~^~
The line between honor and horror is grey. Yet, war must be fought for change, for something better to take place.
~Zolav~
I enjoy plans. I think they are necessary to keep order and to try to control things from becoming complicated and costly. But, I also hate plans because there are times where everything will still be unplannable and turn to chaos. If I could be honest to the Senate, I would tell them how their organization of power is confusing. It's hard to tell who does what anymore.
Caesar had been certain. He wants to chase them and make them pay. And yet, my position is now compromised. Our troops had been halted in the vicinities of the republic. While Caesar had his own set of legions, they moved on, my last information had told me, yet I am halted.
News of uprising had spread far and loud. Old wars never really stop. A band of revolutionaries is what they are, they told me, and they have their own centuries as well. Thus, my legion must remain here until Caesar sends anymore instruction. He, however, is continuing his chase of Anthony and his mistress. Traitors of Rome.
I walk around the tent, trying to clear my mind and think of my next moves. The revolutionaries must be searched. At least, I'd have to ensure they are not near.
"Avitus," I call and the soldier parts the tent and enters. He is a young man, maybe seventeen, with trusting eyes and unweathered loyalty. A kind of soldier you would like to have within your troops. Avitus and his close friends had been by my side throughout this conflict and was with me on the one before.
"Yes, Tribunus Macatus?"
"I am still weary of these revolutionaries. I'm sure they are not of a threat. But, we must simply be careful." I pause, thinking for a moment. "I want scouts. Have four sets of three patrolling outside the perimeter. In the woods, especially. If there are spies, then we'd should find something there."
Avitus nods. "I'll have the sets begin within the hour." With that he leaves, quick to do his job.
My chest still feels heavy. The sourness stayed since I left Rome. What is going to happen? I hope whatever it is, it'll happen here not in Rome. Eris should remain safe with her father. No one harms member of the Senate. Or at least there are too many protection for them to be successful.
I turn towards the desk, looking at the map that spread on it. There lies the map of the world. Rome in the middle with its surrounding. A wooden piece marks the position of Claudius with his legions and the other wood, painted a light red, marks my own. There is about a length of a finger between the two. I sigh, my fists tightening. I should be there. Not here, minding a legion who could do more good in the midst of war.
I heard more footsteps.
"Avitus, I really need you to do what I commanded now. What more could--" I say without looking back, the boy rarely needed to be told twice, but my words are cut.
"Avitus is here again? Well, your attachment begins to worry me." The voice quickly cuts me off. It was confident and maybe a little cocky. My smile comes naturally. I turn around gladly at the sight of a sharp-faced man. He is raising one eyebrow.
"Four months I've been gone. Why haven't you send a search party?" He adds, mockingly.
"I figure you're off on one of your adventures. Life of a free man and all." I shrug.
He chuckles as he walks towards me, and we shake hands. His name is Kyrus. I've known him for quite some time. I met him the first time I became a soldier, in the woods during the Battle of Munda. God knows what he was doing in those woods. But, Kyrus have always been everywhere. He doesn't have family nor title, so he doesn't get conscripted or force to do anything he doesn't wish to. Sometimes when the pressures of my work comes, I wish to be him. But if I were him, I wouldn't have Eris and couldn't be able to truly have her. Marriages are complicated between different classes.
"When one wins his freedom, one should abuse it." He smiles. "Why are you not with the second Caesar? I thought you'd be in the center of it all."
He is right. I was always in the thick of everything. Probably risking my life far too much but that is where the honor truly is. That is where I could feel my heart beating and to feel that I am doing what I was born to do with my life. But, I can't always get what I want.
I sigh, not glad to be reminded of my current state. "Unfortunately, I do not command to my own needs." If only there is a way to make us move right now, I'd do it.
"You are Tribunus Laticlavius. A legatus' second in command. Your word is law." Kyrus reminds me.
He isn't wrong. But, the nature of power is far too hazy.
"Yes. I do the job of a legate who is far too inebriated to get from his villa to the sight of battle. But, I can't command a legion to leave a place without the legatus' approval. But his training or instinct--"
"--is nowhere as good as yours. You have to do what you believe. And fast." Kyrus finish. His tone is turning urgent.
I stare at him.
"What is it, Kyrus?"
"I really shouldn't speak. It is not my place."
"When has that stopped you?" I urge on. I am beginning to worry. Kyrus is rarely ever distraught or worried.
"I was in Rome. The Cornelii house started a celebration. A gathering of sorts. It should go on for another week," Kyrus pauses, he looks at me with a pained expression. "He's choosing husbands for her, Zolav. He's lining them up and having her socialize with them."
I freeze.
My mind couldn't process what he is trying to tell me--What he has told me. How could Baraulus do this me? I thought he had known since long. I have made my intentions clear to him, that I wish to ask for her daughter's hand. I know that Baraulus would have known. The man is more a father to me than my own. He would have known me.
"I can't--What can I do?" I whisper.
Kyrus clears his throat. "You have to return. You have to tell her."
A sad chuckle escape my lips. "Look where we are, Kyrus. I can't just return. I am a Tribunus, I have my duties. If I return without considering the facts, then I might lose everything." I glance at him, feeling heavily pushed down with every second that passes. I feel like my legs are sinking into the ground, held back by the thick, hot mud that would soon swallow me.
"Look around you. There is no war here. The bloody Legatus is playing with all of you because he fears consequences."
"I know that." I sigh, closing my eyes.
He approaches me, places a hand on my shoulder. "It is not within my power to stop this. I can't stop a Roman's engagement, you understand? But I can keep watch of her, where she goes, who she chooses. But, I tell you, Zolav, that you must make your choice too. Will you fight for the woman you love? Or your title?"
That is no choice at all.
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A/N: Hello, I hope you found this interesting. I find Zolav difficult to write sometimes because he's so moral about his job and yet he's so caring for Eris. So it's hard to divide that line as to what he will do? I wonder, what do you think about his options?
~ Redhotsmolder
