Now we learned that Aulus had let himself be sidetracked and, oddly for an intelligent fellow, he had owned up to his mama.. Marcus, the damn ship stopped at Olympia. Of course I don't mind Aulus visiting the sanctuary of Zeus, but he's up to something else entirely -'

So what is the big draw? Apart from sun, sport, and avoiding serious study?'

Don't tease me, Marcus.'

I tried to remember whether they had held Olympic Games this year. Nero famously altered the centuries-old timing, so the mad emperor could compete in events during his tour of Greece. Unforgettable and embarrassing. a catalogue of pretending to be a herald, giving dreary recitals, and expecting to win everything, whether he was any good or not.

I fancied the date had now been altered back. By my rapid calculation the next Games would be next August.. Relax, Julia. Aulus can't be wasting time as a spectator.'

Julia Justa shuddered.. No; it's worse. Apparently he met a group of people and one of them had been horribly killed.'

Oh?› I managed to keep my voice neutral, though Helena looked up from mopping juice from Favoma's white tunic.

Well, Marcus,'Julia Justa said darkly, as if this was clearly my fault.. It is just the kind of situation you taught him to get excited about.' I tried to look innocent.. Aulus is suspicious because it is very well known that another young girl from Rome vanished at the last Olympic Games. And she was eventually found murdered too.'

Aulus is trying to help these people?'

It's not for him to involve himself-' I saw it all now. My task was to take over and steer young Aulus back on his way to university. The noble Julia was so eager to have him with his nose in a law scroll, she was ready to sell her jewellery.. I will pay your fare to Greece, Marcus. But you must agree to go and sort this out!'