The man’s dark tunic covered most of his
face as it shadowed the sunlight at his back. His garments were from that of a
typical plebeian, but appeared suspiciously free of dirt for a man who spends
his time at the market. As he approached Marcus, the man did not care to expose
his identity by lifting his head into the sunlight or by removing his hood. As
the two men came together, Marcus prompted him to speak.
Dressed with his tunic girt low about
his hips and a broadsword on his side, Marcus dwarfed the suspicious man.
Standing over six feet in height and boasting an impressive body, he bears a
large stature that is complemented by his known victories as a military officer
and connection to Julius Caesar. Born into a well known family, Marcus utilized
his fortune to help others and has gone to great lengths to gain the loyalty of
his soldiers as well as the people.
Instead of choosing to speak, the man
discreetly offers Marcus a silver denarius minted with the profile of Julius Caesar.
As Marcus placed the coin in the palm of his callused hand the man whispered,
“The shadows of Rome speak of an epic fall great Marcus. I suggest staying well
as you may be the only man to save him.” Marcus’s face, accented by his large
forehead and curled nose seemed to reveal no reaction to the man’s warning.
Instead, he clutched the coin and asked, “Where do you receive such
information?”
Having studied eloquence in Greece as a
boy Marcus was not only a man of physical power but of articulate expression.
His speech was clear and precise given with a deep yet smooth tone. He said but
few words and utilized their meanings wisely by thinking before speaking.
Experiences with patricians and other smooth talkers had taught him to listen
first before engaging and coming to a decision. His dealings as a paterfamilias
also taught him how to utilize his persuasive speech which he found most useful
towards his wife and young son.
Before walking away, the man answered
Marcus’s question. “I can hear the voices of the men who choose to hide behind
their walls.” Upon his departure Marcus took one last quick glance at the
mysterious man before he disappeared into the sea of people within the market.
