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throwing away so many lives, Ahenobarbus? Are you a lawmaker, a senator? No, you’ve been let down, General. You should not be here.” Julius removed his gaze from Ahenobarbus in disgust, raising his head to address the guards who watched him. “I am returning to my city to stand as consul once more. I break no laws in doing so. I have no quarrel with you and I will not shed the blood of my people unless I am forced to.”
    Ignoring Ahenobarbus, Julius walked his mount along the line, his accompanying riders moving in formation with him. For a split second, Ahenobarbus considered shouting for an attack, but then he caught the eye of one of the riders and saw him grin and shake his head as if he had heard the thought. Ahenobarbus remembered that Caesar had called him “General” and the words died in his throat.
    Julius’s voice echoed across them. “I am within my rights to have you disarmed and sold into slavery for what you have done today. I see bared swords and spears in your ranks even now! Do
not
force my hand, gentlemen. I am a loyal general of Rome. I am the commander of Gaul and in my person I am the Senate and the law. Do not
think
to raise your weapons against me.”
    Every man in the guards stood appalled as his words washed over them. Ahenobarbus saw them lower swords and spears as Julius wheeled his mount and came back along the line.
    â€œI have not come back from ten years of war to struggle against my own people here. I tell you that you have been misled. I give you my word that not one of you will be killed if you put away your weapons now.” He swept his gaze over the men. “You have a choice, gentlemen. I will treat you with honor if you make good your mistake. Look around you. I do not
need
to be merciful. After this, I will consider you traitors to Rome.”
    He had reached Ahenobarbus once more and the guard was forced to look up into the sun to meet his eyes. Julius was dark against the light as he waited for a response.
    â€œWell? Your idiocy has brought them here,” Julius said softly. “Will you see them all killed for nothing?” Mutely, Ahenobarbus shook his head. “Then stand them down and bring the officers to me, Ahenobarbus. We must discuss the terms of the surrender.”
    â€œYou did break a law when you crossed the Rubicon, sir,” Ahenobarbus said stubbornly.
    Julius’s eyes flashed. “And Dictatorships are meant to be temporary. Sometimes a man must act according to his conscience, General,” he replied.
    Ahenobarbus looked away at his men for a moment. “I have your word that there will be no punishment?” he said.
    Julius did not hesitate. “I will not shed Roman blood, General. Not unless I must. You have my word.”
    Being addressed as an equal was such a small thing, but the urge to throw away his life had faded like a memory. Ahenobarbus nodded. “Very well, sir. I will stand down.”
    â€œGive me your sword,” Julius said.
    The two men locked eyes for a moment before Ahenobarbus held it up and Julius’s hand closed over the scabbard. The symbolic gesture was seen by all the guards.
    â€œThe right choice, at last,” Julius said, quietly, before cantering back to his own lines.

                                                       CHAPTER 3                                                       
    P ompey stood on the docks at Ostia and looked back in the direction of Rome. The port town was quiet and he wondered if the inhabitants understood what they were seeing. It was possible, but over his time in the Senate he had come to realize that there