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Roman Camp, Pergamum
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"From Calpurnius Bestia, sire!" a servant said delivering Brutus an enclosed message. Taking it, Brutus rested upon a chair. His right leg was killing him, a nasty crumb it would leave the physician said.

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Lucius Junius,

Congratulations on seeing off the rebels at the gates to Pergamum. I am shocked how close they got to laying a siege here, and why the rebels were allowed to travel from the south to reach the walls of this city.

The loss of life has been high, and I am glad that this finally appears to be the end of this madness, which should have ended long ago.

I wish to see you in person immediately - once you have completed your current duties on the field, of course.

L. Calpurnius L.f. Bestia, Proconsul of Asia
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"Brother, what's afoot?" Marcellus asked as he entered the commander's tent.
"Bestia wants me to meet me in person." Brutus said wearily.
"Maybe he wants to give you his congratulations?".
"No - he does that in his letter. I think he wants to delve into the slave business. I'm surrounded by money grabbers, Tiberius!".
"Well? Will you go see him now?".
"Yes, now that I am still fresh from the battle - maybe he'll get scared to ask for my money if he sees me all that grim and bloody." Brutus said, laughing slightly.

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Proconsul's Office, Pergamum
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"Sir." Brutus said, saluting the Proconsul as he entered the office. "Here I am. How can I be of service, Proconsul?". Brutus awaited for the reason of this sudden invitation, his armour battered, his inner toga tainted with blood - as if he came straight of the battlefield with just enough time to wash his face...