The Man With Two Names

This is a story of Rome, narrated by Quintus Sertorius.  At the time of writing, he is considered an enemy of the state.  He wants his story to be a eulogy to Rome.

After his father dies, things change in their small rural community.  Needs be, Quintus sets off for Rome.  There he becomes the client of Gnaeus Caepio.  The evening of his arrival, a gathering of men occurs at the home of Caepio.  They begin plotting how to win the upcoming elections.

They want to oust Gaius Marius, also known as the Man with Two Names.

Meanwhile, Quintus’ friend, Lucius Hirtuleius had joined the army.  It didn’t take him long to realise that it would not be an easy life.  On his last day of training, he is called before General Gaius Marius.  There he was introduced to a Gaius Julius Caesar and several other notable officers.  He wondered why he was with them.  He quickly learned what was planned.  Lucius soon finds himself working for Marius.

When Marius’ candidate for election as consul is attacked, Lucius is injured in the melee.  He informs Sertorius that it was his patron who had ordered the attack.  Sertorius immediately changes his loyalty to Marius and sets in motion protection for Marius candidate, his son-in-law, Maximus, and his own family, which was now under threat because of his change in loyalty.

Maximus is elected consul, and shortly afterwards, sent to fight the Cimbri and Teutones.  Marius returned to the war in Africa, while Sertorius began to train as a tribune.  Finding that he knew nothing, Sertorius resigns his commission and trains as a regular recruit.  Once training was done and the weather warmed, Sertorius, under the leadership of Maximus headed for Gaul.

In his first battle, Sertorius is the first over the wall, and awarded the rank of centurion.  He also frees a slave woman, Arrea.  She pledges herself to him.

After he recovers from his wounds, Sertorius is shocked to find out that the son of his former patron is now headed to join them with two more legions.  His own is transferred over to control of Quintus Caepio; a man who considers both Sertorius and his brother Titus his enemies.

Could they trust Caepio?  What would happen if they entered battle with a very strong and determined enemy?  Author Vincent B. Davis III has the answers in the remaining pages.  Treachery, deceit and pride are the byword of the time.  A good read for fans of historical thrillers.