You'll see soon enough.
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Chapter LIV – Unexpected Visitors
Felix Lupis:
Well, here I am now. The old world. Home of my ancestors. Unlike them, we knew they existed. Only a matter of sailing East until one hits land. Of course, with the tale of Arcadius the Founder in mind, I knew it would be a long journey. Not willing to strand in the lands of the far North like he did, in full winter, I preferred to lead the fleet in warmer sea. The wind wasn't favourable most of the time, but thankfully, our provisions were enough. I wonder what coast it can be that is in sight. Hispania? Gallia? Africa? It is too hot and dry to be Britannia. I've read that it always rains there... Even if it is most probably an exaggeration, like many of the old tales. I wonder if Romans are ruling this land...
'Not a moment too soon!', Aurus exclaims. 'We're running out of wine.' The Cebecian was getting on my nerves. He had to know this wasn't just one of his family's expeditions along the coast. Yet he always complained: There wasn't enough wine, no woman held him company, and we were all too severe... He had to accept the hard voyage in front of us, but never really did. I am sure that he still dreams of returning to the great
palatium Vendetis, his old days of partying, his life in luxury. Only because his family is one of the richest in all Arcadia, actual leaders of Cebecia, he thinks he deserves extra treatment. This influence is the cause why he is here! A young man who had everything wouldn't be expected on a war expedition into an uncertain future. But he is if that's his only choice.
It happened during one of his numerous orgies. While Aurus and his guests were merrily feasting, he retired to his chambers at some point – and allegedly raped, together with Daierian Caniena, son of the republic's actual admiral, Sergius Emptus' – head of the second of Cebecia's families – daughter Alicia. Both vehemently denied it. Where was she if she brought forward such grave accusations? Sergius, after Aurus' tale, began sobbing in the republic's court. His graceful daughter, so bright and beautiful, wasn't able to live with that shame. He hadn't seen her since the morning after she returned from the young Vendeti's
palatium and told him what happened. He feared the worst, and sent out men to find her – which they did, her wrists slid open, sitting at the favourite place of her childhood, watching the river flow... All because of these two young men, who thought they were over the law. That snake had well played his cards. Aurus was known to celebrate wild orgies, and Daierian was his best friend as well as a renowned womaniser who couldn't accept a defeat. An easy way for the Empti to weaken two of their contestants in the republic, should the process end in Sergius' favour. If the Canienae and Vendeti would work together, he wouldn't stand a chance in the future. His motives were clear. But not for the two accused. Too naïve to wield a good defence, some of Sergius' minions specifically introduced into the orgy to make these statements cast darkness over the two, and they didn't manage to free themselves from this shadow hanging over them. The whole process went against them... Only the influence of Aurus' family saved him. Daierian had no such luck, as most of the 'evidence' saw him as instigator and his family hadn't got the current
praefectus in their ranks. Aurus was only banished from Cebecia, while Daierian would be executed. A victory on all points for the Empti. I later managed to reconstruct the true motive of Alicia's death – her father certainly arranged it for she loved Aurus, which made his defence even more complicated. Four problems solved: His 'unbearable' daughter dealt with, a Vendetus-Caniena alliance prevented, a huge loss of prestige for his rivals, and two promising young sons of the enemies gone. Aurus on the other hand had nowhere to go. Accustomed to his life of luxury, he had huge difficulties outside of Cebecia, until he met with my army preparing the crossing – and proved a valuable addition, for his knowledge with money. When he wasn't throwing a wild party, he was known as a prodigious merchant and administrator. We would have much to do of this over the sea, so I had him join us.
Of course, Aquilius has to counter Aurus' words. 'Who cares about wine. As long as we're all alive and in fighting shape, there's nothing to worry.' He grunts. 'Typical Cebecian. Only caring about their comfort.' It will always be the same, but the tone is much more civil now. I remember when Aurus joined, Aquilius protested loudly. 'We already have Cebecian soldiers, all right, but one of these damned nobles, only over my dead body!' He will never change. Yet he finally starts to accept the situation. I need as much harmony within my ranks as possible if we are to be successful. And the Blind is one of the key parts.
Aquilius Atlantis, 'the blind Eagle'. Former
magister navis of one of Atlantea's wealthy families. Until that tragic day when he had the misfortune to see a Cebecian ship accosting during a hunt. The harbour of Atlantea was on the other side, and Aquilius found it suspicious. He came closer, and saw a Cebecian woman, Ienesia Amosca, discussing something that seemed important with a man clothed like a local. Not being able to discern who it was, he crept closer. 'Cebecia is of course willing to support whatever you are planning, as long as you hold true to your word... controlling Atlantea would be very beneficial for us both', he heard Ienesia say. Whoever it was, he planned high treason to the Atlantean people! Aquilius got closer – and noticed by one of the Cebecian's guards. The man quickly turned away to hide his identity, and the guards snatched Atlantis. After a short deliberation, that seemed to him like an eternity, he was blinded and released again. They reasoned that nobody would believe him, and that it would be better than to let him disappear. A pirate attack or some unlucky confrontation with an animal would be more logical than whatever he would be able to say. The conspirators were proven right: He tried to convince the republic's leaders of the Cebecian threat, but they didn't listen. But his friends and many others did. Aquilius swore revenge on those who had taken his sight, and blamed the government to be 'blinder than he is'. He set out on his ship, leaving Atlantea behind, and started a career as pirate, pillaging Cebecian ships. Atlantea was betrayed and conquered, but Aquilius roamed the sea, sank their ships, and even got his revenge on Amosca, capturing and torturing her until her dead body hung from the sail of a ghost ship, rumoured to still float across the gulf, loud screams of pain preceding its arrival... Aquilius couldn't see the effects of his torture, so he had to hear it, he said. I had heard of his cunning attacks, and with Cebecia reinforcing their fleet, his small vessel and crew couldn't keep up their raids, and instead he joined me.
'He's entirely right. They are all about their money. Put them into a dangerous situation, and they'll send their guards to fight for them. Weaklings.' Paulina, her axe over her shoulder, underlines Aquilius' statement. She could easily speak of weaklings, as most people are one compared to her, the fierce Amazon of the East. One has to admire her, and I'm glad I'm her friend and not her enemy. Well, friend is maybe a bit too much. I do hope she stays here though, she's a most valuable addition to the army together with her combat-proven troops. She pushes her axe into Aurus' arms. 'Here, try to hit me!' Aurus sounds like if he's just run some
milia, almost can't lift the axe, swinging it was out of the question. 'If we're all... huff... weaklings... nyarhh... why are we the greatest power in... hhhh... Arcadia then?' 'In your dreams, money bag!' I think I have to intervene once again.
Paulina Betocia. Called 'the Amazon' by her friends, 'Bloodaxe' by her enemies. She was
rex Julius VI's enforcer in his last war. A great monarch unlike his predecessors, to the dismay of his neighbours, Teranova, the warrior kingdom of the East, had under his guidance invaded Hyperborea. With a relatively small, but capable force, Julius had landed on Hyperborea's continental lands, and quickly advanced towards their capital Inium. Ice Queen Octavia sent the whole might of her
regnum to stop the small Teranovan invasion force, but in a battle demonstrating the truth of their reputation, Julius VI won a decisive victory against the far more numerous Hyperboreans. He had planned and executed the invasion perfectly. Positioned at a strategic choke point in the woods, many troops were well-hidden along the enemy's path, and their sudden attack from the rear disorientated the defenders. As the
rex charged down, it must have seemed as if they were far more numerous, and I can well imagine the terror and panic the Hyperboreans must have felt. They fell into disarray, and Teranova's elite mercilessly slaughtered them. Rumours vary, speaking of twenty to hundred times more defenders than attackers. The continent was lost. Octavia had to flee the continent to Ericiana, and Julius installed Paulina as his representative in the newly conquered region. She earned her nickname and her place at my side only later...
'Enough! We are all sitting in the same boat here, and nobody cares if you are Cebecian, Teranovan or Carthaginian for that matter! Europe doesn't know us, and we don't know what expects us. Our strength has to lie in unity, like it did against the Australes! So unite, as Arcadians!' Ursus intervenes before I can. Paulina shoots him a glare of pure hatred, before calming down and taking back her axe. 'Hmph. Just so you know, I'll keep an eye on you. I'll see what you're really worth in battle. It would be a shame if some European finished my duty.' She turns away and heads to the other end of the boat.
Ursus Borealis. The Lionheart, silent hero of the Hyperborean people. After the Teranovan conquest, the smart smith from Micica knew what the people had to expect. A life in half-slavery, second-class-humans under the conquerors, their workers, their feeders. He gathered followers, before Julius' troops reached his home, and set out into the woods, where he started to lead a brutal guerilla war, ambushing Teranovan patrols, interrupting supply lines, shaking their grip on the region on every occasion.
Rex Julius put a price on his head allowing to build a wonderful
palatium for oneself, yet still he continued. Paulina, as the
rex's
ducissa, couldn't get a hold of him, and her anger built more and more. She brutally suppressed any less gifted copiers of his methods, but the pressure on her from the equally furious Julius grew. Then she issued an ultimatum: He should surrender or no Hyperborean would be left alive. Ursus speculated she would never do such a thing, but when Paulina eradicated Micica from the map, massacring anyone inside the city, leaving no stone on its place, he was shocked. They preferred to rule over an empty region. Yet he couldn't surrender himself to the Teranovans, or all hope would be lost, and he and his followers end in the most miserable of ways. If he would escape to Ericiana or anywhere else, it would give Julius a reason to attack. If he wasn't sold to the
rex. The Austral invasion saved him. And when he decided to follow me to Europe, eluding Julius VI's grasp for good, Paulina did as well. Whenever he made a mistake, she would be there. She had vowed to deliver Ursus' head to her
rex, and as soon as she could, she would. To Europe or further beyond – she wouldn't return to Teranova without this trophy.
No discussion this time? Not even a small threat? She's as much under tension as we all are, even if she doesn't show it. 'Maybe, now as there is no going back, they finally start to understand that we have to stand together. As Confederates, we are strong. We can't surprise the Europeans like the Australes. If the rivalries break out here as well, we are doomed. So it is nice to see.' As always in diplomatic matters, I have to agree with Minucia. Our might entirely depends on our unity.
And if not for her, I could never be here with such a great army. Minucia Valentiae and her son Marcus weren't soldiers like the Northerners. She had served as
cancellaria to the
dux of Micabis, and was responsible for most of the new
regnum's successes.
Dux Victor was the son of the founder of the southernmost and youngest state of Arcadia, surrounded by a lot of barbarians, and the one leading the defence of Micabis' walls countless times. The city stood like a rock against the sea, and there was no telling what would happen in the future. How long could they hold out, or would they overcome their foes? That is, until Minucia came forward. A young diplomat, she convinced half of the surrounding tribes, those who had yet to try to overrun the city's walls, to join Micabis within twenty years. She promised them modern military equipment, Roman lifestyle, and the wealth needed to afford it. These chiefs knew what it was for the century of Roman influence here, and knew of their rivals' failures trying to take the city. If you listened to Minucia, you could think we were living gods gracing the natives with our presence and offering them the once in a lifetime chance to finally be free of all worries. Besides, it would be a perfect occasion to deal once and for all with their rivalling tribes; subjugating them to force your fierce rival to serve as your servant ever after. Her description might have been even better, making Micabis sound like paradise, and
dux Victor soon could live up to his name, crushing the other half with these additional troops. Minucia carefully manoeuvred the
ducatus amongst the Arcadian powers, and Micabis was now a power to be recognized, the
regnum of the South. Minucia was a true diplomatic genius, who knew what to do when the Australes came.
'How true. We shall seek a nice place to make landfall. We deserve some rest after that hard voyage.' Only one looks like he doesn't need any. Pius sits at the same place he sat during the whole crossing, and prays. In fact, I haven't seen him do anything else since he set foot on the ship. 'Your prayers have been heard, Pius. We have reached land!' He ignores me, deeply sunk into his thoughts. I still wonder what he does here. Then, I remember his history.
Pius Martinianus, one of the Aurebaians, voluntary exiles from the society. Seeking their place besides themselves, living strictly after Martinus' teachings, who have otherwise lost most of their grip on people. Cebecians unable to stand the greed of the merchants, Teranovans who have no taste for battle, recent barbarian converts, and people fleeing poverty or war make most of Aurebaia's citizens. A group only surviving from its own agriculture and fishing, where any object is in the possession of everyone. No violence, no greed, no procreation – no sin barring the return to heaven. Paradoxically, in a place called 'the golden bay'. Sometimes, a few of them spread the word. And Pius, whose true origins still remain a mystery to me, went South. He had the misfortune to run into the Australes, who didn't want to listen to a god of peace. If Pius could have spoken with them, he would have experienced the same treatment. He was captured, and the Australes surely planned to sacrifice him to their gods at their next stop. Luckily for him, there was no next stop, but Cianarea. In the course of the battle, he was freed, but killed a man in self-defence. It doesn't matter why he did it, he couldn't return to Aurebaia as a sinner. Not knowing where he could go, he settled for giving my army spiritual comfort.
'You're wasting your time, Felix.' The twin voices. I'm really not in the mood. 'Even we didn't manage to distract good Pius here. He's blinder than Aquilius.' The two giggle. I smile back. 'Don't forget what the poor man has lived through.' Glacia is quick to make a sarcastic comment. 'The horror on earth! I wonder how he can still be alive!' 'Can you imagine a life without the sins that make it worth living?' Aurora adds to clear any possible doubt I could have about what they mean. 'Very well. I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun in Europa. Now let me prepare the landing.'
The Lacis twins. Aurora and Glacia. Young women of an unmatched beauty in all of Arcadia. A beauty you shouldn't let fool you. The story of the Fluvii of their home Aspesia shall be my example. The story begins when the head of the Fluvius family assumed control of the noble's council. Licinius Fluvius accepted bribes from Cebecia in exchange for exclusive trading rights while also lending his ships to Teranovans who terrorized the coast. A double game he played with many others as well, what would seal the fate of the twin's father, the Fluvii's cook. Seeing the opposition against him in the noble's council grow, led by the Ocenani, he invited them as well as their rivals, the Pluviae, to speak of political matters. He expected both to prepare a bribe for him in order to rule against the other in their latest squabble on the council, and wasn't disappointed. But it has never been his intent to take these bribes. Instead, he had the Pluviae's bribe stolen. And Marius Oceanus poisoned during the feast in the guests' honour. A thorough search of Fluvius'
palatium revealed the bribe hidden in the cook's chamber. He was executed, Valerian Pluviae exiled. Licinius had regained lost trust, and his rule was secure again.
But even if he thought he had eliminated his opposition, he had created one. The Lacis twins knew their father would never accept a bribe. Just the day before the murder, the hole in the wall where the bribe was found didn't exist, and he was too busy to excavate it. They knew who was responsible. And swore revenge. Taking full advantage of their natural gifts, they planned the end of the Fluvii. Once the ground was prepared, all went very fast. Glacia seduced Licinius'
magister navis, who revealed the double game of his master. She told the Cebecian merchants in secret, and they weren't exactly amused. Aurora on the other side enjoyed the company of Licinius' son and the Teranovan emissary, and used Fluvius' method against himself, murdering the emissary holding his son responsible. The damage done, they retreated to the capital, manipulating and bribing the rest of the council with Cebecian financial assistance. A Teranovan raiding party completely destroyed Fluvius' village for his betrayal, slaughtering Licinius' family. He barely escaped, managed to reach the capital – where he was sentenced to death for the arranged murder of Marius Oceanus. As his head rolled, the Fluvii, mightiest nobles of Aspesia, were exterminated to the last man. Their revenge was accomplished. A village was razed, a family dragged into disgrace and faded out of existence. All because Licinius made the wrong enemies. A perfectly executed scheme – and I put the pieces together thanks to the stories my soldiers told. The duo was dangerous. But it could be useful. Settled down in Cebecia as 'friends' of the wealthy, I managed to gain them for my expedition, mostly due to my knowledge.
After some encouraging words to the troops, Ursus finally sights a bay with no signs of human activity, where we drop anchor. Having solid unmoving soil under our feet after this long time on sea is a feeling of pure happiness. Only Aquilius, who lived most of his life at sea, where he feels safer, stays on board. The Blind and his friends still reminiscence their old pirate days. They will need all motivation they can get should it come to conflict, so I let them stay on the ships, while the bulk of the army gets some rest at land.
I don't want to alert whoever lives here. They can be hostile just as they can be hospitable. I'll have to make contact with a small group. Hopefully they speak Latin here. 'Look, there's a house over there!' Perfect. Such a peaceful house, surrounded by vineyards, shouldn't be full of bloodthirsty thugs. If it is, then... it's well hidden. I shouldn't take any risks. 'I'll speak to them. Minucia, Aurus, you follow me as diplomat and merchant. A silver tongue and the words of the money are understood everywhere. Ursus and Paulina – I need to prevent any one of you to commit a dumb action. You, Fabius, Decius, Septimius and Nepotian will follow me in case we need to fight. And the Lacis twins as well. I don't want you to get bored, and we may need to resort to other methods where you are invaluable assets. All right, get your things together, try not to openly carry around your weapons, and then let's move.'
The way to the house leads through the vineyard, and it strikes me as oddly familiar. The house of the small property looks as if built in Roman style. Now, who would live there? Such a calm place is equally well suited as criminal hideout as it is to retire from the world's worries, who surely also exist here. I doubt they are all Aurebaians here. Some pragmatism is always needed in religious questions, and as the history goes, the European rulers always only listened to the good parts of their faith.
'If this is just a way to get rid of me, know that no matter how many Europeans you may have hired, my axe will split them in half.'
'I've been in Europa as long as you are. Put aside the fact that I have nothing to pay them with, have you seen me speaking to one of them?'
'Who was it who saw the house first? You! Like you knew there was one!'
'It's only my good sense of observation. I have always had a good eyesight.'
'Paulina should know that, as she has suffered the consequences of your observations', Aurora giggles.
Was it such a good idea to take them with me? 'Listen up, we're almost at the house. No more fighting. We don't know what expects us, and nobody will tell me if you are at each other's throats all the time! We need each other to rely on!'
'Excuse me,
dominus, but could you tell me where we are?'
'Of course! Come here, lie down. Have some wine. I'll gladly tell you all there is to know about this region', the man answers in Latin. Wherever we had arrived, Romans were most probably in control. And this man is happy to have some strangers as visitors, so I guess there is no war going on and no rivalry between Romans like in Arcadia. He watches our strange group closely as we enter his small villa, but seems satisfied. 'Welcome to Galicia, strangers! I must say that it has been a long time since I last saw soldiers here. The last one here... was me!' He is in the mood of joking. We are soldiers, well, most of us, he had immediately noticed that, and he is... joking. Good. A lot must have happened since the last ship from the East arrived in Arcadia, carrying prisoners of a great civil war. 'I would like to hear a bit about you. But first, the answer to your question: We are about ten
milia pasuum South of the great merchant
urbs of Corunium, at my humble estate. Crassus Tavernus, to your service.'
I have never heard of Corunium. Must have been an ancient settlement, or at least its name must have been reused, as it was so often the case in the Second Imperium. Is it still the Second Imperium? I would have to find this out later. In the city. So I decide to be as honest as possible with Crassus without revealing my true cause, so that he may tell us where it is. I know where Galicia is, so I have to make use of it. I turn towards my companions. 'Then we're not there yet.' Before any of them can say something wrong, and I know some who would certainly do, I speak to our host again: 'We are going to Corunium from Lusitania, to take a ship to Nova Roma. But I fear we're lost. Thankfully, we have found your estate,
dominus Tavernus.'
He's buying it. 'Are you maybe from
princeps Antonius' personal guard? Then he should have chosen better ones than some who lose their tracks so close to Porto.' He laughed, and poured us some wine. 'Does the
princeps want to see his mother's burial? Then he must take the fastest ship he can find, yes. The Sulpicii may not have the best reputation, but they have the fastest ships, I assure you. Oh, but I'm diverging. I don't know what happens to me today... The wine seems to be too strong... I've seen a lot of ships, now you... I don't know if I'm just hallucinating...'
'Maybe you are.' Time for a small gamble. In the worst case, Tavernus asks us to leave. He doesn't look like a fool who would take on eleven others alone. Aurora opens her mouth, but seems to understand what I'm planning before saying anything. She shares her idea with the others. I go on: 'Don't you remember me, Crassus? Your old friend from your days as a legionary?' I am maybe pushing it a bit too far. Behind me, I hear Paulina gripping her hidden weapon. Those Teranovans. Violence is not always the solution. I guess it is if you are so good at it. But my gamble pays off.
'Is it... Is it you, Valentian? If I'm even too drunk to recognize you immediately, something must be very wrong with me. I think I should go to bed.' He stands up, not entirely straight.
'The road to Corunium?', I insist as nice as I can.
'Just behind the
domus, just follow the
via until you see the
urbs. Now excuse me. I need some rest.'
