Cnaeus Cornelius Blasio's footsteps echoed trough the marble hall that lead to the amphitheatre like chamber where the Senate usually held it's meetings. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a typical Roman face - square jaw, nose as if chiseled from the rocks of Hades itself and hard, piecing dark brown eyes. He had a stern and solemn expression on, but inside, he boiled with anticipation. His toga was white and loose, quite different from the officer's mail and helm he had been accustomed to recently.
Next to him, his loyal family retainer followed. Tiberius was a middle-aged man with a slightly crooked back but of sound mind and sharp tongue.
"Relax troubled mind Cnaeus, you have been forewarned of your appointment as Consul. Think now of future glory to be had for yourself and for Roma!"
His voice was low, as slaves and citizens alike roamed the hall, and so close to the heart of the Senate a whisper could be the downfall of a man. The springtime sun shone outside and trough the white columns, illuminating the fountains and statues in the courtyard with gleeful lights. The sky was blue, clear and the air fresh and crisp, smelling of newborn grass and cherry blossoms.
"Jupiter has indeed blessed me but yet I fear I am lost in the shadow of a greater man. I am to be co-consul alongside Manius Curius Dentaus, what glory could one such as me hope for when a man so influential is to be the one I share it with!"
Cnaeus spoke with a hushed tone, anger creeping trough it but barely contained. He meant what he spoke most of the time, and always when doing so with Tiberius. Dentaus was an older man, a three-time consul and a plebeian hero of the Roman Republic, known for ending the Samnite War, and had advanced trough several offices in his career, holding much esteem among the senators. He was also quite rich. If that was not enough, Dentaus had military experience and had tasted battle and victory against the enemies of Rome.
Compared to such achievements Cnaeus could offer little credit on his name. Rome had been incepted, born and raised on war, and military triumphs have always been to his kinsmen, the quickest and surest way of ensuring personal power, esteem and recognition from the Senate.
"Time is yet on your side Cnaeus, and with a blessing from Fortuna and Mars you may yet rise to heights much coveted. Though being elected Consul of the SQPR is not only a chance for power, but a grand honour. You would do well to make note of that when addressing your fellow senators."
The Consul nodded and adjusted his toga. He exalted and swung the massive doors open, making several dozen stares fall upon him. The senate had gathered, men young and old but all rich and influential, dressed in similar togas though many purple sashes could be seen in the gathered. They sat in the stone benches, arrayed in a semi circle, with the two Consular chairs made of polished white marble and softened with a red cushion positioned on the "stage" before the assembled senators. One was empty, the other had already been taken by the older Consul. Cnaeus had hoped to arrive before him, yet not too early so that he is forced to wait like a boy for his tutor. It appeared now he had arrived last, and that frustrated him, though he would sooner lose an arm before showing such emotion.
"Ah, Consul Blasio graces the Senate with honoured presence." - Dentaus spoke loudly, with a broad, well-trained smile, and gestured towards Cnaeus. He did not appear to be mocking him, in truth, Cnaeus suspected his co-Consul of a dismissive attitude more than anything. That was fortunate, he did not need a man of equal office and greater influence to impede his progress.
"The honour is but mine, good Consul Dentaus and fellow senators. - Cnaeus spoke with a well measured tone and stingily forced a smile. These were men of Rome, not shy girls to be impressed by charmers, so he would not act the part. He seated himself and grasped the opportunity to speak. - Let us speak of matters most urgent, as the honour bestowed upon me by the SPQR as appointed Consul already makes me eager for a chance to further the glory of the Republic!"
Manius smiled like a father approving of his boy's eagerness to learn to ride. He would not be smiling nearly as much if he knew what Cnaeus had planned.
***
Several hours later Apollo had already directed his chariot on it's descent towards the underworld and the meeting of the Senate of Rome had disassembled. Caneus exhaled deeply and waved to a slave to pour wine and bring it over to him.
"A sound political achievement, one that will not go unnoticed by the Senate." Tiberius spoke as he sat himself next to the window of the spacious room they had occupied.
"Indeed, nor by my fellow Consul, who now I think has been forced to reassess his opinion of me." Cnaeus allowed himself a genuine grin born of satisfaction. A Consular army - nearly half of Rome's standing forces, outfitted and equipped under his supervision in Arretium, to be lead by him in conquest of Segesta. Dentaus got the other half of the army, of course, and was to retake Taras from the Greek subjects of Phyrros. He probably had hoped to secure a larger part of Rome's army and indeed had tried to stir the memory of the recent invasion of the Epriote king. But Taras was garrisoned poorly, and one captain Eutyches or whatever his name was, was no King Phyrros the master general.
A victory at home, and now it had to be followed by a triumph on the field, or all of Cnaeus's work would crumble around him. The Senate expected victory from a Consular army. He would not have it otherwise.
***
"Ave Consul Blasio, it appears the enemy has opened the gates and is beginning to sally!" - the Equestrean rider was easily recognizable from his ring. Cnaeus did not know his name nor did he care for it.
"That did not take them long, we have barely went past the heat of summer. These Ligurian Gauls have little patience for siege warfare it seems." The Consul made his observation as he regarded the battle formation and signalled them to reposition on the predetermined hill further from the settlement.
"I suspect an even lesser supply of stored food to be the motive for this sally. - remarked Tiberus from his right. - And also misplaced trust in greater numbers."
Cnaeus nodded while he rode off, and those further down the chain of command ushered the maniples in an orderly retreat to the high ground. This Conan seemed to be a local warlord of some renown, and commanded a quarter more men than Cnaeus.
"Naked savages armed with sticks and their cocks. But they will not be underestimated." Manius remarked as he urged his mount into a gallop. On their right the battle lines descended the grassy slope and headed for the hill on the other side. He had devised the tactics himself - they would make the barbarians run to them, impetuous as they were, and make them fight uphill. The right flank would be protected by the thick forest, the left flank would be at the summit of the hill, and Cnaeus with his retinue, and the Equestrian cavalry would rush out and strike at the decisive moment.
His subordinates did not disappoint - the battle lines were arrayed, the skirmishers first to rain javelins on the ascending Gauls, and then a line of Hastati and Principes to meat them with pila, shield and gladius. A core of Triarii to ensure that the center would hold.
Conan the warlord did not disappoint either. His men ran all the way from the gates of Segesta to the slope that would become their killing fields. Whether he had rushed them on or simply could not contain them was of no importance for Consul Blasio.
The Gauls ran up the hill like wild beasts, naked, covered in filth, howling and screaming. At least that is how the Consul saw them, slitted atop his horse on the opposite hill. The ground had already been littered with the bodies of those pierced by javelins or stunned by lead bullets, and the main battle lines crashed in thunderous battle. The Romans were organized, shield next to shield, not yielding a foot, while the Gauls smashed against them like foaming sea water, with no rank or file, every man fighting for himself and by himself. It was time. "Ride now and charge at their rear!" GO, ROMA VICTOR!" And so they did.
The charge caught Conan completely unaware. If they had thought the Consul would refrain from entering the fray and be content to observe from his vantage point, instead of lead by example, they had gambled away their lives on a false bet. The hooves of their horses thundered beneath them and the crash in the back of the enemy line (if it could be called such) was furious. Conan had been there, and he had died impaled by a Roman spear trough the back. Then the Equites and his Consualr retinue backed, gained momentum and charged once more. The second charge routed the enemy left flank and freed up the Hastati to join the centre.
Soon more bands of men learned that their warlord lay slain, and more would drop their weapons and run. There was no mercy for them, and many were cut down before reaching the walls of Segesta.
***
The day was done, and Consul Cnaeus Cornelius Blasio entered Segesta at the head of his victorious army. They had given paltry casualties and had completely massacred the garrison, but the populace had been spared the looting and rape they had expected, no doubt much to their surprise and relief.
"A heroic victory worthy of a Consular army, and no resources or time have been squandered. You fill old heart with pride, Cnaeus."
The Consul grinned and looked south, where Rome hid herself over the horizon. He would be celebrating a triumph for such a brilliant military achievement when he got back. Pride was indeed well placed and deserved.
Historicum bibliotheca et fabulas de magnificentum Romanii Republica.
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