Chapter 52 For the Glory of Rome!

Honorius was trembling with rage as he stared at Olympius, who was bowing his head before him. His plan was to use Aeliana to compel Marcellus to cease his rebellion. However, that had now gone up in smoke, as his prisoner was missing, and so too was his sister. He did not know how the clever girl had escaped her confinement and released Aeliana from her cell, but she had accomplished it.

Naturally being the fool that he was, Honorius did not reflect on his own actions that led to this point, and instead pinned the blame for the incident on Olympius. Who had recently fallen out of favor with the indolent emperor after learning that the man’s actions had caused his foederati to flee to Marcellus’ side.

“Olympius, you fool! How could you leave nobody behind to guard Aeliana? Also, what the hell happened to my sister’s escort? They are both missing, and nobody seems to know where they are. As we speak, my city is surrounded by the rebels, and Marcellus will begin his assault by tomorrow morning. Just what do you have to say for yourself?”

Olympius struggled to maintain his composure. Honorius was a self-entitled brat who was getting on the man’s nerves. However, Olympius still needed his puppet alive and content if he wished to rule over the Empire, and because of this, he did not resort to anger, and instead calmly explained his understanding of what had happened.

“I don’t know the details myself your majesty, I left behind a single man to guard Aeliana’s cell. After all, our forces are stretched thin across the city’s defense, and I needed to draft capable men wherever I could find them. It is my belief that the guard somehow conspired with your sister, and helped her flee the Palace with your prisoner.

I assure you that my forces are searching for the girl as we speak. Luckily, the hounds have her scent, and it will not take long before we find the girl. I assure you that you will have your prisoner back under your control before the rebels assaults the city’s defenses.”

Honorius was not one who knew when to give up, and thus he quickly voiced his frustrations at the whole situation.

“Utterly incompetent. When Stilicho was still my Magister Militum, he never would have allowed things to reach this point!”

Being compared with his old political rival, even after man’s death, struck a nerve in Olympius’ mind and he could no longer contain his fury. He quickly reminded the Emperor that Stilicho was no longer present with a venomous tongue.

“Stilicho was a traitor, and you removed his head because of it. Meanwhile, I have only ever been loyal to you. I suggest you keep that in mind while I win your war for you.”

Honorius could only click his tongue in displeasure as he heard these words. He had no response, for his mind was not clever enough to come up with a witty retort. All he could do was throw a tantrum like a child, which naturally he did.

“I don’t care what means you use. I want my prisoner returned to me, and my sister kneeling before me in tears. Just make sure she’s still eligible to be wed. I will need her to secure alliances in the future.”

Upon hearing that he had been given free rein, Olympius’ lips curved into a cruel smile as he bowed his head once more before responding to his orders.

“As you command!”

After saying this, he departed from the Royal Palace, leaving Honorius by his lonesome. The overgrown child simply drank his wine and returned his attention to more petty matters. So what if an Army of rebels were outside his gates trying to claim his head? Until they got past Ravenna’s mighty defenses, such things were not the slightest bit of his concern. Instead, he deluded himself into believing that his forces could hold out against Marcellus and his army, and perhaps even defeat them.

“Marcellus, I will have you grovelling on your knees before me by the time this siege is over. I have tolerated your insolence for too long!”

—

Placidia, Aeliana, and the three guards had made their way to the cisterns where they currently hid in the shadows. Though they had a fresh water supply, they were utterly lacking in food. It was because of this that their bellies grumble