B4 Chapter 40: Looking a Gift Horse in the Mouth + Book 2 Release
B4 Chapter 40: Looking a Gift Horse in the Mouth
Marcus watched the throne room proceedings from a small alcove near its edge. Lucius explained that it was a place for advisors to observe without being directly observed themselves. It wasn't the best view, though he wouldn't have been particularly eager to elbow his way in front of dozens of senators for a better one anyway. For once, he had no desire to be the center of attention.
The orcish delegation gave one final round of bows before they were escorted back outside of the room. As the heavy doors closed behind them, Marcus felt a strange sense of relief wash over him. There had been no bloodshed, no proclamation that they should all be put to death for good. For now, at least.
He never thought that he would be concerned over the lives of orcs, of all things. Yet he'd never felt quite right about the use of the spell plague. As much as the entire race had been a generational threat to humanity, he still held quite a few reservations about the large-scale genocide of anyone.
Those thoughts were wisely kept to himself, of course. He had no doubt they would prove less than popular, especially given the emotions he felt from the Novaran senators. But now, after finding out that the orcs lived? He felt more than a little responsible for their continued existence. Especially given the lack of violence he'd encountered so far.
He couldn't help but sigh a bit at his own softheartedness. The way he was going, he'd soon be advocating for the local monsters like one of those crazy cultists that worshipped the god Strix. He'd decided to protect the world from unnecessary bloodshed, but he had to draw a line somewhere. But for now, he allowed himself to be satisfied.
Emperor Tiberius descended from the dais and left from a rear exit. The senators remained in place for a moment until they also began to disperse, all abuzz with chatter about the development. Marcus decided that it was about time for him to leave as well, but had to consider his next move. As hard to read as Tiberius was, he gave off a clear impression that he wanted time to think on his own right now. Nor did he think that rejoining the orcs would give off the right impression.
He left the alcove, emerging into the castle's broad corridors alongside some of the speedier senators. The thought of simply heading for the nearest tavern for some drinks and relaxation crossed his mind, but he quickly discarded it. As appealing as it sounded, the situation wasn't anywhere near stable enough for him to simply leave it unattended. And though bending Tiberius's ear further wasn't on the table, he certainly had other options.
Marcus approached Gaius as he stepped out of the throne room. The young Legatus was flanked by Legionnaire officers on one side and a gaggle of former nobles on the other. All wore the standard robes of senators.
The sight was a reassuring one. Marcus was well aware of the politics surrounding Gaius and the management of his Legion. That grievance had been aired on a handful of occasions as they drank together. Still, Gaius was a Legatus. And one with quite the knack for politics. He didn't allow such issues to be more widely known, nor did they seem to negatively affect his standing as such.
Gaius paused listening to a senator, his serious demeanor softening somewhat at Marcus's approach. He reached out his hand and clasped the bard's forearm. "Marcus. It's good to see you are well."
"And the same to you, Legatus." Marcus returned the smile easily. "I don't mean to interrupt. I merely wished to extend my greetings."
Which was a lie. He entirely meant to interrupt Gaius's politicking and engage in some of his own. Something the Legatus knew fully well.
Gaius waved dismissively. "Nonsense. We have things to talk about, you and I. Perhaps you'd be willing to meet me in my office? I'll be there shortly."
Marcus gave a respectful dip of his head. "Of course. I shall see you at your earliest convenience, Legatus."
They parted then, Gaius returning to his senators while Marcus sought out the office. The Legionnaire guard at the door let him inside to sit, long since familiar with his presence, though not without extracting a bit of conversation. He waited for about half an hour before Gaius stepped through the door.
"Finally. I thought those vultures would never let me leave." Gaius sighed as he stepped toward Marcus. The pair clasped arms, a genuine smile finding Gaius's face. "It is good to see you, friend. And in one piece!"
"Indeed. Much to the chagrin of the centurions’ betting pool," Marcus replied.
Gaius chuckled as they both settled into seats. "I knew it was a foolish idea. You've delved into far worse situations and emerged unscathed. Then again, even I didn't expect this. Tell me, how did you return from a diplomatic mission to the dwarves with orcs in tow?"
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"Well, what kind of performer would I be if I were entirely predictable?" Marcus asked with a twinkle in his eye. "I have a reputation to uphold. One for exceeding expectations and delivering a story worth telling every time."
The Legatus snorted. "That's for certain. But does a flair for the dramatic really mean you had to bring them right to our doorstep?"
"Would I have been believed otherwise? Would their request to join the empire have been anything more than a fanciful joke?"
"Fair enough..." Gaius shook his head and eyed Marcus seriously. "Be honest with me, friend. What is your impression of them?"
Marcus considered his words carefully. After travelling together for some time, Marcus had come to understand the orcs a bit better. They really did act far more human than before, though most fell short of Grund's disproportionate intelligence. Still, they were capable of holding good conversations and maintained an unquenchable appetite for knowledge about practically everything. They were fascinated by everything from Marcus's lute to the simple latches Abel used to adjust his mount's saddle.
In a way, they sort of reminded Marcus of children. Relentlessly curious and lacking a great deal of what he might call common sense. Then they'd lift a boulder several times their size or easily rip the head off a monster that tried to catch them unawares, and the illusion would shatter.
"...I truly believe that these orcs are a different breed than what has come before." Marcus worded his statement carefully. "Yet the full implications of those changes... Of that, I am uncertain."
Gaius gave him a look. "What an eloquent way to say nothing at all."
Marcus just smiled. "But it is eloquent. And what is conversation if not a way to practice my craft?
The younger man sighed and rolled his eyes. "I don't trust them. Not in the slightest. And I'm sure my men will even less."
"I don't think you should trust them. Not remotely. Yet that is no reason to simply discard what they offer."
"I know, I know." Gaius rubbed a hand down his face. "I know as well as anyone how big of a boon this could be to our forces. If they can actually follow commands and keep their wits about them..." He shuddered slightly. "They would be a force to be reckoned with. Though that assumes their newfound 'enlightenment' hasn't completely neutered their combat abilities."
Gaius leveled a questioning look at Marcus. The bard simply shrugged. "I wish I could answer. However, our travels found us regrettably unmolested. Only the smallest nuisances of creatures dared attack us, although I will say they were dispatched quite quickly."
"I supposed as much. Would that my men were a little less efficient at their jobs." Gaius smiled wryly and glanced out the window. "Then I suppose I will need to find out myself. The emperor has tasked me with supervising the evaluations of the orcs' abilities. Care to join?"
Marcus grinned. "Of course. I must admit to some curiosity myself."
"Hmmm." Gaius gave him a knowing look. "And that is your only motivation, I'm certain. How is your family, by the way?"
"...Ah, there is only so much sunlight left!" Marcus rose from his seat and made for the door. "We should hurry. The emperor's will should not be left waiting."
He heard Gaius chuckle as he rose to follow.
The pair were surrounded by a handful of Legionnaire guards as they headed toward one of the training fields within the city. It was one of the smaller ones, intended for contubernia and centuries to drill on as opposed to the larger cohort- and Legion-sized ones outside of the city. Groups of Legionnaires and auxiliaries in training filled the packed ground of the training yard, sweating under the heat of Apollo's chariot.
Their attention was immediately drawn to one corner of the yard. A more substantial number of Legionnaires were clustered there, clad in full armor and brandishing real weapons as opposed to padded training gear. Standing a head above their shining hems loomed the green-skinned orcs, their tusks gleaming as though to contest the polish of the Romans' armor.
Even from this distance, the tension was obvious. It pervaded the entire training yard, causing even those on the opposite side to shoot discreet glances in their direction. And Marcus couldn't blame them. Though he wouldn't be naive enough to assume rumor hadn't reached these men's ears, hearing something and seeing it for oneself were two different matters.
"Legatus Gaius!" The Legionnaires saluted and stepped aside as they approached. They stopped a fair distance away from the orcs, and Marcus could read a similar wariness emanating from his companion. His lack of trust remained evident.
Grund turned toward them and bowed. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Legatus. Though I presume that prior history may preclude you from expressing the same. Regardless, I have faced your men on the battlefield. Their conduct and abilities are an inspiration and deserve commendation."
The other orcs bowed as well. The constant unflappability of their leader wasn't quite shared by his companions, it seemed. They eyed the Legionnaires around them warily, though not fearfully. Marcus wasn't entirely sure what to think about that.
Gaius nodded, but didn't return the sentiment. "You and your people will submit to testing in order to determine your capabilities. Is this correct?"
"Indeed. As the emperor commanded." Grund responded easily.
The Legatus turned to call to his men. "Octavius, secure an area for sparring and prepare training dummies. Tertius, you will administer a general test of physical abilities. Aulus, fetch a medic to examine them. I will question them personally."
The Legionnaires hurried to comply. The orcs remained in place save for Grund, whose gaze swept over the Legionnaires around them and finally landed on Marcus. He nodded in acknowledgement before speaking. "I can't help but notice the general unease of your own men. If it would benefit your men for us to be bound or otherwise restrained..."
Marcus sensed a flicker of offense at the insinuation. "That will not be necessary. Unless you intend to make it so."
The orc chuckled. "Certainly not."
"Good. Then we shall begin."