Slowly and silently, Octavius looked out from his hiding place behind the column. A few paces away, Marcus stood, sword drawn, waiting for his orders. The rest of the men hid among the columns, watching the guards that stood between them and their intended target; Nero.

"Did you hear something?" One of the guards asked another, stopping to listen.

"No, it was probably just your imagination." He sighed, pausing in his pacing. "To be honest, I think this palace is too big for its own worth. Emperor Nero should have listened to his advisors. A smaller palace would be easier to guard, so the rest of us could go home."

"True, but mind your voice. I do not want to lose my head because of a petty complaint, though I do agree."

Suddenly, the two guards found themselves surrounded by soldiers, and drew their swords in defense.

"But them down," A man, probably their leader, said.

"Why? How do we know you won't stab us as soon as we drop them?" One of the guards demanded, pointing his.

"Because, the general Octavius is not after you,"

Both guards looked at each other in shock, and dropped their swords in unison. They'd heard all about the exiled general, and did not want to get on his bad side. Slowly, Octavius stepped into the light, and the guards could see him clearly. He didn't look at all how he was portrayed. In fact, he looked friendly and caring, not really a fighting type, like Nero had said.

In fact, there was sadness and remorse in his dark brown eyes, not hatred and a cold lust for blood. The two guards glanced at each other, and then back at Octavius.

"Wha...what do you require...?" One asked, hesitating to stand.

"Stand up," Octavius demanded, in a stern tone, but not exactly demanding.

Bot guards stood, and dropped their weapons.

"Where is your emperor?" Octavius asked, walking towards the two captives.

"Well, he is up and..." One of the guards began, staring honestly at Octavius.

"He is asleep now," the other guard said, elbowing the one next to him.

Octavius narrowed his eyes in thought, and studied their faces. Both looked nervous, which was to be expected. But the one who had spoken first looked
fretful.

"I will need a guide," Octavius said, eyeing the terrified man.

"Well, Lerenesis here does not mind, do you, Lerenesis?" The guard asked, pushing the other rather roughly.

"But, Suetonius," Lerenesis said, standing. "you said,"

But Suetonius had already fled, leaving Lerenesis with the other Romans, and Octavius' mercy.