Soldier of Rome: The Last Campaign (The Artorian Chronicles) by James Mace

government willingly. And if he will not, then you must hear his case for maintaining the position of emperor, rather than restoring Rome to a republic.”
    “We thank you for having spoken on our behalf,” Quintus replied. “ I know it is a heavy burden for you, given your friendship with the… emperor . I think it also only prudent that we hear directly from those representatives who can readily speak on behalf of the legions.” He was clearly disappointed with Herod’s speech, and so he hoped that Sabinus and Vespasian would provide the reassurance the senate was looking for, in that they would not have another Caesar, but would rather hand the rule of Rome back to the senate.
    “Consul,” Sabinus said, stepping forward, “members of the senate. I do not wish to convey upon you a false sense of hope in the restoration of the republic. Our friend, Agrippa, speaks true in that the army as a whole is loyal to the office of the emperor. I must take this even further and implore the senate not to try and compel Claudius to step down from his position as Caesar. As the nephew of Tiberius, uncle of Caligula, and brother to the late Germanicus Caesar, he has more legitimate claim to the imperial throne than any. If he is induced into renouncing what is rightfully his, then the legions will be left to decide amongst themselves who should be Caesar. And make no mistake, the army wants a Caesar! I do not need to reiterate the calamity this will be for Rome, should we attempt to restore the republic. The legions will make war upon each other, as well as the city, vying for ultimate power, all the while leaving our frontiers unprotected.”
    “You speak for the good of the people,” Quintus said, cutting Sabinus short. “ But we must now hear from the people’s representatives in this matter.” He was becoming desperate at this point to find allies who would side with those in the senate wishing to restore the republic.
    Surprisingly, many had already stated that they would feel safer under the rule of an emperor, rather than relying on the senate to be the sole rulers of Rome.
    It was a desperate gamble, but all Quintus and his friends had left. He nodded to Cursor. “Tribune, what say the people?”
    “Consul,” Cursor replied, stepping up next to Sabinus. “The people stand with Claudius and the legions. He holds the rightful claim to be Caesar and, in the interest of the people, I ask the senate to confirm him in this capacity and stand with him in unity.”
    “Very well,” Quintus said with a nod of resignation. “As we do not have enough members present to have a quorum, this will have to wait until a delegation meets with Claudius, and we can recall all members of this body.” He made ready to dismiss the assembly, when Cursor raised his hand, interrupting him.
    “Your pardon, consul,” he said. “There is one last issue to be dealt with.”
    “Yes?” Quintus asked.
    Cursor closed his eyes momentarily and took a deep breath, hating his next words. And yet, justice required it of him. “It is with extreme regret that the people must also demand the arrest of Cassius Chaerea and those responsible for the murder of Gaius Caligula and his family.”
    “Are you mad, Cursor?” Cassius said, stepping forward, his face filled with rage.
    “I am sorry,” the tribune replied, “but the actions of this afternoon must be called into account. If the killing of Gaius Caligula was justified, then it must be shown to be so. Remember, whatever his follies, he was loved by many of the people, and they will call for justice. Let the case be made that his killing was not murder, but necessary for the good of Rome. And then there is the other matter; the slaying of his wife and infant daughter. For that, Cassius, there can be no justification.”
    As a squad of praetorians walked into the center of the senate floor, Cassius’ head dropped , and his eyes closed shut. It was as if, in that moment, he came to realize