Three Roads to Rome

[Aaron Burr]

O.K. Floyd wants us to write a story together. Groovy. Except I ain't writin' no swords and sorcery stuff. I just can't. But I'm willing to compromise.

The premise. Rome A.D. 425. Three Roman Captains of the Equestrian class are summoned by Emperor Ioannes, the last Western Roman Emporer, to capture 3 former Senators who have fled into disparate parts of Europe to evade Roman law.

Pick your name and background, read up on ancient Rome a lil' bit and let's go barbarian whackin'.

[Floyd Looney]

I, Floydius

Being indebted to Emperor Ioannes is no fun, I know that at any moment he could ask a favor of me or demand payment in some kind. I do not want to cross paths with an angry Emperor if that can be avoided. It was probably the worst mistake of my life; having it saved by the man who became the Emperor of Rome.

I was looking through my scrolls when a young slave-boy messenger is brought in by my house servant.

"A messenger from the Emperor, my Lord" my house servant says. I nodded and the slave-boy comes up to me and hands me a slip of paper. It is folded and sealed with the royal stamp on beeswax. I wave them away before I dare to read the message.

Floydius,
friend, roman, countryman
As you are in my debt I thought of you when it occured that I should need a hearty deed to be done. Please come to the Imperial Quarters and I will share with you what it is I need you to do for me.

Emperor Ioannes had just become the Chief Secretary when he saved my life. I had been out late and waylaid by a gang of thieves and left for dead. Ioannes happened to be by, with some soldiers, and had me picked up and then brought to his home where he had his house slaves tend to me.

I cannot pretend that his rule has been an astounding success but if he needs my help, then he shall have it. After I finished my review of the Grain Audit I set out to see the Emperor at once. The guards were expecting me, but there were more than I remembered. Times were bad but were they getting even worse, I wondered.

Times have been more and more worrisome since the Empire had been split and then Emperor Honorius had to cancel the Gladiator contests at the Circus Maximus. This has caused a lot of dissent and suspicion across whats left of the Empire. Meanwhile we have "the other" Emperor-Theodosius causing us constant problems. Now they're talking about replacing Ioannes with one of Theodosius' choosing. What nerve.

There I stand inside the Imperial compound looking up at the steps and I feel ambivalence about what I am about to be asked to do.

[Aaron Burr]

Hmmm. Somebody poke Attero with a stick....he may have passed out. If he doesn't come around, I say we split the contents of his wallet.

[Floyd Looney]

He seems to drop by and not post, I wonder if he even bothers looking down the page. I would have thought "I, Floydius" would have gotten a reaction.

[Aaron Burr]

Well, maybe he sees your name and figures nothing new has been posted. I know I've seen a few threads that I thought were inactive because the same name was there.

If he doesn't show up soon I say we use his character anyway. We'll just abuse him horrifically in every chapter and use his hollowed out carcass to haul our gold around in.

[Floyd Looney]

You should post something on a couple of the higher boards just to get his attention. I kind of like the idea of doing his character for him. heh. Atterio, the dung dealer and stable master?

[Attero Dominatus]

I would have preferred Vikings but I will give this a shot. I will be as accurate as possible, but I am by no means an expert on Rome.

------------------------------------------------------------------

"Message from the emperor, my master," A lovely flame-haired woman says in a heavily accented voice as she walked in.

That would be Avalina, one of the Celtic women who were renowned for their beauty. Being my favorite slave, I took her with me when we evacuated the last of the Villas in Britannia as the land came under increasingly ferocious assault from the Saxons and Picts. While I certainly make use of her body at my will, I treat her better than most, knowing that a smiling servant is better than a frowning one, and because she would be less likely to stab me in my sleep or poison my food.

I grabbed the scroll, which read:
Captain Marcus,
Friend, Countryman,
You have proven to be an able leader in battle time and again, serving the Caesar and the empire with valor. Your Caesar needs you again. Please come to the Imperial Quarters so that I may tell you why your services are needed.

The collapse of Britannia was clearly just the calm before the storm. Rome was divided right down the middle, between Caesar Ioannes and Caesar Theodosius. There was no doubt in my mind that I have to solve the Empire's internal problems, a chore compared to facing the Germanic and Saxon hordes in battle. I just about groaned at the thought of being a pawn in the Empire's political machinations.

***

The first thing I see when walking into the Imperial Quarters is another man waiting by the steps. As soon as he saw me, he salutes. "Hail..."

"Marcus," I reply, turning the salute.

"Floydus," he replies. "Ioannes calls upon our service."

"Hail Cesar and all that," I reply, letting my dismay be known. "I get the feeling this has something to do with Theodosius. The empire is in trouble, after all. I would much rather be facing the Empire's enemies in battle and leave the internal politics to the Senators and the rest of the politicians."

"All the same," he replies. "But I owe Ioannes more than you would know."

[Attero Dominatus]

Jan 11, 2010 14:30:38 GMT -5 Floyd Looney said:

He seems to drop by and not post, I wonder if he even bothers looking down the page. I would have thought "I, Floydius" would have gotten a reaction.

I do. It is just that I am focused on working on my novel as well.

[Floyd Looney]

Nice. I had to do a little research about that time in Roman history. As far as I read, Ioannes is not long for this world at the time.

[Aaron Burr]

Hellfire and stale jelly rolls! You showed up! And on a personal note, I too dig the Vikings but I'm currently working on a comic book about them...


Quintus Furius Ambustus lay in his bed, oblivious to the early morning sunshine pouring into the room. He lay semi nude amidst a pile of refuse and debris from the previous nights Saturnalia. Dried bread crusts, rinds of cheese and several long necked bottles shared the disheveled bed spread with the snoring Roman. Tentatively the bedroom door was pushed open and a small man with a page boy haircut stuck his head inside.

"Tribune?"

The small man moved quietly into the room straightening furniture and picking up discarded items. The man in the bed continued to snore.

"Quintus, I know you're awake."

The man groaned and rolled over.

"There is a messenger in the courtyard Master, from Ceasar Ioannes."

Quintus groaned again.

"Does he know I'm awake too?"

The small man smiled slightly.

"No Master, I told him you were inspecting the vine yard early this morning and will be back shortly."

"Good. Then I can go back to sleep."

"No Quintus. The Messenger is Titus Flavious."

Quintus sat up in bed and scowled.

"Damn. I can't believe that toady is still alive....all right Danix, I'm up, I'm up."

He looked around the room with bleary eyes.

"What happened to what's her name? The Nubian?"

Danix smiled in his small way again.

"She left before the sunrise, here, put this on."

Danix was holding out a white robe. Quintus took it and wrapped it around his body quickly.

"Shoes, shoes.."

"Under the bed Quintus."

The Roman looked up at his body servant and grinned. Few people could stand to look at Quintus when he grinned. He had earned the Cognomen "Ambustus" or "Scalded" years ago when some hot oil had drenched his face during a battle. Danix was used to his master and hardly noticed anymore.

"You know Danix, if you keep calling me Quintus, I may have to adopt you. Would you like that?"

"And have someone else wait on me hand and foot? I'll have to think about it."

Quintus laughed and finished dressing. Walking through the rooms of his Villa, the battered Roman came to his courtyard where he saw several soldiers lounging around his fountain. Three of them jumped up at his presence, the fourth, dressed in Imperial Purple had his back to Quintus, trailing his hand in the fountain. He turned his head lazily to look at Quintus.

"Ah, Ambustus. Finally decided to face the morning? I see you still cannot control your slaves. Do you know one of your little Gauls had the temerity to lie to me? He said you were out inspecting the vineyards. Really, everyone knows you visit the vine yards at nigh..

His words were cut off as Quintus crossed the courtyard and smashed his fist into the Lictors face, driving him under the water. As he fell Quintus grabbed the mans sword. Holding the struggling Lictor under water he pointed the sword at the other soldiers.

"This is the house of Furius, an ancient and noble house. It's family will not be insulted."

Not taking his eyes off the bewildered soldiers he called out for Danix.

"I'm at your side, Master."

"Excellent. Then all these soldiers here will be my witness as I declare you my Son and heir to the house of Furius."

Quintus dragged the sputtering Titus out of the water and smashed the hilt of his short sword into his face.

"I suppose you heard that didn't you worm?"

The Lictor coughed blood and nodded.

"Then I expect I'll have your apology and your message."

Quintus looked into the fountain and saw a waterlogged parchment floating in tatters.

"Damn. No matter pig, I'll just borrow this."

Quintus reached down and yanked a small rod, or Fascine from the Lictors robes. The other soldiers looked upon the scene with astonishment and open mouths.

"Danix, hitch the chariot, call out my guard. The Emperor will be expecting us."

Turning on his heel, Quintus Furius strode past the quaking soldiers.

The drive to the Flavian Palace always depressed Quintus. Everywhere he looked he saw waste and dereliction. Arriving at the Palace, Quintus saw two figures pausing on the broad steps that led into the Palace. Lining the way were soldiers on each step at attention. Quintus felt his head ache from the previous nights wine.

Dismounting, Quintus saw Floydius Minius and Attero Dominatus waiting for him.

"Hello Quintus, Hail Ceasar and all that."

Attero stifled a yawn and nodded over to Floydius.

"It can't be all bad if he's here."

Quintus raised his eyebrows at Attero.

"I expect it's worse."

[Floyd Looney]

This whole Rome thing was your idea, I have absolutely no idea what you had in mind. Are the characters going their own way or together? What, exactly, are the crimes of the fleeing Senators? Do they have their own military forces?

[Aaron Burr]

Don't worry about that yet. If it comes down to it, I'll write Ioannes's lines. I'll keep it brief. In the meantime, just act natural.


Oh all right. My guy hates the new emperor, your guy thinks he's friends with him and Attero is happy anywhere as long as he's living La Vida Loco.

Just write your character. If he doesn't like Quintus, that's fine. I figured we'd travel together as far as southern France. After that its up to the Gods.

And I figure the Senators are just a ruse to get us out of the Emperors hair. They don't have armies, but may be holed up somewhere in Germany.

[Floyd Looney]

The three of us were equestrians, Captains of the Equestrian Class. I have my regular duties as one of the Chief Grain Auditors in Rome but an assignment from the Emperor supercedes that. My assistant, Granulus can take care of that while I am away.

Captain Marcus had an outstanding reputation as a fighter, leader and womanizer. He has the full trust of the men who serve in his cohort. I always had the nagging suspicion that some of my men would rather just kill me as soon as fight for me. Then again, I am paranoid, I'm more of an accountant than leader of mounted soldiers.

Quintus Furius Ambustus. He was a rowdy and caustic man, maybe more barbarian than man but he was one of us, whatever 'us' means these days. I always tried to look him in the face, try to see through the disfigurement to his real face. It is not always an easy task when the man behind the mask was so close to insane.

A small group of the Emperor's personal guard led by the Chief Secretary approach us as we reach the top of the steps. Quintus glares at the soldiers around us, they seem to line the walls an arms length away from each other. Of course, Quintus glares at everyone.

"Follow me, Captains" the Chief Secretary said as the personal guards of the Emperor take position in front of, beside and behind us, forming a phalanx.

As we approach the main chamber I begin to have some serious doubts, surely he could spare a few of these soldiers, or a Centurion or two for whatever he wants us for? Then again Theodosius and the Saxons and every other enemy have been emboldened, the deterioration has become more and more apparent since the days of Emperior Honorius.

I take a glance and wonder what Quintus and Marcus were thinking.

[Attero Dominatus]

Quintus Furius Ambustus has that same look in his eyes that I see in the Legionnaires who have, what was that phrase those monotheists, the Christians say? Oh yes, 'to hell and back.' I have no idea what is lurking in his mind.

As for Floydus, well, I wonder what this debt he owes to the emperor could possibly be? I will have to ask.

Or for that matter, why the Emperor's personal guards have formed a phalanx around us, protection normally reserved for diplomats and other important dignitaries. The rest of us usually get escorted by anywhere from two to four guards. I just...I hate politics and the corruption that comes with it. A small part of me wanted to hurl a Javelin at Chief Secretary Antonius's back, but the law's the law and he will pay his due for taking kick backs from the Ceremonial or as I like to call it, show-off regiment in exchange for giving extra large helpings of the tax money to them and their armorers while leaving the rest of the army to rot with outdated weapons and equipment. That's assuming the guards don't do him in first; they have a way of deciding who gets to oversee Rome and who does not.

"All hail Cesar Ioannas!" from the corrupt filth snapped the three of us out of our thoughts. We looked up at the tall, imposing sight of the emperor himself. We salute in unison. "Hail Cesar!"

"At ease!" his gravelly voice replies. "We have much to discuss."

[Aaron Burr]

The Emperor rose from his dais and came down the steps. Brushing past Quintus he nodded to Attero and smiled warmly at Floydius.

"Ah, my young friend, thank you coming. Tell me, is your family well?"

Quintus looked over at Attero to see his brows furrowing in displeasure. Floydius looked surprised at the Emperors attentions and smiled weekly in return.

"We do well under your protection Ceasar. I thank you."

The Emperor turned to regard Attero.

"And you Dominatus? Do you prosper under Caesars protection?"

Attero nodded and mumbled some pleasantries. Ioannes smiled vaguely. Then he turned to Quintus.

"The last of the house of Furius. We should all be honored by your presence. No family has served Rome with greater fidelity."

Quintus started to speak before thinking.

"Many have done more to keep the Empire intact."

Ioannes looked sharply at Quintus, searching his scarred face for signs of mockery. But Quintus regained his impassivity and regarded the new Emperor blankly. Ioannes frowned and turned to step up to his dais again, pausing long enough to clap Floydius on the shoulder.

"You three Captains, Equestrians, honored citizens of Rome, have been chosen to serve the Empire and return to it it's tarnished glory."

He paused and smiled, waiting to see the effect his words had on his audience. Seeing only impassivity, he continued."

"You are all well aware that Senators Gaius Marcus, Fabius Sabine and Honorus Solonius have fled the bounds of the Empire with ill gotten booty from our treasury? No? Sadly it is true. It is the will of Caesar that you, my most trusted Captains, should find these traitors and deliver them up to the justice of Rome."

Quintus regarded the Emperor with skepticism.

"You would have Equestrians perform this task Caesar? I know my visage is unpleasant to look upon, but will my banishment serve the Empire?"

"No, no, yo misunderstand me Quintus. I cannot spare any Legionnaires for this task, the East is restless. I need my cohorts ready to smash Theodosius and the traitors of New Rome. Besides, you know sending up a Century or two of soldiers will only roust up the barbarians for miles around. No, I need someone I can trust to capture these rebels for me. I need you Quintus."

Quintus slapped his chest in salute, but inside he grimaced. This was a death sentence for him and he knew it.

"Junius the Lictor will provide you with the necessary details. Sadly I cannot extend our meeting any further as I have matters of State to attend to. I wish you well in your journeys and expect to see you all next year with the rebels and Romes coffers full once more."

The Emporer bid them good day and the Three Captains of Rome returned the way they had come, much too absorbed in their thoughts to notice the attending pomp and circumstance.

In a side hall they found Junious the Lictor and spent a remarkably short amount of time gaining intelligence about the wayward Senators. Shorty after that the three companions found themselves once more outside the Palace. Quintus sighed heavily.

"I do not know what you have done to offend the Emperor, but know that this is a death sentence for me. You both would do well to shun me on this journey. I believe the Emperor will have me killed some where beyond the border and take my house and lands."

Floydius looked shocked and protested Quints blasphemy.

"It's all right Floydius, I suspect some of our Legionaries will cut my throat in the dark of night somewhere in Germanus."

Attero laughed out loud.

"No, I'm supposed to be the one with the dagger. Junious whispered it in my ear."

Quintus laughed as well and shook his head while climbing into his chariot.

"Come, join me in my home, we'll have a last meal together here in the City. Floydius will entertain us with personal stories about the Emperor."

Floydius rolled his eyes and headed over to his own group of slaves and chariot.

"I'll do you better than that, my Granulus will come as well. He can change his voice to sound exactly like that of Caesars."

Attero rolled near Floydius in his own chariot.

"Excellent, we'll get him drunk and make him dance for us!"

With a laugh he was gone in a cloud of dust, leaving Floydius depressed. None of this made any sense. Hadn't he always served the Emperor faithfully? Driving slowly home Floydius turned this problem over in his head, searching futilely for some incident from his past that could have possibly displeased the Emperor.

Suddenly he stopped his chariot in a deserted side street. It was his friends. With a sinking feeling Floydius realized that he had been too careless in associating with Attero And Quintus. Suddenly he didn't feel like having dinner at Quintus' home, or traveling to the far corners of the Empire at Caesars beck and call.

There had to be a way out of this.