The
era of Tullus and Septimius produced some of Rome’s most significant military
minds. While Septimius would end his life a fat drunkard and Tullus a psychotic
madman, there
is no denying both men’s accomplishments. Yet, the generation that would follow
would give rise to the best and brightest the Republic would ever produce.
These men and women would see the end of the Republic era and the rise of the
Empire, and many would get their first taste of war with the two warlords that
plunged Rome into its first Civil War. Among them was Fabius.
Coming from a renown military family, Fabius grew up in the shadows of greatness, yet his family, like so many others, were limited by how far they could rise. For generations, they fought to better Rome’s elite class, but when they asked to join them repeatably, they were shunned and sent to do the Republic’s dirty work. Young men like Fabius were determined not to share the same fate. While he believed in the Republic, he saw under Septimius’ leadership the alter his family had fought to defend erode until it was ruined. Thus, Tullus turned to Fabius, who was only twenty-five years old but already an accomplished commander to join his army. Fabius would lead Tullus’ forces as he took the heart of the city and tore down the doors to the Senate.
[A private correspondence sent from Tullus to Fabius while he campaigned in Gaul.]
Fabius,
It has been many years since last we spoke, and then you were but a young boy on the path to manhood. I have eagerly watched your progress since I first laid eyes on you. Your father and I did not always see eye to eye, but I respected him, nonetheless. It saddened me when I heard of his passing and angered me, even more, to know that Septimius threw his life away in such a manner. It is that corruption and level of incompetence that I work to burn out from the heart of Rome.
By now, I’m sure you have heard about Septimius’ dog, Cinna attacking my army in the east. No doubt, the blob has thrown a festival to celebrate the occasion. Aalst, I survived the brutal assault, but my army did not. What retainers I have left, we have fled and hide with the aid of some choice friends, who have promised to support my endeavor to liberate our dear Republic from the clutches of a madman. I ask you to consider joining me. Like your father before, your place is rightfully by my side as one of my chief commanders. Together, I know we can save Rome.
I hope you consider my offer Fabius. You deserve more than to be cast to the north fighting barbarians – destine to be lost and forgotten under Septimius’ rule. Together, I can promise you the old ways of how Rome has worked will be buried when I am in power. Then, Rome can begin to heal, and we can forge a new era that returns our nation to its former glory.
Tullus
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