Post by Gaius Porcius on Mar 14, 2013 0:39:51 GMT
"Artemidorus, what news of the East?" Gaius Porcius had heard rumors and outright claims of treason on his way from his rooms to the practice fields. There he caught up with his beneficarius who set extra guards about the field and near his person. This would be interesting.
"My Dux, the news is that Patricius has turned upon the Empire itself, attacked the former Dictator and holds the boy Emperor hostage in his treason," Artemidorus replied quietly. "Then it is said that Solomanus let the enemy army escape defeat and received an Imperial reprimand delivered by Patricus. Also, that Solomanus begins his revenge upon Patricius for displacing him. There are more, mostly involving Fire Eater sorcery, a thousand birds falling from the skies over Antioch. The usual."
"Ah, so you bring out troops to keep away the speculators," Gaius noted as he put on his armor as Artemidorus turned to look questioningly at him. "You know, those possessed by Fate to seek opportunity amid a crisis. Those who possibly add more stories to the confusion hoping to find safety in my company as advisors."
"Perhaps," replied Artemidorus who still kept a watchful eye upon those seeking opportunities near his commander. His cudgel now hung from his wrist, not his belt. These were times when sudden eventualities often happened.
"As matters stand then, we should have a parade honoring the Emperor and put all the troops in service on the streets today. Make them well prepared for the ocassion, Artemidorus, on my orders. I have been remiss in fortifying the respect for the Emperor this month. Let it be known that the omens are good for the Empire and that some rumors are the work of the Fire Eaters or the Goths, but not challenging to the Emperor's faith in his people. Oh, put a word to the priests that we shall enjoy their company in the procession."
And so it was, with smoking incense, beating drums, blaring horns, and a few thousand armed tromping soldiers that Dux Gaius Porcius made the Emperor's presence known in the city of Syracuse. There by would new rumors be spread in all corners of the island within a week. Later in the day, Gaius sponsored a party in a great hall of the city, inviting all who kept prominence in Syracuse.
"My Dux, the news is that Patricius has turned upon the Empire itself, attacked the former Dictator and holds the boy Emperor hostage in his treason," Artemidorus replied quietly. "Then it is said that Solomanus let the enemy army escape defeat and received an Imperial reprimand delivered by Patricus. Also, that Solomanus begins his revenge upon Patricius for displacing him. There are more, mostly involving Fire Eater sorcery, a thousand birds falling from the skies over Antioch. The usual."
"Ah, so you bring out troops to keep away the speculators," Gaius noted as he put on his armor as Artemidorus turned to look questioningly at him. "You know, those possessed by Fate to seek opportunity amid a crisis. Those who possibly add more stories to the confusion hoping to find safety in my company as advisors."
"Perhaps," replied Artemidorus who still kept a watchful eye upon those seeking opportunities near his commander. His cudgel now hung from his wrist, not his belt. These were times when sudden eventualities often happened.
"As matters stand then, we should have a parade honoring the Emperor and put all the troops in service on the streets today. Make them well prepared for the ocassion, Artemidorus, on my orders. I have been remiss in fortifying the respect for the Emperor this month. Let it be known that the omens are good for the Empire and that some rumors are the work of the Fire Eaters or the Goths, but not challenging to the Emperor's faith in his people. Oh, put a word to the priests that we shall enjoy their company in the procession."
And so it was, with smoking incense, beating drums, blaring horns, and a few thousand armed tromping soldiers that Dux Gaius Porcius made the Emperor's presence known in the city of Syracuse. There by would new rumors be spread in all corners of the island within a week. Later in the day, Gaius sponsored a party in a great hall of the city, inviting all who kept prominence in Syracuse.