Meet the Characters: Marcus Duilius
- jennifermckeithen
- Nov 6, 2014
- 3 min read
It's been a while since I've posted. So sorry to my readers for the delay! Between my grandmother's death and moving (and not to FL, unfortunately!), there's hardly been any time for me to think, let alone write. Aside from NaNoWriMo having taken over (Day 6: 10,960 words, and counting... Muahahahahaha!), life is beginning to show signs of returning to some form of “normal” again. I use quotation marks because I have to wonder if my life has ever been what most people would consider normal—and usually, I wouldn't have it any other way.
* Gauis Duilius unrolled the conscription notice and read it in its entirety. After a reflective pause, he gave Marcus the highlights. As they guessed, the admiral had been called out of retirement, and back into the service of the Roman Republic. But there was more. The Ptolemies and Carthage, as well as a handful of eastern and barbarian federations, were putting out peace feelers. The major powers were growing desperate to find a way to contend with the threat of the dark ships. Since Marcus held the rank of a mere centurion, he wouldn't have come by this information until much later on in the game, probably not until open war was actually declared. Having an admiral for a father provided some benefits at least. “Atlantis remains silent,” Gaius read on. “That's not surprising,” commented Marcus, “But I'll wager they'll join in the action soon enough. These raiders have certainly done enough to provoke them into it.” Gaius set the scroll down in his lap. “What are they like, these strange sailors? I've heard so many accounts and tales that I hardly know what to make of them.” Just as Marcus gained an advantage through his father's sharing of information, Gaius would profit from his son's first hand knowledge of a new enemy. “In a word: inhuman. As best as I can tell, they prowl the world like wolves, consuming everything in their path. Whatever they can't take with them, they destroy. They have no interest in conquest, only carnage.” He hesitated for a moment, “I was told by one of my fellow galley rowers that they eat some of their prisoners, though I didn't actually witness it myself.” Gaius slid his fingers together in thought. “Father,” said Marcus, for he now spoke to him as a son rather than a subordinate, “May I suggest that you consider moving mother and Gaia to our house in Rome? Since we're both leaving Sicily...” “I know. You're quite right. The legions here will also be called to war soon.” He sighed and rubbed his temples, “I wish you and Gaia could have been spared this. It's bad enough your mother had to endure a war. But that is the way of the world. And war is the only way our family can advance.” “We will not shame you,” he reassured him. “Oh, I've never feared on that account. We will all face this new trial like Romans. We can do nothing less.” * Several fictional personalities inspired Marcus' character. Horatio Hornblower probably had the greatest influence, though more the A&E mini series version than the book character. Don't get me wrong, the books are great, but I like how his noble traits were more emphasized in Ioan Gruffudd's portrayal. On the surface, Marcus is about what you'd expect from an ambitious Roman out to make a name for himself. But upon closer inspection, he has a tender side, too: think Captain Wentworth, from Austen's Persuasion. As mentioned in the Finn post, the Romans saw falling love as a hindrance to accomplishing one's life goals. Remember Aeneas and Dido? The problem wasn't that Aeneas played her and broke her heart—oh, no! Aeneas should have been off founding Rome instead of “wasting time” on love! I've never quite forgiven Aeneas for that, if you can't tell. But not to worry! Our boy Marcus will eventually discover what's truly important. The question is, will he figure it out in time, or will his love trireme sail off without him? Read the novel and find out! Admiral Gauis Duilius, Marcus' father, was an actual Roman hero from the first Punic War. (If you're an Italian sailor, perhaps you've sailed on a ship named for him? No? Well, just thought I'd ask.) Little is known about him, which gives writers such as myself plenty of room for creativity! What is known is that he was of low origins. But that didn't stop him from making a name for himself during the first Punic War, when he defeated Hannibal Gisco at the Battle of Mylae.
Photo source: http://karenswhimsy.com/public-domain-images/roman-soldiers/images/roman-soldiers-3.jpg
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