Post by Royal Joker on Sept 16, 2021 12:24:22 GMT -5
Vitulus eyed the Eighth Legion that blocked their path, contemplating Atellus' ultimatum. He cursed his own misfortune - they were so close, yet so far. Had he been quicker, or the situation in Rome slightly less volatile, perhaps this confrontation could have been circumvented entirely. He shook his head - it would do his peace of mind no good to think of what could have been. He needed to focus, and to the plebeian tribune the path was clear. Had he not committed his heart and soul completely to the salvation of the Roman people, to curbing the power and influence of the old aristocracy? Saturninus had pushed them so far, was he to turn away because of the threat of violence? He had survived the riots in Rome, imagine what he could do with the power of a victorious legion behind him! He smiled to himself, content to see this through to the very end.
Sure enough, a rider came to Vitulus bearing a letter from Metellus and the signet ring of his colleague. Upon failing to bribe the legion, Saturninus had been taken captive and had chosen honourable suicide over certain prosecution for treason. The message was undoubtedly clear.
The arrival of the messenger startled Vitulus. He had not expected another missive after the ultimatum. He wondered what the commander of the VIII was planning as he received the message. The tribune felt his blood chill at the sight of his friend's signet ring, unmistakably Saturninus' possession. He was confused - had Saturninus abandoned the city? Then what about the siege of Capitolium, their supporters in Rome? As he read the letter, the cold, grasping hands of Mors grip at his feet. Wiping off his cold sweat, he began to look around the legion's camp. Once news broke, no doubt his fate would be sealed by these greedy soldiers. He could not trust them.
He had to leave, had to escape somewhere. But where to? Vitulus thought back to their old ally in the Senate - Sertorius, pro-consul in Asia. Surely he could provide refuge for the time being. Then he could figure out what to do. Wasting no time with pleasantries, Vitulus slowly made his way through the camp toward his horse. As soon as he had his necessary belongings, he mounted his steed and turned his eyes toward the east - Brundisulum, the quickest way to fetch a ship to the eastern provinces. He prayed Mercury would speed his way and protect him on the open road, leaving the Fifth Legion without a liaison and without further orders.
The arrival of the messenger startled Vitulus. He had not expected another missive after the ultimatum. He wondered what the commander of the VIII was planning as he received the message. The tribune felt his blood chill at the sight of his friend's signet ring, unmistakably Saturninus' possession. He was confused - had Saturninus abandoned the city? Then what about the siege of Capitolium, their supporters in Rome? As he read the letter, the cold, grasping hands of Mors grip at his feet. Wiping off his cold sweat, he began to look around the legion's camp. Once news broke, no doubt his fate would be sealed by these greedy soldiers. He could not trust them.
He had to leave, had to escape somewhere. But where to? Vitulus thought back to their old ally in the Senate - Sertorius, pro-consul in Asia. Surely he could provide refuge for the time being. Then he could figure out what to do. Wasting no time with pleasantries, Vitulus slowly made his way through the camp toward his horse. As soon as he had his necessary belongings, he mounted his steed and turned his eyes toward the east - Brundisulum, the quickest way to fetch a ship to the eastern provinces. He prayed Mercury would speed his way and protect him on the open road, leaving the Fifth Legion without a liaison and without further orders.
