“Well the reports our master received in Rome were that the advisors to her brothers were constantly scheming against her and the Alexandrians are now disgruntled with her. Do you remember Falco the legion of Aulus Gabinus sent here some ten years ago when our master helped Ptolemy Auletes regain his throne?”
“Yes of course,” the thirty year veteran answered. Marcellus had only served seven years. At thirty three he was the youngest General serving and knew nothing of this story.
“The legionaries went native and married local girls.”
“I remember something of it sir, Yes.”
“Now,” Agrippa said, more for Marcellus’ benefit, “The governor of Syria, Bibulus, sent his two sons to find these men, but rather than give up their new lives the soldiers murdered them. Cleopatra had all those responsible arrested and sent to Bibulus. This is what angered the Alexandrians. She appears to have taken Rome’s side in this matter. Which is why we believe she left. It is reported that she is currently trying to raise her own army. It is quite possible that Pompey has either gone over to her or is hoping to recruit the legionaries of ten years ago.
“So if this isn’t her coming to us now in this barge then who could it be? This, what did you call him, Aletes?”
“Ptolemy Auletes. Cleopatra’s father. No not him. He died three years ago.”
“Then perhaps it’s him, the son, Cleopatra’s brother.”
“Well whoever it is,” Marcellus said, “I’d better let our master know.”
Inside the senior officer’s cabin a man was at his desk writing. He put his stylus down for a moment and rubbed tired eyes, then picked the pen up again to continue.
Gaius Julius Caesar, fifty two years old, supreme Roman military commander, the most powerful man on earth was making reports in his journal.
The civil war that has been raging now for almost two years has brought me and my legion to the shores of Egypt. Pompey runs from me and yet I hope, somehow, when he is captured to make a reconciliation with him.
There was a knock at the door.
“Come,” Julius said.
The door opened and Marcellus entered.
“I am sorry to disturb you Caesar but a royal barge is approaching.”
“Has there been any advanced message or messenger?”
“No sir nothing.”
“Any indication as to who may be on board?”
“No sir.”
“Very well.”
Julius got up from the table and beckoned to two man servants who instantly rushed forward with his armour, cloak and weapons and began helping him into them.
“Assemble all generals and an honour guard.”
“Yes sir.”
By the time Julius was on deck the Egyptian royal barge, which was a third of the size of the Roman Quinquireme, had already launched its longboat. The generals stood and watched as it came nearer. Three ambassadors sat in full ceremonial dress, guards behind them.
The three were sweating by the time they’d climbed the ladder and faced the Romans, much to the amusement of the officers present.
“Welcome aboard gentlemen,” Caesar said with friendliness.
The man in the middle of the three stepped forward.
“I am ambassador Pharnaces. I am the royal messenger for king Ptolemy XIII of Egypt. I have a message for our esteemed friend and guest Gaius Julius Caesar,” Pharnaces said extending a be-ringed hand holding a small scroll.
Caesar took the scroll, opened it and read the characters.
“His royal highness king Ptolemy invites you to be a guest upon his royal barge. He welcomes Rome as a friend and ally. What answer shall I give him on my return?” Pharnaces said.
Caesar rolled the scroll back up.
“I will be honoured to be king Ptolemy’s guest.”
The ambassadors all bowed low, turned and descended the ladder slowly.
“Launch the longboat,” Agrippa ordered.
“If you want my advice Caesar we’ll leave this viper’s nest now and return to Rome. Come back with your legions and teach them some manners. Expecting you to attend them. It should be the other way round.”
“Now. Now. Marcellus. You must exercise patience. Firstly I come in peace. We all do. Secondly we come for my son-in-law Pompey. And thirdly I want the money owed to Rome by the former and now dead king Auletes. It is a lot of money to sail away from. Rome and Egypt have been allies for years. I would very much like to see it remain so.”
Julius led the way down the ladder and onto the Roman longboat, his Generals and personal bodyguards following and the boat was launched. As Julius sat watching the gulls sitting on the waves he couldn’t help wondering