Pompey clenched the fist he held up and one of the men with Decimus flinched slightly, expecting to feel cold iron in his back at any moment. Decimus did not respond to the threat, and as Pompey held his gaze they all heard voices raised outside the tent.

An instant later, Cicero entered with two other senators, sweeping into the warmth with crystals of ice on their cloaks. They were pale with the cold, but Cicero took in the scene before him immediately. He bowed to Pompey.

“General, I have come to represent the Senate at this meeting.”

Pompey glowered at the old man, unable to dismiss him while the three centurions watched.

“You are welcome, Cicero. Labienus, draw up a bench for the senators, that they may witness the impertinence of Caesar.”

The senators settled themselves and Decimus raised his eyebrows in inquiry. “Should I repeat myself, General?” he said.

His calm was unnatural for a man with sharp iron at his neck, and Labienus wondered if he had chewed one of the roots that were said to dull fear. Pompey resumed his seat and his long fingers fussed with the lines of his toga while he thought.

“Caesar has offered peace,” he said to Cicero. “I suspect it is yet another attempt to sow discord amongst our men.”

Decimus bowed his head for a moment and took a deep breath. “My master claims the rights granted him by the people of Rome in lawful election. With those rights, he accepts the responsibility to avoid a war if it is possible. He fears that a conflict between us would leave Greece stripped and Rome undefended. He thinks first of Rome.”

Cicero leaned forward like an old hawk. “But there is a sting to be borne, yes? I would not expect Caesar to brave our fleet to reach Greece and then meekly give up his ambition.”

Decimus smiled. “No, Senator. He looks for a peaceful resolution only because he would not see Rome weakened.”

“What does he offer?” Cicero said.

Pompey flushed at the old man’s interruptions, but pride prevented him from showing his anger in front of his most senior officers.

As if he sensed Pompey’s discomfort, Decimus turned away from Cicero and addressed Pompey directly. “Caesar offers a truce between the two armies. No man will be punished or held responsible for his officers at this time.”

He took another deep breath and Labienus tensed, sensing the strain Decimus was under.

“He asks only that Pompey take a small honor guard and leave Greece, perhaps to peaceful allies. His army will return to their posts and no harm will come to them for taking arms against the lawfully elected consul of Rome.”

Pompey rose once again, standing over the kneeling men. His voice was choked with fury. “Does your master think I would accept a peace under those terms? I would rather be ashes than take my life at his generosity!”