He could not resist the excitement any longer then, and kicked his heels in, his horse’s hooves clattering over the stones. The steps of the Senate house rose before him and he sent his mount lunging up them in three great strides, turning to look back over the sea of faces. It had been more than ten years and he had known fear and pain and loss. But Rome was his, and he was home.

The legions continued to flow into the forum, forming great glittering squares like islands in the colors of the crowd. Slaves and citizens mingled and pressed closer to the Senate house, eager to hear, to be part of it. The poorest of Rome were there in numbers and they were raucous, pushing and shoving to reach the Senate house steps. Julius saw the column halt at last, as his officers decided against bringing them all into one space. It was chaotic and dangerous and Julius laughed with pleasure.

“I have come home!” he roared over their heads.

They cheered him and he sat back in his saddle, raising his hands for quiet. He looked down at Brutus and Mark Antony as they brought their horses to the bottom of the steps. Both were smiling and relaxed. Brutus leant over to murmur a few words to Mark Antony and they chuckled together.

Gradually, the noisy crowd quieted and stood waiting.

“My people, in this place,” Julius said wonderingly. “I have waited ten years to stand here before you.” His voice echoed from the temples. “I have shown the strength we have in Gaul, have I not? I have toppled kings and brought their gold back to be spent here.”

They bayed their enthusiasm for that idea and he knew he had judged the tone to please them. The more complex arguments would come later, when he had finished with this day.

“I have built our roads on new lands and marked out farms for our citizens. If you have ever dreamed of owning land, I have it ready for you and for your children. I have crossed seas for you and made new maps.” He paused, letting the noise swell. “I carried Rome with me through the years and I did not forget my city.”

Their voices crashed against him and he held up his hands again.

“Yet even this moment is tainted. As I stand before you and breathe the air I love, I know there are some calling against me.” His expression became stern and the silence was perfect.

“I am here to answer any charges against my name. But where are those who accuse Caesar? Will they not stand forward when I call for them? Let them come; I have nothing to hide.”

Someone shouted a reply that Julius did not hear, though those around the speaker laughed and chattered.