Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar

Author:Tessa Afshar [Afshar, Tessa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FICTION / Christian / Historical, FICTION / Romance / Historical / Ancient World
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Published: 2021-06-02T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 19

Confess your sins to one another.

JAMES 5:16

The next afternoon, Theo returned from the palace, a tiny scrap of papyrus in his hand. “We have a lead. The official I know at the palace located an old address for the Vitruvius family.”

Chariline had been helping Lollia shell peas in the courtyard and almost upended the bowl when she leapt up to reach for the scrap. “Can we go now?”

“If you wish.”

Chariline flew to the stairs, intending to change into her good tunic.

“Chariline.”

She stopped, her foot dangling over the last step, itching to move. “Yes, Theo?”

“I don’t want you to build up too much hope. They probably moved long ago.”

She jerked her chin down in a nod. He was likely right. All the same, someone in the neighborhood might know where the family had moved.

“Is it far?” she asked Theo as she put on her sandals.

“The house is on Via Tiburtina to the northeast of us. A lot of hills, Priscilla tells me.”

“I like hills.”

“We are walking.”

“I like walking.” Chariline tightened the strap around her ankle.

“It will be busy this time of day. People heading home for supper.”

Chariline opened her mouth but was forestalled by Theo’s raised hand. “I know. You like crowds.”

She grinned. “I was going to say I like supper.”

“Well, if this Vitruvia of yours lives there, she might offer us some.”

As they were about to leave the house, Ferox ran to their side, his tail wagging with enthusiasm. Here was a dog who knew how to beg with charm.

Priscilla emerged out of the workshop and put a steadying hand on his leather-and-bronze collar. “Come, boy. You are not invited.”

Ferox, unwilling to give up, licked Chariline’s fingers, making her laugh. She had never owned a pet or lived in a household with a dog. But she was thinking that if all dogs were as friendly as this one, she might one day like to have one. “May we take him with us?” she asked impulsively.

“If you are certain he will not be a nuisance?”

“You won’t be a nuisance, will you, boy?” Chariline asked. Ferox sat perfectly still, a model of good behavior, not taking his eyes off her. Lifting one paw, he offered it like a gentleman.

They laughed. “That settles it,” Chariline said. “He is more well-behaved than I am.” As if sensing his welcome, the dog pranced around their feet, running from Theo to Chariline.

“Yes, we are all aware that you are excited,” Theo said, patting the dog. “But you must comport yourself. Understand?” Tying a long leather leash to the collar, they set off, Ferox in tow. Used to long treks accompanied by humans, the dog managed to stay out of trouble.

They walked in silence for some time. Apprehensive at the thought of meeting Vitruvia, or worse, finding a dead end as Theo feared, Chariline barely noticed the grand parade of monuments they passed. Young Nero had ruled as emperor for two years now, and as they walked by the Palatine, one of the seven hills of

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