At the royal council for the expedition to Tamriel, Alexios was berating his noble ministers:
"Ever since I ascended the throne, I thought the Normans were the court's greatest enemy;
I wiped out the Normans, and thought the Fatimids were the greatest enemy;
I defeated the Fatimids, and Mordor became Rome's greatest concern;
I conquered Mordor, and the Altmer became Rome's greatest concern.
Now I understand more and more clearly: Rome's greatest concern isn't outside the court, but within it.
Right here in this great palace!
Among my own sons and my ministers!
If we let things rot a little, all of Rome will rot with us.
If all of you rot, the people throughout Rome will rise up, and we'll have nowhere to be buried!"
Note:
This novel is a sequel to Rome: Invincible Under Heaven.
