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Chapter 10: Next Steps

After hiding Sosethius from the agents of Gaius Verres, Cicero began looking for way to protect his friend in the long term. Keeping him hidden was not enough – for even the best-kept secrets did not endure long in Rome.

“There is only one way forward I can see,” Cicero said, early the following morning. “But I doubt you’ll think it wise.”

“What is that, Marcus?” Atticus asked. “Certainly it can’t be that bad.”

“Oh, but I disagree, if it’s what I think it is,” Quintus said. “Not the tribunes, surely!”

Cicero nodded, grimly.

“If there was another way, I would certainly pursue it,” he said.

“So you’ve decided to take Sosethius’ case, after all?” Quintus asked.

“I have,” Cicero replied. “There is much to be gained by doing so.”

“But also much to lose,” Quintus groaned. “Especially if you go to the tribunes!”

“I’m not sure I understand,” Atticus said, puzzled. “Didn’t Sulla’s reforms leave the tribunate relatively powerless? What could they possibly do to help?”

“My dear Atticus, the tribunes aren’t completely powerless,” Cicero replied, rising. While his friend was well versed in etiquette and family histories, his constitutional knowledge and political savvy sometimes left something to be desired. “They can still offer their protection from prosecution to anyone within the boundaries of Rome whom they feel requires it.”

“Certainly that’s not a permanent solution, though,” Atticus replied.

“We don’t need a permanent solution,” Cicero said. “We just need to protect Sosethius until Verres can be returned to Rome to face charges of corruption!”

“But brother,” Quintus said, standing to face him. “The tribunes? If the aristocrats don’t hate you already, they’ll certainly condemn you if you take this route.”

“They hate me quite enough already,” Cicero said with a laugh. “I doubt this can do anything to magnify their enmity!”

“Agreed,” Atticus said. “But tread lightly, Marcus. If you don’t win this case, I can guarantee that you’ll never advance politically. The boni won’t let you.”

“Aye,” Quintus echoed, worriedly. “Father had to sell a lot of property to give me the means to get into the senate. I’d rather not repay his efforts by being a back bencher for the rest of my life because you’ve sullied our family name!”

Cicero winced, and his temper flared.

“I don’t need you to remind me,” he said. “After all, that property would have been mine, so the sacrifice was mine as much as it was our father’s! I’m now even more dependent on Terentia, so I’d thank you not to lecture me, brother!”

“Gentlemen, please,” Atticus said, ever the peacemaker. “A wise man once wrote, ‘If you have to do something unpopular, do it with your whole heart. Ultimately, they’ll have to admire you for it.’”