Severus frowned darkly. "I have heard of thy father's name, and of thine, you have stormed Augusta Vindelicorum."
"But not retained possession of it," cried the king's son; and his clear gray eyes shone pleasantly. "Who would wish to live in walled graves? Also in your Juvavum we shall not settle."
"That is provided against," muttered Severus.
But Liuthari threw back his locks, laughing.
"Wait a little! But say first, for whom leadest thou these burghers into the field? In whose name dost thou defend Juvavum?"
"For the Imperator of Ravenna, who, as a good omen, unites the names of the first king and the first emperor; for Romulus Augustulus, the lord of the whole earth."
Then the German drew a papyrus roll from his girdle, and threw it to Cornelius.
"I thought so," said he. "You know less than we barbarians what is happening in your own Italy--in your own imperial chief city. Read what is written to me by one who knows it well. There is no longer an Emperor of the West! Romulus Augustulus--the boy's name is certainly a good omen for us!--is deposed. He lives henceforth on an island, and feeds peacocks; and on his throne sits my brother-in-law, the husband of my beautiful sister--Odoacer the brave. He has himself written it to us."
Cornelius had glanced through the composition. He tamed pale and silently gave it to Severus, who read it trembling.
"There is no doubt!" said he, almost voiceless. "I know the man; he has served under me. Odoacer does not lie."