The jagged lightning split the sky and the thunder roared with such ferocity that the very earth beneath my feet seemed to cower in terror. It trembled, but I did not, instead holding my head high and boldly striding through the heart of the storm's fury. I knew I wasn't the only one out on this night, but I doubted anyone was enjoying it as much as I was.
All around me, people were running, a few even screaming. Why were they so afraid? They had nothing to fear. The lions in the Capitol were more dangerous to them than this weather, yet they didn't flee before them. Not because the lions were all that docile, but because the storm looked so much scarier. It was a pity so many things appeared more frightening than they actually were, like this night, and Caesar.
Caesar. A name reverently whispered by so many, though its owner hardly deserved it. A name that would doubtless be remembered years and years later, either because of Caesar's life, or his death. A death I would have a hand in, if all this worked out according to plan. A death that would be unfortunate, but necessary. Necessary, that is, if I wanted to keep my freedom. And keep it I would. I knelt to no one, least of all anyone as mortal as myself, which Caesar certainly was. Better to be struck down by lightning tonight, if the gods so saw fit, and die a free man, than to be a king's subject even for an instant. I had not been born into this world to be a slave.
A particularly blinding bolt struck the ground not far from me, and I showed the thunderclouds my bare chest in response. Let them claim me, if they wished; I didn't care. Playing with fate was dangerous, but it was the only game I liked. As if taking up my challenge, the heavens began hurling bolts like children would stones until I was nearly blinded. Yet somehow, they all seemed to just miss me. In spite of myself, I laughed. It was probably a brazen thing to do, but I couldn't help it. I didn't care that I was getting soaked to the skin or still putting my life on the line. I felt like I could take on anything and win.
I'd never really believed in omens or destiny, but this tempest seemed like a harbinger of great things to come, things that would change the course of history forever. And they would come indeed. I refused to let all my careful plotting go to waste. But if it did, if all our efforts were in vain...well, there was always my dagger. The act of killing oneself was generally frowned upon, but if it came to that, I would gladly take my own life, no matter what it cost my honor. I tilted my head back and smiled up at the sky, letting the rain lash my face. The time of fear and suffering in Rome would soon be at an end; my comrades and I would see to that, or I would die. There was still the small matter of Brutus, but I had no doubt he'd give in eventually. My mood opposed the weather; I felt calmer and more sure of myself than I had in a long time. It felt good.