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Interesting to see the East is already starting to have an interest in Remus and his men. I think that Claudius is very correct when he thinks that there can be no new Western Empire without doing business with the East. Still Remus and his men are not Romulus and the new Eastern emperor do well in remembering that this Roman army will be able to defeat everything the east can send against them. Still if a new diplomatic relationship is established that will do very well as long as the two Roman empires can work together for each others benefits.
But Claudius is very correct, first things first. Now his army has surrounded Rome and cut off all of Rome’s supply and escape routes so it is only a waiting game now. Soon the day will come that Rome opens its gates and Remus can hold his triumph in the city.
Another fine update Mett, now I can’t wait to see when Remus will enter Rome and take up his new position as Emperor
But Claudius is very correct, first things first. Now his army has surrounded Rome and cut off all of Rome’s supply and escape routes so it is only a waiting game now. Soon the day will come that Rome opens its gates and Remus can hold his triumph in the city.
Another fine update Mett, now I can’t wait to see when Remus will enter Rome and take up his new position as Emperor
Knowing Remus, I don't think there will be a triumph. He'll secure the city, make sure the civil administration is in order and then get to work. He's no glory hound.
wow, this thread is a fine piece of writing met, in fact as testament to that I just finished reading it all. The characters you create are interesting and 3 dimensional. Not only that but they also evolve over time. Selenus for example, could not bring himself to kill a single person in his younger days, but now he is the savior of sicily. Simply excellent
alex994: Yes, the quid pro quo between East and West will be interesting. I'm sure Romulus hasn't gotten too far, poor kid.
TC Pilot: I know the West is a smorgasbord of smackdowns.
Spothisto: Thanks, I was hoping I pulled off the verbal banter well enough.
Chief Ragusa: Worried, perhaps, or maybe Theodoric's humiliation gives the East an opportunity with the Goths.
VILenin: True, a risky proposition. I think them both being new to their thrones could help them see mutual advantage, but it won't come cheap.
Fulcrumvale: Depends on how much they meddle, certainly...
Avernite: That will take some serious campaigning.
Amric: I'm sporadic, sadly, but thanks for your kind words! I'll try to get more regular here in the future.
Darks63: That was Illus and Leontius who were the rebels against Zeno. Anastasius (sorry, I keep calling him Athanasius) was the choice of Zeno's widow Ariadne to succeed the throne, and not an expected choice, so he probably sits uneasy on the throne. Remus' military power could be destabilizing but also a boon, and Anastasius has the leverage of legitimacy that Ragusa points out.
Draco Rexus: Soon, sir! I have it about half-written.
Lord E: Thanks, Lord! Yes, entering Rome is the only beginning of Remus' affairs. In fact, it makes things more complicated for his life, as if that's possible.
von Adler: He'll try, though whether his companions or the people will let him come in quietly...
theycallmetight: Thanks, yeah I remember Remus sitting Selenus down and telling him he can't come along in their ambushes anymore because he was reluctant to kill. Then I think of him leading the counterattack on Syracuse's walls to drive off the Vandals. And now a general and one of the new emperor's right hand man. A long journey from Peperna the Cow.
TC Pilot: I know the West is a smorgasbord of smackdowns.
Spothisto: Thanks, I was hoping I pulled off the verbal banter well enough.
Chief Ragusa: Worried, perhaps, or maybe Theodoric's humiliation gives the East an opportunity with the Goths.
VILenin: True, a risky proposition. I think them both being new to their thrones could help them see mutual advantage, but it won't come cheap.
Fulcrumvale: Depends on how much they meddle, certainly...
Avernite: That will take some serious campaigning.
Amric: I'm sporadic, sadly, but thanks for your kind words! I'll try to get more regular here in the future.
Darks63: That was Illus and Leontius who were the rebels against Zeno. Anastasius (sorry, I keep calling him Athanasius) was the choice of Zeno's widow Ariadne to succeed the throne, and not an expected choice, so he probably sits uneasy on the throne. Remus' military power could be destabilizing but also a boon, and Anastasius has the leverage of legitimacy that Ragusa points out.
Draco Rexus: Soon, sir! I have it about half-written.
Lord E: Thanks, Lord! Yes, entering Rome is the only beginning of Remus' affairs. In fact, it makes things more complicated for his life, as if that's possible.
von Adler: He'll try, though whether his companions or the people will let him come in quietly...
theycallmetight: Thanks, yeah I remember Remus sitting Selenus down and telling him he can't come along in their ambushes anymore because he was reluctant to kill. Then I think of him leading the counterattack on Syracuse's walls to drive off the Vandals. And now a general and one of the new emperor's right hand man. A long journey from Peperna the Cow.
The opulence of the villa was quickly becoming undone, giving way to the functionality of an army headquarters. Fine works of art and sculpture were quietly being set aside, put under guard, away from the idle hands of enterprising staff officers. Utilitarian bunks and camp beds were being squeezed into any open space to accommodate Remus’ immense combined staff. Those few servants who hadn’t run off were immediately impressed into service as cooks, groundsmen, and whatever duty soldiers could not be spared for. Remus couldn’t help but express a certain amusement at the sheer number of commanders massed in one place, each used to a certain deference from their lessers, now in close contact with those who expected deference from them in turn. Even in the midst of triumph, the political games at headquarters would never cease. If he wasn’t on the verge of laughter, he would scowl.
”Awfully nice of Romulus to leave us this fine house, general,” Classicus said, directing several protectorii to place their bundles against a fine wooden wall to one side. The main reception room, where the refugee Imperator had once held private dinners and audiences with close friends, was now being stripped and turned into a massive planning room. Knots of officers in field uniforms were spread throughout the room, as if the entire affair was an elegant party. It reminded him of the court in Rome, complete with whispering courtiers, which made him blink, seeing how everyone in the room had so recently acclaimed him Imperator. Surely the army was slowly shifting to a courtly manner as they approached their prize. Mainly it made for an excess workload for him and his top commanders. The large numbers of local magistrates clustered on couches shoved into a far corner, the better to give them comfort and get them out of the way. The imperial senators, some of whom had trickled in during the past week, Remus had swiftly flung back to the city. If this Senatorial conspiracy was going to yield fruit, then no one would be allowed to shirk their duty. All hands would be needed.
The requests poured in, several per minute. The latest report from Claudius, including his interesting conversation with the ambassador from Constantinople. He’d have to think on that later. Reports from the Dalmatian army in Venetia, who had unceremoniously flung Theodoric out of Siscia and had recaptured portions of Norcicum and Pannonia. There were the latest tallies on acquisitions of grain, livestock, and servants impressed to serve the army’s massive logistics. And letters from anyone and everyone who considered themselves important in Italia, begging him for this or that. To give their son a high position on his staff, to send a patrol to fight local bandits or rescue their town from a Romulan garrison, and hundreds of offers to marry their daughters, which would have made him grin if the prospect hadn’t been so terrifying. Women were a foe he was fortunate enough to have had little experience with on the field of battle, save for their wailings and screams when their husbands and sons were put to the sword.
More and more human traffic bustled in and out of the rooms, couriers, parties turned away from an audience with Remus, and new arrivals seeking such a meeting. One caught Remus’ eye, primarily because the woman was leading the group, rather than trailing them. Her robes billowed matter of factly, and that and her flashing eyes were causing many a head to turn. A small boy trailed behind her and from the expression of the guard escorting her, he had been given short shrift mere moments ago. Like charging cavalry, they bore down on Remus, who found some of his amusement returning.
Classicus stepped forward to interrogate the guard and head off the party, engaging in a whispered conversation with both soldier and the woman. After a few moments of intense discussion, the general nodded and his head and turned to Remus with raised eyebrows. Leading the new arrivals forward, his eyes flickered to the empty chair, which Remus found himself occupying, still glancing from woman to boy. When was the last time a woman or boy had ever graced one of his headquarters? King Clovis’ grandson perhaps, now safely ensconced in Soissons. But a woman? He didn’t have time for this.
”General, may I present the niece of the late Senator Arcadius? This is Hesta Tiberiana and young Saturnius, her ward,” Classicus said smoothly, having sufficiently recovered from his initial speech with the woman.
Remus struggled to recall just who Arcadius was, knowing little of Senate politics since the death of Markus. He vaguely remembered Markus speaking respectfully of the old Senator, even if the two had bickered enough in their time. Perhaps that was responsible for the woman’s piercing gaze. His eyes flashed back and he was gratified to see her look away. It was a good thing to remind the Senatorial scrappers of their place. The boy continued to look curiously at him, and he did his best to ignore him.
”I have heard honorable mentions of Arcadius, which does credit to all in his family,” he said, trying to recall the platitudes that people such as these liked to hear. Already around them, a backlog of couriers and newcomers was clogging the room, waiting for Remus’ ear, some scowling openly at the impertinent girl and her party. That alone gave her an extra few minutes in Remus’ presence, the better to annoy the political types around him.
Classicus cleared his throat, stepping forward with a piece of paper in his hand. ”She came with this. It looks like Regulus has come through for us after all.”
Remus took the scroll and opened it to read, though he hadn’t needed to. ”He’s secured the northern gates with his men, general!” Hesta suddenly blurted out. Remus’ eyes widened for a moment and he paused his reading. ”If you send your army down to the Porta Salaria, you can catch----“
”I have already given the commands, milady,” Remus said, his words slashing across the woman’s temerity. ”If you will excuse me, I have much to tend to. I thank you for bringing this message to my attention. Classicus?”
Understanding his role, the general swept forward to guide both woman and boy away, seeing to their needs as the latest in a batch of refugees clogging the imperial villa at Veii. Hesta looked suitably abashed, he thought, with a small smile of triumph, though hardly cowed. Woe to the next man to come across her path.
With squeals of delight, the next party swept forward to harangue him with their pleas. It would never end, he sighed, trying to stand and get away from the chaos. He called for his horse, wishing to reconniter the Aurelian Walls. Porta Salaria, indeed, he snorted to himself. As if he would only seize one gate. He would take three in the north, leaving the Porta Ostia to Claudius’s column and the Porta Latina to Viator’s men moving northwest. If this Regulus had done his part, it would be over tomorrow. His glance returned to the letter as he escaped from the room.
* * *
Amidst the haunting glow of torches, the lead soldiers in the column passed through the open gateway, giving the primicerium a small feeling of relief which he quickly hid under his permanent scowl. From the tops of the walls, foreign faces stared down at them with a certain smugness. Whoever these fools were, they’d done their job and the western column had breached the Porta Flaminia. Hooves came from down the road as a horseman passed through the gate and dismounted nearby. Their young officer always enjoyed a bit of flash, hopping down with the appropriate jangling of his semispatha. ”There’s been some street fighting near the Mausoleum. Looks like the Custodiae couldn’t get anywhere near the gates in time.”
”Such a shame,” the old ranker growled. He’d wanted to put those flashy fools to the test in real combat. ”All gates seized then?”
”Yes. These friendly rebels have taken this gate, also the Porta Pincia, all the way to the Porta Salaria. Most of the Custodiae are surrounded at the old Praetorian camp, very ineffectual.”
”Sir!” There was some shouting from the far side of the gate, causing both ranker and officer to bustle their way through the crowded gate, ignoring the column’s marching to find the source of this latest disturbance.
Off to the east of the Via Flaminia were a series of old tombs, those of the Domitia clan if he remembered. Before Constantine’s Edict, Christians used to bury their dead in crypts in this area. A small basilica had been built nearby, and it was from this building that a group of twenty or more robed figures were being escorted under guard.
”What is all this?” the officer snapped. He hated delays to the schedule. They had to push past the Campus Martius before any opposition could form.
”I protest!” one of the robed men shouted. ”Your men defile God’s house!”
With a harsh smile, the officer stared from guard to figure to church. ”Is that so? Or perhaps the house was already defiled. What do we have here, soldier?” he grunted, overriding more protests.
”Well, sir, we secured the grounds, put a guard in front, and checked inside to see if any soldiers from the garrison were hiding. Instead, we found these. Some of them look like priests, but look at the rest! No priest I know wears such fine robes,” he said, sweeping forward and pulling aside one person’s brown ribes. Underneath, the vivid blue fabric shone vibrantly. The officer and primicerium’s eyes rose considerably.
”God’s house, you say?” he said with a growing smile. ”And which aristocrats have decided to become priests so conveniently as justice marches down the Via Flaminia?”
Before anyone else could speak, another figure threw their robes aside, and the officer found himself starting at a young man in gold-trimmed robes, eyes flashing on a bearded face. He looked familiar for surely the officer had seen him----
”On your knees in shame, fool!” the man yelled, ”that you should disrespect my mother so!”
Some of the soldiers took an instinctive step back yet when no one said a word, he continued his harangue. ”Well? Kneel, you miscreants! Your emperor commands you!”
Realization dawned at once and for a moment, the officer could feel the tug to obey but the reality of his situation quickly followed and his smiled returned. ”Ah yes, the emperor. And your mother, I presume. The army was wondering where you were spending your holiday. It is a shame that your career as a priest will have to be interrupted.” He signaled to one of the guards. ”You’ll come with us to headquarters.”
”I will do nothing by your order! I am Romulus, your Imperator!”
”You were Imperator. Prisoners do not give commands,” he said smoothly, beckoning to the guard with growing delight. He would stamp his role on this whole affair and become a general by nightfall. The escorts swept forward to gather their charges.
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Exciting to see the young rat just couldn't keep his ego under control. Looks like his time at the top had some positive side-effects for his personality, although they're definitely detrimental in this situation.
I also get the feeling that Remus is going to be seeing more of Hesta as time goes by.
Excellent Met, this was a great culmination of years of work, both on Remus' part and yours.
I also get the feeling that Remus is going to be seeing more of Hesta as time goes by.
Excellent Met, this was a great culmination of years of work, both on Remus' part and yours.
Is this the future ah... Imperatoress we're seeing? I have no clue what's the female form of Imperator so...
And now, shall Romulus be given the same "mercy" shown to Odoacer?
And now, shall Romulus be given the same "mercy" shown to Odoacer?
Ah, Romulus as impetuous as ever, even in defeat. Some people never learn.
There was one line that piqued my interest:
There was one line that piqued my interest:
Here's one adversary Remus will have to learn about quickly. Hesta is, I'm sure, only the first of many women who will be heading his way.
IIRC, I don't think Imperator was a title that could be applicable to women as it was associated with military command(the only title to come close that I can think of off the top of my head is "Mother of the Camp" given to several Empresses who would accompany their husband on campaign). The Empress would be Augusta.alex994 said:
Great update Met. Hail the true emperor, and that brat who didn;t know a good thing when he saw it should have killed himself. Its what I would do in his situation.....
If Remus is to establish a dynasty he's going to need a wife.
Romulus, his mother and the Senators who supported him will be Remus' first test of judicial skill.
Romulus, his mother and the Senators who supported him will be Remus' first test of judicial skill.
That brat Romulus and his devil mother is found, good. now Remus have at least one enemy less. However it's time for him to test his diplomacy skills, since he'll be dealing with the troublesome members of the senate and the even more troublesome ambassadors of the east. Seriously, east will probably be the biggest worry about forr Remus empire. it was them who sent the Ostrogoths towards italy and tghey probably have some nasty plans for west if Remus isn't wiing to play their fiddle.
Hesta would be a good wife for Remus. She could take care of the political situation and political intrigues in Rome, when Remus is out doing men stuff. Like conquering territories and killing all who oppose him.
And nice to see that a little problem named Romulus is found and soon be dealt with.
Will The East and West rejoin under Remus rule?
And nice to see that a little problem named Romulus is found and soon be dealt with.
Will The East and West rejoin under Remus rule?
Ah, excellent update! Love the writing and the events.
Oh, what a change of pace politics will take with Remus, a man mildly amused at best with the political scheming, and violently annoyed at worst. Groveling, bribery and generally being a sycophant will suddenly be null and nothing worth.
I get a vision of Remus doing important business at a desk filled with scrolls, while Claudius stands like a marble statue, unphasable, immovable and with enless patience, keeping all those that more or less desperately wish for the ear of the new Emperor at bay.
Do Remus really need a wife and a son, do he need a dynasty? I think not, he can just adopt Senelus and have a the perfect successor.
The Empire needs hard steel, military discipline and a military genius with little regard for other things right now. When Remus has spent another ten or twenty years making the Empire military strong, then Selenus, a very good general (although not of Reman caliber) who is also skilled in politics, trade, logistics and culture, can bring the Empire to true greatness.
Ah, the story! The prospects! Great work!!
Oh, what a change of pace politics will take with Remus, a man mildly amused at best with the political scheming, and violently annoyed at worst. Groveling, bribery and generally being a sycophant will suddenly be null and nothing worth.
I get a vision of Remus doing important business at a desk filled with scrolls, while Claudius stands like a marble statue, unphasable, immovable and with enless patience, keeping all those that more or less desperately wish for the ear of the new Emperor at bay.
Do Remus really need a wife and a son, do he need a dynasty? I think not, he can just adopt Senelus and have a the perfect successor.
The Empire needs hard steel, military discipline and a military genius with little regard for other things right now. When Remus has spent another ten or twenty years making the Empire military strong, then Selenus, a very good general (although not of Reman caliber) who is also skilled in politics, trade, logistics and culture, can bring the Empire to true greatness.
Ah, the story! The prospects! Great work!!
Who is that you use for the bust of Remus, by the way? He looks like one of my history professors...
It looks like the capture of rome is going pretty smoothly, Remus will be imperator after all. I have a sneaking suspicioun that it will be fouled up somehow though.
Yet again good writing Mett.
I must say I feel a little sorry for Remus, having to face that woman is not nice for anyone and he should make sure to keep her and her brother under control as they are the kind of people that might start working against Remus if they think they can benefit from it. As long as Remus stays away from marrying her I think he will be safe though…
Wonderful to see that the silly boy couldn’t keep his mouth and that he is now under control. I think the commander of this small force will be awarded well for this. Remus will have to decided now what to do with the young man though, so actually it could have been better had he been killed during the fighting. But one never knows…
Looking forward to see what will happen next, I sure hope that the city will surrender peacefully and that Romulus will not create any trouble for Remus.
I must say I feel a little sorry for Remus, having to face that woman is not nice for anyone and he should make sure to keep her and her brother under control as they are the kind of people that might start working against Remus if they think they can benefit from it. As long as Remus stays away from marrying her I think he will be safe though…
Wonderful to see that the silly boy couldn’t keep his mouth and that he is now under control. I think the commander of this small force will be awarded well for this. Remus will have to decided now what to do with the young man though, so actually it could have been better had he been killed during the fighting. But one never knows…
Looking forward to see what will happen next, I sure hope that the city will surrender peacefully and that Romulus will not create any trouble for Remus.
I could've sworn I had commented already...
Anyhow, nice update as usual. It'll definately take some changing for Remus to be able to rule the Empire.
Anyhow, nice update as usual. It'll definately take some changing for Remus to be able to rule the Empire.
VJ's latest post is up at alternate-history.com, http://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=72738