Enemy of Rome Read Free Page B

weakened.’
    Titus nodded carefully. ‘I will think on that; we can discuss it more fully later. Now, you must leave me. I have letters to write to my father and my brother Domitianus.’ He was already reaching for his stylus and missed Valerius’s startled reaction. Titus’s brother was Valerius’s rival for the affections of Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo’s daughter, and the last time they’d met Valerius had threatened to remove certain parts of Domitianus’s anatomy and make him eat them. ‘He is trapped in Rome, but under the protection of my uncle Sabinus. I—’
    A bustle of activity from the doorway made Titus look up, and Valerius turned as a heavy-set, older man in a legate’s sculpted breastplate and red sash entered the tent. Titus smiled a welcome. ‘Marcus Antonius Primus, commander of the Danuvius legions.’
    The big man nodded, but a frown shadowed his face as he noticed Valerius for the first time.
    ‘Don’t I know you?’

III
    ‘I do not believe I have been able to convince him.’ Titus outlined his problem the next day as his entourage prepared to leave for the East. He kept his voice so low Valerius had to strain to catch the words. ‘My father did not wish to give a direct order to a commander in the field, because he is aware how quickly conditions can change and opportunities arise. In an experienced and thoughtful general that would be well enough, but Primus is a gambler by nature. My greatest fear is that his impetuosity could place this army in danger. We can win, Valerius. We will win. But to do that we must husband our resources, and the battle-tested troops of the Danuvius frontier are our greatest asset.’ He looked Valerius in the eye and his next words contained a challenge. ‘I rely on you to be my agent in this.’
    Valerius almost laughed. ‘What makes you think Marcus Antonius Primus will listen to me? The man blames me for destroying his career. Even with Serpentius watching my back I’ll be lucky to last a week without having my throat slit or hemlock slipped into my wine. What was it he said when he recognized me?’ He shook his head at the memory of Primus’s violent reaction; the bulging eyes, the purple distended features, the hands that had twitched for his throat. ‘“If I had known you were in Aquila’s custody I would have had you strung up by your own intestines and personally lit the fire beneath your feet.” Those aren’t the words of someone who’ll thank me for giving him military advice.’
    Titus smiled. ‘It’s true his initial reaction wasn’t encouraging, but I’ve spoken to him. He’s not a fool, Valerius. He knows this campaign is his opportunity to return to high office, but the only way he’ll ever wear a consul’s toga and march behind twelve lictors is if he wins victories. I’ve told him my father values your services, and that he should keep you close for your knowledge of Vitellius and his generals. He understands the importance of your experiences at Placentia and Bedriacum. Your rank of
tribunus laticlavius
is restored and the Spaniard appointed your servant and personal bodyguard. Primus will never like you, Valerius, but he will be happy to use you. As long as you are of use to him, he’ll keep you alive.’
    ‘It’ll be like being chained to a tiger with toothache.’ Valerius knew he protested in vain. ‘And the outcome is likely to be just as painful.’
    The other man laughed. ‘Yes, that would sum it up rather well. But Gaius Valerius Verrens has experience of riding tigers. You survived Nero’s enmity while men like Corbulo and Seneca were swept away. You alone paved the way for Galba’s march on Rome. Who else but Gaius Valerius Verrens would have dared to demand that Aulus Vitellius give up the purple?’ Valerius stifled a denial. They both knew Titus was exaggerating. He had survived Nero by fleeing with Vespasian’s help. Other men had guided Galba to the throne. Honour and duty had dictated he must