Call to Juno (Tales of Ancient Rome #3)(101)
She heard Prince Tarchon laugh, teasing the queen for such an indulgence. The king sounded good humored. “Very well, Bellatrix. If we’re to talk of peace, then let it be under night skies.”
A tremor of excitement buzzed through Semni. Impassive, Arruns gestured her to ascend the stairs. They crept into the loggia, crossing to the opposite side of the gallery to the one facing the forum. From there they could look down on the nobles in the courtyard. They crouched behind the balustrade. Her husband’s stealth reminded her it was his job to merge into the shadows to watch and listen. She clutched his forearm, thrilled by the subterfuge. How much had he overheard in his time in Veii?
Two lictors arranged five bronze armchairs in a circle. Servant boys hastened to serve the king, queen, and prince wine.
General Karcuna was the first to arrive. He frowned at the arrangement, casting a doubtful look at the king when he heard he was pandering to his wife’s whim.
Lord Mastarna raised his goblet to him. “I hear you’re satisfied that Tarchon is eligible to be Sethre’s mentor, Karcuna.”
The tall general paused, inspecting the prince. The younger man met his eyes. Semni was impressed. In the past, the pleasure seeker would have fidgeted at such scrutiny.
“Considering Prince Tarchon has shown wisdom and resolve as regent, I’m prepared to consider a trial period,” Lord Karcuna said. “But if he lapses into old ways . . .”
Lady Caecilia spoke before her stepson. “Those days are behind Tarchon. As is the enmity between our Houses. Campaigning with my husband has mended the rift, has it not?”
The princip bowed his head. “Indeed.”
“Karcuna and I relished routing those Romans,” said Mastarna. “It was good to see the Tulumnes and Mastarna clans fighting together instead of circling each other like hounds.”
“Then Tarchon’s mentorship of Sethre will cement our alliance,” said the queen.
Lord Karcuna’s cheek twitched. Semni found the tic disconcerting. “I’ll be frank,” he said. “Sethre is close to full manhood. The relationship might not last beyond a year. I doubt it’s worth the trouble. I hope Tarchon won’t hesitate to release my cousin from his bed when the time comes.”
Semni blinked, surprised at the aristocrat’s bluntness.
“I have given my word,” said the prince. “I’ll not seek to taint him. I’ll honor any terms you set.”
Lord Mastarna stood and extended his arm to the general. “I believe my son is sincere, Karcuna. I vouchsafe his conduct. We can agree to conditions later but let’s seal the agreement now by hand.” Lord Karcuna hesitated, then gripped the lucumo’s arm. Then he turned and offered his own to Lord Tarchon.
As they resumed their seats, General Lusinies entered the courtyard. His battered countenance challenged Arruns’s for menace. After the initial surprise at taking council in starlight, he smiled as he bowed his head to the queen. Sharing months of hardship had led to more than mutual respect.
Semni noticed Lady Caecilia was not cowed by the presence of the warriors. Elegant in her flowing purple mantle, she surveyed each man in turn, asserting her authority. Semni was amazed this woman was at ease talking of battles and treaties as much as dealing with nursery and hearth.
“The time has come to make peace with Rome,” said the king.
“Let them come to us,” said Lord Karcuna. “I don’t see why we should be the first to treat.”
The lucumo shook his head. “We’re in a position of power. Why not take advantage of their chaos?”
General Lusinies grimaced. “But our spies say Camillus is raising a force to march north again. They say he’s also planning to visit the war fronts in the south himself.”
Lord Karcuna leaned forward. “We should not underestimate him. The rumor that all Etruria has joined us is now dispelled.”
“We shall see,” said Lord Mastarna. “Camillus only has six months as dictator. Why would he succeed in half a year when others have failed to do so for ten? However, I do think it’s prudent that we send one of our armies north again.”
“What treaty terms will we seek?” said General Lusinies.
“The same as those of the twenty years’ peace before this war began,” said the king. “Veii will gain access to the southern trade routes via Fidenae. Rome will be provided with our grain.”
Lord Karcuna glanced at Lady Caecilia, then back to the king. “The old truce was predicated on us feeding Rome. But our crops are yet to be reaped. And there is no guarantee Camillus will not try to conquer the fields sown under his direction.”
Lord Mastarna rubbed the scar from nose to mouth. “Camillus has made no move to return to Veii. And the longer he waits, the more daunting it will be to start again when he finds his siege lines stripped of stone and timber. Harvest time is only a few short months away. We should offer Rome what it had before.”
Prince Tarchon stood. “Then let me act as Veii’s ambassador.”
His eagerness was met with awkward silence.
General Lusinies scratched his shiny bald head. “I speak plainly here. Prince Tarchon is hardly a decorated hero. Should we not send a warrior to deal with Camillus?”
“Tarchon has proven himself as a wise regent. And sending the king’s son would show good faith,” said Lady Caecilia, quick to defend him. “And the prince speaks fluent Latin. There’s less chance of deception if an envoy doesn’t need an interpreter.”