Commodus: The Revolt of Avidius by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub

chapter 8

Alexandria: The Royal Harbour Late June 175 A.D

“Well, he looks happy to see you, Marcrinus.” Taruttienus said, smiling as he slapped Marcrinus on his right shoulder before strolling down the gangway towards the unwelcoming Barca.

Barca saluted Taruttienus.

“Prefect Taruttienus, welcome to Alexandria.” Barca leered at Marcrinus as he stepped beside Taruttienus; his hand squeezed the hilt of his gladius. Marcrinus sucked his teeth, and Taruttienus stepped between them as several centurions joined Taruttienus and Marcrinus on the harbour.

“Centurion, Marcrinus is here at the express wish of Commodus himself. I trust any ill feelings you two might have can be forgotten.” Taruttienus said, looking at both. Barca saluted Taruttienus a second time and replied, staring at Marcrinus.

“None whatsoever from my part.” Taruttienus looked around and, sighing said.

“I’m disappointed that Avidius isn’t here to meet us.”

“Our Emperor is engaged with more pressing matters but will meet you at the Palace.” Taruttienus looked at Marcrinus, and Marcrinus asked.

“Emperor? I thought Marcus was our Emperor?” Barca stopped in his tracks, took a deep breath, and said, half looking at Marcrinus and Taruttienus over his shoulder.

“He was, but his death left the position vacant.” Barca replied. Taruttienus smiled and said.

“I’m glad you brought that up, Barca. Marcus isn’t dead. He also isn’t aware of Avidius’s treason, and Commodus has decided we don’t need this little misunderstanding to go any further. Now, please lead the way. I’m anxious to speak with Avidius.”

Barca spun around in shock. His right hand moved instinctively to his gladius. The legionnaires around him drew their gladii, as did the legionnaires with Taruttienus and Marcrinus. The two opposing groups stood waving their gladii at each other nervously, awaiting the order to act.

Barca looked at the calm and collected figure of Taruttienus and felt his confidence crumble away. He couldn’t hold Taruttienus’s glare. He ordered his men to sleave their gladii and hurried off. Taruttienus ordered his men to sheave their gladii and followed Barca, Marcrinus and Taruttienus’s entourage followed.

Taruttienus glanced at a mysterious-looking man leading up against the wall of the Royal Harbour. A long, hooded brown cloak shrouded his appearance. Taruttienus caught Marcrinus looking at him and turned to say.

“It never ceases to amaze me.”

“What never ceases to amaze you?” Marcrinus asked, knowing Taruttienus wanted him to ask.

“The sheer beauty of this place.” Taruttienus replied, pointing out the tip of a pair of red granite obelisks rising into the sky at 45 degrees to their left.

“Do you know that all the obelisks in Egypt were carved from a single slab of rock, the tiniest crack, and the whole thing is discarded? They say there are thousands of obelisks lying broken and unfinished in the quarries.”

Taruttienus spoke with such conviction that Marcrinus believed Taruttienus really was in awe of the dedication to perfection the Egyptian artisans of old displayed. Marcrinus looked at the gilded tip of the obelisk, puffed out his lips and said nonchalantly.

“I’m a soldier, Prefect Taruttienus. I’ve never had much time for finery.” Taruttienus stared at Marcrinus, studying him.

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