“A messenger from Caesar, sir. He has come under a flag of truce,” Labienus replied.

Both men thought of the three centurions Julius had used before and wondered if this man too would sow discord in the camps.

“Have him brought to me in my tent, Labienus. Inform no one if you value your commission.”

Pompey struggled to maintain his impassive expression as a spot writhed in his stomach. Without waiting for a reply, he walked past his guards and seated himself in his tent, ready to hear what Caesar wanted.

He had barely settled when Labienus brought the man into his presence. Sweat broke out on Pompey’s brow despite the cold and he mopped at it with a cloth, unaware of the brown stain of old blood.

The messenger was a tall, thin soldier with close-cropped hair and dark eyes that took in every detail of the man he faced. Pompey wondered if his illness would be reported and it took all his strength to ignore the pain he suffered. No sign of it must reach Caesar.

“Well?” he demanded impatiently.

“General. My master wishes you to know that the Senate families are unharmed. He will return them to you at dawn. The city of Dyrrhachium will be yours by noon. He has forbidden looting or damage of any kind.”

Pompey saw Labienus blink in surprise. It was unheard of for an army to give up the advantage they had won so easily.

“What does he want?” Pompey said, suspiciously.

“Three days, sir. He offers you the families and the city for the supplies within and three days of truce to get clear. He asks that you accept these terms.”

“Labienus,” Pompey said, “take him away while I think.”

In the moments of precious privacy, Pompey leaned forward, wincing. By the time Labienus returned, he was upright again and his face was bright with sweat.

“Are you ill, sir?” Labienus asked immediately.

“A passing discomfort. Tell me what you think of these terms.”

Pompey’s mind felt clouded and the pain made it almost impossible to plan. As if he understood, Labienus spoke quickly.

“It seems generous, though once again our men will see Caesar act the role of statesman. They will see the families released and the truce days will be another victory as we are forced to follow his lead.” Labienus paused. “If the stakes were not so high, I would attack at dawn, as the gates are opened to release the families.”

“They could be killed in such a venture,” Pompey snapped.

Labienus nodded. “That is a risk, though I doubt it. Caesar would have been denied the chance to show his generosity to us all. Morale is low in our camps and three more have been caught trying to desert.”

“I was not informed!” Pompey said angrily.

Labienus held his gaze for a moment. “You were not available, sir.”

Pompey remembered his earlier dismissal and flushed.