Marcus arrived at the Forum Ducilum, his heart heavy. There was already a considerable crowd gathered between the two major temples to the left and the right. Usually, the majestic buildings dedicated to the gods gave the people of Veron a strong feeling of security but today the mood was subdued. Grey clouds shrouded the sky and brought gloom to everyone's hearts.
"The campaign to the north is said to have ended in disaster. I hope it's not true…"
"I heard we lost an entire army."
"I don't understand what the senate is thinking. Didn't the oracle say that only death awaits us in the north? Yet they still got greedy."
"Shh! Careful with what you are saying!"
Marcus listened to the voices around him and balled his fists. Everywhere he looked he only saw worried faces. Mothers were worrying for their sons, wives were worrying for their husbands. Everyone was waiting here on the forum for definite news from the north.
"Make way! Make way!"
Finally, the metallic rattling of armour could be heard. Not far from Marcus a few soldiers were making their way through the crowd, escorting a plump older man in their midst. Many people recognised the man as Orus Baccus, one of the mouthpieces of the senate. With craned necks the worried crowd tried to get a peek at Baccuss's face, gauging his expression. But those who noticed his dark eyes and frowning mouth realised they had to prepare for the worst.
After a while Baccus reached a small stage at the back of the forum. He went up the stone stairs and stared at the crowd below keeping his expression as indifferent as possible. Yet even he found it difficult to look at all the worried citizens. Better to block one's view in such a situation…
Baccus unfurled the scroll he brought with him and focused his eyes on it. He took a deep breath and spoke with a voice echoing through the entire forum:
"Proud citizens of Veron! In the name of Emperor Gaius IV and the senate I am here to announce news from the Dark Lands. The barbarians have proven to be a thorny problem. But our valiant armies are fearlessly defending the north to provide security and prosperity for you, the citizens of our mighty empire. Unfortunately, sacrifices can not be avoided. The deeply saddened senate will erect a monument in honour of our valiant fallen soldiers. Additionally, the senate calls upon all able men between sixteen and thirty years old. If you are willing to fight for the empire and the citizens, join the mighty army! Because of the riches earned in the north the benefits for soldier will be increased from now on. Citizens, thank you for your attention!"
Almost speaking in one breath Baccus closed the scroll in his hands and hastily left the stage, signalling the legionaries on standby to escort him back.
Marcus watched the leaving Baccus with sharp eyes. When the man disappeared, Marcus moved his gaze over the crowd and couldn't help but grit his teeth. Baccus's words sounded nice, sowing hope among the people. Many previously worried faces had changed. Marcus couldn't believe that the people made it this easy for Baccus. Did they really not understand what Baccus was saying?!
When it was announced that the army would march north, Baccus spoke of glory and pride and of conquering the north. But now it became security, prosperity, and defending. And just the fact that Baccus mentioned the sacrificed soldiers showed that there were so many that the senate decided they couldn't be silent about it. And at the end they even blatantly called for new recruits with increased benefits.
Wasn't this a big warning sign? A sign that the campaign in the north wasn't going well?
Marcus couldn't help but feel even more worry. And it didn't get better when a large horse-drawn cart appeared, flanked by soldiers. On top of the card laid a stone obelisk with words densely engraved on its sides. The horse cart came to a stop at the centre of the forum where another obelisk stood. Next, the soldiers took a stone foundation from the cart and placed it on the ground. They grabbed some ropes which were tied around the obelisk and suddenly pulled with all their strength.
The obelisk slowly slid off the horse cart and landed on the stone foundation. The soldiers were quite skilled. Some of them pulled on the ropes while others balanced the obelisk. With their combined strength they managed to straighten the three-meter-tall monument. One of them stepped onto the horse cart and cut the ropes off with his sword before packing everything up. The horse cart drove off, leaving behind an apprehensive crowd.
Finally, the first person gathered their courage. It was a woman of about fifty years with sparse white hair, having visibly aged due to worry. She took small steps towards the obelisk and read through the dense words. All of those were names. Names of sacrificed soldiers.
"Nooo! My Gaius!"
Suddenly a bitter wail could be heard. The woman heaved with thick tears running down her cheeks. Everyone could feel her pain. A few people stepped forward to console her, but their worried eyes were focused on the obelisk, wanting to take a look yet not quite daring to.
At that moment the pit-pat of rain could be heard. Light drops fell from the sky, mixing with the woman's tears. As if even the sky was infected by her emotions.
"A bad omen… It's a bad omen!"
Someone muttered near Marcus, and he couldn't help but shiver. A bad premonition rose in his heart. But Marcus was at the back of the crowd, and he could only wait. Subsequently more people approached the monument. When they saw the names on their loved ones, they instantly broke out in tears. An extremely bleak atmosphere covered the forum. Grief was palpable in the air. Those at the back of the crowd stiffened from fear. So far, there hadn't been a single sigh of relief. Gradually everyone realized that the casualties this time might be catastrophic.
Time ticked by slowly. The people at the front left the forum in tears. Many didn't know how they would be able to live from now on. Finally, Marcus was only a few steps from the obelisk. His legs were heavy, and his heart shouted at him to turn around. There was not much hope left. But he had to see it!
There was no one left in front of Marcus. He took the last few steps. His gaze scanned the obelisk from top to bottom. It didn't take long until he spotted a familiar name. Tillus Gentus. A young recruit Iulius used to take special care of. He even once joined them for a meal. Now his name appeared on the list. He was dead! Marcus's breath quickened. He didn't need to read on for much longer. There it was, Iulius Ohbus!
Marcus felt like vomiting. All hope was lost. His father… his father died! He died in the unfamiliar north. Why? There life was good! Why did the army have to go north?! Why couldn't Iulius stay at home?! How were Marcus and his mother supposed to live from now on?!
One had to know that the empire didn't offer benefits for the widows of soldiers. The reason was simple. Soldiers were not allowed to have a family. Officially everyone complied with this rule. But in reality, after ten or more years in the army who would want to stay lonely? Not only Iulius, many others also had families at home. It was an open secret. As long as one wouldn't flaunt it in front of the officials no one cared.
However, similarly no one cared in case a soldier died. The family would get no compensation. This has led to trouble in the past but whenever someone complained the officials would accuse them of breaking the law, suppressing all other arguments.
A mix of sadness and hatred took over Marcus's mind. He was sad for the death of his father. And he hated this system which caused it.
For a good minute Marcus stood quietly in place, his thoughts spiralling. Finally, he snapped out of it. He abruptly turned his head to the right, staring at one of the two main temples next to the forum. Someone nearby caught his icy gaze and couldn't help but gulp. Marcus closed his eyes and opened them again. His expression was neutral but deep in his eyes something seemed to have changed. With stiff steps he left the forum, making his way back home.
Marcus observed the magnificent city on his way. The foremost civilization. Beautiful houses made from stone which was transported from a distant corner of the empire. A few soldiers could occasionally be seen patrolling, their armour created by the foremost craftsmanship in the whole world. The rainwater was guided along the paved road, disappearing into the canalization. Everything should be brilliant and dazzling. Yet on both sides of the road people could be seen hugging each other in tears, bemoaning the harshness of life.