“Order, we shall have order!” shouted Robertus, slamming his staff loudly on the white marble senate floor. The harsh noise and his croaky voice echoed through the ancient senate building and beyond, the timeless stone a long standing witness to these squabbles.

  Clodius sighed, his head in his hand as the arguing got out of control once again. Not even the senators in his own party were acting any better. He was almost jealous of Ruth at present. She never had to deal with such a wretched sound. With silence finally dragged into the room, Clodius got to his feet, adjusting his white toga.

  “Clodius Decimus has the floor,” said Robertus. Already, Clodius could see his opposition grumbling and waving him off dismissively. While those on his side were cheering him on. He liked the neutral ones in the middle the best, at least they didn’t act like children.

  Clodius cleared his throat. “Thank you.” He puffed out his chest and tried to make himself as tall and confident as he could. “I would like to finally address the matter of the Godshards and their island. I push the motion to recognize their territory as neutral ground, not subject to our laws and will.” As expected, the bitter grumble loudened at his stance on the matter, several booing rather fiercely. “The Godshards have long been our allies and friends. They may do things differently than us, but they work best when they have their autonomy. It is to our benefit.”

  “This is nonsense!” spat another senator. He stood up, his balding black hair was greasy, and his face twisted into an angry glare. Clodius fought to hide a grumble. Of course Josephus Venatus would be the voice of opposition here. “It is true that Adam and his followers have long been friends and allies of Primus. But they live in such squalid conditions! It vexes this republic. Why is this an issue at all? We merely wish to pay back the Godshards for all the good they’ve done. Give them a proper home, people to tend to them, money for their coffers. Their island is certainly large enough. Why must they refuse our help?”

  Clodius grumbled. “You know why, Josephus. There is a quid pro quo that we would be thrusting upon them. There would be a rush of senators and particians desiring to curry favor from the Godshards. In exchange, you would use them to your own ends. You would make them dependent on your patronage.”

  Josephus scoffed. “We are not so boorish, Clodius. I do not wish to control the Godshards.” Josephus gave a knowing smile and would have sweetened his voice if he could. “I merely wish to offer my considerable wealth and resources to their aid. I would never make them do something they don’t want to do.”

  Clodius frowned. “They do not need our help! They are fully capable of defending themselves, of supporting themselves. This is a non-issue for them.”

  Another senator stood next to Josephus. “Don’t be a fool, Clodius,” said Leonidas Brutus. “They are more vulnerable now than ever! Their leader is a dumb deaf girl.”

  Clodius crossed his arms. “Have you actually met her?” Clodius pointed an accusing finger at the row of senators opposing him. The politicians behind him cheered louder as he did so. “I didn’t see either of you at Elias’ funeral. Too afraid to come down from your villas and your parties to see what the common man has to deal with?”

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Leonidas rolled his eyes, and the senators next to him spat curses his way. “You might be content to dabble with the rabble, but we had more important things to take care of, like helping our people.”

  Josephus gave a cruel smirk. “He’s little better than a plebian himself these days. It was a miracle you won the Consulship. You’re a disgrace to your family, Clodius.”

  Clodius fists clenched as he tried to ignore the barbs. “You daft fools know nothing of the people! To get back to the point, you didn’t meet her. She had an aura, a passion and ambition in her eyes. It was at least as strong as Elias, and it reminded me of the stories of Adam.”

  “We just have your word to go on. Looks can be deceiving, too, the candles may be lit, but no one is actually home,” said Leonidas.

  “Like how a deluded plebeian thinks he can be a Consul of War,” said Josephus with a loud laugh. “All it would take is a Maelim warband to come charging in, and they’ll scatter in the winds. If that island falls into their hands, they’d have a foothold into the Cradlelands that we cannot hope to dislodge!” Josephus pointed a finger. “The days of Adam are over. The Godshards need us now. You need to get with the times, Clodius.”

  Robertus stepped forward, his arms up. “That is quite enough, you three. Let’s put it to a vote. Who supports Clodius?” All the senators on his side stood up. “Who supports Josephus?” All the senators behind Josephus got to their feet. The third group of senators remained seated and their faces were unreadable. Scattered politicians from both parties encouraged them to stand, but their leader, Mathias Julius, wouldn’t budge either way. Clodius cursed under his breath. Yet another debate with no victor. At least it bought the Godshards more time.

  …………

  No sooner had Clodius left the Senate building that trouble greeted him. How depressingly typical. The stairs to the senate building were so often busy and teeming with people. A messenger on a great white unicorn struggled to push his way through the crowd.

  “Imperator!” he shouted. “Consul, we have dire news!”

  Clodius put on his professional veneer as he got to him. “What’s wrong?”

  “Maelim Imperator! An army of incredible size! They’ve come from the western woods! They’ve sacked Submersio!”

  The crowd of people gasped, and they stammered back. Clodius’ eyes widened. “What about the legion garrisoned there?”

  The messenger gulped. “They were wiped out.”

  Clodius' jaw dropped. He regained his composure quickly. “Where are they headed?”

  “Hard to say for sure, but it’s looking like they’re heading east.”

  Clodius’ eyes narrowed. On the one hand, they weren’t pushing further into the Cradlelands. But then what were they going after? Clodius paled as the pieces came into place, Adam’s Island. Clodius cursed, there’s no way they could beat the Maelim there!

  “I hope you’re happy now!” spat Josephus. Evidently he came to the same conclusion. “We’ve just lost that island and the Godshards! You blathering fool!”

  Clodius whipped back to face him. “Silence, you vile wretch! Even if you had your way, it would have been too late. I am the Consul of War, do not question me now!” Clodius didn’t even look to see how he reacted. He leapt off the stairs and into the street, the messenger rushing to keep pace. Clodius barked orders all the while. If he was lucky, he would have at least two, possibly three, legions to bring to bear.

  He shook his head as he thought about the island. Ruth told him that she could handle herself. He prayed to the gods that she was right.