Full Circle Chapter 15 (first half)

Theodonius looked at his new general, one who had had many successes in the field and one he knew beyond any doubt was loyal. "My spies tell me that the Goths are getting weary of peace. There is talk of revolt among them."

Flavius Stilcho turned as he continued pouring a flask of wine for himself and looked at his liege. "How reliable are they?"

"Relaible enough, I'd say. The news comes from the general's own mouth."

"How can you be sure? It could be idle talk, you know my lord." Flavius strode over to sit in a ornate backless chair and took a drink. " Did you put the spy there yourself, or did someone else do it for you?"

Theodonius face grew red as he pushed himself upright making the bulk of his weight jiggle. "How dare you question me?" He took two steps towards Stilcho, fist upraised. "You're an insolent bastard even for your brilliance."

Stilcho was undisturbed by the display. He had seen far too many battles, seen too much killing, seen both defeats and victories in his lifetime as a soldier to be worried about what a man might think of him. "If you think so, my lord of me then I can go back to my troops--" he began and got up to leave but a swiftly raised hand by Theodonius stayed his actions.

"Stay. I didn't give you leave to go."

"I never asked for it nor do I require it." Stilcho's hawklike face reflected the iron hard qualities that had pulled him into the position he now held. "Shall I take my leave or shall you answer my question?" he asked bluntly.

Theodonius sighed. "It's a rumor. Only God knows what they are thinking. I cannot seem to get anyone near Alaric to learn of his plans. As for Darius, his general--" he shook his head. "He's on the border guarding against invasion for Rome. It seems that he had his ruler had a falling out seven years ago which to this day remains unhealed."

Stilcho nodded. "That could be good. Let them fight among themselves, rather than gather their forces against Rome and begin their raids anew. " He stood and began to pace. "If Rome were to show any indications that we are aware of any discontent then they might back down on any plans to revolt if indeed that is true."

The Emperor looked out the window towards the Seven hills adorned with it's many buildings, the Senate, and all of the rest of the squalor below it as he thought. "And they may not. And for that reason, I have called Constantine back into service. He has the knowledge, the manpower, the experience you would require to defeat them."

"But he is in Egypt!"

"No, " Theodonius said quietly but with unmistakable authority. "He is not. I sent for him before I sent for you. He is to provide backup to your forces should anything happen."

The general scowled, his unhappiness apparent on his features. "Who is to be in charge then of the armis then?"

"You are, my dear Flavius. Despite you being a Hun, I would still trust Rome to you should it come to war." He looked over to his general. "Constantine is good, I 'll grant you that. He has served Rome for a very long time and has done well for her. But do not fret. You my dear are better and my choice. "

"And you will explain that to him when he arrives, will you not?" Flavius downed the rest of the wine in one gulp and set the flask down with a resounding thud.

The emperor smiled benevolently. "Upon my Christian God, I so swear I will. I will tell him..."