Caligula paced the deck of the barge carrying him up the Rhonor River from Massillia to Lugdunum. Now the father of a little girl, named for her late Aunt Drusilla, he had left Milonia at home. He had also made it clear to Castillus Bricius that wives need not be part of the official welcome. That would eliminate him having to deal with either Lepida or Antylla. The barge slid into the mooring of the docks along the River. He could already see the welcomimg committee, and two other people he had no desire to meet.
Dockmen lowered the gangplank and spread swaths of purple linen covered with fragrant rose petals. A god did not tread on mere wood, stone, or earth. Caligula walked onto land with Claudius trailing him, noting that the cheering of the citizens in Lugdunum was nowhere near as enthusiastic as it had been in Massillia. His anger rose at the ingratitude. Rome had blessed Gaul with citizenship, trade, jobs, protection. The least its people could do was to humbly acknowledge those facts with their cheers. Castillus Bricius came forward, knelt, and kissed the Emperor's ring. Beaky also stepped forward, but Caligula waved him away.
"Divine One, may I present my nephew, Iolarix of Gaul," Castillus said.
Caligula's instructions had been explicit. He had no desire to see any wild Gauls, in so many words. Gallia Celtica was a Roman province and its citizens would dress and behave accordingly. Iolarix did not smile as he came forward and only bowed to kiss the ring. He was dressed as a Roman prefectus alae, with some exceptions. He wore leather braccaes and closed boots, also arm bracers, and a silver circlet around his brow. Small silver rings were visible in his ears. His weapons were custom and Caligula had no doubt they had some connection to Vercingetorix.
He had also specified that Iolarix himself was to bring no retainers, but two men stood behind him. Iolarix introduced Deiatorianus' son, his blond hair in a braid down his back. There was another tribune, with red hair, also a Celt of some kind. Caligula was not fooled, knowing why the King had selected these officers to accompany him. Celts loved showy displays of their status, piling on jewelry and trailing retinues of servants. He wondered how much mental effort Iolarix had spent coming up with ways to flout his instructions.
Castillus led the way into an atrium, where samples of Celtic art and other products of the province were displayed on tables. The Emperor could see local dignitaries, properly dressed in tunics and togas, no sign of breeches, checked cloth, or long hair. Artisans stood proudly by their wares. Another tall, thin blond man approached Iolarix, spoke to him in Greek, then took his place with the officers.
"The King would be honored to show you some samples of Gaulish industry and crafts, Divinity, while we await dinner," Castillus said.
"No need," Caligula snapped. "We can see them from here. We should like to freshen up before the banquet."
"Of course, Divine One," Castillus said.
Caligula turned and saw a statue carved in local stone and a display of red glazed pottery.
"Dreadful stuff," he sniffed.
He was aware of Iolarix as the Governor turned to lead them out of the room. The King was hiding his displeasure behind a deadpan face but Caligula knew he had felt the cut. Claudius had to interject.
"I would be honored to see more of these things, Divinity, if His Excellency would indulge me."
"Suit yourself," Caligula snapped.
He left with Castillus, but Beaky stayed behind. He relaxed and dropped all formality.
"Artos, this is my Cousin Claudius."
Iolarix extended a hand, his eyes lighting in a genuine smile.
"You were born here, My Lord," he said.
YOU ARE READING
Domina Victrix
Historical FictionDescendants of Triumvir Mark Antony through his little-known first wife, young cousins, Victoria and Marcus, have always known they were heirs to a mixed-blessing heritage. Roman men were expected to brutally dominate their families and the world a...
