Play@YSDC

Germanicus nods solemnly.

"Pompey's death was a great loss to the Republic and I fear it is used as a rallying banner by those who wish us ill."

He signals for more wine and dessert to be brought.

The servants moved quickly to bring more wine and the desserts.

Caesar's eyebrow rose at Germanicus's words. "I thought we had finished off Pompey's followers," he said. "It took years even after he was dead, but the war is over at last. Still, they never did know how to give up. What has given you reason to believe that this plot has to do with him?"

Germanicus took a bite from one of the mouldy Gallic cheeses and explained:
"I can only envision two rational motives for an Egyptian cult to want your life. Either they think you profane the godly Queen, despite Caesar's kinship to Venus, or they are former men of Pompey who are out for revenge. I am convinced the Queen's informants would be able to stop the former, of the latter I am not so sure. "

"The latter possibility does make a certain kind of sense," said Caesar, pausing to sip his wine. "Not all of those loyal to Pompey fell in battle. There could be some who still sympathize with his cause, though it be lost. If they cannot have victory, they may settle for revenge. I intend to deny them that as well."

"As do I!And may Juno keep us to our word!"

Germanicus agrees in a powerful voice and pours the wine from his cup onto the floor as a libation.

Julius Caesar also upended his cup, letting the remaining wine within pour onto the floor as an oblation to Juno.

Germanicus laughs all of a sudden.

"Do you recall that night after Alesia, Caesar? We poured our wine onto the ground too then, drunk on the glory of the moment and on Gallic wine, if I recall correctly. We swore to set Rome straight!"

He reminisces for a moment and then chuckles.

"Poor Marc Antony was so drunk he poured his entire cup onto his calligae."

Caesar roared with laughter, obviously enjoying recalling the memory. "Ah, and then we did set Rome straight!" he said. "It took some doing, but we've done it. Rome has never been stronger and will soon be stronger yet! Just think of the memories we'll create on the Parthian campaign. You, me, Antony, together again! It will be just like old times."

Germanicus raises his refilled cup.

"To old times! And to new! And to the glory of the Republic!"


He drinks deeply and leans back with a content sigh.

"It is not just the times that are old, my friend." He grins slyly. "I have had to had my breastplate stretched."

Caesar lifted his own cup for the toast, then took a drink. "As well you should," he said with a smile. "We of the ruling class cannot help but eat well. Why, just look at this sumptuous feast you've arranged in my honor! I may have to have my own breastplate stretched after tonight."

"It is our duty to submit to the obligations of wealth!"

Germanicus puts down his cup.

"Though I must confess, I long for the leaner fare of the road, old friend. After so long in the city, it almost feels like I'm sweating olive oil."

"Too true, too true," said Caesar. "It has been too long since we've eaten military fare. It may not be fancy, but there is something to be said for salted pork. Something else to which we can look forward to enjoying again in the coming days and weeks."

Germanicus stands up and stretches his legs.

"Would you perhaps care to have a stroll in my arboretum, my friend? In the evening the scent of jasmine is most refreshing."

"I'd be delighted," said Caesar, walking with Germanicus into the arboretum. The stars twinkle merrily overhead, belying the chaos that Germanicus was told would come.

Germanicus smiles upon entering the garden. He inhales deeply, savouring the fresh air combined with the sweetness of the evening-blooming jasmine.


"There are few smells that reminds me more of the East than this. Well, apart from dry dust, that is." Germanicus laughs and looks around the arboretum and up to the stars.
"I'm going to miss my garden, you know, more than I'll miss my wife or the City. But somehow I sense the stars are right to go on a great adventure again."

"Indeed!" said Caesar. "All of the omens say now is a good time to leave on this campaign, according to the augurs I've consulted. They have foreseen a glorious future for Rome and for my house! Adelphus clearly does not know what he is saying."

Germanicus spits to ward off the evil eye.


"I am not a man given to superstitions, my friend, but I do feel it doesn't do to challenge fate like that."

He walks between the trees, a frown of worry upon his brow.

"There's more to this seer than meets the eye, I'm afraid. I fear he maybe something altogether different from you or I."

"You are right, of course," sighed Caesar. "Tomorrow I shall make offerings to the gods to propitiate them. I was going to make one to Mars anyway due to the upcoming campaign, and it doesn't hurt to keep the rest of them pleased as well. It is a good thing that so many of their temples are all conveniently located near each other at the heart of Rome. I too have heard vague rumors about Adelphus being something different, but the details are sorely lacking. What have you heard of him?"

Lupus had brought his armour and weapons out to the villa, discretely wrapped. As soon as possible, he ducked into an empty back room and kitted up before throwing his cloak back on. Lupus hoped the cloak would go some way to taking the threatening edge from his appearance.

Nonetheless, Lupus was pleased to have well-worn sword and bow at hand.

Lupus decided the best course of action was to take a tour of the villa's gardens and boundaries, to get a feel for the lay of the land. Also, he hoped to keep out of sight of the more gentle guests unless needed.

Lupus saw that Caesar and Germanicus were walking through the garden, speaking quietly with each other. A couple of lictors and a few servants were also in the garden, but they kept some distance between themselves and the great men. Everything seemed normal, peaceful even. It was hard to imagine that the things that had been prophesied would soon turn Rome on its ear.