just past midday. The day is fine, one of those crisp days when you could swear that throwing a stone high in the air
would break the sky, such a hard blue it is.

After locating the market area, Aelwid and the Frisians begin to set up camp in the livestock field. Assured that the work is
well underway, Garydd and I ride into the center of town.

And what a fine town this is...larger than Venta, and older, too. I can see that there are many more shops, and the temples are larger as well. There are emporia, street vendors, residential areas, a gynaceum, small shrines, and eating establishments.

The streets swarm with activity, and the mix of people is truly astonishing. The Roman men, military and civilian, all seem to be heading in one direction. Using a hand to shade my eyes, I cast a glance at the sun. Two or more hours past midday, I would
judge.

I nudge Garydd. "Heading for the baths," I grin.

Garydd laughs, remembering his experiences in the Venta Bathhouse. "And will we be going there, my Lady?"

"I can see that your last excursion has whetted your appetite for the Roman life," I tease. Garydd has the grace to blush a bit. He knows that I receive regular reports from the Bathhouse.

"Oh, it did that," he agrees. His smile lights up his whole face. "I could turn into your best customer."

"That I don't doubt," I say drolly. "Anyway, use your best judgment. We're here to sell horses, but your free time's your own." I look at him seriously. "You're not a slave, Garydd," I add.

Turning down a side avenue, we see more of the same...throngs of people, Greeks, Romans, Celts from many tribes. I can
see Iceni and Catuvellauni. And over there, I would swear, is a contingent of Brigantes and Decangeli.

My merchant blood pounds...Oh, yes! This is my kind of city.