The Gods of War by Conn Iggulden Read Free Book Online Page B

lunging up them in three great strides, turning to look back over the sea of faces. It had been more than ten years and he had known fear and pain and loss. But Rome was his, and he was home.
    The legions continued to flow into the forum, forming great glittering squares like islands in the colors of the crowd. Slaves and citizens mingled and pressed closer to the Senate house, eager to hear, to be part of it. The poorest of Rome were there in numbers and they were raucous, pushing and shoving to reach the Senate house steps. Julius saw the column halt at last, as his officers decided against bringing them all into one space. It was chaotic and dangerous and Julius laughed with pleasure.
    â€œI have come
home
!” he roared over their heads.
    They cheered him and he sat back in his saddle, raising his hands for quiet. He looked down at Brutus and Mark Antony as they brought their horses to the bottom of the steps. Both were smiling and relaxed. Brutus leant over to murmur a few words to Mark Antony and they chuckled together.
    Gradually, the noisy crowd quieted and stood waiting.
    â€œMy people, in this place,” Julius said wonderingly. “I have waited ten
years
to stand here before you.” His voice echoed from the temples. “I have shown the strength we have in Gaul, have I not? I have toppled kings and brought their gold back to be spent here.”
    They bayed their enthusiasm for that idea and he knew he had judged the tone to please them. The more complex arguments would come later, when he had finished with this day.
    â€œI have built our roads on new lands and marked out farms for our citizens. If you have ever dreamed of owning land, I have it ready for you and for your children. I have crossed seas for you and made new maps.” He paused, letting the noise swell. “I carried Rome with me through the years and I did
not
forget my city.”
    Their voices crashed against him and he held up his hands again.
    â€œYet even this moment is tainted. As I stand before you and breathe the air I love, I know there are some calling against me.” His expression became stern and the silence was perfect.
    â€œI am here to answer any charges against my name. But where are those who accuse Caesar? Will they not stand forward when I call for them? Let them come; I have nothing to hide.”
    Someone shouted a reply that Julius did not hear, though those around the speaker laughed and chattered.
    â€œCan it be true that Pompey has left my city? That the Senate you trusted to protect you has abandoned Rome? I tell you to judge them by their deeds. Rome deserves better men than they. You deserve better than men who slip away in the night when their lies are challenged! I am here to stand for consul, not to threaten or bluster. Who denies me my right? Which one of you will argue the law with me?”
    He swept his gaze over the crowd as they shifted and swirled like water in the forum. He loved them in all their vulgar, corrupt, violent glory. He loved them for their refusal to bow their heads and be docile, and he loved the exhilaration that came from riding their emotions. It had broken men before him, but there was no other risk worth taking.
    â€œFor those of you who fear the future, I will say this. I have seen enough of war. I will try for peace with Pompey and the Senate, and if I am refused, I will try harder. I will not take a Roman life unless I am forced. That is my vow.”
    A scream sounded from somewhere in the crowd and Julius saw a dozen of the Tenth detach with Regulus to see to the disturbance. The forum was packed so fully as to make any movement difficult, and Julius wondered at those who would take even this day as an opportunity for theft or rape. He hoped Regulus would break the heads of those responsible.
    â€œIf I must end Pompey’s Dictatorship on the field of battle, then I will do it far from here. While there is life in me, I will protect Rome. That is my