Regillus rode into the palace courtyard. The few guards remaining shrank back at his appearance. Am I really that terrifying? Or is it what I represent? Regillus wondered as the demi-cohort of infantry quick marched in behind him.
“Decanus, select an infantry file and have them join me. Remain here with the rest of the men to ensure that no Mongol or Mongolian supporter attempts to harm the governor.”
Answering in the affirmative, the decanus called off a string of names, and a group of weathered and stern looking legionnaires formed a wedge behind the praefectus as he passed beneath the marble arch and into the palace. Servants scurried out of his way as his boots slapped against the tile floors. He walked past expensive tapestries and pieces of art. Marble friezes carved by famous artists studded the walls. Groups of palace guards shied away from impeding the Syrian IV’s leader as he marched deeper into the mansion. Some bodyguards, he thought, more like street toughs in fancy clothing.
Finally, the guards must have steeled their nerves, for they barred entrance into the governor’s audience chamber. Or had it steeled for them, thought Regillus sardonically.
“You are not permitted into the throne room,” the guard captain informed him.
Regillus looked around at his men. The veterans stared down the guards. The tension weighed heavily in the air.
“I think the governor would like to hear what we have to say.”
“I’m sorry, praefectus, but you are not allowed-”
Regillus shoved him out of the way, his men forcibly moving the guards out of the way with drawn swords. The guard captain’s jaw hung open in shock at the affront committed by the uncouth legionnaire.
“We will not be long,” Regillus stated coolly as he passed.
He pushed open the massive wooden doors. Greased hinges swung inward effortlessly, crashing into the sidewalls with a resounding boom. Regillus took stock of the situation. Much of the assembled court was scattered throughout the audience chamber, turning around in surprise at the sudden noise. At the far end, the governor sat at the head of a U-shaped table, his advisors arrayed to either side. They appeared to be in vehement argument, fists shaking and fingers pointing across the table. While there were guards present, none reacted to Regillus’ entrance. He strode past the colonnades and tables bearing delicacies from the Roman world and beyond.
The hall slowly quieted as the praefectus and his men walked through the crowd, the courtiers making way silently. Finally noticing the intruders, the advisors turned to stare at the blood and grime splattered soldiers. The legionnaires stared back at the lavishly garbed council members. Regillus even noticed Air Commander Kretarus from the earlier briefing slouched against a column.
“I come with a message for the council,” Praefectus Regillus informed them. “The governor is to evacuate the citadel and leave the defense of the city to myself, Marius Quinctius Regillus, and the Syrian IV.”
One of the council members rose angrily.
“What authority do you have here, legionnaire? Does the legate general believe he can wrest power from us so easily that-”
“The legate general is dead. As is his second in command. As are both wing commanders. I am the last remaining ranking officer, thanks to you, Octavian Tramelis Leftaro, and your imbecilic order to leave the protection of the city walls.”
The governor’s face paled for a moment at the accusation, then returned to a smug look as he swirled the wine in his goblet. The council members looked shocked, several gaping in horror.
“As supreme authority in this province, I am given power over the local defenses, praefectus. Although the passing of the general is unfortunate, thank the gods I already have one of my aides at the northern gate to assist in the defenses. Doux Hasdrun Pillotai is one of my most capable and veteran staff members. He has the experien-”
Regillus cut him off, raising his voice over the babble of chatter from the chamber.
“-of a donkey,” he finished for the governor. “The doux and I have already met. I was unimpressed with his skills. As I said before, I have assumed command of the Syrian IV as described under the Legion Officer Code, Section 4.3A.12. You do not have the right to appoint anyone without the support of the council and the district leadership, which, right now, is myself. And as I have stated, for the duration of the siege, I am in command due to your bungled attempt at armchair generalship.”
A bony-faced man wearing the thick chain links of stewardship rose from his chair. Despite his graying hair, the man’s body betrayed little about his age otherwise. He scratched absentmindedly at his neck as he spoke.
“Are you saying, praefectus, that the governor has already tried to place a new general in command of the legion?” Regillus nodded, sensing an opportunity.
“What does it matter, Councilman Ioannes? As long as the gold continues to flow through our ports, why does it matter who is in charge of the legion?” the governor retorted brusquely.
“It matters because I would rather be alive to count my gold than buried with it!” Ioannes shouted back, several other members of the council raising their voices in support.
“I move to confirm Marius Quinctius Regillus promotion to legate general of the Syrian IV, and be charged with the defense of the city.”
“Seconded!”
“All those in favor?” Two, three, four, five hands raised on the council.
“Those opposed?” Three hands shot into the air.
“You cannot do this! I am the governor!” Leftaro interrupted indignantly, his face turning blotchy. “My word is law!”
“No, your lordship, it is law as recommended and approved by the council. And the council has approved this by a majority vote. Besides, your honor, do you really think you control anything outside this room at this moment? The Syrian and civic legions hold the city, while the Mongols surround us. No one will answer your orders, and you don’t have the muscle to back up your demands. Take this gracefully and flee the city.”
The governor stood angrily.
“Guards!”
Regillus finally interceded.
“No guards will be necessary. I have requisitioned them all. By now every guard outside of this room is on their way to the walls to assist in defending the citizens of Antioch. We would welcome the help of any of your personal guards. Both legions need all the manpower they can get.”
“I will be the first to volunteer my personal bucerelli, my bodyguards,” Ioannes stated, jotting down a note to his servant, who raced out of the chamber.
The governor laughed at him.
“I never thought you for an honorable man, Ioannes. I figured you and your cowardly merchant friends would be the first to turn tail.”
“Actually, Octavian, you are the one I thought would flee first. You always were one to hide behind your friends in a fight.” The governor slammed back his chair and stood.
“You will regret saying that.”
Ioannes smiled at him.
“No, I will not. You are too cowardly to attack me directly, and anything you could do will not beat the Mongols to the punch. Leave here, my lord.” He filled the last word with scorn.
The governor glowered angrily, mouth opening and closing like a dying fish.