“I have given you Gaul. The earth is black and rich there for your farms. Its gold will build a new Rome, greater than anything we have seen before. A new forum, courts, amphitheaters, racetracks, theaters, and baths. All this is my gift to you. In return, I ask that you raise your heads and know you walk the streets of the center of the world. All roads lead here, to us. All courts have their authority from us. Weigh every act with that in mind and be sure you act nobly, for we are the nobility of all cities. We hold the torch for Greece, Spain, Gaul, and Britain to follow. To the least of you, to the poorest, I tell you to work and there will be food for your table. Struggle for justice and it will be there for you.”

He was aware that the soldiers under Regulus had caught whoever was responsible for the unseen crime. Three men were swiftly trussed and Julius swore privately that they would regret interrupting his speech. He glanced to where the heavy bronze doors of the Senate house hung at angles. Despite himself, his mood was souring and he took a deep breath before speaking again.

“You will elect a new Senate with the courage to stand and face the results of their actions. Those who have run are worthless men and I will tell them so, when I catch them.” He nodded as laughter spread over the forum.

“If Pompey refuses to accept the peace I offer, I will not desert you, or leave you without protection. I will leaven you with the best of my soldiers, so that there will be order and law behind me. My city is not to be abandoned. It is not to be risked.”

They hung on the words that came from him and he felt his spirits lift again.

“That is far in the future. Tonight, and tomorrow, my men will want good wine and the company of beautiful women. I will buy every amphora in Rome and we will celebrate. Gaul is ours and I am home.”

Ciro and Octavian threw silver coins over the people as they cheered themselves hoarse as Julius turned away, gesturing to his officers to follow him inside the empty Senate chamber.

Brutus turned at the doorway and looked back at the crowd. “What if Pompey had stayed?” he said.

Julius shrugged, his smile vanishing. “I would have killed him. Rome is mine and always has been.” He walked into the cool interior, leaving Brutus alone on the steps.