Call to Juno (Tales of Ancient Rome #3)(63)
Caecilia tried to remain calm. “Lord Tulumnes, you pledged allegiance to my husband to heal the rift between your Houses. Is your word worth so little? Would you see Veii weakened again by internal strife when it’s facing its greatest crisis?”
Karcuna opened his mouth to speak, but Lusinies strode across to him and placed his hand on the princip’s shoulder. “We can’t begin fighting among ourselves again. Caecilia has declared her fealty. It’s time for the Tulumnes clan to stop threatening her.”
Feluske nodded. “She’s our queen and should be shown respect. There’s no way I would ever condone her being harmed.”
The words of support sent a rush of gratitude through her.
“Show me the vow you swore to me was not false,” said Mastarna. “Apologize!”
Hands balled, Karcuna bowed his head with unwilling deference. The rancor of two generations was engrained in him. “I seek your pardon, my lady.”
Despite the princip’s grudging tone, Caecilia decided to be gracious. “Your apology is accepted.”
Seconds passed as though time was dragging its heels. The belligerent mood eased. Mastarna sat down, gesturing Karcuna and Lusinies to do the same. Feluske turned to the king. “Then what are we to do, my lord? If you will not treat, what are our alternatives? We cannot sit here trapped and starving.”
Mastarna hunched forward. “Postumius is unpopular with his troops. Unhappy soldiers lack self-restraint and determination. The security of the fortifications to the northeast of the city has grown lax. There may yet be an opportunity for us.”
Tarchon found the nerve to speak after listening to his elders arguing. “An opportunity to do what, Father? Force a breach?”
“Not a frontal assault but a night attack. I want to break through the northeast siege lines. The unit waiting for Thefarie’s messenger outside the Capena Gate can set the stockades and forts to the flame as a distraction while we launch an assault. Take the Romans by surprise while they’re sleeping and their sentinels are bored and dozing.”
Caecilia was pleased to hear his fervor, seeing the energy rise in him. And yet there was a nub of anxiety within her at the danger Vel craved.
Lusinies smiled. “After that, our troops will ensure no blockade is reinstated by continuing to ride out and skirmish.”
Mastarna raised his hand. “Yes, the armies stationed in the city can do that. But the force that breaches the Roman lines will march to defend Nepete. From there we rally the Twelve to attack Rome when the League meets at the sacred fountain at Velzna in mid spring.”
Lusinies scratched one of his thickened earlobes. His laugh was nervous. “My lord, I hardly think we can launch an invasion. And the Brotherhood will be concerned with shoring up its own defenses if General Aemilius does attack Nepete.”
“That’s the very reason why the League must take a stand,” said Mastarna. “Nepete is the key. It opens the way for Rome to stalk the northern cities as well. We need to destroy the wolves’ den, not just pursue the packs that raid our territories.” He rose, opening his palm and extending it toward his wife. “We need to heed Aemilia Caeciliana’s call to conquer Rome.”
Karcuna’s attention fixed on the queen. She felt the heaviness of his stare. He’d sworn fealty to Vel, but was there a residue of rebellion? The keenness in his voice took her by surprise. “There is risk in the scheme, my lord, but perhaps it’s what is required. We can’t remain defensive any longer. And I have always wanted to see Rome occupied. Which of us do you propose should march north to put the plan in train?”
“I will lead the force. Their leaders trust me.”
Caecilia stifled the impulse to cry out. Vel could die in her quest to destroy Rome.
“But your army has been decimated, my lord,” said Feluske. “Surely it’s more prudent for you to remain here.”
Vel did not respond, instead walked the length of the table to stand between Karcuna and Caecilia. The princip rose, towering over both king and queen.
“I have said before that it’s time for all Veientane soldiers to marshal under the royal banner,” said the lucumo. “Those remaining men of my clan will join with Tulumnes’s tribe. Karcuna and I will fight as one for Veii, not with our own armies. We will forge a true allegiance when we ride into battle together.”
Karcuna hesitated, then bowed his head. “I’m honored to be given the opportunity to bring the fight to the Romans.” He glanced at Tarchon and back to Mastarna. “My ward, Sethre, is yet to be blooded. I ask that you take him with you as your aide, my lord. It will guarantee there’ll be no temptation on the part of the prince in my absence.”
Tarchon stood, about to object, but Vel’s glare stopped him.
“Very well. Sethre will ride with me to learn the skills of war. He has proved himself to be a talented horseman. Let’s see if he can keep his seat in a battle.”
Tarchon frowned. “Why are you depriving me of the chance to be a warrior again, Father?”
“Because I wish to give you a greater opportunity. You’ll govern Veii in my stead. Lusinies and Feluske will act as your advisers.”
“You trust me to act as regent?” Tarchon was incredulous.
“A man from the House of Mastarna must stand in my place. You’ve proven you can restrain yourself from excesses over the last few months. Now everyone can judge if you have the ability to be a statesman.”