Germanicus

(Earlier in the morning when Germanicus went to the palatium)

Emperor Tiberius sent a lone messenger on horseback at the crack of dawn, and invited Germinacus to the palatium.

Once they get off the horse, and went on foot, they entered the palatium. The messenger then led Germanicus to the entrance of the corridor that goes to the Emperor's throne room. It was devoid of servants and guards. 'Maybe because it's still early'. Germinacus thought. 'Somehow, it feels a bit ominous'

"The Emperor awaits your grace, General." the messenger then bow down and motion for him to come in the corridor. Indicating that he is the only one allowed to go inside.

Germanicus stepped alone inside the dark corridor. He can hear his footsteps echoing, resonating with the marbled floor. And in the distance he saw a light, the end of the corridor. 'The throne room'. He thought to himself.

Germanicus smiled bitterly. He lived here in the palatium before. Before he even get married. His father, Drusus Claudius Nero, is one of the adoptive son of the first emperor, the Emperor Augustus, along with Tiberius. Making Tiberius his adoptive uncle. But his father died early, with an unknown mysterious illness caused by an injury. 'He was supposed to be the Emperor. With his skills as a successful military general and also a politician, He even was hailed as a people's hero.. ' ,his thoughts trailed, then his eyes became sharp. What he only has are suspicions. He has no clear evidence. But he knew, in his mind, his father was killed. By who or how, he didn't know.

Once he passed the dark corridor, he came face to face with Emperor Tiberius from the entrance of the throne room. All lanterns are lit, giving light to the high ceilinged room, The emperor is sitting, hunched on his back in his throne chair. Eyes half asleep, his hands under his face as if he is thinking of something. His sword, in its sheathe, is on his lap.

Germanicus came in closer, stand before the emperor and bowed. Only the two of them are present. Silence followed. He sneak a glance to the emperor. Then the emperor spoke.

"I'll deploy you to Antioch on the Orontes", Emperor Tiberius declared once their eyes met.

Germanicus who is standing in front of the Emperor tried to control his face from contorting. But he said nothing, he has no permission to speak yet. Silence again.

The Emperor continued, "You will settle the dispute between Egypt and Nabataeans."

'What?' , he is surprised. 'Why me',. He senses that something is amiss. But cant quite put a finger in it.

Germanicus's stony face although he's mind is already full of doubt, showed no hint of what he is feeling. But the emperor can tell by the way his eyes look. He can see reluctance and doubt. But the Emperor's words next pique his interest.

"But of course that is only on the surface.." The emperor trailed, trying to get more reaction out of Germanicus.

"This is a secret mission that only i would give you".

"It requires a man of your caliber, someone with utmost discretion and loyalty to the throne. I trust that you are the only one fit for the job", Emperor stroked Germanicus's ego. The emperor knew how Germanicus tick.

And the simple man, Germanicus, who was feeling a sense of foreboding earlier, somehow feels proud of what he heard, forgetting all the dark thoughts in his head. 'Hah, now you see my worth', his pride swelled and bowed deeply.

'Hah, what a simpleton,' thought the emperor.

"Tell me what you command, o respected Emperor, i will do my all to give you a satisfactory result. I'll deliver it to you as a sign of my loyalty and allegiance." Still bowing, Germanicus waited for the emperor to respond.

Tiberius chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement, "You dont need to be so formal, my nephew. After all, we're a family."

The emperor leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratoral tone. "This is your secret mission, i want you to counter Parthia's growing influence. Assert our dominance, expand our power."

'Parthia? That Parthia in the boarder?'

Germanicus eyes widened in surprised, he mean to say?

"Yes, assert our dominance, Parthia's been a thorn in our side for far too long. They are growing in power, i dont like it. They are gaining on Rome's reputation.."

'Tiberius talks as if he's just asking for a breakfast ' Germinacus is astonished. 'By asserting our dominance he means to say..he wants me to...' Germinacus eyes widened.

"They are threatening to expand their control of the border. Even goes as far as control the silk road." the emperor continued, ignoring Germinacus eyes. "..and their archers are getting skilled. I want to prevent them from growing their military. It can threaten our security.."

"I want that silk road, it is essential for trades. Its a vital trade route from east and west. Specially now that I want to expand our trade and commerce to the east. By controlling the silk road, Parthia won't be able to limit our access anymore..." the emperor explained.

Rome and Parthia has a long standing border dispute, specially in the region of Armenia. Its a daunting task.. but If i really did go there and supress Parthia, and succeded, what will i get in return?

Germinacus instantly knew before he finished asking his questions in his mind.

Recognition! His excellent insight and military tactics will be known by the people of Rome and Parthia. Reputation/Fame! His strategic brilliance will be celebrated. He can even be hailed as a hero like his father.

His eyes gleamed. He wont need to cater to other higher noble family anymore, his name, and his family's influence will rise. Its an opportunity. But why is it that, he feels like something is still wrong?

Germanicus hesitated again, his brow furrowed in concern. Emperor Tiberius sense his unease and offered a reassuring smile.

"I'll give you your just rewards when you return.." the emperor rise from his throne. "Im thinking of stepping down soon... It means, making your son the next emperor....his coronation."

Tiberius words hung in the air, laden with promise and temptation.

And Germanicus eyes, glowed with greed.

INDEX:

1. Antioch on the orontes - ancient city in modern day turkey, important center of trade and culture

2. Nabataeans - ancient arabian kingdom that controlled trade routes including the incense road

3. Parthia - ancient empire in the middle east, known for it's powerful horse archers and control of the silk road trade route

4. Silk road - network of ancient trade routes connecting China with the Mediterranean region spanning 4,000 miles.