Wars wage in ancient Europe as a new army arises in Athens. Gaul, Greece and Rome all now stand with one prize set in all of their sights and an army at their backs.
"They're heading west though; you think they seek to challenge us?"
"Octavia seems to think so."
"Octavia? That..." I trailed of mid-sentence. Octavia had been a thorn in my side for the past month. It was thanks to him that Roman legions were marching east. Now, the coast of Rome was a wall of red and steel. I dragged my foot along the floor at the thought of the fool, creasing the crimson carpet where I stood. "Octavia would say that; you know his attitude towards Greece. Damn that man. No matter how many times he blunders on about an invasion I..."
"Gaius. This time, the lad may have a point."
"Varnius, he's half my age."
"But he knows what he's doing. With all due respect, sir..."
"No Varnius, the boy's done. I'm seeing him out of office. That is it. I have just about.." Then a thought caught my mind. But I was better than that. I couldn't.
"Sir?"
"You're dismissed Varnius," I stuttered, my mind suddenly ablaze.
"As you say, senator."
Turning briskly, he left. The sound of his boots clinking on the marble floors echoed on for a minute until it dissipated into the silence of the palace. I knew what I had to do. I could see that boy out of the senate. All I needed was time. Yes, yes....
No. Of course I couldn't. I uttered I silent prayer that Jupiter may offer me guidance and push me onto the noble path. Instinctively, I grabbed the pendant my son made me. An amulet of sorts, shaped like a coin. Rubbing my thumb over it's rough iron surface reminded me of him. It was supposed to be a amulet to Minerva, the wisdom goddess. Like it bought me any wisdom...
heaving a heavy sigh, I slumped onto a bench in the center of my office and peered through the open door to the balcony. Only a small window of light was visible of the great metropolis that I called home but there it was. It bought me comfort seeing it such as a mother gets when she sees her child or a sculptor his statue. She was my city...
...and that boy...
...I couldn't let him do anything to her...
...I would stop him, or die trying. I owed her that much.
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