25
The great marble walls of the council hall echoed with the hushed murmurings of the principals. Without the curia lining the benches along the walls, the great space felt empty. The principals gathered on the dais and waited with questioning looks for Vespasianus to begin.
The magistrate finally rose to address the group. “When I called you here yesterday, I had good news.” He looked around at the expectant faces. “We’ve found grain to stave off the shortage. Not much, but enough to keep people from starving. They will have food for winter.”
Mild cheers rose, and a sprinkling of applause resounded off the high walls.
“But, since then, I have discovered some distressing news. Donicus is dead. He was found murdered in his home, yesterday afternoon.”
The room fell silent.
“There are
