“Thank you, sire. But, there is one more thing.”
“What is it, Centurion?”
“This power we will be facing is great, and it may take time to…. I may die as I nearly did before. I ask that if we succeed in this mission, that we, myself, my men, and our families be allowed to live in peace after, retire if need be.”
“An early pension, you mean?”
“Yes, sire.”
“You are bold, Centurion.” Augustus nodded. “Yet you will need your boldness, I dare say. Very well. If you succeed in this, I will grant each of your families lands and pensions that would make the highest ranking Praetorian jealous, and see to the future of your children’s children’s children. Will that do?”
“Yes…yes, sire. You are most generous.”
“I am most eager to save the empire I have built!” Augustus slammed his hands togethe
