For the short trip to Calpurnia's house, Arminius decided it was best if he used several of the family's gladiators as guards--especially since Maria and Luscinia were wtih him. Had he been alone, he would have taken only his secretary, or Marcus, now that his son was of age. This part of Rome, at least, was quiet. When the group arrived at Calpurnia's door, Arminius waited until Maria and Luscinia were received, before departing with Marcus. He told the guards to wait for Maria's departure, and nodded at their affirmation.

Down in the forum, there were few signs of normalcy...no vendors were about, and a line of soldiers could be seen around the base of the Capitoline, keeping watch over the men with Brutus and Cassius above. People were gathered in the rostra, and more were entering the forum as the morning advanced. There was much talk of the praetor Cinna's denunciation of Caesar, who had given him his office, and also that of the consul Dolabella. Arminius learned that the Senate was meeting, and signed for Marcus to follow him. As they approached the Curia, the crowds grew thicker, and they found the going tougher...but at last managed to gain entry.

Arminius whispered that Marcus was to remain silent, but that he could take notes if he wished, which he could later refer to for exercises in rhetoric and oratory. It quickly became apparent that the supporters of Brutus and Cassius wanted them rewarded as heroes and saviors of the Republic, while the faction of Caesar wanted them punished as murderers. At length, Antony rose to speak, saying that it must first be determined if Caesar had been a tyrant: if he was, then rewards were called for, but if he wasn't, then punishment should be the course to take. He then stated that he would abide by whatever decision the Senate should make regarding the disposition of the conspirators...but called upon the senators to remember that, if Caesar was a tyrant, then his actions were all illegal, and of no value--including his appointments of all the magistrates for the next five years! Pandemonium erupted at once!

Arminius turned to Marcus, and made him mark that phrase especially. "Marcus Antonius is a scheming bastard, but he's a brilliant one! If Caesar's acts are illegal, many here will not hold offices next year, or for several years to come--what a masterful stroke!"

Antony went on to say, that should the Senate agree to not reward Brutus and Cassius, then something might be done toward granting amnesty for them. It was decided to send a delegation to them, and see what would transpire. It came about that they would not come down from the Capitol until hostages had been secured, which was done. During discussions, it was finally decided that amnesty would be given, and no charges brought...so long as they took up their provinces quickly.

Lucius Piso was put in charge of Caesar's burial, and Arminius decided it was time to go home. "There is only so much speech-making a man can stomach..." he whispered to Marcus, as they made their way back to Calpurnia's domus. As he collected his wife and daughter, he learned that Calpurnia was making plans to visit Fulvia, the wife of Marcus Antonius.

Only Marcus heard what Arminius muttered upon hearing that!

"She might as well--he's already got Gaius Julius' will and the money--why not the unreproachable wife too!"