He called a quick order to set up camp around the walls and rushed off, with Brutus marching his twenty behind, his mind whirling. There was so much to tell Julius. About Sulla’s murder, and Pompey’s daughter, the Senate gossip his mother told him. Julius would have to meet Servilia! With Julius back, it seemed as if the world was steady again, and Brutus felt his worries lift away. With his old friend there to help him, he would remake Primigenia back to its old strength, beginning with the men Julius had brought with him. Julius made problems seem easy and he of all people would understand why the “Traitor’s Legion” had to be reborn.

Brutus laughed as he came face-to-face with Tubruk, who had waited for him inside the gate with a wry expression of amusement.

“Good eyes for a man of your age,” he said to the old gladiator.

Tubruk chuckled. “A soldier pays attention to details, like who the commander is,” he said cheerfully.

Brutus shrugged off his embarrassment. “Where’s Julius rushed off to?”

“He’s with his wife and daughter, lad. Give him a little time alone with them.”

Brutus frowned slightly. “Of course. I’ll take my men back to the city barracks and stay the night there. Let him know where I am.”

“I didn’t mean . . . you don’t have to leave, lad,” Tubruk said quickly.

Brutus shook his head. “No. You’re right. This is a time for him to be with his family. I’ll see him tomorrow.” He turned stiffly and ordered his men into a marching column outside the gates.

Cabera wandered into the estate yard, beaming at everything. “Tubruk!” he called. “You are going to feed us well, yes? It’s been such a long time since I had good wine and those civilized little dishes you Romans are so proud of. Do you want me to see the cook? I liked that man, he was a fine singer. Are you well?”

Tubruk lost the frown that had creased his forehead as Brutus marched away. It was impossible not to be touched by the wave of enthusiasm Cabera seemed to bring with him wherever he went. He had missed the old man as much as anyone and came down the steps to greet him.

Cabera saw the old gladiator glance after Brutus and patted his shoulder.

“Let the boy go. He always was a prickly one, remember? They will be like brothers again tomorrow, but Julius has a lot of catching up to do first.”

Tubruk blew air out of his cheeks and gripped the slender shoulders of the healer with rekindling enthusiasm. “The cook will despair when he sees how many he has to feed, but I promise you, it will be better than the rations you’re used to.”

“Aim much higher than that,” Cabera replied seriously.

*                                                      *                                                      *