Soldier of Rome- Reign of the Tyrants by James Mace

Author:James Mace [Mace, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Ancient Rome, Civil War, Fiction, Historical, Legion, Vespasian
ISBN: 9781508634928
Publisher: James Mace
Published: 2015-06-15T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter XX: Strike, if best for Rome

The Forum, Rome

15 January 69 A.D.

Praetorian Optio

It was another hour before Statius and Atticus reached their destinations. The streets were crowded with citizens, many of whom were in a curious frenzy from the rumors they’d heard earlier, regarding an attempt to seize the throne. And when approached by a squad of their fellow praetorians, they stated that Otho was slain, before quickly moving on. They spotted Licinianus mounted on a great black mare, trying to force his way through the crowds en route to the praetorian barracks. The two soldiers avoided any contact with the imperial prince. At the Forum they split up, with Atticus making his way to the imperial palace. Passing by a butcher’s stall, he plunged his gladius into the carcass of a goat, covering the blade in blood. Crowds gathered, blocking the street that ran between the palace and the Circus Maximus.

Rumors of Otho’s supposed killing reached the palace even before Guardsman Atticus. Galba was meeting with his councilors, as well as several officers from the praetorians. Taking every precaution, despite his dismissive air, the emperor wore a breastplate over his toga. Among the praetorians present was Atticus’ commander, Centurion Densus, who scowled in anger when saw his errant guardsman burst into the throne room, a bloodied gladius in his hand. Crowds of citizens; senators, equites, and plebeians alike swarmed past him and surrounded Galba.

“The traitor is dead!” one voice called.

“Hail, Galba, Emperor of Rome and lord of the world!” another shouted.

“So you see, my friends,” Galba said, looking to his colleagues. “The crisis has passed before it even began.” He looked sternly at Atticus. “And who are you, who comes into the august hall wielding a bloody sword?”

“Guardsman Julius Atticus at your service, Caesar,” he replied, saluting with his weapon and bowing low. “It was I who killed Otho, and my blade is stained with his blood.”

“Indeed?” Galba asked, the corner of his mouth twisting into a partial frown. “And who gave you orders to slay the pretender?”

“I...I did so of my own initiative, sire,” Atticus replied, stunned. “Out of loyalty to my emperor!”

“A man, even a praetorian, who kills without orders from his commanding officer, is guilty of murder,” the emperor retorted, once more showing his complete lack of faith in his subordinates or their sense of ingenuity. He signaled to Centurion Densus, who walked over to his soldier.

“Guardsman Atticus,” he said. “You are under arrest for murder, as well as being absent from the ranks without permission.”

If he expected Atticus to comply, he was sadly mistaken.

Instead, the guardsman kneed him hard in the groin. “Go fuck your mother, sir,” he retorted, spitting on his centurion. Before any of the guards within the chamber could react, Atticus disappeared into the mass of people that continued to swarm the palace. Few even noticed the praetorian centurion down on one knee, gasping for breath as he struggled back to his feet. Neither the emperor nor his guards could control the mob, who were crying out prayers of thanks to the gods for their emperor’s deliverance.

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