the aisle to the Consul.
They both saluted and one asked, “How can we help, General Duilius?”
“Centurion Sisera needs to be here at daybreak,” Gaius Duilius ordered. “In the meanwhile, he needs food, drink, a bath, and proper clothing. Can I depend on you two?”
The combat officers noted Centurion Sisera’s bruised and cut face before moving to flank him. As they stepped up, they drove elbows into the ribs of the temple guards. Their aggressive actions served to move the guards and to offer a challenge. The temple guards scurried away. They did not accept the challenge.
Alerio wanted to talk to Senator Maximus. But the old General was on a stretcher being rushed from the Senate chamber. He followed the lead of the Centurions. They marched him around to a different set of the exit doors.
Chapter 27 – The Ides of March
The sky to the east gave no hint of the coming day. Although the paths and lawns were lit by torches, they mostly remained in darkness. At the steps and entrance to the government building multiple torches pushed back the night. The legislators, their secretaries, and important citizens interested in the election of the Consuls occupied the porch. Barely in the light, less influential citizens watched the arriving Senators and dignitaries from beyond the stairs.
A Senior Tribune pushed to the front of the crowd and spoke to the guard NCO. After a few words, the senior staff officer passed the line of city guardsmen and mounted the steps.
“Gaius Claudius, I assumed you went native,” Lucius Scipio teased, “and had forgotten your friends in Rome.”
“Senator. It is more likely, Rome has forgotten me,” Gaius Claudius replied.
The Senior Tribune and the Senator gripped wrists and smiled.
“It is good to see you,” Lucius said before inquiring. “I trust you had no trouble on your trip down from the border.”
“Not down. Before I departed,” Gaius confided in his friend. “Intelligence reported a band of barbarians. They claimed to be waiting for a messenger from Rome before riding against the Republic. Has there been any hint at revolt lately?”
“You work too much and worry excessively,” Lucius Scipio commented. He stared off to the east watching the sky lighten while thinking. “I don’t recall the Senate being notified of any potential uprisings. If there is one in the works, it is well hidden. We must get together after the session.”
“There is little chance you’ll have time for a lowly Legionary,” Claudius joked, “after you are elected Consul.”
“You jest, I know. But there is no chance I’ll serve this year,” Lucius explained. “Paterculus has the backing of Satoris Megellus. If I was though, you would have to give up your provincial ways.”
“Why is that Senator?” Claudius asked.
“I couldn’t very well have my Colonel frolicking with northern barbarians,” Lucius Scipio divulged to the senior staff officer. “We had some interesting but minor events yesterday. I need to get inside and strategize with my coalition before the session starts. Happy Ides of March.”
Rocked by the discussion of him being named a Battle Commander, all Gaius Claudius could muster was a stammered, “May Anna Perenna bless you with a grand year.”
***
“Anna Perenna, we beseech you to bring happiness and health today and all the days of this year,” the Chairman of the Senate prayed to the Goddess of the New Year. Then his voice changed to that of an announcer and he proclaimed. “This being the Ides of March, I hereby declare the first Senate session of the year open. Are there any mot
ions?”
Gaius Duilius stood off to the side of the dais. Symbolically, he hovered between the responsibilities of the Consul position and his duties as a Senator. With his view of the rows of seating, Duilius watched the Senators hoping Alerio Sisera’s trial would fade away. All that was required was to ignore it.
“Chairman of the Senate, I request the floor,” Satoris Megellus requested.
Duilius’ hopes vanished.
“The Chair recognizes Senator Satoris Megellus,” the Chairman responded.
“Before we ended so abruptly yesterday,” Megellus mocked. He glared at the Consul, “we were preparing to vote and convict Alerio Sisera. I request that the vote proceed.”
The Chairman of the Senate waved at the three Centurions standing along the back wall. The three Legion officers marched to the top of an aisle. Two stopped, but Alerio Sisera continued towards the dais and the Chairman. This time, rather than being exhausted and dirty, Centurion Sisera wore a combat officer’s armor with a display of medals and held a red cockscomb helmet pressed against his side.
Yesterday, it seemed easy for the Senators to convict a defeated seemingly guilty man. Now they faced a decorated Legion Centurion. Many of the legislators shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
“Are there any further arguments in the matter of Alerio Sisera?” the Chairman asked.
***
Gaius Claudius was delayed on the porch by another senior officer. He missed the opening prayer, but he heard Alerio Sisera’s name when he walked into the chamber. On his way to the observation area behind the dais, Gaius searched for and located Sisera. Alerio stood with two Centurions against a back wall behind the Senators.
At the gallery, Gaius found a spot where he had a clear view of his former bodyguard.
***
“I’d like to hear the charges,” a Senator requested. He was one of Spurius Maximus’ allies.
Ignazio Dispansus strolled to the side of the dais and pulled out the papers.
“Citizen Alerio Sisera is charged with the following. Desertion in the face of the enemy. Shirking of his assigned duties…”
Muted Implications (Clay Warrior Stories Book 12) Page 18