At that moment I first fully understood that Severus was the present and I the future Caesar.

Geta had only to obey, like every one else.
"After kissing the image, I stood, still holding my father's hand, to watch the flames.

I can see them now, crackling and writhing as they gained on the wood, licking it and fawning, as it were, till it caught and sent up a rush of sparks and fire.

At last the whole pile was one huge blaze.

Then, suddenly, out of the heart of the flames an eagle rose.