Swords of Rome

“Then, what are the consul's pla

Valerius laughed. His distaste for politicians was legendary, but Gaius did not know if his laughter was out of disrespect, or if there was meaning behind it.

“Well, normally the consuls would lead their own respective legions, but since this is a combined army, they share command on rotating bases — swapping command like two children sharing toys. Paullus has been cautious. He probably doesn’t want to strain his reputation by getting this army wiped out. While Varro is brash, trying to force Ha

“I’m afraid to ask — whose turn is it to lead tomorrow?” Gaius wondered.

“Varro, I’m sorry to say.”

Gaius did not know what to think. He did not understand the Roman system as well as Valerius. He liked Varro well enough — he was the father of Antony and Julia, and had always treated him with respect. However, Gaius was concerned. Varro was not a military man, but he was a career politician, businessman, and land owner. Gaius knew the truth well enough: it was fame and glory that both Varro and Paullus sought. If they defeated Ha

Even before Gaius stepped foot into the largest of the command tents, he could hear the heated debates, as if the army had been turned into a small example of the Senate. And in many ways, it was just that. There were more officers from the ranks of the Senate than there were real ones, and most of the tribunes were the children of wealthy senators who sought advancement for their kin.

Most of the yelling was coming from the center of the room. Gaius could see through the densely packed bodies that the room had been divided between two parties: those in support of Paullus, and those that favored Varro.

Gaius could see Antony from where he stood, as he was behind his father, standing tall and proud. However, Gaius knew his friend well enough to see the subtle discomfort as his eyes darted from person to person, as the arguing had reached its boiling point.

What was supposed to be a strategy session had quickly escalated to a distressing debate over the fate of the army, and the actions it should take in the morning.

Antony broke from his father’s side once he saw Gaius enter the room. “It would have probably been best if you had stayed beyond the camp’s walls, protecting our supplies, my friend. At the very least, you wouldn’t have to endure this,” Antony commented once he joined Gaius.

His tone, as it typically was, was in good humor. However, Gaius could see the stress beneath his smile. It took him time getting used to seeing his boyhood friend in the uniform of a soldier, no less one of high rank. He carried the title of a senior Tribune, even though Antony had no military experience; he commanded thousands of men and officers, most, if not all of them with more experience than he.

“Well, at the very least we don’t have to spend the whole summer tracking Ha

“True, I suppose,” Antony attempted a smile. “Oh, I nearly forgot.” He pulled out from underneath his tunic a sealed letter, before he handed it over. “This came for you today, from Rome, from my sister. I dare say that it is thicker than the note she sent me and my father,” Antony gri

“Thank you. I shall read it when I have the time,” Gaius replied as he carefully tucked the letter away.

“I’m sure you will,” Antony laughed.

Both men’s attention was turned when they heard the sound of a jug breaking against the floor. It had been thrown by Varro, who cried out, “This is ridiculous! That bastard has cut us off from our supplies, brining about the real possibility that this army may starve to death before we have faced the enemy on the field. That is, of course, if we don’t die of thirst first, as the continued attacks on our water bearers make it impossible for us to reach the Aufidus river. And now, you suggest that we divide our forces into two camps.” Varro had the support of most of the officers in the tent, who voiced their agreement, demanding that Paullus and his supporters heed their master’s call to arms.

“That is why we must split our troops, to better protect our foraging parties, so we aren’t forced to withdraw from the field,” Paullus rebuked, sounding calmer than his rival and soon to be father-in-law.

Varro looked tired, as if he hadn’t slept for days. Gaius recognized the signs. The old senator wasn’t accustomed to military service. It had been decades since last Varro had worn armor, no less commanded troops into battle, and even then, never under these circumstances.

“The liability of our sizes has become our weakness,” Paullus added.

“Our size is our strength!” Varro cried, slamming his fist against a nearby table. “To separate, as you have suggested will weaken our position here. Already Ha

Gaius was conflicted as the two sides continued their argument. He could see the wisdom in both, but he also knew that if the water problem wasn’t solved, starvation wouldn’t be an issue. If the army had to retreat because of supplies, the flank would be exposed to Ha

“Ha

“And if he does not stand, as he hadn’t yesterday, then what will be done?” Paullus asked, sensing the worst.

“Then, we shall storm Ca

“Do not be such a fool, Varro!” Paullus yelled as he tried to be heard over those that stood with his opponent. However, years of debating in the Senate taught the old senator how to win the audience to his side.

“We ca

“Encircled! We outnumber the barbarians three to one. He doesn’t have the manpower to envelop our entire line, nor does Ha

“Well, there you have it, my father the great general,” Antony commented with a sneer.

“Ha

“Tell me, my friend, if you were Ha

Gaius sighed as the arguing continued for hours more. Neither side was willing to break from their standpoint, as both Paullus and Varro believed they had the wi