Cassius entered the steady stream of human activity flowing in and out of Cornelia’s study. His time in the ebbing line helped dissipate a bit of the mystery in the Pompeius compound. The behaviour of the servants and others indicated Cornelia enjoyed this degree of personal responsibility on a normal basis. She was Magnus’ partner in every sense of the word, in thought and deed, beyond what his naturally uxorious nature would suggest.

Cassius found some comfort in this, because it meant there was less risk in the agreement not being honoured by Pompeius when he recovered. On the other hand, it was unnerving to consider the incredibly powerful combination; Cornelia’s social standing had not diminished in the marriage, and Pompeius’ clients counted all of the East and Spain, not to mention the union of wealth within Italia itself. Were Pompeius a younger man, and from a bit more ‘Roman’ family, such as a Junius or a Lepidus, Livius, Catalus, even a Phillipus, Rome’s would wake to find herself in the grasp of something very new. He shivered, and hoped Rome never found such a union in its future.

“Good morning Cassius” Cornelia greeted him as he entered. “ I hope you slept well.”

“Yes, very well, considering how quiet it is so far from Rome,” Cassius replied pleasantly, with his typical slightly self mocking grin. The staff swirled around him as they rapidly departed to leave him and their mistress in privacy. When Dacia closed the doors with a succinct click, Cornelia spoke again.

“ So, are you interested?” she asked, motioning to a table on which sticky buns and wine were kept warming over steaming water.

“Yes, I am interested,” Cassius said, sitting but partaking of nothing. “So, what, exactly, is the offer of Pompeius Scipio families?”

“Enough talents of gold to fund 3 legions for 9 months. That should get you into the field, comfortably, where you will pick up funding from local clients as well as through conquest, as is traditional. Because Caesar will not be able to deny you the traditional four legions, you’ll get superbly trained legions ready for combat. My husband’s guess is they are annoyed with Caesar sitting in Rome so long, so you shouldn’t have trouble with them. Pompeian fleets will get you where you need to go, so the long of the short, you can get moving fast and won’t need to waste funds on training.”

“True enough,” Cassius concurred. “And what else?”

“The unpleasant part. You will have to take on some officers you might not want for familial reasons, but I doubt Magnus will expect you to choose any but your own senior staff. So nothing unusual there. You’ll be given a list.”

“Sextus?”

“He goes to Rome. Like you he has established himself young, but he needs to make himself known to Rome now. As you know, Pompieus Jr is ‘governing’ Asia province and Syria, so he’ll expect to be kept informed; also to be directly involved if the fighting goes into his provinces. He will help you logistically in any case, as is traditional.”

A ghost of a smile passed Cassius’ lips. “Tradition matters to you.”

“Yes, it does. Had tradition been rigorously followed, we would not be where we are. But we are where we are, and now must make the best of it.”

Cornelia huffed slightly, and picked up one of the snacks kept warm. “Any questions?”

“Two. When would you like my answer? And exactly what will be Porcia’s story when she returns to Rome?”

“We should be departing in two days. We’de like your answer by then, so any necessary documents can be prepared, and in case you wish to leave from here directly as some of your legions are in Cisalpine Gaul. Or you can accompany us back to Rome, if such as your wish. You might want to use the time to plan what you will need for support specifically in Rome while in the field. In any case, by the time we reach Rome, you should have an answer. As for Porcia, that will depend to a large extent upon her.”

Cassius rose. “You will have my answer by the time you leave. Until then, I would like to enjoy the grounds, and atmosphere.”

“ We will see you at dinner, I hope? Sextus will be subdued, never fear.”