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that, given the background of the family, it seems a most peculiar thing for them to do. You would expect them to take the legal route. Indeed, it seems they have – you said that Lallius had an advocate. Or simply pay the fine. But putting themselves beyond the law like this? When the father hopes to be a citizen one day? I can’t imagine what they’d hope to gain.’
    Behind the pall of intervening smoke I saw Marcus shrug. ‘Isn’t it obvious what they hope to gain? Of course his family have arranged all this. Who else would take such risks? Numidius has money and thanks to that dowry he probably owns property elsewhere. Perhaps he simply planned to run away once Lallius was free. But they will not escape, you can be sure of that. I’ll put a watch on all the roads. There’s nowhere they can hide.’
    ‘So will you send down at first light and storm the house?’ The medicus had closed his box by now, and was wrapping it in a cloth with special care. ‘It is no secret where the coin inspector lives – indeed, I could take you there myself.’
    ‘Of course I shall do nothing of the kind! You can imagine what would happen to Julia and Marcellinus if I did.’ He paused, then went on in an altered tone, ‘But there is nothing to prevent my sending in the guards once Julia and the boy are safely home. Indeed, presumably she will be able to say where she has been and identify her captors afterwards.’
    I said nothing. The more I considered the situation, the less I liked it. What Marcus had said was obviously true – his wife would be able to identify her kidnappers – but that only made the whole affair seem more sinister to me. I could see no way that Julia could be forced to hold her tongue once she was free – unless she’d been blindfolded throughout. However, I didn’t wish to mention that aloud. Marcus had quite enough to worry him.
    It was the medicus who asked the question that was in all our minds. ‘So, Excellence, what do you intend to do?’
    Marcus made a gesture of despair. ‘I don’t know. I’ll sleep on it. I imagine that in the end I’ll have to do as they demand. They’ve got Julia and the boy – what else can I do?’
    I roused myself. ‘Be careful, Excellence, before you do anything at all. There may be other ways. If you give in to them it sets a precedent and they may make more demands. There are still some days, you say, before he comes to trial. Give yourself at least some time to think.’
    He snorted. ‘And leave my wife and child in jeopardy? I can’t take the risk. But never fear. These scoundrels won’t make a mockery of me. Come, Philades. You have been telling me for hours that I should leave this man to rest. Junio, go to the gate and tell my litter-bearers that I’m on my way.’ He turned to me. ‘Goodnight, old friend. Sleep well, and mend your health. Gwellia, take good care of him.’ And he turned and disappeared into the night.
    The medicus gave me a helpless look, then shrugged. ‘Try to rest,’ he murmured, then snatched up his box of herbs and scurried after him.

Chapter Four
    I do not know if it was the effect of the potion that the medicus had given me, or merely the shock and strain of the foregoing events, but I remember nothing more that night. I must have slid into unconsciousness and slept for many hours, because when I opened my eyes again the day was well advanced. Thin winter sunlight was streaming into the roundhouse through the door; there was the smell of warm oatcakes coming from the hearth and Junio was squatting by the fire.
    I turned to look at him. That was a mistake. I groaned. My head felt like a cavern filled with aching stones.
    Junio was quickly on his feet. ‘Master, at last you are awake?’
    I nodded. Another error. He grinned down at me.
    ‘It’s good to see you back with us again. Would you like some breakfast? Are you well enough to eat?’
    ‘Perhaps one of those small oatcakes,’ I replied. ‘I see that they are