Caesar was moving fast and Rome was in a panic. At least, her Consuls and government were.

Pompey had declared Italia indefensible and sent the few legions available packing to Macedonia. Still, he could not face that this was the inevitable. His long time ally, if not friend, was now his enemy. Surely, Caesar could see the futility.

Pompey sighed, "One more try, then I quit Italia, not to return unless it's saviour." He pulled a scroll towards him and dipped his ostentatious gold pen into the small rock-crystal ink jar. This letter was too important to trust to some Greek slave.

Caesar,
Please, brother, spare Italia another war. It is too much for the land to bear. I shall retreat to my provinces in Spain if you would only lay down your command and come to Rome a privatus. The Senate, excepting a few, has left, and I am in charge of defending the Republic. Our quarrel can be resolved, surely. Desist and I shall allow you to return to Rome.
GN.POMP.MAG

He called for his slave and ordered the letter sent at the gallop to Caesar, wherever he might be.