Venta
Flavius Aurelianus Lupidus read the latest message from Cerdicus. It did not make for comfortable reading. Cerdicus noted that Flavius had not accepted the Lordship but was acting as Lord until the Council decided who should become the new Lord of Venta. In which case Cerdicus, as the acknowledged son of Artos, was going to press his claim to the Lordship, by force if necessary. Cerdicus noted that he hoped that it would not have to come to this and that the Council would accept the political realities of the situation.
Flavius glanced at the other scrolls scattered over the desk. They included reports that Cerdicus was massing troops at Bononia and other ports on the Mare Britannicum and was currently assembling a fleet with which to carry them to Britannia. Flavius sighed, Llacheu had gutted Venta’s troops to provide money for the lavish spectacles that he had thrown for the citizens of Venta. There were barely enough to re-enforce order on the Lordship, and that was with the full cooperation of the Watch, let alone combat an invasion by a battle hardened Roman Army.
He rubbed a hand over his face. He could not afford to allow despair to take control and certainly not show anyone else how desperate the situation was becoming. He could see no viable way of preventing Cerdicus from becoming Lord of Venta and that would just be the start of bringing the rest of Britannia into his Empire
There was a gentle knock, Flavius looked up, his secretary was stood there
“It is time for your meeting with Gordianus”
Flavius nodded
“Have him wait in the outer office, I’ll be along shortly”
The secretary frowned
“What is it Julius?” asked Flavius
“He has three hooded men with him. He has vouched for them but..”
Flavius grinned savagely
“If Gordianus was going to kill me he would have done so before now. However station extra guards”
“Yes Dux” replied Julius who scurried away.
Flavius composed himself and entered the outer office
Gordianus saluted
“Dux”
“Praefectus”
“Not any longer, I’m resigning with immediate effect” answered Gordianus.
Flavius stood shocked
“Resignation refused. Praefectus, you know very well there is nobody else left senior enough to command the Watch!”
“Oh, but there is Dux”
Gordianus nodded at one of the three hooded men who threw back his hood. Flavius just managed to stop an expression of shock crossing his face.
“Lucius?”
“Sa, Dux.”
“Now I understand the Praefectus’ attempt at resignation. However I am still not accepting it. However I will appoint you as Legatus”
Lucius looked at him
“That is semantics Dux”
Flavius smiled wryly
“That may well be your interpretation Legatus”
Flavius paused
“May I assume that since you are back so are the others?”
Lucius nodded
“Sa, Dux”
“In which case Ianus is now Tribunus Laticlavius of the Watch”
Flavius smiled at the look of utter relief that had crossed Gordianus’ face.
“I don’t think that the Praefectus will have any objections”
“Na, Dux” replied Gordianus.
There was a stifled chuckle from the other two hooded men.
“Is something funny” demanded Flavius
“Perhaps you would share it with me”
The two men threw back their hoods
“You have come a long way indeed from when we first met Wulfhere!”
This time Flavius did not attempt to hide his expression
“My Lord Artos, you are alive!”
“I think so, Dux”
Flavius shook his head
“I’m following Gordianus’ lead. I am tendering my resignation immediately”
Artos shook his head
“Na, I’m afraid not and for the same reasons you gave Gordianus. Also, there is much to be sorted before I officially rise from the Underworld.
Bedwyr, go find Bors, Legatus and Praefectus go with him”
The three men nodded and left, Bedwyr had put his hood back up.
Artos turned to Flavius
“There is much to discuss Cousin”
Flavius nodded
“Sa! Why in Christos’ name did you not return before? Much ill would have been averted if you had done so”
Artos sighed
“It is a long story”
“But one that I and your wife need to hear. Come with me”
