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Cornelia, who had gone to the kitchen, returned with a platter of honey cakes. I bit into one, and it dissolved into crumbs of sweetness on my tongue. I had never tasted anything quite like it.

“Treasure enough,” Don said with an expression of disgust. “Caskets of gold coins, a few weapons. It had all been there a while, but not old enough to belong to Arcadius. Probably stashed there by bandits a century ago.”

I took another bite of cake. “And that meager treasure was enough to convince the Imperator?”

Klaudia shrugged. “Fabius brought back some coin and a tale. Seb came back empty-handed. I think that’s all there was to it. Jovinian isn’t a man who appreciates nuance.”

Cassius shook his head. “He thinks of himself as a new Arcadius, but he has no use for history.”

“Is Imperator Jovinian quite terrible?” I asked.

Cornelia’s forehead creased. “I believe he has a good heart.”

Sebastianus put the pipe down. “Don’t lie, woman. He does not have a good heart. You and Cassius know that as well as anyone. He cares only for strength and power, and he’s determined to remake this city, and the whole Empire, with his bare hands.”

Silence fell again.

“You two know the Imperator also?” I asked.

“Cassius was an adviser to Jovinian for many years,” Sebastianus said.

“Until I was put out to pasture.” Cassius rubbed his bald head. “The Imperator likes to surround himself with young men. They’re more pliable and obedient.”

“And young women,” Don said, “for the same reason.”

Klaudia pushed her plate away and leaned back. “On a related topic, I think we should come up with a story about why Anna is here. I’m not sure it’s a good idea to let it be generally known that you have a Corlivo courtesan living in your house. It could bring unwanted attention, not only from your family, but from many people.”

Sebastianus scowled. “I suppose that’s true.”

“Tell people she’s a young scholar come to study with Cassius,” Don said. “She’s certainly clever enough.”

“Yes, she is.” Sebastianus gave me a sidelong glance. “It’s about time you took on a new student, Cassius. No more moping around here, mourning past glories.”

“How long will you be staying with us, Anna?” Cornelia asked.

“Oh. Well, I’m not sure. I had to leave Corlivo in a hurry and I haven’t yet decided.” The question made my stomach sink. While I was determined to search for some trace of my mother in this huge city, I had no money and no idea how to begin. I thought again about endless caves of treasure. Even a tiny portion of that fortune would be a good start.

“I’d be happy to have you as a student for as long as you’re here,” Cassius said.

“Be sure to have some fun while you’re here too,” Cornelia said. “Visit the markets. See a chariot race.”

Sebastianus shook his head. “Not a good idea.”

“She’s a young woman,” Cornelia said. “She’ll be lonely.”

“She can entertain herself here,” Sebastianus said.

“You would never have stayed put when you were twenty years old,” Cassius said.

“I was a soldier. It was different.” Sebastianus took another gulp of wine.

“I don’t want to be idle,” I said firmly. “I will need to find a way to pass the time and do something useful.”

“Well,” Sebastianus said, “you have a tutor now.”

WE LINGERED AROUND the table until the moon had moved across the sky. Sebastianus and Cassius drank several cups of the strong wine. When the old man seemed about to fall asleep over his plate, Cornelia sent him to bed and cleared away the remaining dishes. Klaudia said goodnight and departed on horseback for her own home, a small villa a short ride away. After a time even Don retired to his chamber. I, too, was weary, but something seemed to hold me in the dark, quiet courtyard.

Sebastianus stood up slowly and steadied himself against the table. “Come with me. I want to show you something.” He found his stick and thumped along the path.