Status Updates From Rome's Executioner (Vespasi...

The Vigiles led the way down the Palatine Hill and turned left on to the Via Appia as it ran alongside the huge, shadowy façade of the Circus Maximus and then passed under the inelegant but functional arches of the Appian Aqueduct to exit the city by the Capena Gate. The official escort and Antonia's ring were enough to persuade the centurion of the Urban Cohort to let them pass without question.

'Caenis, I can't tell you how much I've dreamt of this moment -‘

'Quiet, my love,’ she said, pulling her hands from his. ‘I can't tell you either; that's why we shouldn't rely on words.’

She pushed him down on to his back. 'Lie still and let me finish massaging you, I'm getting to know your body again!’

She bent over him and kissed him full on the lips; he savored the touch and the taste of her.

‘I have never known it to be so calm for so long,’ Rhaskos moaned from his position next to the steering-oars. 'I sacrifice every evening to the mother-goddess Bendis but she does not listen to my prayers, even though in the past she has always looked kindly upon me. I'm beginning to worry that this voyage is cursed!’

audentes Fortuna iuvat!

Fortune favors the bold!

A saying cited by Virgil, quoted by Cicero and totally applicable to this story ⚔️🛡️🔥

⚔️🛡️🦅