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=== Colonia Iulia, Rhegnum Gothaie; Januarius 137 AD ===

It was late at night as the ten mysterious men sat around a campfire in the open field. The men were all conversing, some telling jokes, others stories, when finally the ring leader raised his hand.

“Silence!” he bellowed to the men. Almost immediately all that could be heard was the flickering of the fire into the moon light.

“Alright…We’ve got important business to attend to. You all know the plan right?”

All of the men nodded in concert.

“Excellent, and remember, we are not to touch the family, only gag them and keep them quiet. There’s no need to kill innocent people”.

The men nodded in agreement.


Later that night in the Provincial capital, Lucius Ovidius smiled as he said goodbye to his co-workers at the administrative building. “See you all tomorrow,” he waved to his friends.

Soon Lucius headed home. It was a long week and he was happy to be out of work. He was stuck at another city meeting which tended to drag on for hours at times, especially since he controlled a lot of the city finances. As he opened the door he yelled, “Honey, I’m home!”

To Lucius’s surprise, nobody replied to him, not even his children who would usually greet their father. “Julia? Where are you?”

Lucius continued walking through the house now becoming very suspicious. As he walked into the bedroom, he couldn’t see too well since none of the candles were lit. Suddenly out of nowhere, he could hear someone trying to scream as if they were gagged. “Julia?” he exclaimed.

Suddenly Lucius heard a flicker behind him, and he turned around instantly. There was a man holding a freshly lit candle, just looking at him. Lucius tried to make out some of the details of his face but his face remained in the shadows. Now Lucius was frightened as he knew someone had broken into his home.

“Oh you’ve startled me, please, tell me you haven‘t harmed my family!” Lucius pleaded.

The man stood silent for a moment, “Your family is safe.” he finally assured Lucius.

“Why have you come here?!” Lucius asked.

“We want the names of others throughout the north in the government who provoked Lucius Verus to spring the rebellion. Tell us, and you and your family will be safe.”

Lucius’s eyes widened as he realized the severity of the situation. He then tried to take another step forward in an attempt to get a better look at the man standing before him.

“Not another word! Or your wife gets it!” the mysterious man shouted.

Suddenly in the background a women’s voice could be heard struggling.

“Julia! Julia my dear are you alright?!” Lucius shouted.

But there was no reply. It was obvious someone had gagged her.

“Alright! Alright I’ll talk. But promise me you won’t hurt my family!” Lucius exasperated.

Over the next few minutes, Lucius spelled out the names of several high ranking Roman and native officials throughout the north who had been implicated as supporting the northern rebellion. Finally when he was done he decided to make another plea to the man.

“There! That’s everybody! Now can you please let my family go? Just don’t hurt them,” he cried as he fell to his knees.

As he was kneeling on the floor he cried, thinking of what might become of his family. Finally, the man with the lit candle moved into the light as he placed his face near inches from Lucius’s.

“Now that was easy, wasn’t it?”

Lucius’s mouth opened wide as he was slowly moving away from the man, when all of the sudden…

Clunk! All was black.



=== Arx Praeclarus, Two Days Later ===

“You’ll never get me Sejanus!” Galsuenda teased as she continued to run around Sejanus’s desk.

Sejanus darted left, but quickly Galsuenda moved right, keeping the desk between them as an obstacle. He then moved right, and she moved left. Finally Galsuenda darted towards the door as Sejanus tackled her to the ground.

They laid on the ground laughing like school children. Soon Sejanus was tickling her stomach as she laughed uncontrollably. Suddenly Sejanus paused, and the two got silent as they gazed into each other’s eyes.

“I love you… Sejanus,” Galsuenda confessed, breaking the silence.

Sejanus smiled, not speaking a word as he kissed her passionately. Sejanus hadn’t seen his wife or even heard from her in nearly two years now. Sejanus met Sempronia soon after getting to Arx Praeclarus. She was eighteen years old, while Sejanus was now thirty, but his wife back in Rome was only a couple of years older at twenty years old, so it didn’t even phase him. She was the daughter of a local blacksmith, Wulfgar, from a town nearby Arx Praeclarus. He had met her on route to the fortress, and invited her as a guest. But they enjoyed each other’s company, so she never left. Her father was not too happy with her current living situation however, seeing as he supported the northern revolt and detested Romans. He had come by several times to reclaim his daughter, but each time she told him she wanted to stay up from the walls.

Overall, life was good however, and with Galsuenda Sejanus was happy. He was under a little bit of stress over the ongoing Gothic war between Theodoric and Vidimir, but considering they were both Roman allies, and that the Emperor forbid him from participating in the war, there was little to be concerned about. Furthermore, he knew that if either side attacked Rome that they would stomp them like a bug and ensure the other’s victory.

“Alright Glas, I’ve really got to get on with these reports,” Sejanus sighed.

“Oh Sejanus, you’re such a poop. Why don’t we play in bed more?” she replied with a wry smile.

Sejanus laughed, “Get out of here. I’ll see you tonight.”

“Fine” she replied as she gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

Scipio Sejanus Lupidius then sat intently in his office chambers as he looked out the window at the fortress surrounding him. As he sat there, he was reminded of the hellish winter he suffered through with Calidus Raeus Vitellius at Equestris while he watched the snow hit the ground. He then turned towards the reports on his desk and continued his correspondence with local officials and his Legates.

Suddenly Sejanus could hear a ruckus outside near the gates, as he turned his attention out the window once more. As he looked, he could see some of the gate keepers starting to raise their voice at one of the three men seeking entrance. The man at the center of this was mounted atop a white horse, with a thick coat. He finally dismounted from his horse and continued the verbal battle on foot. Soon thereafter, he tried running through the two guards, but they were too strong and he could never overbear them. Sejanus then began listening as he could finally make out some of the words coming from the man.

“I’m telling you! My name is Decius Lupidius! I’m the General’s brother!”

Sejanus’s eyes widened. He then squinted his eyes to try and get a better look at the man, and sure enough, it was in fact his older brother. In an instant, Sejanus sprang to his feet and put on a thick fur coat over his white tunic. He quickly ran out of the citadel and made it to the ground. As he ran closer to the gate he began to shout;

“Release that man!” Sejanus yelled while raising his right hand to signal for them to stop. The guards first looked at Sejanus with a strange expression, but they quickly complied with their superior commander. Sejanus then approached Decius. Before either of them said anything, Sejanus looked almost with disgust at his brother. He looked like some commoner, and he didn’t even have any bodyguards with him. The man definitely did not appear to be of patrician blood.

“Decius, do you know where the hell you are? What is the meaning of this? What is so important that you had to ride to the north during these winter months unprotected?” Sejanus inquired.

Decius smiled at his little brother, “Well look at you. It’s the little general!”

Sejanus simply glared into his older brother’s eyes. “What do you want Decius…tell me…”

Soon the smile wore off and Decius talked with a more serious tone, “Oh come Sejanus, I haven’t seen you in two years, you never returned our letters, you never even let us know whether you had even survived or whether you died with the Emperor himself. Why don’t you show me around the fort first, let me get to spend some quality time with my brother first, then I’ll tell you what I need to tell you.”

Sejanus sighed, “Alright, but first I’m going to give you some proper clothing. You’re a patrician after all.” Decius smiled as he moved to embrace his brother. After Decius changed his clothes, the two wandered around the fort. It was a vast complex, divided equally over a river. As they walked along the Western walls, Sejanus placed his hands on the walls and leaned forward as he looked out into the region.

“I’ve been happy out here Decius,” Sejanus said.

Decius followed after his brother and stood next to him, “I’m glad for you brother. Don’t you ever miss Rome though? And what about your family?”

Sejanus turned his head slightly as he gave his brother a grim look, “I do miss it, greatly in fact. I miss the hustle and bustle of the crowds, I miss being in the middle of the heart of our glorious empire. But what is left for me to come back to? I detest Arcadius, and mother is a meddling spinster whore…”

Decius smacked his brother on the back, “Don’t you talk about mother that way Sejanus! You do not know…the sacrifices she had to make for us when father died…and Uncle Augustus sacked the city.”

“I don’t care!” Sejanus shot back, “Between her and Arcadius, I have no reason to ever return. As it is, in most circles we’re a joke anyways…”

Decius simply shrugged, “Well if we’re a joke then of course you can see why Arcadius was always touting for the fall of the empire. And of course you can see why mother damned you when you signed up for the army. To be honest, it’s a miracle you were even able to make Senator, let alone get as far as you have. Sure, you’re not as rich as father or our grandfather was yet by any means, but look at you. You fought under Raeus Vitellius, you’re a Proconsular Legate, just like father was. You have an opportunity to restore our family reputation… and give us back our pride Sejanus.”

“You all do not deserve pride. While I was a Senator, the entire time Arcadius tried to use me as a money making tool. He tried to manipulate me against Rome. Last time I saw him, he struck me until I was unconscious. Is that a way to treat your brother when you know you might never see him again?” Sejanus retorted.

Decius shook his head, “I know, it was wrong Sejanus. But he is much older than us. He was old enough to live the life of grandeur with our father and grandfather. He’s old enough to remember living in the Lupidian palace, and watching grandfather become honored as Magister Militum. And he’s also old enough to remember when Rome shunned our once great family, and when our cousins disappeared. It’s no wonder he hates Rome so much. But he is sorry Sejanus, for hitting you at least. When he heard of Rome’s defeat he cried for you, we all did. And when you never let us know what happened to you…it almost tore Octavia apart.”

Sejanus’s ears perked at the mention of his wife’s name, “Octavia… how… how is she doing?”

Decius sighed, “She was heart broken Sejanus. She thought she lost you. And you can imagine how she felt when we heard that you survived.”

Sejanus shook his head, “I only married the woman for political reasons anyways Decius…you know that.”

Decius laughed, “Well look at Mr. Goody two shoes. You see? You’re not perfect either.”

Sejanus nodded, “What has she said about me?”

Decius tilted his head, “Well what do you think she’s been saying? Once she found out that you survived, she cursed your name for not letting her know.”

Sejanus laughed, “To hell with her. So cut the small talk Decius, what really brought you here today?”

Decius placed his hand on Sejanus’s shoulder, “Well, Mother is sick, that’s why. We’ve been told she’s got six months to a year. I figured it would be appropriate to tell you in person.”

Sejanus brushed his brother’s hand off of his shoulder as he looked out at the sunset again. “And I suppose she wants to see me before she dies?”

Decius nodded, “She’s proud of you…you know. She talks about you all of the time.”

Sejanus shook his head, “She’s probably got another scheme up her sleeve to get back at Rome or make a buck.”

“Oh come on Sejanus, you know she had to be tough to survive. She slept with all of those men to pay the bills and try to create the illusion that we were still a legitimate family. She almost had to give you up when you were only two years old because she barely had enough left from father to pay for the three of us. It’s no wonder she detests the fact that you’re fighting for the empire that forced her into such shambles” Decius scolded.

Sejanus sighed, “I guess it’s high time I returned home. But I’ll only do it when I have the time. I’m not leaving while I’ve got some Gothic rebellion going on.”

“And what about Octavia, should I say you sent for her?” Decius inquired.

Sejanus’s fist tightened as he thought about Octavia. It’s not that he didn’t like her, it was just that he was in love with Galsuenda, and that he only married his wife out of convenience not love. “Tell her…tell her to come up north , yes…”


=== Later That Night ===

Later that night Sejanus and Decius were just about ready to head to the dining hall. Decius was just about finished with the tour of the citadel when Galsuenda came running up to the two.

“Sejanus! I’ve missed you! What are we eating tonight?”

Before she could wrap her arms around Sejanus, he quickly brushed her off of him, “Oh… Galsuenda, hi how are you? This is my brother Decius” Sejanus exclaimed motioning towards his older brother.

Galsuenda looked at him confused as took a quick bow, “It’s great to meet you Decius, I’m Galsuenda.”

Sejanus then looked back at Galsuenda, “Galsuenda here is one of my favorite servants. She’s so fun to have around sometimes I let her eat with me.”

Decius smiled, “Oh really? Well don’t let me being here interrupt your plans, why don’t you join us?”

Galsuenda looked deeply into Sejanus’s eyes as she replied, “Well… sure… I’d love to.”

Sejanus could tell she was hurt, but he felt it was appropriate to keep it under the wraps considering his wife would be up soon. As they walked to the great hall, Sejanus brushed up next to her as he quickly whispered, “Sorry Glas, just play along.”

As the three ate dinner, Decius complimented the food. “Deer hmm? Interesting, we don’t eat much meat in Rome.”

“Really?” Galsuenda asked as if she were shocked. Suddenly, the double doors at the front of the hall busted open with a Romen officer, quickly being chased by two of the guards behind him.

“Sire, its urgent!” the officer proclaimed.

As the officer was being dragged out, Sejanus stood up, “Unhand that man! Who are you and what is so important?”

Soon the officer regained control of his balance and straightened his helmet. “My name is Tiberius Bulbus sir, Tribune. Sir, there’s been a murder reported at the capital. His name was Lucius Ovidius, he was the treasurer. Reportedly he was a huge supporter of the northern rebellion.”

Sejanus squinted, “Really… Is there any indication that this murder was a revenge killing or something of that nature, and is there any evidence?”

The Tribune looked the ground as he soon became uncomfortable, “Well, sir… ahem… the man was found with a stick up his…well you know…and there was a message in blood on his naked body that said ‘This is what happens to traitors of Rome.’ As far as evidence, the only evidence we have is the man’s family. Apparently they were gagged and tied up, but they could hear the entire thing.”

Sejanus pointed at the Tribune eagerly, “Did they see who did it?”

Bulbus shook his head, “No sir, all they said is that there was a handful of them, the exact number is not certain. But some of the people are grumbling over the killing since it‘s reminded them of their differences with Rome.”

While the conversation was going on, Decius’s brows were perched with interest, when finally he decided to interject, “I think you should go talk to the townsfolk Sejanus, try and keep them calm, make sure they know Rome wants them to be happy, not seek retribution.”

Sejanus merely waved his brother off, “When I want your advice, I’ll ask for it Decius.”

“I was merely trying to help…” Decius replied.

Later that night, Sejanus snuck out of bed to see Galsuenda in her room. As he opened the door slowly, he peaked in to see if she was awake or not. As he tip toed in he slowly snuck into bed with her. She was turned away from him, and seemed like she was asleep, when suddenly she startled him.

“What do you think you’re doing?” she sneered.

Sejanus rolled over and put his arm around her, “Oh Glas, come on, you know it wouldn’t look good for me to be caught fooling around with you when I have a Roman wife waiting for me back in Rome.”

Suddenly she turned towards Sejanus as she threw his arm off of her, “Is that what we’re doing? Fooling around?”

“Darling, try to understand…” Sejanus blurted.

“No!” She shot back, “Maybe I should go back to my father, it’s clear to me now there’s no future with you here, as long as you’re tied down to that Roman wife of yours.”

Sejanus now frowned, “Why are you acting this way? You knew I had a wife, was it not apparent to you that this road would be crossed someday?”

Now sitting up, she continued to press the issue, “It was, but I assumed that eventually you would break free from your shackles.”

Sejanus began stroking her hair, “Look… give me some time to figure things out. Out of nowhere my brother comes back into my life, and I find out my mother is dying, I wasn’t wanting this either.”

“Your mother is dying?” Galsuenda asked slowly as she placed herself into Sejanus’s arms to console him.

“Yes… and she wants me to come back to Rome before she dies… that wretch of a woman…” Sejanus whispered. Galsuenda remained silent, she knew that what Sejanus needed right now was just someone to comfort him. “We’ll talk more in the morning. For now I’ve got to deal with this murder before the people become more divided,” Sejanus whispered as he laid down.


=== The Next Morning ===

The next morning Decius was packed and ready to head back to Rome when Sejanus woke. Sejanus went into his brother’s room as he saw everything ready to go.

“What? You’re leaving?” Sejanus inquired.

“It’s obvious I’m unwanted here brother, and I’ve said what I needed to say,” Decius replied.

“Look…” Sejanus began, “I don’t want you riding back through the north back to Rome, it’s dangerous, especially without bodyguards.”

“I’ll manage.” came Decius’s reply.

“Brother, I insist, stay here. You can scribe a letter back home, and let them know that I’ve decided I’ll return as soon as I can. As for you, stay here, at least until the Spring, that way I know you’re safe,” Sejanus said sincerely.

Soon a faint smile could be detected on Decius’s face, “Fine, but only if I’m allowed to come with you to the capital here and help you out where I can be of service.”

Sejanus took a deep breath, “So that’s what it’s going to take, hmm?”

Decius simply gave a big smile as he nodded.

“Oh alright,” Sejanus said as he moved to give his brother a hug. “You know, of the three I’ve always bonded with you the most. Arcadius and Maximus always picked on me, and then Arcadius and Maximus always used to fight so I would avoid them.”

Decius laughed, “Oh I know it.”

“Well, you’re already packed but I’m not. I’m going to suit up and get ready to head to the capital,” Sejanus explained. Within a short period of time, Sejanus and Decius were mounted and ready to go.

“Well look at you, Proconsular Legate Lupidius,” Decius laughed as he looked at his brother adorned in his full armor.

“Enough out of you!” Sejanus laughed.

After a day of travels, Sejanus, his brother, and his 100 bodyguards managed to arrive at the capital of Rhegnum Gothaie. As he entered the city, many people sneered at Sejanus and his men, while a few clapped as they saw them ride by.

Sejanus soon approached the podium in the middle of the city square, where audiences of people quickly gathered. “People of Colonia Iulia, I am Sejanus Lupidius, Proconsular Legate of the Roman army within the vicinity. I am here today to assure you that the killing that took place here, in this city, had NOTHING to do with Rome. As you all know, there has already been a treaty signed, by the Senate of Rome itself, stating that no man women or child is legally allowed to be reprimanded for the rebellion that took place in the north. If anything, the dastardly men who carried out this act must be on a personal vendetta, for whatever the reason may be, or they simply have no intentions of letting the north and Rome live in harmony once again. Rest assured, I will continue to work TIRELESSLY to find out who performed this terrible act, and make sure that they be brought to justice.”

“We have entered a time of peace again brothers, and I can assure you Rome would never do anything to disrupt this peace. In conjunction with the investigation I will be conducting, I will also reward the cities and regions who demonstrate their willingness to cooperate with Rome once more throughout the year. I fully realize that there may still be sour feelings towards Rome, but Rome rewards those who are loyal to her, and I will take the lead in doing so. All I ask is that you demonstrate your willingness to work as a part of the great Roman Empire once again, and I will ensure your safety, and use my soldiers to help you in whatever capacity they can.”

With that, Sejanus stood down. While some clapped and seemed optimistic, others sat silently. It was apparent to Sejanus had a huge undertaking ahead of him to try and improve the relations between the north and Rome, but he would do whatever he could to ensure it be done.


=== A Few Days Later ===

A few days later Sejanus, Decius, and the guards accompanying them were just outside of the gates of Arx Praeclarus as they saw a commotion. It appeared as though there was a group of five angry men yelling up at the walls. As they got closer, Sejanus slapped his hand against his forehead and closed his eyes and disgust.

“Wulfgar…” he whispered to himself.

“I wonder what these fellows are so angry about?” Decius laughed. Soon they were within feet of the outpost as Wulfgar turned to Sejanus.

“There you are you bastard! Give me back my daughter!” he shouted waving his fists. Decius merely looked toward Sejanus perplexed, not fully understanding the situation.

“I told you Wulfgar, your daughter is free to do what she likes! When she’s ready to go home, she’ll go home!” Sejanus darted back.

“What girl is he talking about Sejanus?” Decius asked, but was then interrupted by another shout of rage by Wulfgar.

“Then you fight me, here and now! Let’s fight to the death. If I win, I get my Galsuenda back, if you win, you keep her!”

Now Decius turned to Sejanus as he punched him in the arm, “I thought you said she was your servant! Sejanus, you need to give her back immediately. You don’t need people talking about you in Rome, you’re married to a relative of the Vitellii after all! Think of your opinion in Rome!”

Sejanus shook his head, “You’re always thinking about yourself and your reputation you know that Decius? That’s what I can’t stand about you all, you’re all out for yourself, not for Rome.”

“That may be the case, but if you want to serve Rome so much it won’t be as easy if people think your morals aren’t in tact!” Decius pleaded.

Now Sejanus was angry at the entire situation. Between Decius, his mother, and Galsuenda, it was all coming together to fuel his rage. “Alright Wulfgar, is that what you want? A fight to the death? Lets go then!”

Sejanus immediately jumped off his horse and unsheathed his sword, pointing it towards Wulfgar.

“Sir?” one of his guards yelped.

“Nobody save me, this is between me and the barbarian,” he stated as he glared into Wulfgar’s eyes.

“Are you mad?” Decius asked.

With that, one of Wulfgar’s companions gave him their hunting axe to combat the Roman in front of him. As soon as Wulfgar caught it he ran directly at Sejanus.

While Sejanus was confident in his abilities, he realized that Wulfgar was way taller than him, but it was a fleeting thought that passed as soon as their weapons clashed in the middle.

Pulling back Wulfgar swung his axe in a circle like it was a mace and then sent it crashing down towards Sejanus. Sejanus leaped back just in the nick of time as the axe crashed into the snow. Next Sejanus plunged his sword towards Wulfgar’s side, but Wulfgar pulled his axe up and used the handle to pary the attack.

After a few minutes of fighting, it seemed that nobody had gained the upper hand. The two men danced around for a little bit, when finally Wulfgar made a daring move. Head first he charged towards Sejanus with the intent of knocking him down. Sejanus moved to the side just enough to miss the full brunt of the charge, but got clipped in the shoulder which still sent him twisting to the ground. The blade of the axe cut though his shoulder armor and sliced deeply into his skin, just knicking the bone- a wound Sejanus wouldn’t discover until later, when the blood dripped from the underside of his armor. However, once Wulfgar stopped, before he could turn around Sejanus grabbed his sword and sliced the back of his knee, which sent him kneeling on the ground. Sejanus quickly rose to his feet and pointed the sword to the spot between his knock and his collar bone.

Panting, Sejanus barely got out his words, panting through pain, “I could kill you now…but I won’t. Now get out of here!”

With that, Wulfgar’s friends quickly ran to his aids and helped him walk away. “I’ll be back Roman! You can count on it!” he shouted.

Soon later Sejanus entered the citadel and went to his office. He placed his helmet on his desk as Decius continued to complain about his relations with Galsuenda.

“Alright! I get it! Enough! I need to think about what I can do to get these people loyal to Rome again, can you help me with that?” Sejanus blurted.

Decius sighed, “Alright Sejanus, I won’t say a word, but you better cut this out when Octavia arrives. I’m still telling her to come up. As far as the Goths are concerned…”

The two continued into the night, discussing ways to catch the men involved in the murder, as well as ways to improve the people’s loyalty to Rome. By nightfall, Sejanus was tired and went back to his room. Unexpectedly as he walked in, he could hear someone crying. He looked to his bed and it was Galsuenda. Sejanus quickly moved to console her as he placed he hand on her shoulder.

“Glas, what’s wrong my dear? Did you hear about the fight I had with your father?” he asked.

“No.” she sniffled. She then turned directly toward Sejanus and stared directly into his eyes, “I’m pregnant…”

Sejanus’s eyes flew wide open, “Oh fuuuuuuuuuuuu….”


Written By: Scipio Sejanus Lupidius
Edited By: Ferus Juventas
137 AD

the last line.. is.. amazing.

I was going to claim trade mark infringement if you finished it off with a "Fuck You"

Good read, and sucks to be you.

Sav.