divulse123
07-01-2008, 18:37
https://img146.imageshack.us/img146/3084/calabrianshoresoz4.jpg
Liber I: Calabrian Shores
The morning dawned crisp outside Scipio's tent, sharpening the piping calls of summer birds, busy about their foraging. Inside the tent, the order of the siege was the morning's business, and forage of a different sort. Scipio considered one of many maps strewn about his tent, his balding head snapping swiftly as his eyes lit upon each place on the chart, Tarentum, Rome, Syracuse, Rhegium. Preparations now would ease the passing of winter for his men, were he to secure enough food and supplies. The morning light shining through the doorway was eclipsed and Scipio looked up.
https://img391.imageshack.us/img391/2553/startseigeru4.jpg
"Ah, Aulus, come in." The old retainer entered, leaning on his staff. Scipio motioned to a chair, and with a sigh the old man slowly lowered himself.
"It's cold for June," he said, "and these joints of mine would not be complaining so if we were in Arpi where we should be."
"Before you start with another lecture," Scipio replied, "let me remind you that we're only here because the Tarentines want us to be and..."
"Oh don't try to put one over on me Lucius; I've been around long enough to know the smell of... well, never mind. But don't think for a second I'll believe that we would be here if you did not see some benefit in it for yourself."
Scipio's brows shot up. "And for you as well old friend. And besides, if it will make the Tarentines happy, and we benefit from it, what's the difference?"
"The difference, my young and balding friend, is that not all of the Tarentines in fact want us here. And even if they did, what legal right do you have to come? You can't go around Italy demanding obedience on the basis of your father's name. You've never led men, and you've brought half a legion to a heavily defended Epirote stronghold. Not even Gnaeus, ass that he is..."
Scipio raised a hand, heavy with the iron ring of the patriciate. "Enough, Aulus. We've had this out before. Besides, my brother isn't here to defend himself from your sharp words." He smiled. The birds outside continued to twitter, cheerful in the play of a summer morning. "I know the legality is questionable, but consider this: Pyrrhus is gone. Without his aggression our alliance with the Carthaginians will not last, that much is certain. If the Tarentine aristocracy is not in control of the city by that time, what sort of a situation will we be in? Not just you and I either. We're here to get rid of the Epirotes and the democrats. If we're lucky we can figure out a way to do it before Pyrrhus comes back. Why the face?"
"Because you can't take the city with the men here," Aulus said, "you haven't nearly enough. A siege will harm the people you want to help, and what happens if the senate finds out about this absurd affair before your brilliant plan has come to fruition?"
"What indeed?" asked a new voice, eclipsing again the light of dawn.
Scipio turned to the doorway. "Ah, our untrustworthy yet trusted co-conspirator returns. What news from home Marcus?"
The new conversant entered, his gold equestrian ring but one of several adornments to shine in the morning sun for a moment before entering the shade of the tent. The wearer's face was flushed with exertion and his breath came in hoarse gasps. "Hah, news? You're finished. How's that for news?"
Scipio's brows drew together, "What do you mean? Mehercule! Settle down, you sound like a labored sow!"
Old Aulus grunted, "You expect any calmness would change that?"
"Piss off old man," Marcus spat. "You're in the kiln too. So am I for that matter. Normally I'd be secure in the fact that I know a good lawyer, but since that's Scipio here I don't know any that aren't also criminals."
"Out with it," snapped Scipio.
"Curius Dentatus Censor is on his way here now," said Marcus. "He left Rome shortly before I arrived there."
https://img126.imageshack.us/img126/6162/scipiotraitstp0.jpg
https://img397.imageshack.us/img397/8245/dentatusstatsut9.jpg
Scipio blinked, "Then how are you here before him?"
"He was headed to Arpi to take command of the men there. I'm sure he was pleased to find that there were no men there!"
"Good gods!" breathed Aulus. "Where was he to lead them?"
"Here, actually," Marcus answered. "The Senate and People have given him a command against Milo. It seems he pushed for it. I guess he wants to finish the job he started at Beneventum."
Aulus looked at Scipio. "Do you think he bears the nota censoria?"
"No," Scipio replied. "Or at least I don't see how he could, unless Marcus here has been reticent. Is Praetextatus Censor with him? The nota are not official unless given by both censors."
"At Rome," said Marcus, shaking his head. "But do you think our toothy friend would be deterred by that? He might decide to skip the nota, prevent you from ever getting on the senate, and force it down the throat of whosoever raises a complaint. He did not get a command at his age by playing it namby-pamby with his opponents."
Aulus quailed. "What are we going to do? We're finished!"
"Not quite yet," said Scipio. "This may work out. I've put Dentatus' army in place within striking distance of the enemy, which is something he would have had to do anyways. Perhaps..." There was a sudden rush of feet and the sound of hooves on the turf outside the tent. Aulus' eyes widened and Marcus sighed.
"Sorry I couldn't have given you more notice, but it looks like the censor came in a hurry," he said. Scipio went pale. A great figure strode through the door to the back of the tent without slowing for a moment. Manius Curius Dentatus was tall, the weight of his sixty-five years bowing him not at all. His cuirass was unadorned, yet powerfully muscled, polished so that the bronze seemed to radiate its own light. His greaves likewise, but for the mud spotting them from the road. The lophos of his Apulo-Corinthian helm almost touched the ceiling of the tent, while his dark eyes glared out from under the rim, stone cold with slight regard.
"I would speak with this patrician," he said, his low voice filling the tent like the slow moving of earth, or perhaps Atlas himself spoke through him. He still faced the back of the tent, examining a map of southern Italy affixed to the wall. Marcus and Aulus left, the one helping the other to his feet.
https://img397.imageshack.us/img397/1544/scipiosmapri3.jpg
Scipio betrayed no outward emotion, keeping the stoic facade of his station, but few could stand in the presence of a censor without questioning themselves and their deeds. Dentatus removed his helm, holding it under his arm. He continued to examine the map in silence. Scipio's nerves frayed more and more with each passing second. If his voice was going to stay steady, he needed to use it just then. "Salve, Manius Curius Dentatus, and welcome to Tarentum. You should find the siege in order, and the construction of rams is complete. The Epirotes seem content to remain within the walls at the present time."
"Why are you here?" the Censor asked, ignoring Scipio's greeting.
"Ah, yes. When I heard of Pyrrhus' departure, and that the Carthaginians had effectively cut Tarentum off from the sea, it seemed necessary to liberate Tarentum from foreign occupation."
"To what end?"
"Security," Scipio replied. "The Carthaginians will surely see no reason to maintain our alliance if our common enemy is no longer a threat. With the Tarentines as allies..."
"Enough," interrupted Dentatus. "The Roman Senate and People have given me proconsular imperium. I will drive the Epirotes out of Tarentum. You will return to Rome."
Scipio's mouth went dry. He collected his thoughts for a moment while Dentatus remained motionless, staring at the map as if he were alone in the tent. "Perhaps as tribune I would better serve you. We have many who could be spared as messengers."
"You will not go as a messenger, nor for any purpose pertaining to this theater. Papirius shall sent reinforcements soon, along with tribunes." Dentatus turned. Gods, Scipio though, his eyes are granite. The cool breeze from outside now felt chill. The song of the summer birds grew agitated and shrill, disturbed by the presence of Dentatus' lictors outside the tent. He was transfixed by the censor’s lapidarian gaze. "Listen carefully, young Scipio. You are intelligent and well-spoken at need, but you are selfish and overproud. Scipio Barbatus, at peace beside the Appian Way, my brother in arms against the Samnites, would hold you an embarrassment. The commands, voted him by the Senate and People of Rome, you have usurped, using his name as an excuse to tread upon Roman law. Now you seek to shroud your transgression under a cloak of legitimacy. Your attempt to win the quaestorial election in absentia with the help of your equestrian friend has been pre-empted. Had you let everything alone, and gone to Rome from Arpi, everything would have unfolded according to your wishes. As it is, your impatient contrivances have served only to delay your advancement. As censor, it is not my place to punish you for this, but as proconsul I have the power to expell you from my province to where others may wish to call you to answer for your deeds."
https://img397.imageshack.us/img397/2244/scipiotombjf6.jpg
Scipio's throat seemed tight, and his knees were loosened. Although he knew it was unlikely that he would be seriously punished, his family holding much influence at Rome, he was nevertheless astounded by the force and gravity of Dentatus’ condemnation. He cast about his scattered thoughts for some response, but his mind seemed empty. Dentatus turned back to the map, removing his gaze. Scipio felt like he had been dropped from a great height. Dentatus spoke again, his deep voice resonating through the very ground, or so it seemed. “Your family is privileged, though in your impatience you do not see it. You need no cunning plan to enrich yourself or your legacy. Do but uphold Rome’s own laws and you shall reap all of the rewards she has to offer. Your nobility entitles you to the greater part of her glory. Circumvent her laws at your peril, for she is harsh with those who spurn her, as many shall see soon to their grief.”
A lictor entered the tent, fasces propped over his shoulder, muscles bulging against his toga. He ignored Scipio. “Manius Curtius, we have received word that the Greek mercenaries inside the city are withdrawing. It seems that they are not interested in helping the Epirotes any longer.”
Dentatus did not turn around, but peered closer at the map. “How many Greeks are making their withdrawal?”
“Several hundred,” the lictor responded. “There are only about two thousand fighting men still inside the city. They are mostly Epirotes, but the democrats have gathered a small cavalry force to aid them. Our forces here are too small to invest the city, so there is no way to guarantee that reinforcements will not be able to swell their numbers.”
https://img128.imageshack.us/img128/8514/romanlictorclothesbc7.jpg
Scipio’s breath caught. Even for a conservative commander like Dentatus an assault should seem the most prudent course. Once they controlled the city the Romans would have the support of the local aristocracy. With their help they could then pacify the entire region. Live up to your name, old man. Take the bait, he thought to himself. If you move to assault the city before Papirius’ forces arrive, you’ll need me to lead the cavalry. The moments passed while Scipio scarcely breathed. Outside not a breeze stirred, the countryside was completely silent. Dentatus’ voice rasped like gravel sliding through the silence. “Lictor, convene my council. The men will form up to assault the north wall of the city. By tonight the Epirotes shall have lost their foothold on Italian shores.”
https://img397.imageshack.us/img397/9704/tarentumzg9.jpg
The lictor bowed quickly and left. Scipio’s nerves tingled, Jupiter’s own lightning coursed through his veins. Dentatus stood like a stone colossus, immobile and daunting. “You will assemble the equites on the right flank. After the wall is breached, at the first opportunity, you will lead them into the city and assist the infantry as you see fit. Be at my tent in one hour. There I shall inform you and my council fully as to your duties.” Dentatus turned from the map and strode out of the tent. Scipio breathed deep, and heard the piping of birds meet the censor as he swept out into the cool morning air.
https://img397.imageshack.us/img397/6651/0030xw8.jpg
Liber I: Calabrian Shores
The morning dawned crisp outside Scipio's tent, sharpening the piping calls of summer birds, busy about their foraging. Inside the tent, the order of the siege was the morning's business, and forage of a different sort. Scipio considered one of many maps strewn about his tent, his balding head snapping swiftly as his eyes lit upon each place on the chart, Tarentum, Rome, Syracuse, Rhegium. Preparations now would ease the passing of winter for his men, were he to secure enough food and supplies. The morning light shining through the doorway was eclipsed and Scipio looked up.
https://img391.imageshack.us/img391/2553/startseigeru4.jpg
"Ah, Aulus, come in." The old retainer entered, leaning on his staff. Scipio motioned to a chair, and with a sigh the old man slowly lowered himself.
"It's cold for June," he said, "and these joints of mine would not be complaining so if we were in Arpi where we should be."
"Before you start with another lecture," Scipio replied, "let me remind you that we're only here because the Tarentines want us to be and..."
"Oh don't try to put one over on me Lucius; I've been around long enough to know the smell of... well, never mind. But don't think for a second I'll believe that we would be here if you did not see some benefit in it for yourself."
Scipio's brows shot up. "And for you as well old friend. And besides, if it will make the Tarentines happy, and we benefit from it, what's the difference?"
"The difference, my young and balding friend, is that not all of the Tarentines in fact want us here. And even if they did, what legal right do you have to come? You can't go around Italy demanding obedience on the basis of your father's name. You've never led men, and you've brought half a legion to a heavily defended Epirote stronghold. Not even Gnaeus, ass that he is..."
Scipio raised a hand, heavy with the iron ring of the patriciate. "Enough, Aulus. We've had this out before. Besides, my brother isn't here to defend himself from your sharp words." He smiled. The birds outside continued to twitter, cheerful in the play of a summer morning. "I know the legality is questionable, but consider this: Pyrrhus is gone. Without his aggression our alliance with the Carthaginians will not last, that much is certain. If the Tarentine aristocracy is not in control of the city by that time, what sort of a situation will we be in? Not just you and I either. We're here to get rid of the Epirotes and the democrats. If we're lucky we can figure out a way to do it before Pyrrhus comes back. Why the face?"
"Because you can't take the city with the men here," Aulus said, "you haven't nearly enough. A siege will harm the people you want to help, and what happens if the senate finds out about this absurd affair before your brilliant plan has come to fruition?"
"What indeed?" asked a new voice, eclipsing again the light of dawn.
Scipio turned to the doorway. "Ah, our untrustworthy yet trusted co-conspirator returns. What news from home Marcus?"
The new conversant entered, his gold equestrian ring but one of several adornments to shine in the morning sun for a moment before entering the shade of the tent. The wearer's face was flushed with exertion and his breath came in hoarse gasps. "Hah, news? You're finished. How's that for news?"
Scipio's brows drew together, "What do you mean? Mehercule! Settle down, you sound like a labored sow!"
Old Aulus grunted, "You expect any calmness would change that?"
"Piss off old man," Marcus spat. "You're in the kiln too. So am I for that matter. Normally I'd be secure in the fact that I know a good lawyer, but since that's Scipio here I don't know any that aren't also criminals."
"Out with it," snapped Scipio.
"Curius Dentatus Censor is on his way here now," said Marcus. "He left Rome shortly before I arrived there."
https://img126.imageshack.us/img126/6162/scipiotraitstp0.jpg
https://img397.imageshack.us/img397/8245/dentatusstatsut9.jpg
Scipio blinked, "Then how are you here before him?"
"He was headed to Arpi to take command of the men there. I'm sure he was pleased to find that there were no men there!"
"Good gods!" breathed Aulus. "Where was he to lead them?"
"Here, actually," Marcus answered. "The Senate and People have given him a command against Milo. It seems he pushed for it. I guess he wants to finish the job he started at Beneventum."
Aulus looked at Scipio. "Do you think he bears the nota censoria?"
"No," Scipio replied. "Or at least I don't see how he could, unless Marcus here has been reticent. Is Praetextatus Censor with him? The nota are not official unless given by both censors."
"At Rome," said Marcus, shaking his head. "But do you think our toothy friend would be deterred by that? He might decide to skip the nota, prevent you from ever getting on the senate, and force it down the throat of whosoever raises a complaint. He did not get a command at his age by playing it namby-pamby with his opponents."
Aulus quailed. "What are we going to do? We're finished!"
"Not quite yet," said Scipio. "This may work out. I've put Dentatus' army in place within striking distance of the enemy, which is something he would have had to do anyways. Perhaps..." There was a sudden rush of feet and the sound of hooves on the turf outside the tent. Aulus' eyes widened and Marcus sighed.
"Sorry I couldn't have given you more notice, but it looks like the censor came in a hurry," he said. Scipio went pale. A great figure strode through the door to the back of the tent without slowing for a moment. Manius Curius Dentatus was tall, the weight of his sixty-five years bowing him not at all. His cuirass was unadorned, yet powerfully muscled, polished so that the bronze seemed to radiate its own light. His greaves likewise, but for the mud spotting them from the road. The lophos of his Apulo-Corinthian helm almost touched the ceiling of the tent, while his dark eyes glared out from under the rim, stone cold with slight regard.
"I would speak with this patrician," he said, his low voice filling the tent like the slow moving of earth, or perhaps Atlas himself spoke through him. He still faced the back of the tent, examining a map of southern Italy affixed to the wall. Marcus and Aulus left, the one helping the other to his feet.
https://img397.imageshack.us/img397/1544/scipiosmapri3.jpg
Scipio betrayed no outward emotion, keeping the stoic facade of his station, but few could stand in the presence of a censor without questioning themselves and their deeds. Dentatus removed his helm, holding it under his arm. He continued to examine the map in silence. Scipio's nerves frayed more and more with each passing second. If his voice was going to stay steady, he needed to use it just then. "Salve, Manius Curius Dentatus, and welcome to Tarentum. You should find the siege in order, and the construction of rams is complete. The Epirotes seem content to remain within the walls at the present time."
"Why are you here?" the Censor asked, ignoring Scipio's greeting.
"Ah, yes. When I heard of Pyrrhus' departure, and that the Carthaginians had effectively cut Tarentum off from the sea, it seemed necessary to liberate Tarentum from foreign occupation."
"To what end?"
"Security," Scipio replied. "The Carthaginians will surely see no reason to maintain our alliance if our common enemy is no longer a threat. With the Tarentines as allies..."
"Enough," interrupted Dentatus. "The Roman Senate and People have given me proconsular imperium. I will drive the Epirotes out of Tarentum. You will return to Rome."
Scipio's mouth went dry. He collected his thoughts for a moment while Dentatus remained motionless, staring at the map as if he were alone in the tent. "Perhaps as tribune I would better serve you. We have many who could be spared as messengers."
"You will not go as a messenger, nor for any purpose pertaining to this theater. Papirius shall sent reinforcements soon, along with tribunes." Dentatus turned. Gods, Scipio though, his eyes are granite. The cool breeze from outside now felt chill. The song of the summer birds grew agitated and shrill, disturbed by the presence of Dentatus' lictors outside the tent. He was transfixed by the censor’s lapidarian gaze. "Listen carefully, young Scipio. You are intelligent and well-spoken at need, but you are selfish and overproud. Scipio Barbatus, at peace beside the Appian Way, my brother in arms against the Samnites, would hold you an embarrassment. The commands, voted him by the Senate and People of Rome, you have usurped, using his name as an excuse to tread upon Roman law. Now you seek to shroud your transgression under a cloak of legitimacy. Your attempt to win the quaestorial election in absentia with the help of your equestrian friend has been pre-empted. Had you let everything alone, and gone to Rome from Arpi, everything would have unfolded according to your wishes. As it is, your impatient contrivances have served only to delay your advancement. As censor, it is not my place to punish you for this, but as proconsul I have the power to expell you from my province to where others may wish to call you to answer for your deeds."
https://img397.imageshack.us/img397/2244/scipiotombjf6.jpg
Scipio's throat seemed tight, and his knees were loosened. Although he knew it was unlikely that he would be seriously punished, his family holding much influence at Rome, he was nevertheless astounded by the force and gravity of Dentatus’ condemnation. He cast about his scattered thoughts for some response, but his mind seemed empty. Dentatus turned back to the map, removing his gaze. Scipio felt like he had been dropped from a great height. Dentatus spoke again, his deep voice resonating through the very ground, or so it seemed. “Your family is privileged, though in your impatience you do not see it. You need no cunning plan to enrich yourself or your legacy. Do but uphold Rome’s own laws and you shall reap all of the rewards she has to offer. Your nobility entitles you to the greater part of her glory. Circumvent her laws at your peril, for she is harsh with those who spurn her, as many shall see soon to their grief.”
A lictor entered the tent, fasces propped over his shoulder, muscles bulging against his toga. He ignored Scipio. “Manius Curtius, we have received word that the Greek mercenaries inside the city are withdrawing. It seems that they are not interested in helping the Epirotes any longer.”
Dentatus did not turn around, but peered closer at the map. “How many Greeks are making their withdrawal?”
“Several hundred,” the lictor responded. “There are only about two thousand fighting men still inside the city. They are mostly Epirotes, but the democrats have gathered a small cavalry force to aid them. Our forces here are too small to invest the city, so there is no way to guarantee that reinforcements will not be able to swell their numbers.”
https://img128.imageshack.us/img128/8514/romanlictorclothesbc7.jpg
Scipio’s breath caught. Even for a conservative commander like Dentatus an assault should seem the most prudent course. Once they controlled the city the Romans would have the support of the local aristocracy. With their help they could then pacify the entire region. Live up to your name, old man. Take the bait, he thought to himself. If you move to assault the city before Papirius’ forces arrive, you’ll need me to lead the cavalry. The moments passed while Scipio scarcely breathed. Outside not a breeze stirred, the countryside was completely silent. Dentatus’ voice rasped like gravel sliding through the silence. “Lictor, convene my council. The men will form up to assault the north wall of the city. By tonight the Epirotes shall have lost their foothold on Italian shores.”
https://img397.imageshack.us/img397/9704/tarentumzg9.jpg
The lictor bowed quickly and left. Scipio’s nerves tingled, Jupiter’s own lightning coursed through his veins. Dentatus stood like a stone colossus, immobile and daunting. “You will assemble the equites on the right flank. After the wall is breached, at the first opportunity, you will lead them into the city and assist the infantry as you see fit. Be at my tent in one hour. There I shall inform you and my council fully as to your duties.” Dentatus turned from the map and strode out of the tent. Scipio breathed deep, and heard the piping of birds meet the censor as he swept out into the cool morning air.
https://img397.imageshack.us/img397/6651/0030xw8.jpg