Tony and Cleop Act One Scene Four Sub-Scene Two

 This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

And the contents here are erotic / violent and may not be suitable for the unprepared generations. 

Act One

Scene Four

Sub-Scene Two

Mark Antony, where art thee?

 

Jeeves walked into the library. He greeted Caesar with a bow and then turned toward Lepidus.

“How was...” Lepidus bit his tongue. He was to say something lewd.

“Fine, Commander. I met the Consul.” Jeeves replied. He was still in his dark suit. “I arrived late at night. The train was...”

“His reply, Jeeves.” Caesar was impatient.

“I delivered your message, most noble Caesar. Mark Antony did not tell me much, but I was told he may return.”

“May return? What does he take me for? His wife?” Caesar was upset.

“I heard other reports, Great Caesar. Pompey Jr. has a strong buildup to his boys; the tardiness of the state in handling the last war returnees had forced many of them to join us, or rather Pompey Jr. ……”

“Address him as Pompey. He lives with his father’s name and no longer will call Junior.” Caesar cut in. “As I am Caesar, and the previous Caesar was ranked though his name was Julius. I was Octavius but Caesar I am now.”

“Yes, Caesar.” Jeeves nodded. “Pompey with his promise of lands and money. He thinks our boys are following us because they do not fear you, Caesar. Some left for Pompey, saying that they felt more appreciated by the other.” Jeeves stood to attention when he spoke. “I never believe a single word spoken.”

“Do not be peckish on that. I am... I should have guessed this would happen. It is all fair in the tussle for power. The boys always wish for their leaders to gain power until they have done so. Then the defeated leaders become... or rather are no longer worth loving, soon to be ignored because they are defeated. Once we called the boys, many are like a loose piece of cloth on a stream, going back and forth, following the changing tides, and ruining itself by constantly moving and changing.”

Another messenger arrived then.

“Grear Caesar, I have brought you grave news. Menecrates and Menas, those famous pirates—I meant robbers—have heist over the other sea ports with the help of Pompey, which they held at ransom of every kind. They are coming into Rome controlled ports by truckloads. The local boys are not brave enough to stop them or jump ship, and spirited young men revolt and join them to battle us. No ship is allowed to unload without permission or risk being captured as soon as it is seen. Some said it was the works of Pompey to terrify them.”

“Leave us.” Caesar told the second messenger.

“Mark Antony, come away from your hallucinations’ dreams. Once you were defeated at Modena, where you slew the brothers Hirtius and Pansa at the last war, you were beset by the lack of supply; ammo was low, and you fought against it with more endurance than someone used to living in the wild, even though you had been brought up in luxury.”

“You retreated and then consolidated your boys. You drank piss and ate stale food that the homeless would not touch. You were willing to eat the toughest jerky from the cases. I knew it was winter then, and even the bark of the tree was not spared.” Caesar praised the man who was once a Major of the Army, fighting a biting winter while digging the trenches. “You were there looking at the Alps, smiling at the days when you were there to celebrate Thanksgiving, but there were none then. It was a blow to you then as their leader, but you bore it so much like a soldier that your cheek did not even grow hollow from hunger or exhaustion. They glowed with pride.”

“Yes, he was the officer. Compared to then, his current state is a great pity. His belly was filled, but his mind was devoid of bravery.” Lepidus sighed.

“I hope he will sober on that and quickly return to Rome. It is time for us to appear on the battlefield, and for that purpose, I am calling a council immediately. Pompey thrives while we continue to do nothing.” Caesar was desperate. “Our allies need to show their true loyalty.”

“Tomorrow, Caesar, I'll be able to tell you accurately what troops I will be able to assemble to face the enemy now.” Lepidus stood up. “I will live beyond the age of sixty.”

“And until we do face him, assembling the boys is my business too. Farewell.” Caesar smiled. He felt gratitude for the man who stood by him in the conflict.