Turres gloriae defluxit

Praeterita non salwabit

Lavinia was rehearsing family names once again with Myra. In a refreshing change, they were now wandering outside as they discussed the various people a daughter of Horatius Honerius was likely to encounter at any dinner party. “Again, from the top,” said Myra.

Lavinia took a steadying breath and began. “Gens Conditius, proud, honorable and traditional. Best to avoid angering them if possible…they hold long grudges. Gens Cantorius, cultural, prosperous, just. Life of the party but the aim of everyone's jokes. Gen’s Montinius, stalwart, zealous, strong. Serious-minded and not ones to play games.”

“Most of us,” added Myra then hesitated. “Well, some of us can be enjoyable. Let them initiate, however.”

Lavinia nodded. “Gens Registius, loyal, reliable, persistent. They are friendly and passionate so don’t talk politics with them. Gens Lamarius, clever, bold, wealthy. They are the richest family so they should always receive respect.”

“Of course,” Myra said with a sardonic grin.

Lavinia smiled but kept going. “Gens Campestrius, driven, faithful, limitless. They will likely try to gain your good graces. Gens Ultimius, powerful, tactful, conquerors. Best to just avoid talking to them. Gens Ambitius, ascending, ambitious, generous. Never make promises to them. Gens Cadenzius, learned, sophisticated, renowned. Never be alone in the same room as one if you value your reputation. Gens Diginius, passionate, noble, forward. New…and um…”

Lavinia finally faltered and Myra finished her sentence. “New to power and ambitious. Very good.”

“We missed one.”

Myra turned to her. “Really? There are many we didn’t mention but who in particular?”

“Gens Humilius, humble, brave, fortunate. I think they are quite kind and I like them.”

Myra smiled. “Indeed. Spoken like a Gens Honerius, honest, tireless, fearless.”

Lavinia blushed. “I’m not fearless. I’m scared to death of attending a party.”

Myra took her hand. “You will do well. And remember the most important rule.”

“No family ever follows their name completely,” responded Lavinia.

“Exactly,” said Myra. “As an example, do you see that?”

Lavinia turned to see where she pointed. Down the street, near the front door of her home, her older brother stood talking with a woman. Their conversation seemed formal but subdued. “Who is that woman talking to Corbenus?”

“That is the newly married Augustina Ambitius, formally Conditius. Now tell me, Lavinia, why do you think it should be strange to see the two talking together?”

Lavinia pondered the question and then asked, “I’m not sure…why should it be strange? Is it because she is married and he isn’t?”

A smile crossed Myra’s face mixed with a look of pity. “No sweet girl. What is your family's relationship with Gens Ambitious?”

Lavinia tried to piece the puzzle together in her head but found herself stumped. Myra nudged her. “Talk it through. Who is she?”

“Well…she is the wife of Rufus Ambitious.”

“Yes. Why do you know his name?”

“He is running for a Consul’s position along with my father.”

“Excellent! Both of them are rivals for Consul…or so goes the public gossip. What of her family? Who was she before she was married?”

“Didn’t you say she was a Conditius?”

“And what are the Conditius to your family?”

“Rivals.”

Myra nodded. “I believe the reason Augustina and Rufus married was for a political alliance between Gens Conditius and Gens Ambitious. I find it strange that the wife of Rufus should be speaking to the son of Horatius Honerius, the rival of Magnus, so soon after this political alliance. Something is happening and I would very much like to find out what that is.”

The two ladies watched Augustina finish her conversation with Corbenus and bow slightly in agreement. Corbenus walked down the street toward the senate building while Augustina turned in the opposite direction. She spotted them as she had turned but hardly broke her stride or looked surprised. Myra turned to Lavinia. “Let us greet her and see how forthcoming she is, shall we?”

Lavinia only nodded dumbly, feeling completely out of her league as she followed her tutor. Augustina raised a hand in greeting first. “Good morning, dear friends.”

“I’m so glad we are friends,” said Myra. “I thought perhaps you wouldn’t know who we were.”

“Any Aquillan woman of noble birth is my friend,” said Augustina. “We are all united against the world.”

“Yet not in politics it seems,” said Myra. “Where are you headed?”

“Home, Myra Montinius,” said Augustina. “I have business that cannot wait.”

“We will follow you then,” said Myra, taking an arm and holding out her own for Lavinia to take. “Have you met my ward, Lavinia Honerius?”

“I haven’t had the pleasure,” said Augustina, holding out her other arm for Lavinia to take instead.

Lavinia looked unsurely between the two women but seeing Myra nod to her took the arm of Augustina. Augustina’s smile appeared gracious and her countenance serene as she led them down the street and spoke openly. “I suppose you are wondering what that conversation with Corbenus Honerius was about.”

“It was rather open to questioning,” replied Myra.

Augustina nodded. “I had nothing to hide but the conversation was private.”

“But why with my brother?” asked Lavinia, speaking for the first time.

Augustina smiled and shrugged. “I will let you put the pieces together yourself with your mentor later. Suffice to say, it was a fruitful conversation. My husband will be pleased.”

Myra patted her arm. “I hope your husband appreciates the efforts you make to his campaign.”

“He does indeed.” A satisfied smile flitted across her features.

“And your father?” asked Myra. “Would he approve your actions?”

Augustina’s smile disappeared but her gaze never wavered with guilt or anger. “I am no longer under my father's roof and my ties are no longer to him. My concern now remains with my husband and our family.”

“I’m not sure that is what your father had in mind when he offered you in marriage,” said Myra.

Augustina shrugged again. “His concerns are not my own. As for whether you tell him or not, that is entirely your prerogative.”

Myra nodded. “It is none of my business. Rest assured, my conversation shall remain far from this matter.”

Augustina stopped quite suddenly, a pained expression crossing her face. “Oh…can we sit down? I’m suddenly very nauseous.”

Lavinia jumped at the chance, now in comfortable territory, to help someone. “Of course! Let’s sit on the rim of that fountain.”

They sat down together on the fountain and Augustina took a handful of water and sipped it, then rubbed the back of her neck. “I’m sorry…I must be nervous. It is a big day today. My husband is debating against Alexius Dignius for the primary. This could shift the balance of the vote in his favor.”

“Then let’s not talk about politics anymore,” said Lavinia. “I am tired of it anyway.”

Augustina let out a bark of laughter. “A pleasant thought! It fills my waking moments every day.”

“I agree with my ward,” said Myra. “Tell me, does your husband know?”

Augustina looked surprised for the first time but quickly composed herself. “No. It is too soon for that. When things are safer…when the elections are over…then I will tell him.”

Lavinia took a moment to understand her meaning before smiling broadly. “Congratulations! That is very exciting!”

Augustina’s warm smile was sincere as she took the young lady's hand. “It is very exciting.”

***

After almost a month of travel, Justinius crested a rise in the land and saw the fabled city of Carxandria. It was a view worth remembering.

The mid-morning breeze whipped the grass and flowers in the field to a frenzy and lifted the blossoms into the air, carrying with it the scent of life and salt water. Across the lake, boats skimmed about in travel and trade, their tiny sails fully extended as they were propelled forward without the aid of oars. Beyond the dark blue waters, white walls rose high and the towers and rooftops of the ancient city shone brightly in the sunlight. The acropolis with its sanctuary and palace on top rose above the rest of the city and, across the outer walls, the green fields and orchards gave way to a busy port along the lake. The dirt path before them stretched in two different directions. One crossed the Pinea River and circled around to the narrowest point of the peninsula where the only way across was a bridge at the narrow end of Lake Copiah connecting it to the Great Expanse. The other road wound its way around the lake, to the many villas and farms surrounding it, and entered the city from its most larger end.

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Justinius turned to Ardellius. “Which path will we take?”

“The shortest, in my opinion,” was his response. “I’d say we should cross the River Pinea and enter from the narrow entrance. It's shorter.”

“You will have to make up the difference by traveling further through the city to reach the seaside port,” said Laurentius, riding up behind them.

“You have been here before?” Justinius asked.

“Once. It was on business with my father. He is still here, acting as the Aquillan diplomat. Last I heard he was caught up researching a cult that had grown to almost become a full-blown religion.”

Justinius frowned. “What cult is this? I haven’t-”

“So which way?” asked Lowellus from behind, ignoring him. “The rest of the men are restless to get there and find a bed and food.”

“Left!” called Laurentius and Ardellius at the same time. Laurentius glared at him and kicked his horse forward to the path leading across the river Pinea and to the narrow inlet.

“At least I shall see more of the city,” muttered Justinius to himself.

“Rider approaching!” called a guard from the front.

Justinius could barely make out the rider through the guards around them. As the lone rider approached, he recognized the long blond hair flying in the wind and her features became more clear. “It’s Lumina!”

Justinius pushed his horse toward her but the guards held him back. “Keep back, dominus.”

“I know her. It’s alright.”

Lumina slowed as she approached the caravan and Justinius waved wildly from his horse to get her attention, nearly toppling from it in his enthusiasm. She spotted him and rode up beside the line of guards, ignoring the calls and jeers from the young men in the line. “Welcome, Justinius! Welcome to Carxandria!”

“It's good to see you again!”

“I wondered if you would like to travel with me to your inn by the docks? I could give you a tour of the city.”

“I would love that! I mean…I would like that…a lot.”

Justinius attempted to move past the circle of guards who held their ground. “Dominus, it isn’t safe. Our task is to lead you to your destination.”

“I will be fine,” Justinius responded. “I am not wearing anything to distinguish me as an Aquillan and, in the company of a noblewoman of Carxandria, I will be perfectly safe.”

The guards hesitated for only a moment before letting him pass. Justinius ignored the vulgar calls from the young men. Ardellius called, “Have fun but don’t be late! We don’t know when the Aequendar emissary is coming!”

Justinius and Lumina spurred their horses ahead of the group, riding down the road and causing travelers to step off the path to avoid them. Lumina called, “Let's cross the field, I have something to show you!”

Justinius followed her, leaving the path to cut across a field and downhill toward the lakeside. They crested yet another small rise and she pulled her horse to a stop abruptly, causing Justinius to pull sharply on his reins, the horse snorting in annoyance. Lumina pointed. “There is my home.”

Justinius looked down the valley to the villa situated by the shores of Lake Copiah. Its red tile roof and plaster walls were surrounded by fields of grain and gardens of abundant plants. Flowers and ivy grew along one side and it presented such a beautiful sight that Justinius found himself unexpectedly choked up. The combined feeling of freedom from the oppressive group, the company of Lumina, and the sight before him filled him with a thrill of joy. He had to clear his throat to speak. "It's beautiful."

"Thank you. I would invite you in but my brother is home and won't approve of your visit. I need to prepare a formal dinner for your return and prepare him to be polite when you come over."

"Then where are we going?"

She smiled and turned her horse about. "On a tour of the city. Come, if we move quickly we will arrive at the inn shortly after your party."

They rode together in conversation across the river and toward the gate. Lumina shared stories of her childhood, things she had seen, and adventures she had experienced. Living by a bustling port city sounded much more exciting than the lonely life Justinius had endured and he soaked up every detail. She would also point out flora, fauna, and buildings, explaining what they were and what significance they had to the people. All the while, the walls of the city grew closer.

They approached the massive stone bridge spanning the canal between the lake and the ocean. Their horses' hooves clattered across the stone and Justinius looked over the edge to see a boat disappear beneath the curved arch of the bridge. "When was this built?"

"Shortly after the city's founding," Lumina replied. "It was built by the founding architects with their unsurpassed skill. They say it's the largest continuous bridge in the world…but I haven't seen much of the world to confirm that."

He smiled at that. "I'll take your word for it. Did they build the walls as well?"

"Indeed. The founders built most of the impressive structures save for the Circus."

They approached the gates of the city and Justinius was astounded by the size and length of the walls and the height of the towers flanking the gateway. As he passed under it, he noticed it was as wide as six men side by side.

They turned a bend and, before them, the main street stretched across another bridge and uphill. Buildings lined either side with several streets extending into various sections of the city. Before them, the acropolis with its palace rose high above the city, dwarfing all other buildings below it in majesty and grandeur.

Justinius shook his head. "How could the founders have built all of this? This would have taken decades to complete."

"They didn't build all of it," Lumina said, yelling to be heard over the bustle and noise of the city which grew steadily louder as they continued into Carxandria. "Besides, the founders were said to have lived longer lives than most humans. Some say they lived for hundreds of years, like the Aequendar."

"Really? That's fascinating, if true."

She smiled at him. "Ever the skeptic."

"Ever the realist you mean," He retorted.

"If only," She said, their horses crossing another bridge and approaching the base of the Acropolis. "Those who doubt are likely to miss out on the most fantastic things in life."

He eyed her skeptically. "Prove it."

She considered for a second, then answered. "The man who doubts constantly is unwilling to conceive or explore the new. Ideas that seem ludicrous to him are never explored or considered. Buildings like this," She gestured to the acropolis, "are never built by doubters."

Justinius shook his head. "I hardly think doubting men living hundreds of years makes me that level of a doubter."

"Myths, religion…anything your eyes haven't seen. And if this had never been built, would you ever believe it could be conceived and created?"

There was a pause as Justinius contemplated the structure rising before him as the grand staircase at its base passed by, its wide stairs turning onto a split staircase that made its way up. Three splits later, the top was just visible with its columned entrance to a courtyard above.

"Point taken," He said.

"I would take you up," She said, “but I fear there is little time for that. I'll show you what I can along the main street before making our way to the docks and the inns nearby."

The street had widened into a two-way avenue. Plants, columns, and statues adorned the center and extended through the entire city so that the opposite gateway was a distant blur in Justinius's gaze. “How large is this city?”

“Quite large,” was the sarcastic answer. “Come! Let me show you the library first!”

There was, in fact, a large library along the main street. Less than a block away was a theater and on the opposite side the largest of the bathhouses in the city. It was on the third street that Justinius spotted the city gardens. It rose up an earthen hill and a path wound around it to the top where a temple resided.

“Who is that temple dedicated to?”

Lumina gave a reverent nod as she gazed at it. "To the Cause. It's the oldest building in this city which is actually built around it. It was created in thanksgiving for our salvation from the great cataclysm that destroyed the Caustilian Empire."

Justinius noticed a procession leading down the path from it and, along its secluded garden areas, groups of people partied boisterously. It seemed strange. The procession carried a bizarre figure with many arms on a litter while the groups partying in the garden were dancing, many almost completely naked, and engaging in various forms of lovemaking. Justinius spotted an extremely provocative act and turned away. "Um…is this normal worship?"

"What is this?!" Lumina's face was filled with fury, her cheeks red and her mouth pulled into a curl of disgust. "What are the disciples of Change doing here?!"

She turned her horse toward the temple and to a man who stood, arms uplifted in prayer which was drowned out by the festivities. She scattered festival goers before her who shouted in annoyance. Some jeered while others sought to hand her wine. They pawed at her feet, their robes hanging loosely on them as they flailed back with her resistant kicks, laughing at her anger. Justinius followed her as she rode beside the man, startling him and causing him to leap back awkwardly in his long white robe. "What goes on here kohen?"

The man turned to her, his ashen face full of despair and sadness. "The king has granted permission for the followers of the Lord of Change to use the garden hill for their festivities. They complained that they had no place of worship that suited their needs and the king gave them our sacred hill."

“The monster!” spat Lumina. “What possessed him to do that?”

The kohen wrung his hands. “We argued against it but he ignored our pleas, claiming the need for tolerance.”

“Lord of Change?" asked Justinius. "Who are these people? I've not heard of this religion before.”

“Nor were you likely to,” said Lumina through gritted teeth. "They were a cult until recently."

She spurred her horse forward, leaving Justinius behind. He hurried to catch up but with more caution to avoid the crowds of people. He nearly lost her and called out desperately, "Lumina! Wait!"

She was stopped by a pair of guards who yelled at her. "No horses are allowed to run in the streets!"

She pulled up, slowing to a trot. Justinius caught up with her and was about to ask what was wrong. He noticed the tears streaking her cheeks and felt a panicked chill fill him. He had never seen her express any emotion so strongly before and he had little skill in dealing with crying individuals. "It's …it's alright."

She shook her head. "No, it isn't."

"What was that?"

She took a steadying breath. "Our king, eroding our faith even further. I can't believe he cares so little to bend to the wishes of those…destructive people and their debaucherous cult."

“It's regrettable,” said Justinius, struggling to understand. "But surely they can't take it all the time."

"It is sacred ground!" Her voice rose in anger. "We made a pact with the Cause there long ago to remain faithful and thankful for his gifts. I don't think he will take kindly to us going back on our promise."

"But you haven't."

She looked at him, confused. He continued. "I mean…you are still faithful, are you not?"

She nodded. "Yes. But many aren't. And if our government gives support to another religion…that can't end well. This won't end well."

Justinius wasn’t sure how to respond to this so he didn’t. Instead, they rode in silence together. Justinius still gazed around the city in interest but Lumina no longer gave a commentary. Instead, she led him quietly down a side street and toward the docks. It wasn’t until they had reached the waterfront that she spoke. “Your friends will likely meet at the Wayfarer’s Inn. It's the most popular place for the rich and well-to-do.”

They were just approaching the inn where the horses of the other Aquillans filled the street when they spotted a figure making his way toward them from the opposite direction. He drew stares from onlookers and many hurried away with whispers as he approached.

Though Justinius had never seen one before, he knew what he must be looking at. The flat face and narrow eyes coupled with the long robes of green and gold silk told him that this was no Carxandrian. It was an Aequendar.

“Greetings, Aquillan,” said the Aequendar as he approached them. “We have been waiting for you. Your party has arrived just in time to sail for the island of Salucenti.”