Gaulish plagues

12

When Valerius left, Polina followed after him. She saw how he went to the fora. At the fora there was a big military presence. Polina also saw Saulina and Oliviana carrying baskets with olives. It was at this right moment that she saw the Jewish guy also walking on the fora. He met with two men that looked like provincial senators. They exchanged documents. 

Polina moved a bit closer. But then, she noticed one of the cult members that were chasing her and Saulina. She, therefore, moved closer towards the Jew and the two Provincial senators. She caught some of their conversation.

''So, Matthew, how long does it take to travel between your country and Spain?''

''eleven days through the Sahara highways before you arrive at Numidia, where a Roman legion is stationed, or at the Mediterranean coast. The same amount to arrive in Mauretania. From there its only sailing towards Spain.''

''You mentioned that there were Roman troops trying to invade your region?''

''That's true. Under Caligula an expansion in Africa began. However, only the Kingdoms Numidia and Mauretania were fully made Roman provinces, which were client kingdoms under Augustus and TIberius. The Israelite countries in the Nigerian region could not be subjected due to lack of manpower and administration among the Roman-African troops. Also, Claudius turned his attention to Britain. So the troops across the Sahara had to return.''

''We didn't knew Rome was even expanding so far...''

''Rome is expanding wherever they can. To prevent a future attempt of annexation of my country I want to intensify our trade relations with Mauretania and Spain. By moving wealth from my country into Mauretania and Spain the Romans will view me and my people as an ally - not an enemy nor potential province.''

''I don't think you ought to worry about that, Matthew. Britain will be a difficult region to maintain for Rome. There is no evidence at this moment that the subjection of Britain would even be a success. These are exciting, but also difficult times. If the annexation of Britain fails, then this will lead to doubt among the citizens of the Empire. This doubt could lead to ethnic urges for independence from the Roman state. If this happens, the whole Empire and with that, the whole world, would collapse.''

''That's why I offer my economy to Spain, on the condition that Spain will open itself to my people also.''

''We will discuss the matter with the Governors of Spain. We will also contact the governor of Aquitania. Spain if also quite dependent upon the markets of Aquitania.''

''That's good! I have around 2000 migrants from my country, who are residing in Aquitania. They will become my enclave within the Roman world.''

''Are you sure you want to..''

''Fear not! Those 2000 people will live within their own exclusive villages, with their own guards and their own leaders. Taxes will be paid to the Empire. And I will leave an ambassador behind in Aquitania and three within the provincial capitals of Spain. They will keep me updated about the developments within the Empire and they will receive continual news about the Israelite countries and Hamite chiefdoms in Western Africa. I hope gentlemen, that we can make a final agreement within two weeks. I will leave soon to my homeland, but I will only leave after the arrangement are settled.''

''The Province Baetica is a senatorial province. That province is ruled directly by the senate, not by the Emperor. This means that the Senate will have to approve your diplomats before they can operate within the province. The Imperial provinces are left to the whims of its governors and regional client kings. So in those provinces, like Aquitania and Lusitania, you can get away with almost anything - as long as you pay off the politicians.''

''That's why I'm investing in the Provinces that border with the Atlantic Ocean. That way our relations are deemed worthy to flourish!''

''Just remember that the annexation of Britain will also divert attention away from Spain and towards Britain. This will create a huge power vaccuum. This will not be any problem. But... assure us, Matthew, King of Jahawidah, that you have no imperialistic agenda to colonise places within Spain..''

''I don't! My military force wouldn't be capable to cope with the defense of annexed Roman territory. Neither do I plan to sacrifice Hebrew lives for such a profane matter. Grabbing land and dominating it is the job of the Romans. That's what they do the best. Let them have their mission to spread their civilisation. Me, I want to provide for my people, and I want Spain and Mauretania to Roman peaceful. I have no intention of receiving thousands of refugees from the Roman would because things are falling apart here. So, gentlemen, do we have a deal?''

''Wait three days, your excellency, we will call you to Baetica once we can sign the Treaties. The treaties will take about a week to be ratified in Rome. And within three months they will be active.''

''Good! Then I will depart now! Enjoy your day gentlemen!''

They greet on another and depart. 

''So, Polina, did you enjoy listening to our discussion..''

''I didn't mean to...  I just passed by..''

''It's all right! Just admit it!''

''So, you are that African king they are talking about?''

''Israelite!  Not African!''

''All right, Israelite! You do know that the Roman political world is quite hostile towards Jewish people, don't you?''

''I know it all!''

''Then why are you still here? They can also arrest you and you'll never see your homeland again.''

''I'm confident that such fears are not in place.''

''For a ruler of a country you are a bit naive.''

''Thanks for your compliment!''

''Don't feel offended Matthew! Do you have a backup plan?''

Matthew began thinking.

''You do have a backup plan, don't you?''

''I don't''

''What?!''

''Look, Polina. Life is a risk. Life is the Great Adventure that we all are commanded by the Creator to undertake. Not undertaking the call to the Great Adventure will lead to a sterile, void and empty existence. I know I'm taking a bit risk. But it's a risk that's worth it. My ancestors fled from Judea due to the brutal oppression by the Greek rulers. They landed in the Black River delta, which is called Nigeria, by the Greeks and Romans. There they founded towns and villages. After some decades whole countries came into existence. We even outgrew, in number, the Hamite chiefdoms that were residing in the shores between the Green cape and the Black river delta. We have become the majority over there quite quickly. If my Judean ancestors remained in Judea they would have probably been massacred by the Greek authorities of either Syria or Egypt. Now, the Judeans across the Sahara are one of the wealthiest peoples on the Earth. They are even more wealthy than the Judeans that are still residing in their ancestral homeland Judea. We live there free from Roman rule, even though we are subject to Roman economic dominance. That's why I take this risk.''

''I never thought about it that way.''

''If your people has been enslaved multiple times by diverse empires and kingdoms throughout history, you learn to think ahead as a people. You are from Savaria? Right? That's a country that has never been under such pressure as the Judeans. Therefore, your people have a different mindset then I have.''

''We are, however, under the risk of becoming a Roman province. That's why Rome took political hostages. This to force Savaria to comply with the economical demands of the Senate. The Senate wants Savaria-Carbonia to trade exclusively with Rome in their marbles and jewels. This demand is met as long as they have hostages. I grew up in the Roman world, even though, I still remember something about my homeland. Well, I'll better be going now. Saulina is expecting me over at the hotel.''