The scroll unfurled across the marble table, revealing detailed battle formations from Scipio Africanus's campaign against Hannibal. Ten-year-old Julius traced the movements with his finger, his mind overlaying modern tactical principles onto the ancient strategies. Despite his physical appearance—still resembling a child of perhaps seven—his eyes reflected the analytical intensity of a seasoned commander.
"Fascinating approach," he murmured to himself. "Scipio anticipated Hannibal's elephant charge and created channels in his formation. Similar to modern anti-tank tactics."
"What was that, young master?" His new military tutor, Quintus Sertorius, looked up from another scroll he was examining.
Julius carefully modulated his response. "I said Scipio was clever to create paths for the elephants to pass through harmlessly."
Sertorius nodded approvingly. "Indeed. Many commanders would have simply packed their infantry tighter, leading to disaster. Scipio understood that sometimes the path of least resistance is the strongest defense." The veteran soldier studied his young pupil with curious eyes. "You have an unusual perspective on these matters."
Julius had specifically requested Sertorius as his military instructor, knowing the man's historical significance. In the original timeline, Sertorius would become a brilliant general who nearly succeeded in creating an independent state in Hispania during Rome's civil wars. Having him as a tutor was both an educational opportunity and a chance to potentially alter the man's future path.
"I try to imagine myself in the commander's position," Julius explained. "What would I do with the resources available? What would my opponent expect? How could I surprise them?"
"That's precisely the right approach," Sertorius confirmed, clearly impressed. "Most students your age simply memorize famous battles without understanding the principles behind them."
For the next two hours, they analyzed various historical engagements, with Sertorius explaining the conventional Roman understanding while Julius carefully introduced questions that challenged traditional thinking. It was a delicate balance—demonstrating exceptional insight without revealing his anachronistic knowledge of warfare.
"What about supply lines?" Julius asked when they discussed Alexander's Persian campaign. "How did he maintain his army so far from Macedonia?"
Sertorius raised an eyebrow. "An excellent question that many overlook. Alexander's genius wasn't just in battlefield tactics but in logistics..." He launched into a detailed explanation that Julius already knew from his previous life's military education, but he listened attentively, noting how ancient and modern perspectives differed on the same strategic concepts.
When the lesson concluded, Sertorius gathered his materials with a thoughtful expression. "Your father mentioned your interest in military matters, but I confess I wasn't prepared for such... maturity of thought. You think like a commander, not a student."
Julius offered a carefully practiced smile. "I have excellent teachers."
After Sertorius departed, Julius remained in his study, making notes in his standard Latin script—these would be seen by household slaves and family members, unlike his encrypted journal. He was establishing a paper trail of his military education that would seem prodigious but not impossible.
His concentration was interrupted by the arrival of Octavius, now thirteen and beginning to develop the muscular build of a young man. Their training relationship had evolved over the years, with Octavius now serving officially as Julius's body servant while secretly functioning as his first recruit in what would eventually become an inner circle of trusted operatives.
"Young master," Octavius said formally, aware they might be overheard, "your father requests your presence in the atrium. Senators Crassus and Metellus have arrived."
Julius nodded, understanding the significance. Marcus Licinius Crassus—who would become one of the wealthiest men in Roman history and form the First Triumvirate with the original Caesar and Pompey—was already a rising political force. Meeting him now, years before their historical alliance, presented interesting possibilities.
"Prepare my formal toga," Julius instructed. Despite his physically youthful appearance, he had insisted on adopting more adult attire for political meetings, cultivating an image of the child prodigy transitioning to young statesman.
As Octavius helped him dress, Julius asked quietly, "What have you observed about the senators' arrival? Details matter."
This was part of Octavius's ongoing training—Julius was teaching him to gather intelligence through observation, a skill that would prove valuable in the political landscape of Rome.
"Senator Crassus arrived with four guards, not in uniform but clearly military," Octavius reported efficiently. "Senator Metellus brought only two attendants but arrived in a more ornate litter. They did not arrive together but within moments of each other, suggesting a planned but separate entrance."
"Excellent," Julius nodded approvingly. "And their expressions? Body language?"
"Crassus appears relaxed but alert. Metellus seems more formal, perhaps uncomfortable. They greeted each other cordially but not warmly."
Julius absorbed this information, adding it to his mental map of Rome's political relationships. "Well observed. Remember, in Rome, what remains unsaid is often more important than what is spoken aloud."
Properly attired, Julius made his way to the atrium where his father was entertaining the distinguished guests. He entered with measured confidence, neither the boundless energy of a child nor the commanding presence of an adult, but something carefully calibrated in between.
"Ah, here he is," his father announced. "Senators, my son Julius."
Julius offered the appropriate greeting with perfect poise. "Senators, you honor our home with your presence."
Crassus studied him with undisguised curiosity. "So this is the young prodigy I've heard so much about. They say you read Aristotle in the original Greek and can recite The Iliad from memory."
"Only parts of The Iliad, Senator," Julius replied with calculated modesty. "I find the battle sequences most instructive."
This drew appreciative chuckles from the men. Metellus leaned forward. "And they say you've been studying military history with Sertorius. An interesting choice of tutor."
The comment contained a subtle political barb—Sertorius had connections to the populist faction in Rome's ongoing political struggles. Julius recognized the probe and navigated it carefully.
"The best military minds often have diverse experiences, Senator. I study all great commanders, regardless of their political affiliations."
His father's slight nod confirmed he had answered appropriately. The conversation continued, with the senators occasionally directing questions to Julius, testing his knowledge and composure. He responded with carefully measured insights—impressive for a youth but not threatening to the established men.
After the senators departed, his father regarded him with a calculating expression. "You handled yourself well. Crassus was particularly impressed."
"He's an interesting man," Julius commented. "His wealth could fund many ambitious projects for Rome."
His father's eyebrows rose slightly. "Already thinking of state finances? Perhaps we should add economic studies to your education."
"I would welcome that," Julius replied sincerely. In his original timeline, financial acumen had been one of Caesar's less celebrated but crucial skills. Control of money had been as important as control of legions.
That evening, alone in his chamber, Julius updated his encrypted journal: "First meeting with Crassus successful. Earlier timeline than original history. Potential ally for future endeavors if properly cultivated. Sertorius proving valuable as military instructor—consider recruiting him to prevent his rebellion against Rome? Economic studies to begin soon—essential for funding future campaigns. Physical development remains delayed—continuing to leverage as 'child prodigy' advantage while preparing for eventual military career."
He closed the journal, concealing it in its hiding place. His mind turned to the future—the campaigns in Gaul, the civil war, the reforms of Rome—all still decades away, but approaching steadily. With his extended lifespan and foreknowledge, he could reshape these events entirely, creating a more stable and enduring Roman state.
As he performed his evening exercises, Julius allowed himself a rare moment of reflection on his extraordinary situation. Sometimes the weight of two lives—Marco Antonio Severo and Julius Caesar—pressed heavily on his consciousness. Other times, like tonight, he felt a sense of purpose that transcended both identities. History had given him a second chance, and he intended to use it to its fullest potential.
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