“Of course, my queen. It is done, as soon as I put the mask of beloved Dionysus back in the box and the crowds have sighed their last at my lines. Would you like to hear the climax? It is a rare piece.”

She glanced in gratitude at him for the chatter that smoothed over the moment of sadness. “Let me summon the girls, Belas. You are always better when there are pretty women listening to you,” she said, relaxing now that their business was over.

“It is my curse to have them inspire me,” he said. “May I choose a favorite when I am done? An actor of my quality must be rewarded.”

“Just one, Belas,” she said.

“Two? I thirst for love, Servilia.”

“One,” she said, “and a cup of wine for the thirst.”

Caecilius shivered as the cold sea spattered over the bows of the tiny boat in the darkness. He could hear the hiss and slap of waves, but on the moonless night it was as if he were floating through absolute darkness. The two rowers never spoke as they guided the craft, and only the stars glimpsed through drifting clouds kept them on course for the Greek shore. The sail had been brought down some time before, and though Caecilius was no sailor, he guessed the act had some significance.

“In my favor, two knives and an assortment of Greek coinage, value as yet unestablished at current prices,” Caecilius murmured to himself. One of the rowers shushed him between strokes and Caecilius went on in silence with his mental list. In times of discomfort, he had found that it helped him to see his way more clearly if he could take the most formless of situations and add a little structure.

“A gold ring of Caesar’s tied into a pocket of a good leather belt. A pair of stout sandals with wool to pad the feet against blisters. A little food in case I have to hide for a few days. Salt and oil to add taste to the food. A waterskin that appears to have a small leak.”

These were the things he had brought to spy on Pompey’s army, he thought miserably. It didn’t seem like a great deal in the circumstances. As another spray of cold water crossed his seat, Caecilius took a better grip on his plummeting morale.

“A fine mind, a good knowledge of Greek that can pass as a peasant, at least. Sharp eyes. Experience and some wisdom picked up along the way.”