Swords of Rome

“A few thousand Gauls, nothing more — No lesser beings on the face of the earth,” Varro quickly commented to weaken his son’s hasty statement.

“Do remember your history, father. It was those blue-ski

Varro looked across his table as a number of mummers from his guests filled his ears.

“That was a long time ago, when Rome and the Republic was weaker. I would not show any faith in Ha

“And are we Romans are so superior that we, in such a short time are faced with another invasion?” Fabius added.

“Oh, come now!” Varro blurted out as he finally lost his sense. “You ca

There was silence for a moment as Varro looked around the table. He could plainly see that it was starting to weight on his guest whom the night might be lost.

Gaius noticed that Varro had a desperate glare in his eyes. He needed to find someone that would agree with him, beyond those he already had in his pocket. It was then, to Gaius’ concern that Varro settled his eyes on him.

“And what about you, Gaius, what does our younger generation think?” Varro directed his gaze down to his son, “that has proper training and experience in matters of warfare has to say about these matters that face our great Republic?”

Gaius swallowed hard as he suddenly wished he had a shell in which he could hide in, as everyone’s attention was turned towards him, as if he had the wisdom to ease their troubled minds and instill confidence in Rome’s abilities to handle the current crisis.

Taking a deep breath, Gaius wasn’t sure what he could say. Truthfully, beyond the simple facts that every common citizen knew, he understood little about Ha

Gaius decided it was best he played it safe.

“Well, Senator, the luxury of being a soldier is, you don’t have to have any political views. I merely fight who I’m told without question as to why.”

Varro was silent for an awkward moment before he burst into laughter, which was soon copied by a number of his guests.

“Well, lad, with men such you, Rome is certainly safe.”

Gaius forced a shrewd smile as he took a sip of his drink. He knew that was what Varro expected him to say, to follow his superiors’ authority without question, and blindly walk through the gates of Hades if instructed.

It was then that Gaius looked into Julia’s eyes as she stared at him with disappointment, and suddenly he felt ashamed. He had lied, and she knew it, somehow. He had his individual mind and his private opinions, but he allowed the pressure of those he perceived to be superior to him clouds his thoughts, and Julia saw threw him.

Gaius coughed, which drew Varro and his guest's attention back towards him.

“However, Senator, if I may continue,” Gaius interjected. “Those are the thoughts of what is expected of a simple soldier. N I am a centurion in Rome’s legions, and a citizen of this Republic. I know the truth isn’t as uncomplicated as we all wish to make it seem. A soldier works in facts, and the modest fact is Ha

Varro laughed, attempting to break the tension in the room as the whole table went silent.

Gaius noticed Fabius’ sneer at Varro hasty comment.

“To my understanding,” Gaius began before anyone could speak first. “The Senate demanded that Carthage bend to our will and do something about Ha

Gaius looked around the table, gazing in each of the guests’ eyes as he continued. He could see their doubts as if they were shrouds covering their heads.

“We are alone in the world, with fewer friends than enemies, whether or not you want to see that. If this city is to survive, then it is in you, Senator, that we must find the means, to either grow stronger by building a lasting union with those we think lesser, or we will perish from this earth, as a people and nation — never to have been remembered unless told by those that have enslaved us.”

“And what should we do about men like Ha

“Do not misread my words, gentlemen. I am a patriot first. I love Rome, and the Republic that we have built more than my own life, and I would gladly lay it down to keep Rome and those I love safe,” Gaius directed the final part of his sentence towards Julia, who smiled as she hung on his every word. “Ha

“Well said, centurion,” Julia broke the silence as she raised her cup to him, which was soon followed by Paullus and a number of other guests; Varro wasn’t among them.

Gaius remained silent during their acclaim, taking a deep breath as he looked at Julia, who smiled at him. He knew it was time for him to make his departure. He wasn’t sure if he could stomach the night much longer.

Gaius cleared his throat as he stood to his feet. “Unfortunately Senator, I’m afraid that I must take my leave before the hour grows too late. My men have a great deal to do before the week is over.”

Varro stood to his feet, managing a false smile as he nodded respectfully,” Thank you for coming, Centurion.” Gaius noted the small hint of a

Antony stood from his chair, deciding to walk Gaius to the exit as Varro’ guests’ quickly found new topics to explore, as the room once again filled with conversation.

As Antony escorted Gaius out to the courtyard, he suddenly erupted into laughter.

Gaius too joined his friend, even though he tried his best to hold back his enjoyment of the moment.

“I did not mean to offend.”

“Please, it was wonderful. Do not let those old goats bring you down. You spoke your mind, as you should have. My father surrounds himself with puppets that don’t think for themselves, all but Fabius and Paullus, I must say.”