An Admonition

Sextvs Cornelivs Scapvla and Exomnivs entered the Circvs in silence. The racecourse was little more than a long dirt track with benches of questionable construction on either side for spectators. Finding a seat, Sextvs Cornelivs thought long and hard before speaking. Exomnivs knew that he may be in trouble, and decided that speaking first would only exacerbate things.

Indeed, Sextvs Cornelivs had been quite busy. Consul Manivs Clavdivs Cicero had been kind enough to grant him a month's leave to witness the birth of his first child, but with many goings on going on, Scapvla had little time to rest. He had a wife to care for, a war to fight, and a little problem to take care of involving his representative.

After some time, Scapvla finally spoke. “Exomnivs, I am a man of importance, and I must put great thought into who I chose for which position. I chose Cacophonvs as my spear carrier because he is strong, obedient to a fault, and quite dumb. I tried sharing wine with him once and all he did was smile like the fool he is before vomiting in the tent. And it is impossible to hold a conversation with him because the more he talks, the more he drools, and then I get distracted and start to sound as stupid as him. But as my spear carrier, he is irreplaceable.

“I chose Minervina for my wife because of her health and her social standing. The marriage left me off wealthier than when I was a bachelor. She just gave birth to a healthy, beautiful daughter whom we have named Vstina. And she is healthy enough that I may still spend years away from Roma and rely on her to bear more healthy children when I return. Additionally, she turns a blind eye towards my adulterous tendencies. She is everything an officer could ask for, and more.

“And finally, I come to you. During my brief stay in Roma following my promotion I spent some time at the Academy looking for the right person to represent me. I chose you for two reasons. You are quite intelligent, and your youthful enthusiasm matches mine. I could have chosen an older, wiser man, but I knew that he would not have properly represented me. And yet now I am hearing stories that are making me look foolish for choosing you. You are changing your mind more often than you change your toga. You are insulting Senators, including my fellow officer in Legio I. You are letting your emotions carry you away, and confusing facts with paranoid speculation. Even Tiberivs Clavdivs Marcellvs, a wise man who wishes to have an ally in you, seems to be getting frustrated with your foolishness.”

“But Cotta...” interrupted Exomnivs.

“Tiberivs Clavdivs is keeping a watchful eye on Praetor Cotta, and is not afraid to speak when the Praetor's ambitions threaten the stability of the Republic. Cotta could declare himself king in Ambrakia and with our legions already fighting the Carthaginians it would put Roma in a delicate place. But then again, Cotta could do what any other Roman general would do: place the territories he conquers in the hands of Roman administrators.

“Ambrakia must fall. The security of Roma demands it. Cotta's true loyalties will be shown by his actions AFTER he takes the city, and not a moment before. You made a bold claim much to soon, dear Exomnivs. Peace with the Epirites must happen right AFTER the city is taken. If Cotta does not wish for peace AFTER he takes the city, then your claims would have merit. But you are making allegations against a man who is still doing what is best for the Republic.

“Imagine if another Senator made the same charge against Cicero. By your logic, the taking of Tolosa would be enough to level accusations against him as wanting to become King of Volcallra.

“Exomnivs, my loyalties are as follows. The Republic first, Legio I second, and other Roman individuals third. I expect you to act in a similar manner if you are to continue representing me. No insulting my fellow officers, and certainly no mention of me sleeping with Sextvs Cornelivs Svlla's wife. Do I make myself clear?”

“Quite clear, Legatvs,” replied Exomnivs, afraid to refer to Scapvlla by name.

“Good. Then let us enjoy this race. With the Congressional Council beginning in a few weeks, we must enjoy every bit of leisure that we can.”