Cladius’ dining partners had already had a few trips to the Vomitorium, thus stuffing themselves for a second and third time as the night went on. The purpose of the meeting was still a mystery to him. No one mentioned anything about it. The conversations had centred on the quality of Southern wines and the varieties of grapes that produced the most aromatic ones and how they were on the palate; as well as compliments going to the chef. Roasted piglet was served stuffed with vine leaves, as well as succulent lamb ribs with pickled fish sauce. Even these glorious dishes could not get Cladius’ spirit up. He had a bit of diluted wine, but he knew if he drank more than necessary, his own soul would betray him.

Time for dessert came in the form of fruits, even fat red mangoes imported from Bharat. Cladius missed their taste, for even though his bowels were sensitive to them, he ate them whenever the occasion arose.

And yet, he wished he were not there at that moment.

After laughter and jokes Cladius could not relate to, old Walpatinus cleared his throat and stood up with a painted vase in hand.

“Friends, I am exceedingly glad to welcome you all home. I hope you have delighted yourselves at the legendary hospitality of the Walpatinus family. And as you can tell, we’ve kept the festivities family friendly.”

Cladius remained still, pretending to smile.

“Ave, my comrades. To the future!” Walpatinus said, as the rest of them repeated the formula and toasted.

Cladius’ glance got lost in the red wine. Its sweet and vinegary aromas didn’t distract him from his loneliness.

The old senator sat back, laughing as loud as he could.

“Well, in all seriousness now.” Larius hushed his companions, and Walpatinus went on with his speech.

“So, as you’ve known. This is a moment to come together as friends. We have persecuted different endeavours.” Walpatinus pointed at Cladius, as if acknowledging him. “You, my friend; you’ve had a quite successful campaign. It’s too bad, my friends, but we have all changed plans.”

Cladius swallowed.

“I am afraid, my friends, that I have not been informed about this meeting,” he said.

“Yes,” Larius said. “Sorry to do it behind your back, but you know; we are the kind of people who love to compromise. We know your style, my friend, you like to be left alone and do things on your side, so we figured if you knew you wouldn’t come.”

“Larius, cut it out,” Walpatinus said. “Let young Cladius relax. Anyway, aren’t we all old friends? Larius, your friendship with Cladius goes back many years.”

“Once a friend, always a friend,” Larius said, raising his glass high.

What did they want? To make him feel guilty? Did they think he was that gullible? He smiled shyly, but anyone could see the irony in his eyes.

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“So… Without further ado.” Walpatinus coughed loudly, covering his mouth with his long sleeves. “Today we will discuss the Frontier Agricultural Project.”

Cladius opened his eyes wide. There were more questions in his head than from a few minutes ago.

“The province of Tharcia, of which our beloved friend Larius is the current governor, is going through profound changes. You are all aware of the great democratic shift that is going on as we speak.”

Cladius’ eye started to palpitate. Just thinking of the accounts of how Larius had wiped out all the men made him stutter. But it would be embarrassing to show it before the man.

Larius stood up and looked at Cladius in the eye.

“You know of the unfortunate death of a sixth of the total population, which was a necessary evil. I say it in great pain. And I am sorry for the economic losses it caused you, Senator Cladius. This is why I’ve invited you here, to make up for it.”

Cladius opened his mouth, but no words came out.

“So...” Walpatinus continued. “This is the deal. The province of Tharcia has vast swaths of forest, the rest is steppe. However, the sparsely populated land produces few things other than expensive metal weapons and armoury and clothing that can be acquired for the same price through the Great Commercial Routes. They harvest barley and their pernicious crop which they use for clothing and intoxication. Right now we have issues with providing food to our northern military people. And here in our glorious capital, women and children suffer.”

“So… What are you planning to do?” Tiranus asked. “Just plant wheat, that’s it? But those barbarians don’t even know what a grain is.”

“Yes!” Walpatinus snapped his fingers. “That’s why we’re going to repopulate it. We already started. Our soldiers are building their own families, we will soon burn down the primeval forest and start developing wide swaths of cultivable land.”

“Wait...” Cladius said. “You cannot just burn a forest and then plant wheat in it.”

“Well, we can. We will,” Larius said, locking his eyes with his.

“What about the people?”

“Most of the people there are women who are just being married to our legionaries,” Larius clarified. “We provided our soldiers with wives, and soon we will give them the land. The living standard of those women will be greatly improved. Those who are not married will be sent to work here.”

“And what role do we play?” Tiranus asked, speaking for him and Cladius.

“Tiranus, you already have contacts with imperial appointees and officials at trading routes. No one could be better for managing the transition. And you… Cladius. You may still manage the import and export of metal products and I will gladly grant you a percentage on the eventual production of grain.”

“I see,” Cladius said, coughing.

“I want you on my side,” Larius said with a big smile. “That’s why I cannot afford to lose you for this project.”

“I see.”

“And your friend Tiranus will be with you.”

“I understand,” Cladius muttered.

“So? Are you with us?”

“I guess I am,” Cladius said, but sweat was drifting down from his brow. What could he do now?

“So, we’ll keep you informed. Let’s discuss how we’ll go about it. I will be going back to Tharcia soon and implement these ideas.

“Oh, so you’re going,” said Cladius.

“Yes.”

“He wanted to go,” Tiranus interrupted, pouring himself more wine.

“Oh, did you?” Larius asked. “Why is that?”

“I have always been curious. Now, my curiosity is even greater,” Cladius said.

“You mean, you want to accompany me to Tharcia?”

“Why not?” Cladius said, then swallowed. “Anyway, I’ll be part of your project. Why not… You know, get on with it. Start with the right foot.”

“Certainly,” Larius said with a smile of white and gold, his three gold teeth reflected the light of the lanterns on the wall.