Read an extract from "Actium's Wake"

A new Rome is rising, basking in the glory of peace,

but a Rome where power prevails over principle and friendship.

 

To Becca, Baby Jackman, Mutti, Ellie and Henry,

For my father

Andrew Jackman (1946 – 2003)

 

 

I do not know how much time I have to write this. They will find me soon. I had to have the chance to write the truth, the chance to tell my story. This will be the last gift of the Rutilians.

I am not a writer. I cannot tell my story with the grandeur of Virgil or the wit of Horace. I have no time to sit and wait for the muse to come, but you will learn the truth. That will be enough. There will be many who write about Octavian, Rome’s first king for over four hundred years, but they will be obsequious, influenced, false.

No son will follow me. No statue will tell of my virtue. It is in these scrolls that I hope to live on, as the man who did not shy from the truth and who revealed Rome’s secret; the true nature of her King.

Where to begin? The room in which I write looks over the sea. That is where my story began, and that is where it will end. As I watch the waves I remember Actium. If I had time, I would give an account of that battle, but the blade may cut the flesh before I have the chance to relate what is more important; how I have been shamed. I will leave the poets to sing of Actium.

The summons. That shall be the beginning. If no other part of my story is written, you will have gained an impression of Octavian and that will give me some small satisfaction.

 

I

 

I woke in shadow. I could only see out of one eye. The other was swollen shut. Voices became clearer as my senses revived.

‘They say we only lost a few ships. They’re calling it a great victory,’ a young voice said. ‘I can see Antony’s fleet suffered, but not Cleopatra’s. She sailed away unharmed as far as I can make out. No stomach for it I suppose.’

‘It would’ve been even greater if it wasn’t for this idiot.’ The second speaker poked me with his foot. ‘Captain Duilius has just told Octavian that it was because of Rutilius here, that they approached the burning ship. Rutilius wanted the plunder.

‘He was the first, and you know what it’s like, loads of the greedy sons of bitches followed. That’s what caused our greatest losses. Octavian’s fuming. He couldn’t have made the orders clearer. Stop fighting at the earliest possible opportunity.

‘If I were Rutilius, I’d wish I hadn’t been rescued. Octavian wants to see him as soon as he can stand.’

War had taught me fear, but this summons brought about a new state of dread. The walk into his tent would be like entering the arena.

‘I don’t even know why he tried to get it,’ the man continued. ‘Everyone knows that the plunder belongs to Octavian. There’s never been any doubt that he’ll exercise his right to all the spoils.’

‘But the soldiers are entitled to their share.’

‘Yes, but they can’t just go helping themselves.’

I was searching desperately for excuses to satisfy Octavian.

 ‘Let me know when he wakes.’

I heard footsteps walking away.

‘Did we get Antony?’ the young man asked.

The footsteps stopped.

‘No, he escaped.’

The young man sighed. ‘So the war will drag on.’

‘Who knows? Just be grateful to be alive. Be grateful you’re not Rutilius.’

The second man left.

‘Poor you.’  My cheek was dabbed with a cloth.

The image of Sextus drifted into my mind as his corpse drifted through the waves. He had been right. The sun had heralded a new dawn, but not for him. I passed out.

***

‘Ah, Rutilius, glad you felt able to come.’ Octavian stood as I entered. My wound caught his eye. ‘That’s going to scar.’

            ‘Indeed.’

I tried to look calm and composed, not easy under Octavian’s eye.

‘How are you feeling?’

I was surprised by this question. How was I supposed to answer? Stupid? Regretful?

‘Well?’ he said, staring at me.

Then it came to me, ‘I am delighted at your victory, sir.’

‘My victory?’

I winced.

‘But surely it is our victory?

I nodded. ‘Yes sir, it is.’

Octavian sat down. Not once did his gaze leave me. He took a deep breath and stretched, then dusted something off his purple cloak. Not for the first time I noticed the gap between his front teeth. He was not the perfect man after all.

‘You leave me with a difficult situation, Rutilius.’

My chest rattled with nerves.

‘Were the instructions made clear to you? You were there at the council,’ he said.

‘Yes sir.’

‘May I ask what you were doing then, approaching that burning wreck?’

‘My men wanted their reward for the victory sir.’

He lingered on this thought, ‘And did they get it?’

‘No sir.’

‘No. You cost me men and ships and you don’t have any treasure to recompense me.’ The tone in his voice had changed. He no longer masked his wrath. ‘Your failure to obey orders has literally killed hundreds of your comrades. Other captains foolishly followed your lead, your avarice.’

‘That was not my intention.’

There was no point in an apology. What good would it do the dead?

‘I don’t doubt it. Wanted all the plunder for yourself.’

‘No sir, but I did not think that our actions would influence others...’

‘You didn’t think.’  Octavian’s voice had risen. ‘Who would deliberately put themselves in your position?’

‘I have fought for you for many years now. You know you have my unerring support.’

‘Unerring?’ He shook his head. ‘If only it were.’

‘Sir, I will gladly do whatever you feel is necessary to repay.’

He straightened. These were the words he had been waiting for.

‘You certainly can make full restitution.’ He sorted through parchments on the table. ‘When we have finished this accursed war, I shall take charge of all the troops.

‘It shouldn’t be long before Antony does the noble thing and puts an end to his irritating claims. But I doubt there’ll be a mass suicide of all his troops.’ He laughed as if such a massacre would be entertaining. ‘This will leave me with something in the region of,’ he checked the figure on the parchment, ‘sixty legions, give or take.’

The number registered with my reeling brain. With sixty legions a man could conquer the world, let alone Rome. Octavian would become the most powerful man on earth. The Republic had fallen.

‘A mighty army sir.’

‘Yes. Too mighty. Too many soldiers. Too many opportunities for revolt. I need to disband them Rutilius, for the stability of the Empire.’

I did not see how I could help. I did not see where this was leading. I did not see my punishment.

‘What do you intend to do?’ I asked.

‘This is where you come in, Rutilius. I can’t afford to get involved in this confiscation of land nonsense. It doesn’t go down at all well. I’ll only end up with revolting farmers.’ He laughed at his own pun. ‘I need land to be freely given.’

I missed the hint.

‘I understand that you have much land not too far from Rome, in the countryside of Italy.’

Exasperated by my dimness, he spelt it out to me.

‘If you were to give me that land, I could settle the soldiers without the usual unrest. You would in effect be granting peace to the Empire.’

He was asking me to give up my fortune. Marcus Rutilius Crispus, the senator with a single house to his name. I would be a laughing stock in Rome.

I did not reply. I could buy my life with my fortune but was a life of mockery worth living? The alternative was death. Not really a choice.

And if I agreed? I would be giving the Empire a chance for peace, but it would kill off any hope of restoring my beloved Republic. Octavian would be secure in his position. I considered what my dear wife Olivia would say.

‘What’s mine is yours.’ I said.

He smiled. ‘Good man.’

I studied him, trying to read my fate.

‘And to show my gratitude for this donation, I grant you the chance to re-prove your loyalty. Be sure to take it.’

 

***

 

So, now you have an impression of the man who ruined me. I have with me the letter I sent to my wife Olivia after that meeting. Reading it now, it seems rather cold, but I will not edit it. I want you to know that I am telling the truth.

 

MARCUS SENDS SALUTATIONS TO HIS DEAREST WIFE OLIVIA.

 

I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN. I’VE LOST EVERYTHING, OUR LAND, OUR HOMES, OUR WEALTH, OUR REPUTATION, EVERYTHING. THE ONLY THING LEFT IS THE HOUSE IN ROME. AND IT’S ALL BECAUSE OF ME. I’M SORRY.  I FEAR I’VE CHANGED OUR LIVES FOR EVER.

 

I DISOBEYED AN ORDER IN BATTLE. I SUPPOSE I SHOULD BE GRATEFUL I’M STILL ALIVE. I DON’T KNOW WHAT NEWS HAS REACHED ROME. WE WON THE BATTLE HERE AT ACTIUM, BUT ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA ESCAPED. AGRIPPA HAS SENT SHIPS TO PURSUE THEM BUT NO ONE BELIEVES THAT THEY WILL BE CAPTURED, SO I’M AFRAID THE WAR IS NOT OVER. I CAN’T SAY WHEN I’LL BE BACK IN ROME TO SORT THINGS OUT.

 

LET PHILIP DEAL WITH THE HANDOVER TO OCTAVIAN’S AGENTS. THEY WILL BE COMING SOON.

 

THERE IS NO GOOD NEWS TO REPORT. I LOST MY SHIP, MOST OF MY MEN, AND SEXTUS. I’M AFRAID HE DIED TOO. I AM ALSO WOUNDED, A CUT TO THE FACE, BUT I’LL SURVIVE.

 

I HOPE YOU HAVE ENOUGH MONEY UNTIL I RETURN. WE WILL PUSH ON INTO EGYPT. PERHAPS I CAN EARN OUR WEALTH BACK THROUGH VALOUR. WE ALL KNOW HOW RICH EGYPT IS. I MUST EARN MY SHARE.

 

FORGIVE ME.

 

MARCUS

 

You may wonder why I still have this letter. It is the last letter I wrote to her. At the time I was not to know that. I was focused on one thing; earning back my reputation and my wealth.

***

Within a few days of the battle of Actium the pursuers’ ships returned empty-handed. The fugitives’ lead had been too great. But for my personal ruin, I would have been devastated by this news. I was tired of fighting. The harrowing sights and sounds of Actium were still fresh in my mind. Images of men incinerating in their armour haunted me.

Antony had been trapped in the bay and it had looked as if, after so many years, there would be a decisive outcome. But Fate had denied us.

Octavian too was disappointed. He gave us his orders; to clean the area of any remaining supporters of Antony, and seize his entrenchments.

Swiftly, we sailed into the bay where Antony had established his army. I hoped to prove my worth but the battle was non-existent. Only a few men had been left at the defences. When they saw our vast fleet approaching, they surrendered immediately. From them we learned that Antony’s army was withdrawing into Macedonia.

We set off in pursuit, but my chance to display valour was lost again. Octavian persuaded the enemy to defect. During these days, a steady stream of senators who had fought with Antony came before Octavian to pledge their allegiance. The rumours in the camp told that he offered them a familiar bargain. Those with no wealth to give were executed. Many countries which had allied with Antony sent embassies to Octavian with terms of peace. Everyone seemed to be accepting Octavian as their ruler. It looked as if peace had a chance.

***

The following day, I was summoned to a council of war.

‘Gentlemen,’ Octavian began, ‘the situation is clearer now that we have captured Antony’s army. As you will all be aware, they have been enrolled into our legions, more than replacing our losses. Keep an eye on them. They are not to be trusted.

‘If there is any sign of the troops becoming restive, I must be informed. If they do, I will post all Roman citizens back to Italy, though I am loath to do this. It would mean that Agrippa, here, would have to return to Rome.’

Agrippa’s lack of surprise showed that he had already had discussions with Octavian. His role was becoming increasingly powerful. I noted a few envious looks from the other commanders.

‘The lure of rewards from Egypt will surely keep them loyal,’ I ventured.

‘Yes, but don’t make any promises. We do not know when that conquest will begin. The present need is to capture Antony and Cleopatra. I want Cleopatra alive.’

He looked at each commander in turn to check that this was understood.

‘Do we still have no information about where they are?’ I asked.

‘No. I am entrusting you all with the task of finding them. Do not compete with each other. You shall all be equally rewarded when they are captured. Do not,’ he focused on me, ‘try to do it alone.

‘I have matters to attend to in Greece and Asia, but I will return immediately when they are located.

‘Be vigilant men. I know all of you must want to return to Rome. We are closer to a chance for peace and prosperity than we have been for many years. Let us not allow this chance to slip.’

***

 

II

 

That night was the first time I realised how difficult Agrippa’s position was. He was the most loyal man I knew, and a great friend. There was good reason for Agrippa to be Octavian’s right hand man. He was the greatest general of our time. I had served under him for years, unbeaten. But being a friend of Agrippa did not, unfortunately, guarantee the friendship of Octavian.

 

Agrippa rose as I entered his tent.

‘Rutilius, good to see you.’ The smile was genuine. ‘Please, take a seat.’ He offered me wine and grapes. ‘How’s the wound?’ he asked.

‘Sore,’ I replied. ‘The physicians are keeping a close eye on it.’

‘Very droll.’ He hesitated. ‘I heard about the incident.’

I sat up, uncomfortable. The partnership between Agrippa and Octavian was stronger than I first thought. Agrippa was testing me, his own friend.

‘I am sorry for what happened,’ I said.

‘Of course you are. I don’t doubt it, and I don’t doubt that your intentions were true.’ His tone told me he meant what he said.

‘My men have been loyal,’ I replied. ‘You know as well as anyone that the rewards are what keep them so. I saw it as a chance for them.’

‘I didn’t drag you here to go over it again. The matter is dealt with. That said, I won’t deny that I was asked to check on your mood, to check that you are trustworthy.’

‘Have I given any indication that I’m not?’

‘No. No of course not,’ Agrippa scratched his head, a sure sign he was uncomfortable. ‘Octavian’s worried that you are too focused on the plunder Egypt may have to offer. It will be a chance for you to earn your respect back through valour, but Octavian needs the majority of the wealth. Without it, peace will have no chance.’

Respect back through valour. He had read my letter to Olivia. I was so angry I could not speak.

‘Of course,’ he continued, ‘I am not saying that no one will be rewarded. There will be the customary distributions and all debts will be re-paid. But the lands you’ve lost were worth a very large sum.’

I was confused.  How much could I trust Agrippa? Around him I would have to say all the right words, at least for now.

‘It was a sacrifice worth making,’ I said. ‘If it aids us in obtaining peace, then I am happy to have contributed.’

Agrippa smiled. ‘I am sure Octavian was impressed.’

‘I hope so.’

‘Now then, did you hear about Eurycles?’

My shoulders relaxed. The change in subject revealed that the test was over. Eurycles was a fellow commander.

‘The Spartan? Is he dead?’

‘Far from it. He was one of the men I sent to pursue Cleopatra. He managed to get within range to attack.’

‘What happened?’

‘By then, Antony had joined Cleopatra on board the Antonias. You will recall it was Antony who put Eurycles’ father to death. So you can imagine, Eurycles attacked, intent on revenge. But he failed. The Antonias swept out of the way at the last minute. Eurycles smashed headlong into another ship.

‘A shame,’ I replied.

Agrippa shrugged his shoulders. ‘Not entirely,’ he said. ‘Turned out that the ship he hit had all Antony’s plate and furniture on board. Octavian has allowed Eurycles to keep it as recompense for the loss of his father.’

‘And Antony?’

‘Escaped unharmed I’m afraid.’

 

We whiled away several hours. Despite his earlier test, our friendship was still strong. I reassured myself that Agrippa had been merely fulfilling his duty.

By the time I staggered out of the tent, I was feeling more than a little drunk, but at least my face no longer ached.

My thoughts meandered like my footsteps. I had left Rome with Agrippa’s forces in March. It had been six months since I had last seen Olivia. This was our longest time apart and I could not help but think that she would have been tempted by another man.

I was disturbed by the sound of conspiratorial muttering.

‘Do you really think that we will get any plunder? Half of us were fighting for the enemy a few days ago. I, for one, don’t believe Octavian will give us anything.’

‘I’ve heard his debts are enormous because of the war. After he’s cleared them, there won’t be anything left for us.’

‘That’s hardly fair. We’re fighting to the death for a short, pockmarked upstart who thinks he’s the new Caesar.’

I dallied outside the tent, wondering if I was being paranoid. Was this the usual grumbling of the troops or the beginning of a revolt? Was it a gathering or a couple of drunken comrades?

I crawled round to the side of the tent and tugged at the cloth to get a view of the number of feet. To my dismay, all I could see were hobnailed boots.

In an instant I was running to find Octavian. In my drunken state I tripped several times over tent pegs, hidden in the dark. I spotted the torches which marked out Octavian’s grand tent. The two guards outside were certainly well-built enough for the task. As I hurtled into view, they stood across the entrance of the tent.

‘No one can enter. Octavian is meeting with Agrippa. He has ordered that there must be no interruptions.’

Panting heavily and feeling nauseous with the wine bouncing in my stomach, I remonstrated with them, ‘he will want to be interrupted. I have important news.’

‘It will have to wait. Our orders were explicit.’

I looked at them both. Reasoning with these gentlemen would be futile. They were the best kind of soldier. Their sole purpose in life was to follow instructions.

I did not fancy standing outside with their beady eyes fixed on me. I walked out of the torch light and headed to the side of Octavian’s tent. If I could overhear what was being said, it would certainly be an interesting way to pass the time.

‘It’s a delicate situation.’ I heard Octavian say. ‘I have no resources to reward the soldiers, but no doubt they think they have earned it.’

‘I’m sure the lure of Egypt will keep them sound a while longer.’

‘It doesn’t take them long to lose patience. Past experience has taught me that. And this time I’ve just loaded my army with Antony’s men. It doesn’t make for sleeping easy.’

‘With no money, there’s not much you can do. I have heard of no troubles with Antony’s men. Presumably your clemency has bought their support for the time being.’

‘I’m not happy about it, Agrippa. If there is any sign of disorder then you will have to lead some of the legions back to Rome.’

‘You know my views on this.’

‘Yes. It’s not ideal but it may well be necessary. Now, what can we do for the dedication to Apollo?’

‘Well we have taken well over a hundred of Antony’s ships. My men are burning them now. You could always offer some of them. It wouldn’t cost you anything.’

‘Brilliant. What would I do without you?’

‘Lose at sea.’

There was no laughter.

I sensed movement. Agrippa was making ready to leave.

‘I will leave for Greece tomorrow,’ Octavian said. ‘I want to hear as soon as we have located Antony and Cleopatra.’

‘I think everyone in the camp is aware of this.’

I rushed round to the front of the tent. Agrippa looked surprised to see me.

‘Rutilius, what is it?’

‘I must see Octavian. You should be there too.’

Octavian looked irritated by my intrusion. His skin, blotchy at the best of times, was in poor condition.

‘This better be important,’ he scowled.

‘It is, sir. I overheard conversations amongst the troops which worried me.’

‘What conversations?’

‘Mutinous conversations.’

Octavian stared at Agrippa. ‘I told you. Damn them.’ He turned to me. ‘I tell you, soldiers are the bane of a ruler’s life. Did you find out who it was?’

‘No, but there were many. I checked it was not merely a few drunkards.’

Octavian sat. He placed his elbows on the table and his hands to his mouth. For over a minute he sat in silence. Agrippa looked disappointed. He would be returning to Rome.

‘There will be a council tomorrow at dawn. You will receive instructions to discharge soldiers over the military age with immediate effect. Thank you Rutilius, you may go.’

‘Yes, sir.’ His gratitude pleased me.

‘Don’t even say it,’ I heard Agrippa say to Octavian as I left, ‘I know.’

***

Discharging the soldiers was not a pleasant experience. Octavian offered them nothing; no land, not even a small sum of money. Of course, it fell on us to impart the news.

It was not well received. Several of the commanders confessed they had feared for their lives. Assurances that the troops would be rewarded with spoils from Egypt did little to appease them. For my part, I think I had less difficulty because of the incident at Actium. My men knew that I had their best interests at heart and that the orders were Octavian’s, not mine.

That afternoon ships were dedicated to Apollo. It was a pompous ceremony, focused all too heavily on Octavian. He had virtually claimed to be Apollo in the build up to the war. But this was all part of the Octavian show. And the people loved him for it.

Afterwards, the council was called. Octavian was departing to Greece as planned. Agrippa was returning to Rome. The rest of us were charged with locating Antony and Cleopatra. It was surprising that no one had received any information. Their allies, or at least some of them, had remained loyal.

As we departed I followed Agrippa.

‘Why are you so disappointed to be going back to Rome?’ I asked.

‘I hate the smell.’ We laughed. ‘Seriously? I hate the politics.’

‘But you are now one of the leading men.’

‘True,’ Agrippa sighed. ‘But I would gladly govern anywhere except Rome.’

‘Can you check on Olivia for me?’

He clasped my shoulder. ‘Of course, I will make sure she is well. I know how dear she is to you.’

On his third finger was a new ring. It was gold and bulky. The design was of a sphinx. I had seen such a design before but could not think where.

‘Farewell.’

***

The next weeks were peculiarly non-eventful. When Octavian left, we all sought news concerning Antony and Cleopatra. Emissaries were sent throughout the lands appealing to local rulers for news. It was incredible that such eminent figures had disappeared so completely. Meanwhile spies travelled to Egypt to await their return to Alexandria; surely their long term plan.

Although I cared about the mission, I cared more for a reply from Olivia. It had been so long since I sent my letter. I prayed that my letter had arrived before Octavian’s agents. I was terrified that the agents had assaulted Olivia. Such thoughts tortured me as I tried to sleep.

The drop in temperature over winter darkened my mood all the more. Every morning I woke to the sight of my own breath. Drilling the soldiers in the icy wind was nearly unbearable. It was not the season for fighting. But it had been a long time since that mattered.

***

It was January when I received not one letter, but two. One carried the seal of the sphinx.

 

M. V. AGRIPPA SENDS SALUTATIONS TO HIS DEAR FRIEND M. RUTILIUS,

 

HOW ARE YOU FARING? WE STILL HAVE RECEIVED NO NEWS ON ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA WHICH IS DISAPPOINTING. OCTAVIAN HAS RETURNED TO ROME. THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW PROBLEMS WITH VETERANS BUT NOTHING WHICH HIS VERY PRESENCE HAS NOT QUELLED.

 

SINCE HE IS IN ROME FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, HE WISHED ME TO RE-EMPHASISE TO YOU AND EACH OF THE COMMANDERS THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCATING ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. IT IS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ROME THAT THEY ARE TO BE FOUND QUICKLY. ALTHOUGH YOU ARE TO BE EQUALLY REWARDED FOR INFORMATION, IT WOULD GREATLY ENHANCE YOUR REPUTATION WITH OCTAVIAN IF YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL.

 

THE HANDOVER OF YOUR LAND HAS HAPPENED WITHOUT A PROBLEM.

 

I HAVE VISITED OLIVIA. SHE HAS SENT HER REPLY TO YOUR LETTER WITH MINE. SHE IS IN VERY GOOD HEALTH AND LOOKS FORWARD TO THE END OF THE WAR AND YOUR RETURN TO ROME. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT PHILIP HAS BEEN VERY CAPABLE IN RUNNING YOUR HOUSEHOLD WHILE YOU HAVE BEEN AWAY. YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT IN ROME.

 

MARCUS CRASSUS HAS BEEN ELECTED CONSUL ALONG WITH OCTAVIAN. SINCE HIS RETURN, I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ENJOY SOME VESTIGE OF SOCIAL LIFE. THE POLITICS ARE VERY TIRING.

 

IT MUST BE OBVIOUS TO YOU THAT THE SOONER WE CAPTURE ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA THE SOONER WE CAN SET ABOUT EGYPT AND THE SOONER YOU CAN RETURN HOME TO YOUR OLIVIA. PUT ALL YOUR EFFORTS TO IT.

 

AGRIPPA

 

The last paragraph was in his own hand. I cast his letter to the floor and with shaking fingers tore open the binding of the other letter.

 

OLIVIA SENDS SALUTATIONS TO HER DEAREST HUSBAND MARCUS

 

MARCUS, I CANNOT DESCRIBE THE EXCITEMENT AT RECEIVING YOUR LETTER. IT HAD BEEN SO LONG SINCE I HAD HEARD FROM YOU AND I WAS WORRIED. HOW IS YOUR WOUND? I HOPE THAT YOUR SCAR MAKES YOU LOOK LIKE A GLADIATOR. IT’S NOT DISFIGURING IS IT?

 

THE AGENTS HAVE TAKEN OVER THE LAND. PHILIP HAD BEEN VERY GOOD AT KEEPING THE TENANTS’ RENT UP TO DATE SO THERE IS MONEY FOR THE MOMENT. BUT I DON’T KNOW HOW LONG IT WILL LAST.

 

WHEN WILL YOU RETURN TO ROME? AGRIPPA COULD NOT SAY WHEN THE ASSAULT ON ALEXANDRIA WILL BEGIN AS IT DEPENDS ON ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. I PRESUME THEY STILL HAVE NOT COMMITTED SUICIDE AS YOU HOPED.

 

THERE HAVE BEEN DRAMAS HERE IN ROME. THE VETERANS WERE CAUSING AGRIPPA ALL MANNER OF PROBLEMS. HE COULD NOT SETTLE THEM AND SO OCTAVIAN WAS SUMMONED. WHEN IT WAS ANNOUNCED THAT HE WAS APPROACHING ITALY, ALL THE SENATORS FLOCKED TO THE PORT OF BRUNDISIUM TO MEET HIM. IT WAS AMAZING. THERE WAS A MASS EXODUS FROM THE CITY. THE MOOD WAS VERY FESTIVE. AGRIPPA VISITED ME JUST BEFORE HE SET OFF. HE LOOKED HAGGARD.

 

THE LATEST GOSSIP SUGGESTS THAT OCTAVIAN IS ON THE VERGE OF BANKRUPTCY. HE IS AUCTIONING OFF HIS POSSESSIONS AND THOSE OF HIS FRIENDS TO FUND THE CONTINUING WAR. WILL IT EVER END?

 

I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU SOON AND HOPE DAILY FOR YOUR SAFE RETURN.

 

OLIVIA.

 

Again, the last line was in her own hand, the last line she ever wrote to me.

 

I recall how my eyes prickled with tears. They were not, as they should have been, shed for the loss of the Republic, but were purely selfish. How I missed my Olivia.

The world in spite of all its turmoil was enjoyable with her. Picking up Agrippa’s letter I wandered back to my quarters to compose a reply.

***

 

I was trying for the seventh time to write a reply when I was interrupted by a man I still dream of meeting again.

‘Sir, there is someone here requesting an audience with you. He says he brings news of Antony and Cleopatra.’

‘Is he armed, Gaius?’

‘No, sir.’

‘Then show him in.’

The man was bundled into my tent. He was hooded and cloaked. I studied him, trying to guess his nationality and catch a glimpse of his face. All I could see was his mouth. His teeth were remarkably straight, his lips thin. He had the shifty poise of an informant, his head cowed to hide his features.

‘You have information for me?’

‘I do,’ he paused, ‘at the right price.’

‘What do you know that’s worth me paying for?’

‘I know all the actions of Antony and Cleopatra. I know the state of their minds and their armies. I know where they have been, are now, and are planning to go.’

‘Who are you?’ I asked.

‘I hardly think that is important.’

‘What is ‘the right price’?

‘The reward which Octavian will give you will surely be bountiful. I will take that.’

‘All of it?’ I shook my head. ‘I think not.’

‘I hear that your reputation with Octavian is tarnished. A certain degree of avarice overcame you at Actium. The value of being the man who finds Antony and Cleopatra is therefore very high for you. Worth more than the money I should say.’

I was taken aback by the man’s knowledge. He obviously was not aware, however, of my destitution. It was a high price to pay. I needed time to consider it.

‘How would you ensure that I do not double cross you once I have the reward?’ I asked.

He broke into a smile. It was a question he had been expecting. ‘I don’t think that Octavian will ever be too trusting of you again. A few well placed rumours and your name will be the first on a proscription list.’

The mention of the proscription list made me shudder.

‘And how can I be sure that you won’t spread these rumours even if I do pay you?’

‘You can’t. But why would I? Where is the profit in it? I live to make money, not to ruin people’s lives.’

‘I cannot give you a decision now. I must consider it. You will stay here for the night.’

‘Oh no, I don’t think I will. I don’t want you trying to torture the information out of me,’ he said.

‘I can assure you that that thought had not entered my mind. Return at dawn when I will give you the decision. You have my word that no harm will come to you.’

***

That night I did not sleep. It felt no time at all before the sun was breaching my tent. My exhausted mind had worked out that the reward for the information would go to the informant. The enhanced reputation would be my prize and would open the possibility of wealth once Egypt was taken. I would surely receive handsome rewards when the war was over and Octavian had his kingdom.

Often I look back on that night and the decision that I made. My logic was sound, but few decisions have brought about so much pain and regret.

***

I paced in my quarters, waiting for the informant’s return. Just as I had given up hope, Gaius returned.

‘He’s here, sir. This time he is armed.’

I considered this. I doubted that he intended to assassinate me. Far more likely he was protecting himself from ambush.

‘Show him in.’

‘Armed?’ Gaius asked.

I nodded.

The informant entered. Again his face was covered except for his mouth.

‘I have come to a decision,’ I said.

His lips did not even twitch.

‘I think you better sit down. If you have as much information as you say you do, this should take a while.’

***