Crispus reached behind him, then stood and unrolled the large maroon banner of Rome. In vertical gold letters across the top were the letters SPQR, standing for Senatus Populusque Romanus. The Senate and People of Rome. A picture of a sickle and pruning knife had been emblazoned in the center of it, and the family name, Gens Horatius, was stitched along the bottom.
"For generations, this banner has represented the house of Senator Horatio," Valerius said. "At tomorrow's games in the amphitheater, I will hold this banner high and ask the people to cheer Horatio for his support of the empire. Once he sees the people on the emperor's side, he won't dare join Radulf."
"Join Radulf?" Aurelia sniffed angrily. "Horatio is no traitor. He's the presiding magistrate of the Senate. Second only to the emperor."
"Which is why he must be stopped!" I turned back to Valerius. "Do you think this will keep Horatio from acting?"
"I hope so, though I'm afraid it won't stop Radulf. Once he sees you in the arena, he will attack."
"And then the people will understand what a monster he really is." I shrugged, ignoring the growing pit in my gut. "It sounds simple enough."
"Which is reason to doubt this plan," Aurelia said. "Please forgive me, Senator Valerius. I know you are older and wiser than me, but you are wrong about Horatio's loyalties, and it's a foolish plan."
"I am older and wiser," Valerius said indignantly. "My plan will work."
Aurelia stiffened at that. "You didn't see Nic last night! He didn't win. Nic barely held his own, and that was only because Radulf was testing his limits. Now Radulf knows exactly what Nic can do. How can we be sure you're not trying to get Nic killed?"
"How dare you?" Valerius raised his voice, both angry and offended. "Nic is condemned by the emperor himself. Do you know what could happen to me if he's discovered here? Why would I risk myself and my family if I wanted him dead?"
She shrank against the force of his anger, then gathered her courage enough to say, "You don't understand --"
"And you do?" Valerius asked. "Who are you? A girl of the streets, of the sewers even? You have no education, no family name, and yet you question my plans to save the empire? All you have is that crepundia, proof that you were unacceptable to the family who gave you life!"
Tears welled in Aurelia's eyes, then she pulled the crepundia over her head and threw it on the table. She gave me one last look before getting to her feet and running from the room.
"Father, you shouldn't have said all that," Crispus whispered.
"I know. That was cruel of me." Valerius sighed, then he looked at me. "It's not a perfect plan, and I know it doesn't avoid a fight with Radulf, but I sincerely believe it's our only hope. More important, I am certain it is the only chance you and your sister have."
I nodded absently, but my attention was on the crepundia. Crispus still stood right behind it, holding up the banner with the sickle and the knife. Similar images were on the crepundia. I picked it up and felt a stab of realization. No, the images were identical.
Aurelia's father was Senator Horatio.
I grabbed the crepundia and ran after her. She was in the atrium, arms tightly wrapped around herself, and staring at the rainwater falling into the pool. When she heard my footsteps, she turned to me. "What was I thinking, to yell at someone with his station in life? I know he's shown us
so much kindness, even saved our lives, and I'm grateful for that. But I don't like his plan for you, Nic. I just don't."
I ignored that and instead held the crepundia out to her. I was so angry that it shook in my hand. "How long have you known Horatio is your father?"
Her mouth fell open and she seemed to be struggling for words. "How did you --"
"How long, Aurelia? Did you know at the beginning, when you threatened to bring me to him? Have you known all this time?"
She nodded, slowly. "That's why it was so important to go to him. Once I proved who I was, I figured I could protect you."
"You figured? But you didn't know, did you. You weren't trying to help me, or even to help Rome. I was only your ticket to getting close to him."
Tears filled her eyes. "Yes, I did need you. How else could a sewer girl get the attention of the Senate's presiding magistrate? But I wasn't doing it only for me. Horatio can't be as bad as Valerius says, and maybe he'd even help you. The best chance you have is if we face him together."
"You're wrong!" I spat the words back at her. "Valerius might have a dangerous plan, but it's my only chance at freedom. The best I'd get from Horatio is a return to the mines, and probably something much worse. You know that, Aurelia!"
The tears overflowed onto her cheeks, painting wet lines wherever they fell. "I should've told you who my father was. I almost did, but each time I started to, I grew afraid of what you'd think."
"Here's what I think," I said. "I think you lied to me. I think you used me. And I think you should leave. You have your reward money from Valerius. That will buy you enough status to get your audience with Horatio. Go and beg him to bring you home again. Because you won't find a home anywhere near me!"
"Nic, I'm your friend!"
That was oil to the fire I already felt inside, and I nearly exploded. "A friend would've done what was best for me, not used me for her own purposes. A friend would've told me the truth!"