The Bow of Heaven - Book I: The Other Al - By Andrew Levkoff Page 0,108

and in my pocket, he would be overthrown, cast out, finished. Deprive him of his one true love - as he has done to me, that is my task. Strip him of power, influence, glory – yes, there is meat in that revenge.”

“I fear for you, my lord. I beg you to think on this.”

“My purpose is fixed, Alexander, as the earth is in the heavens. Fear not. With what agony can death threaten me which Caesar has not already made real? Someone once asked him, if he had the power to choose it, what kind of death he would prefer. He hesitated not a moment before replying “an unexpected one.” Crassus looked out through the doorway into the darkness of the villa. “There are many kinds of death, Gaius Julius, and the one I have in store for you will most certainly grant your wish.”

***

(Editor’s note: the following two letters, dated respectively June, 56 BCE and August, 56 BCE, are reproduced from the archives of the British Museum's Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities. We have placed them in this location due to their chronological relevance.)

To G. Julius Caesar

Rome, Junius

I trust you and your army are well and enjoying the improving weather in Gaul. I write to tell you of my misgivings about our recent treatment, or rather, dare I say, my part in your treatment of the old man. You have been a most steadfast friend to my mother and myself and my loyalty to you is boundless. This you must know in advance of all else I write here. Crassus seems a likeable, even venerable statesman, a revered conscript father, and I had thought your indispensable ally. Politics is a complicated business of which I understand little, but I regret causing harm to anyone whose enmity toward Pompeius equals my own. In the end, we must all do our part to preserve the Republic, but I confess I do not see how this deed serves our lofty purpose. Here is the crux of my letter: do you think he has any idea what transpired in Luca? What if a confession were forthcoming? Do not underestimate the man, Caesar. He clasped your arm and met your eye well enough when he took his farewell. If he did this aware of what you had done, I would not value his mettle too cheaply. An old war horse like that would know to avoid a frontal assault on a veteran such as yourself. He may try to outflank you! I wish you all success in your campaign against the Veneti. M. Junius Brutus

***

To M. Junius Brutus

Celtica, Sextilis

My dear Brutus, I was gratified to receive your letter. As you know, it has been a difficult year for the army, especially for the 7th and young Publius Crassus, son of our esteemed friend. These heathens do not withdraw to take up winter quarters, but harry us the year round, detaining tribunes and demanding the return of hostages. Insane, audacious and vexing. Young Crassus, however, has acquitted himself so well, I have sent him to subdue Aquitania. Ironic, is it not? As for the boy’s father, you fret unnecessarily. Even if all were made known to him, Crassus must accept the consulship for several reasons. Do not disesteem the counterbalance of his avarice. He will gain a province, his first; he’ll not pass up that rich harvest. Second, the man’s a coward. He would never confront me. Finally, upon reflection, the poor fool will realize that nothing is worth upsetting the lucrative bargain he, Pompeius and I struck at Luca. No, do not fret, Brutus, we have nothing to fear from Crassus. You know what they say about him, don’t you? He’s a brave man, anywhere but in the field. I hope this campaign does not separate us for too long. My best to your mother. Do not neglect your studies in my absence. G. Julius Caesar

Chapter XXXII

56 BCE Spring, Via Cassia

Year of the consulship of

Cn. Cornelius Lentulus Marcellinus and L. Marcius Philippus

I did not learn of my lord and lady’s reconciliation until after we had made the six day return trip to Rome. I have patched together the narrative of what was said along those 300 miles from the subsequent confessions and confidences of both my lord and lady. I dramatize this lamentable tale to you here, as I expect it would have unfolded.

***

My lord, on horseback, rode behind his lictors. Tertulla sat by herself in the ornate and commodious raeda which