The party soon left the tiny pergula, as Flora grew a little restless with so many humans crowding around her children, and returned to the study. Felix divided the remaining wine among the guests and glanced around. Hylas had made himself comfortable on Rufio’s lap, an arm casually flung around the freedman’s shoulders, Sextus and Idris had moved closer together so that Eirik and Spurius had managed to squeeze themselves onto the guest couch as well, also taking up very little space. The trip up to the pergula had been a welcome diversion, for their discussion about Aricia’s motives, after the much promising start, had turned into a circle. All friends agreed that she was hiding something that would prove vital to know, but nobody had any idea what it could be.

They had even briefly considered Spurius’ thought about wreaking havoc at Green Acres until Aricia would give up and leave – even though all had been aware that it was nothing but nonsense in the end. When Hylas had suggested Sextus should see Flora’s kittens, they all had agreed at once to cheer themselves up. And, as Hylas had suspected, Sextus had fallen immediately for the little, strong-willed one. Now, slowly the cheerful atmosphere wore off, and the friends stared at each other or into their glasses, unsure what to say next, realising that there was nothing more to add, that all had been said already.

“Sextus”, Felix said eventually, “I wish there was more we could do right now. But as long as we don’t have more information, more material to work with…” Sextus nodded with a wry smile. “I hadn’t much hope from the start; she was always the devious kind and knew how to cover her flanks.” He swirled the wine in his glass and stared into the red depths as if there was an answer. When he looked up again he smiled. “But it’s comforting to know I will have some friends left when all comes down.” “You won’t lose us, ever”, Rufio confirmed again and Hylas nodded vigorously. “We’re on your side, whatever we can do to help you”, Spurius said. The lovers exchanged a glance. “Should you need money”, the Northerner added gravely, sounding a bit awkward, “we still have a considerable amount left.” “I could go to the baths”, Hylas piped up, blissfully ignoring Rufio’s peculiar look. “And Idris could work the markets.” The Silure chuckled, amused by that rather ambiguous suggestion and raised his cup towards the young Greek. “We would make a fortune”, he grinned.

Sextus laughed and put an arm around the Silure. “Fortunately that won’t be necessary”, he smiled, quite pleased with himself. “Idris and I have been to Green Acres and have secured a small fortune straight from under Aricia’s nose. And we’ve taken Hermes with us before she could sell him off.” Despite the constant feuds between the two of them, Hylas smiled in relief. “Where is the money now?” Felix enquired. “It’s at my place for the time being”, Idris replied. “But it’s not safe there in the long run. She will find out about my apartment in no time.” Sextus nodded and turned to Rufio. “I’ve already thought about that.” “Consider it done”, the freedman smiled cheerfully. “Obviously my farm’s a perfect hideaway, be it for friends or fortunes.” “Thank you, my friend”, Sextus smiled in return. “I know it’s in safe hands.”

Idris frowned in thought. “Yes, it’s perfect”, he smiled eventually. “She cannot know about you. Since you’re a horse-breeder, there’s something else you could do.” Spurius nodded. “Our horses are still at Philandros’s, Rufio. Would you fetch them for us, please?” “That would be very nice of you,” Eirik added, still eying his lover’s cousin and friend a little reserved. Rufio smiled. “I will do it first thing tomorrow morning.” Hylas suddenly smiled. “And when you’re there, tell him about Flora’s kittens. I’m sure he’d like to have one around! There’s still the little white one.” “And Caligula”, Felix reminded him dryly. “He’s mine!” the young Greek immediately bristled. “Caligula?” Idris looked enquiringly at the offended youth. “The black one with the white paws that look like he’s wearing little boots? Felix has named him Caligula. And he’s mine”, he added with a defiant glare into the direction of the Sicilian, who just rolled his eyes and drained his glass.