Free Soldier of Rome: The Sacrovir Revolt (The Artorian Chronicles) by James Mace Page B

eloquence and diligence can do so. To like exertions and like persistency I would urge the prosecutors. In this, and in this only, will we place Germanicus above the laws, by conducting the inquiry into his death in this house instead of in the forum, and before the Senate instead of before a bench of judges. In all else let the case be tried as simply as others. Let no one heed the tears of Drusus or my own sorrow, or any stories invented to our discredit.” 1
    A silence fell over the hall. The senators were even more perplexed than before. None could fully gage the Emperor’s intent. Did he wish them to convict or acquit? And what reparations would there be if they passed the wrong verdict? All were terrified of incurring Tiberius’ wrath, should they displease him.
    For his own part, Tiberius had been intentionally evasive. He was honest when he said he wanted the Senate to pass sentence fairly and without bias. If they voted the way they thought he wanted them to, then there was no justice and the trial would be a complete farce.
    Tiberius did, in fact, mourn the loss of Germanicus. He was fond of the young man who had proven himself time and again. He had vanquished the Cherusci and avenged the treachery of Teutoburger Wald. The only solace Tiberius could find in the loss of Germanicus was that, at least now, Agrippina would never become Empress. He wondered if that was part of her mourning. He shuddered at the thought of what it would have been like had Germanicus attained the imperial throne with that bitch trying to rule through him. Livia had held tremendous influence over Augustus. However, her methods were subtle and non-self-serving. Agrippina, on the other hand, would seek to assert herself fully, demanding power and majesty onto her own person. Tiberius then contemplated his son’s wife. Since Drusus was now his heir, would Livilla serve him well as Empress? Livilla was a spoiled little girl in Tiberius’ mind, but harmless enough. She would be quite content to throw lavish banquets and entertain senators and foreign royalty.
    He then contemplated Agrippina’ s reaction to the new circumstances. While Drusus considered Agrippina a friend, the Emperor wondered just how genuine her feelings of friendship were. Would she look to undermine or cause harm to Drusus or Livilla as a means of hurting him? Tiberius could not be sure, but he would make note of it and warn Drusus to watch himself around that vile woman. He did not wish Drusus to cease in his friendship with Agrippina, he would rather he kept her close and under watch.
     

     
    Plancina was frantically pacing in the atrium of the house where she and her husband were being kept, when the door opened. Livia entered the foyer, her face expressionless. Plancina immediately fell to her knees and clutched at Livia’s stola, weeping uncontrollably.
    “Oh , Livia, you’ve got to help me! Agrippina’s friends will not stop condemning my husband. They will kill our son and me as well! Please, you’ve got to help me!” She came to her feet, her face white and her eyes wild; fearful tears flowing freely down her cheeks.
    Her expression unchanged, Livia backhanded the woman sharply across the face. “Do you really think I will help save anyone who played a part in my own grandson’s death? To say nothing for the sedition and rebellion your wretched family has been the cause of!” she hissed.
    Plancina held a hand over her cheek, which was turning red, and shook her head. “No,” she replied, “it wasn’t me, I swear it! I had nothing to do with Germanicus’ murder. Please, you must believe me!”
    “Oh , come off it, woman!” Livia scoffed. “Your husband was little more than your whipping dog. He never could make a decision even so simple as how to wipe his own bottom without consulting you! And don’t think I don’t remember the hatred that existed between you and Agrippina well before Germanicus was ever sent to the east. So don’t play so