“The general is expecting you. He is most anxious to hearyour prophecy.”
As, in fact, was Travers. He hoped that he would be allowedto stay and listen. He did not really expect to hear anything surprising.Oracles and soothsayers knew what was expected of them when they were broughtinto the presence of a famous general and found themselves surrounded by anarmy. Under such circumstances, it would not be wise to read “unfavorableportents.” The man would doubtless give a reassuring reading in the mostgeneral terms, promising success and power and the favor of the gods, pockethis “offering” and hurry home. However, Travers thought it might make for aninteresting scene in his book.
“You’ve searched him, of course?” Travers said to the centurion.
“Of course, Praetor. The man was carrying no weapons.”
“Good. Come with me.”
Travers led the way to Caesar’s tent, with the vexillum,the general’s standard, a white banner inscribed with red letters giving Caesar’sname and identifying his army. placed outside it. The tent was made of leather,with two upright poles and one ridge pole. When on the march. Caesar did notavail himself of any luxuries, which endeared him to his men. He lived as theydid, ate as they ate. He was pacing back and forth, nervously, attired simplyin his tunic and sandals. He looked up eagerly as they entered.
“Ah Septimus! You have brought the oracle?”
“This is the man. Caesar.”
Travers beckoned the hooded figure forward.
“Pull back your cowl,” he said.
The man pulled back his hood. He was completely bald, with aprominent, hooked nose and deep-set dark eyes that gave him a sepulchral look.His face was long, with a pointed chin and pronounced cheekbones.
“What is your name’?” asked Caesar.
“I am called Lucan, General,” the man said softly.
“You know who I am?”
A brief nod.
“They tell me that you can see into the future.”
“I have that gift.”
“I would have you look into my future and tell me what yousee.”
Lucan nodded. “Please. sit down.” he said.
They sat down at the table.
“Do you require an augury?” asked Caesar
“No. That is not the nature of my gift. Give me your righthand,” said Lucan.
Caesar held out his right hand, palm up. Lucan took it inhis own right hand and covered it with his left, then closed his eyes. Nothingterribly dramatic, so far. Travers thought. An oracle without much imagination.Caesar looked slightly disappointed.
“You are a man of great ambition.” Lucan said without openinghis eyes. “You have made many enemies. Some who were once your friends.”
A safe assumption to make about a famous general. thoughtTravers, though not the sort of flattering beginning that he had expected.
“That is true.” said Caesar.
“Please,” said bean. opening his eyes. “I do not wish tooffend. but I must ask you to remain silent until I have finished.”
Caesar nodded.
Lucan shut his eyes once more and remained silent for almostthirty seconds. He was frowning slightly.
“I see that you are about to embark upon undertaking a greatrisk. Old friends will become your bitter enemies. There shall be greatconflict, yet you shall succeed, though not without cost.”