Status Updates From Intrygantka (Eliusz Spartia...

Part II. Army headed East. Aelius' father dies, and Aelius does make it home for funeral. I'm glad his mother has been introduced into the story; even the greedy in-laws make Aelius more human. His mother is a strong woman.
On trail of Fire waker. Pretty frightening attempt to blackmail Aelius into joining political cabal

End of Part I. I liked the episode of Aelius giving money and army cloak to the beggar [author's using the story of St. Martin of Tours] and how the author worked in the splendid cavalry helmet from Teutoberg Forest; Aelius buys it. [Actually, it was found at Kalkriese and is in a museum, I believe.]

Did not like portrayal of Helen, Constantius' consort, but who knows, it may be more accurate than the rosy picture we have of her.

Aelius is told to concentrate ONLY on his research, emperor's directions or not. Attack on him frightening.

Aelius beaks up riot in Mediolanum. Talks to people connected with Judge Marcellus. Aelius seems like a good detective, but I don't find him charismatic in any way.

Man supposedly resurrected from the dead, then murdered. Judge murdered. Aelius investigates.