Letter 9

The following are a series of letters recovered in Tacitus’ journal, all detailing a varied public opinion of Lady Julia’s hasty campaign against Gomorrah and varying in length from a page to only a few short words. He had, apparently and upon their return to Exeter, gathered letters, papers, and the opinions of the people of Exetia, ranging from commonfolk, to nobles, to soldiers, to senators to even children. Tacitus himself did not fully elaborate on why he had gathered these letters, only giving passing thoughts in later entries. Though upon review of the contents, certain opinions could be made on his reasoning. I will leave you to parse his thoughts.

- E. Celestina

When I saw you standing before the Exetian Square, announcing your first decree to march toward that dragon, I was ripe with excitement. I had always wanted to prove myself out there on the battlefield, and you gave me that opportunity. The day after your decree, I requested leave from my domestic unit and moved into the cohorts you were planning on taking. And I am so glad you offered me this chance to show who I am.

My mother always doubted me. She told me I was too thin, too veiny to be a proper legionnaire like my father was, but what I fell behind in strength I made up for in mind. While I had passed the tests, my intellect placed me in a domestic position as a local guardsman. I found myself doing paperwork of local disputes, petty crimes, and filtering adventurers rather than fulfilling my true desire on the front lines. I remember when Mother visited me one time, her face with an expression as if she had been proven right.

But no longer! I saved many men on our journey. Though not everyone in our century made it, I have enough eyewitnesses to show proof that I can truly be an Exetian soldier. I even brought back the tooth of a Wyvern I had slain with my bow and spear. So thank you for this journey, and I look forward to the next expedition you call us upon. My spear is your will, Princeps.

- Sextus Titus Cornelia (r. Optio(1))

After hearing the reports of the Tribunes, I am troubled by the numbers you have sacrificed on your campaign. Perhaps slaying Gomorrah was necessary, yet your insistence on leaving so soon is something that I and the other senior Senators cannot overlook, atop all of the bodies you stood upon to make it possible. I look forward to your Hearing. Though I understand that, since your forefather Augustin, our word is only words and nothing more to the Princeps, I hope that you consider your actions and act more prudently in the future.

Constantinus’ life, and the lives of the men with him, died from circumstances unbecoming; yet you, his daughter, had a choice. If one misstep occurred, you could have wasted it.

- Quintus Publius Claudia (Senator(2))

Father came home safe and told me all sorts of amazing stories! I think you’re amazing, and Father and Mother do, too. I wear the tooth of a Wyvern he had slain because of your bravery. I want to be a warrior—can you let that be possible for me, please?

- Lucia Tiberia Vopisca (Daughter of Remus, r. Centurion(3))

Give my husband back.

- Mettia Nona Tertia (Wife of Numerius, r. Centurion, deceased)

(Notably, the original letter was heavily crinkled and stained with dried tears.)

I caught word of your journey a week after you had left. The news traveled slowly to me, apologies; lectures at Thebia never stop, and I rarely had the time to endeavor in the news of the Capital. Though, my wife pointed out that maybe it is not due to the fault of the messengers, but perhaps myself being too far into my own studies. I kid, but only slightly.

Julia, I have also read over the reports that Tacitus had so dutifully written down over the course of your conquest. The numbers are telling, as well as the date you chose to leave: this was a conquest scheduled too early. While yes, I acknowledge, and even celebrate your wits and ability to think beyond limitations and overcome the adversity of your journey, it must also be acknowledged that there could have been much less adversity if you stepped back and observed. You have the intellect to do so, yet even with the laurels upon your head, wisdom is still something that must be earned with time.

This was not a failure, and unlike some voices within the Capital, I seek not to condemn you. This was not an absolute victory, either. From hereforward, I would like you to revisit our past lectures in your mind, and explore once again what being “princeps” truly means. Then, when you take that next step, may it be one of Reason.

- Anaxagoras (Scholar of Thebia)

Footnotes: 

1. Optio: The second-highest command in a Century, behind only the Centurion themselves.

2. Senator: A member of the Senate, which until Julia's rule was overwhelmingly male. The Senate was the previous main governing body before the Princeps, alongside the Consuls.

3. Centurion: The highest enlisted position in the Exetian military. The most meritorious Centurion within a cohort is given the additional title of Primus Pilus, or “first spear”, and a Centurion that commands other Centurions is additionally given the title of Legati.