IX
Ordinatio Imperialis
‘Imperial Order’
To Lucius Metellus Anguis,
Praefectus, Cohors III Britannorum
Quingenaria Sarmatiana
From his loving wife, Adara Metella
Greetings.
My beloved Lucius,
I do not know if this letter will even reach you. I have sent others, but have had no replies from you. Venus showed you to me in a dream last night, and you seemed well enough. I cling to the hope that you are safe, wherever you are in the Caledonian wilds.
I know I should be strong, Lucius, for you, for Phoebus and Calliope, but I cannot help my fear. I feel adrift. We have left Eburacum and have been in Coria for two weeks now, guests of a new friend, Perdita Narbonensa.
The legions passed through the town a few days ago, with the emperor and Caracalla leading them.
I have been invited
