The ship bow cleaved slowly the waters while crossing the strait between wooded lands of Italy and fertile coasts of Sicily. Forced by morning mist, captain had taken down some sails to better control the vessel, and had approached the rocky promontory north of Rhegium to avoid shallows. Watching from the gunwale, Lucius Aurelius let him do. The man was recommended by his friend Marcus. He was probably one of the best sailors in Ostia, despite his twisted appearance and his rude ways. Though he had quite a lot knowledge of Arts of the Sea, he knew when to make way for a master.

Lucius turned around and spent the time watching murmuring waters of the Strait. Background, on the opposite bank, could be seen walls and acropolis of greek city of Messene, and beyond, temperamental slopes of the Aetna rose up. Volcano hadn't caused his neighbors nuisance for some time, but god Hephaestus kept always his forge burning bellow the mountain, and sometimes his terrible voice could be heard as he hit hot steel with his hammer.

- Only a few hours... We'll have arrived at end of the day.



Ex-slave reflected on how things had changed. Just three days before he was administrator of properties in Rome of gens Aurelia, one of the oldest and most prestigious of the Republic. Marcus Aurelius, Censor of the Republic, was one of his best friends. They had met long time ago, he was his foreman and also secretary before and during the war against Usurper Ildico. His support to Censor's family at that time, and his works for restoration of the Republic, earned him liberty and friendship of Marcus, who put him in charge of his properties in the Urbs.

- Take what you need from my treasury.

That was his friend's answer when he told him needed to leave immediately. No questions, no obstacles. A few minutes later he handed a sealed wax-tablet.

- This letter will give you help at any place under the aegis of Rome, and even beyond.

Lucius tried to speak, to explain him... but senator told him to keep quiet. He asked if needed anything else, and named a captain and a ship. Next morning they said goodbye...

- I hope to see you soon, my friend.

A handshake and Lucius was riding on the way to Porta Ostiensis. That night were weighing anchors southwards...

- Someday I will thank him, and explain...