Chapter 7Before Marcus’ ship would arrive in Ios’ royal city, his uncle had sent him a message requesting he meet with one of his patrons. He plied him with the prospect of clients there who would be more than willing to purchase his wares. Of course, being the consular’s nephew, Marcus had little to say in the matter—but he recognized his uncle’s offering of business a nicety. He had quickly grown accustomed to orders veiled as polite requests, in Vivarre and more specifically, during his time with the cult of Penelopia. His family had always been involved in the worship, but it was only in the last four years that he had been initiated.
In any case, he saw no other choice but to pause his voyage and meet with the Iosian foreigners his uncle called a “supporter” of his. The ship Lucius h
