After the Fall(5)

The steward nodded. “Your will be done, Domina — ”

The door to Placidia’s office crashed open, and Leontius sprang up to protect her, but the intruder was only Elpidia.

“My apologies,” she began breathlessly, “but I heard noises and shouting in the street and went to see what was going on. Everyone is yelling that barbarians have descended upon Rome! Can it be true? Have you heard anything?”

Stunned, Placidia glanced at Leontius.

“Domina,” he said, “I shall go to the Forum to see if the Diurnal has been posted with any news.” He headed for the door, but found the way blocked by the sudden arrival of Senator Attalus.

“Forgive the intrusion, O most exalted Placidia,” Attalus said, “but I must speak with you immediately.”

Elpidia’s hand went to her mouth. “It’s the barbarians, isn’t it? Dear Lord, it’s not the Huns come all this way, is it?”

Attalus looked from Elpidia to Placidia, then shook his head. “It’s the Visigoths, King Alaric and many thousands of his people, not just the warriors. They are within several mille of Rome — of all of Rome. The city will soon be completely surrounded, cut off. As to whether they plan to attack, or lay siege, or simply to parlay with us is as unclear as this tactic is unprecedented.”

Placidia could feel her heart madly thumping. King Alaric and his people! Why had no one seen them coming? Where were Rome’s scouts? Why hadn’t the army stopped their advance? She knew the military was in total disarray because of what Honorius had done to General Stilicho. So many barbarian soldiers had deserted the ranks that the legions in Italia had been decimated. It was impossible to believe, but had the Empire decided to let Rome fend for herself?

She glanced down at her shaky hands, then clasped them together in an attempt to control herself. What should she do? Send to Honorius for help? Was there time? Would her brother even care? No, probably not.

Attalus cleared his throat. “Placidia, know this … the walls of Rome cannot be breached. We are safe here. And King Alaric is honorable, in his own way. I do not believe he will do anything unprovoked, or without warning. If it pleases you, I shall send out a delegation, or go myself, to find out what is on his mind and if there is anything we can do.”

“How I wish Magnus were here to deal with this,” Placidia said as she walked to the balcony to look out. “Where is he, Attalus? He knows this king and his ways. What does the Senate say about this?”

“Some are drinking, some pray, most are pissing themselves,” Attalus replied. Leontius grumbled and Attalus smiled grimly. “Forgive my tactless words.”

Placidia waved her hand. “Never mind. There is all too much truth in what you say. We’ve had little besides doddering, nervous old men occupying the Senate chamber these many years, and few, if any, were born with a spine.”

“Until they receive word from the emperor, they will look to you for leadership and guidance.”

Would they? Placidia wondered if this were true as she gazed out the window.

“Placidia, what say you? Shall I go to Alaric?”

She turned back to Attalus. “I believe you must. Find the king and bid him send emissaries to meet with me tomorrow eve, so we may sup together and speak in peace. Assure him it is no trap — upon my word — his ambassadors shall come and go without harm. And tell him … ” Placidia paused, thinking. “Tell him I am willing to hear his grievances, for they must be serious indeed, if he is taking this action.”

Attalus put a hand to his chest and bowed. “As you say, O most noble Placidia, so will it be done.”

She watched him leave the room, then turned to her nurse and steward. “We will be having company tomorrow, if I’m not mistaken. Please see the banquet room in the House of Livia is prepared, Elpidia, for I think its coziness will not overwhelm our guests like any of our royal palaces would. And Leontius, I have heard the Visigoths like beer, so make certain there is plenty of it, along with meat, lots of roasted meat.”





Chapter 3


Gigi and Magnus sat by the campfire with King Alaric. The sun was almost down, the full moon rising. She took a sip of her beer and yawned.

Magnus saw this and made a move to rise. “With your permission,” he said to Alaric, “I believe it is time we retire to our tent — ”

There was a sudden commotion, and a man raced forward, then dropped on one knee before Alaric. “My king,” the man said, “a Roman emissary has arrived. He has requested an audience with you.”