As the shouting and disorder ensued, Senator Maridius surged from his seat close to the Emperor. With a voice that cut through the chaos he shouted, “Cease this madness at once!” His commanding tone silenced the body. There was a reason the people called him the Senator. The man was old, but his strength and presence had not left him. He took his seat once again and his compatriot resumed. “There is some good news, while other contenders have rebelled they are not significant. Several pretenders each gaining at most the support of 5 legions. However, we are confident they will flock to aid us once they see they are on the losing side. And, while Quirinius has a large force, we have over one hundred-forty legions. 700,000 men with which to crush this rabble. Furthermore, Quirinius’ forces are scattered across the Empire. Most of the governors in whose territory they reside oppose the Republicans.” Some approving murmuring began. To silence this, all Gaius had to do was raise his hand. “The Emperor’s brother, Crassus, has been dispatched with the 9th and 10th legions to begin their campaign in Ardea. The 37th legion is there and had pledged itself to Quirinius. But, it is hundreds of miles of from him, with rough terrain and a river to cross, which means they need to build ships. They will be vulnerable. Crassus will easily catch up with them and stamp out these insurgents.” The Emperor looked at Liam inquisitively before asking, “Do you think this will be enough to beat the rebels?” The Legionnaire, quickly answered, “The 10th is familiar with rough terrain, they should be the advance force. With them as the spearhead the two legions should easily come out victorious. Tarquin smiled, “I believe that concludes this meeting, Senators.” Having said this, the Emperor rose from his throne as the Senators stood to leave. Tarquin stepped down from where his throne sat to greet his old friend. His father was not far behind him. Senator Maridius was as imposing as ever. His tall figure and stern face giving way only to a formal look of satisfaction contrasted with his son’s beaming smile. “It is good to see you again, old friend!” He and Liam hugged each other, it had been several years since they had seen each other. Senator Maridius greeted Liam as well. “Legionnaire,” he shook the other’s hand, “your work never ceases to impress me and my son.” “I did my duty, Senator.” “You continue to do that and more. There might be a place in the Senate for you one day.” The Emperor interrupted, “My friend isn’t interested in the minutia of politics. I envy you. I wish to be on the front lines again.” Liam chuckled, “Some of us prefer one man to fight over an army. But that time I saved your skin tells me you like the latter.” Tarquin laughed, he enjoyed the company of his former brother-in-arms. Liam too joined in the laughter, but his smile quickly faded as he remembered the solemn knowledge he had to share with his Emperor. The words told to him by the Praetorian. “Your Grace,” he began, but before he could go on an Imperial guard addressed the Emperor. “Your Grace, your brother Crassus requests your counsel before he departs.” “I think my father can advise him.” “The general requested to speak with you before anyone else, Your Grace.” “Very well then.” The Emperor sighed and turned to the Legionnaire. “I’ll see you at the banquet tonight. We can talk after.” The Emperor departed to see his brother off. Liam found himself standing alone next only to Tarquin’s father. Gaius looked at him, almost attempting to interrogate the other with his gaze. “You had something to say to Tarquin? Whatever it is, it can be trusted with me, I assure you.” Gaius Maridius said to Liam. “I do Senator, I have known you a long time. Not just that but Emperor Gracchus trusted you as well.” Maridius had also served on the council of the late Emperor along with the aforementioned General Quirinius and Bishop Cassius Aurelius. There was no one other than Tarquin more worthy of this information. “Before the Praetorian died, he told me that someone in the Senate hired him to kill the Emperor.” “Do you suspect any falsehood in those claims?” “What reason does a dying man have to lie? If this is true, the last lead to finding these conspirators is about to reduced to a pile of ash. I fear Tarquin may be in danger of the same fate as Emperor Gracchus.” “Did he unveil the identity of the man?” “No, Senator. Had he said who, I would have informed you already.” Maridius turned to one of the windows and looked out on the streets below, admiring the greatness of this city. “Nations rise and fall in anarchy, you were right to bring this to me. I’ll end the conspiracy against this regime and before long heads will be mounted on spikes.” He paused for a moment, considering what he might do next. Contrary to what the Legionnaire thought, Gaius was the least trustworthy man in this city. Liam had revealed his hand to the man behind Julius Gracchus’ demise. “The legacy of this Empire will be determined in the coming months. We can establish a dynasty that will last millennia, or collapse into nothing as so many other nations have.” “I’ll see too it that the will of Emperor Gracchus is honored.” Maridius turned around and smiled, it appeared normal to the other but in actuality the Senator was admiring his own manipulation of the man. “I know you will. Come, Liam. My son has a banquet awaiting you. I should hope your visit here is not entirely grim.” That evening the Imperial family and the rest of the patricians celebrated both the Legionnaire bringing justice to the assassin and Tarquin’s rise to power. Tales of valor and glory were told of the two men. Their courage on the battlefield, their loyalty to their families, and their piety were lauded among the partakers of this joyous occasion. The finest of foods had been prepared while the sweetest of wines were poured. At the end of the night, while most had their fill, Liam kept his wits about him. Too much drink left him vulnerable, and in his mind this was unacceptable. He spoke with Tarquin again before leaving the palace. It was law that those who weren’t members of the state or ambassadors were to reside outside of the estate, especially if armed. The only exception to this rule were guards of statesmen. As Liam left, he donned his armor which he had taken off before the banquet. He would find a good place to restore his energy, but he would have to go into the streets to do so. And if a man saw a vulnerable Legionnaire, he would be a fool not to take advantage of the clear opportunity. After Liam mounted his horse, he departed the royal grounds and entered the plebeian occupied section of the city. He was greeted with a similar sight to what he had seen in Vici: drunkards and thieves. Except, this time around those men were being arrested by the city guard. As Liam was scouting for a safe place to rest, he felt as if he was being followed. He heard the faint clink of armor behind him and what was clearly idle chatter to make him think nothing of it. Every turn he took they took too. The Legionnaire was uneasy, but perhaps it was just coincidence, maybe guards sent by Tarquin. He took several turns again to see what they would do, but they stayed the course. He now felt that rest was an unwise idea. A tavern with a post to tie his horse down to was a welcome sight. The Legionnaire dismounted his horse and as he did so, he heard the sound of more armored men joining those not too far behind. He looked over his shoulder and saw four men in the red and gold armor of the City Guard walking towards him. “Are you Liam Gue?” “Who’s asking?” “You’re under arrest.” “And by whom am I accused and of what?” “Senator Gaius Maridius, and for conspiracy against the Empire.” (Continued in a comment on this one)