4
A Bath and A Letter
Argolicus and Adeodatus sweltered in the caldarium. Nikolaos dabbed at Adeodatus’ face in the places he had nicked while cutting off the filthy beard and shaving him. Adeodatus, covered in purple, yellow and blue bruises, was telling them his story.
“That Valeriana! I don’t know how they convinced her. She is so young. I’m certain they promised her jewels and a good marriage. She stood outside my room and started screaming, ‘Help! r**e! Help!’ I came out of the room to see what was going on. She gave me a wicked smile, ripped open her tunic and cried, ‘r**e! r**e,’ at the top of her voice. I didn’t understand until Gaius Scipio appeared with those two big brutes. I recognized them immediately. They belong to Venantius. That’s fine Nikolaos, you may stop.
