“There’s someone here to see you”, the Silure announced quite pleased with himself after he’d rounded the corner to the paddock behind the main house where Sextus was keeping himself occupied with applying the finishing touches to the new fence. The Roman looked up and a smile flashed across his face that turned into an expression of utter surprise as he looked past his lover. “Hermes!” he managed before his breath was cut off by the young man’s arms, wrapped around his master in a tight embrace. Idris turned around and walked back to the courtyard to leave the two of them a moment of privacy, chuckling softly at the sight of Sextus struggling to peel off his favourite slave in order to regain his breath – not to mention his dignity. The two of them had always been close, and after he’d seen Sextus’ face, the Silure just knew he’d made the right decision in bringing Hermes along for the journey.

Even though he’d already been later than he’d expected to be – at the last moment he had reconsidered and sold Sextus’ belongings in Stabiae instead of Pompeii – he’d taken the time to pick up the Greek slave from his current host, Benvolio. The slave dealer had apparently been of two minds about Hermes’ sudden departure, Idris could only speculate about the man’s reasons, though it wasn’t too hard to guess, considering the way he’d been looking at Sextus’ favourite. Outfitting the young man for the journey hadn’t taken long. All he needed for a start was a good-natured and reliable horse, and after a short inspection the Silure had settled for a small dapple grey mare with calm brown eyes. On their way to Rufio’s estate, the young Greek had nearly chewed off Idris’ ears with all his questions.

As Idris had hoped, the man lying injured in front of the villa of the notorious Roman actress, Messalina, hadn’t been properly identified, though rumours about his identity had run wild. Sextus’ name had been among the suspected, but nobody knew for sure. However, the local gossipers had soon found another mystery to wag their tongues about – after Messalina’s spectacular return to Pompeii there had been her less spectacular disappearance. According to the local gossip she’d returned to Rome with Sextus, since nobody had spotted him anywhere since he’d been riding across the forum her litter on the memorable day of Messalina’s return. During the last weeks, Idris had spotted Aricia’s spies on a daily basis. Just to stay in shape he’d involved them into games of hide and seek, which they were bound to lose. Ever so often, the Silure had dispatched one of the pursuers for good measure, in a useless attempt to annoy Aricia enough to make her drop her guard and do something stupid. However, she might have gritted her teeth about the continual loss of slaves or hirelings, but had replaced them anytime with a tenacious determination that spoke of her growing uneasiness. With these thoughts in mind, he bridled his lover’s new horse. They’d decided to leave his steed at Messalina’s, the actress would keep it for him, Sextus had been sure about that.

When all was done and their baggage firmly strapped to the horses’ backs, all the friends had gathered in the courtyard to see them off. It wasn’t such an emotional affair since all of them, except maybe for Sextus and Hermes, were used to it. However, the sober words and gestures didn’t belie the deep emotions that ran underneath. Before they lost sight of their friends, Idris turned around and suddenly realised with a start that he’d be welcome here anytime he chose to return, a warm feeling he’d almost forgotten. For a moment his throat constricted and he gazed at his lover. Sextus, reading his mind, reached out and squeezed his hand. The lovers smiled at each other.

A new chapter had begun, now they were on the road.