Domina Victrix

Chapter 100: 41 AD, Rome, Antioch, and Germanic Frontier

Lepidus sorted through stacks of tablets on a table in a tavern, somewhere deep in Germania. Within hours after Caligula's banquet, Italicus had gotten word to him of Ptolemy's death and that Claudius, as Consul, was taking charge of Rome's government. He rescinded the order for Marcus' arrest but directed Lepidus to continue heading for Treverorum. Lepidus resumed command of the Empire's armies on the move, needing to make any arrangements quickly. Caligula remained incapacitated, for now. So much the better, but it likely would not last. Fortuna brought him some stew and bread and saw a pile of documents.

"I'll work those up after dinner," she said.

She was proving to be a big help, along with a young Guardsman named Balba. Fortuna was a traditional society wife. Unlike Victoria or Antylla, she had shown no inclination to Army life. When they left Rome, he expected her to do what many women would have done, lose her crap and want to go home. Instead, she learned to cook on a campstove and helped him set up a traveling office, becoming his secretary. He took the lead-rope off her horse, and she kept up with him as though they had trained together.

Balba was another surprise. The Guard recruited mainly proven, experienced officers and men from the legions with outstanding records. But it also allowed residents of Rome to enlist. Minimum age was sixteen. Young men of good families often joined up for the experience before posting out to a legion. They were usually officer-dandies who expected a glamorous life, were stupid as rocks, and useless. Balba was more like Artos and Urusillus. He had an opportunity to learn directly from his commander and he was lapping it up. He and Fortuna were a tight squad around Lepidus and he appreciated it. He picked up a report from Lucius.

....Mithradates has trouble at home and may be induced to pull out of Armenia. I have directed Victoria to work her sources in Pontus and Thrace regarding trade incentives on the Black Sea to give him a reason to move along. She and Bolt should be here soon...

If anyone could work Parthia and Pontus, two perpetual pains in the ass, it was Lucius and Victoria. Flavius and Decius Messala had a handle on Judea and Agrippa was preparing to head there to assume his kingdom. Egypt was quiet. Lepidus was aware of increased agitation in Britannia, and that Gaul was in excellent hands. He opened Aetius' report.

...My kinsmen remain committed to peace, for now, and are bringing more of their tribes around. I will attend another conference with them this week. Brennus and Iolarix have been working among the unreconciled Belgic tribes, the Eburones in particular. Ambiorix' son leads them now. Sigismund is interested in meeting and speaking with Iolarix and Young Ambiorix. Marcus has detached Iolarix to me to continue the peace process...

Lepidus knew he had Artos to thank that the Vascons and Aquitanii were peaceful, the Belgians were quieting down, and that Antedius and Caratacus had not made a move yet. Aetius was an experienced diplomat and was opening doors in Germania. That left Mauretania. When the news of Juba's brother's killing reached their homeland, it would go up in arms like nothing Tacfarinas had ever imagined. Meanwhile, Italicus had written.

...The Divine One is on the mend. He hopes to attend the chariot races in his new circus and maybe we will have news then...

Lepidus hoped so. It was time for Sabinus and Chaerea to make a move.

....

Claudius hobbled through the darkened halls of the Domus Augusta. No one was around other than Guardsmen, ushers, and palace staff. Terrified by Caligula's erratic behavior, the usual courtiers and favor-seekers stayed away. It had been weeks since the Senate was in session. Rome was far from paralyzed, but certainly ill and needed someone to pick up the pieces. Young Agrippina came out of the Imperial apartments, as worn and frazzled as everyone else.