East take priority over the threat that Hannibal poses.”
Numerous hecklers erupted as those that support the cause for war responded to what the consul was saying.
Flaminius again raised his hands and asked for silence.
“However, this act of aggression by a single man cannot go unpunished.”
Cheers replaced the negative jeers as the volume in the chambers rose higher.
“If our enemies see that Rome takes no action to defend our allies, and punish those responsible for defying the Republic’s laws, then we as a nation would have proven that we are not up to the task of crushing even the tiniest insect, or protecting our friends. For this, Hannibal and his barbarian horde must be crushed, and Carthage, taught a lesson it shall never forget!”
The sound of applause and cheering was deafening as three hundred senators stood to their feet in support of Flaminius. Even those that were opposed to war quickly reconsidered their position; it would not be patriotic to stand against the consul.
“I will send word for Publius Cornelius Scipio to raise an army and march them north, and cut Hannibal’s advance into our territories,” Flaminius proclaimed. “Once Scipio has dealt with this unprovoked aggression we shall send Hannibal’s head back to his country!”
For several minutes, the Senate commemorated Flaminius’ call for war. Already the bloodlust within the house was beginning to boil and would soon reach the streets outside where thousands of citizens and freedmen would eagerly be waiting to hear the news.
The prospect of such a large war was frightening to Gaius, and yet exciting. He was young and had trained for such a day. However, as he looked over towards Valerius, expecting the old general to be beaming with excitement, his mentor’s face was blank, and his eyes filled with concern and disappointment.
“How many legions will be sent?” a senator cried out.
“Hannibal is but one man with an army of barbarians. We do not need to combine our legions to deal with him. So, we shall leave this victory to Scipio and his men, as they are already nearer to the border, and have more experience in dealing with the Celts than anyone in this room,” Flaminius replied as he sat back down.
“Only one legion, are you mad?” a chorus of voices spoke up, but their concerns were drowned by the overwhelming supporters.
“Bah, he just wants Scipio out of Rome. The bloody fool cares nothing about stopping Hannibal. If there was glory in it, he would be leading the army himself,” Valerius mumbled quietly to himself.
Gaius stared nervously over at him, seeing that a number of the other officers too agreed with the veteran’s statement. They marched with the men to Rome, expecting to be called upon to confront Hannibal, now it seems they weren’t needed, or were going to be sent elsewhere to protect wealthy men’s purses.
After a few closing statements from other senators, they began to exit into the forum, where crowds had formed on the steps of the Senate, waiting to hear about the day’s proceedings.
Gaius remained with Valerius as he spoke to his colleagues, expressing their concern privately to each other. Already it seemed they were planning their own strategy in case the worst should happen, and Hannibal should break through Scipio’s legion. For the moment, at least, the Sixth would be staying put, which disappointed Gaius more than he figured it would.
Gaius’ attention was turned as he heard his named suddenly called among the crowd of senators and advisors that had gathered, speaking openly among themselves.
At first, he did not recognize the man who called his name, as he stepped through the crowd, a joyful, surprised expressing on his face, and spoke again.
“Gaius? By Jupiter’s beard, is that really you?”
“Antony?” Gaius questioned before he too recognized his boyhood friend.
Antony stopped before Gaius, holding him in his hands as he looked taller, larger man over in careful detail; the smile on his face was ear-to-ear.
“Look at you. You really did it. A real, honest to gods’ soldier of Rome,” Antony said with a prideful voice as he embraced Gaius.
“And you, a senator of all things.”
Antony laughed. “Hardly; I’m too young. I leave that to my father, but I do, someday, have to follow in his footsteps, so it seems. So all I do is sit quietly and let him do all the talking, like a good puppet. I never get to take part in all the excitement. However, it is a start. I suppose.”
“The Senate can’t be that bad, can it?” Gaius asked.
“Ah, my friend, I’m afraid that the Rome we grew up dreaming of is a far lesser thing than we imagined. This city is harsh, and so is its politics. Take what you heard today. What our dear consular said is only the tip of the spear. He will hang Scipio out to dry — if he fails, he loses favor, allowing Flaminius to take the glory when he marches his own army north to stop Hannibal. However, if Scipio wins, then he doesn’t receive as much praise: he only crushed a rogue general and his band of barbarians, and Flaminius still stands tall as he moves against Carthage. Regardless, he gets what he wants at the expense of our men.”
Antony leaned closer to Gaius and whispered, “Truthfully, almost everyone here is my age. Politics does terrible things to a man’s youth. It is a very slow and painful death,” Antony laughed.
Gaius managed a false smile. He was beginning to see that Rome, the eternal city of light he’d grown up believing in, was indeed becoming something else entirely. There were harsh realities that his eyes had opened up to this day, as Rome seemed a city of horrible contradictions.
“You are in a position to make changes, are you not?” Gaius asked.
“Perhaps, someday; however, as I said, politics is a game, a rather difficult and dangerous one. I have to play it by its rules or risk being swallowed up by it. I must admit I envy you, my friend. At least, your enemies won’t slit your throat while you sleep.” Antony’s words were friendly, but Gaius could hear in the undertone the unfortunate truth.
“Antony! Come, it is time we leave,” one of the older senators called out.
Antony turned to face his father, his face beaming with excitement.
“Father, come over here and see who has graced us with his presence.”
Varro was puzzled for a moment, not sure whom he was looking at as he walked over and stood next to his son. But then he recalled the young man that stood before him, as his eyes widen with genuine admiration.
“Young Gaius, is that really you?”
“Senator Varro, I am pleased to see you are doing well, sir.”
“Well, look at you, an officer in Rome’s legions, and one of Valerius’ Wolves too. Wonderfully done, my boy.”
“I am honored to serve Rome, and the Sixth Legion, sir.”
“As you should be, he is famed and respected, even among us older senators. I’ll tell you what, I’m having a get-together with a few friends at my city estate, and I would be honored if you could attend this evening as my guest.”
“Yes, that would be a brilliant idea, father,” Antony eagerly spoke.
“Oh, I don’t know. I wouldn’t wish to impose. We are only in the city for a short while,” Gaius replied, as he wasn’t sure he was ready for this sudden reunion.
Antony leaned closer to him and spoke softly into Gaius’ ear.
“Julia will be there. I know for a fact that she will be very excited to see you again, after so many years apart.”
Gaius’ posture suddenly changed at hearing Antony speak of his sister. His mind worked out what his answer would be as he wanted, needed to see her again. However, the prospect also frightened him terribly. Nevertheless, he gave his answer with a warm smile.
“Then, I will make the effort to come.”
“Excellent. Until tonight,” Varro said before he turned and rejoined his fellow senators.
“I think he likes you better than me,” Antony jokingly commented as he placed his hand on Gaius’ shoulder. “Unfortunately, I have too much boring work that needs taken care of, and so little time to do it. Now, I must take my leave, old friend. Tonight, around six, the same house we stayed in during our first trip to Rome as boys. You do remember where it is, don’t you?” Antony asked.
“I think I can manage,” Gaius replied warmly.
