All was activity and bustle in the great port. Abandoned earlier by the mists of the Mediterranean, now ships from all over the world were heading the entrance to dock at the busy wharves of Populonia, while others cast off to take their cargoes of iron, oil, wine, weapons and silverworks to the great cities of Oikoumene.



Marcus Aurelius walked leisurely pace through the stalls filling the streets accompanied by a small escort. His inquiring eyes scanned faces, glances, gestures, listening in his wake remains of conversations, disjointed phrases, cries of sellers... Senator tried to discover feelings of all those people about the roman presence. Events had rushed in recent weeks. After the occupation of Toscana, incidents were rare. Garrisons had been extremely well received everywhere, and local governments had even offered to supply them and provide work force to build winter quarters.

While legions turned back to camp inside, next to Arretium, Marcus had gone to visit Populonia. The gens Aurelia had important interests and contacts in Toscana, and hoped to obtain information he sought from them. Meeting was long, his friends had much to tell and the governor listened carefully. When finished, Marcus Aurelius decided to go for a walk and clear his mind...

- Watch out!!

Marcus came out of his reverie; one of his bodyguards' hand grabbed his shoulder and a few steps in front of him mediterranean waves were breaking on sandy beach. He looked gratefully the soldier who, after greeting respectfully, went a few steps back. Marcus Aurelius gazed at the horizon, it was getting dark. In the morning he'll turn back to Arretium, spring was ending and there was still much to do...