Greetings all. Searched the forum and was was suprised to see this hasn't been done - of course I could be wrong so feel free to point me at prior art if that is the case. This is my first attempt so all comments criticism etc welcome...
So here's the POD :
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Alexandria, September 28, 48 BC.
The order had been given and he had accepted. Pothinus watched him from the foot of the throne where the boy-king Ptolemy XIII sat rigid. With Achillas he turned to leave but the nagging doubt would not leave Lucius. Suddenly he threw himself to the ground in front of the throne and in a voice accented with the west asked "May I speak to the King of Kings?"
In the silence after his words he heard the sharp intake of the eunuch's breath, and was aware of the sudden stillness around him.
Then soft laughter from the throne. "That such a proud Roman should abase himself has us intrigued. He may speak to the King of Kings and tell us what affects him so."
"Your Majesty is most wise."
"Your urge to speak suggests you doubt our wisdom Lucius Septimius..."
Death stared at him in those words, he could almost feel Pothinus smile, but he gathered what rhetoric he possessed and continued. "I have no doubt of the Pharaohs wisdom and were Caesar of the east I would not speak but Caesar is of Rome and I know the heart of Rome. He seeks not their heads but their spirits and must have them take his clemency. Pompey above all is both his brother and his greatest enemy and that spirit would be his most valued treasure."
Again came silence, the sound of Pothinus's robes swirling as he turned and a movement from the throne that suggested a dismissive gesture.
"Arise Lucius Septimius" came the voice from the throne and he stood. Pothinus looked startled and Ptolemy contemplative, "There is the Wisdom of Gods and the wisdom of men. I am both in one and the wisdom of the Gods and man tell us of the truth in your words. We change our command and wish you to bring us Pompey in good health so that we may give Caesar his most valued treasure."
The echoing of his words made Lucius's heart beat faster but he kept his composure and bowed, "My life is yours to command Majesty."
"The life of a man is worth what to a God Lucius Septimius?"
"Whatever the God judges it to be worth Majesty."
Another piping boy laugh "Remember that Lucius Septimius, remember that. You may go."
As he turned Lucius noted the look of barely covered rage from Pothinus and Achillas's obvious distaste. "I will remember that, I will remember that indeed" he thought.