Ferrus et Ardenti Hastile
Inimicos Super nos Ianuam
“I’m glad to leave this place,” said Matthius. “I have never seen such arrogant people in my life.”
“Really?” said Ardellius, walking past him toward the gangplank. “I have.”
Laurentius glared at Ardellius. “Don’t compare our people to these Aequendar. We are nothing alike.”
“I would have to disagree there,” said Ardellius, turning and walking backward as he responded. “On the outside, yes. But on the inside, I suspect they have quite the same problems we poor men do.”
Justinius shook his head but couldn’t stop the half smile that emerged. Standing on the docks and waiting as the rest of the Aquillans boarded the ship, he felt reluctant to go. There was so much he still hadn’t seen. Hadn’t heard. He could have spent another year here and still been unready to return to his duties in Aquilla.
“Justinius.”
He turned at the sound of his name. Falehiem was standing on the edge of the dock with a serious expression. “May I have a brief word with you before you depart?”
“Of course.”
“Don’t be long,” said Ardellius, giving Justinius a disapproving stare.
Falehiem gestured down the quay and Justinius began to walk as the Aequendar lord kept pace beside him. When they were out of earshot of the ship, he spoke. “I am worried, Justinius Honerius.”
“Why?”
“This attack in our homeland.”
Justinius looked at him warily. “You don’t think we did it?”
“I know you didn’t. If I had a suspect, it was agents working with Lord Wilkias.”
Justinius ground to a halt. “What?! If you know that, surely you should mention that to High Prince Mephanor. Why didn’t you defend us?”
He smiled. “I did defend you. I just didn’t accuse Wilkias. I have no proof. I would not have a political quarrel ensue between him and me. I will bide my time. What concerns me isn't what he did but why.”
“What do you mean?”
Falehiem took a breath and then kept walking as he spoke. “Justinius, we know more about what goes on in your lands than you humans realize. I knew about your existence before you even came here.”
Justinius stopped again. “What?! How…how did you?”
“The Fatae are quite talkative if you listen closely to them. The ones who live here received word in their travels from their distant cousins in the woodlands near your home. They spoke of a young man who could listen and hear their movement when it is so difficult for most. A young man who went to listen to their ritual songs to the world of the One. This young man liked to talk to them and told them his name and the things that troubled him in life. You aren’t the only one who has shown interest and a willingness to hear them unafraid. There are so few of you though.”
Justinius stared at him, unsure what to say. Falehiem continued. “They bring other news as well. As I said, strange cults, dark crystals appearing in strange places, and nations that are prepared to fight wars that will bleed themselves dry. I fear what the future holds. I also know that our people will only sit by for so long before they act. If this magic does take hold, if humans begin down the same path of destruction we took, then we will be forced to act.”
“You have said as much before, as did Mephanor,” said Justinius. “Why tell me again?”
“You are a senator in Aquilla. I know you do not have much power on your own. But I would beg you, make decisions on what is right rather than what is advantageous to you. Even more dangerous is this, do not allow pressure from the majority or even those close to you to steer your course if you know it is wrong.”
Justinius shook his head. “I am just one vote. I hardly think I can make any difference in the slightest.”
“Even the voice of one man speaking truth holds great power,” said Falehiem. “Never underestimate it.”
Justinius stood awkwardly shifting from one foot to another. “I…I don’t know. I want to do what is right, honestly, but I’m not even sure what is true or right. I have spent so much of my life reading contradicting statements in history and among scholars. And then there is my father…”
“Justinius, me audire.”
Justinius’s gaze, which had fallen as he spoke, snapped back up to Falehiem as he spoke in Aequenda. The truth in them was once more clear. “Tu weritam sciras.”
You know Truth.
“How do you know?” Justinius responded in Aequenda.
“All men do,” was the response. “Unless it is killed by themselves or others, it is ingrained in your very being. You must listen.”
“To what?”
“To what the truth tells you.”
Justinius’s face had such a mixture of dismay and frustration that Falehiem laughed and reverted back to Aquillan. “I’m sorry! I cannot be more clear than that I’m afraid. It is difficult to describe. I suppose, at the risk of sounding insane, listen to the quiet voice inside you.”
Justinius nodded slowly. “I…suppose I understand.”
Falehiem smiled again and gestured back the way they had come. The silence stretched between them as they approached the ship. Justinius was the first to speak. “Are you still going to keep an ear out for me?”
Falehiem seemed amused. “I can if you wish. I never meant to spy on you in the first place. Fatae love to talk about others.”
“I would like that,” said Justintius. “And if there was a way to send me a message as you did before, with that Aquillan soldier to the senate, I would like it. I like hearing you speak with Truth. It’s…I can’t really describe it…comforting I guess.”
“And it makes me hope all the more for you to hear you say that. I will do so. But I would like you to practice something, Justinius. Try listening.”
“To that voice inside my head?”
Falheim smiled, acknowledging the joke. “Well, yes. But not just that. I would like you to simply learn to close your eyes and listen. Listen to every noise around you. To nature, voices, and music. I think, if you really focus, you might find truth in them as well as a truth about yourself.”
A figure flew in front of Justinius’s gaze, startling him. It was a Fatae, small and glowing with a soft green light. Its hair was short and cut at wild angles and its narrow face peered at him with curiosity. Justinius nodded to it. “Hello. If only you could speak.”
Falehiem laughed. “That is Whisper and they can speak in their own way. They speak through emotions, music, and vibrations. They do, however, make excellent messengers for others as well. I have asked him to follow you and keep an eye on you in your travels while reporting to me when he can.”
Justinius tried to hide the small smile that crept across his face. “Thank you, Lord Falehiem. Isn’t that far for him to travel?”
“They relay messages amongst their brethren,” said Falehiem. “Even we do not understand all of their ways. They are a guarded and secretive race, more concerned with aiding the earth and nature than those who destroy it. But, if you show you are willing to hear their song and the song of nature, then they will always be there to help you.”
Whisper made a somersault midair and flew upward, disappearing from Justinius’s view into the sunlight. “The song of nature?”
“Another story for another time.”
They reached the boat where all the Aquillans were on board, save Laurentius, who waited impatiently at the gangplank. He stepped toward Falehiem and said, “Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Falehiem.”
“It was my pleasure,” he responded, bowing to Ardellius. “One be with you.”
“Um…yes. And you,” said Laurentius awkwardly bowing stiffly in return before retreating up the plank.
Justinius turned to Faleheim and bowed. “One be with you.”
Falehiem returned the gesture. “Pax tecum.”
“Et tecum.”
Justinius had to force his feet into movement as some cries from above barely registered in his thoughts. They were rude. They were condescending. They were inappropriate. But his attention remained on the one person he had met in his life who had gained his complete respect. He wished he could have said as much, or at least told Falehiem how much he respected him and didn’t want to leave. Instead, he walked onto the boat and situated himself by the edge as the Aequendar lord stood by the dock and raised a hand in farewell as their ship left the harbor.
***
Lavinia stood once again in the atrium of her father's house, dreading the upcoming event. She wasn’t even required to do anything except stand and look official. There shouldn’t be any reason to feel nervous.
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Myra inspected her one last time and nodded. “You look lovely my dear, a fine representation of your house. You will make your father proud.”
“I hope so. Where is he?”
“Already in the senate chamber,” said Corbenus, her older brother. He was dressed in his finest tunic and toga with purple trimming befitting a senator. “Let me see you.”
He stood in front of her and looked her up and down, nodding. “You look very pretty. I still can’t believe you are almost a full-grown woman.”
She noticed his face had lines, his gaze looked weary, and his shoulders sagged. “Are you alright, Corbenus?”
He looked at her, surprised. “Of course. I’m just…ready for this election to be over. It’s time to see if all my hard work for Father has paid off…”
He trailed off and an expression of pained concern crossed his face, like a dark cloud bringing his worries. Lavinia, though she wasn’t sure what he was talking about, knew that he wanted to make Father proud. He always worked so hard for him. “Father is going to be proud,” she said.
He gave her a condescending smile, struggling to hide his momentary lapse. “Of course, little sister.”
She took it a step further, wanting to help however she could. She embraced his rigid figure and pulled him in tightly, her head only up to his neck. She squeezed and said, “I’m glad you will be there too.”
He stood awkwardly, his arms lifted to avoid contact as he fumbled his words. “Oh…I…uh, thank you. I’m…glad you will too.” He patted her on the back then pulled away, clearing his throat. “We, uh, we don’t want to be late.”
Lavinia felt her face burn. Hopefully, he wasn’t upset. She quickly turned to Myra. “Are you coming with us?”
“I will be with my uncle, Marius,” she said. “I will see you there. Remember, back straight, head up, and keep emotions to a minimum. You are going to do so well!”
Lavinia nodded, repeating the instructions once in her head and muttering, “Of course. Of course…I can do that.”
***
The Capitol Square was already filling rapidly with voters and onlookers when their party arrived. A large group of men chanted from across the square. “Reforms now! Alexus for Consul!”
Over and over they screamed and they were met by shouts from others, angry and annoyed. Corbenus steered her toward the senate building where she could already see the four candidates standing at the top of the Capitol steps. Alexus Dignius had a large gathering of family, both young and old, behind him. She spotted Augustina behind her husband, another man she didn’t recognize standing with what might have been his younger brother, and then her father waiting for them. He looked imposing from his high position, staring out over the crowd with a calm yet pleasant gaze, waving to those who called his name.
Lavinia walked up the stairs to the senate building and took her place behind her father at his left side and Corbenus moved to his right. She straightened her dress and looked expectantly at her father. He didn’t acknowledge her but continued to stare at the crowd of growing citizens. So, Lavinia settled in to stand for a long time and watch the proceedings.
As the crowd packed into the square and began to stretch down the street, Lavinia overheard Corbenus speaking to their father. “How are the elections so far?”
“I do not know, they have not revealed the count so far. The citizens in the provinces have already voted early and I think the numbers are promising there. It is up to the citizens of this city now to decide it.”
“Don’t worry, Horatius,” called Alexus, speaking from some feet away, “You can try again in the next four years.”
“You are confident in your victory, Alexus,” responded Horatius. “Perhaps you will be working with me instead.”
“That will never happen,” Alexius said, smiling with a hint of devious satisfaction, his voice oozing with contempt.
Horatius nodded to him. “We will see. Your supporters will be bitterly disappointed if you don’t win. Let us hope they can temper it with restraint.”
“There will be no need.”
“He is very confident,” whispered Lavinia to Corbenus, wishing she didn’t have to stand on the side closest to Alexius and his family. Already, one of the men who stood closest was eyeing her unpleasantly and giving her smiles that made her blood run cold. She shifted as Corbenus frowned at her and shook his head.
She refocused her attention on the crowds below from her. She noticed the crowd wasn’t just congregating. They were moving in a line toward a long line of tables in front of the senate, each holding a papyrus strip. They were voting ballots with numbers for the candidates. Each Aquillan citizen placed their vote with the counters that continued a tally.
She spotted Myra and her uncle Marius in the crowd, slowly approaching the voters tables as the nobility began to line up. The senators then emerged from the double doors behind them and walked down the steps to vote as well. At the end of the line came the previous consuls. Magnus Conditius gave Horatius a brief smirk of disdain before walking down the steps to vote.
One hour dragged on into another as the final votes were counted, the previous consuls rendering the final two. Lavinia felt grateful to be relieved from the sun’s heat as it passed behind the large pillars overhead. Marius Montinius, along with Myra, approached Horatius. Lavinia smiled at Myra who nodded and gave her a knowing nod. Lavinia wiped the smile from her face and nodded in return, moving over to allow Myra to stand beside her.
Marius grasped her father's arm. “I wish you luck my friend. Do you mind if I stand by you?”
“You don’t think that’s too open with who you voted for?”
“Let them know!” said Marius, “Men hide their vote today to spare feelings or avoid criticism. I am in the business of courting neither.”
Horatius nodded and Lavinia thought she saw the smallest twinkle in his eye. “As you choose. I welcome your support.”
“If you must know,” said Marius, stepping beside him and causing Corbenus to shift over to give him room, “I see you as someone who will listen to my petition to defend our northern borders, stop the flooding of migrants, and deal with whatever dark rumors are circling up there before it's too late.”
The day is not over yet, my friend.” Horatius turned to passively survey the crowd. “I may not be consul. We must see if the work that was put in bears fruit and if the people trust me to lead them.”
Corbenus looked to their father, his face eager as if searching for approval. Still nothing.
Marius nodded to Horatius. “But you will listen.”
“Of course, it is my duty. We will establish strength in the Republic.”
As the final votes were counted, the crowd began to lower their voices and mutter. The two previous consuls stood in the center, between the four candidates and their families. A cheer rippled through the crowd and howls from rough looking characters at the back as the head tally master walked up the steps. Magnus Conditius stepped forward to take the result in hand and nodded. He put up his hands and the crowd went silent.
“People of Aquilla,” he began, “My fellow citizens. Today is a great day for our Republic. Though trouble besets us these days, the election of new consuls will see a fresh perspective on how to solve our problems. For those whom the people have chosen, remember your duty to the people. They trust us to shape their futures. And they will bring the change so long awaited. Now, let the will of the people be spoken. Let us hear the next consuls of our great republic.”
Cheers rose again and the speaker of the senate stepped to the center, taking the final count. “The senator with the most votes is…Rufus Ambitious.”
A roar came from the crowd. Cheers, cries of anger, excitement, all mixing in a cacophony of noise. Lavinia looked over at Augustina to see her keep her calm expression. Her hand brushed her husband’s back as he moved forward and she stepped back. The light in her eyes, no matter how calm the rest of her seemed, could not hide her pride. Rufus walked into the light and waved to the people.
As they calmed, the speaker of the house waved for silence. Lavinia felt the knot of worry in her stomach tighten. One man had been chosen, not her father. Only one chance left.
“The second senator who is to be consul is…Horatius Conditius. People of the Republic, your new…”
His voice was drowned out as the screams that came were louder than before and more violent. Fierce cries of joy, whooping, and laughing, were accompanied by screams of rage from the opposition. The rough-looking figures in the back began pushing at others, yelling in anger. Lavinia put her hands to her mouth, breathing a sigh of relief. Her father had won. Now he could fix the country. Horatius stepped forward into the light as Alexus spluttered behind them. “What?! This is impossible!” He looked at Magnus. “This is impossible!”
Magnus raised a hand to silence him though his face was growing very red. Rufus Ambitious looked over at Horatius as he joined him in the center and nodded. “Congratulations, Consul.”
Horatius reached out and they clasped arms. “And to you, fellow consul. May we rule well in cooperation together.”
The shouts and screams from the crowd intensified. The ragged-looking groups in the back were a seething mass, screaming obscenities at one another. Marius leaned toward Corbenus and murmured, “It looks like the non-existent political gangs are about to fight.”
Magnus Conditius approached Horatius and said, “You must have cheated. How are you, Consul?”
“It is the will of the people,” was his response.
“Like hells it is.”
“Senator,” Horatius said, emphasizing the new title, “This election has been as fair and unhindered as it has been for the past sixty years.”
Magnus stood, fuming, looking over at Rufus as he did. “You and I will speak later.”
“If you wish,” Rufus responded. He gave Horatius another look and then stared out at the people. The fight Marius had predicted was beginning.
Lavinia wasn’t sure how it had started but men were now punching, kicking, biting, and beating one another with canes, stools, table legs, and anything else they could get their hands on. Screams erupted and people began to scatter. The followers of Alexus were storming through the crowd toward the platform while other factions fought in the street. Blood was flowing and Lavinia gasped, backing away.
“Stay,” said her father, turning back to them. “Never show them fear, even if they should come at you with knives in hand.”
He nodded to Corbenus who disappeared into the crowd of senators. Marius, also appearing unphased, turned to Magnus. “Where is the city guard? Why are there so few today?”
“We did not think we would need them!” came the curt response.
“Are you new to politics?” said Marius. “Should we go inside?”
“No,” said Horatius. “I have it under control.”
The sound of a trumpet and the marching of heavy-soled sandals could be heard as a troop of at least one hundred armed soldiers came from around the Capitol building. They marched in front of the steps and blockaded it in a double row.
“What is this?!” yelled Magnus. “You brought soldiers!?”
Horatius called out to the commander. “Disperse the rioters. Do not use your weapons unless they attack you with one first.”
“As you say, Consul.”
“He cannot call you that!” yelled the former consul, Brutus Candenzius. “You have not yet taken the pledge!”
“A slip of the tongue,” said Horatius.
Lavinia felt sick, watching as the soldiers advanced with wooden practice swords in hand and large shields forming a wall. The rioters in the lead struck the shields and were pummeled into the ground, heads and faces bleeding as they were struck by the heavy wooden swords. Others were shoved back by the shields and sent sprawling to the ground. The population of Aquilla was dispersing from the plaza at a rapid pace and the rioters were quickly losing heart.
“You tread a dangerous line,” said Magnus. “No senator since the Tyrant has been allowed a personal cohort to a political event. You disregard our ancient laws.”
“I protect the will of the senate and people of Aquilla,” said Horatius. “Would you do anything less?”
“This is madness!” said Magnus.
Alexus shuffled forward, foaming at the mouth. “You would beat my supporters like slaves?! They are citizens of Rome.”
“They will be treated like any civilized nation would treat anarchists,” said Horatius calmly. “Do not worry, see, they flee already.”
The rioters were running from the field and those that remained on the ground, moaning or still, blood oozing from their wounds, were dragged out by other citizens.
“Have a care, Horatius,” said Magnus. “Your Consulship begins on a sour note. Be careful not to lose the favor of the senate and citizens of Aquilla.”
“I shall keep that in mind,” said Horatius. “I always have their best interests at heart.”
Lavinia felt lost. She had never seen so much blood, not human blood, before. Her family and friends around her seemed calm and collected, even Myra who gently pressed a comforting hand against her back. Lavinia wanted to scream. She wanted to run from the scene and forget she was ever here. Worst of all was the determined and stoic look on her father’s face as he beheld the violence. Though she could not read him, she thought she could understand him.
He would do anything for the good of the Aquillan Republic. But at what cost?