Greetings Lucius Porcius,

Your letter did find me in good health. I, however, have little worry of catching a winter chill in Aegyptus. Please keep yourself warm and conduct your personal exercises in moderation. Knowing you, you’ll probably train in the snow with naked feet just so that you can taunt the legionnaires for being weak.

I do so miss walking the streets of Rome debating politics with you. Those days will return to us again soon. The false Pharaoh is a slippery devil. He has not the bravery to face us in an open pitched battle, and we are too wise to let him lead us blindly through the desert. His odds at defeating us diminish with each passing day. I don’t expect this stand off to last many months more.

Word reaches us that Marsius Cornelius has taken command ahead of the senior consul in the war against Troy. By what manner of tricks was this accomplished? Must I return to Rome so soon to make sure that Roman traditions are kept? Yes, I can hear you laughing even at this great distance! The bending of rules and breaking of tradition only serve to make the next infraction seem more tolerable and more legal. Ah, but this is becoming an old conversation from our last trip to the baths.

Do my ears tell me the truth? Porcia Secunda is betrothed to Publius Fabius Scipio? A mating of eagles indeed. I feel the loss. As you have often told me, I know it is unroman of me not to wed again. It has been years since my beloved Claudia passed away and Marcus needs a mother. I promise to remedy that soon.

Be well and do write.