“It’s my fault, Prisca,” Lucius said.
But she shook her head. “It’s not your fault. Evil men will always sow pain, and the emperor is such a man.”
“He’ll pay for it,” Lucius said, and Adara looked at him quickly.
“The Gods have their ways,” Prisca said. She straightened her dirty, blood stained tunic and sighed deeply as if mustering her courage. “Now. I will take one of the horses left by those horrible men, and go to Pisae. You are right. There is nothing for me here now.”
“Will you be all right?” Adara asked, hugging her.
“I’ll be fine dear. Numa will look after me.” She pat Adara’s hand and looked at the children waiting in the wagon. “Such fine children. So brave.” She looked at Lucius then, as if taking him in one more time. “You are a good man, Lucius. Never forget that. The Go
