Julius snorted in irritation. “By the gods, Brutus, what would you have me do? Primigenia can’t have two commanders and my men are sworn to me alone. I found them in villages and made them into legionaries from scratch. You can’t expect me to hand them over to another commander after everything they’ve been through with me.”

“I thought . . . you of all people would want to see Primigenia strong again.”

“As a tribune, I can levy troops for you. I’ll send around the country for them. I swear we’ll remake Primigenia. I owe Marius as much as you, and more.”

Brutus’s eyes searched his own, judging his words. “But will you be building your own legion as well? Will you apply for a new name to be added to the rolls?” he asked, his voice tight with tension.

Julius hesitated and Renius cleared his throat to speak. The habit of years of obedience made them wait for him. He looked Julius in the eye, holding him.

“Loyalty is a rare thing, boy, but Brutus risked his life for you when he had Primigenia put back on the rolls. Men like Cato stand against him now and he did it for you. There’s no conflict. Primigenia is your legion, can’t you see that? Your men can swear to service under a new oath and still be yours.”

Julius looked at the two men and it was like looking back into his childhood. Reluctantly, he shook his head. “There cannot be two commanders,” he said.

Brutus stared at him. “Are you asking me to take the oath to you? To hand over command?”

“How else could you be my sword, Brutus? But I can’t ask you to lay down the rank you always dreamed of having. It is too much.” Julius took his arm gently.

“No,” Brutus murmured, suddenly firming his resolve. “It is not too much. We have older oaths between us and I always swore I would be there when you called. Are you calling now?”

Julius took a long, slow breath, weighing his friend and feeling his heart thud in his chest with a sudden burst of speed.

“I call,” he said quietly.

Brutus nodded firmly, the decision made. “Then I will take the vow with these Wolves of yours, and we will begin this day with Primigenia reborn.”

*                                                      *                                                      *