It had been a year and a half since Titus Vorenus left his wife and son to fight with Caesar against the Pompeians in Africa. He often thought about seeing his farm and slaves — returning to a quiet, peaceful life. He has worked up ranks in 47BCE with in his legion after the impressive victories against the enemy acting like a wolf attacking sheep. Although he receives news about his family, about Ceasar’s pardon for Marcus Tullius Cicero (even though Vorenus knew about Cicero’s past history with Caesar), he wants to be able to hear those words and be with his family on the Palatine Hill.
Now, Caesar’s war against the Pompeians draws to a close. He finally can control all of Rome and be the sole dictator of the empire. Vorenus values his life on the Palatine Hill with his family and the concern of nothing but how much to sell a sheep than more mindless killing. He enjoys visiting the forums and listening to the debates. He enjoys having his wife help him with his trade in the markets. He enjoys preparing festivals to the gods such as Janus or wedding celebrations with his son. Yet, scouts of Caesar’s troops arrive at his land because Caesar requests his military expertise to secure his victory over the Pompeians in Spain and title as dictator of Rome. Vorenus reluctantly accepts in order to maintain his prestige and Caesar’s favor.
Three months — three months of tirelessly fighting against the Pompeians, three months of hearing the cheers of the subordinate soldiers, three months of missing his old life. Now, in March 45BCE, Vorenus can finally return home after Caesar’s conquest over the Pompeains in Spain. But, on his journey home, rebels ambush his legion just outside of Rome. He and the rest of his men have been taken hostage. Now, Vorenus needs to fight for survival not only to defeat his captors, but also get back where he belongs: home.
