Always the questions were the same: Where was Valerius? Where was Paullus? What of co-consul, Varro — did he survive as well? Who was in command of the Sixth? When the various officers finally accepted the realization of the truth, their concerns were more relaxed. They wanted to know how the Sixth had survived Cannae. Had they encountered Hannibal or knew of his whereabouts? What of the gladiator army? Was it still a threat? The questions continued for hours without pause.
Between the interrogation, Gaius had some of his own questions answered. He learned that a few thousand men had survived Cannae, and had managed to make it back to Rome over the past two weeks. However, most of those men had since deserted, gathering their families and meager possessions and fled, along with a full two quarters of Rome’s population. Those that remain were placed along the walls, and what was left of the civilian population, mostly the young and old, were drafted or had volunteered to defend the city. They were given what training they could, and then placed on the walls. Even if they could not fight, it was hoped that with enough numbers, if Hannibal and his army should come, he would think twice about directly attacking Rome.
To his surprise, the central core of the Italian peninsula had remained loyal to Rome, which gave hope that with time, more men could be levied to rebuild the army. However, some cities had deserted to Hannibal after the word spread about Cannae, such as Capua, which sent shivers through the minds of every Roman. If such a great city could side against Rome, who might follow next?
The Senate, which had already lost dozens of members during the Battle of Cannae, was in tatters. A third of its body had fled as its members had taken their wealth and families to other boarders — where, Gaius couldn’t imagine, as Hannibal seemed to be everywhere and anywhere. Nevertheless, everyone, the Senate and the people alike, knew that Rome was a target. Its fall would symbolize not just the end of the war, but the end of the Republic as well. What would follow — cowardice or not, few wanted to face the day after the Rome crumbled.
Order would have to be reestablished, and Gaius hoped with Paullus recovery that it could begin soon. However, right now no one is very optimistic. By the time the rain had finally stopped falling and the sun was well past its zenith, Gaius had given the order for the rest of his men outside the city to be brought in. He would keep dozens of riders outside, as they scouted the surrounding countryside for days still to come. Even so, for the first time in a very long time he could breathe.
He felt weak in his knees and suddenly very hunger, but more so, unbelievably tired. When he was certain that there were no more officers seeking him, and if there were, he didn’t care, Gaius walked through the empty city, taking his time. His destination was the army hospital that he had sent the wounded and sick hours before.
As he walked through its halls, checking on the still recovering wounded, he took the time to stop and chat with those that could speak. Those that couldn’t, he tried as best as he could to reinsure them that they were safe and back home. It took hours more for him to see everyone, and he grew more tired as a result. It didn’t matter as he had one last person he needed to see before this day was done.
Valerius’ was kept in a separate room. Gaius had strict orders to his guards the general be left alone. Those that had pestered Gaius all day weren’t allowed within ten feet of him. If they dared the squad of guards, each man of the Sixth would have gutted anyone who tried, regardless of rank or privilege.
Gaius stepped into the small room. Right away, he could feel the musty heat, not from the torches that burned along the walls, but from the temperature that was slowly cooking his mentor from the inside.
Gaius wished that Valerius’ condition would have improved over the last four days, but that was wishful thinking. Valerius was going to die and despite the old man’s stubbornness and willingness to live, there was nothing that could be done for him.
It was only a matter of time now.
Gaius inched around Valerius’ bed trying as best he could be silent. He wanted to say something but found he could not form words. Valerius looked to be asleep, so he didn’t want to bother him with needless details about the day and the happenings in the city.
There was a pile of soaked rags, both covered with blood and sweat that rested next to the bed. The old veteran’s body glistened in the torchlight, and despite his body temperature, he shivered under the wolf pelt blankets. Gaius almost broke down then and there, but he wasn’t given the chance as Valerius opened his eyes and turned his head, staring up at his pupil before a small trickle of a smile formed in the corner of his mouth.
“Are the men safe and in the city?” Valerius asked, somehow finding the strength to speak.
Gaius grabbed a stool that sat in the corner and placed it beside the bed, before he sat himself down on it; his joints cracked. It was the first time in days that he was actually free to get off of his feet and rest, even for a moment.
He stared down at Valerius with heavy eyes. Taking a deep breath, he replied, “They are. We all made it inside without any loses.”
“You look, terrible. You do know that?” Valerius grinned, which caused Gaius to laugh as he ran his hand through his thick and matted hair. Only then did he seem to realize that it had grown longer than should have been allowed.
“It is not befitting for an officer in my army. Even so, I bet this new rustic look will drive the girls crazy. Wait until you show them the scars,” Valerius smiled before he fell into a coughing fit, which lasted several painful seconds before it subsided.
“You’re not looking well yourself, old man,” Gaius replied with a comforting grin.
“I’ve been better, that is for sure.”
Gaius tried to smile, but Valerius could see he only managed it with considerable effort.
“How are you?” Valerius then asked.
Gaius paused as his mind processed the question.
“I have men along the walls, guarding each gate and passage into the city. I’ve kept forty riders out beyond the city limits, scouting for any signs of Hannibal. And-”
“No,” Valerius cut him off before he could speak further. “I asked — how are you?”
Gaius sighed deeply as he lowered his head and answered, speaking words he never thought he would hear himself say out loud.
“I’m afraid…” Right away he felt ashamed that he had admitted that to Valerius. However, the old veteran rose higher in his bed even though it pained him to do so. He listened carefully as Gaius felt compelled to continue. “I’m afraid of what is to come, that I will fail the men, the city and you.”
“You’ve already proven yourself. You have no one to answer for. Gaius, you’ve faced your enemies and have lived. You’ve protected your men, and have brought them home safely.”
“Not everyone.”
“Bah! You cannot hold those deaths over your head. We are not gods. We cannot pick and choose which of us lives, and who dies.”
Valerius reached out and took Gaius’ hand in his own, holding onto him tightly.
“You are like a son, to me. You always have been. I will leave this world knowing that my boys are in the best of care. You will keep them safe, and when the time comes, you will lead them once more into battle. Men will die. Battles will be fought, won and lost, but always they will have you. And they will look to you now with the same eyes you’ve looked at me.”
“And if Rome should fall?”
“Then it shall fall. However, not because good men such as yourself gave up.”
He laid back down, flinching painfully as the arrow that was still lodged in his chest, pinched deeper into his body.