Titus smiled beneath his palla, for he loved nothing more than to enjoy the work of his physicii...and smiled even more when he heard the step of Salvia Vorra behind him. The tone of her voice sent thrills up his spine as she said: "Lord, I give you birthday greetings, and wish to inform you that your present awaits you in your antechamber."

"You have arrived just in time, consul...to join me in trying out my latest toy...a steam carruca!" And so saying he boarded the craft with the assistance of Hieron, and smiled as Salvia climbed into her seat with some fear.

"Is it...safe, lord? I mean, that you ride without escort?" for in truth, Salvia would rather have no part of this hissing device. It might look nice with it's gilding and scarlet paint, but who knew what it could do if upset?

Titus laughed, and at a signal, the craft started off with a sibilant hiss and small whistle like a hydraulis. "What was that?" he inquired.

Hieron explained that the small addition had been made as a warning device for clearing traffic ahead of the vehicle, and that plans were already being made to include further developments--lamps for travelling after dark, and a sort of spring system that would make the voyage smoother still over Rome's ancient paving stones.

The scenic gardens down the slopes of the Janiculan passed quickly, and the vehicle slowed a bit as it gained the public road. Pedestrians and litters alike made way for the new addition to roman traffic...gaping and then bowing respectfully as they caught a glimpse of the car's illustrious passenger. The vehicle had not gone more than a hundred paces from the palace gates when a mounted escort took it's place behind the emperor's person...each man traditionally clad in armor, but armed with the latest personal ballista, quarrels at the ready. By means of intricate gearing, each could fire several quarrels per minute, or three at once.

The carruca followed the road past the Aurelian wall...where centuries ago, another emperor had had a new road built one hundred paces wide to facilitate movement of goods and materials. Gone were the shanties and hovels which had lain at the foot of the old wall...replaced with plantings and benches for travellers...and the businesses which catered to their appetites.

On it's circuit about Rome, the carruca's occupants began to realize that though steady, the speed of the vehicle was not much faster than the average horse, and less so than a racing chariot from the Circus Maximus! Titus began to wonder as the vehicle approached the Quirinal, whether the device had any practical use.

Coming up the hill, Titus caught a glimpse of lettering on the stone of the wall...in obviously fresh, bold red letters...Demokratia!

I shall also make a note of that! Titus thought grimly to himself, and was reassured when Salvia surreptitiously gripped his hand in hers.