Ahenobarbus slammed his fist onto the table, making the dust rise in a cloud. “Would you rather he had killed all of us? That’s what Pompey would have done! He said he was coming to restore order and law and then he proved it, Seneca, by letting us go and trusting our oath. He impressed me, lad, and if you weren’t so busy looking for your next promotion, you’d see why.”

“I can see he did impress you. Enough to forget the loyalty you owe the Senate and the Dictator.”

“Don’t lecture me, boy!” Ahenobarbus snapped. “Look up from your precious books and see what’s happening. The wolves are out, do you understand? Ever since Caesar came south. Do you think Pompey’s interested in your loyalty? Your noble Senate would crush you for a jug of wine, if they were thirsty.”

For a moment of strained silence, both men faced each other, breathing heavily.

“I used to wonder why a man of your years was given no more than a road fort to command,” Seneca said stiffly. “I understand it now. I will lecture any Roman soldier who does not give his life into the hands of his superiors. I would expect no less from those who follow me. I won’t sit this out, Ahenobarbus. I would call that cowardice.”

His contempt was written in every line of his young face, and Ahenobarbus suddenly felt too tired to go on.

“Then I will pour a little wine into your grave when I find it. That’s the best I can offer you.”

Seneca turned his back without saluting and left the room, his footprints visible in the dust behind him. Ahenobarbus snorted in anger and lifted the wineskin, pressing his fingers in deeply.

A stranger entered only a few minutes later, finding him drawing idly in the dust on the table, lost in thought.

“Sir? I have been sent by my master to hear if you have any news,” the man said without preamble.

Ahenobarbus looked up at him. “Who is left to be sending anyone anywhere? I thought the Senate had all gone with Pompey.”

The man looked uncomfortable and Ahenobarbus realized he had not given his master’s name.

“Some of the Senate did not see the need to travel, sir. My master was one of those.”

Ahenobarbus grinned. “Then you’d better run back and tell him Caesar is coming. He’s two, maybe three hours behind me. He’s bringing back the Republic, lad, and I wouldn’t stand in his way.”

Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4