The cacophony of market chatter
increased as more plebeians and freedmen flooded the forum. Paused by a moment
of thought, Marcus discreetly began the walk back to the villa. The mysterious
mans warning resonated within his mind. Rumors of such upheaval were not
uncommon as Rome was currently plagued by violence and opposition. However, Caesars
return to the city made such conjectures a present danger. As the Senior
Tribune of Caesar’s army, Marcus had won many battles alongside the honorable
leader, but he could not keep from being unsettled.
Despite his mental unrest, Marcus
remained composed as he ascended Palatine Hill.
As he approached the border of his land
Marcus was reminded of the cloaked man’s slight of tongue. It was clear that the
tide was turning against Caesar and there were those who were conspiring
against him but his metaphorical speech pointed to a particular culprit; the
senate. His assertion was one of little surprise. There was no doubt that
Caesar’s men loved him with a deep passion and the people of Rome idealized his
leadership but the individuals among the senate did not share the same
compassion. Caesar’s coming of power as dictator had subsequently mitigated
their control and understandably created strife within the console. It made
sense that such an act of betrayal could have been derived.
Upon his entering of the villa,
Marcus summoned Thesius to retrieve word of Caesar’s welfare and the
whereabouts of the senate. The uneasiness of the day had suddenly grown.
