I heard voices, and gradually realized that I was in an enclosed space- not a room exactly, but a shelter of some sort, full of soft light.
"A citizen his age, led by his neck on a forced march!"
"The prisoners had to be bound, Tribune. Standard procedure for suspected insurgents and spies."
"It's a wonder you didn't kill him! That wouldn't mark an auspicious beginning for you in Caesar's army, cohort commander- killing Gordianus Meto's father."
"I only followed regulations, Tribune."
I realized I was in a large tent, and remembered the tent in the meadow from which Antony had emerged. I lay on a hard pallet with a thin blanket over me.
"He's waking up."
"A good thing for you! You're dismissed, Marcus Otacilius. Go back and rejoin your cohort."
"But-"
"The sight of you is likely to send him straight to Hades! You've made your report. Get out."
There was a rustling noise, a flicker of light from a parted tent flap, and then the face of Marc Antony abruptly loomed over me. "Gordianus, are you all right?"
"Thirsty. Hungry. My feet hurt."
Antony laughed. "You sound like any soldier at the end of a hard march."
I managed to sit up. My head whirled. "I fainted?"
"It happens. A forced march, no food or water- and from the marks on your neck, it looks like that fool Otacilius half-strangled you."
I felt my throat. The flesh was tender and bruised, but not bleeding. "For a moment, up at the pass, I thought he was going to execute me."
"He's not that big a fool. We'll talk about it later, after you've had something to eat and drink. Don't get up. Sit on the cot. I'll have something brought to you. But eat quickly. The tent needs to come down. I intend to set out within the hour."
"What about me?"
"You'll come with me, of course."
I groaned. "Not back up the mountain!"
"No. To Brundisium. Caesar needs me, to close in for the kill."