“His mother is desperate and I said I would ask you if you’d take him and teach him a trade. We hoped you could have him work around the estate for a year or two, then when he’s older, we could take him back to the shop and he could continue with the apprenticeship.” She felt she was babbling and came to a halt. Tubruk looked down at his hands and she went on hurriedly, unwilling to let him speak and refuse.

“His family are related to Julius distantly. Their grandfathers were brothers or something, or brothers-in-law. You’re the only one I know who can get him away from the street gangs, Tubruk. It will save his life. I wouldn’t ask if there was anyone else, but . . .”

“I’ll take him,” Tubruk said suddenly. Alexandria blinked in surprise and he chuckled. “Did you think I wouldn’t? I remember when you risked your life for this house. You could have run away and hidden in the stables, but you didn’t. That is enough for me. There’s always work around an estate like this, even though we’ve lost a bit of land since you were last here. He’ll earn his food, don’t worry. Will you leave him here today?”

Alexandria felt like throwing her arms around the old gladiator. “Yes, if you like. I knew I could depend on you. Thank you. Will you let his mother visit him from time to time?”

“I will have to ask Aurelia, but it should be possible as long as it isn’t too frequent. I’ll tell her about the family link. She’ll probably love the idea.”

Alexandria sighed with relief. “Thank you,” she said again.

They both turned their heads as quick footsteps approached from outside. Octavian came running in, his face flushed and excited.

“There are horses in the stables!” he announced, making them both smile.

“It’s been a long time since there were boys in this old place. It will be good to have him here.”

Octavian looked from one to another, shifting his feet nervously. “I’m staying, then?” he asked quietly.

Tubruk nodded. “Lots of hard work waiting for you, lad.”

The little boy leapt in pleasure. “It’s beautiful here!” he said.

“He hasn’t been outside the city since he was a baby,” Alexandria said, embarrassed. She took Octavian’s hands in hers and held him still, her expression serious.

“Now, you do as you’re told. Your mother will come out to see you as soon as you’re settled. Work hard here and learn all the skills you can. Understand?”

Octavian nodded, beaming at her. She let him go.

“Thank you, Tubruk. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”