Victory or Defeat?

      Cassius stood stiffly, peering down at the battle below him. "Titinius has been captured, and I will not let these peevish, vulgar enemies of mine parade me down the streets of Rome in glee of my defeat. Nay," he faced Pindarus, "take thou the hilts, and when my face is covered, as 'tis now, guide thou the sword -- let me give myself honor."
      Pindarus swallowed, listening to the battle cries of the enemy and held the sword steady. Cassius approached, and slay himself upon the blade that ended tyranny.

~    ~

      Titinius rode hastily back after the happy news, stopping in shock at the sight that awaited him. "The honorable fool," he muttered, somber as he gazed at Cassius's lifeless form. "I suppose the only conclusion you could make is the one that led to this. I have failed thee. How could you have interpreted those victory shouts as your demise? Alas, thou has misconstrued everything. It is all over. I must do the Roman's part, and act as I should."

       Squaring his chin, he brought the bloody blade to his chest. He breathed his last, letting life's sweet hold release him as the battle waged on. Only moments before had the battle against tyranny been almost won, but like the tide, the cut of the blades had shifted, and it seemed as if Caesar's avengers were to win this battle that raged with no true answer for the right justice. Bloodshed on both sides seemed the only answerable price for the acts performed both for and against Rome.

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