Lamentatio Fiat Fletus

Imple Guttura Omnia

Cassius Sollicius straightened his back from the patch of wheat he was cutting with a sickle and lifted his face to the heavens. The sweat gleamed off his tanned face and he felt the heat burn his skin and fill his closed eyelids with light. Bringing his face back down, Cassius glanced across the fields that belonged to his family and their tenants who worked alongside him in the field. The wheat shone like gold in the sun, more precious than the gems of the earth, and the green tree line in the distance where the stream resided made a perfect backdrop against the blue sky. His gaze was turned from this sight before him to the horses galloping down the dirt road between the fields toward the villa at its end. Visitors, here to see his father no doubt.

There was little need to be there himself, it was likely the visitors meant to speak with his father as he had few enough visitors who would know him. Yet it was common courtesy to greet guests when they arrived on their land and his father might want to introduce him. He turned his gaze from the horses nearing the villa to the workers closest to him. “I’ll help finish with this lot tomorrow.”

“Of course,” replied a farmer, bowing, “You are more than kind to help us.”

“Kind?” said Cassius with a laugh, moving off, “It’s my land too. If I am to eat the fruits of our labor, I should grow, tend, and cut it as well.”

Cassius moved through the wheat to the road. His muscular figure seemed to glide through the golden stalks and his tunic, drenched with sweat, exposed more than was likely proper for guests. He resolved to cut around the back of the villa and wash up before he presented himself to his father.

*****

Reginux Sollicius sat in his wooden chair beneath the shaded awning in front of his house and glanced up from his scroll. He had heard the thunder of hoofbeats at a distance and, perceiving them to be at the end of the road, went back to his reading till they had almost come to the gate. Then, glancing up once more, he spotted a familiar form atop the lead horse.

“Ah! Marius Montinius! Welcome old friend, welcome!”

Marius Montinius moved through the front gate and gestured for his men to remain outside. His horse trotted forward and stopped in the courtyard’s center. “It has been some time, Reginux.”

“Take his horse and care for him,” said Reginux, gesturing to servants emerging from the house. “And get some wine for our guests.”

Marius dismounted and met his friend with an embrace of familiarity built over many campaigns and hours spent in camp together. They clapped one another on the back and Reginux pulled his friend toward the shaded awning. “Come, Marius! Sit in the shade away from the sun. We have both had enough to last us a lifetime.”

“Some of us more so,” said Marius, shouldering his friend lightly. Reginux, some fifteen years senior to Marius, looked much worse for wear than his friend. Reginux had a slight stoop in his shoulders and thinning white hair. His once imposing figure could still be seen underneath the age and weariness but the lines on his face and the polished wooden cane he used showed it to be fading. Marius, in comparison, still stood tall and proud as he followed his friend into the shade. His tanned features showed the first lines of age and his dark brown hair had streaks of grey mixed in it. Marius Montinius was still an imposing figure and he had not given up the military life as his friend had.

Both men sat beneath the awning and Reginux leaned upon his cane. “Tell me, friend, what brings you to my home? I have not seen you in some years now. I thought you would be in Aquilla now debating what to do with Carxandria.”

“And be part of that circular debate? Never.” Marius took his friend’s hand and studied it. “And look at you! I never thought I would see the day when these hands were soft.”

Reginux laughed and pulled it away. “That isn’t softness but age showing. The inevitable has come for me, as it will for you soon enough. But why concern ourselves with such matters? You didn’t just come here to see me in my old age, did you?”

“Not just for that, my friend. I am here to update you on some news from the north of Aquilla, from my lands and beyond.”

“I see,” said Reginux, leaning back. “I knew there was trouble but I did not know how much. Is it as bad as the rumors say?”

“Likely worse,” said Marius. “The council of Aquilla isn’t exactly talking about the issue. They claim it is not as bad as is being said and that it is simple hatred for the northern tribes that drives such talk. But there are disturbing rumors of strange figures flitting through the trees and sightings of unnatural creatures. They say magic is afoot and the northern savages would be the ones to do it. But, you know how such claims end in accusations of superstition.”

Reginux shook his head. “That is why I never involved myself in politics. Too much misinformation and half-truths to fully trust anyone. On the field of battle, there is trust for those around you to live together or die together.”

Marius nodded. “It would be no use, my friend. We old battle dogs with our ideas of honor are considered antiquated.”

“More fools them!” Reginux turned to a figure emerging from the doorway as he continued to froth in anger. “I will live the life of simple means and virtue rather than bend to that arrogance. Ah! There you are, Faustina. Serve our guest some wine. It has been some time since you have seen my daughter, hasn’t it Marius?”

Marius nodded to Faustina who poured him a glass of wine and handed a jug of water to him. “But I remember her of course. You are more lovely than ever.”

“You are too gracious my lord. Father, should I bring out something for our guest to eat?”

“Of course! It need not be said!”

Marius chuckled as he glanced down at his friend. “Gods know I could not retire now that I see what I would become!”

Reginux gestured at himself, “I know I am not as I once was, but don’t let the exterior fool you! I still have some fight left. If you have come to invite me to fight, I would join you without a second thought.”

“I know you would, friend. But I suspect you are not as ready for such things as I have planned.”

Reginux slumped in his seat slightly. “No, I suppose not. The war to overthrow the tyrant was my last war. But tell me then, do you have plans of your own for a fight? My boy would hear of this. I wonder where he has gotten himself to?”

Faustina emerged from the house and directed servants to place stools on the ground and food on top of them. She sat in a chair beside her father as he turned and took her hand. “You are a good girl. Tell me, where is your brother? He will miss the exciting news from our friend.”

“He is changing now after working in the fields.”

Marius took a bite of bread and cheese and raised his eyes in appreciation of both food and statement. “Your son works in the fields with the farmers?”

“Of course!” said Reginux, quite loudly. “Those of gens Sollicius have always done so! We are men of war and of the plow, eagerly willing to take up the sword when need be but to plow our fields in contentment when peace has come! Our crest says it well enough.”

He gestured to the symbol flying over their gateway and Marius glanced at it again in appreciation; a giant eagle of prodigious size with a sword and a bail of wheat seized in either claw. Its proud head gazed to the heavens as its wings spread in majestic flight. “As soon as my son comes, I will show you that the proud and strong eagle still lives. Our family is smaller than it was but our relatives and offshoots still live in these lands and we still rule them with the same iron will and gentle touch as before.”

Marius laughed. “You have been reading poetry since your retirement. In truth, I cannot tell whether you are lovers or terrors from your description!”

Reginux waved a hand at him dismissively. “We are both…ah! Here he is now! Come, Cassius, greet our guest, the great general Marius Montinius.”

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Marius appraised Cassius as he stood and they clasped arms, approving what he saw. Cassius had changed into a clean white tunic and his short hair was wet and spiked slightly from a dunk in the water barrel. His thin facial hair gave the still young face a more mature look though his stout frame showed he was full grown. He looked much like his father save for one thing. “It is good to meet you, Cassius. Gods above Reginux, look at his hair. I haven’t seen hair that copper since we were campaigning up north.”

“That would be his mother’s influence,” said Reginux, a smile on his face, “She was from a more…mixed background and you know how Sollicius aren’t that concerned with the background. We care more about the human side of things than the social.”

“True enough,” said Marius. “Forgive me, Cassius, it is a pleasure to meet you. Your father speaks highly of you.”

“The honor is mine, my lord,” said Cassius, a blush escaping despite himself. He quickly moved to sit down but his father’s hand restrained him. “Not quite yet, son. Take off your tunic.”

Cassius stopped halfway to the seat, his face growing redder than usual. “W…what father?”

“I’m making a point! Take off your tunic and show General Marius your build.”

Marius shook his head, “That isn’t necessary.”

“But father…I just…”

“No buts!” said Reginux, “Do as your father says. Stop blushing boy! We are friends and family here only and it is not as if I am auctioning you off to a suitor or as a slave. It’s a military matter.”

Faustina stood and glanced at her brother. “I’ll go fetch myself some wine.”

When she had vacated, Reginux slammed his fist into Cassius’ stomach causing him to wince as he said, “There, the ladies are all gone. Now, do as I say!”

Cassius reluctantly removed the top part of his tunic only, just above the belt, to reveal his upper torso. Reginux nodded in approval and gestured. “There, you see! The eagle still lives strong in my son! He is in excellent condition and ready to serve with his muscle and sinew…and a good portion of hair too!”

Reginux slapped the back of his hand into Cassius’ stomach which did have a good portion of hair from his waist almost to his neck and its bronze color shone brightly in the sun. Cassius winced and let out a breath of air in further annoyance as his face grew redder. Marius took pity on the man and said, “Please, I understand your point. You are ready to help me when I call. Put your tunic back on, Cassius.”

“Well then,” said Reginux, leaning forward in his chair with anticipation, “You said there was trouble up north, with magic and that a fight is coming! Tell us more!”

Marius took another sip from his wine and sat back in his chair. “There is a fight coming, no matter the outcome…I am simply uncertain as to where it will be. But first, to the north. The savage nations to the north have troubled Aquilla from time to time. Our history states that a horde swept from the Primus Pass and nearly destroyed Aquilla till my early ancestors helped to fight them back. Since then, they have been a minor nuisance at worst and a trade partner at other times.”

“We know the history,” said Reginux, “How has it changed recently?”

“They have been fleeing out of the pass and into our lands,” said Marius. “More and more come as the years pass. My spies report that a full-scale conflict rages in the north between tribes and the Mokranan at the border of the mountain pass are in a war of succession. But there is more troubling news than even this.”

“More troubling?” asked Cassius, leaning forward with excitement. “How so?”

“Filthy barbarians,” added Reginux.

“My sentries aren’t the only ones whispering of magic. The people who are fleeing south not only seek to avoid a war but speak of dark shapes in the woods and whispers of the magic of the ancient times brought back to life in the hands of twisted and distorted men. So, not only am I dealing with a refugee crisis but I am dealing with a lot of rumors of magic men or daemones causing chaos up north and spreading further south…if such rumors can be fully believed.”

“Then why are you here instead of there dealing with the crisis?” asked Cassius.

Both older men glanced at Cassius and he pulled back, his eyes flicking down. “Apologies, General.”

“It is a fair question,” said Marius, “If my lands are in such danger, why am I here sipping wine in the sun?”

“He has wisdom,” said Reginux, “He simply lacks the experience that needs to accompany it.”

Marius waved his hand. “No matter. The problem that faces me is that I can do nothing. I can kill any invader that enters my lands to harm my people, magic or otherwise. However, I have no sanction from the senate to deal with the refugees who squat on my lands and take the resources my people need. I cannot even settle them elsewhere as I need the government’s permission and decree as to where they go.”

“Put them to work,” said Reginux. “Their idle hands can’t be doing much to help their situation or yours.”

“True enough,” said Marius. “Again, it is not so simple. They are from another land…they are not our citizens. If I truly wished to solve the problem, I would get an expedition and head north to force these tribes into an agreement that would bring some level of peace. Then, I may also see if the rumors of these dark forces of magic are true. Even better, I could establish Aquillan authority in the area and give us a foothold to the northern wealth that resides there.”

“That is the role of a conqueror,” said Reginux. “I have often thought it would benefit us to have a presence up there, if not to conquer then at least to subdue their wilder ways.”

“At the moment, I am not a conqueror. I have no option before me but to go to the senate and petition them to hear our plight and to sanction any actions I take in the matter.”

“Is it likely they will listen?” asked Reginux.

“You remember them well enough,” said Marius. “I go on a fool’s errand. I have no choice but to try and when it falls apart, I shall do what I must.”

Cassius had listened intently since his interruption and after a pause, he hesitatingly spoke again. “What does that mean…General Marius?”

Marius was staring intently at his friend and Reginux had grown quite serious but nodded his agreement. “If it must come down to it, then I will stand by your decision.”

Marius smiled and nodded. “I had hoped as much from you, my friend. Will you send troops as well to aid in my campaign?”

Reginux nodded immediately. “Yes. A good force will be there…and my son will be leading them.”

Cassius, listening with growing alarm, sat up straight and stared at his father. “Wh…what? Am I to go to war?” He turned to Marius Montinius and bowed slightly, “Not that it wouldn’t be an honor to serve under you, sir, my father has talked so much about service under you.”

“Don’t get your tunic in a twist, boy!” said Reginux, “Marius will explain.”

Marius nodded and leaned forward, saying in a lower voice as if conspirators were around the courtyard. “If the Senate does not agree to do something about our situation up north, I will take action myself. I will take my force and the forces of those who would see me succeed and go north to settle the dispute in that southern kingdom myself…perhaps even make it a vassal of Aquilla. In the meantime, I will not rush to this decision. I will see what action takes place and then decide what I will do. But I have also not been sitting idly by. I have been recruiting men among the populace to join in a personal force of my own.”

“How can you afford such a force?” asked Cassius.

“The mines owned by my family have saved up enough gold to be a tidy sum. If my gold stops flowing to Aquilla and stays with me…even more for my army.”

“You are still clever, my friend,” said Reginux. “I worry what this might cost you though. The Senate will not look kindly upon such actions.”

“That is true,” said Marius, a small smile of satisfaction crossing his face. “But I do not seek their approval. It is worthless. I will have not only protected the people of Aquilla but will have brought wealth, victory, and land to them if my ambitions up north go as I suspect they will. It is far better to have the approval of the masses than of the elite. For while they hold power, they have no numbers. The numberless masses will be my ticket to gain a formal pardon…or to ask forgiveness later. It matters not.”

Cassius felt equal amounts of awe and nerves when looking at Marius’ calm face as he spoke these words. “You can so easily disobey our government?”

Marius turned to him, a fire lighting his eyes. “If the system is corrupt and refuses to protect its own people from outside harm, then I will. If the lives and freedom of the people are not defended, then it has lost its purpose. I fight not just for wealth and power, for those are there. I fight for the Aquillan people and to ensure those outside our borders will respect our domain. More so, I will see what is truly going on up north and, if this magic is real, will deal with it accordingly.”

Cassius nodded at the speech’s end, sitting at attention. “When would you need me, General?”

Reginux laughed. “There, you see?! Eager and ready to serve!”

Marius nodded and studied Cassius further. “Tell me, how old are you?”

“I am twenty-eight, sir.”

“Have you seen any action or had any experience in war?”

“No sir, but I am ready and have been studying strategy as well as training to fight.”

“As I said,” commented Reginux, “He has wisdom and eagerness but lacks experience.”

“You will not run in battle or disobey my command?” asked Marius.

“Never, sir! I would not disgrace you or my family name in such a way.”

“I suppose we shall see. Do not fear, Cassius Sollicius. When the time comes, I will call upon you to serve with me. I also promise, as your father is my friend, that you shall have a position as a centurion and the command of one hundred men.”

Cassius’ eyes widened with shock and surprise before he composed his face and responded, “It is an honor, General.”

“Indeed,” added Reginux, “You honor my family still.”

Marius smiled and, standing, placed a hand on his friends’ shoulder. “I would not see the true warriors that still remain waste away in ignominy because we are ‘civilized’ people.”

Reginux rose as well and Cassius was on his heels. “Please, my friend, stay for a meal and a comfortable night’s rest. I would hear more news from you and it would be my honor to feed you and your men and horses.”

Marius nodded his approval. “I never could refuse your requests. It is a weakness I do not regret.”

Cassius allowed the two elder men to step inside first before following. Such people had seen and done so much more than him. Though he was the largest of the three, they were his superiors in every way. With any luck, he hoped to soon stand beside them as an equal.