"And you as well," the lictor said as
Artemis,
Spurius, and
Marcus walked past him into the vestibulum, where a bald, middle-aged servant waited for them. "This way, sirs," he said with a bow. He led them through the shadowy atrium to a room at the opposite end that was lit by candles. This was
Marcus Aotonius's study, where the great man himself, tall and broad-shouldered, sat opposite a nervous-looking Senator in a white toga with a broad purple stripe. They had been in conversation, but they stopped talking as soon as the servant approached. The Senator nearly jumped.
"Veteran
Artemis Gaius Sylvius, signifier of the Auxiliary Ala quingenaria, and his associates are here to see you, Dominus," said the servant with a deeper bow. "They say it is a matter of vital importance to the Republic."
"It seems that there is no shortage of such matters tonight," said the Consul, standing. "Ave, Signifier. You may speak."