Execution of Cicero
Cicero, realizing assassins sent by Mark Antony are approaching his villa, hastily gathers his scrolls—his life's work—and attempts to flee. The once-peaceful villa is now a scene of panic as his hous
Setting
Cicero's villa in Formia, Italy, during the late afternoon in winter. The villa is situated on a hillside overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, surrounded by olive groves and cypress trees. The interior features a central atrium with an impluvium collecting rainwater, surrounded by private chambers and a library filled with scrolls.
Characters
Marcus Tullius Cicero
primary
A gaunt, intellectual Roman man in his early 60s with thinning gray hair receding from a high forehead. His sharp features are accentuated by deep-set, intelligent eyes that now dart nervously. His hands, normally steady for writing and gesturing in oration, tremble slightly as he clutches scrolls to his chest.
Slave Boy
secondary
A thin, wiry adolescent boy of about 14 years with close-cropped dark hair and sun-browned skin. His face bears the marks of childhood malnutrition - slightly hollow cheeks and prominent cheekbones. His hands are calloused from years of labor, but his dark eyes burn with intelligence beyond his station.
Assassin Leader
secondary
A hardened Roman soldier in his late 30s, with a muscular build honed by years of military service. His face bears several battle scars, the most prominent being a jagged mark running from his left temple to cheekbone. Dark, close-cropped hair frames a face permanently set in a grim expression. His hands are calloused and grip his gladius with practiced ease.
Household Guard
background
A rugged Roman soldier in his late 30s, with a muscular build from years of military training. His face bears the weathered tan of Mediterranean campaigns, with a recently healed scar running diagonally across his left cheekbone. His dark brown hair is cropped short in military fashion, and his forearms show old battle scars.
Dialog
Marcus Tullius Cicero
By Hercules! Must we abandon these scrolls that contain the very soul of the Republic? Take the De Re Publica first, boy - if Rome must perish, let not her ideals perish with her.
Slave Boy
Master, quick! The soldiers are at the peristyle - I hear their cursed hobnails on the mosaic! This way, through the olive press!
Assassin Leader
Per deos immortales! The old fox won't slip our nets again. You two - check the library. The senator's head is worth its weight in gold.
Marcus Tullius Cicero
Ah, how Fortune mocks us! To think I once defended Antony in the Senate - would that Clodius' mob had finished me years ago rather than this ingrate's butchers.
Slave Boy
The sea path, dominus! The tide's low - we can reach the fishermen's huts before...
Assassin Leader
There! By the laurel tree! Don't let him reach the shore or Antony will have our heads instead!
Marcus Tullius Cicero
Then let us meet our end with dignity, as Cato did. Boy, help me straighten my toga - I'll not greet Pluto looking like some frightened peasant.