Chapter Twelve
Even from the practice yard, Marius could hear Junius and his mother arguing inside the villa. She was still insisting that he immediately take his place in the law courts, so he could gain experience of Rome’s legal system. This would ensure that when he reached twenty eight he could be elected to the post of quaestor, which was the second position after military tribune in the cursus honorum, the “course of offices”. This was the established route for young male patricians to take, as it allowed them to acquire the necessary skills to become influential and powerful men in Rome. It was at this stage that they would also be allowed to enter the Senate. The aim was to achieve each post at the youngest possible age, suo anno, "in his year” and it was considered a great political success if a man could achieve this. The ultimate goal for every young man of Junius’s rank was consulship, and his father had achieved this in his forty-second year, which was suo anno, and he expected his son and heir to do the same.
Marius could see their point of view, but he knew that Junius had only recently turned twenty-four and wouldn’t even be considered for quaestor until he was twenty-eight. He still had a few years in which to gain renown as a soldier, whilst accruing valuable allies amongst the army. Sometimes in Rome, it wasn’t who you were, but also who you knew, that got you into positions of power.
At times, Marius suspected that Junius’s parents’ words hinted at something darker and less supportive. His friend hadn’t said anything, but it was apparent from the occasional slips that they were embarrassed about their eldest son and believed that he’d suffered some sort of mental breakdown, which was being covered up by the army. It would explain why no one had come to visit Junius; nor had they encouraged him to go to Rome and meet up with his friends, which included the new Emperor Hadrian. Marius believed that they were ashamed of what he might say and feared that he could bring the family into disrepute.
“She will break my brother, you know. She always wins, even against him.” Marius jumped, taken by surprise. He turned to see Juninia, Junius’s youngest sister, who was standing in the shade of the vines near the entrance to the garden.
“What’s wrong with my brother?” she asked suddenly, coming closer and pinning him down with her gaze.
Marius chewed his lip as he took in the familiar chestnut hair and pale green eyes which were so similar to Junius’s, even down to the superior stare. She came closer still and despite the innate arrogance, he was reminded that though she was still young, she was considered old enough to be married.
“Is it true, all that nonsense you talk about? Or is it really as they say, that he was kept hostage and broken by the tribesmen of Parthia?” But before Marius could speak, she tossed her head and spoke again. “I don’t believe them; Marcus wouldn’t be broken like that. He’s a Junii and we’re the best of the Roman families. We threw out the kings; one of us wouldn’t crumble like that.”
Marcus was Junius’s praenomen, his personal name used only by his family, household and close friends. In wider society he was known by his nomen and cognomen, Junius Silanus, which was the family name and was passed down from father to son.
Marius thought rapidly of what he was going to say to the girl who obviously took such pride in her noble line. The men of the family were bad enough, but the women were ferocious.
“It’s true. All of it, and your brother was very brave, but now he’s coming to terms with his worst nightmare and learning to live with the fact that his darkest fears are real.”
She considered his words. “Yet you’re not as affected.”
Marius sighed and picked up the gladius which was resting against the wall. “They didn’t go after me, they went for pedigree and youth.”
She frowned. “Yes, that’s understandable, I can see that.” She was quiet, watching him thoughtfully. Then she suddenly stepped forward and spoke. “He’s not the same. He moves differently. Sometimes I see you practise and I’m reminded of a cat, or panther. He wasn’t like that before. Gaius and I have both noticed the change. Why, what’s happened?” Marius licked his lips and drew in a sharp breath ready to answer, but she continued. “And he never goes to the girls he used to visit, he keeps well away. We did think he was going to you, so we watched, but he goes outside. Where does he go? Who does he lie with?”
Marius frowned, annoyed at her imperious attitude and inquisition. “It’s your brother’s business and his alone, and if I did know, I wouldn’t tell you. Ask him yourself, if you dare. As to the other, I have to confess that I don’t know. We were told that these changes might happen, but also that they’d diminish with time, though the extra speed is quite useful for a soldier.”
“But why?” she whispered. Then hastily jumped back as Junius stalked into the yard.
“Are you ready?” he asked brusquely. Marius nodded and handed him the gladius. Junius turned to his sister.
“Juninia, if you have questions, ask me and don’t put Marius into a difficult position.”
She glared at him but lifted her chin defiantly. “All right, I will.”
“Good but not now. I’ll find you and Gaius later. At least someone in this family is prepared to unstop their ears and listen to me.” Then without any further ado, he lunged at Marius, who wasn’t prepared for the sudden attack.