Domina Victrix

Chapter 56: 28 AD, Antioch, Rome, and Caesarea

Dawn broke over Antioch as lights came on in the Antony town house. Marcus, Gaius, Marius, Drusus, Nero, and Artorius Bricius, Sr., gathered around Marcus' worktable for a breakfast of leftovers. Marius would be holding the open house for the family's many clients and contacts, before heading to the castrum for the rest of the day.

"Thank you," Marcus said. "It must just be my age but dealing with that crap pisses me off anymore."

"Not a problem," Marius said. "I only hope that when I'm old and pissed off, Marillus, Metellus, or Marcellus will do it for me."

As the breakfast broke up, Bricius asked to see Marcus and Gaius alone.

"Please don't tell us you want a transfer," Gaius said. "We lost Luke to Ephesus last week."

"This is the only posting I've had that I didn't want to bug out of," Bricius said. "It's about Junior. I need to get him set up."

Marcus chuckled.

"Antylla or Diana?"

"I'll let him make that call," Bricius said. "My Artos is smarter than most, and bullheaded, and if he thinks he's being forced, he'll make it miserable on everyone. He wants to go to college in either Alexandria or Athens."

"Antylla wants to go live with Lucius and Layla to go to school in Alexandria," Gaius said. "So why rush any of them into marriage?"

"We are still chiefs of our tribe back home," Bricius said. "My father holds the position now. My eldest brother is in Mauretania, with no living children. My next eldest brother is in Rome, with the Guard, but technically a hostage. He has no surviving children. Next is myself and my son. Father is already shopping him around in Gaul. But Junior, he doesn't take to people or places he doesn't know. I want to marry him now, and keep him here with me another year or two, then send him to school. He knows your family and is comfortable here, and wants to get back to studying something."

"Be aware they watch us, too," Marcus said. "Beaky and Bolt are our hostages, so are Drusus and Nero."

"I understand," Bricius said. "I just thought maybe we could combine resources."

"It's worth a shot," Gaius said. "Let us know who he feels comfortable with, and we'll check with the girls."

"Thank you," Bricius said.

....

Young Aeneas Burrus, now a Decanus or squad leader, followed Aulus Rufio, Jr., Young Aulus Verus, and Spurius Crispinus as they trudged up the street to the Antony home. He was not and had never been a morning person, and being the son, grandson, and great-grandson of Primi Pilii was a mixed blessing. Some would consider a posting to the headquarters guard a plum assignment. He considered it a joke. His grandfather, Old Aelius, had been the most decorated First Rank in the history of XII. He did not get that way by watching ladies shop and run errands. At least the Antony women, including Julia Livia, were decent enough. Aemilia was a bitch.

Rufio knocked on the kitchen door and opened it. Keziah, Sejana, Fortuna, Diana, Antylla, and Julia were gathered at the table, planning their day.

"Come on in," Fortuna said. "Breakfast?"

"We already ate, Lady," Rufio said.

"I know, but you're welcome to more if you need it," she said. "Keziah and Aunt Sejana, Julia and I are visiting patronages. Diana will be with Lady Urracca this morning and teaching languages and tutoring this afternoon. Antylla is working with Melita and Vinicia today."

"Burrus will accompany you, Lady Fortuna," Rufio said. "Crispinus will go with Lady Keziah and Lady Sejana, Verus will be with Lady Diana. I will work with Lady Antylla today."