Secrets Of The Rubicon. Ivo Ragazzini

revealing promises and plans to your troops, Caesar," Asinius Pollio added jeering a little, since he was Caesar's very good friend and could afford to.

      "To hell with secrets. How much time would we have if we decided to take Rimini by surprise and go to the Marches, General Hortensius?" asked Caesar.

      "All winter Caesar. They are Roman soldiers like us and are not used to fighting in the winter, but they could start strengthening the defenses and the territory. So in my opinion, if we want to attack the Rubicon, I would act right now," replied Hortensius.

      "Calm down. Who is commanding Pompey's legions, now, beyond the Rubicon?" asked Caesar.

      "Commander Titanus."

      I know him. As his name suggests, he is a giant, a Catonian⁵² who is very loyal to the republic but unwilling to go to war," smiled Caesar.

      "I know him too, he is a good soldier who prefers negotiation and doesn't take much pleasure in sending his men to be massacred for nothing. I add, if I could meet him to talk about a truce or an agreement," asked General Labienus.

      "Veto⁵³ . I have no intention of giving Pompey the advantage of negotiating or believing that we are afraid to attack him," Caesar answered firmly.

      "Instead, I have a plan to dismantle the defenses and take Rimini by surprise. I ask permission to discuss it now," said Mark Anthony.

      "Licit"⁵⁴ replied Caesar.